CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

14^th December 2009

Hi Everyone.

Well just one more Sunday now before Christmas and once again the weather is trying its’ best to make life difficult for us with a number of games being postponed over the last few weeks. Please remember when calling games off that we only have a limited playing season and are restricted to a Tuesday and a Thursday evening when the nights allow. So please try and avoid calling them off and as we are fast approaching January then you must reverse the fixture if at all possible.

It is pleasing to note (touching wood as I write) that we do not seem to have had quite the number of unsavoury incidents reported to us this season as we did last and let’s all hope that this can continue for the rest of the season. It is much more enjoyable for all concerned if the game is played in the correct spirit on the pitch and matched with the right encouragement from the sidelines. We all know that football is a passionate game and things are often said in the heat of the moment either directed at the referee or the opposition players/spectators. It is important that we try and think what we are shouting before we shout it and if we are on the receiving end it’s better to walk away than become embroiled in a slanging match at the side of the pitch.

Whilst on the subject of the pitch sidelines may I remind you all that that is where you should all be stood and behind some form of barrier or marked line as required by this League’s membership of the respect Campaign. No spectators should be stood on the goal lines and should all be stood behind the barrier laid out. As for managers and coaches may I remind you that whilst you need not be behind the barrier you MUST be behind the white lines and not on the field of play which is solely for the players. You do not need to coach from 5-10 and sometimes I have seen 20 to 30 yards on the pitch. If you don’t get out of the way in time this could result in a player being injured and yourself facing a hefty fine from the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA. So please keep off the pitch and avoid potential injuries and fines.

I have seen plenty of good games whilst both refereeing and occasionally managing to just have a quiet Sunday and go and watch a game or too and I have to say some of the football is far better than the semi pro level football I officiate in and as a Wednesday fan better than what is being turned out at Hillsborough over the past weeks. So boys and girls keep it up.

Well that’s all for now so enjoy your football.

Matt