This Update has SIX important messages this week which we would ask you to please read.
Statement from the YEL Board of Directors – Removal of a club from the league
Reminder – Winter league games this weekend
Newly increased penalties now in force
YEL Awards update
Check referee credentials if using a match official found off social media
YEL Game Day Hotline
Statement from the YEL Board of Directors – Removal of a club from the league
Some of you may already be aware that a club has now been removed from the league. This decision stems from League Regulation 1 which states that existing clubs must hold England Accreditation to be a member of the league. Prior to the AGM in June we were informed by the County FAs that there were seven clubs looking to join/renew their membership who had not attained their England Accreditation. We worked closely with the County FAs to ascertain the likelihood of them achieving their England Accreditation. Based on the information provided by the clubs/County FAs, the YEL Board agreed to conditionally accept the seven clubs into the league. All of the clubs were emailed with this decision in June. The principal condition that needed to be fulfilled was that they achieved their England Accreditation on or before 31st December 2023. Five of the clubs achieved it within a month. One was awarded it in December. The remaining club was not awarded their England Accreditation as we understand that the County FA were not satisfied that they had complied with all of the requirements to receive the award despite six months having elapsed after the original notification. Therefore, in line with the email sent by the YEL Board to all seven clubs immediately after the AGM detailing the conditions required to remain in the league, one club has now been removed for failing to gain their England Accreditation.
Reminder – Winter league games this weekend
Any remaining winter league games that are not played this weekend due to the weather will remain unplayed and the tables finalised based on the current positions.
Any play off games will remain unplayed and the position shared.
Newly increased penalties now in force
Hopefully no one will need reminding but the increased penalties for not carrying out an ID check (U7s to U14s) and/or not giving a team sheet to any officially appointed YEL referee (U9s to U14s) are now in force (From Jan 1st).
If you have any issues or are unsure what to do on the day, please contact the Game Day hotline (see below) which will be available from 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
YEL Awards update
The YEL Events team has asked for it to be pointed out that a lot of extra work is being created by managers who have not completed match returns correctly which has resulted in some players appearing to be ineligible to attend the awards through not having played enough league games.
Please ensure that your match returns are completed accurately and are a true reflection of who played. There are always two columns that need completing for the players – those who started and those who were used as substitutes. Unused subs do not count towards having played and also are virtually unheard of as any child that attends a YEL game should be taking part.
Check referee credentials if using a match official found off social media
We have had a couple of concerning reports of referees being found off social media who do not appear to be who they say they are. If we have been unable to source you an official YEL referee and you are advertising for one on social media, ask for their county FA registration number to ensure they are a bona fide referee who has the relevant DBS check and the Safeguarding Children certification.
YEL Game Day hotline
If you have any issues or on the day queries relating to your game only, you can contact the YEL Game Day Hotline number for advice.
07510 305354
Available between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Sat/Sun
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR ON THE DAY MATCH RELATED ENQUIRIES – no other issues will be discussed.
Contacting the YEL
If you email the YEL OFFICE – yel@live.co.uk – please ensure you state the team name, age group and playing day so we can quickly deal with the enquiry
Rob Harwood CEO
YEL OFFICE