JUDICIAL PANEL – PANEL MEMBERS

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The Football Association [The FA] is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.

The FA oversees England international teams across men's, women's, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, and Women's Adobe FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.

Our game can tackle some of society's core challenges. It can bring communities together, nationally and locally. It can be a platform for inclusion, ensuring there is a place for all. It can get people active and promote wellbeing often at a time when we need it most. With UEFA EURO 2028 – hosted in the UK and Ireland – on the horizon, we have an incredible opportunity to transform football across the country.

Now is the time to inspire positive change.

THE JUDICIAL PANEL

As the governing body for the game in England, The FA sets Rules and Regulations which Participants are required to comply with. In the event of a breach of FA Rules and Regulations, it may be necessary for The FA to take action. As a result, Independent Regulatory Commission and Appeal Boards are often required to determine the outcome of a case.

The Judicial Panel is the pool of individuals from which Independent Regulatory Commissions and Appeal Boards are selected to hear cases or appeals in connection with disciplinary and other regulatory processes of The FA.

Regulatory Commissions are three-person, first-instance panels which determine FA disciplinary cases. Appeal Boards are three-person panels which hear appeals of Regulatory Commission decisions or appeals relating to decisions of applicable affiliated bodies.

The FA is looking to appoint Judicial Panel Members with either legal/regulatory or football experience.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

Legal / Regulatory Experience

• A qualified solicitor or barrister with demonstrable knowledge and appreciation of football;
• Experience as a judge, arbitrator, disciplinary tribunal member or similar;
• A demonstrable knowledge of sports regulation and the applicable law;
• A significant understanding of the regulatory framework for English football;

 OR

Football Experience

• Significant and demonstrable experience of the game of football, either in a playing, managing, coaching, officiating or administrative capacity.
• Extensive professional experience of the game of football either in a playing, managing, coaching or officiating capacity.

DESIRABLE SKILLS – ALL APPLICANTS

• Recent, relevant experience of involvement in sports disciplinary matters;
• An understanding of regulations relating to and/or direct previous involvement dealing with one or more of the following would be advantageous:

- Anti-doping;

- Betting;

- On-field misconduct;

- Technical area misconduct;

- Discrimination;

- Other Integrity offences;

- Agents;

- Club administration responsibilities.

• An ability to assess evidence and submissions in an open, knowledgeable and fair-minded way;
• Sound and objective judgment;
• An ability to work to tight timescales, under pressure whilst dealing with high-profile cases that must be treated in the strictest of confidence;
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent listening and communication skills;
• Integrity, impartiality and high ethical standards.

TIME COMMITMENT

Regulatory Commissions and their Appeal Boards are convened on a frequent basis during the regular footballing season and also throughout the remainder of the calendar year. The majority of hearings take place over video conference; however, hearings can occur in-person in Wembley Stadium or at alternative venues.

Some Panel Members will be more suitable to Chair proceedings or sit on complex cases.

The majority of Panel Members will be required to maintain their availability via a Panel Member calendar and are expected to make themselves available to fulfil their fair share of the appeals arising in any given year. Panel Members are expected to attend meetings and/or training sessions as required (usually 1-2 times per year).

An attendance fee is payable to Panel Members for their time spent preparing and attending Regulatory Commission and/or Appeal Board hearings, as well as drafting or assisting with the drafting of written reasons. Reasonable expenses properly incurred may also be reclaimed if travelling for an in-person hearing.

The appointment is for a fixed term of three years.

HOW TO PROGRESS APPLICATION

If you feel that you have the relevant skills and experience, please apply via the application link. You will be required to submit your CV and short covering letter highlighting your suitability for the applicable Panel Member category by reference to the key attributes outlined above.

Please note, should your application be successful you will be assigned to one or more of the panels within the Judicial Panel.

The application form requests that you provide your current and minimum desired salaries. As this is not applicable for this role please type '1' in the relevant boxes.

As the requirements of the role may change, this document should be viewed as guidance only. The Football Association Group promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities organisation. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

The closing date for applications is 17th March 2025.