We have seen a rise in reports of misconduct; 28% up on the same point last year. Most worryingly, the biggest trend increase is allegations of serious misconduct against Match Officials.

Definitions of serious misconduct offences against match officials are listed here, along with the FA sanction guidelines if the charge is found proven.

1. Assault or attempted assault: acting in a manner which causes or attempts to cause injury to the Match Official (whether or not it does, in fact, cause injury).
Sanction: immediate suspension from all football activity for a period of between 5 years and 10 years. Where any assault causes injury to the Match Official, the minimum shall be 10 years suspension plus mandatory attendance at a face-to-face education course.

2. Physical contact or attempted physical contact: physical actions (or attempted actions) that are unlikely to cause injury to the Match Official but are nevertheless confrontational.
Sanction: suspension from all football activities for a period of between 112 days and 2 years (the recommended entry point, prior to considering any mitigating or aggravating factors is 182 days), a fine of up to £150, with a mandatory minimum fine of £75 and mandatory attendance at a face to face education course.

3. Threatening behaviour: words or action(s) that cause the Match Official to believe that they are being threatened.
Sanction: suspension from all football activities for a period of between 56 days and 182 days. The recommended entry point, prior to considering any mitigating or aggravating factors is 112 days, a fine of up to £100, with a mandatory minimum fine of £50 and mandatory attendance on an online education course.

Please can all club secretaries make sure their teams are aware of these sanctions. The FA and the Amateur FA have a zero tolerance policy for any form of abuse against or towards a Match Official, or any individual.

For more information on discipline and the processes involved, please click here.

There are different ways you can report discrimination you see or hear in football.

county fa / fa

kick it out

premier league

The Amateur FA discipline team can be contacted here if you have any questions. 

The Amateur FA Designated Safeguarding Officer can be contacted on safeguarding@amateur-fa.com or 07904649876.