Our discipline figures for season 21/22 make for some shocking reading.

 Over half of cases heard at disciplinary hearings related to misconduct in youth football.

The most common charge related club personnel – including parents – behaving in a disorderly manner. We’d urge everyone to read the FA Codes of Conduct and that of their club.

 The most common charge raised against individual Participants (players, coaches, Club Officials) was for abusive language towards match officials, highlighting that our referees, including those under the age of 18 learning and developing their skills, are still not being shown the respect their role demands.

 Discipline Officer Adam Williamson said: “Football is a game that should be enjoyed by everyone and while it is shocking that so many issues happened at youth games – where our youngest players should be able to enjoy learning to play in a fun and supportive environment – the data shows that the majority of charges raised were against Clubs who’s personnel, including spectators and parents, behaved in a disorderly fashion, indicating that there is still work to be done to eliminate negative behaviour both on and off the pitch, behaviour we will continue to challenge. We’d urge everyone in football to read The FA and their own club Codes of Conduct and act accordingly.”

 Codes of Conduct for parents, coaches, players and match officials can be downloaded and viewed from the England Football Respect site via the following link: https://www.englandfootball.com/explore/inclusive-football/Respect.