You might be aware that in the 2017/18 season a trial took place across the country to test the use of temporary dismissals for dissent cautions only. 

This trial was considered a success and therefore will be extended to even more leagues in 2018/19. 

Within Surrey the only leagues and competitions affected by the extended trial will be the Surrey Primary Youth League and a handful of county cup competitions (U18 Youth, U18 midweek floodlit and U21 Cup).  Outside of this temporary dismissals will not apply and the usual yellow card procedure will apply.

From 2019/20 temporary dismissals will be compulsory in all football from step 7 and below (in Surrey this is the Surrey Elite League and below including youth football).

To prepare referees, officials and players for these changes Surrey FA will be undertaking a comprehensive training programme across the County.  Every league, referees association and club will be given the opportunity to attend workshops. 

What are the key things I need to know to prepare for temporary dismissals?

• Nationally dissent dropped by 38% during the pilot.
• A yellow card will still be shown to indicate dissent but the offending player(s) must leave the field of play for 10 minutes (in games lasting 90 minutes - 8 minutes in other games).
• If sent to the sin bin there will be no £10 fee applied.You are considered to have served the suspension on the day (unless you are sent to the sin bin again in the same game.In this case you will not be able to return to the pitch and will receive a 1 game ban and £25 fine).
• The match officials are in charge of keeping track of how long players have spent in the sin bin.
• Any time left in the sin bin at the end of the game (if sent to sin bin in last 5 minutes of the game) will not be rolled over to following week
• Sin bins do not apply during a penalty shoot-out.

The table below outlines the sanctioning process for temporary dismissals (recommended that managers, officials and referees have a copy of this to hand during matches):

 What can I do to prepare for the changes?

• Watch out for training workshops delivered by Surrey FA as you will need to know how the changes are going to be implemented and how they affect you.
• Consider having someone from your club or league responsible for training other people in your organisation to ensure everyone understands the law changes.
• Print off the caution guideline table (see above) and distribute it where necessary.
• DO NOT wait until the start of next season to learn about sin bins. Begin to plan and educate players now to avoid confusion, even if your team is not playing in a sin bin league or competition in the 2018/19 season.