Opposition grows to FAW’s controversial ‘sin-bin’ expansion plan

Opposition is growing to controversial FAW plans to extend ‘sin-bins’ across grassroots football in Wales next season.

A poll carried out on X-Twitter by football community advocate Chris O’Neal revealed two-thirds of respondents to be against the move.

Earlier this month, the FAW announced that Temporary Dismissals, commonly known as ‘Sin-Bins’, will be introduced to grassroots senior football throughout Wales from next season, 2024-25.

The proposal to implement the measures was unanimously approved by the FAW’s Community Game Board following – what it claims was – a successful trial in six grassroots football competitions throughout Wales this season.

In the north, these included the North Wales Coast East and North East Wales Leagues.

Up to the start of April, the trial included nearly 1,300 games and the FAW report the frequency of Dissent cautions for players reduced by 34% compared to the previous season, while instances of red cards for Offensive, Insulting or Abusive language went down by 32%.

The Community Game Board, formed of representatives of the six Welsh Area Associations, also considered the results of a survey of clubs and match officials involved in the trial which signalled overall support for Temporary Dismissals.

Next season on-field players who commit a Dissent offence will be shown a Yellow Card and must leave the pitch for a minimum of 10 minutes.

Sanctions for all offences other than Dissent by on-field players will remain unchanged.

Additional trials will be carried out to determine whether Temporary Dismissals should also be introduced to junior grassroots football in future. Temporary Dismissals will not apply to any national competitions.

Chris O’Neal, a North Wales Coast FA councillor, says he has come across mostly an unfavourable response to the plan.

Seven months ago, when the initial project was launched, Mr O’Neal began a campaign against it titled ‘Bin the Bin’ which was supported by the NWCFA.

Last week, after the announcement the sin-bin exercise would be extended, he organised a poll on X-Twitter asking the following:

“The FAW are implementing the SIN BIN for grassroots football next season. My concern is a consultation with all stakeholders including players, clubs, refs wasn’t done.
“Do you believe the Sin Bin system should be brought into grassroots football here in WALES ?”

There were 1,847 votes cast, with 66.5% against and 33.5% in favour.

Among the objections include concerns that temporary dismissals are unsuitable for tiers 4 and 5, where often only one official is available. Adding more responsibility on these officials would only increase pressure on them.

Some believe the scheme would be more suitable for higher tiers, where three officials often operate.

Others have dismissed the latest plan as ‘another money-making exercise for the FAW (via fines) – hitting the clubs with the lowest incomes hardest’.

Mr O’Neal has asked FAW chief officer Noel Mooney to reveal the level of consultation which took place over the proposed expanded sin-bin measure.

It remains to be seen whether the FAW will take any notice of opposition to the plan.

Mr O’Neal is urging clubs, leagues and individuals who may be against extending the ‘sin-bin’ scheme to make their feelings known to the FAW or their area football association.