Our 2025-26 season Annual Grassroots Behaviour and Discipline Report has been published today. The report provides an overview of serious misconduct cases and demonstrates how targeted interventions are delivering measurable improvement across the game.
Serious misconduct includes cases of discrimination, serious offences against match officials and assaults committed by participants.
This comprehensive report covers Step 5 and below of the men’s game and Tier 3 and below of the women’s game, and analyses serious misconduct cases across both adult and youth grassroots football.
The vast majority of grassroots football continues to be played in a positive environment, with an average respect mark of “good” in 90.5% of matches from more than 1.3 million scores. Serious misconduct cases continue to occur in less than 0.09% of all grassroots fixtures. However, we recognise that even relatively rare incidents of this type can have a significant impact on individuals, clubs and communities, and we remain committed to addressing poor behaviour consistently, robustly and fairly.
During the 2025-26 season, there was an increase of 0.40 reports per 1000 fixtures relating specifically to discrimination. The average ban for participants who were found guilty of discrimination offences was seven matches. This will be increased in the 2026-27 season, with a standard suspension of at least 10 matches introduced for first-time offenders, alongside mandatory fines and education.
Refereeing numbers have reached a record high, with 41,500 match officials registered at the end of the 2025-26 season and a retention rate of 82%. We recognise the impact serious offences against match officials can have on the refereeing community and we are encouraged that serious offence allegations against match officials reduced in the 2025-26 season by 0.28 per 1000 fixtures.
We continue to take strong action for offences towards match officials, and participants found guilty of serious misconduct face significant suspensions and financial penalties. All proven offenders must also complete a mandatory education programme before returning to the game.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, we introduced a series of behavioural measures aimed at driving a positive culture across grassroots football and to act as a clear deterrent against unacceptable behaviours. This includes our ‘Positivity Champions’ initiative, the national rollout of ‘cooling off’ periods, and the monthly publishing of disciplinary sanctions that we have issued.
Tim Foster, Head of Operations, Grassroots Football Division, said: “Our data suggests that participants have greater trust and improved confidence in our processes to take action when they report incidents of serious misconduct. We continue to make strong progress in addressing unacceptable behaviour across the grassroots game, and our commitment to tackling discrimination and other incidents of serious misconduct remains unwavering. Everyone deserves to play, coach, and officiate in a safe and respectful environment, and the improved and enhanced measures that we’ve introduced will help instil this throughout the game.
“This is a collective effort, and we’re grateful to the leagues, clubs, referees, and volunteers who share our commitment to raising standards and ensuring grassroots football provides a positive experience for all.”
Alan Darfi, FA Senior Behaviours & Discipline Manager (Grassroots), said: “Publishing this annual review shows our ongoing commitment to openness and accountability across the grassroots game. We recognise the impact that poor behaviour can have on players, referees, and volunteers, and we’re determined to address it head-on. With better reporting processes in place, and increased trust and confidence in them, it’s natural that we’re seeing more allegations come through. We see this as a sign that our systems are working as intended. Alongside our valued County FA network, we are issuing stronger sanctions, championing and celebrating respect and positive conduct, and we are encouraging all participants to play their part in ensuring football remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
The full report can be seen below.
