Football is played under The Laws of Association Football as laid down by the International Board of the Federation of International Football. If these laws are broken by those playing the game then there are discipline rules that must be applied by referees and administrators.

Football is a very emotive game and people’s passions are aroused. It is therefore necessary for referees to enforce the laws and see they are adhered to.

Players and coaches have a duty to see the game is played in the right spirit otherwise they will fall foul of the disciplinary punishments as laid down by The Football Association.

Dealing with Discipline Paperwork

A few tips on how to deal with Football Discipline charges & papers.

Who is Responsible?

• Initially it is the club's responsibility to pay the fine and complete the Misconduct Form, giving full details of the player.
• Players over 16 years of age must then reimburse the club. Any other clubs he plays for should also be included on the form. It should be signed by both the player and club secretary.

Club Statement

• A club secretary will receive a club statement if his/her club has any discipline actions being processed against them, outstanding cases to deal with and/or any upcoming suspensions
• Club statements are sent out on a weekly basis during the football season
• Clubs can check their outstanding cases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using the Members Services section of the website

Cautions

• No right of appeal except in the case of mistaken identity
• An admin fee of £10.00 is charged
• Must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification

Standard (Red card offences) & Misconduct Charges

• For Standard Charges, a standard punishment is offered to the offender
• A Misconduct Charge can be issued to any participant in football (including players, club officials, clubs etc) 
• Any punishments for Misconduct Charges are set at a hearing
• Any cases or alleged cases of mistaken identity must be made to the County FA in writing within 14 days of the match date by the club & player. The matter will then be investigated.
• The participant has 3 choices when responding to a send off or misconduct charge, they are:
• Option A accept the report and charge, pay the fine & serve the suspension
• Option B accept the report, but make a written plea for a lenient punishment
• Option C not accept the report and request a Personal Hearing

Personal Hearings

• Any player or club who has been charged has the right to request a personal hearing if they disagree with the referees report and/or punishment issued
• Hearing fee is £25.00 (refundable if case is not proved)
• All participants receive a “Guide to Personal Hearings”