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Leagues Newsletter

Friday 6th September 2024

2024/25 Grassroots Football Season

LOVE FOOTBALL - PROTECT THE GAME

With the 2024/25 grassroots football season kicking-off across the country, England Football have launched a number of new interventions to ensure the game can be played in a safe and enjoyable environment For All.

They’re clearly setting out expectations of behaviours in the grassroots game through a new Code of Conduct for the 2024/25 season. This sets out the minimum standards which ensure a positive environment for all to enjoy the game. Sin Bin protocols have also been simplified to drive consistency of use and to enforce the message that dissent will not be tolerated.
Code of ConductRevamped Sin Bins
Sin Bins Update
Let’s Make Football Better for Everyone

Grassroots Code: Respect the Standard

Created from conversations with grassroots clubs across the country, England Football and the Essex County FA hope participants will sign up to a new ‘Grassroots Code’ and show they want to improve behaviour across every league.

The Grassroots Code is here to unite the grassroots game by driving positive ‘Standards of Behaviour’ everyone can all get behind. Locally, we also provide #PlayYourPart Matchday Environment resources which also display that good behaviour deserves everyone’s respect.
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Respect the Standard
28th and 29th September

Play Safe Weekend

Everyone in Essex grassroots football is invited to take park in this year’s Play Safe Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September, celebrating the year-round campaign which amplifies the importance of safeguarding across all levels of football.

During these two days, the local game will be committing to making sure everyone knows their role in safeguarding, and what Play Safe is all about. Collectively, Essex football can make the game safer, fun and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time. Anyone’s love of football can be taken away by negative behaviour and abuse. Has your league signed-up to take part in Play Safe Weekend? Please let us know via E-Mail at info@essexfa.com so we can celebrate this on social media!

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Play Safe Weekend
Take the lead. Set the tempo. Raise the roof.

England Football Accreditation

Is your league providing an accredited environment for your member teams? England Football Accreditation is the framework for club and league accreditation which helps to create the experiences and environments where players, coaches, referees, volunteers and spectators can thrive.

Accreditation is a clear signal to your community that you value the importance of being an accessible, safe and sustainable league. For more information on England Football Accreditation, please contact your local Football Development Officer.
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England Football Accreditation
heading, sin bins, law changes

Key 2024/25 Updates

As the new season gets underway, it’s important to stay informed on some important grassroots football topics. Take a look at our recent webinars to find out more.

You’ll find details on the removal of heading in youth football (for Under 7s to 9s), alterations to sin bins and some adjustments to the laws of the game for 2024/25. As always, if you face any technology-related challenges, our technology@essexfa.com E-Mail address is available to support you.

Removal of Heading in Youth Football (Under 7s-9s)

Sin BinsLaw Changes
YouTube
England Football Programmes

NEW PENALTY POINTS ACCUMULATIONS

For behavioural-based offences, like dissent or threatening behaviour, penalty points will be attributed. When certain accumulation thresholds of these points are reached, bespoke support will be provided, and teams will be asked to evidence steps which are being taken to tackle poor behaviour through England Football’s new Behaviour Improvement Programme.

Following on from the introduction of points deductions in grassroots football last season, England Football are also committed to tackling repeat offenders, and points deductions can be applied to clubs where there are repeated incidents of serious misconduct. For example, discriminatory abuse from spectators. Find out more via the links below.
Penalty PointsContinued Points Deductions
Changes to Youth Heading
England Football Guidance

READ FULL SANCTIONS AND DISCIPLINE

To read the full guidance on sanctions and discipline, and to find additional links to learn more about the continued bodycam trial, points deductions and ground closures, follow the link below.
Read Guidance
England Football
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Keep In Touch

Thank you for your passion and ongoing efforts to support your league's football activity, which is hugely appreciated. Did you know, as well as on our website, you can also receive up-to-date news and information by following us on X (@EssexCountyFA) and by searching for our page on Facebook (EssexFootball). Plus, you can subscribe to our fortnightly E-Newsletter (published every second Friday) via the link below so you never miss the latest articles and stories on our website.

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Football Development Officer Vacancy