Just to help clarify matters the minutes from the EoS recent board meeting.
Board Meeting Notes
Date
Thursday 25 October 2018
Time
7.00pm to 9.30pm
SFA membership
SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell has informed the League that the embargo on accepting new membership applications has been lifted. Any club that wishes to apply can now do so but should be aware the Club Licensing department contains only two members of staff whose role also covers the existing 90 SFA member clubs. It would therefore help the process if clubs state on their application if they think they already meet the licensing criteria. This would allow applications to be prioritised.
Potential champion clubs should note the SLFL requires clubs to be in possession of an SFA License by 31 March for them to be eligible to take part in any play-off match for entry into the SLFL the following season. As all applications must first be approved by the SFA Board and then by the SFA’s Club Licensing committee it is essential they are submitted as soon as possible to increase the chance of meeting this 31 March deadline.
All clubs should note the SFA Board is continuing to look at membership criteria and benefits and there may be changes suggested at next year’s SFA AGM – for example the format of the preliminary/early rounds of the Scottish Cup and associated distribution model, and introduction of floodlights at entry level are being considered. Some of these changes would be subject to approval by existing members at the SFA AGM and further information will be made available in due course.
Pyramid Working Group
The Board noted the Pyramid Working Group had met on 21 September 2018 and had agreed to the formation of additional tier 6 Leagues in the West and Tayside areas. The Board also noted differing views that had emerged from the PWG and that several EoSFL member clubs had made strong representation against the direct admission of the existing East Junior set-up at tier 6. The Board has therefore agreed to support the formation of separate Leagues in those areas and to emphasise the EoSFL is the recognised tier 6 League covering the Lothians, Borders, Stirlingshire and Fife. The PWG will next meet on 14 November 2018.
Dual registration of SYFA players
The EoSFL continues to seek agreement with the SYFA to allow players to represent their club in both EoSFL and SYFA fixtures and an update will be provided when there is further information.
One consequence of the League’s trialist rule is that it allows a club to field age-level players with SYFA clubs in an unlimited number of League or Qualifying League matches, provided written permission is obtained from their club.
Defibrillators
The League has received a final quote for a bulk purchase of defibrillators. The Scottish Football Partnership has agreed to pay 50% of the cost, with the League contributing another 25%. That leaves a balance of £240 which will need to be paid by each club who received a defibrillator. Kenny McLean will shortly e-mail clubs to get formal commitments to purchase and then place an order.
Investment in long term development of the game in the East of Scotland
Four clubs have now been granted money from the fund set aside by the League for ground improvements that help them gain or maintain an SFA club license. Any club wishing to apply should send a fully-costed, evidenced written application to alistair@wilkielaw.co.uk. Each application will be considered on its merits by a sub-committee and the Board’s decision on whether to make an award for any particular project will be final and binding. Payments will not be made for work already completed. No club may receive more than one payment from the fund. All awards made will be conditional on the club remaining within the EoSFL or being promoted to the SLFL, failing which any money paid will need to be repaid fully on demand.
Pitch inspections
Clubs are reminded to familiarise themselves with League rule 9. A qualified referee is expected to make this decision although if both clubs (and the League) agree a decision can be made by the home club. If a pitch is unplayable the home club must inform their opponents, the referee and the League Secretary not later than 10am on the day of the match, or by 2pm for an evening fixture. A club may only declare a pitch unplayable the day before the fixture date in the event of extreme weather conditions or on the grounds of the health and safety of the players, officials or spectators of both Clubs. The League Secretary, if requested by either the visiting Club or the Board, may appoint a referee to carry out a pitch inspection. The standard fee for a pitch inspection will be £10 plus expenses on the Referees’ tariff and will be divided equally between the two clubs.
Date of next meetings
The next Board meeting will be on Thursday 22 November 2018 and the next General meeting will be in February 2019 at a venue to be confirmed.
Reminders
1. Defibrillators must be in situ for all matches and ready for use should they be required.
2. Correspondence must be answered within requested timescales in accordance with League Rule 4. Failure to do so will result in a warning for a first offence followed by a statutory fine.
3. Goalscorer returns must be submitted to goals@eosfl.com within seven days of the end of each month using the form that has been provided by the League. This is required even when a club has scored no goals during the month.
4. The SFA’s football administration system must be kept up-to-date on a regular basis as necessary. Failure of clubs to do so will result in a deduction from the funds received by the League from the SFA.
5. Simon Kinghorn is the Child Protection Officer for both the East of Scotland Football League and East of Scotland Football Association. Should anyone have an issue they wish him to consider he can be contacted on 0781 754 5983.
