REFSPECT

Our aim is simple: to remove negative, abusive and unsupportive behaviours from school sport while celebrating the values that help young people thrive.

By improving the experiences of participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters, we can help foster confidence, develop skills, strengthen commitment and encourage lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.

We encourage all schools to actively support and promote REFSPECT, recognising its importance not only in developing positive sporting experiences but also as a key safeguarding tool within schools and at all sporting events.

Creating a Safe and Positive Environment

Every child has the right to participate in PE, physical activity and sport free from abuse, intimidation or unnecessary pressure. We believe young people learn best in nurturing environments where they feel safe to take risks, make decisions and learn from their “marvellous mistakes”.

Coaches, teachers and accompanying adults play a vital role in creating these environments. They should prepare participants effectively through guidance, encouragement and support, while also allowing children to make their own choices during competition and performance.

Officials, particularly young leaders and student officials, are also on a learning journey. If concerns arise regarding officiating decisions or understanding of rules, school staff should raise these with the MSSP team. This allows appropriate support and development opportunities to be provided. Officials should never be approached directly by spectators, staff or supporters during events.

All staff and accompanying adults are expected to follow the MSSP Code of Conduct, which exists to protect the welfare of participants, officials and volunteers. Positive role modelling is essential in ensuring that young people enjoy both participating and officiating, helping them remain engaged in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.

Schools remain responsible for the conduct of their pupils and accompanying adults at MSSP events. Any behaviour that causes concern may be reported to the relevant Head Teacher as part of our safeguarding procedures.

Spectator Policy

For many years, MSSP has promoted positive spectating through the REFSPECT programme. However, feedback gathered through our Pupil Voice Survey 2024-25, alongside incidents reported at a small number of events, highlighted the potential risks associated with inappropriate adult behaviour.

Following consultation with our schools, network partners and Steering Committee, MSSP introduced a policy prohibiting spectators at school-day events that take place in public or open-access venues.

This decision was made carefully and with the wellbeing of young people at its heart. We recognise the value of parental support and understand how important it can be for children to share their sporting experiences with their families. However, during school-day events, the duty of care for participants rests with schools and event organisers.

By reviewing our procedures and operating within available resources, MSSP and our member schools have taken steps to minimise potential safeguarding risks and ensure the physical and emotional wellbeing of all participants.

REFSPECT Awards

The REFSPECT campaign is about recognising and celebrating positive behaviour.

Schools are encouraged to promote REFSPECT and the School Games Values:

• Respect
• Determination
• Passion
• Self-Belief
• Teamwork
• Honesty

Using our REFSPECT resources, schools can raise awareness of these values throughout PE lessons, school sport and wider physical activity programmes. Certificates, recognition awards and promotional materials can be used to celebrate both individual achievements and collective success.

At MSSP events, participants, officials and adults are reminded of REFSPECT expectations. Teams and young leaders are invited to cast a REFSPECT Vote, nominating individuals or teams who have demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, fair play and respect throughout the event.

Votes are counted on the day, with a REFSPECT winner announced and celebrated at each event. Schools also accumulate REFSPECT points throughout the academic year, contributing to their overall annual score.

Annual Recognition

Our REFSPECT leader board is updated each term, helping to promote positive sporting culture across the borough.

At the end of the academic year:

• Five Cluster Winners will be recognised.
• One Overall Borough Winner will be crowned.
• Winning schools will receive a REFSPECT Trophy and Certificate.

These awards recognise schools that consistently demonstrate their commitment to creating positive sporting environments and upholding the values of the REFSPECT campaign.

Our Vision

We are committed to providing an inclusive platform where every young person can participate, achieve their personal best and enjoy positive sporting experiences.

Through sport and physical activity, we want young people to:

• Lead healthy and active lifestyles
• Develop confidence and resilience
• Express themselves positively
• Showcase their talents
• Compete fairly and respectfully
• Demonstrate sportsmanship and professionalism

Together, we can create a culture where respect, encouragement and enjoyment are valued as highly as performance and results.

Don’t X The Line

MSSP is proud to work in partnership with Don’t X The Line (DXTL) and its national REFSPECT initiative.

Led by Mal Lee, the national programme seeks to raise awareness of the challenges faced by referees and officials and to eliminate abuse and negative behaviours directed towards them, particularly within grassroots sport.

DXTL has kindly supported MSSP in promoting our local campaign under the national REFSPECT banner, helping us reinforce the importance of respect, safeguarding and positive sporting behaviour across Merton.

For more information, visit: https://www.dontxtheline.com/refspect-2/

Sports leadership opportunities are available for secondary school pupils, providing valuable experience in coaching, event organisation and match officiating. These roles help young people develop confidence, communication skills and leadership qualities while supporting local sporting events.

More recently, we have extended these opportunities to Year 5 and 6 pupils. We believe that introducing leadership at primary level can encourage continued participation in sport and inspire a lasting interest in leadership as pupils make the transition to secondary school.

For more information about our sports leadership programme, please get in touch.