The FA has recognised the technical opportunities available to many referees to use IT whilst not detracting from a system in place for those referees who, for whatever reason, do not use IT as a form of communication. Since 2008/09, referees can report misconduct using the forms in the 'Documents' section as an alternative to the traditional forms. These can be electronically completed and E-Mailed to discipline@essexfa.com. Please note that only these approved templates may be used by referees and not any personally-designed electronic forms.
It is vital that forms are submitted to the correct County Football Association for processing as not doing so causes significant delays to the disciplinary process and creates additional work for those involved by having to advise where reports should be sent to. Therefore, it is essential that when officiating in a match, you are aware of where to send both participating teams' disciplinary reports. If you are in any doubt then please refer to the details that follow, or by contacting the ECFA Referees Department.
The Football Association Disciplinary Department only deal with teams participating in the following leagues and competitions:
FA Premier League (Barclays) - First Team, Reserves and Academy/Youth Teams
The Football League (Coca-Cola) - First Team, Reserves and Academy/Youth Teams
Conference Premier (Blue Square) - First Team, Reserves and Academy/Youth Teams
Conference North (Blue Square) - First Team Only
Conference South (Blue Square) - First Team Only
Southern League Premier (Zamaretto) - First Team Only
Southern League Division One Midlands (Zamaretto) - First Team Only
Southern League Division One South & West (Zamaretto) - First Team Only
Northern Premier League Premier (Unibond) - First Team Only
Northern Premier League Division One North and South (Unibond) - First Team Only
Isthmian League Premier (Ryman) - First Team Only
Isthmian League Division One North and South (Ryman) - First Team Only
In addition, The FA also deal with misconduct committed by teams (in the leagues listed above) who also participate in the following knockout cup competitions:
The FA Cup (E.ON)
The Football League Cup (Carling)
The FA Trophy (Carlsberg)
Isthmian League Cup (Championship Manager)
Southern Football League Cup (Errea)
Northern Premier League Challenge Cup (Unibond)
The Football League Trophy (Johnstone's Paints)
Northern Premier League Chairman’s Cup (Unibond)
County Senior Cups
Northern Premier League Presidents Cup (Unibond)
In the FA Youth Cup (E.ON), FA Premier League, Football League and Conference National clubs are only dealt with by The FA. In the FA Vase (Carlsberg), all disciplinary procedures are dealt with by County Football Associations.
Caution Report Form
Referees are only required to complete one form and distribute just one copy to the appropriate association, giving details of the fixture, the player cautioned and the code for the offence that has been committed, (ie C1 to C7). There is now no longer the requirement to give details of the offence or details of words used in relation to dissent by word or action.
Referees are reminded that in using this form the following guidance needs to be taken into consideration:
*this form is to be used for cautions only
*players receiving two cautions in a game must be reported on the standard Misconduct Reporting Form
*players sent off (or other reports of misconduct) need to be reported individually on the standard Misconduct Report Form
*a copy of the form needs to be sent to each County that is affected. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the referee to photocopy the form and send it to each appropriate association. However, you are required to still include the details of all of the cautions on one forto assist associations in the administration of the misconduct, please include team details on the form (ie First, Reserves, Under 18s)
Misconduct Report Form
Use this form to report players receiving two cautions in a game who were therefore dismissed from the field of play or players sent off or other reports of misconduct which need to be reported individually.
