Westmorland FA officials have called on players, coaches and parents to “enjoy your football” after a worrying rise in the number of serious incidents reported to the area’s governing body.
Since the start of this year, an unprecedented number of cases spread across adult and youth football have come to light.
This includes concerns over the behaviour of players but also spectators.
A joint probe was also launched by the Westmorland and Cumberland FAs in November — into a potential disciplinary issue — after a Westmorland Football League match involving Ibis and Keswick was abandoned by the referee.
In an open message ahead of the latest round of senior and junior fixtures this weekend, a Westmorland FA spokesman said: “Football is a game to be enjoyed by all and unfortunately a number of people have lost sight of what is and is not acceptable behaviour. We urge everyone to be more considerate, more responsible and more respectful to everyone.
“In January we launched the Respect Heroes campaign and, despite this, many have not got the message.
“Players: you have a responsibility to not just be respectful to the referee but also to your opposition. If you feel aggrieved then please inform your coach or match official.
“Coaches: you have a responsibility to be always a role model to your players. Parents/spectators: you also have a duty to be a role model. Your behaviour on the sidelines has an effect on the behaviour on the pitch.
“This is grassroots football, not the World Cup final.
“As a county FA, we have not been able to spend as much time supporting our clubs and volunteers as well as running leagues and cups due to the high volume of incidents that are being investigated.
“This weekend, please enjoy your football and remember why we are involved in the game we all love.”
