|
 The
2008-09 version of the
Football Association's Standard Code of
Rules
is on
the website and clubs must ensure that all their officials are
made aware of the content.
The major
change for the coming season is the introduction of the eagerly
awaited
‘Respect’ initiative by the FA.
We fully support this and hope that all member clubs will ensure
that their Clubs come on board. It is hoped that with the
‘Respect’ programme in place the discipline issues that we have
been faced with will be a thing of the past. The pilot scheme
run last season for spectator demarcated area along the
touchline was a success and after consulting the leagues taking
part it was made clear to us that this was the way forward.
Many fines are issued to clubs normally due to the lack of
discipline in carrying out everyday business and these are
usually the simplest of tasks such as communicating results,
match card discrepancies and general administration. I reiterate
that we do not like issuing fines and feel the money
would be better kept with the clubs, however, where necessary we
will deal with offending clubs and issue sanctions.
The League referee secretary is again tasked with improving the
match coverage of referees and I know he is working on bringing
more referees to the league. We aim to increase the numbers
recruited and also retain our existing referees, your help is
needed in achieving this objective. Good communication and a
friendly approach goes a long way especially with the younger
referees, they like coaches and managers are learning all the
time and need all the support that you can provide. Any
interested parties who wish to become referees can contact
either Michael Parris or Paul Cunningham for details.
I must make it absolutely clear to all Clubs that this League
WILL NOT tolerate any referee abuse by spectators / club
officials / players and the
‘Respect’ programme in
conjunction with the new sanctions will enable us to deal with
any incident that may occur.
League service awards were presented to Tim Mullock (Wilmslow
Sports) Chris Cole (Urmston Town) and two Council members Eric
Owen and Derek Austin. I personally thank all of them for the
service which they have given and continue to give to the T&DJFL.
We have been busy streamlining the league in the close season
and have refused a number of applications from clubs wishing to
join us, however, we will when necessary and if there is
capacity bring in new clubs and teams, we are still probably the
strongest junior league in greater Manchester with well over 400
teams taking part in organised football. We will continue to
monitor all the divisions very carefully and where possible
satisfy our member clubs.
The non competitive league competition at Under 9 will be
introduced and it is hoped that this will enable young players
to develop without the pressure which we have seen in the past.
The cup competition will be competitive though and this will be
seeded based on the structure of the divisions which will be
monitored by the Divisional Secretary.
The first of the JJB festivals is planned in for later in the
year U7 / U8 players will again benefit from this organised,
safe and friendly football. We will have further events later in
the season providing suitable funding can be obtained with
hopefully an opportunity to extend this to the U9 age group.
We try to maintain our high standards every season for all
member clubs and I trust that we can continue to work together
and further promote our league at local, district and county
level.
Have an enjoyable and successful season. |
