This Update has FIVE important messages this week which we would ask you to please read. THESE ARE ALL RELATED TO MATCH DAY ADMINISTRATION
ADVANCED WARNING – SEVERE penalties are coming
Team sheets and the need for them
ID checks and the need for them
Fines for incomplete match returns are being issued
Comments on Match Returns on Full-Time
YEL Game Day Hotline
ADVANCED WARNING – SEVERE penalties are coming
Enough publicity has been given regarding handing a team sheet to an officially appointed YEL Referee prior to the game and carrying out proper ID checks by calling out the opposition players names not just looking at an opposition manager’s phone. Gentle reminders have not have worked for some teams who seem to think these rules don’t apply to them and they don’t need to abide by them?
As we have absolutely no desire to fine teams, we are giving everyone 10 weeks notice that as of January 1st SEVERE FINANCIAL PENALTIES will be imposed.
U9-U14 Team sheets – If you are not already completing a team sheet for any YEL organised game – league, friendly or cup – and giving it to YEL Referees officially appointed through Full-Time, ACT NOW and get into the habit of doing it. Sanctions to be applied for failing to follow a management instruction
£20 for 1st offence; £40 for 2nd offence; £80 for 3rd and any subsequent offences.
U7-U14 ID Checks – All age groups (inc U7s & U8s) should be carrying out an ID check. If you are not doing this, ACT NOW and get into the habit of carrying a printed paper version of your registered players downloaded from WGS and ensure you swap it with your opposite number and carry out a proper ID check by gathering them all in and calling out the players’ names.
Failure to carry out a proper ID check prior to the game will attract a £100 fine
Really disappointed it has had to come to this but the rules must be adhered to and YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Don’t be the first to receive a massive fine in 2024 – abide by the rules!
Team sheets and the need for them
We have noticed on some referee reports that managers are using squad lists as team sheets. Do not use a squad list as a team sheet. This is a safeguarding issue. Please use a Team Sheet which can be downloaded from YELonline.com
It can be found under the managers and coaches section –
https://yelonline.com/managers-and-coaches-useful-information/ – Download a YEL team sheet.
Team sheets are important for referees should they need to issue a card. They also confirm the players who have taken part and can form part of any disciplinary process for the league and CFA when identifying unregistered players. They also provide supporting evidence that players have played the appropriate number of games to qualify them to attend the YEL Awards. The integrity of the game is essential to ensure fair play.
ID checks and the need for them
It should go without saying that every manager in every team will only play players who are eligible to play and registered to their particular team. Sadly, this is not the case. Some will attempt to cheat – examples include playing players who are the wrong age group or playing players from a different team within the club who may be from a higher ability group which gives them an unfair advantage. We have anecdotal evidence that one particular club has been doing this on a regular basis. A proper ID check prior to the game where the players all called in, ID sheets are swapped and the players’ names called out and matched to their image, will prevent this. Any player not named on the officially downloaded ID sheet/squad list, cannot play, no questions. If you have an on the day issues where there is any sort of dispute, contact the Game Day hotline – number at the end of the Update. People who attempt to cheat, cannot be allowed to get away with it and let’s face it, why should they? Not listed on the officially downloaded ID sheet – No play. Simple.
Comments on Match Returns on Full-Time
A few teams leave comments in the comments box on Match Returns. Having 700+ games each weekend, these may get missed. If it is a serious Respect case that you feel needs bringing to the attention of the league, please speak to your Club Welfare Officer or Club Secretary immediately after the game and ask them to upload a Respect case onto Scoreline. These are seen immediately as they are constantly being monitored.
We would like to hear about any inappropriate behaviour, aggravated language or abuse of any type – by parents, players or coaches towards each other or towards match officials. On field incidents during the course of the game come under the remit of the referee.
Fines for incomplete match returns are being issued
To avoid a fine, follow the simple advice below:
DO make sure you complete the match return by logging into Full-Time & complete all sections
DO make sure you ONLY list the players who started in the ‘started’ section; list the players who started as subs and came on, in the ‘subs used section’ (There should be no entries in the ‘subs unused’ section as all children who attend games as subs (up to the max number permitted) should play at some stage)
DO ensure the return is completed within 24 hours of the advertised kick off time (League Regulation 3C)
DO NOT use MatchDay app to complete your match return. Its poor reliability is well known and has been widely advertised by the YEL. We’ll not accept this as a valid reason for an incomplete match return.
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