New Season Fixture Schedule

We are already getting a few enquiries regarding the new season. Specifically, when will groups and fixtures be announced. This is always as the Secretaries Pre-Season meeting which, this year, will be on 2nd September. We realise some teams are already getting their act together but we always have late withdrawals and these always play havoc with the schedule. So, we have to wait until the last possible moment.

Changes for 2014/2015

As you know, we held a Secretary’s’ Conference on 18^th March to look at some of the changes under consideration for the 2014/2015 season. Over the course of the last few months, the League Management Committee has had a good look at these and although we had issued some initial guidance, here's the full list of changes. We will go through this at the Pre-Season Meeting on 2nd Sept and at the meeting for new managers and Respect Ambasssadors on 4th Sept.

• By far the biggest change next season is we will be running ‘two seasons in one’ across all non-competitive formats (U7 to U10 inclusive). There will be an Autumn Season and a Spring Season with groups being revised around Christmas. This means that if teams are in a strong group and experiencing big defeats week after week, they can look forward to playing in a more suitable group in the Spring. Similarly, if a team is experiencing big wins, we can put them up a group. Please don’t regard this as formal promotion and relegation. If groups are balanced they will remain unaltered and, if a team’s goal difference is huge, they could be moved up or down by two groups or more.


• Obviously, we will need to keep a track of results in order to support all of this. There has been confusion as to whether the League is allowed to collect results of non-competitive matches. This has now been clarified; we can collect results but they must not be published! So, starting in September 2014 we will extend the FA Full Time text service to all age groups and all formats (competitive and non-competitive). All match results must be reported.


• Although U9 and U10 will be non-competitive next season, we will be introducing two cup competitions; one for the stronger teams and a separate one for the teams in the weaker groups.


• Secretaries will be aware we do not issue ID cards at U7 & U8. This arrangement will be extended to U9 and U10 in the season 2014/2015. All players must still be registered on-line but we will only issue cards at U11 and U12. In order to check that teams are not playing ineligible players, the League will undertake spot checks at all sites. If teams feel that oppositions are fielding ineligible players, they must identify the player to the League via their Club Secretary in the usual way.


• The guidance to referees regarding the interpretation of the foul throw will be updated. The current guidance will be unchanged at U7, U8, U9 & U10 where players will be given an opportunity to re-take a throw. However, at U11 & U12 there will be no second chance! If a player commits a foul throw, possession will be lost and the ball will be handed over to the opposition.


• The introduction of Respect Ambassadors and Supporter Areas has resulted in huge improvements in pitch side behaviour. However, some are still confused. There will be a meeting of all new managers and Respect Ambassadors on Thursday 4th September to make sure everyone is clear. To summarise; managers, their assistants and parents acting as lines man must not also act as the Respect Ambassadors. We expect to see two RA’s on the Pitchside at every match. We will be ramping up taking firm action where these points are not observed. To find out what is expected of a Respect Ambassador, please visit our RESPECT page.


• The League now has a formal Complaints Policy. This is not intended for instances which are already catered for in our Rules or the Laws Of The Game (Club Secretaries will already be aware of how to deal with these issues). The policy addresses complaints from the general public when they feel the League has been remiss in exercising its responsibilities. Full details are on the RESPECT page of the League website (www.derbyjfl.com).


• Demand for football at U7 & U8 has increased substantially over the last few years. As a League, we do not intend to turn teams away. However, entries so far indicate we will be well over the limit of what can be provided from a facility point of view. As a result, we will be alternating playing days. Under 7’s will play on one weekend and Under 8’s on the other. At this point I need to put out a request; we are in despirate need of a couple of matchday co-ordinators at U7 & U8. If there is anyone out there who can lend a hand, please get in touch (chairman@derbyjfl.com).


• Some of you will be aware of FA plans to extend 9v9 to U13. The League Management Committee wants to make it very clear we have no intention of offering football at U13. We look to the City League to address this age-group no matter what format has to be adopted. They have the flexibility to offer 9v9 and 11v11 and it is up to Clubs affiliated to them to make sure they provide what Clubs want.


• And finally, Disciplinary Appeals will no longer be heard by a League Disciplinary Appeal Panel - if a Club wishes to appeal a League disciplinary decision or sanction they will need to inform the League and all matters will then be referred to the relevant County FA team to review and adjudicate on. Clubs will be responsible for paying any charges or fees made by the County FA for reviewing such appeals.

Please remember the Pre-Season meeting will be on 2nd September and the meeting for all new managers and Respect Ambassadors will be on 4th September. Full details on the Diary Dates page.

Kids Football Is Changing - Parental Support

Here's a short video from the FA for parents. It focus's on parental attitude towards kids football. How winning at all costs is much less important than simply having fun.

Football Dad's or Mum's kicking off? Don't accept it!!

Please report all instances of poor behaviour to your Club and your League.

Read the article;  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20553556