It is not always just acts of skill or endeavour that brings a crowd to its feet.
Sometimes it is the player who holds fair play above his own interests, or the kindness from a group of fans, that can make a moment special.
So as part of the 2014 FA Respect Awards, a new category has been introduced called ‘The People’s Award’.The FA is asking fans to recognise a spontaneous act of Respect at any level of a game during this season or last.
This award is not about recognising a lifetime of good service but a moment in time that reminds us all how inspirational the people that play, referee, manage or support our game can be.
We've picked out four moments that you can vote on, or you can tell us about one of your own.
- The reception by Cardiff City fans to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey this year and his response
- Preston North End wearing 'FINNEY' shirts in their game against Leyton Orient following the death of Sir Tom Finney
- Bournemouth fans raising money to help Burton fans to travel after a late postponement
- Liverpool FC’s Hillsborough memorial service
To vote for one of those, simply click on the relevant button in the poll below.
However, if you’ve got your own special moment you'd like to put forward, you can nominate here. Closing date is 5 May 2014.
Through its annual Respect Awards, The FA looks to acknowledge the tremendous work undertaken both locally and nationally within the Respect programme by leagues, clubs and individuals.
These awards are voted for by the footballing public and as such truly reflect the hard work and dedication that volunteers put into football and especially the Respect programme. Worthy winners receive a variety of prizes from cash to certificates.
As well as the new ‘People’s Award’ category, the awards available to vote for are:
Leagues
This award will recognise at a county, regional and national level in the following areas of the game: National League System, Women’s Pyramid of Football, Grassroots League who have worked to raise standards within their league through Respect
Clubs
This award will recognise clubs at all levels; National League System Club, Women’s Pyramid and Grassroots Clubs to have made a significant contribution to making football fun and safe for everyone through their promotion of the Respect programme
Individuals
The Bobby Moore Award is available to anyone in Football that by their conduct throughout their involvement in football has provided an example of the way in which the game should be played, officiated or administered.
County FA
The County FA considered to have done the most to promote Respect in the last three seasons.
The judging panel will be looking for leagues, clubs and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Respect programme.
This could be through:
• Educating a team, coaches, spectators or players
• Encouraging players, coaches, spectators or teams to strive for high standards of behaviour
• Dealing with poor behaviour
• Incentivising good behaviour
• Recruiting referees
• Valuing referees
• Improving a situation of established poor behaviour
• Captains who work well with referees to help manage on-field behaviour
• Referees who gain respect for the way in which they manage games
• The work of individuals that has improved the environment in which the game takes place
For more information and to recognise those people who have made a difference in making our great game fun and safe click here
