Our 2023/24 infographics highlight the number of incidents in grassroots football across two key areas of the game – discipline & discrimination.

As a County FA, we have a responsibility to lead, protect and support participants in grassroots football within the Surrey. 

Part of this responsibility, as delegated by The Football Association, is taking disciplinary action over red and yellow cards on the field of play and raising misconduct charges relating to more serious incidents outside the authority of the referee. We also play a key role in supporting our network of volunteer Club Secretaries and Welfare Officers across the County to manage poor practice and low level concerns regarding behaviour in youth football. Our discipline figures for season 23/24 illustrate the challenges we face. 
Over half of cases heard at disciplinary hearings related to misconduct in youth football.

The most common charge related to club personnel – We tracked over 200 charges against 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. (see below)

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. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD Codes of Conduct for parents, coaches, players and match officials