Following the announcement of the cancellation of the 20219/20 season by The FA last week, we have received enquiries about open and resolved Discipline Cases. Your questions are answered here.

Please note this information applies only to Grassroots football. Any questions concerning FA Discipline matters should be forwarded by Clubs to The FA.

• Will you be refunding monies for cases during the season?

No. The Sanctions imposed are as a result of misconduct committed and are not dependent on the completion of a season. This would be a similar scenario to matches abandoned where the game has not completed but the sanctions remain.

• Will outstanding suspensions be waived?

As per the regulations any suspension outstanding following the last competitive fixture will be served at the commencement of the next season. On that basis any suspension that remains outstanding will be served at the commencement of competitive football. 
 
It should also be remembered that there are still some Cup Competitions (including some County Cups), that still hope to be operating, depending on Government restrictions/advice, this season. Any suspension in place will still be in operation for these matches.

• Do we still have to pay outstanding discipline invoices?

Yes. The fines were imposed as a result of misconduct committed. Outstanding invoices will need to be paid in order for Clubs to re-affiliate next season.

• Our Club requires Players to pay the fines and we have received automatic late fines for failure to pay the County FA on time. What dispensation is offered?
  

The production of automatic issue of late fines by Whole Game has been stopped and so no further late payments or Club/Team suspensions will be imposed as a result of non-payment. Clubs who are of the opinion they have been unfairly fined can contact Support@GloucestershireFA.com to request the removal of additional charges.

• Will teams be penalised for having excessive discipline points at the end of the season (e.g. now or will they be removed)?

With the lack of games being played it is unlikely that any team will be surpassing the different discipline thresholds from now. For those that have reached thresholds, the charges and sanctions will still apply.

• What is the position on hearing current misconduct cases?

The FA has instructed that Gloucestershire FA does not arrange any Personal Hearings until Government Coronavirus Guidance is changed.  

Participants that have previously requested Personal Hearings have been contacted and asked if they wish their case to be dealt with on Correspondence-only (i.e. non-attendance). If the Participants still want a Personal Hearing, it will be arranged when restrictions are relaxed.

• I wish to Appeal against a League’s decision. What do I need to do?

Providing they are received within the respective period to Appeal, Gloucestershire FA will accept Appeals from Clubs. These will be dealt with on Correspondence-only without the attendance of Club and League Representatives. Appeals should be sent to Support@GloucestershireFA.com. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, Appeals need to be submitted by the Club Secretary.

The above responses reflect Coronavirus guidance published by the UK Government prior to 3 April 2020.

If you have a question that is not answered above, please email it to Support@GloucestershireFA.com.