Discipline in numbers

The latest statistics provide an update on the number of disciplinary incidents, discrimination reports and safeguarding referrals for the period of 1 July 2023 until 31 March 2024. Over this period, approximately 35,000 grassroots matches have been completed in Berks & Bucks. 

The statistics provide some insights into on- and off-field behaviour across the grassroots game, including:

  • We have continued to see a rise in match-based discipline, with an 11% rise in dissent compared to the same period for the 2022/23 season. 

• The proportion of allegations of discriminatory language or behaviour leading to misconduct charges or education orders remains twice as high as last season, with over half of all allegations leading to disciplinary action. There has also been a 28% rise in the number of complaints. 

• The behaviour of adults in youth football continues to be a major concern. We have seen a 200% increase in the number of allegations of discriminatory language used by adults in youth football compared to the 2022/23 season. 

As we head towards the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and a high density of fixtures over the coming months to make up for cancellations due to poor weather over winter, we will continue to 

• Increasing the visibility of our “Let Us Play” media campaign highlighting the impact of poor spectator behaviour in youth football through additional promotions and paid-for advertising. The latest videos have received significant traction on social media, including over 300,000 views on TikTok - which we believe to be a County FA record!

• Continuing to action our Anti-Discrimination Strategy, including creating new avenues of support for victims of discrimination

• Recruiting a new member of staff to lead on promoting Positive Behaviour and Impact in football. 

We will provide further updates at the end of the 2023/24 season in July.

For more information about tackling misconduct and discrimination in grassroots football, please contact Alastair Kay, Berks & Bucks FA Head of Governance, via email.

For any queries regarding Safeguarding please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officer, Graham Fisher. Alternatively, please visit our dedicated Discipline and Safeguarding pages.

Click on the images below to view the full reports.