An update from the SWPL on the Walter C Parson Cup from last season.

[Dave Deacon]

SWPL Secretary Phil Hiscox has today released an update on the Walter C Parson Cup from last season. As you will see it is still subject to a further review on the 7th August.

From Phil:-

Please see attached the boards updated position and provisional schedule for completing the Cup in pre-season, you will note that the whole schedule will be reviewed on Friday 7^th August based on advice at that time with either a Green for Go or not!

 

 

Completing Walter C Parson Cup 2019/20

The 5 remaining clubs were sent a consultation document about completing the Cup and taking into account other factors such as :

Dates & Scheduling

Playing in front of fans / behind closed doors

Player registration & eligibility

Commitment to complete Cup & opt out if requested

 

The whole covid19 situation has meant so much in life, and football, has changed and as such unexpected issues have meant unexpected solutions to overcome them.

 

Consultation:

On the whole 4 of the 5 clubs expressed the view that they wished to finish the Cup during pre-season, the 5th (nameless for the moment) had not committed either way but have now decided to still play in the Cup.

The board accept this and will allow any club to withdraw without penalty, and receive prize money earnt so far, provided any withdrawal is made 7 clear days before that clubs next scheduled match in the cup.

Two of the clubs wanted a complete relaxation of player eligibility, one did not and two were happy to accept whatever conditions were laid down before the resumption. The board are proposing a partial relaxation of the eligibility criteria, but not a “free for all”.

None of the 5 objected to the games being played in a tight timeframe during whenever the pre season period will be.

Two clubs asked for financial assistance in some form to play the games, one suggesting the FA fund it.

The board are unable to assist as by playing we are committed to paying out full prize money and in 3 of the 4 remaining ties it’s the league that picks up the bills for ground hire, match officials fees and players food etc, with no assurance that gate money in these uncertain times will cover the outlay. However some consideration will be given to grant Bovey Tracey a sum to assist in staging the only non-neutral ground tie if capacity is restricted.

Only one club was prepared to play games “behind closed doors” although none objected to a sensible crowd limit if that’s something imposed as part of restarting football in the NLS. The board accept this and will not sanction games unless a reasonable attendance at games is permitted.

 

Board Proposal :

All clubs assumed to accept in full, unless objection or withdrawal from the cup is made in writing at least 7 days before scheduled matches involving that club.

1) Scheduling the games: The remaining 4 games will be squeezed into the latest August window. This may help clubs to possibly play friendlies before, and thinking is also that the later they are scheduled the more chance they have of being played, and in front of spectators.

2) If games cannot be confirmed as being able to be played, or able to be played in front of supporters, 7 clear days before the competition is due to restart, the whole schedule will be moved if another pre season period is announced by the FA by the operative date, OR cancelled by the board if the situation at that date has no clear date for restarting matches in the NLS from the FA, the operative date is  therefore Friday 7th August to allow the Cup to restart on Sat 15th Aug.

3) Player eligibility: Clubs will be permitted to select for games any player registered with them at the start of the playing season (July 1st) irrespective of players status or normal eligibility criteria for playing in the latter rounds of the cup. In addition clubs can register & nominate upto 3 new players by Friday 7^th August (The “operative date” as above) to play in the competition, but these must be pre-approved by the league and exclude players who normally ply their trade at a higher step. Additionally in emergencies a club can also register, if required, a new goalkeeper at anytime.

 

Proposed Revised schedule of matches:

Saturday 15th August : Bovey Tracey v Mousehole

 

Wednesday 19th August : Elmore v Millbrook (At Ivybridge)

 

Friday 21st August : Mousehole v Falmouth (At Helston)

OR

Saturday 22nd August : Bovey Tracey v Falmouth (At Bodmin)

 

Saturday 29th August : The Final at Liskeard Athletic

 

[Bruegel the Elder]

At last, something to feel (provisionally) optimistic about🏆! We live in hope of a government decision soonest! 

[baldy]

Worryingly there has been no hint of a date from the government. It will probably be a very short notice period and cause chaos.

[The Town Man]

In the end, it seems the risk is all with the players and officials anyway. It wouldn't be difficult for the fans to socially distance as the gates wont be that big, so there is no problem there.

Falmouth Town fans already have black an amber face masks at the ready.

As long as the players are happy to play and the refs are happy to turn up, then the games should be able to go ahead.

[TheolderIgetthebetterIwas]

2 hours ago, The Town Man said:

In the end, it seems the risk is all with the players and officials anyway. It wouldn't be difficult for the fans to socially distance as the gates wont be that big, so there is no problem there.

Falmouth Town fans already have black an amber face masks at the ready.

As long as the players are happy to play and the refs are happy to turn up, then the games should be able to go ahead.

Good idea to cover their faces...ugly bunch!!!

[Ian Pethick]

7 hours ago, baldy said:

Worryingly there has been no hint of a date from the government. It will probably be a very short notice period and cause chaos.

Johnson's u turn within 48 hours on the playing of league cricket is a useful prediction of what will happen.