This Update has THREE important messages this week which we would ask you to please read.
REMINDER – ID checks are not optional – there are consequences for non compliance with this rule
REMINDER – Referees appointed by the league must take priority
YEL hotline number
REMINDER – ID Checks are not an option – there are consequences for non compliance with this rule
We have been monitoring ID checks being completed by teams. We have a silent army of Respect Field Officers observers/Referees who provide us with weekly reports on fixtures they have attended/officiated. It has become apparent that a number of teams seem to think it is optional to carry out a pre match check – IT IS NOT – it’s mandatory. It applies to ALL YEL games whether friendly or league.
ID checks are an important part of FA Safeguarding policy. It ensures every player is registered and therefore insured against injury or causing injury. It also ensures fair play – only players who are registered to that squad are involved rather than ‘ringers’ from other higher ability teams or, as we have had reported recently, another club! It ensures that players who are playing are all the correct age for the format being played.
Any teams found not to be completing the ID checks will be referred to the YEL Discipline Team. The sanctions they have available to them are declaring the match void if a league fixture – no points for either team and not replayed; awarding the game as it will be classed as an ‘on the day cancellation’ by the offending team; recommending the game is replayed and/or fines particularly if it was a friendly.
ALL teams must carry a paper copy of their squad list, downloaded from Whole Game System, for checking by the opposition. Bringing up the WGS squad list on a phone is acceptable however, it will not be accepted that it wasn’t possible to do this because of phone issues – connectivity, flat battery etc. This is why you should have a paper copy with you at all times.
If you have any issues on the day with carrying out the pre match ID check – opposition not got theirs, not willing to do it etc, you should ring the YEL Gameday hotline – 07510 305354 – for advice from a league official. If you don’t contact the league and it is reported, even if you have tried to show your cards and encountered problems, you will be deemed to have not shown your player ID and will be dealt with accordingly.
REMINDER – Referees appointed by the league must take priority
TWO POINTS – 1. The Referees appointments role in the YEL is a very demanding job given the number of referees available. Sarah – YEL Referees appointments – allocates referees 7-10 days before the game. It is essential that all KO times and venues are correct on Full-Time by this time. Where possible, she gives referees a double game ie 10am mini soccer followed by 11am 9v9/11v11. It is incredibly frustrating when teams try and change games after referees have been appointed. Please work a minimum of 10-14 days in advance.
2. Until Tuesday evening, officially appointed referees ALWAYS take priority over any referee that a team may have found themselves (unless they have notified Sarah at least seven days before the game of the name of the team’s own referee) If, by Tuesday evening, teams have not been notified about a referee, then they are encouraged to locate and appoint their own referee. No problem to have a referee on standby however, they must not be confirmed until Tuesday evening.
Any team that refuses to accept/cancels the officially appointed referee will be referred to the YEL Discipline Team where they are highly likely to be fined for ‘failing to follow a management instruction’ with the fine being paid to the official referee in compensation.
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 Saturdays and Sundays.
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR ON THE DAY MATCH RELATED ENQUIRIES – no other issues will be discussed.
Contacting the YEL
If you email the YEL OFFICE – office@yelonline.com – 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