WE’VE MADE OUR POINT!
HOPES are high that player behaviour at grassroots level will improve after the Football Association announced it is bringing in points deductions for teams who repeatedly commit offences of serious misconduct.
From the start of the forthcoming 2023-24 season, if players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct then their team will suffer by having points taken away.
The new initiative has been approved by the Football Regulatory Authority and ratified by the FA Council, and it is part of the FA’s commitment to tackle and address incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the game.
The tougher sanctions follow consistent feedback from across grassroots football that player behaviour is a significant issue, and will specifically target offending teams where its participants commit serious misconduct, making clear to clubs that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Punish
Points deductions will apply to clubs at Step 7 and below of the men’s game, and clubs across Tier 3 and below in the women’s pyramid. They will punish clubs whose representatives commit cumulative incidents of serious misconduct, such as acts of discrimination and assault or attempted assault, and physical contact or attempted physical contact against a match official.
Deductions will range from three to 12 points depending on the number of breaches within 12 months of the team’s first offence and severity of the case(s).
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has enthusiastically backed the pioneering move. “This is a significant step for grassroots football in England and clearly outlines our commitment to tackle incidents of serious misconduct,” he said.
“We frequently hear from grassroots participants that player behaviour is a growing issue and we’re determined to change this. So from the start of the 2023-24 season, players and coaches who repeatedly offend will hurt their team by losing points. Unacceptable behaviour towards other players and officials will not be tolerated.
“We hope this proves to be a strong deterrent which helps to improve the culture within the grassroots game. We’re also working with the professional leagues and other stakeholders to tackle poor behaviour in the professional game and will provide an update on this ahead of next season.”
Tajean Hutton, head of grassroots and community at anti-racism charity Kick It Out, also backed the plan.
“This is a landmark moment which has the potential to transform the way that discriminatory behaviour in football is addressed.
Threatening
“We’re delighted to see grassroots football lead the way in the space and believe this development can now set a precedent for tackling abuse and misconduct at all levels of the game.
“We commend the FA for sending out a strong statement that serious misconduct against players or officials will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work closely with our partners across football to ensure that grassroots is a safe and inclusive space for all.”
The BBC reported that bans were handed to 380 players and coaches for attacking or threatening referees and match officials in English grassroots football during the 2021-22 season.
In addition, a Radio 5 Live questionnaire off 900 referees earlier this year revealed that 293 had been physically abused by spectators, players, coaches or managers with almost all the respondents describing being punched, headbutted or spat at.