Call for applications to become a Fare observer at UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.

Monitoring racist and discriminatory chanting and symbols at football matches has been a key element of the Fare programme for many years. In order to tackle issues such as racism and discrimination in football it is important to understand the scope of the problem. We know from reports coming into us and high profile incidents involving players that the problem exists across Europe.

And as the economic crisis in Europe has taken hold young people are turning to scapegoats as football continues to see neo-Nazi fan groups organising in stadiums, or symbols of the far- right being used by supporters.

We believe tackling racism and discrimination in football requires a multi-facetted approach combining educational activities, disciplinary measures and encouraging self-regulation amongst fans.

Monitoring discriminatory incidents plays an important role in tackling this problem by providing a way to collect evidence and conduct a thorough analysis of the scope. The data collected may be used to focus stakeholders’ attention to particular problems and incidents and stimulate proactive debate and measures to tackle the problem on the part of NGOs, clubs, FAs and fans themselves.

We want to make sure that football fans and other stakeholders are doing everything they can to prevent racist and discriminatory incidents from occurring and react appropriately when incidents do occur. Match day observers are a key element within this system with the necessary knowledge and experience to make reports when they occur during a game.

In order to expand our network of match day observers in Europe, we have opened up applications to become Fare observer at UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches for the 2013/14 season.

Fare match day observers will be expected to:
• Attend European matches during the 2013-14 season
• Conduct online research and draw on their own experience prior to their designated game undertake desktop research
• Observe games to record incidents of discriminatory chanting, displays of far- right symbols and other examples of overt discriminatory activities
• Write and submit a report to Fare detailing all discriminatory incidents noted during the match

So if you:
• Are an antifascist and antiracist activist
• Agree that racism and discrimination has no place in football and society
• Are ready to contribute to positive change
• Are well acquainted with, and follow developments in, the football fan scene in your country
• Are able to recognise and analyse specific displays of racism and discrimination in your country
Get involved!

What we can offer:
• Training for the role of Observer on behalf of Fare
• The opportunity to become part of an international network of activists committed to fighting discrimination
• The chance to develop your expertise in anti-racist work
• Cover travel and related expenses, offer a small allowance

To join the team of Fare match day observers, please complete the Application form by 10th September 2013. You will be informed about the outcome of your application within two weeks of this closing date.