As the season is well underway, Cumberland FA would like to remind Clubs of their responsibility regarding publishing results for Under 7s to Under 11 age groups.
Following a number of changes to formats and regulations over the past few years, mainly due to The FA Youth Development Review and with new volunteers, players and spectators getting involved in grassroots football each season, we are aware of the constant need to communicate changes and support leagues and clubs in delivering these changes.
Cumberland FA would like to remind all those involved in the game that results for Under 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s and 11s must not be published – in any format.
Our three local Youth Leagues support this stance as their websites continue to not publish the results. However, with the increased use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter among others, results can be published in a variety of different ways by individuals associated with the grassroots game.
Cumberland FA are urging Clubs to communicate this information to team managers and parents / carers as this is a shared responsibility, to remember that football is to be enjoyed and is not always about the result.
What does this mean?
There must be no publication of scores, results or tables on websites, social media or any other means referring to Under 7 to Under 11 football.
Reports or posts which highlight the efforts and performances of teams are permitted however detailing results, scores and scorers are not permitted.
This does not mean Cumberland FA are suggesting that Under 11 football should not be celebrated and promoted. We want to hear about the experiences of youngsters in grassroots football in Cumberland and help support and promote the fantastic efforts and work going on across the County. We also know coaches, parents and carers want to talk about football across social media – but scores and results can’t be!
Below are a couple of examples (names used are not real) highlighting some Do’s and Don’ts. These are not exhaustive and provide only a guide:
Yes – it’s ok to say
‘A fantastic performance from my team today – proud of all my players!’
‘So proud of Ben scoring in his match today’
‘A great effort by all my players in the game today’
‘Played Futsal today – some cracking goals and great efforts from the players’
No – it’s not ok to say
‘So proud of my son Craig today, scoring in their Under 8 win over City’
‘Won 2-1 at Futsal – well done boys’
‘Beat Utd today – get in!’
‘Great game today, our goal scorers against City were Ben, James, Paul and Jess.’
Cumberland FA understands the importance of providing a fun environment for children to learn and enjoy the game. These regulations have been reiterated to support the development of players.
Social Media is a fantastic tool to communicate and Cumberland FA are fully aware that the majority of people use this appropriately.
All comments on these networking sites may and should be considered public, and anything deemed improper which brings the game into disrepute could lead to disciplinary action. It is the responsibility of all football to reduce and eradicate threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting behaviour, and the interactive environment is no different.
Cumberland FA will be publishing more information on the use of Social Media shortly. In the meantime please refer to The FA best practice information by clicking HERE.
Regulations around Youth Football
Page 111 which relates to FA Regulation C4 (iii) states that:
a) Under 7 and Under 8 Mini Soccer
Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of two weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.
b) Under 9 and Under 10 Mini Soccer
Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of four weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.
c) Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of six weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.
Click here for more information: http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/more/rules-of-the-association
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