- In order to eliminate insults from school sport, a protocol has been put in place in Álava: among other things, the card will be taken out to the viewers, the dispute will stop with the first insult and will be suspended with the third party, and the arbitrator is not the only one responsible. "It is intended to put the wall to the first spark of violence, to the lack of insult and respect that usually comes from the grade."
“Violence begins when we normalize that parents insult a 20-year-old referee from the grade, or insult the coach himself for not having dedicated more minutes to his son,” and the Provincial Council of Álava has launched the initiative “No insults, it’s already!” to eliminate these disrespect for sport, especially school sport.
The aim is, on the one hand, to empower players, the arbitral team and the general public (“most do not insult”) to deal with the lack of insult and respect among all, and, on the other hand, to pedagogy for children to enjoy sport and to educate themselves in values above competition. “Unfortunately, we often live shameful events.”
Insult has consequences
According to the protocol they have put in place, with the first insult the dispute will be stopped and the author will be informed of the lack of respect so that it will not be repeated; with the second insult the match will be stopped and the teams will be informed that if repeated the competition will be abandoned; once the third offense is heard, the players will have to finish the competition and go to the changing rooms.
The protocol also says that the referees are not the only ones who can suspend the meeting. The installation or field delegate, the protection delegate and coaches can also assume this responsibility.
"Encourage all athletes regardless of skill level"
In addition to the protocol, a decalogue has been published in the middle of the campaign which will be extended to sports agents and installations:
"Respect the decisions of trainers and athletes and do not put any hand in their work.
It encourages all athletes regardless of their level of competence and skill.
We want you to accompany it and enjoy it. Avoid screaming and recognizing the efforts of teams and athletes.
Respect the judges. It is a difficult but fundamental job, and if you respect them, you provide it.
Maintain a positive and supportive attitude in the stands and with the participants.
Help promote teamwork. All they want is to enjoy and have fun.
Don’t criticize or think for no reason… Encourage, nothing else!
The main goal of sport is to have fun and learn.
It promotes sports law, fair play and respect among viewers.
Strengthen the values of effort and improvement".