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The Football Conference Sportsmanship Awards

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Sports awards to stop abuse

The Football Conference, known as Blue Square Premier, Blue Square North and Blue Square South, has launched an initiative to combat unacceptable behaviour in football at every level.

'The Football Conference Sportsmanship Awards' has been initiated to support The Football Associations 'Respect' programme and is sponsored by sports advertising specialist Sports 360.

'Respect' is the FA's version of 'The Sports 360 Sportsmanship Awards'.

Referees suffer the brunt of abuse from players and fans alike and this has seen a stream of match officials quitting the game. Referee recruitment and retention is therefore seen as an area of concern.

Martin James, Director of Sports 360 says: "Sports 360 are delighted to be supporting the Sportsmanship Award, at this time when the game as a nation is trying to put its house in order. We feel it is a very important aspect of our game today. If, by offering up prize money, we can help remind and encourage clubs of the values and the ethos of what football is all about, then it is a most worthwhile sponsorship."

Match officials have a difficult task and The Football Confederation hopes that the awards will reduce the abuse directed at the officials.

Chairman of The Football Conference Brian Lee said: "The colours red and yellow are playing too great a part in modern football to the detriment of the game. We want to encourage sportsmanship in our leagues and see this initiative as a catalyst to do just that."

Am amount of £15 000 will be shared by clubs whose players and officials demonstrate an improved attitude towards officials.

Lee added: "We all have a responsibility to improve the status of our national game. The Football Conference operates at the very heart of our communities and we are determined to demonstrate our commitment to the 'Respect' programme."