News from the Referee Secretary - messages from the DWL referee secretary Barry Hayward

Contact (updated 6th July 2008)
For any queries please email me at ruthwillans@hotmail.com or text/call me on 07891 050 278. I would appreciate where possible that teams make their first point of contact via email. Please note my league phone will only be switched on between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. For times when I am at work or when I am unavailable plesae be patient and leave me a voicemail. Please note that under league rules club's nominated officers (i.e. those listed on your affiliation form - secretary, fixtures secretary, chairperson and alternative contact) can make contact with the league.

Postponed Games
As you know it is possible league games can be postponed due to adverse weather conditions e.g. waterlogged pitch following heavy rain.

I have been asked on many occasions the procedure surrounding postponed games, hence this drafted note. You will find the league’s stance under Rule 10 (f) - please use the information below as supplementary guidance.

Obviously it is ideal for both teams and officials to have notice of postponed games as early as possible. I have been asked that notice is given the day or two days before so people have the opportunity to make other plans. However, this is not possible and and on rare occasions games can be called off seconds prior to kick off. Secretaries need to be organised and teams should be prepared. I do not want clubs contacting me to moan that they were only given two hours notice of a postponed game. Everything is dependent on the weather and your pitch.

If you are the home team and you are unsure about the suitability of your pitch please ask your appointed referee or a local registered referee to inspect your pitch on the day of your game and make a decision. If your appointed referee is unable to inspect your pitch please speak to the League’s Referee Appointment Secretary who will arrange an inspection. YOU CANNOT CALL OFF THE GAME YOURSELF.

Initial pitch inspections should be carried out to allow, where possible, sufficient time to prevent oppositions and match officials travelling. If you are the away team it is sensible to speak to the secretary of the opposing team and let them know what time you are setting off.

Following an inspection which deems your pitch unplayable you will need to follow the directions outlined in Rule 10 (f). You will need to contact myself (a text message is sufficient), the Secretary of the opposing club and your appointed referee. When contacting myself I will need to know the name of the referee who has carried out your inspection.

The match will then be re-arranged by myself for the earliest available Sunday. Teams are normally notified by email of the re-arranged date.

Sunday 6th July 2008 - please note that as mentioned at the June 2008 AGM teams can only play friendlies with teams affiliation to a County Association. Barry Hayward, League Chairperson, June 2008.

5th December 2007 - if you are the home team and your game is postponed (e.g. in adverse weather conditions) please can you ensure you contact (1) your opposition (2) your referee and (3) text the league secretary.

4th December 2007 - referee appointments are made on a monthly basis and are emailed to team secretaries. The appointments are also displayed on the REFEREE page of this website. In the unfortunate situation where your referee cancels I will attempt to find a replcmanet. If you are aware of anyone who would be able to stand in and referee your game PLEASE CONTACT MYSELF. Do not make arrangments with a referee without notifying myself. Many thanks. Barry Hayward (email bazza.soccer@virgin.net).

Meeting Dates
As per League rules (page 17 of the handbook) six member clubs were elected onto the managment committee at the AGM. These clubs are invited to attend the committee meetings held on the first Thursday of February, April, August, October and December along with the league officers.

6th July 2008 - the next committee meeting will be on Thursday 7th August at Exwick Civil Service.