Joint statement on behalf of Northumberland FA and Durham FA

It has been brought to our attention by the Russell Foster Youth League that a referee registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body worn camera during a recent U13 fixture, and it is alleged that the referee stated that it was part of a trial sanctioned by The FA whereby decisions would be reviewed using the body worn camera footage during play, similar to VAR.

We must confirm that no such trial has been sanctioned by Northumberland County FA, Durham County FA or The FA and we thank the Russell Foster Youth League for making us aware of the incident as soon as they were made aware.

This incident is currently being investigated but we must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body worn cameras at any time. Utilising body worn cameras on the field of play breaches both safeguarding and misconduct regulations.

If you are aware of any incidents of this type, you should report it to your local County Football Association via:
Discipline@northumberlandfa.com or Discipline@durhamfa.com