Changes to Disciplinary System

Regulation Amendments 2017/18 Season

This document is intended to provide a brief overview of the key Regulation amendments for 2017/18 season for all Clubs operating at Step 5 and below (County FA football). Please refer to The FA or County FA handbook for the rule in its entirety and all other changes that may affect you. This is not intended to replace the Assoicaition handbook.
In addition to this, The discipline Handbook will be released in due course.

Separation of FA Offences and CFA Offences
All suspensions imposed by a County FA will not affect a participant at Step 4 and above unless dispensation has been given by The FA for the suspension to cover all levels of the game. Likewise, a suspension at Step 4 and above will remain at Step 4 and above unless dispensation provided to cover all levels of the game.

This change will ensure Players and Clubs are not affected by suspensions from another body which operates under a different set of Disciplinary Regulations.

Suspension Start Dates
Following any case that has an automatic suspension (Red Card, 5/10/15 cautions) all suspensions will commence 7 days from the date of the offence. The onus is on the Player and Club to ensure the suspension is served irrespective whether paperwork is received or not.

Late Payment & Response Update
If a late fine is applied this will be due 14 days from the issue of the fine and will amount to 25% of the original amount invoiced. Failure to pay will result in a Club suspension on the first Monday 7 days after the monies were due.

If a late response fine is applied this will be due 14 days from the issue of the fine and will amount to 25% of the original amount invoiced. Failure to pay will result in a Team suspension on the first Monday 7 days after the monies were due.

County FA Discipline Commissions

To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Discipline Commissions the following rules have been implemented, thus ensuring personnel sitting are fully compliant and aware of discipline process and regulations:

 Every Commission must have a qualified Commission Secretary
Independent members will provide opportunities for those not operating within CFA councils to be incorporated into the discipline process providing their skillset and expertise on decisions. Thus, improving the diversity of the Panel and having a true reflection of the personnel within the County.The definition of an Independent member is where the member has no invoolvement other than the Disciplinary panel with a County Association.

 All Commissions must have an independent member (effective from 1st January 2018)