Reporting in the professional game How we handle incidents of discriminatory abuse within professional football, and the support we can provide to both players and clubs involved in an incident of abuse. Expand What do we mean by the professional game? Men’s professional game Premier League - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams EFL - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams Players competing in the Premier League and EFL, who are on international duty National League National League North and South Evo-Stik and Bostik Leagues All cup competitions relating to these leagues Women’s professional game Barclays FA Women’s Super League - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams Barclays FA Women’s Championship - first team, reserves and academy/youth teams Players competing in the Women’s Super League and Championship, who are on international duty All cup competitions relating to these leagues For reports regarding leagues and their associated competitions below these levels, please see our Grassroots Game Reporting Process. Our reporting process for instances in stadia Player support For any professional footballer who is a victim of abuse, if the incident is reported to us, our goal is to ensure that we are there every step of the way, to offer our support in what can sometimes be a lengthy and challenging process. We aim to provide consistent updates to the complainant and offer guidance on all stages of the process, with a designated person from Kick It Out. Our player support includes: Listening, empathising and offering guidance to the complainant Educating complainant on the process and potential presence in any hearings Providing mentoring opportunities via our Player Advisory Board Assistance on how to tackle future potential issues For enquiries about player support, please contact [email protected] Club support We can support professional football clubs with any discriminatory reports that arise and offer guidance and expertise where needed. Our club support includes: Guidance on developing and enhancing club reporting processes Providing proactive advice in preparation for fixtures, which are anticipated to have higher levels of discrimination Helping to identify opportunities for education and rehabilitation of offenders Assisting with preparing appropriate media notices and statements in relation to an incident of discrimination Fan Education Our fan education programme offers a bespoke package of one-to-one education sessions, to work with individual football fans identified by clubs and/or the police as having displayed poor and/or discriminatory behaviour, at football grounds or on social media. The programme approach is restorative and focuses on the individual needs of football fans, in relation to their offending behaviour. All education sessions cover the following topics: The Equality Act 2010 and protected characteristics, including how this relates to behaviour in football stadiums and social media Why the fan has been referred and a reflection on their behaviour The potential effects on the victim or people who witnessed their behaviour Discriminatory terminology and prohibited behaviours How football, police and anti-discriminatory agencies work together Decision making and consequences of the fan or fan’s involved actions e.g. loss of employment, relationships, social status and so on Publicity and potential negative effect on the individual, the football club’s brand as well as the local area and its people For enquiries about any club support, please contact [email protected].
Grassroots Reporting How we handle reports of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football, and the support we can provide to both players and clubs involved in an incident of abuse. Expand What do we mean by the grassroots game? Men’s grassroots game All leagues below the Evo-Stik and Bostik leagues (starting from Step 5) All related cup competitions relating to any leagues below the Evo-Stik and Bostik leagues Women’s grassroots game All leagues below and including the Women’s National League For reports regarding leagues and their associated competitions above these levels, take a look at our professional game reporting process in the box above. Our reporting process for grassroots games What to do when you witness/are a victim of discrimination Victim support The current process facilities a fair amount of communication, particularly when charges are made. At Kick It Out we acknowledge that the first, and most important, form of communication should be about victim support. A member of the Kick It Out reporting team will be in touch with the complainant within 24 hours of receiving the report. This will be to confirm the following: Receipt of the report Passing the report to their local County FA The next steps, once the report has been passed on to the County FA County FA investigations aim to be concluded within 90 days. Kick It Out will work to provide updates throughout this period Within 48 hours of the reporting team receiving the report, a member of the Kick It Out grassroots team will contact the complainant directly to discuss the following: Victim wellbeing Confirmation of Kick It Out’s role within the reporting process Next steps with Kick It Out’s continued support We must emphasise that at Kick It Out, we are an anti-discrimination campaigning organisation and are therefore not specialists in specific means of support. Should support be required that is outside of our capacity, we will guide the victim and signpost them to relevant partner organisations or individuals. Referee guidance As a referee, you are responsible for the smooth officiating of a game, which includes protecting the wellbeing of the players. In the event of a discriminatory incident taking place, there is an emotional element which must be taken into consideration, yet not influencing the procedures you take. The referee must take charge of the situation to ensure it does not escalate Bring the player who you saw or heard using the discriminatory language, to a safe position on the field of play and dismiss the player Note all relevant details, such as the time of the incident, FOP position of the player and any reactions from other players Approach the manager of the victim. Explain what you saw or heard, followed by stating the next steps Approach the manager of the offender. Explain what you saw or heard, followed by stating the next steps Complete your post-match report and report the incident to your local County FA If you do not see or hear discrimination, but receive a report during the game: The referee must take charge of the situation to ensure it does not escalate You need the victim to tell you exactly what was said or done Reassure the victim that whilst you cannot deal with it there and the, due to you not seeing or hearing the incident, you will be submitting a report You must note the time and should take note of any important factors – coming together of players or coaches for example. Did anyone else witness the discrimination? Speak to each manager separately. Explain that you will be reporting what you have been made aware of Post-match, you should ask the victim to come to your changing room or a separate area with a team official. Ask them to repeat the allegation to you. Advise that you will be reporting the allegation as per what they have told you Invite the alleged offender in once the victim has left. Include their team official or witness. State what has been alleged and advise that you are duty bound to report it Complete your post-match report and report the incident to your local County FA
Social Media How we handle incidents of abuse reported to us from social media. Expand We can only support with abusive messages that relate to professional football. This includes abuse aimed at professional footballers, clubs and content relating to professional football.
Reporting Anonymously Read Kick It Out's guidelines on reporting discrimination anonymously. Expand All complainants have the choice as to whether they wish their report to be dealt with in confidence. Contact details are taken so Kick It Out can report back on how the club, governing body or legal authority has responded to the complaint, or in case the organisation requires any further information. If you have chosen to make a confidential report your contact details will not be passed on.