THE 2019/20 SEASON HAS BEEN DECLARED NULL & VOID

Conclusion of the 2019/20 Grassroots Football Season

26 Mar 2020

Dear League Secretary,

Firstly I hope you, your families and your colleagues are keeping well.

In relation to football matters, the FA have today (Thursday) released a statement that outlines that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019/20 season.

The FA respect the autonomy of County Football Associations, as the sanctioning bodies of grassroots leagues, as well as the autonomy of the leagues themselves to have local decision-making rights in how leagues are concluded. The FA having taken guidance and to support leagues in decisions made, have recommended that two options are considered:

Competitions are brought to an immediate end with results expunged (i.e. without promotion or relegation occurring).
League positions and promotion and relegation are resolved by a points per game calculation.
The FA have asked that leagues consider expunging results in line with the National League System and women’s pyramid to support consistency across the game. In relation to Cup competitions there is greater flexibility, with several options including simply cancelling the competition, trophy sharing (if finalists already determined), or the delaying of finals possibly to a “season opener” for the 20/21 season.

In relation to youth and grassroots adult leagues that sit outside the football pyramid, it is also strongly recommend that, when planning for next season, consideration is given to placing teams into the right division based on their capability, especially when it comes to youth football.

At this stage I want to thank you for your continued support during these challenging times. We at the Lincolnshire FA acknowledge the pressures that League Officials are facing in these unprecedent times. Please be assured that we will fully support you in finalising this season and preparing for the new season.

Attached is a series of questions and answers which will help with your decision-making process. In addition to the attached Q&A document I wanted to highlight in relation to next season that teams can still move divisions regardless of the two options used by the league to conclude the season.

The ruling in the SCOR/SCORY 2L allows this – “At the AGM or a SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22”. This rule allows a discussion to take place at an AGM/SGM to move teams around divisions. It is key that teams are in the appropriate division based on their ability, particularly in youth leagues.

Also where possible I would advise organising a way in which clubs could be involved in the decision-making process regarding the two available options. In these unprecedented times I believe it is important to engage your stakeholders wherever possible in the decisions made.

I understand you will be inundated with questions from clubs and whatever decisions taken will not be meet with universal approval. I want to re-iterate that the County FA are here to support you. We will be organising a conference call at the start of next week where we will try and answer any queries you have and where leagues can share thoughts, ideas and solutions to problems that will arise moving forward.

Over the next few days if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Take care

Nick Hanson| Chief Executive Officer

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