So what does this mean for you?

This new approach will improve the consistency of sanctions throughout all levels of the game across the country and ensure suspensions that are imposed on players are fair and in proportion to the offence they have been charged with.

A match based suspension for a standard charge (straight red card, 2x yellow card) in any of the types of football will only result in a suspension from that type; the individual will be free to participate in all other types during the suspension. The only exception is in the case of misconduct charges which result in suspensions from all football.

The suspensions and fines for 2016-17 are as follows:

	Below National League System		Step 5-7
STANDARD CHARGES	FINE	SUSPENSION (matches)	FINE	SUSPENSION (matches)
Serious Foul Play	£25.00	3	£40.00	3
Violent Conduct	£25.00	3	£40.00	3
Spitting	£50.00	6	£50.00	6
Denying a goal scoring opportunity	£15.00	1	£20.00	1
Abusive/Offensive Language	£25.00	2	£30.00	2
2nd Caution	£15.00	1	£20.00	1

If you receive a Misconduct charge (case number ending in M) these do not carry set suspensions. These types of cases are heard by a Discipline Commission who decides on appropriate suspensions and/or a fine.