LEAGUE STATEMENT 30TH MARCH 2020
All, Hope that you are keeping well at these challenging times. Following on from The FA's announcement towards the end of the last week, that all grassroots football for the season 2019-20 has been cancelled and the season is over, we have had chance to consider the decisions that have been made and the implications that these have on the CYFL. In addition, all the leagues in Bedfordshire have discussed their thoughts to ensure that we are aligned in our thinking and approach to these unprecedented times. As such, I would like to advise the following:-
The Management Committee will be considering other measures that may be taken to reduce the pressures on Clubs to get started again. These will be announced to Clubs, in due course, which will in all likelihood be towards the end of April which is when I will be circulating the application forms for the 2020-21 season. At present, our AGM which is scheduled for Monday 15th June 2020. I appreciate that this may need to change, but we can review that as time passes. Our proposed start date for next season is Sunday 13th September (which is our traditional start date as the 2nd Sunday of September). However we are proposing that the season does not start until after the schools go back (which is consistent with other youth leagues in Bedfordshire) so this maybe delayed if the schools have not returned back for the Autumn term. Again we can review that as time passes. As with everyone, we are disappointed with the way that the season has finished, but appreciate that at this difficult time, there are other issues facing people which take priority over football. However we hope that everyone can stay safe and will be in a position to resume football, as and when the situation improves and it is safe to do so. Thanks Jonathan Brown Secretary, Chiltern Youth Football League www.chilternyouthfootballleague.co.uk
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Bedfordshire FA statement - Coronavirus
CEO Alan Young said: “The following Bedfordshire Football Leagues and the County Football Association have decided that ALL affiliated fixtures from 13th March – 22nd March 2020 and ALL County Cup games up until 31st March 2020 have been suspended. Bedford County Football League Bedford & District Sunday League Leighton & District Sunday League North Home Counties Sunday League Chiltern Youth League Chiltern Junior Sevens Bedfordshire Youth Saturday League Bedfordshire FA Girls Football League Bedfordshire Mini Soccer League The welfare of players, volunteers, referees and supporters is of paramount importance and the Bedfordshire FA will continue to coordinate with our stakeholder and make further announcements in due course.” Press Release - 3rd March
The M and S Water Chiltern Youth League is proud and delighted to announce that M & S Water Services (Utilities) Ltd have agreed to extend their sponsorship of the Chiltern Youth Football League . The 2020 / 2021 season will be the seventh consecutive season that the League has been supported by M & S Water Services. League Chairman, Peter Brown, said ‘we are so pleased that M & S Water a Services are to continue their support of the League for a further season. This enables us to continue subsidising the annual subscription paid by Member Clubs; meaning every team benefits and we can continue the Get it Right scheme where Clubs are rewarded for good discipline, sportsmanship and conduct on and off the field of play, together with good administration receiving special match balls. We are extremely grateful to M & S Water Services and look forward to continue working with them to promote Youth Football in Bedfordshire and the neighbouring counties.’ Thomas Harkin , Business Development Manager of M & S Water Services commented ‘We a delighted to be able to continue our support of a local football league. As local football is on the decline we hope our support encourages more teams to continue running and new teams to start up. M&S Water Services want to support the local community and we are delighted to have renewed our support of the league for a further two years.’ Chiltern Youth New Officer Appointments
We would like to announce the appointment of Four new officers to the League PM Referee Appointments Secretary The M and S Water Services Ltd. Chiltern Youth Football League is very pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Cooper as the League's referee appointment Secretary for the afternoon fixtures (Under 15, Under 16, Under 17 and Under 18 sections) with immediate affect. Brian has vast experience in refereeing and is a Level 5, Senior County Referee. He has been a good supporter of the League over a number of years, having combined his refereeing experiences with running a team throughout the age groups. Brian, who lives in Bedford is well respected by his refereeing peers and is looking forward to bringing this experience and his energy to the role and working with the Management Committee to provide an exceptional experience to the member clubs. We look forward to Brian joining the team. He will be working alongside Tony Gee for the remainder of the season, with the aim to take on the role full time from the start of the 2020 / 21 season. The Management Committee thank Mr. Gee for his hard work over the past few months, stepping into the role at short notice following the withdrawal of the Central Appointments System within Bedfordshire. Registration Secretary The M and S Water Chiltern Youth Football League is very pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Vase as the League's New Registration Secretary with immediate effect. Emma has vast experience in local football administration and is already fully conversant with the League's Rules and Regulations and in particular the process for the Registration of players from her work as Secretary of AFC Oakley football club. Emma will be continuing in her role with AFC Oakley as club secretary and is really looking forward to starting this role and joining the league. We are very pleased to welcome Emma to the team. Media Officer The M and S Water Chiltern Youth Football League is very pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Wing as the League's Media Officer. Melissa plays football (full back) for Flitwick Eagles and is at present studying at Bedford University following a course in Sports Development and Management . Melissa will be looking to enhance the League's website , promoting the League on Social Media and helping to produce the match programmes for the League Cup Finals. The League are delighted to have recruited Melissa and welcome her to the team. Child Welfare Officer The M and S Water Services Ltd. Chiltern Youth Football League is pleased to announce the appointment of John Thomas as the Leagues's Child Welfare Officer. John has been a member of the League's Management Committee for the past 4 years having previously been a great servant to refereeing on the League. John now lives in Bletchley and we looking forward to him developing his work on the Management Committee with this new role. John will move into the role from the start of the 2020 / 21 season and further details will be provided to clubs in due course around how John will be able to assist them with any child welfare queries that may arise. Announcement
The M & S Water Services Ltd. Chiltern Youth Football League are sorry to announce that Pamela Johnson has decided to stand down from her role as the League's Registration Secretary. The League is very grateful to Pamela for her work with the League over the past few seasons and we wish her all the best for the future. Clubs are asked to contact the League Secretary, Jonathan Brown or Match Secretary, Tony Gee with any matters regarding player registrations until the end of the season. Please note that all transfer paperwork is still to be submitted to Jonathan Brown, as per normal process. Clubs are reminded that the deadline for submitting both registration requests and transfer requests for players to be eligible to play this season, is Sunday 1st March 2020. The League is grateful for the interest being shown in the role for next season and it is hoped to make an appointment by the end of February. Sent on behalf of the CYFL Management Committee Jonathan Brown Secretary, Chiltern Youth Football League www.chilternyouthfootballleague.co.uk Child Welfare Officer Required 2020/21
Child Welfare Officer - Vacancy The M and S Water Chiltern Youth Football League is looking to appoint a League Child Welfare Officer for season 2020/2021 . We would be pleased to hear from anybody interested in the role who is FA accredited and in a position to support all the Club Child Welfare Officers in this important area of the League's affairs and to work closely with The Bedfordshire Football Association on any matters. Should you wish more details on the role and the possible commitment required please speak to Tony for further information. You can contact him by Email tonygee@hotmail.co.uk who will then be happy to have a chat about the position. If you wish to apply for the position please contact League Chairman , Peter Brown 07503 349551 / peterdbrown46@btinternetcom or League Secretary , Jonathan Brown - joncyflsecretary@btinternet.com Sunday 22nd March 2020 - Let them Play( Formally Silent Sunday)
Well how about we do it again but call it something new. Last season ‘Silent Sunday’ was a success with the majority of feedback being positive with just a few negatives which made us look at how we could improve the idea. So this season with a new name it feels that it’s more about the players being able to play football as they normally do on a Sunday. We have decided from the feedback that the coaches and mangers can give instruction as normal as this was an area of confusion last season. Some managers took it all the way and said nothing during the game which caused confusion. Our main target will be the spectators who stand their as would be managers and coaches shouting out what the players should be doing during the game, hence causing confusion for them. We ask that you inform your parents and spectators before the game that today they are there to watch a game and let the players and the referee just enjoy the game. We ask that they do not question the referee when they make a decision good or bad and just enjoy the game. The game game is about the players along with positive support from managers coaches and parents. So we hope that we can ‘Let Them Play’ 'Get it right Awards'
All, Congratulations to the following teams who were presented with a new CYFL / M and S Water Services Limited match ball at the League's Full Council Meeting last Monday evening. These footballs were presented under the Leagues ' Get Things Right ' scheme to reward Clubs who have shown good discipline, sportsmanship and conduct both on and off the field of play together with good administration. Bedford Park Rangers. Under 13 Dunstable United Reds. Under 11 Stevenage Borough Juniors. Under 14 Totternhoe Development. Under 15 Well done to them all Referee Appointments notice.
As you are aware the number of referee's making themselves available to the league has reduced considerably this season for no particular reasons. This is a general trend across all leagues in the county and generally around the country. The AM section is nearing to 100% coverage each week as we have the use of the younger referee's who are starting out on there careers, but in the PM section we have to rely on the over 16 referee's and the older guys and girls, and as I said we are seeing more not taking up the whistle at the weekends. We still have a small pool of committed referee's and hopefully when the County Cup Finals come round at the end of the season we will see these referee's rewarded for committing to youth football. A thank you must go to the teams who know a referee or two and help out each week by getting them to take a game. So we ask that you understand the difficulties we face each week appointing to games but rest assured we will continue to try and cover as many games as we can. Thanks. All, Season Update No 4
Please find attached this week’s updates and reminders for your review, consideration and action (where appropriate!). Fine Amnesty – FINAL REMINDER This coming Sunday will see the last fine amnesty for team administration, so I would like to remind clubs of the below requirements:-
Please note that non-fulfilled fixtures will still be liable to disciplinary action during September and hence fines will be issued accordingly. Kick Off Times / Alterations to Match Locations This continues to be an issue and needs to be addressed. Unlike other leagues, who allow teams to choose their kick off times and even which day they wish to play, the CYFL operates a clear kick off policy:- Under 11, 12, 13 and 14 age groups kick off on Sunday AM, with 10.30am as the default kick off time Under 15, 16, 17 and 18 age groups kick off on Sunday PM, with 2.00pm as the default kick off time In instances where teams pitch share, we do allow kick off times to be flexible, but they must always be either AM or PM (depending on age group) and if teams do not agree, then kick off times will revert to the default time as listed above. I would also ask that if a kick off time that is different to the default is decided upon and or the location of the game is changed, Tony Gee and Steve Chamberlain MUST be advised of this ASAP ahead of the day. We need to ensure that the match referee is considered in any changes so that they are able to attend at the alternate kick off time or location. And please note that we have Committee Members who go our each Sunday to watch games to check behaviour, player registrations and offer support to teams. If the Committee Members arrive at a game to find that either it is kicking off at an alternate time or location, any costs incurred may be charged to both teams, so please avoid this by dropping a simple message to our Officers to advise them of the change. October Half Term Please note that fixtures for all age groups will be scheduled on the Sundays either side of half term in October (whatever dates that maybe for your local Council area). Therefore, if you require a free Sunday, you will need to request one ASAP to ensure that it is submitted in accordance with League Rules! Refusal often offends, and to be fair and consistent to all teams, any requests not received with a months’ notice of the date will be refused. So please ensure that you canvas parents and players in the next week and make the request in a timely manner. PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS NOW TOO LATE TO REQUEST A FREE SUNDAY ON SUNDAY 20th OCTOBER – YOU HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST ONE! – AND AS SUCH ANY REQUESTS RECEIVED FOR THIS DATE WILL NOW BE REJECTED AND ANY GAMES SCHEDULED WILL BE EXPECTED TO BE PLAYED. IF YOU REQUIRE A FREE SUNDAY FOR 27th OCTOBER, YOU STILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO MAKE THAT REQUEST TO TONY GEE! Club Agreements – FINAL REMINDER Now that the confirmed rules have been circulated (in the CYFL Handbook), I am able to circulate the Club Agreement for Season 2019 / 20. Could you please complete and return to me by Monday 30th September. I am happy to receive either completed and signed copies via email (Scanned) or via post. Please note that any club who does not complete and return their agreement by this date will be liable to a fine and will be disqualified from playing CYFL fixtures until the form is returned, as per Rule 10. PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY CLUBS WHO HAVE NOT SUBMITTED THEIR CLUB AGREEMENT BY THE END OF 30th SEPTEMBER WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT THEIR CLUB WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM PLAYING FIXTURES – PLEASE AVOID THIS! Player Transfers Please note that from 1st October 2019, the Transfer Window opens and players will be able to transfer between teams. I attach with this update the transfer form and instructions. Please note that although the registration for the players is transferred using the WGS & Full-Time, ALL transfers must be completed in accordance with The FA’s guidelines around transfers. This means that the necessary transfer form must be FULLY completed by both clubs and the player concerned and submitted along with the administration fee. TRANSFERS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED WITHOUT THIS MANDATORY REQUIREMENT HAVING BEEN FULFILLED. Referee Contacts Accompanying this update is a list of referees who are registered with the Bedfordshire Football Association for the 2019 / 20 season. I have been asked to circulate this to member clubs by the Bedfordshire Football Association and at the same time remind clubs that for data protection purposes, this is not permitted to be publicised on social media, league websites, Full Time etc. Pre-Season Full Council Meeting Presentations Those of you in attendance at the Full Council Meeting held on Monday 2nd September will have been aware of the 2 presentations delivered on the evening by Mike Desborough (Referee Development Officer, Bedfordshire Football Association and CYFL Management Committee Member). These were on the areas of Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bins) and changes to the Laws of the Game for the 2019 / 20 season. These presentations are now available to be viewed and downloaded from the Bedfordshire Football Association website, via the attached link:- http://www.bedfordshirefa.com/news/2019/sep/06/sin-bins-and-law-of-the-game Amendments I will be looking to update the online / virtual handbook in October, so would appreciate you notifying me of any changes to contact details by 10th October please. Online Handbook I have been made aware that some people are still experiencing issues accessing the online version of the CYFL handbook using the links in the email that I sent out. It would appear that some people are still viewing the Club Directory for the 2018 / 19 season (last year) as opposed to this season. I have double checked and the second version I sent out is the correct one for this season and having checked with the publisher, it would appear that the issue maybe caused by a slight technical issue. If you are seeing last season’s version of the handbook, it may well be a cookie issue. It is likely that your laptop or pc is pulling through the old version as your cookies are set to do this; basically to improve page loading time. If you go to your browser settings and clear cache - that should do the trick Communications Please remember that it is courteous (as well as within the rules!) to confirm fixtures with the opposition and the match referee in a timely manner. And ensure that you have received confirmation that the messages have been received and acknowledged. And if you are the away side, you should actively seek confirmation if it is not made by 9pm on the Tuesday. Please do not assume that there is no game if confirmation is not made as some teams have done already! Other league matters should be communicated through the relevant league officer, copying myself in where appropriate. All Fixture Related Issues (including Free Week Requests) Tony Gee AM Referee Appointments & Queries Steve Chamberlain PM Referee Appointments & Queries Tony Gee Player Registrations Pamela Johnson Fines / Pitch Fees Jane Brown All other Issues (Complaints, General Queries, Amendments, League Administration, Transfers) Jonathan Brown Please use email for these - do not send messages via Full-time or Facebook if you require a time sensitive response. And complaints regarding incidents in fixtures need to be made within 3 days of the date of the game. County Cup A little reminder that County Cup fixtures have now been published and we would ask that those teams who are not Bedfordshire affiliated and playing in other County Cups, keep us updated as to their progress and the dates of subsequent rounds. We do not always unfortunately get notified of results and draws, so as County game take precedence over CYFL we need to know to keep the fixtures up to date. This coming weekend sees the first round of County Cups in Bedfordshire and as such these fixtures take priority over CYFL fixtures, which means that referees will be allocated to those ties first. This may impact our referee coverage for this coming Sunday. Enjoy match day 4 and please ensure that this communication is circulated to your managers and administrators. Cheers Jonathan Brown General Secretary |