There has been considerable change in the manner in which match officials can report misconduct on the field of play.  The Football Association has recognised the opportunities available to many referees to use technology while not detracting from a system in place for those referees who, for whatever reason, do not make use of it as a form of communication.

Referees can now report misconduct in the following ways (as an alternative to the traditional misconduct report forms):

• Online via the Whole Game System

Adobe Acrobat Format (print and manually fill-in)

• Multi Caution Match Report Form

• Standard Misconduct Form

Microsoft Excel Format (complete electronically and e-mail to relevant County FA discipline department unless otherwise specified by the County):

• Multi Caution Match Report Form

• Standard Misconduct Form

Please note that only these approved templates may be used by referees and not any personally designed electronic forms.

Reporting misconduct

It is vital that match officials report misconduct to the correct association in order for the forms to be processed accurately. Not doing so causes significant delays to the disciplinary process and creates additional work for those involved by having to advise where reports should be sent to.

Therefore, it is essential that when officiating a match you are aware of where to send both participating teams' disciplinary reports. If you are in any doubt then please refer to the details below or contact The FA referees’ or disciplinary department. Your local County Football Association will also be able to provide you with advice.

The reporting misconduct e-book

This online interactive reference guide aids match officials with writing and submitting their misconduct reports.

The reports are the key component in maintaining an effective disciplinary process. Clear, accurate reports are required to take action against the offenders, helping to shape player behaviour throughout the game, making them an essential tool to help support referees. Developing a consistent approach to reporting misconduct also helps to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the game.

This guide includes videos and resources to help you write clear and concise reports, as well as a demonstration on how to submit your them online through the Whole Game System. There is also best practice guidance on yellow and red card procedures, reporting extraordinary incidents and how to report incidents of discrimination. The guide also explains what to expect and how to prepare if you are required to attend a disciplinary commission.

Make sure your misconduct reports are the best they can be. Please click here to access this unique guide.

The FA’s discipline department only deals with teams participating in the following leagues and competitions:

• Premier League - first team, Reserves and academy/youth teams

• The Football League - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams

• Conference National - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams

• Conference North - first team only

• Conference South - first team only

• Southern League Premier - first team only

• Southern League Division One Midlands - first team only

• Southern League Division One South & West - first team only

• Northern Premier League Premier - first team only

• Northern Premier League Division One North - first team only

• Northern Premier League Division One South - first team only

• Isthmian League Premier - first team only

• Isthmian League Division One North - first team only

• Isthmian League Division One South - first team only

• The FA Cup

• The Football League Cup

• The FA Trophy

• Isthmian League Cup

• Southern Football League Cup

• Northern Premier League Challenge Cup

• The Football League Trophy

• Northern Premier League Chairman’s Cup

• County Senior Cups

• Northern Premier League Presidents Cup

The FA Youth Cup Premier League, Football League and Conference National clubs are only dealt with by The FA.

The FA Vase – all disciplinary procedures are dealt with by County Football Associations.

Multi caution match report form

A multi caution match report form has been adopted for the last few seasons, developed and approved by The FA that permits all cautions from a fixture to be reported on one form.

Referees will only be required to complete one form and distribute one copy to the appropriate association giving details of the fixture, details of the player cautioned and code for the offence that has been committed, (i.e. C1 to C7). There is now no longer the requirement to give details of the offence or details of words used in relation to dissent by word or action.

Referees are reminded that in using this form the following guidance needs to be taken into consideration:

1. This form is to be used for cautions only.

2. Players receiving two cautions in a game must be reported on the standard misconduct reporting form.

3. Players sent off or other reports of misconduct need to be reported individually on the standard misconduct report form.

4. A copy of the form needs to be sent to each county that is affected.

5. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the referee to photocopy the form and send to each appropriate association. However, you are required to still include the details of all of the cautions on one form.

To assist associations in the administration of the misconduct, please include team details on the form (i.e. First team, reserves, U18, U17 etc.).

This form is available from two main sources:

1. Any County Football Association

2. TheFA.com

The Microsoft Excel version of the form will enable the referee to complete it electronically and submit it to the appropriate association by email (see details on form). The referee must have Microsoft Excel installed in order for this form to work.

The PDF version of the form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. The reader is a free download from www.adobe.co.uk (click on the icon on the lower left hand side that says "get Adobe Reader").

Standard misconduct report form

Use this form to report:

1. Players receiving two cautions in a game and therefore dismissed from the field of play

2. Players sent off or other reports of misconduct need to be reported individually on the standard misconduct report form

An electronic version of the standard misconduct report form has been created in Microsoft Excel and in PDF and is available by clicking the links above. This will enable the referee to complete the form electronically and submit to the appropriate association by e-mail (see details on form). The referee must have Microsoft Excel installed in order for this form to work.

Again, this will enable the referee to complete the form electronically and submit to the appropriate association by e-mail.