Annual Grassroots Discipline Review for the 2024-25 season published

Our 2024-25 season Annual Grassroots Discipline Review has been published today, providing an overview of serious misconduct cases that are overseen by our Grassroots Discipline Team.

This comprehensive review covers Step 5 and below of the men’s game, and Tier 3 and below of the women’s game, and analyses serious disciplinary cases across both adult and junior grassroots football. These include cases of discrimination, serious offences against match officials and assaults committed by participants. For the first time, this report includes a per 1,000 fixtures metric, providing a more accurate measure of incident prevalence, in light of the game’s continued growth.

During the 2024-25 season, there was an increase of 0.08 per 1000 fixtures in terms of serious case allegations. We’ve also seen an increase of 0.07 per 1000 fixtures relating specifically to reports of discrimination. We know that participants are becoming more confident in reporting incidents of misconduct and are better informed about how to do so. Building trust and understanding is a key priority for us so that we can help to decrease the gap that we know exists between the number of allegations received and the number of incidents that take place. 

The average ban for participants who were found guilty of discrimination offences was seven matches, with 78% of charges proven, compared to 71% in 2023-24. To strengthen our disciplinary framework, we have put in place a minimum six-match suspension for first-time offenders, alongside mandatory fines and compulsory attendance on an education course.

Discrimination offences referencing ethnicity, race, or colour remain the most prevalent category, as they have for the past seven seasons. Meanwhile, discrimination offences referencing sexual orientation and disability have continued to rise. We believe that participants are becoming more aware of inappropriate and unacceptable language in these areas and are more likely to report it. 

Encouragingly, there has been a reduction in offences referencing religion, especially antisemitic remarks, which had increased significantly in the 2023-24 season. 

Refereeing numbers are at their strongest levels to date, with nearly 40,000 registered match officials and a retention rate of 82%, both representing year-on-year growth. Despite this positive trend, we recognise the significant impact that serious offences against match officials can have on the refereeing community. The number of serious offence allegations towards a match official decreased slightly in the 2024-25 season compared to the previous year. We have implemented lengthy suspensions and substantial fines to help tackle offences of this nature. In addition to this, all proven offenders are required to complete an educational course before being permitted to return to the game.

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, we introduced a series of behavioural measures aimed at driving a positive culture across grassroots football and to act as a clear deterrent against unacceptable behaviours. This includes the captains only protocol, cooling off periods, and the continued trial of bodycams for referees.

Tim Foster, Head of Operations, Grassroots Football Division, said: “We’ve made real progress this season in tackling serious misconduct across the grassroots game, and our commitment to being tough on discrimination and poor behaviour remains unwavering. Everyone deserves to play, coach, and officiate in a safe and respectful environment, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who choose to go against this. The improved measures we’ve introduced, from clearer reporting routes and behaviours interventions to stronger sanctions and education, are making a real difference, and it’s encouraging to see growing trust in the system.

“This is a collective effort across the game, and we’re grateful to the leagues, clubs, referees, and volunteers who share our commitment to raising standards and ensuring grassroots football is a positive experience for all.”

Alan Darfi, FA Senior Discipline Manager (Grassroots), said: “Publishing this review each year is an important part of our commitment to openness and accountability across the grassroots game. We know the impact that poor behaviour can have on players, referees, and volunteers, and we’re determined to address it head-on. With more fixtures being played each year and better reporting processes now in place, it’s natural that we’re seeing more allegations come through and we see this as a sign that our systems are working as intended. Working alongside our County FA network, we’re enforcing stronger sanctions where needed, championing respect and positive conduct, and encouraging everyone involved to play their part in upholding the values that make our game special.”

The full review can be seen below.