Lancashire Football Association has introduced a new zero tolerance policy relating to physical and verbal abuse directed towards our staff, in light of some concerning recent behaviour and incidents towards Lancashire FA employees as well as general behaviour trends in grassroots football.

We are keen to maintain positive, strong, working relationships with our football community. These relationships should be based on mutual respect and understanding, and while this is the case in general across our community members, on rare occasions this has unfortunately not been the case.

At our most recent Board meeting, hosted on Monday 26 June, Lancashire FA’s Board of Directors approved a new zero tolerance policy, which has been put in place to clarify the repercussions should any member of our staff experience unacceptable behaviour from the community we proudly serve.

Our staff, including our Directors, have the right to carry out their duties without fear of being attacked, abused or threatened, verbally or physically, either in person or via telephone or electronic means.

Lancashire FA takes any instance of a staff member being treated in an abusive, violent or threatening manner very seriously.

We would ask all members of our football community to read and take note of the types of behaviour towards our staff, either in person, written directly by letter, email or messaging app or via social media, that we consider unacceptable:

• Use of bad language or swearing
• Any physical violence, or the threat of physical violence
• Verbal abuse, including verbal insults
• Racial abuse or sexual harassment
• Persistent or unrealistic demands, or badgering that can cause stress to staff

The list above is non-exhaustive and provides examples of the types of behaviours that are considered unacceptable.

Any aggressive behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated and could result in removal from The County Ground, a permanent ban from the premises or football matches, a charge under The FA’s Disciplinary Procedures, or the Police being contacted depending on the circumstances.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND READ OUR ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY IN FULL