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The Duchy League’s Special General Meeting began with Cornwall FA’s Governance Manager, Richard Pallot, explaining the referees appointment situation and fielding questions from the floor.  He was optimistic that moderately priced mini courses could be provided for anyone willing to stand in as a referee occasionally and stated that the level of re-training required (and cost involved) for lapsed referees would be assessed on a case by case basis but should not generally be prohibitive. He confirmed that stand-in referees would be fully covered by club insurance and there were no welfare/safeguarding concerns

Richard confirmed that stand-in/local referees should email him with any disciplinary matters that need reporting and that any dismissals or cautions/sin bins issued by such referees  have full affect. He reminded clubs that they are responsible for applying suspensions even if no paperwork has been issued to the club.

The League appreciates Richard’s voluntary attendance, as the face of the FA he was not the most popular man in the room but I think everyone accepts he has a delicate balancing act to perform between his responsibilities towards the FA and to the clubs.

Following a short break the clubs debated the best way to cope with the situation going forward. A surprisingly high number of clubs felt that they could find a local referee if necessary - depending on the circumstances.There was general support for the long term aim of training and registering willing volunteers. For the immediate future there was some confusion as to who was responsible for finding a local referee. The main point is that BOTH clubs need to agree but it makes perfect sense in the first instance for the home club to endeavour to find someone willing to handle the game if an official is not appointed. The crucial thing is that both secretaries communicate with each other.

There was unanimous support for continuing with a full league programme, including the two cups, and accepting  the consequences if games are not played when there is no appointed referee  and the clubs cannot agree upon a stand-in. I personally think the clubs were over optimistic that this will work out ok but time will tell.

In order to avoid disputes it will be necessary for both club secretaries to email the League Secretary as soon as agreement is reached, or indeed if agreement cannot be reached.  The League Management Committee meet again next week and will discuss the issue of penalties for clubs in default. The FA has made it clear that the League must charge those clubs.

 

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