Manager backs move to cut serious misconduct from grassroots game
Grassroots clubs in Cambridgeshire will be affected from next season
A local football manager in Cambridgeshire says new FA rules to tackle serious misconduct at amateur level will make players and coaches think again about their behaviour.
English football's governing body will introduce points deductions from the start of the 2023-24 season for teams at step seven and below of the men's non-league pyramid for those repeatedly offending.
The rules will also come into force for teams playing at tier three and below in the women’s pyramid.
Sean McKay manages Wimblington FC who play in the Cambridgeshire County League and backs the move.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction having these tougher sanctions in place and in some ways, it’s a shame it’s come to this,” he said.
“But if you have players or coaches repeatedly offending in incidents of serious misconduct, you’d hope any points deduction would prevent that from happening in the future.”
The sanctions come after the FA received feedback from across grassroots football clubs that player behaviour is a more important issue.
Points deductions will apply to clubs who commit incidents including acts of discrimination, assault or attempted physical contact against a match official such as a referee.
Mark Bullingham, FA CEO, believes the ruling will be “a significant step for grassroots football in England.
“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."
"It will definitely make people think twice"
The deductions will span from three to 12 points depending on the number of breaches committed within 12 months of the team’s first offence, and how serious the case(s) is.
McKay said most teams his side have faced do respect the officials and opposition players and thinks the new rules will be a timely reminder for clubs.
“I think it’s a clear message this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated so I’m confident it will deter players and coaches from abusing officials,” he added.
“I expect my players to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, but it’s there as a reminder to do that with the severity of the new ruling.
“It will definitely make people think twice about their behaviour on the football pitch, and if this is a recurring problem for an individual team, then the severity of the rules is warranted.”