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Sport Integrity Matters

New partnership to provide investigations into disciplinary incidents in grassroots football

As part of our continued efforts to provide the highest levels of service to our members, Berks & Bucks FA has partnered with Sport Integrity Matters (SIM) to conduct disciplinary investigations on our behalf. 

SIM was founded by former FA Head of Judicial Services, Mark Ives, and provides support and independent advice to a number of County FAs on a range of disciplinary and governance matters.

Under the new partnership, SIM will liaise with relevant parties to collect statements relating to disciplinary incidents involving Clubs and Participants affiliated to Berks & Bucks FA. They will then provide the County with a case file, at the conclusion of their investigation, containing all relevant evidence and recommendations for charges. 

As an affiliated association of The FA, Berks & Bucks FA retains overall responsibility for the discipline process for grassroots football within the County, including raising charges relating to misconduct in grassroots football and appointing commissions to determine any sanctions.

Alastair Kay, Head of Governance at Berks & Bucks FA, said: “We are pleased to partner with Mark and the team at SIM. While misconduct in grassroots football is rare, with fewer than 1% of matches leading to misconduct action, we recognise the significant impact it can have on those who are victims of abuse or violent behaviour.

"Sport Integrity Matters have a respected team of investigators with decades of experience dealing with such incidents in grassroots football and will provide a high level of independent support and advice to the County FA and those who witnesses misconduct.”

In the unlikely event that you are contacted to provide statements to support an investigation, we ask all our Club and Match Officials to assist SIM with their investigation as if you had been contacted directly by a member of County FA staff.

If you have any questions regarding disciplinary cases within Berks & Bucks, please contact Discipline@Berks-BucksFA.com or visit our dedicated Discipline pages.

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