League Notices
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE
Should a match be postponed (for bad weather or any other reason) remember to
advise the referee, so that he doesn't travel unnecessarily.
NOTE RE LEAGUE APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES
Whilst the League is obviously
sympathetic and understanding of the financial constraints that most clubs have,
it must the aim, not only of the Weetabix League, but all Leagues, to have all
games controlled by League appointed referees. This is our hope and
aspiration as from next season.
In fact, the rule book states that clubs can agree between themselves on a
"stand in" referee only where the League is unable to provide a match official.
There are a number of advantages to neutral officials. Even if performing
superbly and impartially, a "home" official could always potentially be accused
of bias by a disgruntled visiting team, causing animosity between "rival camps".
Also, should any disciplinary problem occur, believe me it happens all too
often, the NFA find themselves in a position of having no independent witness (ie
a referee) where a club referee is appointed and, all too often, are unable to
prove or disprove charges.
With regard to young referees, they do need to gain experience in an 11 a side
match situation, as well as at Mini Soccer. However, the League tries to
treat them with sensitivity and not expose them to potentially confrontational
games, also putting them in charge of matches in an age group younger than
themselves, in line with FA policy.
PLEASE NOTE
League and Cup winners trophies should be returned by March 1st 2010.
Please ensure that these have been engraved prior to return.
I shall be unavailable from February 19th - 28th inclusive, but trophies can be
given to any League Management Committee member, as long as you let me know that
this is what you have done.
However, we have a Clubs meeting on March 22nd, so, if it proves more convenient
to you, I am prepared to accept them at that meeting without penalty. But
don't let the rest of the Committee know, it will just be our secret!
PLEASE NOTE
Remember to confirm match details with
the referee at least 5 days prior to the game and also advise them if the match
is called off.
PLEASE NOTE
Unfortunately, Vanda McKay has resigned from the League Management Committee.
All registrations should, until further notice, be sent to Michelle Abbott.
Re Kettering Mini Soccer venue, the council has advised us that they will not be
in a position to re-align pitches this season.
Therefore, we will not be able to erect RESPECT barriers, as originally planned.
The League Management Committee is extremely disappointed with this decision and
will be considering their options.
PLEASE NOTE
I get weekly disciplinary statements from NFA relating to players in our League.
On a number of occasions, I get notified about, for example, boys who play in
Mini Soccer and are 24 years old. I know sometimes the odd player slips
through, but that's ridiculous. Becky at NFA tells me that all clubs when
affiliating are sent a form showing current players and should amend as
necessary. If this is so, could you track it down and review it, please,
so that NFA can update their records.
At the recent Mini Soccer club meeting, Peter Nicholson from NFA mentioned the possibility of organising a Referees Taster Course, mainly aimed at "club referees". If there is anyone at your club (this would not be confined to Mini Soccer teams) who might be interested, could you let myself and/or Craig Druce know and we'll see if one can be set up. Also, I've been advised of a Referees Course that is being held at Rushden & Diamonds on November 21st and 22nd from 10am - 4 pm (instead of the usual 8 week commitment). Anyone interested in this should contact the aforementioned Peter Nicholson.
Please be advised that, as standard practice, all postponed fixtures are reviewed by the League Disciplinary Committee. Be assured that this doesn't necessarily mean that any sanctions will be automatically imposed.
A reminder to clubs about Rule 10D, relating to home clubs confirming match details with the opposition AND THE REFEREE at least 5 days prior to a game (including any amendment to kick off time and/or venue). Not only will adhering to this rule prevent the possibility of a fine, but, probably more important, it is a common courtesy that may also enhance relations between clubs. I have a feeling, from feedback I get, that matches are rarely confirmed with opposition and referee; I suspect that this is done as often as Reegistration Passports are exchanged prior to a game!
With regard to referees, the League Referees Secretary is attempting to share League appointed officials around clubs and age groups. On occasions, a referee will be appointed to a team that usually employs its own internal, qualified referee. Please note that the League appointment will take precedence and it may be also beneficial for the Club referee to officiate at another game for a change - though I know that there are often logistical problems re this.
Finally, I am now unavailable until November 3rd. Any correspondence should, as usual, be directed to the relevant League official (with a copy to myself that I can pick up later). If you feel you have any urgent, general matter that needs bringing to our attention, please contact Gerald Hawthorn. He is currently experiencing e-mail difficulties, so please use football@playground-supplies.com. He doesn't know yet that he's been volunteered for this, but I know he'll be pleased!
PLEASE NOTE
Kettering Warriors YFC U10's are looking for any other U10 teams (season
09/10) who would like a practise 11 a side friendly, ready for September
2010....please call Shelly or James on 01536 485252.
PLEASE NOTE
As things are a bit slow (or is it snow?) at the moment, a quick, early reminder
of some "last" dates:-
Transfers, without special Management Committee permission = February 28th.
(New registrations accepted without permission until season end).
Trophy return = March 1st
Potential Rule revisions = March 30th
Applications for season 2010/11 = May 31st
PLEASE NOTE
PLEASE NOTE
Will Club Secretaries please ensure that their team mangers have their
registration passports and take them to all matches.
Goalscorers must be included on result sheets, as well as the name of the
referee and the mark you have given. The latter is most important as we
have to provide regular statistics to NFA. Note that comments should be
sent to myself and the League Referees Secretary where a referee is given a mark
of 4 (or 40, whichever marking system is used) or less.
Please remember that sufficient notice must be given where teams are unable to
fulfil fixtures due to school trips. Skiing, etc holidays are not
organised by schools about 2 weeks prior to departure. The League Fixture
Secretary did request clubs to provide dates they required leaving blank for
trips etc prior to the commencement of the season.
For differing reasons, Thrapston Under 13s have requested home kick off time of
11:00am and Hellenic Under 12 a home kick off time of 2:00pm. The League
is not in a position to impose these variant times on clubs, any change must be
by mutual consent. We would hope that clubs would agree wherever possible,
but, if no agreement can be reached, status quo prevails.
PLEASE NOTE
As there are currently ongoing problems with postal deliveries, if you are
able to personally deliver any payment of invoices and/or fines to Lesley
Slater, that would be appreciated.
I have been asked to remind clubs that, when e-mailing result/team sheets,
the attachment name should reflect to which team it relates. The name can
be shortened, as long as it is readily identifiable (eg VFFC U15). Also
the names of players used must be surname first in alphabetical order; used
substitutes do not have to be put at the end. Please make sure that all
information is checked to ensure that the sheet is completed correctly and the
result sheet should be signed off by the Club Secretary.
There has been a lot of publicity lately in relation to checks that may
(or may not) be required on people who, for example, give players lifts to
matches, training, etc. Potential requirements seem to be in a state of
flux at the moment, but I am led to believe that most requirements would not
come into effect until 26th July 2010. However, the League is aware that
this is a serious issue and urges clubs to maintain the strict guidelines,
relating to adult "participation" within their youth structure, that I'm sure
are already in place.