Middlesex FA are to relaunch its 'Football Watch' campaign from January to the end of the 2024/25 season. The initiative will see an increased number of matches observed by Football Watch Ambassadors as part of our ongoing commitment to proactively tackle poor behaviour in order to promote a more positive and enjoyable football environment.

So far, the 2024/2025 season has seen a concerning increase in red cards, misconduct cases, and most notably a 39% increase in cautions for dissent. This behaviour is unacceptable and does not meet the FA Grassroots Code and Standards of Behaviour that we all have a responsibility to maintain.

Middlesex FA will be taking proactive measures to tackle poor behaviour through the Football Watch campaign, which will see Football Watch Ambassadors attend football fixtures across all leagues, boroughs and age groups. The primary purpose will be to monitor good and bad practice of players, officials and spectators and report directly back to the disciplinary department. 

With an increase in anonymous observations, clubs are expected to circulate this message throughout their networks to ensure all club members are aware. Any reports of misconduct or poor behaviour could lead to disciplinary charges being raised and/or education being ordered, with larger sanctions imposed for repeat offenders. 

We also acknowledge that the vast majority of teams consistently meet the standard expected in grassroots football, creating an enjoyable and positive environment for everyone involved. Teams that receive outstanding reports from our Football Watch Ambassadors will be recognised and rewarded. 

We hope these measures will help to further discourage poor behaviour as well as providing us with greater clarity on how best to tackle these issues in the future and drive positive behaviour across grassroots football within Middlesex.