West of Scotland Youth Football League Homepage

4.1 The Chairman said that the minutes of the February meeting had been posted on the League’s website. And that he had no intimation of any matter arising.

5. GENERAL ISSUES

5.1 The Chairman said that misbehaviour by coaches and particularly by spectators continued to be a cause for concern. He cited recent examples of such behaviour which had led to reports being submitted to the Disciplinary Secretary. He asked the members to remind their Clubs that they are involved in development football and that the conduct of all should be of a high standard. He advised members that the S.F.A. Regional Manager was putting in place a system of checks independent of leagues, whereby his representatives would attend matches unannounced and where necessary, report on the behaviour of those involved.

5.2 The members were reminded of the necessity to ensure that all adults who were involved with their Club in any official capacity, or, who entered a changing room whilst players were in a state of undress, must undergo disclosure checks. The Chairman advised that there were a large number of persons who had still to undergo checks and encouraged members to ensure the checks were done. The members were informed that League representatives would visit Clubs to undertake the process where required.

5.3 The Chairman informed the members of the availability of coaching courses and of Club visits by S.F.A. Coaching staff. He said that dates for courses would continue to be placed on the website and recommended that members access the Scottish FA Developing Talent Plan. He spoke on the benefits accruing from being a Quality Mark Club and recommended that members regularly visit the Football Central website.

5.4 T. Dempsey said that he still awaited a number of Fair Play Award returns and asked that they be sent to him, preferably after each match. He also noted that a number of Clubs had yet to complete their registration of players and reminded them that other Clubs were entitled to approach players who had not completed a registration form. He again reminded the members that they were not to play matches in inclement weather adding that he had cancelled the 4 v 4 event for age 8s the previous day due to the cold windy conditions.

6. FESTIVALS/WINTER EVENTS

6.1 Members were informed that the recent festivals had mixed success and reported on difficulties experienced at the Age 9 and Age 10 events. He reported on serious traffic congestion occasioned at the Old Racecourse by thoughtless parking and the likely cost to the League as a consequence. The Organising group, it was reported, had decided to discontinue the inter league events. The meeting expressed the wish that the events continue and L. Bozner, Ayr Thistle said that medals should be provided. He said that Clubs would be prepared to pay for participation. This view was supported by the members and the Chairman agreed to revisit the matter and to report back.

6.2 The meeting was informed that a Fusbal festival for Age 11s would be held at the Magnum during the winter break. It would be organized by the S.F.A. and would be free of charge to enter. He also advised that Age 11s Clubs had been sent an invitation to a Fusbal night at the Magnum.

6.3 T.Dempsey then informed members that it was hoped that a 5-a-side event for younger age groups would be held at the Citadel in Ayr in the week between Christmas and New Year. The League was also investigating the feasibility of holding an event at the Soccer Shoot premises.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 The Chairman reminded members of the requirement to have a first aid kit at all matches and training sessions. The Executive, he said, had noted and apparent lack of same when visiting matches.

7.2 The members were reminded of the Rule Change affecting goalkeepers in that they are to distribute the ball from hand. He said that the change would be reviewed at the end of the Season.

7.3 The members were reminded that a winter break would be held as normal. He said that the final fixture of December was optional and that the season would restart in March as determined at the February meeting. He said that if the weather was kind, matches could be played, but, only on the authority of the Chairman or League Secretary and that every such match must be approved, explaining the consequences of the playing of unauthorized football.

7.4 The meeting was informed that the League would accept applications for membership from new Clubs and enter them into the fixture list for the second part of the season. Concern was raised regarding a team (Southside 8s) which had entered the League and had failed to fulfil any fixture. The Chairman said that he had recently been made aware of this and the matter would be investigated by the Executive.

8. CLOSE

8.1 There being no other business, the Chairman thanked the members for their contribution and at 8.45pm closed the meeting.

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

9.1 The next meeting will be held on Monday 9 February, 2009 at 7.30pm within the same venue.