Dear members,
In the wake of the weekends football, many of you have voiced some concerns at what constitutes violent conduct. Nothing has changed!
Please be clear a player is guilty of violent conduct when they use or attempt to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person regardless of whether contact is made.
In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.
Simply put then, with the above in mind, as a match official if in your opinion the player is guilty of violent conduct then the player should be ordered from the field of play.
Please do not dwell on television footage, press reports etc and remain vigilant. If you feel it is an act of violent conduct then order the player from the field of play.
Many thanks,
Neil Watters
Association Manager