Czech push to encourage pitchside respect
Sunday, November 28, 2010
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The positive fruits of the UEFA Study Group Scheme are apparent in the Czech Republic where a yellow card initiative encouraging respect among young players' parents has been launched.
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The Football Association of the Czech Republic (ČMFS) has launched a scheme aimed at improving the behaviour of the parents of young players.
The yellow card of respect initiative emerged as a direct result of a UEFA Study Group Scheme meeting in Switzerland, where similar cards were presented by representatives of the Swiss Football Association (SFV-ASF). Suitably impressed, the ČMFS adopted the idea given its own concerns about over-enthusiastic parents.
The association feels that "some parents see the game as far more than it really is," adding that the interference of guardians, in the form of complaints or even insults to match officials, can sometimes be detrimental to a youngster's development.
The yellow card of respect scheme is designed to warn parents if they overstep the mark. "We all hope that this card will have a positive influence on the parents of young players and fans," the ČMFS explained on its website. "A children's football game is not all about victory, points and first place."
Respect cards can be downloaded for free from the ČMFS site.
