The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association make it an offence to make any written comment that is offensive, insulting, abusive, threatening, racist or discriminatory.
This covers comments made in newspapers, on websites, web forums, or on social networking sites such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and TikTok. Failing to comply with the regulations may leave a participant liable to a charge of Bringing the Game into Disrepute.
While we are not suggesting that players and other participants should avoid social networking sites, we remind everyone of their responsibility under the FA Code of Conduct to ‘always have regard to the best interests of the game’ while showing ‘due respect to the interests of players, coaches, supporters and other officials’.
Please share this reminder with coaches and players so that they are aware of their own responsibilities. Should you need any advice on social networking sites, and in particular what is considered acceptable content from an FA point of view, please contact us.
FA guidance is available at thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding.
Please remember that Under 7s, Under 8s and Under 9s are not permitted to play in leagues where results are collected or published, or where winner trophies are presented. This is considered detrimental to the development of the player and the game and will not be sanctioned. To play in a knockout cup game or a game where points are awarded or results collected, a player must have reached the age of 9 on or before 31 August.
