misconduct report

8/2/2019 Misconduct Report

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FA LearningA Guide to MisconductReport Writing


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Contents

Foreword and acknowledgement 2

A referees duty related to misconduct 3

The report as a communication 4

Advice 4

Multi Caution match report form 5

Standard Misconduct report form 7

Descriptions of the offences 9

The report itself 10

The cautionable offences 11

The cautioning procedure 12

The sending off offences 13

The sending off procedure 14

Responsibility of assistant referees whoadvise referees of misconduct 14

Definitions of serious foul play

and violent conduct 15

Sending off offences specimen reports 16

Other misconduct by players, officials,spectators, etc. 19

Summary of report writing procedure 20

Checklist for misconduct reports 21

The Disciplinary Commission 23

Personal Hearing procedures 24

Conclusion 25


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Foreword andacknowledgement

The aim of this handbook is to assist and support you in your preparation and completion of misconduct

reports and to do so in such a way as to provide a clear and accurate description of incidents for those whoare obliged to read and act upon them.

The handbook lists each of the offences for which a player should be cautioned or sent off, offers commentson each and includes specimen examples which, it is hoped, incorporate those criteria and qualities soughtby County Football Associations in reports submitted by their Match Officials.

The Football Association records its gratitude to individuals and County Football Associations who havereadily granted access to working documents related to misconduct reports and have constructivelycontributed to this handbook. The Football Association Regional Managers (Referees) have all alsocontributed to this edition of the booklet and The Football Association similarly wishes to acknowledge, with

thanks, the time, effort and expertise afforded this revision. Their work is greatly appreciated and can onlyfurther assist colleagues in the complete carrying out of match day obligations.

Ian BlanchardSenior National Game Referee ManagerJuly 2009


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A referees dutyrelated to misconduct

Law 5, the powers and duties of

referees include:

G Takes disciplinary actionagainst players guilty ofcautionable and sending-offoffences. They are notobliged to take this actionimmediately but must do sowhen the ball next goes ofout play.

G Takes action against team

officials who fail to conductthemselves in a responsiblemanner and may, at theirdiscretion, expel them fromthe field of play and itsimmediate surrounds.

G Acts on the advice of assistantreferees regarding incidentswhich have not been seen bythe referee.

G Provides the appropriateauthorities with a matchreport which includesinformation on anydisciplinary action takenagainst players, and/or teamofficials and any otherincidents which occurredbefore, during or after thematch.

Therefore the Laws of the Game

require TWO things of refereeswhenever they caution or sendoff a player or observemisconduct:

G They must report theincident.

G They must compile a reportand send it to the appropriateauthority within the stipulatedtime.

Only a player or substitute orsubstituted player may beshown the red or yellow card.Referees have the authority totake disciplinary sanctions fromthe moment they enter the fieldof play until they leave after thefinal whistle.


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Report as a communication

Advice

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The misconduct report

communicates information. Itgives the referees account of anincident involving misconduct bya single person or a group ofpeople and it can serve as acommunication between:

G The Referee and a CountyFootball Association.

G The Referee and aplayer/person reported for

misconduct.

G The Referee and a club.

G The Referee and a disciplineboard of a County FootballAssociation.

G The Referee and an Appealsboard of The FootballAssociation.

It is important, therefore, that thereport is well written, accurate,brief and clear, leaving the reader

of the report in no doubt aboutthe alleged incident and as to

what action was taken as a result

of the alleged misconduct by thepersons concerned.

There may be actions andreactions as a result of a reportand, therefore, the report shouldcontain facts and not opinions.

AdviceIn presenting these specimenexamples for your consideration, itis not with the intention ofproducing for you a uniform set offacts that you can lay before theappropriate authority. Rather it hasbeen the intention to show avariety of ways in which those

facts can be ACCURATELY,BRIEFLY AND CLEARLY put tothose who have to read suchreports and so enable them tobuild up a precise picture of theincident, always, of course,showing total accuracy in Law.


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Multi Cautionmatch report form

A new Multi Caution match

report form has been developedand approved by The FootballAssociation that permits allcautions from a fixture to bereported on one form.

Referees will only be required tocomplete one form and send justone copy to the appropriateassociation giving details of thefixture, details of the player,

substitute player or substitutedplayer cautioned and code for theoffence that has been committed(i.e. C1 to C7).

Referees are reminded that inusing this form the followingguidance needs to be taken intoconsideration:

1. This form is to be used for

cautions only.

2. Players receiving two cautionsin a game must be reportedon the standard misconductreporting form.

3. Players sent off or otherreports of misconduct need tobe reported individually onthe standard misconductreport form.

4. A copy of the form needs to

be sent to each County that isaffected. Therefore, it is theresponsibility of the referee tophotocopy the form and sendto each appropriateassociation. However, you arerequired to still include thedetails of all of the cautionson one form.

5. To assist associations in the

administration of themisconduct, please includeteam details on the form (i.e.1st, reserves, U18, U17, etc.).

This form is available from twomain sources:

G Any County FootballAssociation

G TheFA.com

A Microsoft Excel version of theform is available that enables thereferee to complete the formelectronically and submit to theappropriate association by email.The referee must have MicrosoftExcel installed in order for thisform to work.

Online Reporting

All registered referees have theability, through either the FAwebsite or an approved CountyFA website, to enter the MultiCaution match report formonline.

These reports are submitted tothe appropriate CountyAssociation on completion.

It is hoped that referees willbenefit from these developmentsand realise an improved efficientreporting process.


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Multi Cautionmatch report form

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THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

CAUTION MISCONDUCT REPORT FORM FOR 11v11 FOOTBALL

The Disciplinary Secretary,

The

Match Versus

Competition Date

I have to report that I cautioned the following players:

REF Surname First Name Club Caution CodeFA Code

(FA Cases Only)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Caution Codes FA Codes (for unsporting behaviour)

C1 Unsporting Behaviour AA Adopting an aggressive attitude

C2 Shows dissent by Word or Action DI Simulation

C3 Persistently infringing the Laws of the Game DP Dangerous Play

C4 Delays the restart of play GC Goal Celebration

C5 Fails to respect the required distance at a restart HB Handball

C6 Enters or re-enters the Field of Play without the Referees permission RP R eckless Play

C7 Deliberately leaves the Field of Play without the Referees permission SP Pushing or Pulling an opponent

TR Tripping

UB Unspecified Behaviour

Referees Details

Name

Address

Date NPD Number FAMOA Number

This form has been sent to the following Association/County Association

Notes:

1 Please note that this form is to be used for Cautions only.

2 Referees may use either this form to report Cautions or the standard misconduct report form to report individually.

3 Players receiving 2 Cautions in a Game should not be reported on this form.

4 Players Sent Off or other reports of misconduct need to be reported individually on the standard misconduct report form.

5 A copy of this form needs to be sent to each County that is affected or The Football Association if appropriate.

6 Please indicate Team details above (i.e. 1st, Reserves, U18, U17, etc.).

7 If submitting by email, unless otherwise specified by the County, the email address is [email protected]

Home Club Team Away Club Team

Please ensure that cases of unsporting behaviour being sent to

The Football Association are also categorised using the above codes


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Standard Misconductreport form

You must ensure that all the

information required is providedon the form in precise detail.

Use this form to report players,substitute players and substitutedplayers:

1. Receiving two cautions in agame and therefore dismissedfrom the field of play.

2. Sent off or other reports ofmisconduct need to bereported individually on thestandard misconduct reportform.

An electronic version of the

Standard Misconduct report formhas been created in MicrosoftExcel and is available on The FAWebsite. This will enable thereferee to complete the formelectronically and submit to theappropriate association by email(see details on form). The refereemust have Microsoft Excelinstalled in order for this formto work.

Again, this will enable the refereeto complete the formelectronically and submit to theappropriate association by email.

A copy of your report will be

forwarded to the playerconcerned via his club.Therefore, any inaccuratereporting may cause an adversereaction when you are appointedto any further matches of the clubconcerned.

The Laws of Association Footballrequire you to submit misconductreports. Your County Football

Association may require reportsin duplicate if submitted by postand within two working days(Sundays and Bank Holidaysexcluded). When in doubt, seekhelp from more experiencedcolleagues.


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Standard Misconductreport form

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(For FA use only)

If submitting by email, unless otherwise specified by the County,

the email address is [email protected]

e.g. [email protected] or [email protected]

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL REPORT FORM FOR REFEREES

Reports must be submitted by First Class Mail or via email attachment to the Association within two days of the match (Sundays not included). email reports need

only be submitted as single reports. However, if sent by post, reports must be submitted in duplicate and only sent via First Class Mail.

Home: Choose Away: Choose

Competition:

Played at: On:

I have to report that Choose Choose

(Full Name): Of: Choose

Names of Assistant Referees (where neutral and involved in the Report), or Name of Referee if Assistant Referee report:

Under Law 12 section:

incident which came under my notice was as follows:

Please use the (Alt+Enter) keys on the keyboard, to move onto a new line in this area:

Referees Name: Date: 18 July 2005

NPD Number: County: Choose

FAMOA Number:

Please complete your address below, you will receive a receipt acknowledgement of your report, either by email or by post (please include your postcode)

Address, please use the (Alt+Enter) keys on the keyboard, to move ontoa new line in this area:

email Address: File Ref:


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Description of the offences

Law 5 requires that a Referee

shall provide the appropriateauthorities with a match reportwhich includes information onany disciplinary action takenagainst players, and/or teamofficials and any other incidentswhich occurred before, duringand after the match. This must besent to the appropriateAssociation within 2 days of thematch taking place (Sundays and

Bank Holidays excluded).

The report must contain details ofmisconduct relating to:

A. Sending-off offences seeLaw 12 S1 to S7.

B. Other misconduct by players,officials, spectators, etc. see Law 5.

Notes

1. A separate report must besubmitted for EACH playerinvolved, whether in the sameor separate incident.

2. Some County FootballAssociations require thatwhen a report of misconductrelates to a contravention ofLaw 5, a separate plain pieceof paper is used rather than

the official report form.

3. Remember to distinguishbetween the Law 12 Sectionand the INCIDENT (i.e. adescription of what actuallyhappened) which is includedin the section The incidentwhich came under my noticewas as follows.

4. If the same player iscautioned and then later sentoff for a second cautionableoffence, Law 12 (S7), makesure you do not submit theseon the Multi Caution matchreport form.

However, if the same player is

cautioned and then sent offfor an offence under Law 12(S1) to (S6), then both theMulti Caution match reportand the StandardMisconduct report formmust be submitted asappropriate.

5. Since the offences for which aplayer may be cautioned or

sent off are clearly stated inLaw 12, no variation ispermitted.


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The report itself

First of all you must ensure that

the introductory section of theReport Form is completed in full.

Describing the incident isprobably the most difficult partand the following advice isoffered for your consideration.

1. Whenever you caution orsend off a player, you MUSTreport the matter, you have

NO discretion.

2. Such a report MUST besubmitted within 2 days(Sundays and Bank Holidaysexcluded) to the appropriateCounty or Services FootballAssociation.

Referees are reminded that . . .FAILURE TO SUBMIT

REPORTS RENDERS THEREFEREE LIABLE TODISCIPLINARY ACTION.

3. You are the eyes and ears of

the Disciplinary Committeeand your report must reflectonly information related tothe incident.

4. Be accurate in your reportingof the incident avoidconfusing or conflictingstatements.

5. Be brief you are required

to report only the incidentleading to the sending-off.Information about the state ofthe playing surface or climaticconditions should be includedONLY if you feel they play apart in the incident described.

6. Be clear stick rigidly to adescription of the incident; itis not for you to pass

judgement. The DisciplinaryCommittee will make ajudgement from theinformation you provide.

7. In the presentation of your

report, try to make sure thatwhat you write is clear,legible, correctly spelt andpunctuated. It is often wise,particularly in the early daysof your career, to seekapproval of what you havewritten from a moreexperienced colleague.

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The cautionable offences

These offences are reported on

the Multi Caution Match ReportForm using the Caution Code(C1C7) as appropriate.

1. Unsporting behaviour (Law12, C1)This includes a multitude ofoffences, contrary to the spiritof the Law. It includesexamples of deliberatelytripping, pushing, charging or

impeding; indeed, thecommitting of any of thepenal offences, time wasting(not time consuming) kickingthe ball away or into goal afterplay has been stopped, etc.

2. Shows dissent by word oraction (Law 12, C2)You should consider 2possibilities:

(a) the spontaneous reactionof disappointment by aplayer for which a word ofadvice may be sufficient;

(b) open, hostiledisagreement by word(that was rubbishreferee) or by action(sarcastic clapping)against your decision for

which a caution MUST beissued.

Note: If offensive, insulting

or abusive language is used indissent, then the playerMUST be sent from the fieldof play.

3. Persistently infringes the Lawsof the Game (Law 12, C3)A player who persistentlyinfringes the Laws of theGame is one who continuesto offend and who will

previously have had thismatter drawn to his/herattention.*

* It is often advised, as auseful guide, that persistentinfringement could imply anumber of offences (3 or 4)committed in a short space oftime. However, a highernumber of offencescommitted over 90 minutescould result in the samesanction being applied.Referees are advised to alsoconsider the timing betweenthe offences when invokingthis element of Law 12.

4. Delays the restart of play(Law 12, C4)A player who deliberatelydelays the restart of play, e.g.

preventing an opponent fromtaking a free kick by standingin front of the ball, MUST becautioned.

5. Fails to respect the required

distance when play isrestarted with a corner kick orfree kick (Law 12, C5)A player who approaches tooclose to the ball or fails toretire the correct distancefrom the ball at the taking ofsuch kicks must be cautioned.

6. Enters or re-enters the field ofplay without the referees

permission (Law 12, C6)

7. Leaves the field of playwithout the refereespermission (Law 12, C7)These offences are,comparatively speaking, rareand it is emphasised that thereferee should only punishdeliberate breaches of thisclause. A player who wishesto leave the field of play, inorder to receive treatment,should first requestpermission from the referee.


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The cautioning procedure

The Football Association

recommends that the followingactions be adopted by the refereewhen cautioning a player:

1. State that the player is beingcautioned.

2. Enquire the players full nameand confirm the spelling.

3. Inform the player that if a

second cautionable offence iscommitted, then a sending offwill take place.

4. Show the yellow card, clearlyraised aloft and in a non-threatening manner.

Remember that the

mandatory use of a card ismerely a simple aid to bettercommunication. You shouldnot use the card in anaggressive or provocativemanner likely to inflame analready emotive situation.


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The sending off offences

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These offences are reported on

the Standard Misconduct reportform.

1. Serious Foul Play (Law 12, S1)

2. Violent Conduct (Law 12, S2)

3. Spits at an opponent or anyother person (Law 12, S3)

4. Denies the opposing team a

goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity bydeliberately handling the ball(this does not apply to agoalkeeper within his ownpenalty area) (Law 12, S4)

5. Denies an obvious goal

scoring opportunity to anopponent moving towardsthe players goal by anoffence punishable by a freekick or penalty kick(Law 12, S5)

6. Uses offensive or insulting orabusive language and/orgestures (Law 12, S6)

7. Receiving a second caution inthe same match (Law 12, S7)A player who receives asecond caution during amatch MUST be dismissedfollowing the secondcautionable offence. This alsoapplies to any players guiltyof misconduct whilstreceiving a first caution, i.e.refusing to give their namesto you.


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The sending off procedure

Responsibility of Assistantreferees who advise referees

of misconduct

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recommends that the followingactions be adopted by the refereewhen sending off a player:

1. Enquire the players full nameand confirm the spelling.

2. State that he/she is beingdismissed from the fieldof play.

3. Show the red card* clearly

raised aloft in a non-threatening manner.

* If a player is being sent off for asecond cautionable offence in amatch, you must show first theYELLOW CARD and immediatelyafterwards, the RED CARD, thusmaking it obvious that the playeris being sent off for a secondcautionable offence and not for

an offence requiring immediateexpulsion.

Please remember the advice

previously given relating to thecautioning of players, i.e. the cardis an aid to communication andthe red card, in particular, shouldNOT be shown in an aggressiveor provocative manner.

It is a duty of assistant referees toindicate to the referee ifmisconduct or any other incidenthas occurred out of the view ofthe referee (Law 6). They mayalso need to advise the referee ofa player who uses offensive orinsulting or abusive languageand/or gesture. In such

circumstances, the assistantreferee will be required to submita Misconduct Report to theappropriate authority and samplereports are included later in thisbooklet for reference.


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Definitions of serious foulplay and violent conduct

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Serious foul play

Serious foul play can only occurwhen the ball is in play and whena player unfairly challenges forthe ball against an opponentusing excessive force.

Violent conductViolent conduct occurs when aplayer is guilty of aggressiontowards an opponent even if notchallenging for the ball. The ball

can be in or out of play. If the ballis in play the sanction shall be adirect free kick in favour of theteam of the player who wasattacked, from the place wherethe offence was committed, orwith a penalty kick if it took placewithin the penalty area. If the ballis out of play, the game shall beresumed at the stage where itwas interrupted prior to theoffence (throw in, free kick, etc.).

Moreover, if a player attacks a

teammate, the referee, anassistant referee, a spectator, etc.this shall also be consideredviolent conduct. As mentionedabove, this offence can arisewhen the ball is in or out of play.If the ball is in play, the playershall be sanctioned with anindirect free kick against his/herteam from the spot where theviolent conduct occurred or with

a dropped ball taken at the placewhere the ball was situated at thetime of the offence, if thisoccurred beyond the boundariesof the field of play. If the ball isout of play the game shall beresumed at the stage where itwas interrupted prior to theoffence (throw in, free kick, etc.).


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Sending off offences specimen reports

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Example 1 Violent conduct

In the 61st minute of this game, agoal by Farmhouse United wasdisallowed because the aboveplayer had clearly impeded theopposing goalkeeper. The aboveplayer, showed dissent against mydecision, placed his hands on myright shoulder and violentlypushed me to the ground.

Example 2 Violent conduct

In the 40th minute of this game,the ball had gone out of play for agoal kick when I saw the above-named player deliberately andviolently kick a teammate on theright leg with her left footfollowing an exchange of words.At the time of the incident I wasabout 10 metres away and I had aclear and unobstructed view.I sent off the player and showedher the red card and I restartedthe game with a goal kick.

Example 3a Violent conductIn the 19th minute of this game,I had my attention drawn to anincident by assistant referee, MrTrevor Pilkington. He informedme that whilst the ball was out ofplay for a throw-in, the playernamed above had deliberatelyhead-butted the opposing

goalkeeper within thegoalkeepers own penalty area.I did not witness the incidentpersonally. I immediatelydismissed the offending player

from the field of play, showed

him the red card and restartedplay with a throw-in.

Example 3b Assistant RefereePilkingtons reportIn the 19th minute of this game,whilst the ball was out of play fora throw-in, I noticed the aboveplayer deliberately head-buttingthe opposing goalkeeper in thepenalty area. I had a clear and

uninterrupted view of the offencecommitted and I immediatelydrew this incident to the attentionof referee Mr Karl Shepherd whosummarily dismissed the playerfrom the field of play.

Example 4 Violent ConductIn the 24th minute of this game,the above player deliberatelystruck an opponent in the facewith his elbow when making anaerial challenging for the ball inthe centre circle some 10 metresfrom my position and from whereI had a clear and uninterruptedview. I took the appropriateaction.

Example 5 Denying theopposing team a goal or anobvious goalscoring opportunityby deliberately handling the ball

In the 89th minute of this game,the above-named playerdeliberately handled the ball onher own goal line and preventeda goal-bound shot from entering

the goal, thereby denying an

obvious goal to her opponents.I dismissed her from the field ofplay, showed her the red cardand restarted play with a penaltykick to opposing team. I wasapproximately 10 metres from theincident and I had a clear anduninterrupted view of the offencecommitted.

Example 6 Denying an obvious

goalscoring opportunity to theopposing teamIn the 43rd minute of this game,the above-named playerdeliberately held back, by hisshirt, an opponent who had aclear and uninterrupted run to hisopponents goal. The incidenttook place just outside thepenalty area and an obvious goalscoring opportunity was denied,so I took the appropriate action.I was approximately 15 metresfrom the incident and I had aclear and uninterrupted view ofthe offence committed.

Example 7 Serious foul playIn the 89th minute of this game,the above-named player wasguilty of a high and very latetackle in the vicinity of theopponents thigh and in my

opinion he endangered the safetyof an opponent. I was only 15metres away from the incidentand I had a clear anduninterrupted view of the offence


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Sending off offences specimen reports

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Example 14 Receives a second

caution in the same matchNote: Both reports should be

made on the StandardMisconduct report formand an indication given thatthe player was dismissedfor a S7 offence. (If,however, a player who hasbeen cautioned alreadyand then is sent off for alater separate offence of

serious foul play or violentconduct, then the cautionis to be reported on theMulti Caution match reportform and the sending offon the StandardMisconduct report form).

Please note a player atCounty FA level has theright to challenge one orboth cautions at a PersonalHearing. Therefore, fulldetails of both cautionsmust be submitted.

Example 15 Spits at an

opponent or any other personIn the 23rd minute of this game,the above-named player reactedto being tripped by an opponentinside the centre circle by spittingin his opponents face. I wasabout 8 metres from both playersand I had a clear anduninterrupted view of theincident. I immediately took theappropriate action.

General NotesIn these examples, it has not beenthe intention to produce auniform set of facts which everyreferee can lay before theappropriate body. It has been theintention to show a variety ofways in which the relevant factscan be clearly and concisely putto those who have to read suchreports and to enable them tobuild up a precise picture of theincident, bearing accurate relationto the requirements of Law.

On a practical note, it is advisable

for you to inform players, whencautioning them, that they are, infact, being officially cautionedBEFORE requesting their fullname. At least players know, atthe outset, that they are not beingsent off and, at what is often atime of tension and/or frustrationfor the player concerned, mayprevent subsequent misconducttaking place.


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Other misconduct byplayers, officials,spectators, etc.

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Law 5

The Standard Misconduct reportform is so designed as to allowthe reporting of such incidents tobe incorporated on that form.

Example 16 Misconduct after amatchAt the end of the game, thetrainer of Downtown Roversapproached me and said Thatsthe worst fg exhibition of

refereeing Ive ever seen, youre adisgrace, referee. I made noresponse whatsoever, enquiredhis name and informed him thatthis incident would be reported tothe County FA.

Example 17 Misconduct

during a gameI have to report that during thesecond half of this game I hadcause to inform the trainer ofFirebeacon Athletic, Marie Smith,that she would be reported to theCounty Football Association,since she chose to ignore myadvice not to suggest viciousactions to her players. Forexample, that they should break

her bly leg. Despite beingwarned, Marie Smith continuallyadvised her players to adoptvicious actions that wouldendanger their opponents safety.She also continually challengedmy authority be commenting in aloud manner never in this worldand you must be joking.

Remember . . . Only a player or

substitute player or substitutedplayer may be shown the red oryellow card. The referee hasthe authority to takedisciplinary sanctions from themoment he enters the field ofplay until he leaves the field ofplay after the final whistle. Thisincludes the half time interval.


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Summary of report writingprocedure

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1. Quote the FULL name of the

player and his club and thecompetition.

2. Clearly indicate the OFFENCEfor which the player wascautioned or sent off underthe provisions of Law 12, asdetailed in the Laws ofAssociation Football.

3. Report the INCIDENT

accurately, briefly and clearly.Do not confuse the OFFENCEand the INCIDENT.

4. The following points may beof relevance and help buildup a general picture:

G the time at which theincident took place

G the position at which theincident took place

G as referee, your positionand distance from theincident.

5. Present your report in themost legible manner. If yourhandwriting is difficult forothers to read, then please

print it or type it up if at allpossible.

6. Do, please, check your

spelling! Almost everyimportant word that you willneed to use is in the Laws ofthe Game. Remember, acopy of your report is sent tothe player and clubconcerned.

7. Remember, your reports maybe required to be submittedin duplicate if submitted by

post. However, check thequality of the duplicate copy.Save a copy for your ownfuture reference.

8. Dont forget to sign thereport, date it and submit it,within two days of thematch taking place(excluding Sundays andBank Holidays). Whensubmission is by post theenvelope must have a firstclass stamp attached.

9. Please check that the postagepaid on the envelope isenough to ensure it isdelivered first class as anoverweight or large sizedenvelope may be underpaidand delayed by going secondclass, resulting in the County

FA not receiving it in thedue time.

10. Remember to report the facts

Accurately

Briefly

Clearly


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Checklist for misconductreports

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In order to assist a referee in ensuring that he meets all his obligations satisfactorily in connection with after-

match action, following the cautioning or sending off of players, or reporting other misconduct to theappropriate authority, it is suggested that he asks himself the following questions and checks that the actionnecessary has been taken in each case.

A. HAVE I ENTERED CORRECTLY:

(i) The full and correct names of the competing teams?(ii) The complete title of the Competition?(iii) The venue and date of the match?(iv) The full name of the player/club being reported?(v) The team for which he played (full title) as appropriate?

(vi) The correct Caution Code on the Multi Caution match report form

In addition, if completing the Standard Misconduct Report Form:

B. IS MY REPORT OF THE INCIDENT BRIEF, LEGIBLE, TO THE POINT AND UNQUESTIONABLYACCURATE?The description given should contain ALL THE FACTS and it should relate ONLY to the INCIDENT BEINGREPORTED.

C. IS MY REPORT FOR THE USE OF OFFENSIVE OR INSULTING OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND/ORGESTURES?

IF YES:

(i) HAVE I COMPLETED THE LAW 12 SECTION CORRECTLY?(ii) HAVE I QUOTED THE ACTUAL WORDS USED?(iii) HAVE I INDICATED THAT THE WORDS WERE DIRECTED TO ME OR ANOTHER MATCH

OFFICIAL?

D. HAVE I:

(i) Entered my name in BLOCK CAPITALS?

(ii) Signed my Report?(iii) Entered my address in BLOCK CAPITALS?(iv) Dated the Report?(v) Checked the spelling of each word in the completed Report?


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Checklist for misconductreports

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E. HAVE I RETAINED A COPY OF THE REPORT FOR MY OWN FUTURE REFERENCE?

(The copy should be filed, with all relevant notes, for possible use in connection with any DisciplinaryCommission.)

F. HAVE I:

(i) Submitted by electronic means the correct match report forms to the appropriate disciplinaryauthority? If submitted by post have I addressed the envelope to send the Report to the correctDisciplinary Secretary, of the correct Association?

(ii) Enclosed in the envelope the Report in duplicate?For two or more players involved in an incident, a separate Report in duplicate must be submitted in

connection with each player.

(iii) Used a FIRST CLASS stamp and arranged to ensure that the Report is sent within two days of thematch (Sundays not included)?

(iv) Ensured that the postage paid on the envelope is enough to ensure it is delivered first class, as anoverweight and underpaid envelope is delayed by going second class, resulting in the County FA notreceiving it in the due time?

This Self Checklist is designed to help referees in checking that each step has been completed correctly usingThe Football Associations Multi Caution or Standard Misconduct report form. It may also be helpful to note,

at a later stage, the date of acknowledgement of receipt of the Report by the appropriate authority.


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The DisciplinaryCommission

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Misconduct reports must be sent

to the appropriate authorities(County FA or The FA only)within the stipulated time and willbe dealt with in accordance withlaid down procedures. Uponreceipt of the referees report, theCounty Football Associationsends an acknowledgement tothe referee usually by email and a copy to the Secretary of theplayers club.

In competitions that are governedby match-based discipline, aplayer has no right to a PersonalHearing for a standard sending-off, but does have a right in amisconduct charge. In all othercases a player is not permitted torequest a Personal Hearing inrespect of an individual caution,except in the case of a claim ofmistaken identity. However, aplayer has a right to a Personal

Hearing in respect of all othersending-off offences, and ifsought, the date, time and venueare then fixed and you will beinformed of the arrangements.

The following advice is offered toReferees who are asked to attenda Personal Hearing:

G If you, as Referee, are under18 years of age arrange for a

parent/guardian or RefereeDevelopment Officer toaccompany you and informyour County DisciplinarySecretary.

G Take a copy of your

Misconduct Report and yourMatch Record Card withyou. Recall match incidentsfrom memory.

G Your Personal Appearance isimportant and will provide theDisciplinary Commission witha first impression of yourcredibility as to a witness forthe Personal Hearing. Be a

credit to yourself and to yourReferee colleagues.

G Arrive in plenty of time anduse the room provided foryou on arrival. Normally,separate refreshment andtoilet facilities are provided toensure you do not makecontact with players/personsalso attending theCommission.

G Make yourself known to theDisciplinary Secretary; informhim of your mileage to enablehim to pay your expenses.

G Where you have been

requested to attend a case ofAssault the DisciplinarySecretary will ensure yoursafety and, should there bethe need, ensure you aresafely escorted from thepremises. This also applies toany Personal Hearing whereyou feel you may have aproblem with an individualor club.

G When you are in front of theDisciplinary Commissionanswer all questions factually.DO NOT over elaborate orchange the content of yourreport if you feel underpressure. You and yourreport are the main evidenceagainst the player/person.

G

Remain co-operativethroughout the Hearing. Thefinal decision taken by theDisciplinary Commission willbe their judgement of theevidence presented and NOTyour ability as Referee on thefield of play. You are a witnessfor The Football Associationand NOT on trial.


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Personal Hearingprocedures

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The date, time and venue for a

Personal Hearing will be notifiedto both the players/personsClub and to the Referee. If, forsome reason, the Referee isunable to attend on a specificdate, or a specific time, theCounty FA Disciplinary Secretarymust be informed immediatelyand confirmation is required inwriting, for non-attendance,stating the reasons why. It should

be noted that when the CountyFA Disciplinary Secretaryarranges a Personal Hearing theReferees closed dates arechecked. Hence, it is important toensure that your County FA isalways aware of your availability.

If you are attending your firstPersonal Hearing contact theDisciplinary Secretary who willexplain procedures.

Failure to carry out this procedureand/or not attend a DisciplinaryCommission may result in theReferee being called before theCommittee and/or DisciplinaryCommission having been chargedwith misconduct under FA Rules.

When they are involved, allneutral Assistant Referees are

required to send a report to theCounty Association indicatingmisconduct by players, Clubs andofficials, this includes sending offbut not cautions (details of which

should be recorded, noted and

kept because there is a claim ofmistaken identity still available forplayers and cautions). It is up tothe County if such reports areissued with the charge and theAssistant Referee called to ahearing. The Referee is a witnessfor the association, as is anAssistant whose evidence isdeemed to be relevant. If areferee reports to the Association

that another participant haswitnessed an incident, suchperson must report the matter tothe Association so the County candecide if they require such to becalled to attend. The reportMUST have been forwarded tothe person(s) reported, to allowthem to be aware of the evidenceagainst them at the hearing.

Referees may ask the Chair of aCommission if they can havesomebody with them as longas that person takes no part in theCommission.

If you require any guidance,always contact your County FAsReferee Development Officer.Full details of procedures can bedownloaded from TheFA.com.


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Conclusion

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We stated in our introduction that it was our aim to assist and support you in your preparation and

completion of misconduct reports and to do so in such a way as to provide a clear and accurate description ofincidents which you see, either as referee or assistant referee.

If you succeed in presenting your report in a manner acceptable to The Football Association or CountyFootball Association, then you will have performed a service to the whole refereeing movement, you willhave minimised the likelihood of an appeal by the player and you will have acted in an efficient manner thatwill stand you in good stead throughout your career.

Ian BlanchardSenior National Game Referee ManagerJuly 2009


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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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