Frequently asked questions

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All match reports and team sheets must be filled out within 48 hours of games being played. If managers fail to do this, clubs will be issued a fine. Match reports must be fully completed on fulltime, Not on the Matchday app. Fulltime will show 3 green ticks next to the fixture if the report is fully complete. All starting players and substitutes must be entered. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c27b0a_6ce435a0acba48d98229e903bccbd044~mv2.jpg

Postponements Teams are not able to request to move games back under any circumstances. If a team is aware of upcoming holidays or player absences (such as during half term), they should take steps to bring the game forward rather than postponing it. For example, if a game is scheduled between 15/02 and 23/02 (February half term) and players will be unavailable, teams should contact their opposition to arrange an earlier match date during an available week. This can be any day, as long as both teams agree and the game is brought forward. If the opposition is unwilling to accommodate the change, teams should seek assistance from their club to find another official or parent helper to oversee the match, particularly if the manager will be absent. If neither of these options is successful and the game cannot be rescheduled, teams may appeal for a postponement once they have received a breach notice for failing to fulfil the fixture, but only if there is a valid reason. Postponement Due to Weather or Unplayable Pitch: If a game is postponed due to bad weather or an unplayable pitch, both teams must notify the League Secretary using the link provided below, In this case, the game will be rescheduled. Unplayed Matches Due to Team Fault: If a match is not played due to the fault of one team, the game will be awarded to the opposition and will not be rescheduled. A fine will also be issued, as per the fines tariff. If both teams are at fault, the game will be declared Null and Void, and both teams will be fined according to the fines tariff. At the League Committee's discretion, additional points may also be deducted. https://forms.clickup.com/9015696968/f/8cp17j8-2435/QBMUO4LAUAFODWE2XG (https://forms.clickup.com/9015696968/f/8cp17j8-2435/QBMUO4LAUAFODWE2XG)

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When considering “equal playing time” there are two important things to remember: Why Children Play They play because it is FUN, but the fun is in the playing. It is most fun for those who play the most and not so much fun if the child is denied the opportunity to play in matches. The Coach’s Purpose The role of the coach is fundamentally to provide an opportunity for children to have a positive experience. For most players, many of their positive experiences revolve around their playing time. Many of the challenges involved in the “equal playing time” debate can be lessened by the development of a club or coach philosophy which clearly defines the club/coach philosophical position and intentions and can be further underpinned by using codes of conduct which communicate club/coach philosophy in terms of allocation of playing time and can manage expectations for how players get game time. WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN MORE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c76SRpg6x8I) DOWNLOAD THE FA EQUAL PLAYING TIME POLICY BELOW

5v5 maximum is 10 7v7 maximum is 14 9v9 maximum is 14 11v11 maximum is 16

In 2022, we became the first national association to successfully adopt the International Football Association Board [IFAB] trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below. We first introduced the IFAB trial in England following our steps to bring in heading guidance in youth football in 2020, and then the implementation of heading guidance in training across every level of the professional and amateur game in 2021. After two seasons of the IFAB trial in English football, we will now introduce a new rule to phase out deliberate heading in matches in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 level over the next three seasons. This includes all leagues, clubs and any affiliated school football matches – starting with U7-U9 level from the 2024-25 season, then increasing to include U10 level from 2025-26, and U11 level from 2026-27. As grassroots players move from primary to secondary school, heading the ball will be introduced at this transition point in their U12 season. ADAPTING THE HEADING TRIAL FOR THE 2024-25 SEASON We have researched and collected feedback from leagues and clubs taking part in the IFAB trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below to see how the experience of the players taking part could be further improved. Our aim is to also create more technical opportunities for players with the ball at their feet, allow for more effective playing time, and to reduce the amount of time the ball is in the air during a match. As a result, from the start of the 2024-25 season for U7-U9 teams, we will also be rolling out the following: Deliberate Header Restart: - Deliberately heading the ball is an offence punishable by an indirect free kick - The indirect free kick is taken at the point where the ball was deliberately headed, except: Where a player deliberately heads the ball within their own penalty area, the referee will stop the game and restart with an indirect free kick to the opposition from the nearest side line of the penalty area where the offence took place

We're introducing a new touchline restart law in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7 and U11. Pass-ins and dribble-ins will be phased in over the next three seasons, replacing throw-ins. This video explains the new law and shows it in action. WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=9XV6EV9d5U_Xfcau&fbclid=IwY2xjawFLiXdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZg1CVANcOC3q1xMiX4zmhuTGvksVPr0V24i4NxoRNM2MrLIfd1G0-MHbw_aem_tXS4mOuKEiUwlsSJ7X-lZg&v=jP_DzpoMSXg&feature=youtu.be)

Every week you will receive an automated email with your upcoming fixture details and contacts. If you would like to get in touch with them beforehand please see our team directory using the link below

The mercy rule applies to the U7-U11 age category within our league, teams must use the mercy rule when a team reaches a 9 goal difference. The below rule is copy and pasted from the league handbook on page 7. Mercy Rule: The League applies the 9 goal mercy rule in age groups from U7 - U11. Once a team is 9 goals up (e.g. 9-0, 10-1 etc) the game ends. A discussion should then be held between Referee and the 2 Managers as to how/if the remaining game time is completed. This can include... (1) the game ending. (2) the game restarting as a development friendly. (3) players be moved position etc. Whatever happens, the result is submitted as the 9-goal difference.

Any youth player who shows ‘dissent’ towards a referee or assistant referee (linesman) may be sin binned. This means you might be shown a yellow card and you will be asked to leave the field of play for either 8 or 10 minutes. So what is dissent? To avoid being sin binned when you next play take a look at the different types of behaviours which are classed as dissent. • Clapping sarcastically towards the referee or assistant! • Questioning the referee or assistant referees decisions! • Making sarcastic or rude comments towards any match official! • Kicking the ball away in anger! Swearing at any match official or linesman is not dissent, but may result in you being shown a red card! https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c27b0a_dc799be03e7e44a5a28f545867d39fc2~mv2.webp

We have found many teams have had success organising friendlies using the Devon & Cornwall youth football friendlies group, its also a great place to find details of upcoming tournaments! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2586717254673356 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2586717254673356)