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English grassroots football teams to face points deductions if found guilty of misconduct

The Football Association (FA) plans to deduct points from English grassroots football teams if they are found guilty of misconduct, according to the Guardian. 

This decision aims to tackle abuse and discrimination against match officials in grassroots football. 

FA’s new rules will be implemented from next season, and they will apply to clubs below step six in the men’s game and across the third tier and below in the women’s.

Football teams will be docked points if their players or coaches use discriminatory language or commit serious misconduct against an official more than once in a 12-month period. 

It is said that repeated offences could even lead to clubs losing up to 12 points. 

Mark Bullingham, the FA’s chief executive, said: “We frequently hear from grassroots participants that player behaviour is a growing issue and we’re determined to change this.

“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.” 

Violence and abuse against officials is one of the biggest problems in football. 

Earlier this year, over 900 amateur referees revealed worrying levels of abuse and intimation in a BBC questionnaire.  

The FA’s plans to dock points from clubs for serious misconduct is undoubtedly a positive step.

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