Cumberland FA has announced changes to how discipline will be managed within the county from the start of the 2025/26 season.
They have been chosen as one of a limited number of County FAs to become a part of a new shared service for discipline.
After deliberation the CFA Board made the decision to apply to join The Football Association’s (FA) Discipline Shared Service, which is a pilot initiative aimed at modernising and streamlining disciplinary administration across selected county FAs.
From August, all disciplinary administration for Cumberland FA will be managed by The FA’s dedicated County FA Discipline Shared Service team.
This includes:
- Conducting disciplinary investigations
- Preparing and managing case files
- Issuing charges
- Organising disciplinary hearings
- Liaising with victims and involved parties
- Administering suspensions
- Delivering consistent and customer-focused disciplinary services
Moving forward this will mean that Cumberland clubs and participants will contact a discipline manager via The FA for queries regarding discipline.
More guidance will be provided to members in the coming weeks.
Dan Key will remain with the county FA within a new role that will include being the point of conduct with the assigned FA discipline manager, as well as looking at more proactive initiatives around positive football and improving behaviour within the grassroots game.
The move to a shared service model brings several key benefits, the county FA said:
- Simplification and improvement of the disciplinary process
- Greater consistency and efficiency across county FAs
- Enhanced support and resources for participants, especially during the transition
- Independent and transparent management of disciplinary matters
Cumberland FA CEO Ben Snowdon said: “The decision to transition disciplinary administration to The FA’s County FA Discipline Shared Service is rooted in a commitment to fairness, efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of grassroots football in Cumberland.
“By moving disciplinary responsibilities to an independent body, we believe that we can ensure that Cumberland FA is no longer placed in the position of being judge and jury within the discipline process.
“This separation ensures our impartiality in the disciplinary process, so we can better support and advise our member clubs around any relevant disciplinary matters.
“Additionally, this change brings cost efficiencies that help protect and reinvest vital funding directly into local football. Rather than allocating resources to administrative processes, we can now focus more on developing the game, supporting clubs, and creating a positive football environment.
“Crucially, this shift allows our staff to dedicate more time to proactive services – such as education, behaviour improvement initiatives, and club support – ensuring that we’re not just reacting to issues but actively working to prevent them and promote respect across the game.
“We understand that any change to established processes can bring a degree of uncertainty, and it’s only natural for our member clubs and stakeholders to feel slightly apprehensive.
“At Cumberland FA, we care deeply about remaining relevant, responsive, and supportive to the needs of our football community, and will be working closely with The FA to try to ensure a smooth transition and that we continue to support and deliver the highest levels of service for all participants in the Cumberland football community.
“As with any pilot scheme, we will aim to ensure that feedback is captured and provided through the process. However, we firmly believe that joining The FA’s County FA Discipline Shared Service is a positive and future-focused step.”
