Lincolnshire FA have this week launched a revitalised and localised Enough is Enough campaign, using real examples from grassroots football over the last 12 months, as well as a video targeted at young participants.

Enough is Enough is an over-arching national campaign which aims to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football and the significant consequences that will face perpetrators of hate.

Aimed at grassroots players, coaches, parents, and supporters, the campaign makes clear to everyone involved in the game what behaviours are deemed as discriminatory, as well as reaffirming that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated in English football.

As part of the localised approach to the campaign, Lincolnshire FA enlisted the support of two University of Lincoln students to create a new video aimed at youth players, highlighting discrimination and bullying within the game. The video was created with the support of HBW United, as well as a young local Referee, of whom we place on record our immense gratitude for their help.

The video can be viewed here:

The campaign is informed by our End of Season Discipline Report, which in 2023/24 saw:

• 326 Misconduct Charges (=22/23)
• 296 Misconduct Charges Proven (+2 on 22/23)
• 37 Abandoned Match Charges (+13 on 22/23)
• 113 Serious Cases Logged (+11 on 22/23)
• 80 Discrimination Cases (+24 on 22/23)
• 31 Cases of Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation
• 19 Cases of Discrimination Based On Race
• 11 Cases of Discrimination Based On Disability
• 9 Cases of Discrimination Based On Gender
• 5 Cases of Discrimination Based On Nationality
• 4 Cases of Discrimination Based On Colour
• 1 Case of Discrimination Based On Ethnic Origin
• Lincolnshire had the 3rd highest number of Cases in our Region in 2023/24
• Lincolnshire had the 3rd highest number of Serious Cases in our Region in 2023/24

Throughout the campaign, real life examples of cases from across the County will be published on our social media channels, and it is recommended that clubs show their players the campaign video. Later in the season, examples of positive action taken by clubs will also be highlighted. 

Enough is Enough also focuses on the importance of reporting of incidents of discrimination and highlighting the different ways to do this through match officials, The FA, Kick It Out and local County FAs. This campaign encourages everyone in the game that sees or hears an incident of discrimination to report it through the official channels so that the appropriate action can be taken.

The campaign also outlines the support available to victims, which includes access to a range of specialist mental health and wellbeing services, which are funded by The FA and delivered by charity Sporting Chance. 

This builds on the ongoing work to address unacceptable, discriminatory and illegal behaviour across the game, under the football-wide Love Football. Protect the Game initiative, which aims to ensure that the actions of the minority do not spoil the game for all.

FA Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said:"Grassroots football is the foundation of our game and we want it to be as enjoyable and inclusive as possible, played in an environment where everybody feels safe and comfortable to be themselves. Through the Enough Is Enough campaign, we couldn’t be any clearer that we will not tolerate any form of hate across our game. 

We’ve previously acted on feedback to strengthen our sanctioning framework across grassroots football, to ensure those who are found guilty of discriminatory behaviour face the toughest possible action. We’re also using Enough is Enough to highlight the significance of reporting incidents, which cannot be underestimated. It’s critical that every incident of this nature that is seen or heard is reported to match officials, local County FAs, The FA or Kick It Out. Only by working together can we truly stamp this behaviour out of our game."

You’ll be making a big difference by reporting abusive behaviour whenever you see it or hear it. This can be reported at any time, even after the match has finished. To make this easy, there are four ways of telling us. Contact us here at the Lincolnshire FA (click here to report), you can tell the match official, use the Kick it Out App or report it via The FA Website.

If you have any questions regarding disciplinary cases within Lincolnshire, please contact Discipline@lincolnshirefa.com or contact Hayley.Gregory@lincolnshirefa.com.

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