Sadly our President, Derek Jones, died in March this year, and will be greatly missed by those that have worked with him over many years.
Derek spent a lifetime in local football both as a player at Ramsden and as an administrator with both the Mid Essex and the Veterans League.
Administration
Your Management Committee have met on a regular basis since September including the February meeting when most roads were closed due to snow.
League business has increased over the years but the Management Committee have carried out their responsibilities in a professional manner
Early in the season a need to monitor discipline was identified and Gary Smith was appointed as League Discipline Officer. This has enabled the Management Committee to take corrective action where Clubs have exceeded what is considered an acceptable discipline standard.
To ease the intensive work for Registration Secretaries at the start of the season rule change to have at least eleven players registered by the 1st September was a success. There were just two Clubs who chose to ignore that rule
Clubs have responded well in the need to telephone results to the Publicity Secretary which has resulted in instantaneous updating of League Tables on the League Web site. A full result service has been available by Sunday evening and Newspaper coverage across the County.
Sportsmanship and Hospitality tables have been produced indicating how others see us. As in recent seasons those Clubs who top the Sportsmanship tables will be excused the League’s annual subscription next season.
Congratulations to those who have topped their respective Divisional tables and questions to those Clubs at the opposite end.
Following on from the discussion at the Half Year meeting it has been decided to provide a Senior Vets Division for players over the age of 45.
Currently there are seven teams taking part in the inaugural season with the possibility of a Cup open to other Clubs who can provide an over 45 team but unable to commit to regular football at this level.
A meeting of Senior Vets Clubs has been arranged for 7th July.
Playing Review
Congratulations to Writtle Vets on winning of the County Vets Cup where they defeated White Notley. They also won the League Premier Cup and the League Premier title for the first time.
The League Cup Finals were once again played at Maldon Town FC and although the attendance figures were low the exercise of playing these games on a Senior Ground under lights still seems to be an acceptable expense.
The exception to this was the Management Committee trophy There was a good attendance at the Police ground and a game enjoyed by all.
All games were fairly contested and enjoyed by those taking part. The only mar on proceedings was the need to abandon a game because of a serious injury. However with the excellent co-operation of the owner of Maldon Town we were able to re-schedule the fixture.
The Divisional League competitions were highly contested, a number being decided in the final weeks. Poor weather at the turn of the year caused many postponements and thanks must go the Fixture and Referee’s secretary along with the Clubs in ensuring we completed the season.
Discipline
Player behaviour on the field of play as always could be improved .
Thanks to the Clubs who when having their attention brought to problem players have in general taken steps with corrective action.
One Club’s record at the end of November was 14cautions and two Red Cards. Following discussion with the Management Committee the remainder of the season was completed with just one caution.
Registration and Result Forms
Player Registration forms are not being treated seriously by some Clubs There is evidence that the forms are being signed on the Players behalf and that the DOB changes to suite the need.
In future these players will be considered as ineligible and the entire playing record of the Club will be reviewed and subject to points deduction.
As an experiment for next season additional registration forms will be available for downloading on line
The late or non submission of result forms causes the League Officers more time and frustrations. From next season Clubs that continue to offend will be suspended until they fall in line, which again may mean lost points for failing to fulfil their fixtures.
A change of rule for next season will allow players to register once they are 35 or 45 for the Senior Vets, and not necessarily by the 1st September.
Referees
The coverage of fixtures by appointed Referees has become the envy of the County. Just one game was not covered last season and this was due to a Referee calling off at the last moment. However we must not become complacent and Clubs must ensure that Referees are treated with Respect.
The Respect programme was discussed at the Half Year meeting but the Management Committee believes this League is made up of responsible people whose aim is the enjoyment of football in a controlled environment.
Sponsorship
The sponsorship agreement with Greene King was eventually continued for a further season.
A survey of Clubs using Greene King product and possible introductions for new business was carried out and hopefully will encourage the Greene King to maintain the association.
The Management Committee have decided to transfer further Greene King financial support back to the Clubs. Next season those Clubs that have not been in breach of League Rules and subsequently fined will have their ECFA annual subscription paid by the League
The second sponsorship we took on with Club Website and Umbro was not as successful as although we received a cash sum of £5 per team the promise of a match ball did not come about.
Communication
It is pleasing that all Clubs are now contactable by e-mail which makes the passing of information that much easier.
It is worth reminding Clubs once again that information shown on the Web is for reference only. For accurate information League Officers advice should be sought.
It is worth reminding Clubs that League business should be carried out through Club Secretaries and to the League Secretary. If you have a complaint do not address a League Officer but make the League secretary aware.
Sportsmanship Award
It is pleasing that our nomination to the ECFA Fair Play Award this season was won by FOBS (East Hanningfield). In the three seasons this award has been running we have been awarded a Third, Second and now a First Place.
These results must reflect on the way Clubs and their players approach the way the game is played in this League
The three nominations are to be congratulated but they could have one of many equally deserving.
Summary
Thanks to Club Secretaries for their perseverance when things are not as you wish and decisions do not go your way. Almost without exception Club Officers are pleasing to deal with which makes life for the League Officers that much easier.
