Rosehill Press Sheffield & District Junior Football League

Transcription

1 Rosehill Press Sheffield & District Junior Football League FA Charter Standard League FA Silver Respect League A Guide To The League For Players, Club Secretaries, Managers and Parents Last updated: 26 th April 2011 This guide is intended to help everyone involved in the League to understand all the process and reasoning why the process exists. If you are looking for something specific, then you are advised to use press the shift and F key together to bring up the search box. Type the word/phase you are looking for and the computer will search the whole document for the word/phase you have typed in.

2 About the League The League is kindly sponsored by: We are: A FA Charter Standard League Award Silver League Status by the FA foe delivering Respect Only 7 youth Leagues in England have this award, with a further youth League obtaining Gold status.

3 Introduction In the 2011/12 season: 7,784 League fixtures took place 11,113 players were registered 842 teams affiliated to the League We held 8 end of season presentation evenings, and these are attended by over 5,000 people over a two week period at the Barnsley Metrodome. These presentation evenings reward divisional winners and runners-up but more importantly each age-group Fair Play Winner receives the recognition they deserve. We are the most visited League on the FA Full-time according to FA statistics With the move to 9v9 for the Under 11s (2012/13) and Under 12 (2013/14 onwards) the above figures are set to go up dramatically. From this small beginning the Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League, as it is now known, has grown into the biggest junior football league in the Country and we believe in Europe. Today we have 842 teams playing football across all age groups from Under 7 to Under 16 and have over 11,000 registered players. Today over 40 years on we still remain true to the original values of our first committee. Our league covers an area within 20 miles of Sheffield Cathedral, it is run by volunteers. The rules are agreed by our member Clubs at each AGM, subject to F.A. rules governing the playing of the game, and we charge the minimum amount required to provide the funds we need to run the league. As you will no doubt realise, our organisation is complicated to say the least, and we embraced modern technology relatively early. We now have separate Registrars at each age group, and whilst we originally had designed our own computer programme to administer the League, we out grew it. We now use the FA s Full time programme, which has enabled us to continue to expand and we have introduced another division at certain age groups to cope with demand. We have a team of League welfare officers, who help and aid clubs when needed. The League was awarded FA Charter Standard in February In April 2012, the League was awarded the prestigious Silver Respect Award from the Football Association. The League has improved its communication with a new style weekly e- newsletter which goes to 950 addresses. The newsletter allows the links clicked on to be recorded, so that the League can see what news items people want to read. The newsletter and website this season have contained over 60 news items about funding grants which clubs could apply for. The League website has had over 600 news items on it, with news items appearing on most days.

4 League Development / Formats of the Game Format 2012/ / / / /17 U7 5v5 5v5 5v5 5v5 5v5 U8 6v6 5v5 5v5 5v5 5v5 U9 7v7 7v7 7v7 7v7 7v7 U10 7v7 7v7 7v7 7v7 7v7 U11 9v9 9v9 9v9 9v9 9v9 U12 11v11 9v9 9v9 9v9 9v9 U13 11v11 11v11 11v11 * 11v11* 11v11* U14 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11* 11v11* U15 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11* U16 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11 *option for clubs to continue at 9v9 if they so wish. Moving Forward Flexible Competition FA Reccomendations 2013/14 U7, U8, U9 2014/15 U7, U8, U9, U /16 U7, U8, U9, U10, U11 No focus on League tables League to look at variety and flexibility in competition Under 7/Under 8 League fixtures but can provide up to 3 competitive events in 2 weeks blocks. Under 9/Under 10 League fixtures but can provide up to 3 competitive events in 4 weeks blocks. Under 11 League fixtures but can provide up to 3 competitive events in 6 weeks blocks. Possible ideas: Champions League style competitions Single day tournaments 2/3 seasons over the course of a normal season

5 Review of the 2011/12 Season The main focus this season has been development. All the clubs have achieved or are working towards Charter Standard with regular news items circulated and support sessions put on to assist clubs. The League conducted its own survey with the results fed into an updated League development plan. This was a real opportunity for Clubs, players and parents to have a say on League issues. One thing to come out of the survey was the desire to have more League officials at matches. As most officials are already involved with Clubs on Sundays, this has always proved difficult. The League has therefore created a Match Watchers team and recruited former managers, members of clubs and former referees for example to attend matches on the League s behalf. This is helping to reduce poor behaviour as Clubs do not always know when they will be watched and by whom. Using the results of the survey, a full comprehensive report with the result was produced this report was over 30 pages long with all the open-ended question responded too. The League also put together a document called You Said We did, and this focuses on the key themes coming out of the survey, and what the League currently does to tackle these themes and what the League intends to do to further address these issues. Furthermore the League development plan was updated using the FA enablers and goals with suggestions from the survey respondents feed into that document. Clubs and the County FA were able to have review and comment on the development plan before it was finalised. Further ideas coming out of the survey is the desire from clubs to have mock County FA personal hearings and exploring futsal as part of mid-season break. The league uses Full Time and is ranked number one with the hits to that site. The League conducts all of information online using and has used social media more and more throughout the season. The League has promoted the newly formed youth forum and the League Secretary has asked to attend in order to seek players views on how they want the League to develop, as after all the League is all about young players playing in a safe and enjoyable environment. In April, the Rosehill Press Sheffield & District Junior league was awarded a prestigious Silver Respect Award from the Football Association. This is a fantastic accolade to be bestowed upon the league after being nominated by Sheffield & Hallamshire FA and then short listed by the Football Association to eight national youth Silver Respect Award Winners. One league from the final eight then went onto be selected as overall Gold Award winner. The Respect League Awards aim to thank leagues and their volunteers whose hard-work and dedication makes a real difference to the game through the ongoing commitment of grassroots leagues to raising the standards though the implementation and promotion of the Respect Programme and encouraging Fair Play and raising standards throughout the game.

6 Match Day Behavior & Referee Performance Every manager marks their opponent s spectators and management team out of 10. This is done of the match report sheet that is sent to the League registrar. Managers awarding scores of 5 or lower have to give a written report. This written report is then passed on to the County FA to look at. Every manager marks their opposing players out of 10. This is done on the match report sheet that is sent to the League registrar. Managers awarding scores of 5 or lower have to give a written report. This written report is then passed on to the County FA to look at. The above two marks (spectators/management and players) are added together to create one score. These sporting points are added up at the end of the season and an average created. The team in each division with the highest score are given League keyrings to pass on to their players. The overall age-group winner is invited to the end of season presentation, where they are given a very large and impressive fair play trophy for the club with smaller versions of the same trophy for each player. Every manager marks the referee performance out of 100. All scores of 50 and below require a written reason as to why and this letter is then passed on to the County FA referee officer. Sadly some managers mark the referee 51, thus saving themselves from having to write a letter and thus we cannot do anything about it. At the end of the season, the average referee mark are passed on to the County FA for their records. We, as a League, use the average marks to appoint officials to the cup/trophy finals thus rewarding the referees. We have introduced Match Watchers - If you have a spare Sunday and are able to watch a match for the League, please, in the first instance, the League Secretary. These visits will be random and clubs will not be informed if they are having League match watcher observing them, so always be on your best behavior as you never know who is watching!

7 Support For Clubs Put Funding opportunities on the League website Put news on the League website almost every day Send out a free weekly e-newsletter The FA have the following online resources available that will help clubs with issues from day-to-day admin, to sponsorship and club development. Members Services ( The FA - Your Game ( League officials are willing to attend club meetings if so asked\capacity to do so. The League will be putting on some in-service seminars to help assist clubs, these seminars will include: Mock County FA hearings, Respect & Welfare, Club & League development, more new manager meetings and these to be done throughout the season so they can act as refreshers for managers who require them.

8 School Club Links The School Club Link is work that the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA do. We are helping to promote the scheme below. The School Club Link programme looks to match schools and clubs together to form a mutually beneficial partnership. The programme aims to: Increase participation both within and outside education; providing new opportunities to play regardless of ability and a clear pathway from school/college/university to club for those that are ready to make the step. Increase the number of Charter Standard Clubs in the county; supporting clubs taking part in School Club Links with their applications so schools can be confident in their recommendations. Increase the number of FA Club Link Schools; schools involved within a link are offered the opportunity to become an FA Club Link School opening up access to some the benefits available to Charter Standard Clubs. If any clubs are requiring new players or to set up new teams in the following age groups they can have a School Club Link which will be one of our coaches delivering in a school of the clubs choice for 5/6 weeks with the aim of finding new players or a new team. There is no cost to the club. If you require more information about School Club Links please contact Matt Handley, Football Development Officer, Sheffield & Hallamshire Couty FA. matthew.handley@sheffieldfa.com

9 Divisional/League Cup/League Trophy/ League Fair Play Sponsorship Companies/organisations can sponsor a division in the Rosehill Press Sheffield & District Junior Football for 100. This gives naming rights for that division on the FA Full Time site. The League is ranked number 1 of the FA Full Time system, with 443,000 hits in the last 60 days (as at 17 th March 2012). I.e Under 10 Division D sponsored by Your Name Could Be Here Companies/organisations can sponsor the League Cup for all age-groups (under 9s to under 16s) for This gives naming rights for that competition on the FA Full Time site, and on the main League website. When the cup draw is published your company logo will appear on the draw page. Your name will also appear on the medals presented to the players of the winners and runners ups Companies/organisations can sponsor the League Trophy for all age-groups (under 9s to under 16s) for This gives naming rights for that competition on the FA Full Time site, and on the main League website. When the cup draw is published your company logo will appear on the draw page. Your name will also appear on the medals presented to the players of the winners and runners ups Companies/organisations can sponsor the League Fair Play for all age-groups (under 7s to under 16s) for Your name and logo will appear on all positive news items that appear on the League website praising supporting behaviour of member clubs. Your name will also appear on the medals presented to the age-group fair play winners. To assist clubs if they find a divisional sponsor, the club will receive 25 to spend on a development course (i.e 1 st Aid/Safeguarding/Level 1 etc) for each divisional sponsor they obtain. Clubs will receive 250 to spend on development courses if they obtain a League Cup, Trophy and or Fair Play sponsor. Note the County FA will have to approve each sponsor Process Once you have a sponsor, the club obtaining the sponsor must get a cheque payable to the Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League for the appropriate amount from the sponsor, and send that cheque along the sponsorship form (available from the League secretary) to the League secretary.

10 Reporting Results Please note, all League results, regardless of the method used need to be submitted by 6pm on a Sunday. Any late results will incur a fine. This is primarily because results are sent to the Star at that time in order to meet their publication deadline. Online Match Sheet Process On a match day, clubs are to give their opponents a copy of a team sheet. This could be on a club letter head, it does not necessarily have to be on one of the current match sheet forms or alternatively you could print off the details from full time by clicking on the fixture on the Full Time site. A copy should also be given to the match referee if they ask for one. At the match the Player ID cards are inspected as normal, against the squad list your opponents have given to you. By 6pm on a Sunday you must have entered the result on the Full Time site as normal. For midweek matches this must be done within 24 hours. Between the end of the match and up to Thursday 10pm (for Matches played on a Sunday), clubs have to enter their own match card details on to the Full Time site, and enter all the details on the form. Opponents can then check the details and report any errors (i.e players missing etc) to the appropriate age-group registrar. Any details missing will incur the appropriate fine. Benefits: No longer relying on Royal Mail Not having to pay Royal Mail to send in match sheets Saves the League money on printing match sheets, so we can spend this on courses etc for clubs Clubs can have a self checking system, to make sure managers/match arrangers or who ever has inputted the details correctly and on time. League able to do statistical analysis easier All registrars will have access to the information, so if a registrar becomes ill/leaves/goes on holiday, others can pick it up easier National FA able to monitor respect easier

11 Go to Enter your username and password your club secretary has these details. If they have lost/forgotten them, they need to for the details. For security reason, that must come from the club secretary or club official the League has registered.

12 Once logged in the following screen will appear To enter the results click on the result/stats button. The fixtures wizard will take you to your teams fixtures Cup Wizard does not work and will log you out SMS Wizard you can use this to set up sending your result via text message

13 Entering the Result Note this must be done by 6pm on a Sunday NOTE: The system can get busy on a Sunday, so the earlier this is done the better Find the fixture, and enter the score and then press update NOTE: It is vital that your fixture is on the correct date for it show up on this page (the default setting is to show fixtures from the last 7 and next 7 days). Please check to see if your fixture is listed prior to Sunday afternoon. If the fixture is missing inform your age-group registrar. If you want to see all your fixtures click on the show all box Input the result and then click update If the game is postponed then in the notes section put in POSTPONED due to

14 Inputting Match Sheet This must be done by Thursday 10pm (for all games played on a Sunday) Note: You can do this section anytime from the final whistle up to Thursday 10pm. From the home page, go to Results/Stats Then click on Statistics

15 The following screen appears M u s t b e c o m p l e t e d Optional sections are: Attendance, Reported Kick off time. Note, whilst sporting marks appears in this screenshot above the respect marking that will be removed from the 2012/13 season, so please ignore. This area is all mandatory, and must be completed. Answer all the questions on the screen. Any score of 1 (the lowest) must be followed up with an to your age-group registrar explaining why. Failure to do so will result in a 10 fine for each bit of missing information. In the note section (at the top) enter the following information: Match referees name (Number) and score out of 100 EG: Howard Webb ( ) 100 Any score of 50 or below of a referee must be followed up with an (or letter in the post) to your age-group registrar explaining why. Once all done click update - Then click on statistics

16 You need to complete the following mandatory sections: Started (you can select all the players who participated as started or select as sub though all players who participated must be recorded as either stated or sub) Any yellow/red cards issued. All the other options are optional Once finished, click update stats for players Go back to the result/stats page and check all the information has saved (including the result) and job done. TIPS: Get someone in your club to act as a checker and to go on a Tuesday to chase up teams who have not yet completed the sheets. Process your results by SMS, as this can be done after the game has finished and you can then relax for the rest of the day. Input the information on the Monday or late Sunday evening (when the site has less traffic) Notes: If the game is postponed you must put postponed in the notes section of the result page. Fines: 5 for not reporting the result or postponed fixture by 6pm on a Sunday 10 for missing any of the respect questions out 10 for missing inputting the squad list 10 for putting a score of 1 out 5 in the respect questions and not ing the appropriate age-group registrar as to the reasons why. 10 missing out the referee details and score (this goes in the notes section)

17 Setting up SMS GENERAL ADVICE Do not setup SMS until next season (2012/13), as your number will stay at with Abbey Lane Under 14s and will not automatically move up to Abbey Lane Under 15s. Note this can be setup for each individual team manager in your club. NOTE: a text message is sent just before your game is about to start (this is based on the time used on the fixture list). It is therefore vital that your game is down for the correct date on the Full Time system To enable this feature click on SMS wizard select your team (based on the division they are in note you can only select teams from within your club), and then click add new The following screen will appear, enter your mobile number no spaces just the number and click create

18 The SMS result option allows the Leagues to have scores (only scores, no other match details) reported by SMS text message. The SMS Text Prompt During each game (normally 15 minutes after kickoff), the Full-Time will send an SMS Text Message to each registered mobile number, reminding them to send in the result of the game. After the game, reply to the message Full time text message: FA Full-Time Automated Results: CHE1 v MNU1 Sun 21 Sep 14:00. Reply with home and away scorers exactly in the format. Your text message reply: 2-1 The only exception is if you are registered to send in results for more than one team, in which case Full-Time will include a team code, which you need to add after the result so that Full-Time can identify which team is being reported. Each team can have up to two registered mobile numbers. In the above example the text you would receive would say:- Full time text message: FA Full-Time Automated Results: CHE1 v MNU1 Sun 21 Sep 14:00. Reply with home and away Example, the result is Cheslea 2 Manchester United 1 Your text message reply if you are Chelsea you text : 2-1 CHE1 Your text message reply if you are Manchester United you text : 2-1 MNU1 Note the team code at the end this is only required if that mobile number is registered for 2 or more teams. For example, a Club Secretary may have their number registered for all teams within their club. Important Notes The text must be sent from one of the registered mobiles (as Full- Time identifies you by the mobile number it has been given).

19 For Under 7 & Under 8, please send in the score of the match, and the Full Time site will score it automatically as X-X If you are in the mini-soccer, two games equals one result, then remember it is the combined score that you submit Full-Time allows you to report postponements (RESULT P-P) and abandonment s (RESULT A-A). Troubleshooting Don t submit the score before you receive the incoming SMS prompt from Full-Time If Full-Time asks for a team code, make sure it s included, AFTER the scores. Make sure you give the home score first, away score second. Update your number on the Full Time site if you change your mobile number! Tell the league if a fixture is incorrect on Full-Time before the game is played. Remember that the SMS score is processed by a computer, so the format needs to be correct. Full Time on WAP Full-Time and the SMS results can also be seen on the mobile internet, using a WAP enabled phone (at:-

20 Match Result sheets must be with the registrar by: Game Played Need to be on Full Time by 10pm on Sunday Thursday Monday Friday Tuesday Saturday Wednesday Monday Thursday Monday Friday Tuesday Saturday Wednesday (only mini-soccer games can be played on a Saturday) A Late match card will receive a fine and discipline point see the fine list for more details Notes: A Parent is not acceptable to put down as the referee the full referees name must be written down regardless if they are qualified or not. If you are using a parent / non qualified referee in the referee number section enter not registered with CFA 'or 'not a qualified referee You must give a copy of your team sheet your opponents at the match. Teams should have in place a method to stop spectators standing on the touchline. It is recommended that clubs use the FA respect barriers but cones, an additional white line or rope, provided it is safe, are more than adequate.

21 List Of League Fines & Payments Rule Description Fine Discipline Points SR 2 (E):. Clubs failing to advise the Competition Secretary in writing by 1st June of its County Football Association affiliation number 20 2 points SR 5 (H). Club failing to comply with an order or instruction from the Management Committee, or failing to attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the competition Discretion of the management committee 1 to 15 points SR 5 (I) Unpaid fines after 14 days Original fine doubled up to Original points doubled a max of 50 SR 6 (H) Non representation at the AGM 20 (No apologies) No points 10 (apologies given) SR 8 (O)(i) Playing an unregistered player Any points gained in the fixture deducted plus 50 per player 10 points per unregistered player SR 9 (A) Away team not having a change of colours 10 1 point SR 10 (B) Failure to commence at agreed time 10 1 points SR10(D) Home club failing to give at least four clear days notice of the match arrangements to the visiting club 10 and double there after for each offence that season. I.e: 2 offence that season = 20, 3 1 point and double there after for each offence that season. offence = 40, 4 offence = 80 SR10(F) Club failing to keep its engagement Maximum fine of 250 and points 1 to 15 points deduction SR14(B) A club withdrawing any or all of its teams 25 per team 1 to 15 points form the competition for the following season after the arrangement of fixtures DR4(B) Failing to be represented at a General League Meeting 20 (No apologies) 10 (apologies given) 2 points 1 point DR9(B) Failure to rearrange within 14 days 10 1 point and double there after for each offence that season. 11 (A) Failure to send match report in within 4 days 10 1 point and double there after for each offence that season. 11 (B) Failure to result to the results service by 6pm on a Sunday 5.00 per missing result 1 point and double there after for each offence that season. 11 (D) Under 7 / Under 8 not returning match sheet 5 1 point DR7 (H) Breach of advertising for players rules points DR 7 (f) (5) Failing to have the minimum number of players registered per team by 25 per team 3 points per team August 15 th DR9(G) Clubs not completing their fixtures. Clubs to be charged for each non-fulfilled fixture and could be up for re-election at the AGM 1 to 15 points DR10(A Match card not completed correctly 10 per item missing 1 point per item missing ) DR10(B Late Match card 5 1 point per offence DR10(B Match card not received after 10 days 10 (plus to re-send match 2 points ) card if not arrived) DR10(E ) Failing to provide a written explanation as to why awarding point sporting points or less. DR10(F Home team not reporting the result 5 per missing result. 1 point per missing

22 )2 result DR11(B Team withdrawing from the 25 1 to 15 points ) competition DR14(B Failure to have rule book available point ): DR14(B Failure to have first aid kit available 10 1 point ) DR14(B ): Failure to have player registration cards available No game Charge under SR 10 (F) 1 to 15 points If no response is submitted to a League charge sheet, a further 10 fine is added on Payments: DR9(a) 2 to be included as an admin fee to deal with requests to cancel a fixture. SR15(D) 20 deposit for complaining or protesting.

23 Club Discipline Procedure Why? The League is concerned at some clubs who continually breach League rules, and rather then simply increase the fines which would have an effect on all clubs, want to tackle clubs who continually breach league rules and see this as a fair and logical method of doing that. How it works For each breach of League rules, including under 7s and under 8s, the club will receive League discipline penalty points. During the season, each club will receive a League discipline statement, every time the club/team obtains League discipline points. All League disciplinary points will be re-set at the beginning of the following season. Note, each club will still be penalised every time they break the competition rules, as well as receiving league discipline points. Misconduct dealt with by the Football Association or County Football Association will not be included in the League penalty points total. The number of points allowed for each stage (the threshold), is related to the number of teams that each club possesses. Club Charges No. of teams Each additional team Stage points per team Stage points per team Stage points per team Team Charges Stage 1: 25 points Stage 2: 50 points Stage 3: 75 points On reaching each stage a discipline charge for continuous misconduct will be issued against the Club under Standard Code of Rule 5(H). When each stage is reached the League could either impose a financial penalty or request a written explanation as to how the club/team intend to deal with the continuous misconduct.

24 GUIDE TO MARKING REFEREES The mark awarded by a club must be based on the referee s overall performance, It is most important that the mark is awarded fairly and not based upon isolated incidents or previous games. The referee s performance should be determined by the table below which should act as a guide for the overall mark which should fall within the mark range for each standard of performance. Mark Range Comment The referee was extremely accurate in decision making and very successfully controlled the game using management and communication skills to create an environment of fair play, adding real value to the game The referee was very accurate in decision making and successfully controlled the game using management and communication skills to create an environment of fair play The referee was accurate in decision making and controlled the game well, communicating with the players, making a positive contribution towards fair play The referee was reasonably accurate in decision making, controlled the game quite well and communicated with players, establishing a reasonable degree of fair play The referee had some shortcomings in the level of accuracy of decision making and control, with only limited success in communicating with the players resulting in variable fair play. 50 and below The referee had significant shortcomings in the level of accuracy of decision making and control with poor communication with the players which resulted in low levels of fair play Notes Using a scale of up to 100 allows greater flexibility for clubs to distinguish between different refereeing performances more accurately. A mark within each mark range can be given to reflect the referee s performance e.g. a mark of 79 indicates a somewhat better performance than a mark of 71. A mark between 71 and 80 represents the standard of refereeing expected. When a mark of 50 or less is awarded, an explanation must be provided to the League or Competition by completing the appropriate box on the marking form. It must include comments which could help improve the referee s future performances. Even where a referee has significant shortcomings there will have been some positive aspects which should be given credit; extremely low marks (below 20) should be very rare. How to Decide on the Referee s Mark The following questions focus on the key areas of a referee s performance. They are intended as an "aide memoire", are not necessarily comprehensive and need not be answered individually. It is, however, worth considering them before committing yourself to a mark for the referee.

25 CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING How well did the referee control the game? Were the players actions recognized correctly? Were the Laws applied correctly? Were all incidents dealt with efficiently/effectively? Were all the appropriate sanctions applied correctly? Was the referee always within reasonable distance of incidents? Was the referee well positioned to make critical decisions, especially in and around the penalty area? Did the referee understand the players positional intentions and keep out of the way accordingly? Did the referee demonstrate alertness and concentration throughout the game? Did the referee apply the use of the advantage to suit the mood and temperature of the game? Was the referee aware of the players attitude to advantage? Did the referee use the assistants effectively? Did the officials work as a team, and did the referee lead and manage them to the benefit of the game? COMMUNICATION AND PLAYER MANAGEMENT How well did the referee communicate with the players during the game? Did the referee s level of involvement/profile suit this particular game? Did the referee understand the players problems on the day e.g. difficult ground/weather conditions? Did the referee respond to the changing pattern of play/mood of players? Did the referee demonstrate empathy for the game, allowing it to develop in accordance with the tempo of the game? Was the referee pro-active in controlling of the game? Was the referee s authority asserted firmly without being officious? Was the referee confident and quick thinking? Did the referee appear unflustered and unhurried when making critical decisions? Did the referee permit undue questioning of decisions? Did the referee deal effectively with players crowding around after decisions/incidents? Was effective player management in evidence? Was the referee s body language confident and open at all times? Did the pace of the game, the crowd or player pressure affect the referee negatively? Final Thoughts Always try to be objective when marking. You may not obtain the most objective view by marking immediately after the game. Judge the performance over the whole game. Don t be too influenced by one particular incident. Don t mark the referee down unfairly because your team was unlucky and lost the game or some disciplinary action was taken against your players.

26 Postponing Games more then 28 days in advance You must complete the League form (downloadable in the League Info area on the League website) in order to request postponing a game. The form must be completed in full. Incomplete forms will be returned. Requests not on the correct League form will be returned. Requests not done in the correct manner could result in charges of nonfulfilment issued. Request not made within the correct timescales will be rejected. You can complete the form via and send the 2 admin fee in the post. Payment must be made by cheque or postal order only. This payment must arrive within seven days of sending the form by . Failure to do this could result in a charge of failing to adhere to an instruction of the management committee. All payment for fixture requests must be sent to the League Secretary. Cheques should be made payable to Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League. The completed form needs to be submitted to the League Secretary 28 days prior to when the scheduled fixture was due to be played, (14 days in the case of the first two fixture dates of the season) with a cheque/postal order for 2. Only make a request to postpone a fixture if you really need to. The following are not valid reasons: we have a few players away. We have a player suspended by the county FA. We need to know how many are in your squad and why the players are missing. A decision regarding granting permission will be made via to your club secretary. You should liaise with your club secretary to find out the outcome of your request. If the request is granted, then a new date has submitted to your age group registrar in writing or by , by both Clubs, within fourteen days of the postponement of the fixture date. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a minimum fine of or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. Postponing Games with less then 28 days notice No requests for postponing games can be made after the 28 days deadline (or 14 days in the case of the first two fixture dates of the season). REMEMBER - a non- fulfillment carries a fine and the possible deduction of 3 points. If you feel you have to call the game off you need to let your age group registrar and your opponents (and referee) know as soon as possible. You will then receive a charge for non fulfillment and at this point you will be given the opportunity to explain why you called the fixture off. The League discipline committee, using the fine criteria set out on the fine list, will determine the level of punishment.

27 If you are bringing the game forward, you do not need to request a postponement. If you are bringing the game forward, please inform your registrar so that they are aware and that Full time can be updated, in order for managers reporting results by text receive the text message. Postponed Matches If your match is postponed then you need to do the following: Let your age group registrar know by phone or . Put postponed in the notes section of that fixture on Full Time. The game must be rearranged and the new date submitted to your age group registrar in writing or by , by both Clubs, within fourteen days of the postponement of the fixture date. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a minimum fine of or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. Abandoned Matches The reason for the abandonment needs to be sent to the League Secretary by ASAP. The County FA deal with all abandoned fixtures. League Charges Clubs/Teams will receive League charges when the League thinks at that stage a breaking of League rules might have occurred. The charge sheet will indicate the rule that might have been broken. On the charge sheet you have three options available: 1... We accept the charge and do not wish to make any representations to the League We accept the charge but wish the League to consider the written plea of mitigation which is appended on the reverse of this form We DO NOT accept the charge and therefore request a personal hearing. We have appended the reasons for the request, together with our version with events on the reverse of this form, I enclose any other papers we believe are relevant to the case. We further enclose the hearing fee of 20 If selecting option 2 or 3, it is essential that you include as much information as possible. If you are charged for not keeping your engagement (I.e not playing a fixture when you should have done) It is recommend that you list all of your players, and the reason why each player was not available.

28 How Do I De-Register A Player? You need to complete a de-registration form, which can be found in the download section of the League website ( General Notes If you are approached by the parents of a player, or by the player him/herself, who wishes to play for your team, you must ensure that the player is not already registered with any team in this League. NEVER encourage or allow any player to train, play friendlies or 5-a-side competitions for your team whilst registered with another team in this League. REMEMBER- registrations do not cease until 31st May. Clubs can bring forward league fixtures, just let your age-group registrar know, otherwise the Full Time site will not be updated and team managers who are expecting a text message as part of the reporting the result will not receive the text message. If you find yourself with a blank week and also know that another team within your division is not playing please arrange to play your league fixture, as this will help everyone. All misconduct must be reported to the County FA. This includes issues with spectators, clubs and referees. The League is unable to deal with misconduct issues. Players, boys or girls, MUST be 6 years old on or before midnight on 31st August in any year to be registered to play in mini soccer. Similarly, boys MUST be 10 years old on or before midnight on 31st August in any year to play 11-a-side football. Managers should keep a copy of who played in each fixture remember the League can and do request to see this information at any time. Spot checks do take place! REMEMBER THAT YOU, AS YOUR CLUB S REPRESENTATIVE, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS AND CONDUCT OF ALL YOUR SUPPORTERS. ANY REPORTED MISCONDUCT WILL BE DEALT WITH BY THE COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND COULD RESULT IN A HEAVY FINE BEING LEVIED AGAINST YOUR CLUB. Collecting Old Kit For The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal Please remember that the League is collecting old kit to support the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal. In the past year a number of clubs have supported this charity by donating old kit. If you have any old kit please the League Secretary

29 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ s) No Question Answer Fixtures 1 When fixtures are first published, are they set in stone? 2 From the published fixtures I see that I have a weekend with no match can I assume this weekend will remain free so that I can plan to do other things? 3 How much notice do I need to give to guarantee a free weekend? No. Due to all sorts of reasons e.g. County Cup matches, League Cup matches, free weekend requests, bad weather etc, fixtures can and do change. No. Fixtures can change but if you want to keep a weekend with no match scheduled free to do other things, then you need to fill in a request to postpone a fixture form fixture (downloadable from the League website). Domestic Rule 9A states that 4 weeks notice (14 days in case of the first 2 games of the season) is required to request a free weekend. Any request will be considered with reference to the commitments of all teams. Permission is not automatically granted. If teams can raise a team, then the game will go ahead. 4 I have just been informed by some of my players that they are away and unavailable on a weekend where I have a fixture. Can I request a free weekend with less than 4 weeks notice? 5 If I have less than 11 players available, can I call a match off? 6 Under what circumstances can I call off a scheduled fixture? 7 Can I agree with my opponent s team manager to reschedule a published fixture? 8 Do I have to fill in all of the information on the match sheet 9 If the referee or grounds man calls off my match, whom do I need to tell? The League will request confirmation of the school activity. Where players are unavailable due to a school activity, the League will require a letter from the School confirming the names of the players taking part in the school activity. This list of players will be compared against your Team Registration Sheet and if the number of players on the school activity brings your total of remaining registered players below 11, then the game will be rescheduled. If you are left with 11 or more registered players available, the fixture will be expected to be fulfilled. No. You need to make sure your players/parents are aware that they keep you informed of any reasons why they will not be available League rules allow a match to commence with a minimum of 8 players on the pitch. Clearly, if you have less than 8 players available then the match cannot take place, although this will constitute a game being unfulfilled and it will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee, as it would if you were to call the game off with 8 or more players. As a manager, you can call off any game. However, unless it is for an acceptable reason, the unfulfilled fixture will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee who can decide to award the game to your opponents and/or issue a fine. Legitimate reasons for a fixture to be called off are: A clash of fixture with a County Cup fixture A clash of fixture with a League Knock-out Cup fixture Clubs can bring forward a fixture and must let the League Age- Group Registrar know this prior to the fixture going ahead. Clubs cannot agree between themselves to move a fixture to a later date if there is a problem with a fixture on a particular date, give the Age-Group Registrar as much notice as possible to see if anything can be done to help within the Rules. Yes. The Managers guide clearly shows how to complete a match sheet to avoid receiving any fines any missing information causes a time delay for age-group registrars. You must advise your opponents and the Age-Group Registrar, and the results service. If it was the grounds man who called the game off, and you had a

30 Referee allocated to your game, then you also need to advise the Referee. 10 If my team have an away fixture and I have not received confirmation of the Sunday match by the preceding Wednesday evening from the home team, what should I do? Player Registrations 11 How long will it take to get a player registered? You do not need to submit a Match Result Sheet. Standard Code of Rule 10D requires the home team to confirm the fixture at least 4 days prior to playing the match i.e. by the Tuesday evening preceding a Sunday match. If this does not happen, you must advise the Age Group Registrar that confirmation by the due deadline did not take place. You should then (as the away team) seek confirmation of the match from the home team. If you cannot get hold of the home team manager, it is recommended that you contact the home team Club s Secretary. It is advisable to keep the Age Group Registrar informed if you continue to have problems in contacting the home Club Every effort is taken to register players ASAP. The commitment to you is to return all documents and player registration cards within two weeks of receipt. When sending player registration cards to Registration Secretaries, a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed for the return of registration counterfoil(s). 12 When do I need to have my players registered? 13 Team X has poached one of my players, what can I do? Referees 14 Can I expect to have a League appointed referee at each of my matches? Please allow for these two weeks when planning your player registrations. Please do not harass the Registrations Secretary to complete your registrations quickly as this will be reported to the Disciplinary Committee. Domestic Rule 7 (f) (7) clearly states The minimum number of player registration cards to form a team (see domestic rule 9 H) has to be with the age group registrar by the 15 th August each year. Failure to do this will result in teams been fined 25 In the Under 7 and 8 age groups, 4 players per team shall constitute a team. (therefore 8 player need to be registered by 15 th August if playing in a two-team = one result League) In the Under 9 and 10 age groups, 5 players per team shall constitute a team. (therefore 10 player need to be registered by 15 th August if playing in a two-team = one result League) In the Under 11 to Under 17 age groups, eight players shall constitute a team. This is a County FA matter, as this is a breach of Football Association Regulation C. You will need to report this to your County FA giving as much detail as possible. No. Unfortunately there are simply not enough referees available. 15 I know a qualified and registered referee Please direct them to the League s Referee Secretary, who will try looking for a game this Sunday and find a game for them. 16 Who pays for the match official(s)? The home team. 17 The referee we had this week was awful. I want to report him All issues regarding a referee s performance have to be sent to the County FA. You need to include the following information with your report, the home and away teams, the date of the fixture, the referee s name.

31 18 As the home team, we cannot provide a qualified and registered referee, what should we do? Fines 19 If I dispute a fine imposed by the League, can I appeal against it? You must offer the away team to provide a qualified and registered referee. If neither of you can, you can use a stand-in referee for that match. See the Managers guide for more details about this, and the use of stand-in referees. Yes. If you received a standard League fine, i.e for a match card, then in your first instance contact the age-group registrar concerned. If you are wanting to appeal a fine/punishment/league decision, then you need to appeal in accordance with Standard Code of Rule Who sets the level of fines? Why are they so high/low? General 21 Remembrance Sunday do we observe a minute s silence prior to the start of a match? 22 Can I demand a League official to observe our game against team X? 23 If I want to enter my team into a tournament, do I have to tell you? Member clubs set the fine for each offence. If you want them changing, then you need to put forward a rule change, before April 1 st in order for the proposal to be voted on at the League AGM. The League Management committee merely enforces the rules set by the Member clubs It is not mandatory. However, the League would encourage teams to respect Remembrance Sunday in the traditional manner within football by holding a minute silence prior to kick-off. The League is not in a position to send out observes to every game, we simply do not have the resources available. Yes, if it is on a date within the Season (September May inclusive). You must seek from the League Secretary permission of the League in order to enter the tournament. There is no guarantee that either of these will be granted as League commitments always come first. Remember in recent year s the season has not finished until mid May 24 How do I change a Domestic League Rule? Send your proposal to the League Secretary by April 1 st, with the exact wording who want to propose and the reasoning behind it. 25 Is it just the responsibility of the home team to notify the Registration Officer of new fixture dates? (ie postponed due to bad weather or league approved re-arranged dates) 26 I awarded low sporting marks (5/10 or below) on the match sheet to Manager/Spectators or Players - what do I need to do? 27 I m not a cheat, why do I have show my player ID cards before the game? No - it is the responsibility of both teams to notify the agreed new date (within 14 days of the fixture date) You need to send written explanation to Registration Officer with the match sheet. This is prove to your opponents, that all your players are fully registered with the League. If you are not cheating, then you have nothing to worry about by showing the cards. Please see the very important message by the County FA, which is included within this guide.

32 Roles and Responsibilities Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association Player Suspensions Club Suspensions Referee performances Child Welfare Football Debt Recovery scheme Charter Standard Updating the County FA website ( Sanctioning of friendly fixtures and tournaments County FA affiliation forms Deal with any poaching issues Liaise with the League and National FA over footballing matters Enforce the Rules of the Association Sheffield & District Junior Football League Issuing of league fixtures Registration of players Updating the League website ( Organising end of season presentation Dealing with League application forms Enforce League rules (as set by member clubs) Enforce the Standard Code of Rules (as set by the FA) Dealing with County FA discipline -> the FA have an excellent document which demonstrates the flow of information and process to be followed regarding player/club discipline issued by the CFA. Please visit and then click on the Goveranance section for more information SOCIAL NETWORKING COUNTY FA / FA NOTICES The County FA has seen an increase in the number of complaints and referrals it has received in relation to postings on social networking sites such as Twitter & Facebook. This is of concern to the County FA and we would ask you to remind all participants within your club of the following key points: All comments on social networking sites may be considered public comment by The FA and County FA Any comments which are improper, bring the game into disrepute or are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting may lead to disciplinary action Comments about match officials which imply bias, attack the officials integrity or are overly personal in nature are considered improper Comments which include a reference to a person s ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith,