The Barclays Premier League believes that Fair Play is essential for the enjoyment of fans and development of the sport.
To promote positive behaviour, the Football Association has established a Fair Play competition, with all Barclays Premier League matches being assessed by delegates.
Teams are assessed in five categories, with a further category relating to the behaviour of the public. This is how the points are calculated.
1. Red and yellow cards
Maximum score = 10
Yellow card = -1 point
Red card = -3 points
No minimum score
If a player who is on a yellow card (-1 point) commits another yellow card offence, only the red card will count (-3 points). But if a player who has already been cautioned then commits a red card offence, both cards will count (so the player will receive -4 points). This is the only section in which it is possible to receive a score below zero.
2. Positive play
Maximum score = 10
Minimum score = 1
This is designed to encourage attractive play that will increase the enjoyment of spectators and the following areas are taken into consideration:
POSITIVE
- Using attacking tactics, not defensive
- Speeding up the game
- Efforts to gain time (e.g. bringing the ball back into play quickly even if the team is in a winning position)
- Continuing to push for goals when in a winning position
NEGATIVE
- Slowing down the game
- Time wasting
- Tactics based on foul play
- Play-acting (simulation)
3. Respect towards opponents
Maximum score = 7
Minimum score = 1
Players should respect the Laws of the Game and abide by the spirit of Fair Play. The Fair Play delegate’s assessment will not double count items already covered in the ‘Red and Yellow cards’ category, but the seriousness of the offences punished by cards may be considered. This category will also include offences overlooked by the referee.
Any single major incident between players may have a significant bearing on the final score.
Blameless behaviour without any particularly positive attitude or gestures is likely to receive a score of 6 rather than 7.
4. Respect towards the referee
Maximum score = 7
Minimum score = 1
Players are expected to respect the officials - including assistants - at all times.
The Fair Play delegate’s assessment will not double count items already covered in the ‘Red and Yellow cards’ but the seriousness of the offences punished by cards may be considered
Any single major incident may have a significant bearing on the score.
A positive attitude, including the acceptance of doubtful decisions without protest, will be rewarded with high marks. Normal behaviour without any particular positive attitudes or gestures towards match officials is likely to receive a score of 6 rather than 7.
5. Behaviour of the team officials
Maximum score = 6
Minimum score = 1
Team officials, including coaches, are expected to develop the sporting, technical and tactical level of their team – and instruct players to behave in accordance with the Fair Play principles.
Positive and negative aspects of the team officials’ conduct will be assessed – such as whether they calm down or provoke angry players or fans and how they accept the decisions of the referee. Co-operation with the media will also be taken into account.
Any single major incident may have a significant bearing on the final mark, as will breaches of the regulations governing the dugout and technical area.
Blameless behaviour without any particularly positive attitudes or gestures is likely to receive a score of 5 rather than 6.
For categories 1-5, the overall assessment of a team is obtained by adding up the points given for the individual categories, dividing this sum by the maximum points score (40) and multiplying it by 10.
In addition, there is one further category assessed by the Fair Play delegate.
6. Behaviour of the public
Maximum score = 10
Minimum score = 0
All teams begin with a score of 5 points. A maximum of a further 5 points can be added for:
- Verbal support in acceptable form
- Covert recognition of outstanding play by the opponents
A maximum of 5 points can be deducted for:
- Persistent foul and abusive language
- Persistent abuse of the officials’ decisions
- Aggressive and threatening conduct towards opposing fans
