Applications to join the League should be made in writing to myself and should be accompanied by a one off entry fee of £30 (returnable in the event of non-election). This can be either cash or a cheque (made payable to the Devon Women’s League).

The League does not have a standard application form, we just ask that interested teams write in with the letter containing the information stated below and anything else that you think is relevant.

- Name of your team and if part of a club or whether an independent team.

- Brief history – how long team has been together, size of squad, details of any recent friendly matches that have been played or any tournaments that you’ve entered.

- Location of home ground and details of facilities required by the league (changing rooms, hot showers, toilets and supply of drinking water). A viewing of your pitch and facilities may need to be carried out by a league officer prior to the AGM.

- Means of transport to matches e.g. individual cars, club’s mini bus.

- It is also helpful to include contact details of your team secretary (including mobile and email address) and / or details for other people involved with your team / club e.g. chairperson, fixtures secretary etc.

Can I recommend that you write formally to me on your clubs headed paper with the above information.

Membership for 2008 / 2009 will be decided at our AGM which is planned for Thursday 12th June 2008 (to be confirmed). Please can you therefore post me your application letter and your entry fee to my home address (given at the bottom of this page) in plenty of time prior to the AGM. I would recommend that I have your application form at least one week prior to the AGM although applications will be accepted the day before.

Following receipt of your application you will be invited to attend the League’s AGM. At the AGM new teams are given the opportunity to introduce themselves before membership for the forthcoming season is decided.

If your application is successful you will be asked to complete a league affiliation form and pay the annual subscription of £40. Prior to the season starting you will then be provided with three copies of league handbook (usually mid August) which will contain contact details for all teams in the league, details of referees who will be appointed on a regular basis and the league rules. You will be asked to sign a declaration stating your acceptance of these rules. It is recommended that you spend time reading through the rules – these are also displayed on the league website.

League Constitution
The League currently has three Divisions (eight teams in the Premier Division and Division One and six in Division Two following the late withdrawl of a South Devon team). Teams come from all corners of Devon, from Georgham to Torridgeside to Exmouth to Plymouth. Each team that plays in the League is automatically entered into the League Cup with the final usually staged at the beginning of April.

Registration Age
Players must be aged 16 to be able to play in the League for the 2007 / 2008 season. All players are required to complete a registration form before they can play competitive matches in the League. Players have to be registered at least 24 hours prior to a League match. The League does operate a retained system so players staying with you from season to season remain registered with you until they transfer or you decline to retain them.

Insurance and First Aid
Every club must provide insurance for its players against injury, and must be able to provide the name of a qualified or adequate first-aider who will be present at matches. Further information on insurance is provided by Devon FA on affiliation. The FA also runs first aid courses – information is available on their website.

Fixture List
A fixture list containing both league and league cup matches (rounds one and two) will be distributed to all teams mid August. This is updated throughout the season to give details of any postponed games (due to adverse weather conditions etc) and ties for the later stages of the league cup. The season usually starts on the first Sunday in September and runs through to the second Sunday of May with breaks at Christmas and Easter. Teams are given the opportunity to leave dates open during the season, the league will need to be notified in writing in advance.

Matches
Matches are played on Sunday afternoons, with a 2 p.m. kick off during the winter months of November, December, January and February and 3 p.m. during all other months. League Cup matches usually kick off half an hour earlier to allow for extra time and penalties. If both teams are agreeable kick-off times can be varied and mid-week games can and do get played.

League Rules
All teams will be provided with a copy of the league rules and you are required to sign a declaration agreeing to abide by these rules. A copy is currently displayed on this website (click here). To start with please take a couple of minutes to read the following important rules.

League rules require adequate changing rooms with hot water for showers, toilets and a supply of drinking water. You will need to provide match footballs and lineperson flags if you are the home team. Home clubs generally provide sandwiches or chips as light refreshment in their bar / local pub after the game so the teams can gather socially as well.

Our requirements are that home teams contact their opponents & match official(s) five days before the match to confirm pitch location and directions, kick off time and team colours. Referees are appointed by the League’s Referee Appointment Secretary on a monthly basis and team secretaries are sent the appointments each month (all appointments are also displayed on the league website). Referee fees are currently £25 inclusive for both league and league cup matches (paid by the home team prior to the game commencing or within 20 minutes of the game finishing).

In order to keep the League’s profile high, home teams must phone in the result within an hour of the game’s end, with each team responsible for letting the League know its goalscorers in the same time limit. This is so the League’s Press Officer can notify the press of all matches played. A match card must also be completed for both league and league cup matches which is sent by first class post to the League Secretary.

Each team must be affiliated to Devon FA before the season commences in order to play competitive matches. The fee to affiliate is in the region of £150. The Devon FA website has more information - I will be able to provide DCFA affiliation forms and contact details if you have any queries at our AGM.

Please can you post your application letter and entry fee to: 1 Brookside Cottage, Colliton, Broadhembury, Honiton, EX14 3LL. Any queries please email ruthwillans@hotmail.com