Grassroots clubs in England could face point deductions under new rules designed to tackle abusive behavior towards players and match officials.
The Football Association said the penalty was for “repeated offenses of serious misconduct”.
They apply to step seven and below in the men’s game, and across to the third level and below in the women’s game.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the new rules sent a message that such behavior “will not be tolerated”.
“We are constantly hearing from grassroots participants that player behavior is a growing issue and we are determined to change it,” he said.
“Unacceptable behavior by other players and officials will not be tolerated.
“We hope this will prove to be a strong deterrent that will help improve the culture within the grassroots game.”
Deductions range from three to 12 points depending on the number of violations within 12 months of the team’s first violation and the severity of the case or cases.
Bullingham added that the FA is working with professional leagues at the top level of the football pyramid to tackle bad behavior and will provide an update before the start of the 2023-24 season.
Tajean Hutton, head of grassroots and community at anti-racism charity Kick It Out, said the new rules were a “landmark moment that has the potential to change the way discriminatory behavior in football is addressed .”
Bans have been handed down to 380 players and coaches for assaulting or threatening referees and match officials in English grassroots football during the 2021-22 season.
Referees in four English grassroots leagues wearing a bodycam in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign in a test to see if it has a positive effect on player behavior towards match officials.
If deemed successful, the trial will be extended to additional grassroots leagues in the 2023-24 season.
More than 900 referees in England responded to a Radio 5 Live questionnaire earlier this year, with 293 saying they had been physically abused by spectators, players, coaches or managers.
Almost all respondents experienced some form of verbal abuse, with some describing being punched, headbutted and spat on.
