The Football Association and Kick It Out have today launched new research to better understand people’s experiences of reporting incidents of discriminatory and physical abuse across grassroots football.
We've partnered with the FA to gain feedback on reporting and disciplinary processes from those who have experienced or witnessed acts of discriminatory abuse, assault or physical contact across the grassroots game.
The aim is to learn what the perceived barriers to reporting incidents may be, so that the reporting process can be improved and to ensure participants are more willing to come forward in future.
"This research will provide crucial insight which we will use to inform our grassroots reporting work alongside The FA" - Tajean Hutton, Grassroots Manager
Both organisations regularly conduct research across the game with previous participant feedback in this area leading to the composition of hearing panels for serious incidents and centralised reporting channels. However, as current issues continue to evolve, there is acknowledgement that this area needs further improvement, and the findings will be used to better the reporting experience for all.
The research includes a confidential survey, which can be found here.
It will take around 15 minutes to complete, with it being crucial to gather full personal experiences so tangible changes can be made to improve the grassroots game for participants and spectators.
Key points covered within the survey will include:
The number of serious incidents directly experienced or witnessed – and how this compares to reporting rates
Perceived barriers to reporting
Likelihood to report in the future and how
Perceptions of and confidence in the reporting process
