YEL Update – 21 April 2023

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

Management of the match day environment and respect for referees
Cup competition rules inc ID checks, cancellations & cup tied players
Number of substitutes at YEL games
YEL Game Day hotline number

Management of the match day environment and respect for referees

As we reach the end of the YEL season there are some very close divisions and, for some, just a couple of games left. There are also the final stages of cup competitions coming up. These can get very competitive. This is just another timely reminder to managers.

All Coaches and Managers have a responsibility to manage the match day environment and manage themselves, their parents and their players at a game.

Unacceptable adult behaviour from coaches/parents including criticism of referees, encouraging players to be overly physical, aggressive actions/comments towards opposition coaches, parents and players is not acceptable and will filter through to the players as they will believe this is part of football. IT IS NOT.

Adults are role models and regardless of whether they believe a referee is good, bad or indifferent or whether they feel they are being hard done to on decisions, they need to control their emotions and comments to ensure that games are played in the right atmosphere. This is children’s football NOT the Premier League. Equally players who are showing frustration or are becoming overly aggressive in challenges, need to be brought off for a cooling down period and a discussion around behaviour and what is and isn’t acceptable.

If you are unhappy about a referee’s performance and feel you wish to report it to the league, please do so office@yelonline.com as there may be an opportunity for us to provide support in their development. Remember 81% of our referees are children who are still learning – just like the players. Under no circumstances criticise the referee or disagree with their decisions as your actions will directly impact on the players and their highly impressionable minds. If our game is going to thrive with players developing in the right way, we all need to play our part.

Cup competition rules inc ID checks, cancellations & cup tied players

Cancellations – Any non weather related cup cancellations will be referred to the YEL Discipline team. Please be aware – it is highly likely that the game will be awarded to the opposition in these instances.
Cup tied players – Any player who has played in a previous round for another team in the same age group and playing day cannot play for another team in the same age group cup competition as they will be cup tied and therefore ineligible. Any team found to have played an ineligible player will be removed from the competition. Please check and make sure you do not fall foul of this rule.
Cup Rules & ID Checks – Please ensure you have read and understand the cup rules – YELonline.com -under rules and regulations. Any game which is level at the end of normal time will go to extra time. If the scores are still level at the end of extra time, five penalties will be taken by each team. If the scores are still level after five penalties have been taken, you go to sudden death until a winner is found. Only players on the pitch at the end of extra time are eligible to take penalties and no player can take a second penalty until all players on the pitch have taken their first penalty. ID checks are particularly important and must be carried out to ensure only eligible players take part.

Number of substitutes at YEL games

Can we remind all teams of the rules. This is not the Premier League – you can’t take more than the maximum number specified below.

Any teams reported for using more than the permitted number of subs will be referred to the YEL Discipline Team.

U7/U8 – 5 substitutes
U9/U10 – 7 substitutes
U11/U12 – 5 substitutes
U13/U14 – 5 substitutes

YEL Game Day hotline number

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.

Rob Harwood CEO
YEL OFFICE

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