YEL Update – 10th February 2023

This Update has FOUR important messages this week which we would ask you to please read.

Filming/photography at YEL Games
YEL Cup sponsor promotion – Discounted trophies are available and in stock
2022/23 Respect cases so far
YEL hotline number

Filming/photography at YEL games

We have been asked to remind everyone of the guidance around filming/photography at children’s football matches. In a number of teams there are parents who have not given consent for their child to be filmed/photographed. We would also point out that there are players in the YEL that are under Court of Protection Orders where their identity needs to be kept safe. In extreme instances, particularly around serious abuse, their names have been changed on Whole Game System to protect their identity. These vulnerable children need protecting as best as possible whilst still being able to enjoy the simple things in life like playing football with their friends.

Best practice/law looks like this:

  • On private grounds (where the venue you are playing at is privately owned property) you must obtain permission to film/take photographs – this does not apply to public pitches.
  •  Public spaces – anyone can take photographs/film provided the images are not deemed to be for immoral/unacceptable purposes HOWEVER… please be aware this may potentially restrict a vulnerable person from taking part.
  • As mentioned above, some players cannot filmed or their identity potentially compromised. Best practice to contact the opposition before the game to ensure the coach/parents are all comfortable with filming/photography taking place – 99/100 times there will not be a problem
  • You should also ensure your club has a photography/filming policy and all of your parents have signed up to it as, it has to assumed, that the images will be stored somewhere.

By following the above, you will avoid uncomfortable situations arising on the day as everyone should have been made aware. There’s a lot of confusion around the law on photographing/filming children which people can, quite naturally, be very sensitive about. It also avoids the outside possibility of a player at risk having to be withdrawn from the opposition team for safety reasons.

YEL Cup Sponsor promotion – Discounted trophies are available and in stock

UK football tours – sponsors of our U9 Cup competition – have around 6000 trophies at discounted prices. They are available and in stock. For more details visit

www.ukfootballtours.co.uk

2022/23 Respect cases so far

The YEL Respect Team are delighted to report the number of respect cases for serious undesirable conduct has fallen for the first time in six years. On another positive note, the number of minor respect cases has increased. This is doubly good news as it means lessons are being learned by adults regarding serious undesirable conduct and also, we believe more reports are being logged for less serious incidents as the message that something will be/is being done is getting through. Out of close to 1300 teams, there are only 5 (FIVE) teams who have been reported twice to the league. This is fantastic news and an all time low. Our traffic light system of green, amber, red & black (full details of how it works on YELonline.com under home page menu ‘Respect’) and the message that teams who are repeat offenders for serious undesirable conduct will be called to a Special General Meeting for the member clubs to decide their future involvement, appears to be working and adults are displaying better behaviour which is allowing children to play in a safe and enjoyable environment. On behalf of the league and the young players, a big thanks to everyone who has contributed to improve the playing environment from parents, to managers and most especially all of the amazing volunteer Club Welfare Officers.

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 9.30am – 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 – 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

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