Code of Conduct
MEMORANDUM OF PROCEDURES
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES CONCERNING FIELD OFFENCES
As set out in the Schedule hereto for Players associated with the First Team* of a Club competing at Steps 5 and 6.
These comprise Clubs competing in the Northern League Division 1 & 2,Northern Counties East Premier and Division 1, North West Counties League Division 1 & 2, Midland Football Alliance, United Counties League Premier & Division 1, Hellenic League Premier Division, Division 1 East and Division 1 West, Eastern Counties League Premier & Division 1, Western League Premier & Division 1, Wessex League Division 1 & 2, Spartan South Midlands League Premier & Division 1, Combined Counties League Premier and Division 1, Kent League Premier Division, Essex Senior League Premier Division, Sussex County League Division 1 & 2, West Midlands Regional League Premier Division and the Midland Combination Premier Division.
*These procedures also apply to a Reserve Team who play at Step 5/6 of a Club whose First Team compete at Steps 2 to 4.
This Memorandum cites procedures as they apply exclusively to Participants who are acting as
Players when reported.
Save for serious or repeated proved misconduct, Participants offending in a capacity other than as
Players in a match (at all levels) should not be suspended but be subject to any of a reprimand, a
warning as to future conduct, a written undertaking not to repeat, a touch-line ban for a period of
time, and a Fine (active or suspended for a given period), together with costs in proved guilty cases.
For the purposes of these Procedures any reference to a players Club means the Club for which the Player was playing when he was cautioned, dismissed or reported for misconduct.
1. Definitions
1.1 In this Memorandum the words “the Association" refer to the appropriate County or other Affiliated Association, and the words “the Association Secretary mean and include any person nominated to discharge a part of the disciplinary administration of the Association as well as its actual secretary.
1.2 Wherever gender is referred to in this Memorandum, either shall be inferred, as relevant.
1.3 All written communications from a player to the Association secretary must be sent
by the secretary of the players club unless the player is no longer registered with that club.
1.4 Every Association must set out in its rules or regulations a copy of these procedures,
which are to be followed after a player has been cautioned or dismissed from the Field of Play while playing in a match for a club or a particular team of a club not dealt with by The Football Association.
1.5 (a) A “child" means a person who at the date of the relevant match was under the statutory school-leaving age and throughout these regulations full-time education refers to a child who is of compulsory school age or who is over the school-leaving age but is under the age of 18 and is for the time being attending a school or in full-time education in an establishment of further
education.
1.5 (b) Financial penalties for misconduct must not be imposed on a child (Sections 5.2, 6.3 & 7.2 and 13.3). Where a Automatic Punishment or Commission decision includes any financial element then the players club is liable for the sum imposed.
1.6 Wherever “written" or “letter" is referred to in this Memorandum this is deemed to include communication by fax or e-mail.
1.7 This Memorandum effective from 1st July 2006 until further notice.
1.8 The term “suspension" in this Memorandum means the suspension is from playing
football ONLY and any other sanction required for the period of suspension must be
specified in the decision letter.
1.9 Any reference to cautions in this Memorandum refers only to those received playing
at Steps 5 and 6. Cautions received playing for a Club outside of Steps 5 and 6 will
be separate and not added to the total received under this Memorandum (See
also paragraph 11.3).
1.10 Permanent Suspension means no review to be considered under a period of 10
years.
2. Timing
Disciplinary procedures shall commence no later than 90 days, and the outcome
determined no later than 180 days from receipt of the report of alleged misconduct, or
otherwise be void. If deemed reasonable, any period of delay requested or caused by the
Participant will not count towards the 90/180 days. The Association must use due diligence
to charge and/or finalise cases within that period of time and must conform with the
requirements set out in this Memorandum, subject to the effects of the adoption by the
Association of any of the alternative and optional powers set out in paragraph 20.
3. Administrative Procedures Match Official Reports
An Association may reserve the right not to process a caution if the report is deemed to be
invalid for any reason.
4. General
4.1 Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Memorandum, an Association
shall have the power to delegate to The Football Association or to another Affiliated
Association its powers and duties to investigate and/or adjudicate in cases where it
may be advantageous so to do.
4.2 If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player,
this does not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of
the referee should be drawn to the correct procedure.
4.3 A Participant consents to abide by the Laws of the Game, the Rules and Regulations
of The Football Association or an affiliated Association and to reasonable
proportionate disciplinary action when playing the game. The issue of a caution is a
decision based on a question of fact on the Field of Play upon which the Referees
decision is final. The recording of the caution and the consequences that follow are
both reasonable and proportionate. Cautions, not being the subject of appeal do not
breach the Human Rights Act 1998.
4.4 When a player is dealt with by a Disciplinary Commission cases must be dealt with
on their merits and a punishment awarded consistent with the overall nature and
effect of the offence(s); also the players record of misconduct over the current and
previous five seasons.
4.5 Associations will impose split suspension periods where matches have to be carried
over to the following season. The last day of the first suspension period shall be the
Players teams last competitive match of the season. The suspension will recommence
with that same teams start of the following season. Competitive
matches are defined in paragraph 11.3.
5. Reporting Offences By Match Officials
(a) Caution Offences
Referees must submit to the relevant Association within two days of the match
(Sundays not included) a Report stating the offence.
(b) Sending Off Offences
Referees and Assistant Referees must submit to the relevant Association within two
days of the match (Sundays not included) a Report stating the offence(s) and giving
a description of the incident(s).
(c) If a Referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player
this does not nullify the caution or the sending off offence. However,
the attention of the Referee should be drawn to the correct procedure.
6. Caution Offences
A player who has been cautioned in a match, will be notified through his Club by the
Association of the offence reported by the Referee. At the same time will be advised of the
total number of cautions recorded during the current season and, any punishment resulting
from their accumulation. An administration fee of £8.00 will be charged for the processing
of each report. For each caution received a player will be subject to one penalty point.
7. Sending Off Offences
A player who has been sent off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified
through his Club by the Association of the offence reported by the Referee, and at the same
time advised that he will be subject to the agreed automatic punishment (see paragraph
11). An administration fee of £8.00 will be charged for the processing of each report.
8. Claims of Mistaken Identity
In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player cautioned or sent off
in a match, the PLAYERS concerned and the CLUB must within three working days of the
match submit in writing to the Association particulars upon which the claim is founded,
including the right to claim Wrongful Dismissal. If the Chief Executive of the Association, or
his nominees, are satisfied that the claim warrants further investigation, a Disciplinary
Commission shall be convened and will meet within the 21 days before any automatic
penalty is due to take effect. If the Members of the appointed Commission are satisfied that
mistaken identity has been proved in a case, the record of the offence will be transferred to
the appropriate offender, who will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the
provisions of the current Procedures.
The relevant fee which MUST be included with the evidence is £100 which may be
retained if the claim is deemed to be unfounded and be used in full or in part to cover any
costs incurred by a Disciplinary Commission. In the event of the fee not covering the
amount of costs charged, an additional amount may be charged by the Commission.
9. Claims of Wrongful Dismissal
In the case of a claim of wrongful dismissal for offences with a penalty imposed under the
Laws of the Game of an immediate dismissal (excluding Law S6, the use of offensive or
insulting or abusive language / gestures), evidence upon which the claim is founded, which
must include a video cassette recording/DVD showing the incident, must be submitted by
the player concerned and his Club, together with the relevant fee and MUST be received
by The Association by the close of business of the third working day following the match (as
below*). An indication by fax or e-mail ( discipline@[insert name of county]fa.com e.g
discipline@essexfa.com) on the first working day following the game is required to alert the
Disciplinary Departments of the Association that a claim is to be submitted. Communicate by fax or e-mail it must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the address or fax number used is current.
(i) Any suspensions awarded under the provisions of these procedures and due to
commence on the same date will result in the total number of matches
involved running consecutively.
(ii) Any suspensions that overlap, in that the next one starts before the previous one
ends will also run consecutively as above.
(iii) Matches cannot be used more than once to cover two or more suspensions.
(iv) Any suspension imposed under the provisions of these procedures that is or will be
affected by a period based suspension will automatically commence 21 days from
the date of the offence. The matches to be used in relation to this suspension may
be before and/or after the period based suspension. The two suspensions cannot
run concurrently.
10. Non-First Team Matches
A player who has been sent off or is to be the subject of a charge under the provisions of
FA Rule E3 will be dealt with by the Association to which the Club is affiliated in accordance
with the Disciplinary Procedures { insert page number}
relating to Clubs dealt with by the
Associations. A Player will have the right of Appeal against the decision reached by the
Association, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations for Football Association
Appeals.
11. Punishments
11.1 Any period of suspension automatically imposed for a dismissal from the field of play
will commence 21 days from the date of the offence. The suspension will be
complete once the Player’s team has completed the appropriate number of matches,
in approved competitions, according to the suspension as defined below under 11.3.
11.2 Any period of suspension automatically imposed as a result of the recording of
cautions under 11.4 will commence 21 days from the date of the last offence. The
suspension will be complete once the Player’s team has completed the appropriate
number of matches, in approved competitions, according to the suspension as
defined below under 11.3.
11.3 The first team matches that can be used to clear a player of suspension are t h o s e
to be played in a domestic competition organised by the Football Association
(including the FA Challenge Cup and the FA Vase), the League in which the team
play (including their League Cup(s)) and the Teams Parent County Senior Cup
Competition. During the whole period of suspension the player is suspended from
playing all football (including friendly matches and other Cup Competitions).
Where a player has to serve more than one suspension at the same time the
following criteria will apply:
11.4 Cautions Administered On The Field Of Play
(a) (i) If a player accumulates five recorded cautions in any Competition, but
receives the 5th caution between the opening day of the Playing Season and
the last day in February in the same Season, he will be suspended
automatically for a period covering:
One First Team Match plus a fine of £15
(ii) If a player accumulates five recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the last day of the same Season,
he will be Warned as to his Future Conduct.
(iii) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
five recorded cautions and then goes on to record a further five cautions
during the same Season, will be subject to the following punishments: -
(iv) If a player accumulates ten recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the second Sunday of April in the
same Season, he will be suspended automatically for a period covering Two
First Team matches plus a fine of £15
(v) If a player accumulates ten recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the last day of the same Season,
he will be Severely Censured and Warned as to his future Conduct.
(vi) If a player accumulates fifteen recorded cautions in any C o m p e t i t i o n
between the opening date of the Playing Season and the last day of the same
Season, he will be suspended automatically for a period covering Three
First Team matches plus a fine of £15.
(vii) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
recording five, ten and fifteen cautions, and who goes on to record 20
cautions in the same Season, shall be required to attend a meeting of a
Disciplinary Commission, within 21 days of the date of the last caution.
The Members of a Commission shall have the power to deal with the player
in such manner as they deem fit. The same procedure will apply for every
further five cautions recorded against a player.
(viii) Any period of suspension or part that remains outstanding at the end of a
Season must be served at the commencement of the following Season.
11.5 (a) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (7)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for receiving a second caution in
the same match will be suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day
following the match in which he was sent off, until such time as his Clubs First Team
has completed one match in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum
of £20 and be subject to 2 penalty points.
Claims to be lodged with the Association by the following example dates:
Saturday or Sunday game by Wednesday
Monday/Thursday
Tuesday/Friday
Wednesday/Monday
Thursday/Tuesday
Friday/Wednesday
(If Bank Holidays fall within the period, the appropriate number of extra days will be made
available.)
Once the claim is lodged with the Association and it is confirmed that the video shows the
incident as reported by the Referee / Assistant Referee and the claim has conformed with
the criteria, the Club will then be advised whether the claim has been accepted or not.
An accepted claim will be placed before a Disciplinary Commission within the 21 days
before an automatic penalty is due to take effect. The Club, the player and Match Officials
will NOT be invited to attend. The Commission will be dealing with the level of punishment
only. The dismissal from the Field of Play will always remain on the record of the Club and
the player and be the subject of the administration fee and the appropriate number of
penalty points for a sending off.
The only decisions available to the Members of the Disciplinary Commission are:-
(i) The punishment will remain with the fee being retained
(ii) The punishment will be withdrawn, the fee returned and that paragraph 11.5(e) of
the procedure will not be invoked if the player is sent off again following the offence.
The relevant fee is £100 and will be retained if the case is deemed to be unfounded and
returned if any alterations are made to the offence or punishment.
12. Aggregate Misconduct (Clubs)
12.1 Associations may, at their option, use a penalty points based system to punish clubs
whose misconduct is deemed excessive. If the Association chooses to punish clubs
or Aggregate Misconduct they must use a system that conforms to these
regulations.
12.2 Penalty points for cautions and dismissals from the Field of Play are listed against the
relevant offences in these Regulations.
12.3 These points are effective once the offence:
(a) is reported for cautions or dismissals
(b) has had a hearing for cases having hearings (unless an appeal is requested).
(c) has had an appeal for cases going to appeal.
Penalty points must not be awarded to charges found not proved.
12.4 Penalty points work on a seasonal basis, with points being included in clubs totals
for offences committed between the first and last days of the season, on an inclusive
basis. Points must not be carried forward from one season to the next.
12.5 Misconduct dealt with by the Football Association must not be included in the
penalty points totals.
12.6 Sanctions should be imposed at three stages, each incurring an Administration
Charge, currently set at £10.
12.7 The number of points allowed for each stage (the Threshold), must be related to the
number of teams that each club possesses.
12.8 Associations may make allowances in the number of teams that a club is deemed to
have for Aggregate Misconduct, to reflect clubs whose disciplinary cases are
handled by The Football Association. This is to prevent such clubs gaining an unfair
advantage.
12.9 Recommended Points Allowances per Club per Season
Each Additional team
No of teams 1 2 3 4 5 6
Stage I 25 48 69 88 105 20
Stage II 50 96 138 176 210 40
Stage III 75 144 207 264 315 60
12.10 Recommended Fines for Exceeding a Threshold
(a) For exceeding Stage I £25 plus an Administration Fee
(b) For exceeding Stage II £50 plus an Administration Fee
(c) For exceeding Stage III £100 plus an Administration Fee
Associations may vary Fines and Thresholds at their Discretion
12.11 Clubs that significantly exceed Stage III should be subject to further disciplinary
action.
12.12 The Disciplinary Commission shall have the power to impose, or recommend as
appropriate, any one or more of the following penalties on the Offending Club:
(a) a reprimand and/or final warning as to future conduct;
(b) a further fine;
(c) suspension from all or any specified football activity from a date that the
Commission shall order, permanently or for a stated period or number of
matches;
(d) expulsion from a competition of the Association;
(e) expulsion from a membership of the Association;
(f) such further or other penalty or order as the Commission considers
appropriate.
259 258 MEMORANDUM OF PROCEDURES
(b) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (4) and (5)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious
goal-scoring opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball, will be
suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day following the match in which
he was sent off, until such time as his Clubs First Team has completed one match
in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of £20 and be subject to 2
penalty points.
(c) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (6)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive or insulting or
abusive language/gestures whether he has previously been cautioned in the match
or not, will be suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day following the
match in which he was sent off, until such time as his Club’s First Team has
completed two matches in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of
£30. and be subject to 2 penalty points.
(d) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (1), (2) and (3)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul
Play or spitting at an opponent or any other person whether he has
previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically
commencing on the 21st day following the match in which he was sent off, until such
time as his Clubs First Team has completed three matches in an approved
competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of £40 and be subject to 4 penalty points.
(e) ADDITIONAL SENDINGS OFF.
Players dismissed from the Field of Play for a second time in the same Season, in
addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended
for one extra match. A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be
suspended for an extra two matches, and so on. A Disciplinary Commission, when
dealing with a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal (paragraph 9) has the power not to
invoke a further one match suspension if it so desires.
(f) OUTSTANDING SUSPENSIONS
Any suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season,
must be served at the commencement of the following season.
(g) FA RULE E3
A charge of misconduct pursuant to FA Rule E3 may be brought against a player in
relation to an incident, notwithstanding that the same incident has been dealt with
pursuant to this Memorandum. A Commission considering a charge under FA Rule
E3 in such circumstances, shall have regard to any punishment imposed under this
Memorandum when considering any punishment under paragraph 18 of the
Disciplinary Procedures to be used at Personal Hearings before Commissions
requested by Participants of Clubs and Clubs dealt with by the Associations.
(h) PAYMENT TO PLAYERS UNDER SUSPENSION
Clubs must not pay a player more than his basic wage during the period of a
suspension.
(i) RE-ARRANGED MATCHES
A Commission shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count
towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been
arranged by the Club with a view to enabling a player to complete his suspension
and thus qualify him to play in a specific match.
MEMORANDUM OF PROCEDURES
261
13. Disciplinary Action On Clubs For Misconduct By Their Players
Any Club who has six or more individual Players cautioned or Dismissed from the Field of
Play in the same match will be automatically fined the sum of £150 for the first occasion
during the Season. For a second / third / fourth etc. occasion in the same Season, the fine
on the Club will be £300 / £450 / £600 etc.
14. Assaults On Match Officials
The following Regulations shall apply at all levels of the game (excluding the 6 designated
Leagues):
14.1 In addition to assisting a match official who has reported an assault against him, The
Football Association or appropriate Association shall without delay investigate the
match officials report and if, after such investigation, the chairman and secretary of
the Association or their nominees are satisfied that a prima facie
case can be made
out against the alleged offender they shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure
that a charge is preferred and that a Disciplinary Commission meets to consider the
charge within 28 days of (the date of) the charge letter. The alleged offender shall
not participate in any football activity from the date when he is notified of the
charge, until a Disciplinary Commission has heard and adjudicated on the matter.
14.2 There shall be three categories of assaults:
(a) COMMON ASSAULT
(b) ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY HARM
(c) ASSAULT CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM
14.3 All assaults on match officials in the above three categories must be reported to The
Football Association within 14 days of the completion of a case that has been
proved, giving the decision of the Commission together with any reason for
variation of the recommended punishments set out in 4 below. (If a match official
who has reported a participant for an assault upon his person makes a written
request for the decision and punishment awarded such must be made available to
him at the earliest opportunity).
14.4 Recommended punishments for a person found guilty of an assault upon a match
official are as follows (and cover football at all levels of the game):
(a) (i) Common Assault 182 days suspension plus a
£150 fine
(ii) Common Assault by way of 1 year suspension plus £150 fine
spitting at or on a Match Official
(b) Assault causing or attempting to
Sine die
suspension with no
cause bodily harm review to be considered
under a period of 5 years plus
£250 fine
(c) Assault causing serious bodily harm Permanent suspension – no
review to be considered
under a period of 10 years.
15. Assaults By Participants On Other Participants
15.1 When a referee’s report indicates that a Participant has perpetrated an assault on
another Participant causing serious bodily harm before, during or after a match, The
Football Association or appropriate Affiliated Association may, as in cases of assaults
on match officials, without delay investigate the officials report. If after such
investigation, the chairman and secretary of the Association, or their nominees, are
satisfied that a prima faciecase can be made out against the alleged offender, such
steps shall be taken as are necessary to ensure that a charge is preferred and that a
Disciplinary Commission meets to consider the charge within 28 days of the date of
the charge letter. The alleged offender shall not participate in any football activity
260
from the date when he is notified of the charge until a Disciplinary Commission has
heard and adjudicated on the matter.
15.2 The recommended punishments for such offences are set out below: -
Offender
(a) Player A suspension for a minimum of 140 days plus £150
fine for a first offence but, depending on severity,
sine diewith no review for five years.
(b) Club official As for (a) above but:
(i) If on a player or other official but not a
match official;
suspension from all football and football
activities
(ii) If on a Match Official paragraph 14
above will apply.
(c) Match official As for Match Officials assaulted by a Player. But a rec
ommendation will be made to the relevant Referees
Committee that the registration be removed and no request for
reinstatement will be allowed until the suspension has been
completed or removed.
16. Failure To Comply
16.1 When the provisions above are not complied with, the players right to a Personal
Hearing or to make a plea for leniency is forfeited and the Commission may deal
withthe reported misconduct on such evidence as is available.
16.2 Failure on the part of the player or his club secretary to discharge any of the
requirements set out in this Memorandum may constitute misconduct, which may
result in a further charge against the player, his club, or both. (In any case, a late
fine, currently £20, will be levied in addition to the original charge and a further
seven days given to respond to the charge. Failure to respond within the seven days
will result in a further Late Fine of £20 and the Club and Player being suspended
after a further seven days until the provisions above have been complied with). Any
punishment imposed for failure to comply will be limited to a financial penalty if the
fault of the club, but may include suspension of the player where it is the players
fault).
16.3 When dealing with compliance issues the Association must consider the following:-
(a) Whether the player has responded to his club.
(b) Whether the club has failed to pass on his reply.
(c) Whether the club has informed the Association that the player has failed to
respond.
(d) Whether the player has left the club.
17. Suspension Pending Misconduct Hearing
17.1 The appropriate Affiliated Association shall have the power, in consultation with The
Football Associationââs Compliance/Disciplinary departments, to order that an
Official of a Club affiliated to or a Player registered with that Association, and not one
associated with the 6 designated Leagues, shall be suspended from all or anyspecific
activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as agreed by The Football
Association and the Association considers appropriate (an “Interim
Suspension Order")
17.2 The Interim Suspension Order shall apply when the Club Official or Player has
beencharged by the Affiliated Association in relation to an alleged act of serious
misconduct, or with a criminal offence, or by a League sanctioned by the Affiliated
Association or the Football Association in connection with disciplinary action
pursuant to relevant regulations of the League.
17.3 As soon as reasonably practicable notification of an Interim Suspension Order shall
be advised to the Player and/or the Club and will be lifted when the charge of
misconduct is dealt with by a Commission or the criminal charges are withdrawn or
found not to have been proved.
18. Personal Hearing
(See also: General Provisions relating to Inquiries, Commissions of Inquiry, Disciplinary
Commissions and Appeal Boards; and Disciplinary Procedures to be used at Personal
Hearings before Commissions requested by Participants of Clubs and Clubs dealt with by
County and Other Affiliated Associations).
18.1 The notification indicating a misconduct charge must inform the player of the right
to request a Personal Hearing in respect of the alleged offence and must also
indicate that in the event of the charge being proved there will be a liability to be
ordered to pay all or part of the costs of the Personal Hearing, which costs may
include a part of the overhead expenses of the Association attributable to the
hearing. Similarly, in cases where the rules or regulations of the Association require
the deposit of a fee for a Personal Hearing, (as determined by the Council - currently
£100), at the time of such request the player must be informed that the fee is liable
to be forfeited in full or in part if the charge is proved, in addition to any fine which
may be imposed. In an unproved case neither a fee may be retained, nor may
Commission costs be levied, either for a Personal Hearing or for any other Personal Hearing case. (Commission costs cannot be levied in cases where a player
has been instructed to appear before a disciplinary commission).
18.2 Upon receiving a request for a Personal Hearing in respect of an alleged offence, the
Association will appoint a Commission of not less than three nor more than five
members to hear and adjudicate upon the charge. In the case of a player under the
age of l8 years of age on the date fixed for the hearing, it shall take place either in
the presence of a parent or guardian of the player or another appropriate adult.
18.3 Fines must not be imposed on children [Section 1.5(b)]. Any fine and administration
charges arising out of misconduct by a child must be levied on the club.
18.4 The player, through his club secretary, must be given the date, time and venue fixed
for the Personal Hearing and arrangements made for the attendance before the
Commission of any witnesses in support of the charge, in particular the match
official(s) on whose report the charge has been brought. At a Personal Hearing of a
charge a Commission may adopt such procedures as it considers appropriate and
expedient for the just determination of the charge brought before it. A Commission
shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of
evidence in proceedings before a court of law.
18.5 The person charged and the match official(s) concerned should be given a minimum
14 days notice of details of the Personal Hearing. Any written request to the
Commission for a postponement of the hearing should be given consideration. If the
reason submitted is considered valid, then a postponement should be granted, and
in such circumstances costs may be charged. A request for a second postponement
by the same party should not be granted.
18.6 If the charge is found not proved, any record of it will be expunged. If the charge is
found proved the Commission will decide what punishment, if any, is to be imposed.
In so doing, members of the Commission must consider the overall nature a n d
effect of the offence(s) and the players previous record and any plea for leniency. If
charging costs the Personal Hearing fee must be taken into account.
18.7 Except when an Appeal has been lodged, any fines or costs that are ordered must
be paid before the expiry of 14 days from the date of the order. Failure to pay within
such period is deemed to be misconduct punishable by censure, a further late fine and/or suspension as determined by a Commission. This second Commission shall have the power to consider the matter on 48 hours notice and the power to suspend for continuing non-payment. (In any case, a late fine, currently £20, will be levied in addition to the original charge and a further seven days given to respond to the charge. Failure to respond within the seven days will result in a further late fine of £20 and, after a further seven days, the Club and Player being suspended until the provisions above have been complied with.) The player and his club are jointly and
severally responsible for payment of the fine and costs. The club shall take such action as may be necessary to recover any sum paid on the players behalf. The rules or regulations of an Association must provide for disciplinary action to be taken against a player who fails to reimburse his club in accordance with the Football Debt Recovery (Section 14) regulations approved by Council.
18.8 A Disciplinary Commission shall comprise members appointed by the Association.
The appointed members of such Commissions shall have no previous personal
knowledge of the events or any involvement with any of the participants concerned.
18.9 The decisions of Commissions are final and binding on all parties subject only to a
right of appeal to The Football Association under the provisions of Football
Association Rules. The player and/or the club for which the player was playing at
the time may appeal within 14 days of the sending of the decision notification.
18.10 The decision of the Association will be sent by first-class post or by e-mail to the
secretaries of all clubs for whom the player is known to be currently playing and to
the players home address if known. Each of these secretaries is responsible for
informing the player of the decision.
18.11 The commencement date of any suspension imposed on a player is at the
discretionof the adjudicating Commission, subject to the suspension starting on a
Monday. Such date must allow for the 14-day period permitted for an appeal.
19. Football Debt Recovery
19.1 Associations are required to operate a system to collect football debts on behalf of
Affiliated Clubs, Affiliated Leagues and Other Associations.
19.2 Football debts are defined as those costs arising directly from football activity, and as
such would include disciplinary costs (e.g. fines), match costs (e.g. Match Fees),
and playing expenses (e.g. pitch hire). Incidental costs (e.g. fund raising activities,
Club Subscriptions) do not fall within the scope of Football Debt Recovery.
19.3 Associations may take action against individuals or groups of individuals. Individuals
may be pursued where they are refusing to reimburse an individual club for a
qualifying debt. Where a club has folded its qualifying debts may be apportioned
against its registered members and officers, and action taken against them
individually to recover the club debt.
19.4 Where a clubs debts are apportioned to individuals they must then be treated as
individuals, and any disciplinary action must not be linked to the recovery of the total
debt.
19.5 It is incumbent on the creditor to take reasonable steps to recover the debt before
asking their parent Association to take action. This would normally include
approaching the debtor personally as well as contacting them in writing to seek
payment.
19.6 The Parent Association should be approached as soon as it is clear there is a
problem. In all cases this should be within 28 days of formal payment being
requested, and 56 days of the debt being incurred.
19.7 Upon receipt the Association must immediately take steps to verify whether the
debt is valid and notify the creditor and debtor of its decision.
19.8 Upon being satisfied that a qualifying debt exists the Association must apportion the
debt on a pro-rata basis and notify the individual or individuals concerned.
19.9 Upon being notified, an individual must pay the debt within 21 days of the issue of the
notification letter or appeal in accordance with the appeal procedures. If payment or appeal
is not received the individual will be suspended sine die until the debt is paid and he is
notified that the suspension has been lifted. This suspension will commence from (and
Include) the 22nd day after the date the notification was issued.
20. Further Disciplinary Actions
An Affiliated Association in formulating its Rules and Regulations for misconduct may adopt
and include some or all of the following powers: -
20.1. To make an order that a club whose players are persistently found guilty of
misconduct
(a) Be censured and/or fined in accordance with the approved penalty point
process
(b) May have its affiliation suspended or cancelled
20.2. (a) Any other power approved in writing by The Football Association.
(b) Any optional or alternative power granted to an Affiliated Association in
accordance with Section 2(a) shall continue from year to year until such time
as the approval is withdrawn. Such approval may be withdrawn by notice in
writing from The Football Association given before 30th April, in any year.
Code of Conduct.
COACHES.
1.Coaches will respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of sport.
2.Coaches will place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3.Coaches will adhere to all guidelines laid down in the rules of the Football Association.
4.Coaches will develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5.Coaches will not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6.Coaches will encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
7.Coaches will ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8.Coaches will, at the outset, clarify with the player (and where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9.Coaches will consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.
10.It is not the responsibility of the coaches to put the nets up every week. The coaches are there for your child's welfare and this isn't being done if they are putting the nets up. It is however the coaches responsibility to check the nets before kick-off to ensure they have been erected correctly.
11.Each coach will provide a fully stocked first-aid kit and hydration for each child who is under their care.
PARENTS.
Parents/spectators have a great influence on children's
enjoyment and success in football.All children play football because they first and foremost love the game-it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club that positive encouragement will contribute to:
.Children enjoying football
.A sense of personal achievement
.Self-esteem
.Improvement in the child's skills and techniques
A parents/spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:
.Other players
.Officials
.Managers
.Spectators
Ensure that parents/spectators within our club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own.
Encourage parents/spectators to:
.Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
.Avoid coaching the children during the game
.Refrain from shouting and screaming
.Respect the referee's decision
.Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
.Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football
CHILD PROTECTION RULES.
Membership Rule No.1 of the West Riding County Football Association states that all persons connected with a team operating in age-limit football (under 18 years of age) must complete a self-declaration form under the Child Protection policy implemented by the County F.A.
On completion of the form, the person will be subject to County and police checks, and subsequently issued with a photo identification card and certificate of Child Protection which is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue unless withdrawn by the Association.
THIS CARD MUST BE CARRIED AT ALL TIMES AND PRODUCED UPON REQUEST.
Failure to comply with this rule will result in the Club's affiliation being suspended and a fine of £50 being imposed for each person who has failed to complete the declaration form.
The Football Association's Regulations on child protection are available on the F.A. website, and are defined in the F.A. Handbook.
To ensure that Cleckheaton Juniors Football Club comply with the F.A. Child Protection Policy, every Committee member, non-Committee member, Manager, Coach, or any other adult who may be in a position where they are alone or directly responsible for any child (including access to changing facilities) will be asked to complete a self-declaration form.
A record of all registered persons will be maintained by the club and the County F.A. and is available,as are additional declaration forms, from the Club's Child Protection Officer, Paul Lawson.
CHARTER STANDARD.
Charter Standard is the Football Association initiative launched by Jamie Redknapp to raise standards, recognize good practice, and reward quality in the junior game. The following items are covered by the scheme....
.CLUB ADMINISTRATION
.FAIR PLAY
.CHILD PROTECTION
.CODE OF CONDUCT
.COACHING
Junior football at its best is two teams enjoying healthy recreation with responsible parents watching. However, as with most things, there is a dark side;bad touchline behavior;poor health and safety;inadequate supervision;poor coaching, etc.
As responsible adults we are the guardians of these children and must be prepared to put in a little time and effort to ensure their well being.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES CONCERNING FIELD OFFENCES
As set out in the Schedule hereto for Players associated with the First Team* of a Club competing at Steps 5 and 6.
These comprise Clubs competing in the Northern League Division 1 & 2,Northern Counties East Premier and Division 1, North West Counties League Division 1 & 2, Midland Football Alliance, United Counties League Premier & Division 1, Hellenic League Premier Division, Division 1 East and Division 1 West, Eastern Counties League Premier & Division 1, Western League Premier & Division 1, Wessex League Division 1 & 2, Spartan South Midlands League Premier & Division 1, Combined Counties League Premier and Division 1, Kent League Premier Division, Essex Senior League Premier Division, Sussex County League Division 1 & 2, West Midlands Regional League Premier Division and the Midland Combination Premier Division.
*These procedures also apply to a Reserve Team who play at Step 5/6 of a Club whose First Team compete at Steps 2 to 4.
This Memorandum cites procedures as they apply exclusively to Participants who are acting as
Players when reported.
Save for serious or repeated proved misconduct, Participants offending in a capacity other than as
Players in a match (at all levels) should not be suspended but be subject to any of a reprimand, a
warning as to future conduct, a written undertaking not to repeat, a touch-line ban for a period of
time, and a Fine (active or suspended for a given period), together with costs in proved guilty cases.
For the purposes of these Procedures any reference to a players Club means the Club for which the Player was playing when he was cautioned, dismissed or reported for misconduct.
1. Definitions
1.1 In this Memorandum the words “the Association" refer to the appropriate County or other Affiliated Association, and the words “the Association Secretary mean and include any person nominated to discharge a part of the disciplinary administration of the Association as well as its actual secretary.
1.2 Wherever gender is referred to in this Memorandum, either shall be inferred, as relevant.
1.3 All written communications from a player to the Association secretary must be sent
by the secretary of the players club unless the player is no longer registered with that club.
1.4 Every Association must set out in its rules or regulations a copy of these procedures,
which are to be followed after a player has been cautioned or dismissed from the Field of Play while playing in a match for a club or a particular team of a club not dealt with by The Football Association.
1.5 (a) A “child" means a person who at the date of the relevant match was under the statutory school-leaving age and throughout these regulations full-time education refers to a child who is of compulsory school age or who is over the school-leaving age but is under the age of 18 and is for the time being attending a school or in full-time education in an establishment of further
education.
1.5 (b) Financial penalties for misconduct must not be imposed on a child (Sections 5.2, 6.3 & 7.2 and 13.3). Where a Automatic Punishment or Commission decision includes any financial element then the players club is liable for the sum imposed.
1.6 Wherever “written" or “letter" is referred to in this Memorandum this is deemed to include communication by fax or e-mail.
1.7 This Memorandum effective from 1st July 2006 until further notice.
1.8 The term “suspension" in this Memorandum means the suspension is from playing
football ONLY and any other sanction required for the period of suspension must be
specified in the decision letter.
1.9 Any reference to cautions in this Memorandum refers only to those received playing
at Steps 5 and 6. Cautions received playing for a Club outside of Steps 5 and 6 will
be separate and not added to the total received under this Memorandum (See
also paragraph 11.3).
1.10 Permanent Suspension means no review to be considered under a period of 10
years.
2. Timing
Disciplinary procedures shall commence no later than 90 days, and the outcome
determined no later than 180 days from receipt of the report of alleged misconduct, or
otherwise be void. If deemed reasonable, any period of delay requested or caused by the
Participant will not count towards the 90/180 days. The Association must use due diligence
to charge and/or finalise cases within that period of time and must conform with the
requirements set out in this Memorandum, subject to the effects of the adoption by the
Association of any of the alternative and optional powers set out in paragraph 20.
3. Administrative Procedures Match Official Reports
An Association may reserve the right not to process a caution if the report is deemed to be
invalid for any reason.
4. General
4.1 Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Memorandum, an Association
shall have the power to delegate to The Football Association or to another Affiliated
Association its powers and duties to investigate and/or adjudicate in cases where it
may be advantageous so to do.
4.2 If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player,
this does not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of
the referee should be drawn to the correct procedure.
4.3 A Participant consents to abide by the Laws of the Game, the Rules and Regulations
of The Football Association or an affiliated Association and to reasonable
proportionate disciplinary action when playing the game. The issue of a caution is a
decision based on a question of fact on the Field of Play upon which the Referees
decision is final. The recording of the caution and the consequences that follow are
both reasonable and proportionate. Cautions, not being the subject of appeal do not
breach the Human Rights Act 1998.
4.4 When a player is dealt with by a Disciplinary Commission cases must be dealt with
on their merits and a punishment awarded consistent with the overall nature and
effect of the offence(s); also the players record of misconduct over the current and
previous five seasons.
4.5 Associations will impose split suspension periods where matches have to be carried
over to the following season. The last day of the first suspension period shall be the
Players teams last competitive match of the season. The suspension will recommence
with that same teams start of the following season. Competitive
matches are defined in paragraph 11.3.
5. Reporting Offences By Match Officials
(a) Caution Offences
Referees must submit to the relevant Association within two days of the match
(Sundays not included) a Report stating the offence.
(b) Sending Off Offences
Referees and Assistant Referees must submit to the relevant Association within two
days of the match (Sundays not included) a Report stating the offence(s) and giving
a description of the incident(s).
(c) If a Referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player
this does not nullify the caution or the sending off offence. However,
the attention of the Referee should be drawn to the correct procedure.
6. Caution Offences
A player who has been cautioned in a match, will be notified through his Club by the
Association of the offence reported by the Referee. At the same time will be advised of the
total number of cautions recorded during the current season and, any punishment resulting
from their accumulation. An administration fee of £8.00 will be charged for the processing
of each report. For each caution received a player will be subject to one penalty point.
7. Sending Off Offences
A player who has been sent off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified
through his Club by the Association of the offence reported by the Referee, and at the same
time advised that he will be subject to the agreed automatic punishment (see paragraph
11). An administration fee of £8.00 will be charged for the processing of each report.
8. Claims of Mistaken Identity
In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player cautioned or sent off
in a match, the PLAYERS concerned and the CLUB must within three working days of the
match submit in writing to the Association particulars upon which the claim is founded,
including the right to claim Wrongful Dismissal. If the Chief Executive of the Association, or
his nominees, are satisfied that the claim warrants further investigation, a Disciplinary
Commission shall be convened and will meet within the 21 days before any automatic
penalty is due to take effect. If the Members of the appointed Commission are satisfied that
mistaken identity has been proved in a case, the record of the offence will be transferred to
the appropriate offender, who will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the
provisions of the current Procedures.
The relevant fee which MUST be included with the evidence is £100 which may be
retained if the claim is deemed to be unfounded and be used in full or in part to cover any
costs incurred by a Disciplinary Commission. In the event of the fee not covering the
amount of costs charged, an additional amount may be charged by the Commission.
9. Claims of Wrongful Dismissal
In the case of a claim of wrongful dismissal for offences with a penalty imposed under the
Laws of the Game of an immediate dismissal (excluding Law S6, the use of offensive or
insulting or abusive language / gestures), evidence upon which the claim is founded, which
must include a video cassette recording/DVD showing the incident, must be submitted by
the player concerned and his Club, together with the relevant fee and MUST be received
by The Association by the close of business of the third working day following the match (as
below*). An indication by fax or e-mail ( discipline@[insert name of county]fa.com e.g
discipline@essexfa.com) on the first working day following the game is required to alert the
Disciplinary Departments of the Association that a claim is to be submitted. Communicate by fax or e-mail it must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the address or fax number used is current.
(i) Any suspensions awarded under the provisions of these procedures and due to
commence on the same date will result in the total number of matches
involved running consecutively.
(ii) Any suspensions that overlap, in that the next one starts before the previous one
ends will also run consecutively as above.
(iii) Matches cannot be used more than once to cover two or more suspensions.
(iv) Any suspension imposed under the provisions of these procedures that is or will be
affected by a period based suspension will automatically commence 21 days from
the date of the offence. The matches to be used in relation to this suspension may
be before and/or after the period based suspension. The two suspensions cannot
run concurrently.
10. Non-First Team Matches
A player who has been sent off or is to be the subject of a charge under the provisions of
FA Rule E3 will be dealt with by the Association to which the Club is affiliated in accordance
with the Disciplinary Procedures { insert page number}
relating to Clubs dealt with by the
Associations. A Player will have the right of Appeal against the decision reached by the
Association, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations for Football Association
Appeals.
11. Punishments
11.1 Any period of suspension automatically imposed for a dismissal from the field of play
will commence 21 days from the date of the offence. The suspension will be
complete once the Player’s team has completed the appropriate number of matches,
in approved competitions, according to the suspension as defined below under 11.3.
11.2 Any period of suspension automatically imposed as a result of the recording of
cautions under 11.4 will commence 21 days from the date of the last offence. The
suspension will be complete once the Player’s team has completed the appropriate
number of matches, in approved competitions, according to the suspension as
defined below under 11.3.
11.3 The first team matches that can be used to clear a player of suspension are t h o s e
to be played in a domestic competition organised by the Football Association
(including the FA Challenge Cup and the FA Vase), the League in which the team
play (including their League Cup(s)) and the Teams Parent County Senior Cup
Competition. During the whole period of suspension the player is suspended from
playing all football (including friendly matches and other Cup Competitions).
Where a player has to serve more than one suspension at the same time the
following criteria will apply:
11.4 Cautions Administered On The Field Of Play
(a) (i) If a player accumulates five recorded cautions in any Competition, but
receives the 5th caution between the opening day of the Playing Season and
the last day in February in the same Season, he will be suspended
automatically for a period covering:
One First Team Match plus a fine of £15
(ii) If a player accumulates five recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the last day of the same Season,
he will be Warned as to his Future Conduct.
(iii) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
five recorded cautions and then goes on to record a further five cautions
during the same Season, will be subject to the following punishments: -
(iv) If a player accumulates ten recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the second Sunday of April in the
same Season, he will be suspended automatically for a period covering Two
First Team matches plus a fine of £15
(v) If a player accumulates ten recorded cautions in any Competition between
the opening day of the Playing Season and the last day of the same Season,
he will be Severely Censured and Warned as to his future Conduct.
(vi) If a player accumulates fifteen recorded cautions in any C o m p e t i t i o n
between the opening date of the Playing Season and the last day of the same
Season, he will be suspended automatically for a period covering Three
First Team matches plus a fine of £15.
(vii) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
recording five, ten and fifteen cautions, and who goes on to record 20
cautions in the same Season, shall be required to attend a meeting of a
Disciplinary Commission, within 21 days of the date of the last caution.
The Members of a Commission shall have the power to deal with the player
in such manner as they deem fit. The same procedure will apply for every
further five cautions recorded against a player.
(viii) Any period of suspension or part that remains outstanding at the end of a
Season must be served at the commencement of the following Season.
11.5 (a) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (7)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for receiving a second caution in
the same match will be suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day
following the match in which he was sent off, until such time as his Clubs First Team
has completed one match in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum
of £20 and be subject to 2 penalty points.
Claims to be lodged with the Association by the following example dates:
Saturday or Sunday game by Wednesday
Monday/Thursday
Tuesday/Friday
Wednesday/Monday
Thursday/Tuesday
Friday/Wednesday
(If Bank Holidays fall within the period, the appropriate number of extra days will be made
available.)
Once the claim is lodged with the Association and it is confirmed that the video shows the
incident as reported by the Referee / Assistant Referee and the claim has conformed with
the criteria, the Club will then be advised whether the claim has been accepted or not.
An accepted claim will be placed before a Disciplinary Commission within the 21 days
before an automatic penalty is due to take effect. The Club, the player and Match Officials
will NOT be invited to attend. The Commission will be dealing with the level of punishment
only. The dismissal from the Field of Play will always remain on the record of the Club and
the player and be the subject of the administration fee and the appropriate number of
penalty points for a sending off.
The only decisions available to the Members of the Disciplinary Commission are:-
(i) The punishment will remain with the fee being retained
(ii) The punishment will be withdrawn, the fee returned and that paragraph 11.5(e) of
the procedure will not be invoked if the player is sent off again following the offence.
The relevant fee is £100 and will be retained if the case is deemed to be unfounded and
returned if any alterations are made to the offence or punishment.
12. Aggregate Misconduct (Clubs)
12.1 Associations may, at their option, use a penalty points based system to punish clubs
whose misconduct is deemed excessive. If the Association chooses to punish clubs
or Aggregate Misconduct they must use a system that conforms to these
regulations.
12.2 Penalty points for cautions and dismissals from the Field of Play are listed against the
relevant offences in these Regulations.
12.3 These points are effective once the offence:
(a) is reported for cautions or dismissals
(b) has had a hearing for cases having hearings (unless an appeal is requested).
(c) has had an appeal for cases going to appeal.
Penalty points must not be awarded to charges found not proved.
12.4 Penalty points work on a seasonal basis, with points being included in clubs totals
for offences committed between the first and last days of the season, on an inclusive
basis. Points must not be carried forward from one season to the next.
12.5 Misconduct dealt with by the Football Association must not be included in the
penalty points totals.
12.6 Sanctions should be imposed at three stages, each incurring an Administration
Charge, currently set at £10.
12.7 The number of points allowed for each stage (the Threshold), must be related to the
number of teams that each club possesses.
12.8 Associations may make allowances in the number of teams that a club is deemed to
have for Aggregate Misconduct, to reflect clubs whose disciplinary cases are
handled by The Football Association. This is to prevent such clubs gaining an unfair
advantage.
12.9 Recommended Points Allowances per Club per Season
Each Additional team
No of teams 1 2 3 4 5 6
Stage I 25 48 69 88 105 20
Stage II 50 96 138 176 210 40
Stage III 75 144 207 264 315 60
12.10 Recommended Fines for Exceeding a Threshold
(a) For exceeding Stage I £25 plus an Administration Fee
(b) For exceeding Stage II £50 plus an Administration Fee
(c) For exceeding Stage III £100 plus an Administration Fee
Associations may vary Fines and Thresholds at their Discretion
12.11 Clubs that significantly exceed Stage III should be subject to further disciplinary
action.
12.12 The Disciplinary Commission shall have the power to impose, or recommend as
appropriate, any one or more of the following penalties on the Offending Club:
(a) a reprimand and/or final warning as to future conduct;
(b) a further fine;
(c) suspension from all or any specified football activity from a date that the
Commission shall order, permanently or for a stated period or number of
matches;
(d) expulsion from a competition of the Association;
(e) expulsion from a membership of the Association;
(f) such further or other penalty or order as the Commission considers
appropriate.
259 258 MEMORANDUM OF PROCEDURES
(b) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (4) and (5)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious
goal-scoring opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball, will be
suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day following the match in which
he was sent off, until such time as his Clubs First Team has completed one match
in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of £20 and be subject to 2
penalty points.
(c) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (6)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive or insulting or
abusive language/gestures whether he has previously been cautioned in the match
or not, will be suspended automatically commencing on the 21st day following the
match in which he was sent off, until such time as his Club’s First Team has
completed two matches in an approved competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of
£30. and be subject to 2 penalty points.
(d) PLAYERS SENT OFF UNDER LAW 12 (1), (2) and (3)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul
Play or spitting at an opponent or any other person whether he has
previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically
commencing on the 21st day following the match in which he was sent off, until such
time as his Clubs First Team has completed three matches in an approved
competition, as per 11.3, fined the sum of £40 and be subject to 4 penalty points.
(e) ADDITIONAL SENDINGS OFF.
Players dismissed from the Field of Play for a second time in the same Season, in
addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended
for one extra match. A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be
suspended for an extra two matches, and so on. A Disciplinary Commission, when
dealing with a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal (paragraph 9) has the power not to
invoke a further one match suspension if it so desires.
(f) OUTSTANDING SUSPENSIONS
Any suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season,
must be served at the commencement of the following season.
(g) FA RULE E3
A charge of misconduct pursuant to FA Rule E3 may be brought against a player in
relation to an incident, notwithstanding that the same incident has been dealt with
pursuant to this Memorandum. A Commission considering a charge under FA Rule
E3 in such circumstances, shall have regard to any punishment imposed under this
Memorandum when considering any punishment under paragraph 18 of the
Disciplinary Procedures to be used at Personal Hearings before Commissions
requested by Participants of Clubs and Clubs dealt with by the Associations.
(h) PAYMENT TO PLAYERS UNDER SUSPENSION
Clubs must not pay a player more than his basic wage during the period of a
suspension.
(i) RE-ARRANGED MATCHES
A Commission shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count
towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been
arranged by the Club with a view to enabling a player to complete his suspension
and thus qualify him to play in a specific match.
MEMORANDUM OF PROCEDURES
261
13. Disciplinary Action On Clubs For Misconduct By Their Players
Any Club who has six or more individual Players cautioned or Dismissed from the Field of
Play in the same match will be automatically fined the sum of £150 for the first occasion
during the Season. For a second / third / fourth etc. occasion in the same Season, the fine
on the Club will be £300 / £450 / £600 etc.
14. Assaults On Match Officials
The following Regulations shall apply at all levels of the game (excluding the 6 designated
Leagues):
14.1 In addition to assisting a match official who has reported an assault against him, The
Football Association or appropriate Association shall without delay investigate the
match officials report and if, after such investigation, the chairman and secretary of
the Association or their nominees are satisfied that a prima facie
case can be made
out against the alleged offender they shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure
that a charge is preferred and that a Disciplinary Commission meets to consider the
charge within 28 days of (the date of) the charge letter. The alleged offender shall
not participate in any football activity from the date when he is notified of the
charge, until a Disciplinary Commission has heard and adjudicated on the matter.
14.2 There shall be three categories of assaults:
(a) COMMON ASSAULT
(b) ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY HARM
(c) ASSAULT CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM
14.3 All assaults on match officials in the above three categories must be reported to The
Football Association within 14 days of the completion of a case that has been
proved, giving the decision of the Commission together with any reason for
variation of the recommended punishments set out in 4 below. (If a match official
who has reported a participant for an assault upon his person makes a written
request for the decision and punishment awarded such must be made available to
him at the earliest opportunity).
14.4 Recommended punishments for a person found guilty of an assault upon a match
official are as follows (and cover football at all levels of the game):
(a) (i) Common Assault 182 days suspension plus a
£150 fine
(ii) Common Assault by way of 1 year suspension plus £150 fine
spitting at or on a Match Official
(b) Assault causing or attempting to
Sine die
suspension with no
cause bodily harm review to be considered
under a period of 5 years plus
£250 fine
(c) Assault causing serious bodily harm Permanent suspension – no
review to be considered
under a period of 10 years.
15. Assaults By Participants On Other Participants
15.1 When a referee’s report indicates that a Participant has perpetrated an assault on
another Participant causing serious bodily harm before, during or after a match, The
Football Association or appropriate Affiliated Association may, as in cases of assaults
on match officials, without delay investigate the officials report. If after such
investigation, the chairman and secretary of the Association, or their nominees, are
satisfied that a prima faciecase can be made out against the alleged offender, such
steps shall be taken as are necessary to ensure that a charge is preferred and that a
Disciplinary Commission meets to consider the charge within 28 days of the date of
the charge letter. The alleged offender shall not participate in any football activity
260
from the date when he is notified of the charge until a Disciplinary Commission has
heard and adjudicated on the matter.
15.2 The recommended punishments for such offences are set out below: -
Offender
(a) Player A suspension for a minimum of 140 days plus £150
fine for a first offence but, depending on severity,
sine diewith no review for five years.
(b) Club official As for (a) above but:
(i) If on a player or other official but not a
match official;
suspension from all football and football
activities
(ii) If on a Match Official paragraph 14
above will apply.
(c) Match official As for Match Officials assaulted by a Player. But a rec
ommendation will be made to the relevant Referees
Committee that the registration be removed and no request for
reinstatement will be allowed until the suspension has been
completed or removed.
16. Failure To Comply
16.1 When the provisions above are not complied with, the players right to a Personal
Hearing or to make a plea for leniency is forfeited and the Commission may deal
withthe reported misconduct on such evidence as is available.
16.2 Failure on the part of the player or his club secretary to discharge any of the
requirements set out in this Memorandum may constitute misconduct, which may
result in a further charge against the player, his club, or both. (In any case, a late
fine, currently £20, will be levied in addition to the original charge and a further
seven days given to respond to the charge. Failure to respond within the seven days
will result in a further Late Fine of £20 and the Club and Player being suspended
after a further seven days until the provisions above have been complied with). Any
punishment imposed for failure to comply will be limited to a financial penalty if the
fault of the club, but may include suspension of the player where it is the players
fault).
16.3 When dealing with compliance issues the Association must consider the following:-
(a) Whether the player has responded to his club.
(b) Whether the club has failed to pass on his reply.
(c) Whether the club has informed the Association that the player has failed to
respond.
(d) Whether the player has left the club.
17. Suspension Pending Misconduct Hearing
17.1 The appropriate Affiliated Association shall have the power, in consultation with The
Football Associationââs Compliance/Disciplinary departments, to order that an
Official of a Club affiliated to or a Player registered with that Association, and not one
associated with the 6 designated Leagues, shall be suspended from all or anyspecific
activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as agreed by The Football
Association and the Association considers appropriate (an “Interim
Suspension Order")
17.2 The Interim Suspension Order shall apply when the Club Official or Player has
beencharged by the Affiliated Association in relation to an alleged act of serious
misconduct, or with a criminal offence, or by a League sanctioned by the Affiliated
Association or the Football Association in connection with disciplinary action
pursuant to relevant regulations of the League.
17.3 As soon as reasonably practicable notification of an Interim Suspension Order shall
be advised to the Player and/or the Club and will be lifted when the charge of
misconduct is dealt with by a Commission or the criminal charges are withdrawn or
found not to have been proved.
18. Personal Hearing
(See also: General Provisions relating to Inquiries, Commissions of Inquiry, Disciplinary
Commissions and Appeal Boards; and Disciplinary Procedures to be used at Personal
Hearings before Commissions requested by Participants of Clubs and Clubs dealt with by
County and Other Affiliated Associations).
18.1 The notification indicating a misconduct charge must inform the player of the right
to request a Personal Hearing in respect of the alleged offence and must also
indicate that in the event of the charge being proved there will be a liability to be
ordered to pay all or part of the costs of the Personal Hearing, which costs may
include a part of the overhead expenses of the Association attributable to the
hearing. Similarly, in cases where the rules or regulations of the Association require
the deposit of a fee for a Personal Hearing, (as determined by the Council - currently
£100), at the time of such request the player must be informed that the fee is liable
to be forfeited in full or in part if the charge is proved, in addition to any fine which
may be imposed. In an unproved case neither a fee may be retained, nor may
Commission costs be levied, either for a Personal Hearing or for any other Personal Hearing case. (Commission costs cannot be levied in cases where a player
has been instructed to appear before a disciplinary commission).
18.2 Upon receiving a request for a Personal Hearing in respect of an alleged offence, the
Association will appoint a Commission of not less than three nor more than five
members to hear and adjudicate upon the charge. In the case of a player under the
age of l8 years of age on the date fixed for the hearing, it shall take place either in
the presence of a parent or guardian of the player or another appropriate adult.
18.3 Fines must not be imposed on children [Section 1.5(b)]. Any fine and administration
charges arising out of misconduct by a child must be levied on the club.
18.4 The player, through his club secretary, must be given the date, time and venue fixed
for the Personal Hearing and arrangements made for the attendance before the
Commission of any witnesses in support of the charge, in particular the match
official(s) on whose report the charge has been brought. At a Personal Hearing of a
charge a Commission may adopt such procedures as it considers appropriate and
expedient for the just determination of the charge brought before it. A Commission
shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of
evidence in proceedings before a court of law.
18.5 The person charged and the match official(s) concerned should be given a minimum
14 days notice of details of the Personal Hearing. Any written request to the
Commission for a postponement of the hearing should be given consideration. If the
reason submitted is considered valid, then a postponement should be granted, and
in such circumstances costs may be charged. A request for a second postponement
by the same party should not be granted.
18.6 If the charge is found not proved, any record of it will be expunged. If the charge is
found proved the Commission will decide what punishment, if any, is to be imposed.
In so doing, members of the Commission must consider the overall nature a n d
effect of the offence(s) and the players previous record and any plea for leniency. If
charging costs the Personal Hearing fee must be taken into account.
18.7 Except when an Appeal has been lodged, any fines or costs that are ordered must
be paid before the expiry of 14 days from the date of the order. Failure to pay within
such period is deemed to be misconduct punishable by censure, a further late fine and/or suspension as determined by a Commission. This second Commission shall have the power to consider the matter on 48 hours notice and the power to suspend for continuing non-payment. (In any case, a late fine, currently £20, will be levied in addition to the original charge and a further seven days given to respond to the charge. Failure to respond within the seven days will result in a further late fine of £20 and, after a further seven days, the Club and Player being suspended until the provisions above have been complied with.) The player and his club are jointly and
severally responsible for payment of the fine and costs. The club shall take such action as may be necessary to recover any sum paid on the players behalf. The rules or regulations of an Association must provide for disciplinary action to be taken against a player who fails to reimburse his club in accordance with the Football Debt Recovery (Section 14) regulations approved by Council.
18.8 A Disciplinary Commission shall comprise members appointed by the Association.
The appointed members of such Commissions shall have no previous personal
knowledge of the events or any involvement with any of the participants concerned.
18.9 The decisions of Commissions are final and binding on all parties subject only to a
right of appeal to The Football Association under the provisions of Football
Association Rules. The player and/or the club for which the player was playing at
the time may appeal within 14 days of the sending of the decision notification.
18.10 The decision of the Association will be sent by first-class post or by e-mail to the
secretaries of all clubs for whom the player is known to be currently playing and to
the players home address if known. Each of these secretaries is responsible for
informing the player of the decision.
18.11 The commencement date of any suspension imposed on a player is at the
discretionof the adjudicating Commission, subject to the suspension starting on a
Monday. Such date must allow for the 14-day period permitted for an appeal.
19. Football Debt Recovery
19.1 Associations are required to operate a system to collect football debts on behalf of
Affiliated Clubs, Affiliated Leagues and Other Associations.
19.2 Football debts are defined as those costs arising directly from football activity, and as
such would include disciplinary costs (e.g. fines), match costs (e.g. Match Fees),
and playing expenses (e.g. pitch hire). Incidental costs (e.g. fund raising activities,
Club Subscriptions) do not fall within the scope of Football Debt Recovery.
19.3 Associations may take action against individuals or groups of individuals. Individuals
may be pursued where they are refusing to reimburse an individual club for a
qualifying debt. Where a club has folded its qualifying debts may be apportioned
against its registered members and officers, and action taken against them
individually to recover the club debt.
19.4 Where a clubs debts are apportioned to individuals they must then be treated as
individuals, and any disciplinary action must not be linked to the recovery of the total
debt.
19.5 It is incumbent on the creditor to take reasonable steps to recover the debt before
asking their parent Association to take action. This would normally include
approaching the debtor personally as well as contacting them in writing to seek
payment.
19.6 The Parent Association should be approached as soon as it is clear there is a
problem. In all cases this should be within 28 days of formal payment being
requested, and 56 days of the debt being incurred.
19.7 Upon receipt the Association must immediately take steps to verify whether the
debt is valid and notify the creditor and debtor of its decision.
19.8 Upon being satisfied that a qualifying debt exists the Association must apportion the
debt on a pro-rata basis and notify the individual or individuals concerned.
19.9 Upon being notified, an individual must pay the debt within 21 days of the issue of the
notification letter or appeal in accordance with the appeal procedures. If payment or appeal
is not received the individual will be suspended sine die until the debt is paid and he is
notified that the suspension has been lifted. This suspension will commence from (and
Include) the 22nd day after the date the notification was issued.
20. Further Disciplinary Actions
An Affiliated Association in formulating its Rules and Regulations for misconduct may adopt
and include some or all of the following powers: -
20.1. To make an order that a club whose players are persistently found guilty of
misconduct
(a) Be censured and/or fined in accordance with the approved penalty point
process
(b) May have its affiliation suspended or cancelled
20.2. (a) Any other power approved in writing by The Football Association.
(b) Any optional or alternative power granted to an Affiliated Association in
accordance with Section 2(a) shall continue from year to year until such time
as the approval is withdrawn. Such approval may be withdrawn by notice in
writing from The Football Association given before 30th April, in any year.
Code of Conduct.
COACHES.
1.Coaches will respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of sport.
2.Coaches will place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
3.Coaches will adhere to all guidelines laid down in the rules of the Football Association.
4.Coaches will develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
5.Coaches will not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6.Coaches will encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
7.Coaches will ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
8.Coaches will, at the outset, clarify with the player (and where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
9.Coaches will consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.
10.It is not the responsibility of the coaches to put the nets up every week. The coaches are there for your child's welfare and this isn't being done if they are putting the nets up. It is however the coaches responsibility to check the nets before kick-off to ensure they have been erected correctly.
11.Each coach will provide a fully stocked first-aid kit and hydration for each child who is under their care.
PARENTS.
Parents/spectators have a great influence on children's
enjoyment and success in football.All children play football because they first and foremost love the game-it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within our club that positive encouragement will contribute to:
.Children enjoying football
.A sense of personal achievement
.Self-esteem
.Improvement in the child's skills and techniques
A parents/spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:
.Other players
.Officials
.Managers
.Spectators
Ensure that parents/spectators within our club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own.
Encourage parents/spectators to:
.Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
.Avoid coaching the children during the game
.Refrain from shouting and screaming
.Respect the referee's decision
.Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
.Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football
CHILD PROTECTION RULES.
Membership Rule No.1 of the West Riding County Football Association states that all persons connected with a team operating in age-limit football (under 18 years of age) must complete a self-declaration form under the Child Protection policy implemented by the County F.A.
On completion of the form, the person will be subject to County and police checks, and subsequently issued with a photo identification card and certificate of Child Protection which is valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue unless withdrawn by the Association.
THIS CARD MUST BE CARRIED AT ALL TIMES AND PRODUCED UPON REQUEST.
Failure to comply with this rule will result in the Club's affiliation being suspended and a fine of £50 being imposed for each person who has failed to complete the declaration form.
The Football Association's Regulations on child protection are available on the F.A. website, and are defined in the F.A. Handbook.
To ensure that Cleckheaton Juniors Football Club comply with the F.A. Child Protection Policy, every Committee member, non-Committee member, Manager, Coach, or any other adult who may be in a position where they are alone or directly responsible for any child (including access to changing facilities) will be asked to complete a self-declaration form.
A record of all registered persons will be maintained by the club and the County F.A. and is available,as are additional declaration forms, from the Club's Child Protection Officer, Paul Lawson.
CHARTER STANDARD.
Charter Standard is the Football Association initiative launched by Jamie Redknapp to raise standards, recognize good practice, and reward quality in the junior game. The following items are covered by the scheme....
.CLUB ADMINISTRATION
.FAIR PLAY
.CHILD PROTECTION
.CODE OF CONDUCT
.COACHING
Junior football at its best is two teams enjoying healthy recreation with responsible parents watching. However, as with most things, there is a dark side;bad touchline behavior;poor health and safety;inadequate supervision;poor coaching, etc.
As responsible adults we are the guardians of these children and must be prepared to put in a little time and effort to ensure their well being.
RSS Feeds