"This was the moment that I decided something had to be done, especially to defend the referees, as unfortunately they are the ones in the firing line from all sides.  I discussed a campaign being formed with one of the local referees who told me something had to be done."

"Once I had returned home I started to put pen to paper with ideas; and came up with the title of Don’t X The Line, after my wife Shirley put her input of the X instead of the word cross, which was a brilliant idea.  Early that morning when I awoke at 4am, in my head were the ideas for forming the campaign. I got up went downstairs and wrote all the details down; after just 48 hours I had all the literature back from the printers and I was ready to launch Don’t X The Line.  In January 2004 I met first with Everton Football Club, shortly followed by Liverpool FC, they both approved of the campaign and gave us their full support, with the use of logo’s and museum tours for the teams and spectators who showed the best sportsmanship throughout the season within their leagues. Before long I was nominated for a Barclaycard award by Everton FC, which to my astonishment and embarrassment, I won. Don’t X The Line became an award winning campaign. Years on we are still attracting high profile support and in years to come, and as long as it takes to improve a better life for our referees and children, we will still be here."

The Don’t X The Line campaign “is trying to encourage the players to enjoy the game and not worry about winning matches” he added.  “The programme is not only aimed at the players but spectators, parents, coaches and managers to behave while attending games. We aim to nourish and encourage the fun and enthusiasm our young players bring to the game”

The five aims of the campaign are:

1. To eradicate aggressive and abusive behaviour from players and spectators.
2. To promote zero tolerance of defamatory comments or language, be it racial or discriminatory, towards referees, fellow players and other supporters.
3. To promote an environment for sportsmanship and fair play in underage football.
4. To provide education to adults and young people on the importance of respect and tolerance in football.
5. To encourage safe participation for players and spectators.

Here in Ireland the campaign was launched by the FAI in Navan last season.  The Under 7 league there runs for twenty four weeks under the guidance of Mags Sheridan from the NECSL.  There are twenty eight teams playing every Saturday morning on the all weather facility in Navan.  All teams play two games each and the emphasis is on FUN.  There is a match card that each Manager fills out after each game but the one thing not on the card is the score of the game.  As Mags Sheridan explained, "we are trying to keep it non-competitive and fun for the young players."  This year they have extended the campaign into Under 8 level.

Paul Martyn (FAI Volunteer Education Co-Ordinator) acknowledged Mags’ huge input and remarked “that the campaign will complement the league in putting a little more thought in all the minds of those who play and attend our games."  Mal Lee, the founder of the Don’t X The Line campaign was a special guest and spoke "of his emotion in seeing such a fantastic response to it.  The effort being put in by Mags and the FAI for pushing it forward can only result in more players having fun, more referees staying in the game."  He added, "it was a pleasure and an honour to see such a tremendous turnout and all the players playing with a smile on their faces, regardless of the result."

Arklow Town Football Club are delighted to join the growing Don't X The Line campaign.  Even though we have in place our own Code of Conduct, we feel this campaign deserves our full support.  The Junior Committee has decided to implement the Don't X The Line campaign across Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10 football involving our teams.  Pitch barriers and signage will be erected at all games involving our teams in these age categories.  Barriers are to be erected 20 yards each side of the halfway line.  Nobody will be allowed to stand behind goals and the emphasis is on those watching games to encourage players.  Importantly, let the players play.  Coaches and managers are to stand in front of these barriers and are also to be discouraged from walking along the line.  Good play from both sides is to be applauded and it is vitally important to be fair.

BE FAIR.

How the Don't X The Line campaign works

Educating parents, players, coaches, supporters, referees.
"Champions League" style hand shake at the beginning and end of all matches.

Scoring

The (WDSL) League will collate all results.
Referees will mark the match card with a score to reflect each team's attitude towards the referee, players and parents throughout the game.
Points will be deducted for any encroachment onto the field of play, bad language and any arguments with the match officials and fellow supporters.
Racist remarks will not be tolerated.
High points totals accumulated by parents and supporters for good behaviour on the touchline will reward their team at the end of the season.
At the end of the season the team with the most points will be deemed the winner of the Don't X The Line league.
No parent or supporter at any time before during or after a game approach the referee.

Enjoy the game and have fun.