Hertfordshire FA Debt Recovery Scheme

One of the services that we offer our member clubs and leagues is a debt recovery scheme

Sadly every season players leave clubs without paying their debts, whilst clubs either fail to pay debts to leagues or fold owing money. The debt recovery scheme is the clubs’ and leagues’ opportunity to try to recoup the money owed.

All affiliated clubs and leagues may ask us to issue a suspension against those that owe them money. Below you will find the process that must be followed in making an application to this scheme. The Creditor must pay on advance an administration fee of £25.00 per debt. This figure is added to the total debt to be recovered and forms part of the £50.00 minimum limit.

If you wish to make an application to the debt recovery scheme please complete the Debt Recovery Scheme Application Form which can be downloaded below.

What is the process?

Stage 1

The creditor gives notice in writing to the individual or club concerned with a breakdown of the debt owed. Correspondence must provide a date before which payment must be received.

Stage 2

If payment has not been received by the date stated the creditor may request in writing a suspension of the participant. The County should be approached within 28 days of formal payment being requested in writing and within 112 days of the debt being incurred.

Stage 3

Request must be sent to the County Association using the application form available and must include the following:

- Name and contact details of participant
- Detailed summary of all monies owed including dates
- Copy of the original letter sent to participant requesting payment
- Any other clubs participant is registered with (if known)

Stage 4

Suspension notice sent to participant, including administration fee.

Stage 5

Payment sent to County Association or appeal requested within 21 days from date suspension notice was issued. If no payment is received or appeal requested on the 22nd day following suspension notice being issued then participant is suspended from all football activities until the debt is cleared.

What is a valid debt?

Football debts are defined as those costs arising directly from football activity, and as such would include disciplinary costs (e.g. fines), match costs (e.g. match fees) and playing expenses (e.g. pitch hire). Incidental costs (e.g. fund-raising activities, club subscriptions) do not fall within the scope of Football Debt Recovery.

For example, the following would be a valid debt which would fall under the debt recovery procedures:

- Fines from discipline cases (cautions, dismissals, misconduct charges)
- Match fees

The following would not be a valid debt:

- Kit/Equipment
- Club subscriptions/Signing on fees/Internal club fines
- Lottery or any other fundraising schemes
- End of season trip costs

Download Debt Recovery Application Form