Code of Governance
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN FOOTBALL
The FA were the first national governing body in English sport to introduce a regional code of governance, which sets a higher precedence than the current gold standard for sport and aims to provide support and guidance to those running the grassroots game up and down the country.
It takes elements from Tier 3 of the Sport England code of governance - the current gold standard - adapting and elevating them further to work specifically for football at every level of a County FA.
The requirements within the code means each County FA can assess their current practices against the highest standard of corporate governance in football, supporting their development and ensuring they have the structures, functional operations and decision-making processes in place to offer the best possible service to the game at a local level. The code also includes provisions for gender diversity, ethnic diversity and youth representation across the County FA network.
The code outlines key requirements underpinned by five key principles: structure; people; communication; standards and conduct; and policies and processes.
As the national sport that millions of people play and support across the country, it is important that The FA and CFAs serve and lead the game as effectively as possible.
This new regional code of governance will support that by ensuring County FAs are best placed to deliver football as well as represent and support the communities they serve.