Fines and Sanctions Policy

The purpose of this policy is to set out the Club’s position in regard to fines or sanctions imposed by the FA, County FA, League and Club as a result of “Match Day” breaches of discipline.

For the purpose of this policy, “Match Day” is defined as the period during which a referee would be expected to have assumed responsibility for the proper management of an FA, County FA or League sanctioned football match, where the Rules of the Game would be applied.

In simple terms Match Day is the period running from the point at which players and coaches arrive at the game to the point of leaving the venue.

For the purpose of this policy, “Match Day Administration” is defined as the period commencing at 21:00 on the Thursday preceding the fixture to 48 hours after the fixture is concluded. In the case of midweek fixtures, the period will operate for the same duration on each side of the listed fixture. The “Match Day Administration” period is in place to account for Rules which apply only to team managers.

Other breaches of discipline, which include breaches of Club Policies and Code of Conduct will be treated through the Complaints Policy but depending on the specific offence, may also be caught in this policy.

Temporary Dismissals (“Sin Bins”) introduced from the 19/20 Season are not covered by this Policy and no financial sanctions are levied, however it should be noted that the FA and League will be monitoring Temporary Dismissals and a totting-up procedure could result in further action.

Tariffs for fines and sanctions are set out by the FA and communicated in the County Disciplinary Sanction Guidelines and the League Rulebook. Where the Club is required to issue its own fine or sanction, the tariff will be equal to the tariff set out in these documents.

1. In the cases of breach of discipline resulting in an administration fee for a yellow or red card on the field of play, the individual player or coach is liable to reimburse the Club for this fee.
2. In the cases of breach of discipline resulting in a formal charge or sanction imposed by the FA, County FA or League, the individual player or coach is liable to reimburse the Club for any financial penalty levied, unless there is an expectation by the authority that this is paid directly. This includes the costs of convening and administering any hearing imposed by the FA, County FA or League.
3. Players or coaches who fail to comply with this policy will be suspended from involvement in Club activities until the reimbursement is properly made.

Exceptions to this Policy shall include:

• A case of obvious mistaken identity resulting in a caution or dismissal, where the Club intervenes and challenges the initial sanction.
• A case where following an appropriate investigation, the Club believes the fine or sanction to be incorrect or unfair and supports an official appeal to a higher authority.
• A case where following a formal investigation, in the view of the Committee, there are other extenuating factors.

Where an exception is confirmed, the Club may decide to contribute a proportion of any resulting financial penalty. Any contribution would be determined by the Committee on the merits of the specific circumstances.

Further to the conclusion of any FA, County FA or League action in regard to fines or sanctions, the Club reserves the right to take further action at the local level to preserve standards and adherence to its own Code of Conduct and other related policies.

Offences where fine or sanctions can be imposed are included in the Appendix 1.

This Policy should be read alongside the Club’s Code of Conduct and League Rulebook.

Appendix 1

Fines Tariffs

Please refer to the County Disciplinary Sanction Guidelines (see Policies Section of the Club website)

The list below, which is an extract from the League Rulebook, relates mainly to Club and administrational offences but also includes a number of “Match Day” Offences where sanctions could be imposed; these are highlighted.