The UK is currently experiencing severe wind and rain, with Swindon under an Amber Weather Warning issued by the British government.

The safety of players, officials, and supporters is paramount during these conditions, and both the Wiltshire FA and the Swindon & District Community Football League (SDCFL) have issued guidance for today’s fixtures.

Wiltshire FA Junior Cup Matches

For teams participating in the Wiltshire FA Junior Cup, the following guidance has been provided:

• Safety First: If it is deemed unsafe to play or travel to the match today, the fixture should be postponed.
• Rescheduling: Postponed fixtures will be played next Saturday, 14th December, at the original home team’s ground unless the Wiltshire FA has already been informed of unavailability.
• Communication: Teams must notify their opposition, the match referee, and Wiltshire FA as soon as the decision to postpone is made.
• Timely Decisions: Teams are encouraged to make decisions early to minimize disruption and ensure clarity for all involved.

SDCFL Matches

For matches within the SDCFL:

• Teams with their own pitches are responsible for assessing whether their game can proceed based on pitch conditions and the safety of players and officials traveling to and from the venue.
• If a game is unable to go ahead, the home team, they must inform the opposition and the match referee as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary travel.
• Decisions should be made in collaboration with match officials to ensure everyone is aligned.

Stay Safe

The League urges everyone to prioritize safety over play. With strong winds and heavy rain affecting the region, please take extra precautions when traveling and ensure conditions at the ground are suitable before proceeding with any fixture.

Thank you for your cooperation during this challenging weather, and we hope all teams stay safe and make informed decisions.