The Spartan South Midlands Football League has opted into The FA's Respect Programme with effect from Monday 1st September. The League has decided to employ all aspects in SSMFL fixtures, namely:

• Captains being present at the exchange of team sheets

• Working with the captains to manage the game

• Pre-match fair play handshake

Mick Ewen has sent the following email to all referees. (The information sheet can be found at the bottom of the page)

Ladies & Gents,

Some of you may be aware that this league has signed up to the Respect Campaign. This will take effect from Monday 1st September.

The attached document should enlighten you as to what is required from you as referees.

Club captains have been told that they must come into the dressing room with their club representative when the team sheets have been exchanged.

All clubs have been sent the same document, as we still await information and leaflets to be distributed to the clubs by the FA. At the moment the league have been waiting for some three weeks.

I MUST EMPHASISE THAT THE RESPECT CAMPAIGN WILL BE FOR ALL DIVISIONS INCLUDING RESERVE TEAM GAMES.

Further information, as and when I receive it will be posted on the Association website.

It doesn't need me to tell you that we must work together to achieve some form of success with this scheme. Clubs, players and officials must try and work together to get rid of the cancer that is dissent.

Any problems or queries, please speak.

You can find more information on The FA's Respect Programme nationally here