Ramside Hall Cup Winners Cup - 24 February
D&P Trophies League Knockout Cup - 2 March
Other dates will be announced as soon as we are able to sort out which finals will be played on the dates we hope to have available.
Please note that the league will not be accepting any requests for a free Sunday on 4 March. Some teams may well be free simply on the basis that we cannot find an opponent for them, but we will be providing fixtures for as many teams as possible. As I understand that there is an important game taking place that day we will be happy if clubs kick off earlier than 10.30. However, such a change must be agreed by both clubs and the referee - if any party is unwilling to change the kick off time will remain at 10.30.
Last weekend we seem to have had the start of the "silly season". One game had to be abandoned after 6 players were sent off - five for one team which meant that they did not have enough players to allow the game to continue. As 86 minutes had elapsed and as the team leading 3 - 0 were able to continue it is probable that the score will stand (in accordance with league rules) so that they are not unfairly penalised by having to replay the game. The team who had 5 players sent off have been charged with causing the abandonment of a game, failing to control their players and could yet face an additional charge of bringing the league into disrepute. In addition DFA will be taking action against the players, and possibly against the club concerned. As most of the dismissals were for dissent and foul, abusive and insulting language directed at the referee, I fail to see how they didn't realise the standard of behaviour that was expected. Needless to say we now have a referee considering whether he wishes to continue in the Durham and District Sunday League.
In another game a player was injured. The referee considered that no action was appropriate against the person who caused the injury but the injured player has taken it upon himself to email the referee to advise him that he had a poor game and should have taken action. Such comments made immediately after the game would have may it likely that the player concerned would have been sent off after the game and the incident reported to DFA. As the comments were made some time after the match there is not even a defence of the comments having been made in the heat of the moment. The league is to forward the email to DFA and disciplinary action may be taken against the player by DFA and the League Management Committee will be considering what action to take at the next League Management Committee meeting. Needless to say that referee is also considering whether he wishes to continue in the Durham and District Sunday League.
As most of you are aware the league has been short of referee's for some time now. This is not unusual as a number of league have a similar problem. Incidents such as the two described above do not help. Word gets around referee's and they can choose to go elsewhere if they consider that the discipline of the teams and players is better than in this league.
I'd like to reassure referee's that the League Management Committee does not condone events such as those that took place last Sunday. I'd also like to reassure clubs that the League Management Committee will take strong action against clubs and individuals who cause games to be abandoned, abuse referee's and who do not behave in a sporting manner.
Regards
Chris Tindale
Fixture Secretary
0 comments:
Post a Comment