The FA is committed to delivering safe, inclusive and enjoyable football. This includes keeping everyone safe when using our digital platforms, such as The FA Community. 

Our rules, code of conduct, privacy policy or terms of use are in place to promote fun and positive discussions about the game we love.  

However, sadly there are times when member's online behaviour falls short of the standards expected of them. This will not be tolerated, and all members are encouraged to report any posts that they find offensive.  

WHAT IS CONSIDERED ABUSIVE OR OFFENSIVE? 

In this context, offensive and abusive content includes – but is not limited to – posting anything within The FA Community that: 

• is abusive, threatening, hateful, intimidating or violent towards anyone or that encourages other people to do so; 
• is illegal or glamorises illegal activity; 
• exploits or puts anyone at risk, including but not limited to children; 

• is sexually explicit or suggestive or that encourages anyone else to behave in a sexually way, including but not limited to children; 
• promotes or encourages suicide or self-harm; 
• promotes or encourages terrorism, extremism or otherwise goes against fundamental British values as identified in the UK government’s Prevent strategy, being democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for others; 
• contains links to content which would go against the community rules or which may contain known SPAM or viruses; 
• undermines The FA’s RESPECT values; or Equality Diversity and Inclusion policies; and/or 

• undermines The FA's Safeguarding Values & Policies. 

Types of content include – but are not limited to – comments, blogs, pictures, images and videos.  

While we regularly monitor The FA Community Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm, we are not responsible for any information which is posted by Community members. All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk, and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributors and not those of The FA. 

If you identify content that is offensive or abusive, please report the post immediately. 

HOW DO I REPORT A POST? 

To report a post, select the More button.  

In a blog, this button is found on the right-hand side of the page (A). In a forum or blog, this button is found at the bottom of the post (B). This is also the case on your newsfeed (C) and in the comments section (D).  

Once you select More, a drop-down list will appear. From this list, select Report as abusive.  

If you choose to report a post, your details will only be visible by FA administrators.  

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REPORT A POST? 

Once something has been reported it will no longer be visible and will be logged for review within seven working days. If more than three people report a single post, it will be removed from the site automatically. Until this threshold is reached, the post will remain active – pending review. 

If a post is not considered to be offensive or abusive in line with the FA Community Rules and Code of Conduct, no further action will be taken. 

If a post is considered to be abusive or offensive, the post will be removed and the individual that is responsible for the post (the “Contributor”) will be contacted, and appropriate action taken.  

The action taken will depend on the nature of the content reported and the Contributor’s role within football. This will be at the complete discretion of The FA, in line with our policy and regulations.  

The Contributor will be able to appeal this decision.  

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY POST IS REPORTED? 

If your post is reported, you will be notified by the email associated to your FAN.  

The FA will remove the post from public viewing pending review. The FA is entitled to take any further action it deems necessary in line with our policy and procedures, this may include a suspension or termination of your access to the FA Community. 

The FA will be entitled to temporarily suspend or withdraw membership from the Community at their complete discretion. 

If an act of misconduct is reported, The FA will remove the post and the contributor will be notified. If Contributors wish to repost their content with the appropriate misconduct removed, they will be permitted to do so.   

You will have an opportunity to appeal any decision made.   

HOW DO I APPEAL? 

A link to an appeals form is included within the email notification.  

Community members can appeal any post that is reported using this link. Any appeal must be completed within seven days of the post being reported.  

To appeal a reported post, members should complete the above form and submit for review. A decision following this will be made.  

Members will receive reminder email a day before the appeal deadline.  

If the form is not completed after seven days, it will expire, and members lose the opportunity to appeal.  

Any member who wishes to appeal against the cancellation or suspension of their membership shall be entitled to appeal. Any initial appeals submitted via the  below form will be considered.  

The appeal must contain a detailed explanation of the alleged act(s) of misconduct. The member may also submit written mitigation and character references in statement form in support of any appeal. Any mitigation and / or character reference statements must be submitted to the FA at the same time as the appeal document. 

• This includes, but is not limited to posts that:  

• promote commercial activity, such as products or services; and/or 
• are considered, in The FA’s complete discretion, a minor or unintentional breach of the Communities Code of Conduct.  

Each Appeal will be reviewed by an independent member of the FA Community reviewing team that was not involved in the initial evaluation of the post.   

GENERAL  

At all times, The FA reserves the right to: 

• remove any content, accounts or members from the community 
• update our rules, code of conduct and terms and conditions. 

If you have any questions, contact us at coachingcommunity@thefa.com. 

In addition to this Policy, any reported acts of Misconduct as defined in The FA Handbook may be dealt with in accordance with The Association’s rules and regulations by the appropriate organs of the Association.