In the wake of the success of football in 2025, the awareness campaign now extends to all disciplines throughout the month of May. In Ariège, under the initiative of the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS), numerous clubs across the department, from all disciplines, educators, and volunteers are coming together to reduce tensions, educate the youth, and, most importantly, address an at times overly intrusive environment. A red line under the eyes or on the cheek to say no to violence in all its forms.
For years, Ariège has been at the forefront of the fight through its famous “protocol to combat incivility and violence in sports in Ariège.” Following the success of the first edition in 2025 which brought together five leagues, thirty-eight districts, and nearly three hundred clubs, the operation “Let’s Draw a Line on Violence” was renewed in 2026 with expanded ambitions.
Now, all sports and clubs are encouraged to participate throughout the month of May. The goal? Transforming every encounter into a space of dignity and respect. With a rallying sign, a red line under the eyes or on the cheek.
“At the edge of the fields, it’s becoming increasingly complicated”
Taking over from the regional committee, the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee of Ariège (CDOS) seized the opportunity. Cyril Balondrade, a development agent from Ariège, mobilized all clubs via email: “No one is required to participate, it’s voluntary. It’s primarily an awareness campaign that allows us to go into the field, in contact with sports stakeholders.”
This initiative marks a commitment against all forms of violence, regardless of the sport or level. A few days ago, the Pitchouns tournament held in Saint-Girons served as a launch pad. “Every year, there are 63,000 competitions organized in France. They reach four million children,” emphasizes Cyril Balondrade.
“It requires a lot of investment, from top to bottom”
Yet, the observation is bitter: violence today seems almost normalized. “At the edge of the fields, it’s becoming increasingly complicated,” admits Jean-René Beaubouchez, referee, educator, and parent of a young player. “Today, it’s the entourage that poses the most problems. It requires a lot of investment, from top to bottom.” Gérard Gonzalez, president of the football district in Ariège, agrees: “We need constant reminders. For football, we have numerous cases of incivility in progress. We need to defuse tensions among parents. Today, we can no longer turn a blind eye.”
As the Pitchouns tournament is in full swing, Cyril Balondrade visits the teams to explain the process. Everywhere, the reception is positive. The young players, sometimes surprised, enthusiastically participate. “We’re at a masquerade ball!” laughs one of them, proudly displaying the symbolic makeup line.
“Inculcating the right values in the youth is important”
For Laurent Audrey, coach of U17 and U19 at BALE (Basse Ariège Lauragais Entente), this awareness is crucial: “It’s sometimes a complex notion to convey. We may hear unhealthy remarks; thus, repetition with the youth is crucial.” Julien Perin, coach of U9 at Comminges Saint-Gaudens, also emphasizes the responsibility of adults: “It’s increasingly challenging with parents. They put pressure on the kids and the coaches.” Gradually, the “makeup” spreads on faces, reminding us that the work must be constant.
“It’s important to instill the right values in children,” concludes Jean Taüder, U9 coach in Saint-Jean. “They are very receptive. It’s like school: we educate them to become good people. Today, the most complex part is the environment. It’s necessary to adapt, use the right words.”
