Abusive words are considered by many participants to be an integral part of a game of football. They often go unnoticed in the heat of a match, and most players do not dwell on what happens on the pitch after the final whistle.
However, racist, homophobic or other discriminatory abuse is unacceptable. It should be punished, regardless of its effect on the individual, as it cannot be part of the game. The Staffordshire Football Association work closely with The Football Association on all discrimination allegations.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I make a report anonymously?
A: Yes. You do not have to give your name when reporting an incident of racism or other discrimination. However, if an anonymous person is the only witness, we are likely to find it difficult to take formal action against the alleged offender.
Q: Once I make a report, what happens next?
A: The details reported will be assessed by an officer of Staffordshire Football Association who will review the information provided and decide on the appropriate course of action. This will involve deciding, where necessary, who should investigate the allegation – this may be Staffordshire Football Association, The Football Association, the police, etc. Once this decision has been made, you will be contacted and the process will be explained.
Q: Who will contact me once my report has been reviewed?
A: A member of Staffordshire Football Association will contact you in the first instance although, ultimately, it could be The Football Association or another agency that deals with the complaint. If you have preferred method for communications (i.e. telephone, letter, etc.) please let us know.
Q: How long can I expect to wait before I am contacted?
A: It is too early to say. Only if any football Rules have been breached and there is sufficient evidence, will disciplinary action be taken, which may lead to some form of sanction. However, this cannot be certain at this stage. The first step is for us to assess the information available and decide on the most appropriate course of action.
Q: Will I have to give evidence?
A: If it is decided that disciplinary action will be taken against the alleged offender(s) that will usually mean that we charge them and their case is heard by a disciplinary commission. In order to do this, we have to have enough evidence to prove what happened. We may therefore ask you to provide a statement, which means that your version of events is written down and you sign the document as an accurate record of the incident you witnessed.
When you provide a statement, it enables us to use this evidence at a disciplinary hearing. It is an important part of the process, and we rely on people being willing to provide evidence to tackle the problems that are reported. You should note that providing a statement may mean that you will be asked to attend a hearing and give your evidence in person.
It is very important that you contact The Staffordshire Football Association if you feel that you have been discriminated against, or if you see or hear someone making comments or gestures that are of a discriminatory nature. We will then liaise with The Football Association to ensure that the allegation is investigated.
Should you wish to discuss this further, please contact either Vicky Collins or Joanne Calvert on 01785 256994. If your concerns relate to a child welfare issue, please contact David Bufton on the same contact number.
Should you wish to contact The Football Association regarding this issue, please see contact details below:
Report Abuse and Discrimination number – 0800 085 0508
Email: FootballforAll@TheFA.com
Racism - Kick It Out Hotline Number - 0800 169 9414.
Website – www.kickitout.org.
|