GFA to launch new Respetu Campaign beginning with youth league

[February 15, 2024 – Harmon, Guam] As part of a worldwide effort spearheaded by FIFA to curtail the abuse of referees on the pitch at all levels of the game, Guam Football Association will introduce its new Respetu Campaign locally beginning Saturday with the start of the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League.

“Although visually represented mainly by referees on the pitch, Guam’s Respetu Campaign is meant to encompass all aspects of the sport at all levels, beginning with our youngest athletes and their families off the pitch as well,” said Valentino San Gil, President of Guam Football Association and Chairman of the GFA Referees Committee. “The overall premise of the Respetu Campaign is to emphasize respect for teammates, for opponents, for coaches, for referees, and in essence, respect for the sport. We hope that by emphasizing Respetu in our sport, we also can help further develop the local community by bringing in the basic principle of respect for others into homes and into schools, as well as abroad as part of Guam’s culture with our National Team ambassadors.

“Like most parts of the world, we have a limited pool of referees who remain in the sport at the highest levels, with many leaving the game completely at an early age due to years of enduring abusive situations during matches from spectators, players, and coaches alike. Referees, however, are essential to the game. As we support the development of our players and coaches, we must also be supportive of the development of our referees, which includes positive support for their learning process as they start officiating from the U8 level and earn promotions through to our top-flight domestic leagues,” San Gil added.

GFA’s campaign, with its new logo badge, will be shared primarily on its digital platforms, with introductions to referees as individuals on and off the pitch, videos that showcase the football family and support for all involved in the sport, and periodic promotions to get more involved in embodying Guam’s new campaign for this year.

Additionally, signage will be posted around the GFA facility and campaign cross promotions with other GFA events will be featured. The campaign will also be featured in GFA’s education courses throughout the year.

Youth development, and in particular youth referee development, is supported in great part by Japan Football Association. Close to a couple dozen new referees took part in the year’s first GFA Introductory Referee Course at the beginning of the month. Participants may be selected to officiate youth league matches as soon as opening day of the league.

The Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League will officially kick off Saturday with matches in five different age divisions: U6, U8, U10, U12, and U15. Triple J Auto Group will be showcasing its newest vehicles during the day.

Some clubs may still have roster openings for some age divisions. To play in the youth league, contact one of the participating clubs to begin the registration process. The listing of participating clubs is online at https://guamfa.com/gfa-programs/all-leagues/youth/spring/registration-form/