The Spirit of Football campaign plays an important role in promoting fair play, respect, and positive behaviour across the league. Its success depends on the support of both referees and clubs, who help uphold these values on and off the pitch.
Referees
Referees are essential to the success of the Spirit of Football campaign, as they serve as the league’s independent eyes and ears. For this reason, referees are encouraged to remind players about the campaign before and during each match.
On result cards, the former sportsmanship section has been replaced by the broader heading “Spirit of Football.” This covers behaviour, language, gamesmanship, and respect shown toward referees, team-mates, opponents, and spectators. The standard mark out of 10 still applies and will remain an important factor in identifying the most deserving club at the end of the season.
Referees are also encouraged to include comments on their result cards about the Spirit of Football, whether positive or negative. The more feedback the league receives, the more effectively the campaign can be supported and developed.
Clubs
For the Spirit of Football campaign to thrive, it must be fully embraced by all member clubs and the wider communities in which they operate.
Clubs are encouraged to implement as many of the following actions as possible:
- Issue a short bullet-point postcard to all members, including players, managers, and spectators.
- Share postcards with local schools, colleges, youth clubs, newspapers, and other community organisations to raise awareness and promote the league.
- Display campaign posters as prominently as possible in clubhouses, changing rooms, and other visible areas.
- Request stand-alone display cards in A2 and A3 sizes for league events, club functions, and other occasions.
- Include Spirit of Football branding on club communications and publicity whenever possible.
- When marking opponents out of 10 on the Comprehensive Result Sheet, consider all aspects of their conduct within the Spirit of Football, including fair play, respect, language, and general behaviour.
- Explain any mark of 4 or below in the remarks column or in a separate note.
- Give regular reminders about the campaign to captains and players in order to maintain momentum throughout the season.
Marks awarded by clubs, together with the ratings provided by referees on their report cards, will play an important part in deciding the annual Spirit of Football Award. It is intended that this will become a prestigious league honour, valued and respected by all clubs.
Spirit of Football Co-ordinator
If you have any queries, comments, suggestions, or ideas regarding the Spirit of Football campaign, please contact the Amateur Football Combination’s Spirit of Football Co-ordinator:
Rob Gibbs
Grasmere Nook
56 The Chase
Eastcote, Pinner
HA5 1SN
Tel: 020 8866 2033
Clubs and referees who require additional cards or posters, or who wish to borrow display cards, should also contact Rob.
Archive
Spirit of Football Letter 2016/17
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