Essex Senior Football League's bad language initiative to combat foul and abusive language both on and off the field of play.

This acts as a reminder to all, that we all want to be able to enjoy football in an environment where we are all treated equally and with respect. This ties in with the League's Equality Solidarity Liberty campaign.

MIND YOUR LANGUAGE

For a period of time, the Essex Senior League Management Committee (ESL) has been very concerned about the level of bad language, both on and off the field of play.
Committee Members have had first-hand experience of the excessive use of bad language, by players, bench officials and spectators. The League has decided to do something about this and wants to make watching matches in all Divisions of our League a more enjoyable and pleasant experience than it is at present.


Enjoyment of watching a match is significantly affected by the constant sound of loud bad language. It can also affect those people who might be thinking about going to a match, especially young children with their parents. This reason, amongst others has been given as a major factor in affecting attendances at our level of football and therefore your club’s potential income. Also, as a League with a good reputation, we have a duty to tackle problems like this.


The aim of the initiative is to reduce significantly the level of bad language on and off the field of play. In addition by achieving this, we can educate players, bench officials and spectators that the use of bad language is not necessary, is very unpleasant and affects both the income generation of the clubs and affects attendances and reducing it makes for a better playing and watching experience.


The League wants the referees and assistant referees to lead this initiative, because improvements on the field of play can only help in improving behaviour elsewhere. However, we also want clubs to play their part by publicising the initiative, openly supporting it and working with club management teams and spectators to improve the level and frequency of bad language. As with the original Football Association initiative we are looking to you as a Club to be responsible for your club’s actions and any misbehaviour.


By bad language we mean constant use of the ‘f word’, the ‘c word’ and other words said or shouted on the field of play by players or nearby by bench officials and spectators.


Referees, working with assistant referees have powers and a duty to manage this bad language and we expect them to use those powers. As a League we expect the highest standards from our officials. If this initiative is to be a success, then the referees on the League must lead the way, and others will follow.