SCFL Newsletter Feb

FEBRUARY 24

UHLSPORT SOMERSET COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NEWSLETTER ALL THINGS SCFL

February is almost upon us... which means lighter nights and hopefully better weather! This month we have a bumper edition, packed with promotions, leading scorers, respect tally, meet the team, postponement Q&A, guess the ground, transfers, a Q&A with the highest marked assistant referee (Chard Town’s Chris Perry) and much more.

If you have anything you would like us to feature, please get in touch at jamesjohnknowles@gmail.com before the end of February.

TOP SCORERS Thomas Bell is still top of the charts for bagging goals, with 23 from 17. Jed Parfitt of Chili is closing him down, just a goal behind!

Draycott’s Ollie Sealey has gone from 8th to 3rd in the space of a month, with six goals since our last newsletter!

YOU ARE THE REF

ST GEORGE EIG’S THOMAS BELL

An attacker shanks the ball out for a goal kick and falls over. The ‘keeper prepares to take a goal kick, and the attacker gets up and starts running out out of the penalty area, with his back towards goal. Whilst he is still in the penalty area, the keeper takes the goal kick, the striker intercepts it and scores. What is the correct decision?

A. Retake of goal kick B. Goal C. Indirect free kick to the goalkeeper from the point of interception

Chris Perry

Chard Town Club Assistant Referee

HOW CAN I ASSIST YOU? Never mind assists on the pitch - this is one *just* off it! Chris Perry is Chard Town’s faithful ‘linesman’, along with being the joint Vice Chairman. ‘Mr Chard’ selflessly volunteers to be their Assistant Referee week in week out, which as many clubs will tell you is a thankless task, with many clubs struggling to find a willing volunteer. Chris follows home and away, and is super fair he is top of the Respect tally charts at the half way point, as marked by referees. This is down to his commitment, his efforts and as his defenders will testify to, his fairness!

CHAIR’S WORDS

‘WHAT A GEM’

Chard Town FC Chairman Mark Parris has this to say about Chris: “Like alot of clubs, Chard Town FC revolves heavily around 3 or 4 individuals, who do the bulk of the work to keep the club going and also try to move the club forward.

Chris is one of those individuals. He has great enthusiasm and won't say no to any task. He is a hugely valuable member of our club and can't thank him enough for all he has done in my short time as Chairman”

SCFL Referee Director and Level 4 referee James Knowles has the following to say on Chris:

CHRIS PERRY IN ACTION

I have a great relationship with Chris, he often asks me to help out with officiating friendlies, and I’ve never turned one down due to having him on the line, and their fantastic hospitality! I’d love for him to do the referee course., and have asked him several times!”

“Chris is Chard through and through. From the first time I was appointed to a Chard game, I was really impressed with his enthusiasm, willingness and desire to do well. He listened to my pre-match brief, which is rare in itself, and followed my instructions to the letter. As I worked with Chris more and more, I could trust him with giving fouls, which I don’t normally do with Club Assistants.

Q&A WITH THE MAN HIMSELF SCFL: When did you first get involved with Chard Town?

CP: I started going to fames when Chard were in the Western League in 2016. I enjoyed the atmosphere at the club, and as time passed I was asked to help out in the 2017/18 season.

SCFL: What made you volunteer as a Club Assistant Referee?

CP: Well, the club needed one in our second season in the SCFL Premier Division, and after being Secretary for our first season (and currently still in the role) I often spoke to referees before games, and I started to believe it was something I wanted to get into. (continued...)

Chris Perry

Chard Town Club Assistant Referee

Q&A CONTINUED CP cont: It was referees like Jack Bromham, James Knowles, Rob McDonald, Steve Redman and many more. A big thank you to all the referees that I have spoken to and questioned many times to understand their decisions in games, so that I can learn from them.

SCFL: What’s the best goal you have seen?

SCFL: What’s the best game you have been a part of?

SCFL: Big question.. when are you going to take the Referee’s course?

CP: The best game for me has to be Wrington Redhill vs the Robins. Lots of goals, both teams had respect for each other.

The referee, WRFC’s assistant referee and myself had very good communication throughout and respect from all players.

CP: It’s hard to see all the goals, as I’m concentrating on my job in hand, but I’d say it has to be Ilminster’s Lewis Trusson’s long range shot on Boxing Day.

CP: I have started the online modules and almost signed up when the SCFL were offering fully funded places for January, but I couldn’t attend one of the dates... but it’s just around the corner, watch this space!

RESPECT TALLY Following seamlessly on, we now have the Respect Tally so far (as of 26/01/24). Some teams haven’t reached the half way stage (thanks, British weather), so we will provide a half way table when we can! Congratulations to those that are doing well in the tables, keep up the good work all!

ink are in *p changes

*

PLAYERS

PREMIER DIVISION TECHNICAL AREA

CAPTAIN

CHILCOMPTON SPORTS CHILCOMPTON SPORTS CHILCOMPTON SPORTS

ASSISTANT REFEREE CHARD TOWN

CLEVEDON UNITED

SOMERTON TOWN

MENDIP BROADWALK

CHILCOMPTON SPORTS

MENDIP BROADWALK

WELLS CITY RES

NAILSEA UNITED

CLEVEDON UNITED

PLAYERS

TECHNICAL AREA

CAPTAIN

ASSISTANT REFEREE

AFC MINEHEAD

AFC MINEHEAD

STAPLEGROVE

CASTLE CARY

STAPLEGROVE

ASHCOTT

AFC MINEHEAD

MIDDLEZOY ROVERS RES

SALTFORD

BURNHAM UNITED

COMBE ST NICHOLAS

YATTON & CLEEVE RES

PLAYERS

TECHNICAL AREA

CAPTAIN

ASSISTANT REFEREE

BANWELL

HUTTON

BANWELL

GLASTONBURY

CHEDDAR RES

IMPERIAL

CHEDDAR RES

HUTTON

IMPERIAL

BANWELL

DIVISION ONE

DIVISION TWO

BISHOPS LYDEARD RES WELTON ROVERS RES

DIVISION THREE

PLAYERS

TECHNICAL AREA

CAPTAIN

ASSISTANT REFEREE

BURNHAM UTD RES

FRY CLUB RES

BURNHAM UTD RES

NAILSEA UTD RES

FRY CLUB RES

BURNHAM UTD RES

FRY CLUB RES

WINSCOMBE

SOMERTON TOWN RES

FRY CLUB RES

SOMERTON TOWN RES SOMERTON TOWN RES

Referee promotions

Going up!

MID SEASON PROMOTIONS It’s not just teams that get promoted! The half way point of the season is here, and with it came some great news for a few of our referees. The path to promotion is not always easy; a lot of hard work goes in to a referee’s progression, and with games being postponed due to the recent awful weather, it’s a challenge just to get the required amount of games in! We congratulate all those that achieved promotion so far this season, and look to explain to those who are unaware how the referee levels work throughout the country.

PATHWAY

PROMOTED

Level 7 - Once training is complete, and referees have completed their mandatory first few games, they are awarded Level 7 status, which sees them classed as a ‘Junior Referee’. This allows the referee to operate on amateur leagues, and the can also be an Assistant Referee on some more senior league games.

LEVEL 7-6

LEVEL 6-5

LEVEL 5-4

Adrian Holmes Ben Trotman Bradley Palmer James Salt Matthew Lindsay Paul Withers

Andy Hulbert Brett Naylor Daniel Leaver Darren Druce Joe Kenward Michael Richards Mihai Dinga Nick Lapthorn Peter Horton Phil Fursman Shaun Boyland

Steve Redman

Level 6 - Once you have been promoted from Level 7, you are awarded Level 6 status, which now sees you classed as a ‘Junior County referee’. As a Level 6, you should be looking at plying your trade on County League games, whilst still gaining valuable experience for your journey. As was the case with Level 7, you can operate as an Assistant Referee on more senior league games.

Level 5 - Promotion to a Level 5 now sees you become a ‘Senior County Referee’, allowing you to officiate on County Premier Division games. As with all previous levels, you can be an Assistant Referee on the next level up, which would be Supply Leagues (Western League, South West Peninsula etc).

Level 4 - As a 4, you are now classed as a ‘Supply League Referee’, meaning you are in the middle for games in the Western League, South West Peninsula League etc. You will have appointed Assistant Referees, so are always working in a team of three.

Level 3 & above - You are now a Contributory Referee, and can be an Assistant Referee on the next level, along with being a Fourth Official on some leagues. Level 2B is next, where you will be officiating on the National League North and South. Level 2A is National League, then Level 1 is EPL and EFL. Source: TheFA.com

Rob Taylor (above) Daniel Leaver (left) James Salt (below)

uper

lubs

antastic ocations

Can you guess the ground from the picture for this month’s Super Clubs Fantastic Locations?

Any players or referees who have graced this pitch will testify that it isn’t a bad camera angle, it really is quite the slope! A fantastic pitch and setup though, worth the uphill sprints!

TRANSFERS

OUR LEAGUE SPONSORS Uhlsport have sponsored the SCFL for many years now, providing our league with not only funding, but excellent deals on Uhlsport equipment. We have some exciting projects with our sponsors, keep an eye out for more details when we get them!

Uhlsport currently have five top flight ‘keepers wearing their gloves, which include: - World Cup winner Alphonse Areola ofWest Ham - Turkey & Manchester United's Altay Bayindir - England u21 goalie James Trafford of Burnley - Greece & Notts Forest stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos - Bournemouth Captain Neto

The Robins fans amongst you may also be aware that Bristol City’s Irish shot-stopper Max O’Leary is on Uhlsport’s books

MEET THE TEAM

WITH ELL R EPPE P D RO

Rod is one of the longest serving members of the SCFL Management Team having been asked to join by the then Secretary Colin Rose back in 2002. Since then, he has been Vice Chair for a short term, chaired various Club Respect meetings in the early days of our campaign and now assists with Ground Grading and kit distribution.

ABOUT YOU I have always lived in Taunton and loved playing all sports excelling in Rugby, Cricket & Football. I worked for the MOD at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton for over 40 years but I am now retired and still hoping to find time to take things easy! My wife has put up with me for 40 years, I have 2 children, 1 granddaughter and another one due at any time now.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS In my younger days I customised motorcycles, getting one bike into a national magazine, but now stick to 4 wheels as it is a lot safer. I am heavily involved with the Civil Service Sports Club being Secretary and Vice Chair of the Taunton Area, spending hours organising events and supporting members within this sporting community; I was a finalist in the National Volunteer of the Year in London 2023. I love having a few beers and watching Somerset in the T20 with my mates, and enjoy walking with my wife Liz, having completed many sections of the SW Coast Path and we have recently got into wild swimming.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE IN FOOTBALL? I had been player/manager, managed & coached youth teams and then later in 1992 became Secretary of Taunton Blackbrook, which was used as Taunton Town Reserves, feeding local players into higher level football.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH FOOTBALL?

I have always loved playing football, and represented Taunton in all age groups including adult. Living in Trull, a small village, it was then expected as a tall, very young teenager that you played in the adult league, and still remember what some defenders threatened to do to me if I got past them! I mostly played at the centre of defence or midfield, but still managed to regularly get on the scoresheet. Competitive football had to end at age 42 when I broke my leg for the second time while playing, and had to have a tibia pin implanted; I remember the first time in 1982 being in full plaster for 4.5 months and the second time going out cycling after only 2 weeks. I still play twice a week and aim to continue playing.

ALL TIME FAVOURITE PLAYER? As a Spurs supporter I am torn between local boy Gary Mabbutt, an honest player, great tackler and leader on the pitch and the silky skills of Glenn Hoddle.

MAGIC WAND FOR FOOTBALL.. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I am continually dismayed at the cheating that goes on in the Premier League, which you now see cascading down at all levels, so I would love to see after match reviews and players being dealt with accordingly. I would also love to see some of the generated income from the Premier League finding its way down to grassroots level.

POSTPONEMENTS Q&A Q. What is postponement?

A. Postponement is when the fixture cannot be played on the scheduled date.

Q. Why are games postponed?

A. 1) Because ground is unfit 2) Because one or both of the teams are unable to play (other than due to County Cup commitments). In that case the offending club will be charged with failing to fulfil fixture – the match will be rearranged.

PLEASE NOTE POINTS WILL NOT BE AWARDED TO OPPONENTS! But they are likely to be deducted from the offending club.

3) Because of ground unavailability caused by fixture changes of higher level competitions.

Q. What are the arrangements for postponing fixtures if ground is unfit?

A. Rule 23A specifies that the ground can only be declared unfit by: 1. The external landlord notifying the club that fixtures cannot be played on the ground on the day specified for the fixture e.g local authority who is landlord calling games off.

2. The match referee deciding that the pitch is unfit after an inspection.

3. Any referee of levels 1-6 specifying that the ground is unfit after inspecting the pitch.

4. Any referee of level 7 who is on the SCFL referees list specifying that the ground is unfit after an inspection.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO PERSON (WHETHER A MATCH OFFICIAL OR NOT) CAN DECLARE THE GROUND UNFIT IF THEY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLUB.. THIS INCLUDES CLUB OFFICIALS OR GROUNDSMAN (ALTHOUGH IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE INSPECTING OFFICIAL TO LIAISE WITH THEM).

5. The Board of Directors of SCFL Ltd can declare that there is no need for inspections in certain circumstances eg when it is obvious that because of severely adverse weather conditions prevail, or when an Amber Weather Warning has been issued by the Met Office which may put people in danger.

THE MATCH OFFICIAL INSPECTING MUST COMPLETE AND SIGN THE ‘UNFIT PITCH NOTIFICATION FORM” WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON THE LEAGUE WEBSITE AND THE CLUB MUST SUBMIT IT TO teamsheets.scfl@gmail.com AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Q. When can pitch inspection take place?

A. In adverse weather conditions the pitch inspection can take place the day before fixture. However, there is no latest time that the inspection can take place, but clubs should be mindful of the travel arrangements of opponents. It may be helpful for clubs to contact a local referee earlier in the week to make provisional arrangements for inspection availability – rather than trying to ring around to find one on a Saturday morning.

Q. What does the club need to do if pitch is deemed unfit?

A. As soon as decision is made, telephone the opponents and match official. Those are the important people to notify – if you haven’t notified them you may incur costs of travel – do not send an email as some use business email addresses, which may not be accessible on weekends. Under League rules you are required to notify the Referee Director, James Knowles, by text to 07738 699009, to notify him (it may be that he needs to utilise your referee for another game). You must also notify the Competitions Director, David Braithwaite, BY TEXT OR E MAIL ONLY (due to Saturday morning commitments can’t use phone) to 07976609313 or to fixtures.scfl@gmail.com. The Competitions Director will then be able to update the League website.

Q. What if the game doesn’t get called off until late by the match official?

A. If the game has not been called off until late, and not put off on Full Time, you will get the usual text message 15 minutes after scheduled kick off asking you to submit result. In that case, just submit the result to Full Time as P-P and it will update.

STAT ATTACK! REGISTRATIONS! So far, 3766 players have registered this season, with 99 transfers to date.

FORM GUIDE

ALL CORRECT AS OF 28/01

YOU ARE THE REF! ANSWER The answer is B The striker made every effort to get out of the penalty area, so is therefore not considered to be encroaching.

SUPER CLUBS FANTASTIC LOCATIONS ANSWER: It was of course Combe St Nicholas FC!