Cambs FA

Cambs FA is looking for new independent disciplinary commission members

Independent Football Discipline Panel Members

Cambridgeshire FA is seeking volunteers to become independent members on its Football Disciplinary Commission panels. We are looking for individuals to help ensure our football disciplinary commission panels are seen as independent and also diverse to better reflect the population in our county. Whether you are a coach, player, league official, club official, referee or simply a football fan with a passion for football governance, we would love to hear from you.

Discipline Commissions

A Discipline Commission is convened to consider all football Misconduct charges, whether the response to the charge is  accepted or  denied. A Misconduct Charge is issued where an incident is reported which does not fall under standard (red card) dismissal offences or is a serious offence.  For  

Example a participant can be charged with Misconduct following being sent from the field of play, but before doing so directs abusive/insulting comments towards a match official.

There are two main types of hearing:

Personal Hearing:

Attended by the person charged together with witnesses for both the County FA and the person/CIub charged.

Non-Personal Hearing:

All evidence is presented to the Panel in paper/electronic format for the Commission to review; this is the most common type of hearing.

Hearings provide an opportunity for all evidence to be reviewed and for witnesses to be questioned with their evidence being considered. The Panel then make a decision, on the balance of probabilities, as to whether the charge is proven or not, and if proven what sanction should be imposed within FA guidelines.

Discipline panels consist of a Secretary, two panel members and a Chairman, each with slightly different roles and responsibilities. We appoint at least one independent panel member to each discipline panel, i.e. someone who has no other direct involvement with the County FA and is not a member of staff or a Council member.

How to AppIy

  • To apply to become an Independent Discipline Panel member, please contact Cambridgeshire FA Football Operations Manager, Colin Hills at colin.hills@Cambridgeshirefa.com
  • Please note that whilst this is a voluntary role, reasonable travel expenses are paid.

Key responsibilities

  • To assist at Discipline Commissions in accordance with FA Disciplinary procedures
  • To assist the Chairman in the delivery of written reasons as required by FA regulations
  • Act as an advocate for Cambridgeshire FA, promoting a culture of respect; championing inclusion and anti-discrimination across football
  • To ask relevant and effective questions of those in attendance at Hearings
  • To assist in the sanctioning of participants and clubs Using FA discipline guidelines in conjunction with other panel members

Behaviours (Personal characteristics)

  • Ability to work collaboratively with others
  • Working knowledge of football judicial processes (training will be provided)
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
  • Understanding of grassroots football
  • Patience and diplomacy
  • Tact and confidentiality
  • Confident communicator