How do I apply for a dispensation, and what evidence do I need?

Applying: a parent or carer applies online through myaccount.thefa.com, using the child's FA Number (FAN) record, and submits the evidence with the application.

Evidence for a disability, mental health condition, chronic illness or significant physical developmental delay: a letter from a medical practitioner or other specialist, dated within the last 18 months, which:

1. identifies the child's condition;
2. identifies the characteristics of it that are relevant to playing outside their age group;
3. explains how those characteristics would put the child at a substantial disadvantage in their own age group;
4. explains how playing in another age group would remove or reduce that disadvantage;
5. identifies any increased or reduced risk to the child or other players; and
6. explains why it won't endanger the health and safety of the child or anyone else.

The FA recommends giving these six points to whoever writes the letter. Applications without clear evidence may be returned or closed.

Who decides: The FA's medical adviser assesses disability, mental health, chronic illness and developmental delay applications. The FA emails the outcome to the parent or carer and the County FA.

Small for their age? Being small alone does not qualify. The policy covers only children with a recognised disability, significant physical developmental delay, or who are schooled below their age group.