Amateur Football Alliance

Southern Amateur League

Ø           Please note these telephone numbers:

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Treasurer – Simon Jones, 199 Lonsdale Drive, OAKWOOD, EN2 7JY 
Tel:  020 8366 0467

DISCIPLINE
We have club fines to cover the administration costs and to contribute to the AFA fines if we reach stage 1 or stage 2 of the AFA disciplinary code.  In addition to the club fine the AFA also levy an administration fine and bans for 5 bookings and for serious offences.

If anyone is cautioned for dissent they will receive an immediate one match club suspension regardless of whether they are needed in the game the following week and regardless of availability the next week or the week after or the week after that. There is no appeal procedure for bookings.  Anyone who is cautioned for a second or subsequent offence or is sent off may appear before a club disciplinary committee of three who will have the absolute discretion to issue bans according to the offence and the players record.  The disciplinary committee may ask the captain for his view of any incident.  A player will be fined £14 in respect of a first caution, £16 for a second caution and between £20 and £45 for a third or subsequent caution or a sending off (the AFA fine players heavily for sendings off and the club fine is £14).  No player will be allowed to play for the club whilst a fine is outstanding.

We have to register this disciplinary code with the AFA and review our points total at regular intervals.  They have asked us to tackle any problem individuals early in the season and to take whatever action is necessary.  It is the duty of every member of this club to adopt a responsible attitude on the pitch and towards referees and I would remind everybody that we were suspended from all AFA cup competitions for a season a few years ago because of our consistently poor disciplinary record.  We have improved markedly since then but we do not want a repeat of that ban.

PITCH ALLOCATION
Generally speaking the senior home side will have the priority use of the centre pitch and, for most weeks, this will be the 1st or 2nd XI.  All other teams will rotate around the club pitches and the additional pitch at Firs Farm and the Fixture Secretary will have the responsibility to allocate use.  His decision will be final.  Never assume a pitch is unfit for play and the game postponed unless you receive a telephone call to that effect.  If in doubt ring the club or your captain. A lot of money has been spent on the pitches this summer so if you see children playing in goalmouths please ask them to move – nicely!!

On Sundays the top and bottom pitches are used by the Vets and Youth with the centre pitch mainly for Vets only and, occasionally with prior approval or allocation, by under 15’s and 16’s.  The smaller 4th pitch will be used mostly by Youth. 

AFA FOOTBALL
The spirit of AFA football does not end with the final whistle.  When playing at home we are the hosts to our opposition and we should entertain properly in the bar afterwards and also ensure they know where they are to eat.  Similarly when we are playing away we are their guests representing our club and we have a duty to behave properly and to socialise with them in their bar. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you leave the opposition ground without eating unless you have first offered apologies and reasons to the opposition captain or club officials – preferably before the game if that is your known intention. Even when you are in a hurry to depart it does not take much effort to have a drink and a chat for a short time before leaving.  We expect opponents to stay and use our facilities and it is our duty to do the same when playing away.  Please do not ignore referees, no matter their competence – they do a difficult job and we are lost without them.  Be courteous and helpful before, during and after the game – you will find you are far more likely to get decisions in your favour!  I would remind you that referees have to submit marks for hospitality in respect of both teams for every game. Referee fees are £22 a game – make sure they are paid when we are the home side.



[page updated 19 September]