Source: FOOTYMAD
SFA Listening To Issues Over Red Cards
The SFA are looking at ways to improve thir disciplinary procedures. The SFA are shifting their stance regarding their oft-criticised disciplinary procedures. There is now a chance that they could be radically overhauled in time for the start of next season. Chief executive Gordon Smith has responded to the latest attack on the way the SFA deal with claims for wrongful dismissal from the Scottish Premier League, by confirming draft proposals aimed at "streamlining and harmonising" the entire system were set to be submitted to the organisation's board for approval. It is understood these proposals include stripping game referees of the power to uphold their own decisions after viewing a video replay of any incident. Instead, the referee would be invited to make a submission to a three-strong panel, which would decide whether to reject or uphold the official's original verdict. This is similar to the system currently operating in England and it is understood the panel could be made up of a member of the SFA's referee development department, a former player and a former manager. The proposals will also recommend reducing the time it takes for any disciplinary investigation, with a number of cases having dragged on for months in the past. Smith, who on Friday dismissed calls for the original referees to be removed from the disciplinary process altogether, said: "Further to my statement on Friday, and in light of recent comment, I can confirm that draft proposals have been made with regard to improving the disciplinary procedures. These proposals - which the Scottish FA have been working on for some time - will be submitted to the board for approval with a view to being implemented for the start of next season. I will reiterate my comments of Friday that I am in favour of streamlining and harmonising the disciplinary procedures. I am confident these proposals will be ratified and I am pleased that other organisations share my views on improving the current procedures." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba.net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
