The FAW Referees Committee has expressed concern about the level of abuse being reported against
Referees, particularly at Tier 4 and below.
The issue of the development of referees has been at the forefront of the FAW for many years and we
have been actively engaged in the development of our Referee recruitment and Retention Strategy to
increase the number of officials in Wales at all levels.
We cannot over-emphasis the importance of supporting referees, particularly by dealing with offences in
a robust way. To this end, Area associations are reminded of the following
• To refer to the FAW Guidance on Disciplinary Sanctions (see copy attached) when dealing with
cases of misconduct. Your attention is drawn to the guidance which states these are the
recommended MINIMUM sanctions and can be increased where a Disciplinary panel consider
there are aggravating factors in a particular case.
• That sanctions given against clubs found guilty can include the deduction of points and the closure
of a ground
In addition, to try and offer further options to match officials to curb instances of dissent, the FAW
Referees’ Committee are looking into the introduction of temporary dismissals (“sin bins”) into the game
in Wales.
Referees are reminded of the importance of submitting accurate reports in order that cases of misconduct
can be dealt with appropriately.
We look to your support in helping to combat this scourge to referees which will make the game a safer
place for all to take part in.
Noel Mooney
General Secretary
Steve Williams
President