#1) Thou shalt NOT sell the game to the highest bidder(s).
Basically, football should never be for sale to those whose wealth and power can buy anything. Nor should it ever be a business first and the world’s most popular sport second, nor should its true value to the world at large be determined by professional football clubs alone. It was, is and always will be for the common man and woman who enjoy watching or playing in a kick- about from time-to-time.
#2)Thou shalt NOT play boring football.
This is a challenge to managers, coaches and trainers worldwide to continue to learn from successful footballers and always to seek to coach players to play more skilfully, more passionately, more beautifully and more enjoyably. Football is NOT static, it evolves and improves each year, despite Fifa’s best efforts.
#3) Thou shalt NOT forget football’s history and roots.
There is a tendency to overlook the original purpose of the game and to promote the flashier, Hollywood-inspired tinsel like Beckham and Ronaldo. Everyone involved in the game needs to promote it as a family-oriented sport where boys and girls, men and women can play safely and enjoyably regardless of how well they do so. The 150th Anniversary of the Game has just happened and we need to promote the original values and purpose of the Game.
#4) Thou shalt NOT permit the Game to be sullied or demeaned.
If there is one area in which the authorities in charge of promoting our game have failed, it is their inability and unwillingness to protect this sport from the vultures, greedy leeches, ignorant fascists and racists, ignoramuses, proponents of violence and other criminals.
#5)Thou shalt NOT prioritise winning over more important aspects of the Game.
As club supporters and Football aficionados, too many of us see winning as the sole value and proof of superiority regardless of the level the Game is played at. Take it from me, there is nothing more disheartening and saddening than to see an enraged parent screaming at their 5 year old or at the volunteer referee because his or her child’s team lost.
#6)Thou shalt NOT encourage poor sportsmanship or selfishness in football.
Fairplay is the fundamental foundation of football and sportsmanship is its immediate example. The cheating,diving, play-acting, hyperbole and referee intimidation that occurs at all levels of our game are bringing the game into disrepute. Selfishness (as seen in the greediness and disloyalty common in professional football)and its cousin, the Big Ego syndrome, are sure to destroy the ultimate purpose of a team sport like Football.
#7) Thou shalt NOT disrespect or show hatred towards other Football fans.
I know we all love to demean and deride our Spud adversaries and maybe this is really simple fun without any malice intended. However, we are all exactly alike when it comes to Football….we all share the same passion for our Club, love of Beautiful Football, the thrill of victory or a tie brings and the downer defeat entails. At the end of the day we all end up in more or less the same place each week….eagerly awaiting the next Game.
#8. Thou shalt not punish or abuse the officials.
This is very close to my heart as I am a retired referee. The game is nearing a crisis point because fewer and fewer people are willing to take the whistle. This has come about because of the punishment, abuse and occasional injuries and even risk of death officials have been subject to recently. We are there, like the players, to do our best for the game and to ensure that it is played in a fair, safe and enjoyable manner. We are human and make mistakes but greater tolerance and patience are needed, as well as respect for the people in black.
#9) Thou shalt not allow the authorities to hijack OUR Game.
The Beautiful Game belongs to us, the supporters and participants, NOT just the stuffed suits at Fifa, Uefa and the national associations. If it means that we take back the powers we have permitted these semi-lucid administrators to enjoy, then so be it. The game is far too important to permit blinkered and corrupt sycophants to ruin.
#10) Thou shalt not make the Game unaffordable for the masses.
Many third world nations still play the game in rocky meadows, back streets and any relatively flat surfaces (beaches, parking lots, etc.)with a barely recognisable ball and jury-rigged goals and yet they enjoy every second of this sport, regardless of their ¨poverty¨. We must ensure that the game is always available to anyone, regardless of their circumstances. There are sports some of us will never afford to play but Football should never become one of them.
If you have other suggestions,please feel free to contribute in a positive and constructive manner.