League News for
Captain's Only Protocol comes into effect this season
22nd July, 2025
The Captain's Only Protocol will be adopted in the Macron NCEL from the start of the 2025/26 season, formalising that only the team captain may approach the referee to discuss key decisions.
The protocol, that is being implemented consistently across all professional competitions, the National League Pyramid and County FA administered football, is designed to strengthen respect between players and referees.
The aim is to reduce incidents of mobbing, dissent and intimidation of match officials - improving the environment for everyone involved in the game.
The key points of the protocol as follows:
➡️ Normal, respectful interactions with referees are still permitted; however, dissent (by word or action) remains a yellow card offence - even for captains.
➡️ Only the captain from each team is allowed to approach the referee on major decisions.
➡️ Captains are responsible for ensuring teammates stay away from the referee during these moments.
➡️ Referees may delay the restart to allow captains to communicate messages back to their teams if necessary.
In addition:
➡️ If the goalkeeper is the team captain, an outfield player must be nominated to fulfil this role for referee interactions.
➡️ A "captain-only zone" of four metres will be established around the referee; no other players are permitted within this area.
➡️ Any non-captain entering this zone should be cautioned for dissent by action. If multiple players enter, at least one must be cautioned, and the incident will be reported to the relevant authorities.
➡️ Competition organisers are encouraged to introduce sanctions for repeated breaches across the season.
The protocol's implementation nationwide is to create alignment and consistency from the top tiers to grassroots of football, improving behaviour towards match officials at every level.
Ahead of the new campaign that begins in the NCEL on Friday, clubs, players and management teams are also being reminded about the new eight second rule that comes into effect for goalkeepers. (Click here for more information.)
The protocol, that is being implemented consistently across all professional competitions, the National League Pyramid and County FA administered football, is designed to strengthen respect between players and referees.
The aim is to reduce incidents of mobbing, dissent and intimidation of match officials - improving the environment for everyone involved in the game.
The key points of the protocol as follows:
➡️ Normal, respectful interactions with referees are still permitted; however, dissent (by word or action) remains a yellow card offence - even for captains.
➡️ Only the captain from each team is allowed to approach the referee on major decisions.
➡️ Captains are responsible for ensuring teammates stay away from the referee during these moments.
➡️ Referees may delay the restart to allow captains to communicate messages back to their teams if necessary.
In addition:
➡️ If the goalkeeper is the team captain, an outfield player must be nominated to fulfil this role for referee interactions.
➡️ A "captain-only zone" of four metres will be established around the referee; no other players are permitted within this area.
➡️ Any non-captain entering this zone should be cautioned for dissent by action. If multiple players enter, at least one must be cautioned, and the incident will be reported to the relevant authorities.
➡️ Competition organisers are encouraged to introduce sanctions for repeated breaches across the season.
The protocol's implementation nationwide is to create alignment and consistency from the top tiers to grassroots of football, improving behaviour towards match officials at every level.
Ahead of the new campaign that begins in the NCEL on Friday, clubs, players and management teams are also being reminded about the new eight second rule that comes into effect for goalkeepers. (Click here for more information.)
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