Dear Clubs

 

Following on from a league management meeting on Monday 11^th January we would like to firstly thank a number of clubs who have taken the time to write in with a variety of solutions to enable the successful conclusion of the season. Having considered a number of options within the constitution of the league we would like to issue the following guidance regarding league and cup competitions.

 

1)      The League Season will not be extended.

 

2)      All 27 day requests for postponements to be applied for to the League General Secretary for permission and copied to Fixture Secretaries. The League General Secretary along with the Chairman will make the final decision on whether they will be granted or not.

 

 

3)      Cup Matches:-

·         Fixture Secretaries will prioritise the playing of cup matches as against league games.

·         The playing of U11-U15 Semi Finals will still be scheduled through January, February and March, however we only have a certain amount of booked pitches at Imber Court. Mini Football, U16 & U18 will be played away from Imber Court currently.

·         Due to the varying stages being reached with the different age groups and potential clashes with county cup games, we will try to play Semi-Finals as soon as they are known; this may mean that matches are arranged with one weeks notice so please be prepared.

·         Should we run out of pitch capacity at Imber Court due to time, bad weather and county cup clashes then the Semi Finals will be played on the first named club’s ground at the earliest opportunity. It is highly likely, in these circumstances, that only a referee will be assigned and no neutral assistant referees.

 

4)      League Matches:-

 

The Fixture Secretaries have given a very comprehensive update of the situation within their age groups. Some ages & divisions are in more difficulties than others, so rather than applying blanket rules we would like to stick to the following guidance and allow the Fixture Secretaries to have a certain amount of discretion. The main points of guidance are as follows:-

·         The Fixture Secretaries in the first instance will issue double header fixtures where they can i.e. if two teams need to play each other twice. These matches can be scheduled as soon as the Fixture Secretary deems fit to do so.

·         If there are no Sundays remaining and no ability to play a double header (i.e. only one game remaining) then the Fixture Secretary will allocate a mid week date in April for the fixture. The Fixture Secretary will attempt to keep travel to a minimum on mid week evenings.

·         When scheduling a double header it maybe that one of the teams involved is actually ok with their schedule, but it will be the opposition that has a backlog; please bear this in mind when you receive a double header fixture. It is better to play rather than wait 4-6 weeks for a mid week game when the opposition becomes available.

·         If clubs that have been allocated a double header or mid week game can mutually arrange an alternative date and time to play, then both teams must email this agreement to the fixture secretary before the original scheduled date. This date will then become firm and no further change will be allowed – plan ahead!

·         Alternative dates to play games. The league would welcome teams making themselves available to play at alternate times, these can include Saturdays, midweek’s under lights, Half Term mid week, Easter Bank Holiday weekend Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday. Teams may play two days on the trot but this is little different to double headers. We would ask you to please contact your fixture secretary now with your options.

·         Failure to fulfil fixtures on said allocated dates will result in the unplayed fixture process being instigated by the fixture secretary; this could mean award of a game, or if both teams are at fault then the game declared null and void at the season end – no points for either team.

 

5)      If we have any more significant breaks in the season then we will look at further action which could be reducing teams playing each other three times to two in those affected divisions, cup cancellations, or play each other once though all of these though will be very, very last resort.

 

We are doing our very best to try and move towards the season’s conclusion but it is now up to the clubs to take this guidance seriously, especially those teams that have only played 3 or 4 league games to date. I am sure there will be the odd day when a couple of boys will not be available but you should have enough to play a game. Please don’t delay, become proactive and work with your fixture secretaries. They are there to help you and your teams complete the season.

 

All the best

 

 

Graham Ekins

SYL Chairman