Cautions
If a player receives a yellow card during a match, a report is forwarded to us from the match referee. We process this and issue an administration fee of £8 to the offending club. The club then has 14 days in which to complete the proforma and return it (along with the fine) to these offices. After 14 days, the fine will rise to £28. If this is not paid within 7 days, this amount will increase to £48 and the Club will be placed under a suspension until the fine has been paid. However we do appreciate that you may find it difficult to pay the fine within the deadline. If this is the case, please contact us ASAP after receiving the initial notification so we can offer you assistance in the matter.
Misconduct charges
Most misconduct charges are issued following the receipt of a Match Official’s report and the charges are based upon what is in the Referee’s and/or Assistant Referees’ report(s).
The majority of reports received relate to dismissals from the field of play for one single offence covered by the Schedule Guide to Recommended Punishments. In these cases the Association will offer the standard punishment applicable to the offence and the individual charged will have the opportunity to accept the punishment, submit a written plea for leniency or rebut the charge and request a Personal Hearing. Should a reply not be received within 14 days then the standard punishment offered is imposed and the player loses the right to challenge the Referee’s report.
If a player has committed more than one offence or has a recent record of similar offences the Association may proffer a misconduct charge usually under FA Rule E3 and/or E4. The individual charged will have the opportunity to accept the charge, submit a written plea for leniency or rebut the charge and request a Personal Hearing. Once a reply has been received the charge will be referred to a Disciplinary Commission who will decide on any punishment based upon all the evidence provided. Should a reply not be received within 14 days the individual loses the right to challenge the Referee’s report by way of a Personal Hearing and a decision may be made on the available evidence only.
The Association has the right to downgrade a sending-off report to a Field Caution offence or can choose not to proceed with a report if it is deemed invalid for any reason or there is insufficient evidence for a charge to be raised. For all cases the individual should be fully aware of the basis of the charge and the allegations made against them and have access to all the evidence upon which the charge is based.
This is intended as a brief guide to the initial actions of the Association once a report has been received. Each Club is issued with a Memorandum of Procedures every season which explains the disciplinary process in greater detail and if you have any queries on any disciplinary matters please contact the office by post, telephone or e-mail.