DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES for Players

Transcription

1 242 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES for Players Misconduct In t r o d u c t i o n The following Disciplinary Procedures shall apply to all football which is played under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Football Association ("Association") involving a full or associate member club or such clubs that play in competitions which involve a full or associate member club and which are included in the Association's Register of Competitions. These Procedures will apply not just to reports by match officials relating to incidents and/or acts of misconduct occurring at a match but also to investigations of such incidents and acts by the Disciplinary Committee and/or its sub-committee pursuant to Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions. In these Procedures, references to incidents and/or acts of misconduct occurring "at a match" shall be deemed to include any such incidents and/or acts which occur prior to, during or after the match in question. These Procedures apply to all players registered or playing for clubs as defined by the foregoing paragraph, and also to players who are not participating in a match as either a player or named substitute. The Procedures are set out in 6 sections and these relate to:- 1 Competitions organised by the Scottish Premier League 2 Competitions organised by the Scottish Football League 3 Competitions organised by the Scottish Highland Football League 4 Clubs Not in Membership of the Scottish Premier League or the Scottish Football League or the Scottish Highland Football League 5 Specified Cup Competitions 6 General Provisions 7 Schedule of Penalty Points

2 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE These Procedures apply to each of the following competitions: Scottish Premier League Scottish Premier Reserve League Scottish Premier U-19 Youth League hereinafter referred to individually as the "applicable League". 1. REPORTING OF OFFENCES BY MATCH OFFICIALS 1.1 Cautionable and Sending off Offences Referees will administer cautions and sendings-off in accordance with the Laws of the Game Referees must submit report forms to the Association, confirming cautions and sending offs administered to player(s). The forms must state the details of each offence and the penalty points to be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of each player; such report forms to be received by the Association within two days of the match. In the case of a player who is sent off for receiving a second caution, the referee must report the two offences which resulted in the player's dismissal, together with the combined total of penalty points. Thereafter, the Association will issue confirmation of the offence(s) to the club(s) concerned If a referee considers that a player's sending off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, he shall submit, in addition to the report form, a separate report fully detailing the incident. A referee may also act in this regard upon the advices of an assistant referee (and fourth official when applicable) and in such cases the assistant referee (or fourth official) shall also submit, in addition to the report form, a report fully detailing the incident. 1.2 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association, a detailed report on any incident which occurs before, during or after a match, such reports to be received by the Association within two days of the match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the referee is required to indicate in the report whether or not he considers the offence to be one which would fall within the list of offences detailed in the Schedule of Penalty Points and, if so, to indicate the number of penalty points which should be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player Where an offence is committed by a player, the referee shall inform an appropriate club official (i.e. secretary, director, manager or coach), as soon as possible after the match, that a report will be made to the Association detailing the nature of the offence and, where applicable, the number of penalty points attributed to the offence.

3 244 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association a report on any incidents, other than offences committed by a player before, during or after a match, within two days of the match. 1.3 Misconduct in Non-Scottish Premier League Football and Non-Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Premier League club requires to be reported from a match or a competition not referred to within this section of these Procedures, the referee and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable), will do so in the manner described in the foregoing sub-paragraphs. 2. RECORDING OF OFFENCES 2.1 Cautionable Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. 2.2 Sending-off Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence If a referee has reported that a player's sending-off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required, to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period. 2.3 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, and the referee has indicated the number of penalty points which should be added to his applicable League disciplinary record, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence.

4 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES In the case of a player being reported for an offence which is the equivalent of a second cautionable offence, the two offences will combine to be the equivalent of a sending off for receiving a second caution in the same match. The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the combined total of penalty points for the two offences added to his applicable league disciplinary record and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. The Association will also confirm that the player is subject to the standard punishment for being sent off for receiving a second caution, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence Incidents involving offences committed by players which are reported by referees and which are not considered to fall within the Schedule of Penalty Points, will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee If a referee has reported that an offence committed by a player is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required, to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period All other incidents reported will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee, or other Standing Committee of the Association as appropriate in the circumstances. 2.4 Misconduct in Non Scottish Premier League Football and Non Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Premier League club is reported from a match or a competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Premier League Competitions and the Specified Cup Competitions, it will be recorded in the manner described in the foregoing subparagraphs. 3. PUNISHMENTS 3.1 Cautions The appropriate number of penalty points will be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player, in accordance with the Schedule of Penalty Points. 3.2 Players Sent Off for Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct or Spitting at an Opponent or Any Other Person A player who is sent off for serious foul play, violent conduct or spitting at an opponent or any other person, will have 12 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3.8.

5 246 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 3.3 Players Sent Off for Denying the Opposing Team or an Opponent a Goal or an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity as Defined by Law 12 A player who is sent off for denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity as defined by Law 12, will have 5 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures A player who is sent off for using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures will have 8 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Receiving a Second Caution in the Same Match A player who is sent off for receiving a second caution in the same match will have the combined total of penalty points for the two cautionable offences added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the number of penalty points indicated in the referee's report will be added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence (including where the player has been reported for the equivalent of a second cautionable offence), he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed the requisite match or matches in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Accumulating 18 Penalty Points in a Season When a player has accumulated a total of 18 or more penalty points in a League competition during a season, or of any extension thereof, he will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with a Fixed Scale of Suspensions as provided for in Paragraph On accumulating 18 penalty points in a League competition, a player will automatically incur a suspension for a number of matches, starting with one match for his first 18 penalty points, and increasing by one match for each successive 18 points accumulation, within a two season period. In effect, a player's record over the current season and the immediately preceding season will be taken into account The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he has accumulated 18 penalty points in the League competition and at the same time will confirm the period of suspension which the player has to serve in accordance with the Fixed Scale of Suspensions.

6 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Any period of suspension incurred by a player as a result of his having accumulated 18 or more penalty points, shall commence on the 14th day following the date of the offence which resulted in the incurring of the suspension. The suspension shall apply until such time as the requisite number of matches have been completed by his club in the competition in which the suspension was incurred, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph In the event of a player's offences totalling more than 18 points in any League competition, the points in excess of 18 will be carried forward and added to any further points he may receive during the same season in that competition, but will not be carried over into the following season. 3.8 Serving of Suspensions Suspensions incurred by players shall be served in the competition in which they are incurred and shall be measured by the relevant team of the club (i.e. the team in which the player normally plays) playing the requisite number of matches. The following qualification applies:- A player who is sent off for serious foul play or violent conduct is suspended automatically until such time as his club's team(s) has completed a match in a competition for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. A player who is sent off for spitting at an opponent or any other person is suspended automatically until such time as his club s team(s) has completed its next two matches in competitions for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. (Please refer to Appendix 4 - Guidance Notes on Serving of Suspensions). During any period of suspension a player shall be eligible to play in: i) International Matches. ii) Matches in the UEFA Club Competitions. iii) Matches in other Scottish Premier League Competitions, when sent off for any offence not referred to in the above qualification, and where eligible to be selected. iv) Matches in the Specified Cup Competitions (unless the above qualification applies). v) Matches not included in the Association's Register of Competitions. vi) Matches played under the auspices of a District or County Football Association. In the event that a player incurs an automatic suspension and a fixed suspension which become effective from the same date, the automatic suspension shall be served prior to the Fixed Suspension. For the avoidance of doubt, the automatic suspension and the Fixed Suspension shall not be served concurrently. 3.9 Misconduct in Non Scottish Premier League Football and Non Specified Cup Competitions Any suspensions incurred by a player of a Scottish Premier League club which arises from a match or a competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Premier League Competitions and the Specified Cup Competitions, will be applied to the player's applicable League Competition.

7 248 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 3.10 Outstanding Suspensions Any suspension, or part thereof, which remains outstanding at the end of a season, or any extension thereof, must be served from the commencement of the following season in the competition in which it is incurred except when the qualification detailed in Paragraph 3.8 is applicable. In the case of a player who becomes ineligible because of age conditions to play in the Under 19 League the following season, any outstanding suspension will be applied to his applicable League competition for that season. Confirmation of outstanding suspensions will be issued to clubs prior to the commencement of each season Abandoned Matches - Misconduct and Suspensions The penalty points for a caution incurred in a match which is abandoned will not be recorded on the player's applicable disciplinary record. The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to record the penalty points for a caution incurred in a match which is abandoned as a result of wholly exceptional circumstances. The penalty points for a sending-off incurred in a match which is abandoned will be recorded on the player's applicable disciplinary record and confirmed to the player through his club. The player will be subject to the standard agreed punishment for the offence. A match which is abandoned does not count as a completed match in terms of a player serving a suspension. 2. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE These Procedures apply to each of the following competitions: Scottish Football League First Division Championship* Scottish Football League Second Division Championship* Scottish Football League Third Division Championship* Scottish Football Reserve League (East and West)# Scottish Football League U-19 Youth Division Scottish Football League U-17 Youth Division * incorporating Play-offs # incorporating the Reserve League Cup incorporating the Reserve League Cup hereinafter referred to individually as the applicable League.

8 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES REPORTING OF OFFENCES BY MATCH OFFICIALS 1.1 Cautionable and Sending off Offences Referees will administer cautions and sendings-off in accordance with the Laws of the Game Referees must submit report forms to the Association, confirming cautions and sending offs administered to player(s). The forms must state the details of each offence and the penalty points to be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of each player; such report forms to be received by the Association within two days of the match. In the case of a player who is sent off for receiving a second caution, the referee must report the two offences which resulted in the player's dismissal, together with the combined total of penalty points. Thereafter, the Association will issue confirmation of the offence(s) to the club(s) concerned If a referee considers that a player's sending off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, he shall submit, in addition to the report form, a separate report fully detailing the incident. A referee may also act in this regard upon the advices of an assistant referee (and fourth official when applicable) and in such cases the assistant referee (or fourth official) shall also submit, in addition to the report form, a report fully detailing the incident. 1.2 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association, a detailed report on any incident which occurs before, during or after a match, such reports to be received by the Association within two days of the match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the referee is required to indicate in the report whether or not he considers the offence to be one which would fall within the list of offences detailed in the Schedule of Penalty Points and, if so, to indicate the number of penalty points which should be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player Where an offence is committed by a player, the referee shall inform an appropriate club official (i.e. secretary, director, manager or coach), as soon as possible after the match, that a report will be made to the Association detailing the nature of the offence and, where applicable, the number of penalty points attributed to the offence Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association a report on any incidents, other than offences committed by a player before, during or after a match, within two days of the match. 1.3 Misconduct in Non-Scottish Football League Football and Non-Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Football League club requires to be reported from a match or a competition not referred to within this section of these Procedures, the referee and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable), will do so in the manner described in the foregoing sub-paragraphs.

9 250 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 2. RECORDING OF OFFENCES 2.1 Cautionable Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. 2.2 Sending-off Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence If a referee has reported that a player's sending-off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required, to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period. 2.3 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, and the referee has indicated the number of penalty points which should be added to his applicable League disciplinary record, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence In the case of a player being reported for an offence which is the equivalent of a second cautionable offence, the two offences will combine to be the equivalent of a sending off for receiving a second caution in the same match. The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the combined total of penalty points for the two offences added to his applicable league disciplinary record and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. The Association will also confirm that the player is subject to the standard punishment for being sent off for receiving a second caution, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence.

10 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Incidents involving offences committed by players which are reported by referees and which are not considered to fall within the Schedule of Penalty Points, will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee If a referee has reported that an offence committed by a player is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period All other incidents reported will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee, or other Standing Committee of the Association as appropriate in the circumstances. 2.4 The Reserve League Cup Misconduct involving a player arising from a match played in the Reserve League Cup will be attributed to the player's Reserve League disciplinary record. 2.5 Misconduct in Non Scottish Football League Football and Non Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Football League club is reported from any match or a competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Football League Competitions and the Specified Cup Competitions, it will be recorded in the manner described in the foregoing paragraphs, except when clubs participate in a League competition governed by Section 4 of the Disciplinary Procedures when the following qualification applies: the misconduct will be attributed to the player s disciplinary record for the League in question. 3. PUNISHMENTS 3.1 Cautions The appropriate number of penalty points will be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player, in accordance with the Schedule of Penalty Points. 3.2 Players Sent Off for Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct or Spitting at an Opponent or Any Other Person A player who is sent off for serious foul play, violent conduct or spitting at an opponent or any other person, will have 12 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3.8.

11 252 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 3.3 Players Sent Off for Denying the Opposing Team or an Opponent a Goal or an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity as Defined by Law 12 A player who is sent off for denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity as defined by Law 12, will have 5 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures A player who is sent off for using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures will have 8 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Receiving a Second Caution in the Same Match A player who is sent off for receiving a second caution in the same match will have the combined total of penalty points for the two cautionable offences added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the number of penalty points indicated in the referee's report will be added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence (including where the player has been reported for the equivalent of a second cautionable offence), he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed the requisite match or matches in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Accumulating 18 Penalty Points in a Season When a player has accumulated a total of 18 or more penalty points in a League competition during a season, or of any extension thereof, he will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with a Fixed Scale of Suspensions as provided for in Paragraph On accumulating 18 penalty points in a League competition, a player will automatically incur a suspension for a number of matches, starting with one match for his first 18 penalty points, and increasing by one match for each successive 18 points accumulation, within a two season period. In effect, a player's record over the current season and the immediately preceding season will be taken into account The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he has accumulated 18 penalty points in the League competition and at the same time will confirm the period of suspension which the player has to serve in accordance with the Fixed Scale of Suspensions.

12 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Any period of suspension incurred by a player as a result of his having accumulated 18 or more penalty points, shall commence on the 14th day following the date of the offence which resulted in the incurring of the suspension. The suspension shall apply until such time as the requisite number of matches have been completed by his club in the competition in which the suspension was incurred, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph In the event of a player's offences totalling more than 18 points in any League competition, the points in excess of 18 will be carried forward and added to any further points he may receive during the same season, but will not be carried over into the following season. 3.8 Serving of Suspensions Suspensions incurred by players shall be served in the competition in which they are incurred and shall be measured by the relevant team of the club (i.e. the team in which the player normally plays) playing the requisite number of matches. The following qualification applies:- A player who is sent off for serious foul play or violent conduct is suspended automatically until such time as his club's team(s) has completed a match in a competition for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. A player who is sent off for spitting at an opponent or any other person is suspended automatically until such time as his club s team(s) has completed its next two matches in competitions for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. (Please refer to Appendix 4 - Guidance Notes on Serving of Suspensions). During any period of suspension a player shall be eligible to play in:- i) International Matches. ii) Matches in the U.E.F.A. Club Competitions. iii) Matches in other Scottish Football League Competitions in which his club is participating, when sent off for any offence not referred to in the above qualification, and where eligible to be selected. iv) Matches in the Specified Cup Competitions (unless the above qualification applies). v) Matches not included in the Association's Register of Competitions. vi) Matches played under the auspices of a District or County Football Association. In the event that a player incurs an automatic suspension and a fixed suspension which become effective from the same date, the automatic suspension shall be served prior to the Fixed Suspension. For the avoidance of doubt, the automatic suspension and the Fixed Suspension shall not be served concurrently.

13 254 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 3.9 Misconduct in Non Scottish Football League Football and Non Specified Cup Competitions Any suspension incurred by a player of a Scottish Football League club which arises from any match or competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Football League Competitions and the Specified Cup Competitions, will be applied to the player's applicable League Competition, except when clubs participate in a League competition governed by Section 4 of the Disciplinary Procedures when the following qualification applies: the suspension will be applied to the player s applicable League competition and served in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Outstanding Suspensions Any suspension, or part thereof, which remains outstanding at the end of a season, or any extension thereof, must be served from the commencement of the following season in the competition in which it is incurred except when the qualification detailed in Paragraph 3.8 is applicable. In the case of a player who becomes ineligible because of age conditions to play in either of the Youth Divisions the following season, any outstanding suspension will be applied to his applicable League competition for that season. Confirmation of outstanding suspensions will be issued to clubs prior to the commencement of each season Abandoned Matches - Misconduct and Suspensions The penalty points for a caution incurred in a match which is abandoned will not be recorded on the player's applicable disciplinary record. The Disciplinary Committee reserves the right, in its reasonable discretion, to record the penalty points for a caution incurred in a match which is abandoned as a result of wholly exceptional circumstances. The penalty points for a sending-off incurred in a match which is abandoned will be recorded on the player's applicable disciplinary record and confirmed to the player through his club. The player will be subject to the standard punishment for the offence. A match which is abandoned does not count as a completed match in terms of a player serving a suspension. 3. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES RELATING TO COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE These Procedures apply to each of the following competitions: Scottish Highland Football League Scottish Highland Youth League* * incorporating the Scottish Highland Youth League Cup hereinafter referred to individually as the "applicable League". The Aberdeenshire and District League, organised by the Aberdeenshire and District FA, is also governed by these provisions.

14 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES REPORTING OF OFFENCES BY MATCH OFFICIALS 1.1 Cautionable and Sending off Offences Referees will administer cautions and sendings-off in accordance with the Laws of the Game Referees must submit report forms to the Association, confirming cautions and sending offs administered to player(s). The forms must state the details of each offence and the penalty points to be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of each player; such report forms to be received by the Association within two days of the match. In the case of a player who is sent off for receiving a second caution, the referee must report the two offences which resulted in the player's dismissal, together with the combined total of penalty points. Thereafter, the Association will issue confirmation of the offence(s) to the club(s) concerned If a referee considers that a player's sending off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, he shall submit, in addition to the report form, a separate report fully detailing the incident. A referee may also act in this regard upon the advices of an assistant referee (and fourth official when applicable) and in such cases the assistant referee (or fourth official) shall also submit, in addition to the report form, a report fully detailing the incident. 1.2 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association, a detailed report on any incident which occurs before, during or after a match, such reports to be received by the Association within two days of the match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the referee is required to indicate in the report whether or not he considers the offence to be one which would fall within the list of offences detailed in the Schedule of Penalty Points and, if so, to indicate the number of penalty points which should be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player Where an offence is committed by a player, the referee shall inform an appropriate club official (i.e. secretary, director, manager or coach), as soon as possible after the match, that a report will be made to the Association detailing the nature of the offence and, where applicable, the number of penalty points attributed to the offence Referees and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable) must submit to the Association a report on any incidents, other than offences committed by a player before, during or after a match, within two days of the match. 1.3 Misconduct in Non-Scottish Highland League Football and Non-Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Highland Football League club requires to be reported from a match or a competition not referred to within this section of these Procedures (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the Aberdeenshire and District League), the referee and, where necessary, assistant referees (and fourth officials when applicable), will do so in the manner described in the foregoing sub-paragraphs.

15 256 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 2. RECORDING OF OFFENCES 2.1 Cautionable Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. 2.2 Sending-off Offences The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence If a referee has reported that a player's sending-off is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required, to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period. 2.3 Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, and the referee has indicated the number of penalty points which should be added to his applicable League disciplinary record, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the number of penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record for the offence and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition, and will also confirm, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence that he is subject to the standard punishment, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence In the case of a player being reported for an offence which is the equivalent of a second cautionable offence, the two offences will combine to be the equivalent of a sending off for receiving a second caution in the same match. The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, the combined total of penalty points for the two offences added to his applicable league disciplinary record and his cumulative total of penalty points in the current season for that competition. The Association will also confirm that the player is subject to the standard punishment for being sent off for receiving a second caution, as detailed in Paragraph 3. The automatic one match suspension stipulated in Paragraph 3 applies immediately and is not dependent upon receipt of the confirmation referred to in the previous sentence Incidents involving offences committed by players which are reported by referees and which are not considered to fall within the Schedule of Penalty Points, will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee.

16 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES If a referee has reported that an offence committed by a player is of such a significantly serious nature that it warrants consideration by the Disciplinary Committee as a case of misconduct in accordance with Paragraph 3 of the General Provisions, the Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he is being called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. A copy of the referee's report will be issued to the player at his home address, and to his club, and his response to the report will be required, to be received within seven days of the date of such confirmation. The player's club will be requested to provide its comments on the report within the same seven day period All other incidents reported will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee, or other Standing Committee of the Association as appropriate in the circumstances. 2.4 Misconduct in Non-Scottish Highland League Football and Non-Specified Cup Competitions In cases where misconduct involving a player of a Scottish Highland League club is reported from a match or a competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Highland Football League Competitions, the Specified Cup Competitions and the Aberdeenshire and District League, it will be recorded in the manner described in the foregoing sub-paragraphs. 3. PUNISHMENTS 3.1 Cautions The appropriate number of penalty points will be added to the applicable League disciplinary record of the player, in accordance with the Schedule of Penalty Points. 3.2 Players Sent Off for Serious Foul Play, Violent Conduct or Spitting at an Opponent or Any Other Person A player who is sent off for serious foul play, violent conduct or spitting at an opponent or any other person, will have 12 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Denying the Opposing Team or an Opponent a Goal or an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity as Defined by Law 12 A player who is sent off for denying the opposing team or an opponent a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity as defined by Law 12, will have 5 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Sent Off for Using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures A player who is sent off for using Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language and/or Gestures will have 8 penalty points added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 3.8.

17 258 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 3.5 Players Sent Off for Receiving a Second Caution in the Same Match A player who is sent off for receiving a second caution in the same match will have the combined total of penalty points for the two cautionable offences added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed one match in the competition in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Incidents Occurring Before, During or After a Match Where the incident involves a player and an offence is committed by the player, the number of penalty points indicated in the referee's report will be added to his applicable League disciplinary record. In addition, where the number of penalty points recorded for the offence is the equivalent of that of a sending off offence (including where the player has been reported for the equivalent of a second cautionable offence), he will automatically be suspended in that competition until such time as his club has completed the requisite match or matches in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph Players Accumulating 18 Penalty Points in a Season When a player has accumulated a total of 18 or more penalty points in a League competition during a season, or of any extension thereof, he will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with a Fixed Scale of Suspensions as provided for in Paragraph On accumulating 18 penalty points in a League competition, a player will automatically incur a suspension for a number of matches, starting with one match for his first 18 penalty points, and increasing by one match for each successive 18 points accumulation, within a two season period. In effect, a player's record over the current season and the immediately preceding season will be taken into account The Association will confirm to the player, through his club, that he has accumulated 18 penalty points in the League competition and at the same time will confirm the period of suspension which the player has to serve in accordance with the Fixed Scale of Suspensions Any period of suspension incurred by a player as a result of his having accumulated 18 or more penalty points, shall commence on the 14th day following the date of the offence which resulted in the incurring of the suspension. The suspension shall apply until such time as the requisite number of matches have been completed by his club in the competition in which the suspension was incurred, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph In the event of a player's offences totalling more than 18 points in any League competition, the points in excess of 18 will be carried forward and added to any further points he may receive during the same season in that competition, but will not be carried over into the following season.

18 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Serving of Suspensions Suspensions incurred by players shall be served in the competition in which they are incurred and shall be measured by the relevant team of the club (i.e. the team in which the player normally plays) playing the requisite number of matches. The following qualification applies:- The following qualification applies:- A player who is sent off for serious foul play or violent conduct is suspended automatically until such time as his club's team(s) has completed a match in a competition for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. A player who is sent off for spitting at an opponent or any other person is suspended automatically until such time as his club s team(s) has completed its next two matches in competitions for which he would otherwise be eligible for selection. (Please refer to Appendix 4 - Guidance Notes on Serving of Suspensions). During any period of suspension a player shall be eligible to play in: i) Representative Matches. ii) Matches in other Scottish Highland Football League Competitions, including the Aberdeenshire and District League, when sent off for any offence not referred to in the above qualification, and where eligible to be selected. iii) Matches in the Specified Cup Competitions (unless the above qualification applies). v) Matches not included in the Association's Register of Competitions. In the event that a player incurs an automatic suspension and a fixed suspension which become effective from the same date, the automatic suspension shall be served prior to the Fixed Suspension. For the avoidance of doubt, the automatic suspension and the Fixed Suspension shall not be served concurrently. 3.9 Misconduct in Non Scottish Highland Football League Football and Non Specified Cup Competitions Any suspensions incurred by a player of a Scottish Highland Football League club which arises from a match or a competition not referred to within these Procedures specifically relating to Scottish Highland Football League Competitions, the Specified Cup Competitions and the Aberdeenshire and District League, will be applied to the player's applicable League Competition Outstanding Suspensions Any suspension, or part thereof, which remains outstanding at the end of a season, or any extension thereof, must be served from the commencement of the following season in the competition in which it is incurred except when the qualification detailed in Paragraph 3.8 is applicable. In the case of a player who becomes ineligible because of age conditions to play in the Scottish Highland Youth League the following season, any outstanding suspension will be applied to his applicable League competition for that season. Confirmation of outstanding suspensions will be issued to clubs prior to the commencement of each season.