Footballers told not to say ‘come on lads’ or ‘linesman’ as they could be offensive

Footballers have been ordered not to say the phrases ‘come on lads’ or ‘linesman’ as they could be deemed offensive. 

Instead, players will have to replace these quintessential sayings for the more inclusive ‘come on team’ and ‘assistant referee’.

Berks and Bucks FA, the governing body for two south-eastern counties, has published an Inclusive Language Guide filled with recommendations aimed at building ‘a more welcoming environment’.

Other terms which might cause offence include ‘ladies and gentlemen’ – ‘hi all’ is the newly stipulated phrase – while the word ‘mother’ is also out, in favour of ‘parent/carer’.

‘Bring your wife’ is no longer an acceptable invitation and must be swapped out for ‘bring your partner’, and the collective ‘everyone’ is now preferred over the antiquated ‘guys’ when it comes to a team talk.

The guide says: ‘We are committed to ensuring that football is for everyone. We want players, referees, coaches, parents, and volunteers to feel welcome, valued, and respected — no matter their background or identity. 

‘One of the simplest but most powerful ways we can do this is through the language we use. 

‘Language sets the tone. It shows whether someone belongs or feels excluded, whether they stay in the game or walk away.’ 

Footballers have been ordered not to say the phrases ‘come on lads’ or ‘linesman’ as they could be deemed offensive (Stock Photo)

The 26-page document also states the dangers of using footballing lingo now deemed old-fashioned.

It says that such phrases can ‘make people feel unwelcome or unsafe’, ‘exclude players, coaches, and volunteers from participating’, and ‘undermine the inclusive environment we strive to create’.

Age-related phrases, including ‘you’re just a kid’, as well as sayings which apparently allude to disability, like ‘that’s insane’ are also being struck out. 

Using nationality or ethnicity to describe players and officials is strongly discouraged under the regional FA’s guide, with staff urged to find another distinguishing factor, for example the colour of their boots, instead.

In a ‘football tips’ section, the documents orders people to ‘avoid sarcasm and sensory overload’ to avoid causing offence.

And if someone slips up in their use of language, they must ‘acknowledge it’, ‘apologise’ and ‘learn and adapt’, with the phrase, ‘thanks for the feedback – I’ll do better next time’, the suggested parlance after an error.

Those who overhear a linguistic mistake, meanwhile, are to report it to the Club Welfare Officer, or Berks and Bucks FA directly.

The guide is aimed towards all ‘players, referees, coaches, parents, volunteers… and everyone across the grassroots’ across the 600 clubs and 34,000 players the body represents in the vast area.

Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense group of Conservative MPs, told The Telegraph: ‘At best, this is daft. At worst this is sinister. 

‘The distortion of language has been the business of tyrants throughout time, and I’m not sure the Football Association would want to be associated with tyranny. And so the idea that you can instruct people not to use a phrase in common usage is deeply worrying.

‘So my message to young, current and aspiring footballers is come on lads.’

Callum Salhotra, Community & Inclusion Manager, Berks and Bucks FA, said; ‘Football has the power to unite communities and change lives. But for that to happen, everyone must feel like they belong. 

‘Language is at the heart of that — it can break down barriers or build them up. This guide will help us all take simple but meaningful steps to ensure our game is inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to everyone.’ 

The Daily Mail has approached Berks and Bucks FA for comment.