Hampshire's hands are tied by the FA

Chief executive Laurence Jones insists he will do as much as he can to eradicate the 'thugs' from grass-roots football.

He has repeatedly told the Daily Echo that his organisation remain committed to cutting down on foul play.

But his hands are tied by the national FA.

The county can only hand out punishments in accordance with the guidelines laid down at Soho Square.

Hampshire FA press officer Paul Creeden has given the Daily Echo the sliding scale of offences by which local teams can be punished.

Clubs can be fined up to £500 depending on how many 'penalty points' they accrue during the course of a season.

And the levels of fines are also determined by the standard the club plays at.

For example, a Wessex League club reaching the 20-point penalty limit will be fined £250 - compared to only £100 for a Sunday League club, for example.

Last season BAT skipper Paul Masters broke his club's 20-point limit himself - courtesy of 19 bookings and a sending off!

This is how the Hampshire FA award penalty points:

1 caution - 1 point

Red card - 2 points

Use of Offensive, Insulting or abusive language/Attempting to kick or Strike/Serious Foul play - 3 points

Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language at match officials - 4 points

Violent conduct (kicking or striking)/refusing to give name/playing under suspension - 5 points

Discrimatory remarks - 6 points

Improper behaviour towards a match official - 7 points

Assaults on players or officials/headbutting/refusing to leave the field of play - 9 points

Assault on match official - 10 pts

Fines

Supply League (such as the Wessex League)

Over 20 Points - Fine £100 (suspended fine £250)

Over 30 Points - Fine £125 (suspended fine £250)

Up to

Over 50 Points - Fine £300 (suspended fine £500)

Other league divisions between 13-16 teams

Over 20 Points - Fine £60 (suspended £100)

Over 50 Points - Fine £100 (suspended £200)