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THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
YOUTH FOOTBALL IN CORNWALL

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MATCH CHECKLIST & RECORDING SCORESAll match reports and team sheets must be filled out within 48 hours of games being played. If managers fail to do this, clubs will be issued a fine. Match reports must be fully completed on fulltime, Not on the Matchday app. Fulltime will show 3 green ticks next to the fixture if the report is fully complete. All starting players and substitutes must be entered.
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POSTPONEMENTSPostponements Teams are not able to request to move games back under any circumstances. If a team is aware of upcoming holidays or player absences (such as during half term), they should take steps to bring the game forward rather than postponing it. For example, if a game is scheduled between 15/02 and 23/02 (February half term) and players will be unavailable, teams should contact their opposition to arrange an earlier match date during an available week. This can be any day, as long as both teams agree and the game is brought forward. If the opposition is unwilling to accommodate the change, teams should seek assistance from their club to find another official or parent helper to oversee the match, particularly if the manager will be absent. If neither of these options is successful and the game cannot be rescheduled, teams may appeal for a postponement once they have received a breach notice for failing to fulfil the fixture, but only if there is a valid reason. Postponement Due to Weather or Unplayable Pitch: If a game is postponed due to bad weather or an unplayable pitch, both teams must notify the League Secretary using the link provided below, In this case, the game will be rescheduled. Unplayed Matches Due to Team Fault: If a match is not played due to the fault of one team, the game will be awarded to the opposition and will not be rescheduled. A fine will also be issued, as per the fines tariff. If both teams are at fault, the game will be declared Null and Void, and both teams will be fined according to the fines tariff. At the League Committee's discretion, additional points may also be deducted. https://forms.clickup.com/9015696968/f/8cp17j8-2435/QBMUO4LAUAFODWE2XG
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WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PITCH SIZE/GOAL SIZE FOR MY TEAM** PLEASE NOTE U13 GIRLS 2024/25 SEASON - 9VS9 FORMAT - PLEASE SEE U12 ON THE TABLE ABOVE FOR PITCH & GOAL SIZES **
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WHAT IS THE MINIMUM DURATION OF PLAY?
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EQUAL PLAYING TIMEWhen considering “equal playing time” there are two important things to remember: Why Children Play They play because it is FUN, but the fun is in the playing. It is most fun for those who play the most and not so much fun if the child is denied the opportunity to play in matches. The Coach’s Purpose The role of the coach is fundamentally to provide an opportunity for children to have a positive experience. For most players, many of their positive experiences revolve around their playing time. Many of the challenges involved in the “equal playing time” debate can be lessened by the development of a club or coach philosophy which clearly defines the club/coach philosophical position and intentions and can be further underpinned by using codes of conduct which communicate club/coach philosophy in terms of allocation of playing time and can manage expectations for how players get game time. WATCH THIS VIDEO TO LEARN MORE
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HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN I TAKE TO A MATCH?5v5 maximum is 10 7v7 maximum is 14 9v9 maximum is 14 11v11 maximum is 16
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HEADING IN U7-U11 YOUTH GRASSROOTS FOOTBALLIn 2022, we became the first national association to successfully adopt the International Football Association Board [IFAB] trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below. We first introduced the IFAB trial in England following our steps to bring in heading guidance in youth football in 2020, and then the implementation of heading guidance in training across every level of the professional and amateur game in 2021. After two seasons of the IFAB trial in English football, we will now introduce a new rule to phase out deliberate heading in matches in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 level over the next three seasons. This includes all leagues, clubs and any affiliated school football matches – starting with U7-U9 level from the 2024-25 season, then increasing to include U10 level from 2025-26, and U11 level from 2026-27. As grassroots players move from primary to secondary school, heading the ball will be introduced at this transition point in their U12 season. ADAPTING THE HEADING TRIAL FOR THE 2024-25 SEASON We have researched and collected feedback from leagues and clubs taking part in the IFAB trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below to see how the experience of the players taking part could be further improved. Our aim is to also create more technical opportunities for players with the ball at their feet, allow for more effective playing time, and to reduce the amount of time the ball is in the air during a match. As a result, from the start of the 2024-25 season for U7-U9 teams, we will also be rolling out the following: Deliberate Header Restart: - Deliberately heading the ball is an offence punishable by an indirect free kick - The indirect free kick is taken at the point where the ball was deliberately headed, except: Where a player deliberately heads the ball within their own penalty area, the referee will stop the game and restart with an indirect free kick to the opposition from the nearest side line of the penalty area where the offence took place
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HOW DO I INTRODUCE PASS-INS AND DRIBBLE INS U7 - U11We're introducing a new touchline restart law in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7 and U11. Pass-ins and dribble-ins will be phased in over the next three seasons, replacing throw-ins. This video explains the new law and shows it in action. WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE
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HOW DO I CONTACT OTHER MANAGERS?Every week you will receive an automated email with your upcoming fixture details and contacts. If you would like to get in touch with them beforehand please see our team directory using the link below
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WHAT IS THE MERCY RULEThe mercy rule applies to the U7-U11 age category within our league, teams must use the mercy rule when a team reaches a 9 goal difference. The below rule is copy and pasted from the league handbook on page 7. Mercy Rule: The League applies the 9 goal mercy rule in age groups from U7 - U11. Once a team is 9 goals up (e.g. 9-0, 10-1 etc) the game ends. A discussion should then be held between Referee and the 2 Managers as to how/if the remaining game time is completed. This can include... (1) the game ending. (2) the game restarting as a development friendly. (3) players be moved position etc. Whatever happens, the result is submitted as the 9-goal difference.
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SIN BINSAny youth player who shows ‘dissent’ towards a referee or assistant referee (linesman) may be sin binned. This means you might be shown a yellow card and you will be asked to leave the field of play for either 8 or 10 minutes. So what is dissent? To avoid being sin binned when you next play take a look at the different types of behaviours which are classed as dissent. Clapping sarcastically towards the referee or assistant! Questioning the referee or assistant referees decisions! Making sarcastic or rude comments towards any match official! Kicking the ball away in anger! Swearing at any match official or linesman is not dissent, but may result in you being shown a red card!
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ORGANISING FRIENDLIESWe have found many teams have had success organising friendlies using the Devon & Cornwall youth football friendlies group, its also a great place to find details of upcoming tournaments! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2586717254673356
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WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR REGISTERING A PLAYER?All CYFL player registrations, transfers and de-registrations are now done via the FA's Whole Game System. Clubs have been given details on the registration process and further details can be found on the GRASSROOTS HELP PAGE
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HOW DO YOU KNOW A PLAYER IS REGISTERED?All teams must have an up-to-date copy of the their team Squad List which shows all the registered players for that team. If they are not on the Squad List, then they cannot play.
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CAN A PLAYER BE CUP-TIED?Yes, if they transfer to another club in the same cup competition as their previous team, having already played for their previous team in the cup competition. If they transfer to a team in a different cup competition, then they can play. Note that where there are Cup, Tropy, Plate or Shield competitions, these are all treated as separate competitions.
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CAN GIRLS PLAY FOR TWO TEAMS? (GIRLS & MIXED)Yes, absolutely! We fully support all football opportunities, whether it's an all-girls team, a mixed team, or both.
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How many players can i sign on?As a league we know its great to have flexability when it comes to match day, especially when you have players that might have other commitments. As a general rule of thumb we recommend teams sign on no more than double the squad size - for example 5v5 - can sign on a maxiuum of 10 players 11v11 - can sign on a maximum of 21 players This is to encourage clubs to start a second team for that age group and give all players more game time.
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HOW DO I GET ACCESS TO FULL-TIME?Your club will need to add you as a Team Official in Whole Game System as one of the following - manager, coach, assistant manager, assistant coach or team secretary. This will feed through to Full-Time and you will be sent a login invitation. Make sure your email address and mobile number are in your FA profile, and are correct.
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HOW DO I ADD A NEW TEAM MANAGER/COACHTo add a Team Official, please go to the Club Portal (clubs.thefa.com) and click on the 'Officials' tab on the left hand side. Then click on 'Add Official' in the top right.
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HOW DO I DOWNLOAD A TEM SHEET?Teams are required to carry an up-to-date copy of their team sheet to all matches, readily available for inspection by the opposition or a League official. Club secretaries can download the team sheet using the Whole Game System/Player Portal. For step-by-step instructions on how to do this, please refer to the following link: https://grassrootstechnology.thefa.com/support/solutions/articles/48001146406-download-a-squad-list
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HOW DO WE UPDATE THE CONTACT DETAILS ON FULLTIME EMAILS?Changing the primary contact alters the person's details who are displayed in FA Full-Time automated e-mails. If you need to update these details please see the link below for step-by step instructions. https://grassrootstechnology.thefa.com/support/solutions/articles/48001159329-updating-primary-contacts-team-administrator-guide-
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WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE IF SOMEONE HAS CONCERNS OVER THE WELFARE OF CHILD?Please contact your Club Welfare Officer immediately who will speak with you in confidence, and will advise and assist you on the best course of action to be taken. If the child is at immediate risk of significant harm contact the Police.
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REPORTING SERIOUS CONCERNSPlease report all serious concerns regarding discrimination i.e., Sexist, racist and homophobic comments, or threatening behaviour direct to Richard Pallot at Cornwall FA: richard.pallot@cornwallfa.com / 01208 262983 Please report all serious safeguarding concerns about a young person or an adult’s behaviour towards a young person direct to Claire Summers-Evans at Cornwall FA: claire.summers-evans@cornwallfa.com / 01208 262982 Our League welfare officers are Gemma Tommasi and Darren Reski - please contact them using the email addresses below for any concerns or questions regarding player welfare or safeguarding issues. CYFLWELFAREOFFICER@GMAIL.COM - GEMMA.CYFL@GMAIL.COM We are also delighted to have Sam Firks take on the role as Respect Advocate. This new role will include championing Respect Initiatives from both the FA and County FA such as the Silent Support Weekend. Adam will also liaise with clubs, promote good behaviour and schedule competitions and giveaways to win respect merchandise. Sam can be contacted on SAMFCYFL@GMAIL.COM
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SMOKE FREE SIDELINES
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WHERE CAN I FIND A SAFEGUARDING COURSE TO BECOME A COACH?The FA is committed to safeguarding children in England. From ensuring best practice and recognising poor practice to understanding how to report concerns quickly and effectively, we believe that making football fun, enjoyable and safe is everyone’s responsibility https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-children-course
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WHERE CAN I FIND THE ONLINE FIRST AID COURSE TO BECOME A COACH?Introduction to First Aid in Football is an online course suitable for anyone looking to develop their knowledge and understanding of first aid care for players of all ages. https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/medical/introduction-to-first-aid-in-football
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HOW DO I BECOME A COACH?Once you have a DBS, First aid & safeguarding qualifications, we recommend starting off with the EE player maker course, its free!! https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/ee-playmaker Followed by the Introduction to football course - This is £100 https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/introduction-to-coaching-football
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HOW DO I GET A DBS CHECK DONE?Anyone actively working with U18 year olds, including coaches and referees are required to have an FA enhanced DBS check. If you are looking to get involved with a club in Cornwall or you are an existing coach then please contact the Club Welfare Officer who will be able to support you through this process. If you are Club Welfare Officer looking to renew your existing FA DBS check then please contact Claire Summers Evans (Cornwall FA Designated Safeguarding Officer) via email - claire.summers-evans@cornwallfa.com Any referee officiating in youth football looking to renew or needing support with the DBS process can contact either the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Lee Swabey ~(Cornwall FA Referee Development Officer) via email - lee.swabey@cornwallfa.com
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