IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLUBS FROM THE LEAGUE COMMITTEE

DRESSING ROOM COURTESY

Clubs are reminded to leave dressing rooms as they would expect to find them. Unfortunately we have received several complaints advising that this has not been happening.

POSTPONEMENTS & APPROVED 3G VENUES

A reminder that if your match is postponed - across any competition - it is the clubs responsibility to inform the League Fixtures Secretary (alan.gower2@ntlworld.com) and League Secretary (paulcrocker71@gmail.com) - as soon as possible.

Clubs MUST contact the League about their postponements before posting publicly on social media.

The League is unable to agree to postpone any fixture on unsubstantiated claims relating to player availability. Clubs failing to fulfil fixtures for any reason will be charged. 

See also our Guidance on Approved 3G Venues

MANDATORY DBS CHECKS - SEASON 2024/25

In line with FA Safeguarding requirements, all Managers, Assistants and Coaches within the Club Portal must have a completed and in-date Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, in readiness for the 2024/25 season.

In addition, they will be required to take the FA's free Player Welfare course.

This is to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of Under 18 players within the Hampshire Premier League. Failure to comply will impact a club's ability to apply/ renew its annual membership.

Within their applications, Clubs should note individual DBS certification should have both the 'Employer' and 'Position Applied For' as related to the (Hampshire Premier League) football club concerned. Existing DBS certificates (i.e. relating to professional employment or other interest) will not be accepted.

DBS checks can be initiated via club Welfare Officers. Guidance notes via Hampshire FA can be found HERE.

We encourage Clubs to address this important matter in a timely fashion, with an increase in demand on courses expected nearer the start of 2024/25 season.

For further information, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Tim de Trafford - timdetraff@gmail.com

MATCH DAY REFRESHMENTS

League committee officers have received reports and seen for themselves already this season that several clubs have not been complying with the ground grading requirement for refreshments to be available to visiting officials and spectators on a match day.

Ground Grading Rule L states: "There shall be a refreshment room or social club available for players together with refreshment facilities for spectators 30 minutes prior to kick off and during the game. These facilities may be of a temporary or mobile type."

We have a good reputation in regards to being amongst the best Regional Feeder Leagues in regards facilities and amenities as well as the standard of football shown at this level. Together, let's keep it that way.

Can clubs please ensure that this and all other requirements are met.

REPORTING RESULTS & MATCH RETURNS - REMINDER

Club officers with FA Full-Time (text) results service access are reminded to send their match results promptly, by 5.30pm at the latest for a 3pm kick-off, and by 10pm for a midweek fixture.

Club Secretary's should ensure their Full-Time Team Administrators - including designated SMS results recipients - are kept up to date through Whole Game/ Club Portal. Details on how to add/ remove a results service contact, can be found HERE.

A request to change existing SMS results contacts (each club can have up to two) should be made in writing to hpflmedia@gmail.com, to enable us to complete the amendment through Full-Time.

There have been a number of instances where Full-Time post-match reporting has not been completed with squad lists, goal scorers and referee marks, by the deadline of 3 (three) days following a fixture (ie by the Tuesday following a Saturday match).

Please ensure your club has its Full-Time administration up-to-date to avoid sanction from the League.

A video tutorial on how to add match stats on Full-Time can be found HERE.

FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY - FA SAFEGUARDING GUIDANCE

Clubs should note the following FA Safeguarding Guidance in regards to filming and photography at their fixtures.

FA INTRODUCTION TO FIRST AID IN FOOTBALL COURSE - FUNDING

HPFL clubs interested in putting their volunteers on to the FA's Introduction to First Aid in Football course, can have the cost covered by the League.

Simply email your confirmation email receipt and BACS details to Treasurer, Pete Sowton: p.sowton@sky.com (*Note: those applying must have affiliation specifically to their respective HPFL side)

FA CLUB ACCREDITATION

Clubs are reminded they MUST be FA Club Accreditation in order to comply with registration requirements of being a Hampshire Premier League member. Information on how to apply using the FA Club Portal can be found HERE.

uhlsport MATCH BALLS, COLLATERAL & RE-ORDERING

Clubs have been distributed with eight (8) uhlsport Attack Addglue FIFA-approved match balls - embossed with the HPFL logo - to be used in the Competition.

Pitch perimeter signage, an uhlsport medical bags and six (6) substitutes bibs have also been supplied, with new 23/24 clubs receiving team boards.

Additional match balls, training balls (which can be used right across your club), bibs, goalkeeper gloves and kit (enquiries) can be ordered via the below form - our member clubs benefitting from trade-direct pricing:

uhlsport Hampshire Premier League - Order Form

PROGRAMME ADVERTS

If your club produces a match day programme - either in digital or printed format - the below adverts must be included in all editions:

uhlsport - A5 Programme Advert

Kick It Out - A5 Programme Advert

FA Respect - A5 Programme Advert

CHANGE OF CLUB PERSONNEL - ACTION REQUIRED

Clubs are reminded to email both the League Secretary (paulcrocker71@gmail.com) and Media Officer (hpflmedia@gmail.com) in the event of a change of Chairman or Secretary during the season, to ensure continuity and avoid missed correspondence.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media can act as a great 'platform for good' when used responsibly to promote both member Clubs and the HPFL. However, Clubs and their administrators should be aware that accounts are monitored for improper use (i.e. posts and/ or comments which bring the game into disrepute). This will not be tolerated, and will result in disciplinary charges under the following FA Rules:

FA Rule E3(1)

“A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

FA Rule E3(2)

“A breach of Rule E3(1) is an ‘Aggravated Breach’ where it includes a reference whether expressed or implied, to any one of more of the following:- ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability”.

FA Rule E20 - Failed to ensure directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match

FA Rule E21 - Failed to ensure spectators and/or its supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending any Match

TEAM SHEETS

All HPFL clubs should have access to team sheet books. These feature carbonless sheets, which once completed, should be exchanged with the opposition and match referee during the pre-match meeting.

Emergency match team sheets are available to download HERE. Replacement books can be requested via the League Secretary.

GROUND GRADING

Our ground grading team are continuing their inspections throughout the season to ensure League standards are maintained, and shall be in touch with individual club Secretary’s ahead of planned visits.

SUBSTITUTES AS ASSISTANT REFEREES

Senior Division clubs are reminded to note Rule 13(C) below, as we are continuing to observe instances of substitutes being used as assistant referees, which is not permitted:

LEAGUE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

5. Rule 13(C)

Assistant Referees appointed by the Club cannot be used as ‘substitutes’ except in Division One North and South East. The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable or on such application by the two (2) competing Clubs appoint Assistant Referees if available to any match. League rules dictate that it should be a non-playing member of the team. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £20, in accordance with the Fines Tariff (23c).

SECRETARY’S – FIXTURE NOTIFICATION REMINDER…

STANDARD CODE OF RULES 20.C 

An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £20 in accordance with the Fines Tariff (20c).

MARKING OF THE TECHNICAL AREA

League officers have attended several matches recently, where the technical area for the management teams has not been marked out. This is now part of the pitch markings and does need to be carried out.