League update

FIXTURES

The fixtures up to 10 December have now been uploaded onto the Full Time System. However there are a number of cup competitions scheduled between now and Christmas (Lancashire Amateur Cup, Liverpool Cup Competitions, Guildhall Cup) and the weather has taken a turn for the worst. These could result in changes to the fixtures if there any postponements so please keep an eye on the Full Time System.

There are no fixtures scheduled for the 17 December and we will resume on the 7 January.

DISCIPLINE

There has been a general deterioration across all football and all Leagues that is being reported by the FA. There have been a number of initiatives aimed at tackling this. We as a League have seen a small number of cases where this has been the case and also the nature of some the cases is unusual. I stress it is a small number but nevertheless please remind all your club officials, players and spectators of the need to maintain good discipline and respect for all concerned in the game.

COMMUNICATION

Most clubs are being proactive in communicating in a timely manner with the opposition and the match officials. However we are still receiving reports where this is not happening. It is a requirement to ensure that there is timely contact between clubs and officials. We have a number of new match officials in the league who don't know where the grounds are. They are getting used to how we operate and we are getting used to the officials as well and it is essential that we do everything to keep them. One question that does crop up is the arrangement for paying the referee whether this be by cash or BACS. Please ensure that this is discussed with the referee prior to the fixture. Some referees have been left waiting for payment because they require cash and the club pays by BACS .

TEAM SHEETS

As a League we are conscious of the costs of running grassroots football and whilst we have issued fines for 'Failure to Fulfil a Fixture', we have not yet issued any fines for not completing the online team sheets. The completion rate is over 90% but there are a few clubs who are not completing them in a timely manner. This is just to advise that the fines will be applied from 1 November going forward for non completion - reminders will not be sent.

SPONSORSHIP

On the question of money, one area which we have not progressed as a League is that of attracting sponsorship which in the current economic climate is not easy for firms to offer support. However we are planning to discuss this at the next League Meeting of Clubs.

LEAGUE MEETING OF CLUBS

The next League Meeting of Clubs will be held on Thursday 24 November. The details will be sent out shortly confirming the time, venue and agenda. If anybody has any matters they would like to raise please let me know.

Regards,

Alan Stuttard
League Secretary