The Dispensation process as undergone some updates. Whilst there is no significant changes to submit an application. We have improved the system to avoid errors individuals faced during the 23/24 season. Whilst also improve the accessments process to speed up applications.
The Grassroots Service desk team are now operating as First Line Triage for all dispensation queries and applications. Therefore if you require any support or guidance please use the submit a ticket located top right. The Equality mailbox will no longer be accepting emails.
Please review this article and provide the necessary evidence to support the dispensation application. Submitting all required evidence with the initial application will expedite the process and help avoid delays. If you do not yet have the required evidence, please wait to apply until you have gathered all necessary documentation.
Application Type | Supporting Evidence Required |
Educational : For children who are schooled a year below their prescribed age group
| Within the Nature of disability section of the application the parent must provide: - the year the child is schooled in
- why it was deemed appropriate for the child to delay a year of education;
- how playing in his/her prescribed age group would place the child at a substantial disadvantage; and
- how playing in an age group other than his/her prescribed age group would neutralise or reduce disadvantage
A letter from the child’s school and/or Local Education Authority and/or relevant School Admissions Authority confirming the year group of the child dated with in the last 12 months - Must be dated within the last 12 months
- Name, Job Title & signature of individual confirming year group of the child
- Letter must contain the schools details, IE name and address ( letter headed paper is preferred)
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Disability or Impairment | A letter from a medical practitioner or other specialist dated within the last 18 months which: - identifies the child’s disability;
- identifies any characteristics of the child’s disability which are relevant to the request to play in an age group other than the child’s prescribed age group;
- explains how the characteristics of the disability would place the child at a substantial disadvantage compared to his/her non-disabled peers if he/she were required to play football in his/her prescribed age group;
- explains how playing in an age group other than his/her prescribed age group would neutralise or reduce the disadvantage caused by the child’s disability;
- identifies any increased or reduced risk to the child and/or his/her peers by allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group;
- explains why allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group will not endanger the health and safety of the child or any other person.
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Mental Health or Chronic Illness | A letter from a medical practitioner or other specialist dated within the last 18 months which: - identifies the child’s medical health or chronic illness;
- identifies the characteristics of the child’s mental health or chronic illness which are relevant to the request to play in an age group other than the child’s prescribed age group;
- explains how the characteristics of the mental health or chronic illness would place the child at a substantial disadvantage compared to his/her peers if he/she were required to play football in his/her prescribed age group;
- explains how playing in an age group other than his/her prescribed age group would neutralise or reduce the disadvantage caused by the child’s mental health or chronic illness;
- identifies any increased or reduced risk to the child and/or his/her peers by allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group;
- explains why allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group will not endanger the health and safety of the child or any other person.
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Significant Physical Development Delay (SPDD) | A letter from a medical practitioner or other specialist dated within the last 18 months which: - identifies the child’s SPDD;
- identifies any characteristics of the child’s SPDD which are relevant to the request to play in an age group other than the child’s prescribed age group;
- explains how the characteristics of the child’s SPDD would place the child at a substantial disadvantage compared to his/her non-disabled peers if he/she were required to play football in his/her prescribed age group;
- explains how playing in an age group other than his/her prescribed age group would neutralise or reduce the disadvantage caused by the child’s SPDD;
- identifies any increased or reduced risk to the child and/or his/her peers by allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group;
- explains why allowing the child to play outside his/her prescribed age group will not endanger the health and safety of the child or any other person.
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| Availability of Opportunity* | Supporting evidence is required for this category, all templates can be found here. ALL below is requried: - Parent / carer – reason for application detailed by parent / carer
- Proposed new team – completed support template by team manager
- Existing team (if applicable) - completed support template by team manager
- Proposed new league(s) - completed support template by league official
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| Individual Needs* | Supporting evidence is required for this category, all templates can be found here. ALL below is requried: - Parent / carer – reason for application detailed by parent / carer
- Proposed new team – completed support template by team manager
- Existing team (if applicable) - completed support template by team manager
- Proposed new league(s) - completed support template by league official
- ETC (if applicable) - completed support template by ETC staff member or PL / EFL Academy (if applicable) – proof of release letter
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* Please note, this dispensation type is currently part of a pilot, The FA will send you an evaluation survey to complete towards the end of the football season to gather your views on the experience and impact of this on your child.
