With fixtures getting underway in under 2 weeks , we wanted to remind you of the rules regarding Notice of Approach as well as the introduction of a Pre-match Handshake which fits in with the leagues Respect Charter.

Notice Of Approach

With fixtures getting underway in under 2 weeks , we wanted to remind you of the rules regarding Notice of Approach:

1. If a player approaches you, to avoid a charge from the County FA for illegal approach, you must follow process and give his current club 7 days notice. You should avoid contact with the player until Day 8.
   
2. After the 7 days (ie: on Day 8), you can talk to the player and proceed with the registration / transfer if the player wishes to join your club.
   
3. Notice of Approach must be given if you play on the same day (ie: Saturdays) as the players current club, even if you play in different leagues.
   
4. Notice of Approach must be given to all clubs that the player is registered for (who play on the same day, ie: Saturdays). Club Secretaries can obtain this information from Whole Game System.
   
5. You can only approach one player from the same club at a time.
   
6. You cannot approach the same player twice in a season so, if he fails to sign for you the first time, you cannot go back a second time.
   
7. If you want a second player from the same club, you must wait a total of 28 days before submitting a second Notice of Approach.

Some clubs may waiver the 7 days and agree to a sooner registration / transfer. If so, this can be documented in Whole Game System.

If you have any queries, please contact Colin Tewkesbury, the League Registration Secretary.

Pre-Match Handshake

Where practical we would like to adopt the idea already implemented by other Leagues of referees leading both teams on to the pitch and teams lining up for the pre-match handshake.

It isn’t mandatory, but the Committee agree we should introduce to our League games (already done at Cup Finals), as part of our Respect charter. If anyone is uncomfortable about shaking hands, the “fist pump” is acceptable.

This is also an obvious photo opportunity for you to take those team pictures in your new kits.  Referees have been informed and we would like to see it applied in both the Premier and Division One fixtures from the start of the season.

Team Photos & Club Profiles

You can send the team photos if you want them published on our website, along with any team information to profile your club.

Club Contacts Updates

Highworth have been removed. There are changes to Shield & Dagger with a new assistant Manager, and away colours added