Parents are ordered not to cheer their children at football matches during 'silent weekend' initiative – in a bid to take pressure off youngsters

  • Mothers and fathers must adhere to a new Hampshire FA's code of conduct 
  • Gloating and antagonising have been explicitly banned for the 'Silent Weekend' 
  • Local referee backing campaign cited a father who punched linesman at game 
  • He became enraged and decided to protest decision during an under-12s match 

Parents are being banned from shouting out at children's football matches this weekend in a bid to take pressure off youngsters and quell violent incidents.

Mothers and fathers have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to while stood on the touchline at youth games.

They must remain silent during the games and are not allowed to cheer, gloat or antagonise the opposition or question the referee.

Mothers and fathers have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to while stood on the touchline

Mothers and fathers have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to while stood on the touchline

A separate list of 'dos and don'ts' has also been issued to team managers who have been told 'not to coach players during play' or 'put down players.'

Anyone who falls foul of the rules will be asked to leave the park, either by a referee or a nominated 'respect steward'.

The 'Silent Weekend' initiative is being organised by the Hampshire FA and is aimed at creating a positive environment for kids to play in and make them feel less anxious.

It is also hoped it will reduce any tensions between parents that can sometimes erupt into ugly brawls on the sidelines.

One local referee who is backing the campaign cited a recent incident involving a father who punched a linesman in protest against a decision at an under-12s game.

Blair Gissing, a 20-year-old Portsmouth-based official, said: 'Only the once have I seen parents getting violent but it was a very serious incident, when a parent punched a linesman.

One local referee who is backing the campaign cited a recent incident involving a father who punched a linesman 

One local referee who is backing the campaign cited a recent incident involving a father who punched a linesman 

'I gave a foul against one of the players and the next thing I knew the mums on the sideline started shouting abuse at me and then some of the dads got involved.

'One of them assaulted my assistant referee and the kids on the pitch were stunned. It was only an under 12s game. I think anything to get better control among parents can only be a good idea.

'Although acts of physical violence are reasonably rare, verbal abuse is pretty common.'

The 'Silent Weekend' is a recent initiative staged once a season by individual county FAs.

The Hampshire FA's one is being held today and Sunday for matches involving under 10 through to under 16 age groups.

A spokesman for the Hampshire FA said: 'Together with the youth and mini soccer committee, we are encouraging clubs and leagues to participate in the Silent Weekend.

'Fixtures taking place this weekend will involve coaches and spectators remaining silent throughout games to raise awareness of the need to create a positive and pressure-free environment in which children can enjoy football and learn to love and develop in the game.

'We hope this will encourage all to take part and spread awareness of this fantastic initiative.'

The 'Silent Weekend' comes days after the University of Manchester's Students Union banned clapping in favour of 'jazz hands' as the noise of applause could trigger anxiety among some students.

 

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