'Sin bins' to be enforced at grassroots level from 2019/20 season

Temporary dismissals will become a permanent feature of the grassroots landscape for all leagues at Step 7 and below in the men’s game as well as Tier 5 and below of the women’s pyramid

The new laws have already been trialled in 31 leagues across the country (Micha Theiner)

The Football Association (FA) has announced that it intends to permanently enforce temporary dismissals – more commonly known as ‘sin bins’ – at the grassroots level of the game from the 2019/20 season onward.

Last year the International Football Association Board (IFAB) offered National Associations the ability to implement changes in rules at the grassroots level. Since then, the FA has been piloting the temporary dismissal scheme across 31 leagues in the country.

‘Sin bins’ will now continue throughout the 2018/19 season, with a further 61 leagues across 16 counties set to join the existing 31 that have already adopted the practice.

From 2019/20, temporary dismissals will become a permanent feature of the grassroots landscape for all leagues at Step 7 and below in the men’s game as well as Tier 5 and below of the women’s pyramid.

Mark Ives, The FA’s head of judicial services, said: “I am delighted with the overall response towards last season’s trial of temporary dismissals.

“While the general fall in dissent across the leagues involved has been fantastic to see, it is the collective sentiment towards the scheme and desire to continue with it that have been particularly encouraging.”

‘Sin bins’ have so far proved a success in tackling dissent on the pitch. The nationwide trials that took place in both the men’s and women’s game throughout the 2017/18 season demonstrated the following:

• 25 leagues showed an overall reduction in dissent
• 38 per cent reduction in dissent across all leagues
• 72 per cent of players wanted to continue with the scheme
• 77 per cent of managers and/or coaches wanted to continue with the scheme 
• 84 per cent of referees wanted to continue with the scheme

Ives added: “I would like to thank all of the County FAs, leagues, clubs, referees, coaches and players involved for their collective commitment and enthusiasm towards improving the grassroots game and look forward to seeing the continued impact of temporary dismissals.”