The excitement and enthusiasm exhibited by players, parents, coaches and supporters on match day influences an array of behaviour that cannot always be accurately predicted.
From 2025, the Duty Officer role will be known as a ‘Ground Official’, in an effort to better recognise the broader roles and responsibilities that are involved. The role includes helping to promote and manage an environment where behaviour is appropriate. Visibility and support for match officials, is a common part of the role, but assistance for participants and supporters, who may simply need direction to the location of facilities at a venue, is another component.
The scope of the role of a Ground Official will remain the same as what has historically be known as a Duty Officer, noting the following;
- Such a person must be aged at least 18 years;
- Must be registered in PlayFootball as a Volunteer;
- Must be recorded on the match sheet (applicable to competition fixtures) as a Ground Official;
- Can only act in the role of a Ground Official at any given time (e.g. cannot also be a player or team official at the same time);
- Be visible, vigilant and mobile (e.g. wearing an appropriate vest) and remain passive and neutral.
A Guide to Assist Clubs and Ground Officials can be found here and is also provided on the Resources page on the FFNC website under Policies and Procedures.
