I continue to field enquiries and complaints from players and clubs about player equipment, including items such as jewellery. There was also a recent example of an issue arising due to a player wearing a Medi-alert device. I wish to briefly make statements about various player equipment to assist clarity. It is VERY important however to note that player equipment is primarily policed by the match referee under FIFA Laws of the game, Law 4:-

·         A medi alert bracelet or a medi alert tag worn around the neck ARE permitted as long as they are made safe. ie a bracelet with a wristband over it or the "dogtag" held against chest with tape or a large elastic garter type of restraint is acceptable. This prevents the bracelet being grabbed or the tag becoming loose and jangling around.

·         Skins/under garments must be the same colour as the predominant colour of the shorts/shirt (as applicable)

·         Goal keepers are not permitted to wear LONG skins however track pants or long goal keeper pants are permitted.

·         Players participating in a fixture MUST wear the same shorts, socks and shirt according to the registered playing strip of the club/team based on THAT fixture. A junior player or player from a lower division is NOT permitted to wear any component of playing strip that is different from the team (regardless of it being consistent with the player’s normal team from within the same club). This includes a goal keeper who may participate as a field player. This would require the player to wear the same shorts/socks as the other players.

·         Jewellery (including wedding bands) whether taped or not is not permitted.

·         Hair bands must not be “bobby pins” or hard or sharp style.

·         Law 4 applies to ALL competitions, all ages, with no exceptions.

 The referee has the authority to order a player from the field if any breach is found and may issue a caution for such an offence.

 Players and clubs have been given ample advice on these matters and unfortunately there is no negotiation or tolerance for on-going breaches. I particularly urge clubs to communicate with parents and coaches as match officials are subjected to inappropriate abuse and criticism from people who are either ignorant of the laws of the game or who are unwillingly to accept them.

 This information is to assist communication and avoidance of unnecessary arguments.

Regards,

Steve Mackney

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The season is about to start in earnest and in wishing everyone an enjoyable year, I want to take the opportunity to remind clubs of several important matters that need to get on-going attention in 2011. There have been many examples during the trials and pre-season fixtures suggesting that each of following items needs closer attention:-

 ·         The completion of match sheets, including signatures and names of participating players.

·         HOME club to collect and submit match sheets to FFNC within 48 hours.

·         Presence and visibility of ground officials.

·         Occupation of the technical area ONLY by players and team officials.

·         Technical areas roped off or clearly defined.

·         Correct SKINS.

·         Adherence to “no glass” policy at sporting fields.

·         Notification of ground/field closures as per wet weather procedures.

The purpose of communicating with clubs is to strive for consistency, fairness and clarity in our competition. It is not the intention to promote FFNC as an “enforcer” of measures that make it difficult for clubs, however each of the above matters cause their own problems when not adhered to. The responsibility lays with EVERY individual to assist the effort to make the experience of our game a positive one.

There was a significant period of tolerance given in 2010 to “breaches” that have been notified as incurring a fine or penalty. This led to a double edged sword where many ignored various requirements and others expected on-going dispensation for matters that their club representatives were guilty off. I advise that such period of grace will not apply after week two of the pointscore competition (from Friday 15^th April for senior competition) and upon after the school holidays for junior teams. This is not an exercise to fine clubs but consistent with the competition procedures that exist.

INSURANCE COVER

We wish to draw your attention to an important matter in relation to player registration and insurance coverage that has been highlighted in a recent incident.

All clubs were given quantities of a pamphlet “Welcome and information brochure for players”. This document was intended to be given to all players registering. The contents of this document provides a summary of items relevant to the insurance coverage and conditions for registered players and team officials. In the “Loss of Income” section, it is VERY important to note that players (Under the age of 18) are NOT eligible for income coverage unless they pay the FULL senior levy or pay an additional insurance levy. This MUST be advised to the Zone and to the State Body.

It is timely to remind clubs that insurance coverage for players and team officials is facilitated by the registration process however neither the Zone nor NNSWF has durisdiction over claims or benefit given. NNSWF, FFNC and clubs are required to provide ALL players with access to the required information about the insurance product to assist their knowledge of the coverage that is provided.

I strongly recommend that a copy of the brochure is displayed at all clubs.

(All players should contact their club to view the Insurance brochure).