Don't X The Line Campaign

This campaign began in 2003 in Liverpool, please read on and hear what the founder has to say:

 

How We Began

My name is Malcolm Lee and I started this campaign in late December 2003.

I have been involved with junior football for a good number of years; throughout those years I have witnessed the abusive behaviour, aggression and racist comments that now plague our junior leagues. This is not just happening within the Merseyside area but around the country.

Children crying because parents are involved in fighting with rival parents; referees abandoning games and walking away, never to referee again because threats and abusive comments are directed at them; committee members standing down because of aggressive behaviour by so called friendly supporters. These are three good reasons why this campaign is needed. We must protect our children and referees, and bring back sportsmanship and fair play within our junior and youth football.

Walking across a local park one Sunday and listening to a few abusive parents watching a junior league game, I thought it was high time something was done. I discussed it with a local referee at the match, went home and came up with Don’t X The Line, a campaign to bring about an end to what I had just witnessed. It was my partner Shirley’s idea to use a ‘X’ in the name which I thought was a brilliant idea.  I went to sleep still thinking, woke up at 4 in the morning and put all my ideas down on paper. 48 hours later I had the first leaflets explaining about the campaign back from the printers!

I decided to approach Everton FC and Liverpool FC. They supported my idea, none more than Dave Connor at Everton who later nominated me for an award. Much to my surprise and embarrassment, I won! Soon along came other supporters including Shelbourne FC, Liverpool County FA, Merseyside Police, David Phillips and Partners solicitors, Liverpool City Council Football Development to name but a few. Now we are signing new leagues up to the campaign all the time.

We thank you for all your support and look forward to seeing you all on the field of play. And remember  - Don’t X The Line. Sportsmanship is the key. Shaking hands costs you nothing.

Mal Lee
 

This campaign has it's own website at:

http://www.dontxthelinecampaign.com/

Please take a look.