This Update has FIVE important messages this week which we would ask you to please read.
Reminder of back pass law for ALL age groups
Fines for incomplete/not completed match returns are being issued
Recruiting – YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs)
Comments on match returns on Full-Time
Player transfers
Reminder of back pass law for ALL age groups
There seems to be some misinformation being spread/used regarding the back pass law especially at U7s & U8s. To be clear, the back pass law applies to all ages from U7s upwards.
It is important they learn to abide by this law of football as soon as they start playing the game. Having said this, in U7 & U8 games only where we are in the early part of the season, we see no issue if discretion is applied for the first offence committed by each keeper – a warning that next time it will be pulled up. Both managers should be in agreement to this along with the referee BEFORE the game starts. Good practice would also be for referees and coaches to alert the keeper not to pick the ball up if it looks like they are going to from a back pass. Under no circumstances should the whole game be played without the back pass law being implemented as this will send mixed messages to the players and they won’t learn.
Fines for incomplete/not completed match returns are being issued
Firstly, thank you to all teams who have been completing their match returns on time and successfully.
If you are one of the 6% who has received notifications from us about incomplete or not completed match returns, or you are still unsure if you are completing them correctly, read the step by step ‘Basic guide to running a YEL Team’ found in the Useful information for coaches section on YELonline.com
https://yelonline.com/managers-and-coaches-useful-information/
DO make sure you complete the match return by logging into Full-Time
DO make sure you 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.
Recruiting – YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs)
Want to help make a difference at grassroots football? We are looking to recruit additional YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs) to join our current army of undercover RFOs. RFOs fulfil a valuable, behind the scenes role in the league. This hidden army of volunteers are the league’s eyes and ears at YEL games. Most of the time they are undercover and teams do not know they have been present at their game. They do not get involved in any incidents. They are there to simply observe behaviour of players, spectators and managers and report back to the league. RFOs are assigned to YEL games by the league. They are paid expenses of £10 per report completed. RFOs are independent observers and should not be associated with any participants in a game inc referees. They can report on other games either before or after the game they are involved in provided they have no connection to any of the participants. We are looking for anyone over the age of 18 – mums, dads, grans, grandads, carers, referees – anyone who can be objective and blend in. Interested in becoming an RFO? Email safeguarding@yelonline.com for further details and an application form.
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’d 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 come under the remit of the referee.
Player transfers
Player transfers should only be submitted via WGS once the 7 day Notice of approach (NOA) to a players current club secretary has either passed the 7 day period or been waived by the current club. This can be done by email or text. Either way, you need confirmation back that it has been received – the league advise that an audit trail of the NOA should be kept should a dispute occur. See the FA guidance in the link below
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