As part of our continued efforts to provide the highest levels of service to our members, we are delighted to announce a new partnership with Sport Integrity Matters, who for the 2024/25 season will conduct all disciplinary investigations on our behalf.

Sport Integrity Matters (SIM) was founded by former FA Head of Judicial Services, Mark Ives, and provides support and independent advice to a number of County FAs on a range of disciplinary and governance matters.

We are committed to providing the highest levels of service to our stakeholders, and as such SIM will be working with us to conduct all disciplinary investigations on our behalf.

The partnership will see SIM carrying out all disciplinary investigations, which will include liaising with the relevant parties to gather evidence. They will then undertake a review of the evidence and raise any necessary charges as determined under FA Regulations. SIM will also support and arrange the hearing process for Devon FA and liaise with clubs/leagues on any disciplinary related matters.

The relationship with SIM has come following recent staffing changes and allows us to provide our clubs and leagues with continuity and continued professional service.

As part of the process, Devon County FA retain overall responsibility over discipline within the County.

Chris French, CEO said: “We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Sport Integrity Matters. SIM have an experienced team of investigators, many of whom have previous experience of working in the County FA environment, and we strongly believe that the dedicated service that they will provide an professional and efficient services for our members.”

In the unlikely event that you are contacted to provide statements to support an investigation, we ask all our Club and Match Officials to assist SIM with their investigation as if you had been contacted directly by a member of County FA staff.

If you have any questions regarding disciplinary cases within Devon, please contact Discipline@devonfa.com.