Protect Our Game is Football Queensland’s overarching respect initiative aimed at eliminating poor behaviour on and off the field and ensuring all referees, players, coaches, volunteers and spectators promote a positive environment and supportive behaviours when involved in football.
Three key elements underpin the campaign:
Football Queensland will continue to roll out new digital content, activations and policies to promote Protect Our Game throughout the year to keep it front of mind and visible in the community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
To combat referee abuse, FQ has updated and reinforced the Three Strike Policy. Unacceptable behaviours occurring both on and off the field will be targeted under the policy.
All clubs continue to be responsible for players and participants whilst protecting the wellbeing and safety of all referees. The accumulation of Strikes will occur at clubs who continually fail to manage referee abuse or deal with unacceptable member behaviours.
Additional Football Queensland & Football Australia policies and resources that provide guidance and framework to provide a supportive and positive environment are available below.
The Three Strike Policy and list of club strikes can be viewed HERE.
AWARENESS
Clubs are encouraged to embrace and promote positive football behaviours by displaying infographics and posters highlighting key messages for members.
Football Queensland has developed a suite of club posters which outline the new Three Strike Policy and QR code reporting mechanism while highlighting appropriate behaviour for players, spectators, team and club officials. All clubs must print and display these posters around club facilities in high traffic areas.
The Protect Our Game posters have been designed to raise awareness around poor behaviours throughout the season, but often experienced later in the season which is typically heightened due to promotion, relegation and the opportunity to play in finals series.
EDUCATION
Content surrounding key Laws of the Game are being rolled out across Football Queensland’s digital channels. The purpose of publishing the IFAB (International Football Association Board) Laws of the Game, is to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of decisions made by referees.
SIN BIN RULES
PLAYING EQUIPMENT
MATCH OFFICIAL SIGNALS
