Game days are the highlight of the week, and thorough preparation ensures they run smoothly.

Confirming Fixtures

Once you receive details of your weekly fixture via email from the FA Full Time service:

  • Communicate with Opposition: If you are the home team, reach out to the opposing team's coach as soon as you can to confirm match details. Share the kickoff time, venue, parking details, and any other important. If you are the away team, then await confirmation from them. If you have not had confirmation by Wednesday, consider messaging them.

  • Click here for a message template that you can use to confirm your fixture with the opposition coach. - Placeholder

  • Coordinate with Referee: Soon after your fixture has been confirmed, you should receive another email confirmation (via Full Time) that a referee has been assigned to your game. Upon this, you must contact the referee and confirm the game with them in a similar way that you have done with the opposition manager. On some occasions you may not get a referee appointed to your game. If no official referee is available, it falls on the home team to organise a stand-in. If you are the home team but you can't do it, or don't want to, then ask a parent or a member of your club to see if anyone can ref the game. If you are struggling, consider reaching out to the opposition, and see if you can find a solution together.

  • Click here for a message template that you can use to confirm your fixture with the referee. - Placeholder

  • Check Player Availability: Confirm which players can attend the match by messaging your parent group as soon as you know the details for the fixture and asking them who can attend.

  • Click here for a message template that you can use to communicate the fixture info with your parent group and ask them to confirm attendance. - Placeholder

For home games, provide the visiting team with necessary information, such as venue details and any special instructions, a few days in advance.

Pre-Match Preparation

Aim to arrive at the venue 30-45 minutes before players. This allows you to:

  • Set Up the Pitch: Check the pitch for dangerous objects, set up goals, corner flags, and the Respect barrier.

  • Warm-Up Players: Conduct a proper warm-up to prepare the team physically and mentally.

  • Meet Officials: Introduce yourself to the referee and opposition coach.

  • Check ID Cards: In all leagues, each team needs to bring and present a Squad ID Sheet to the opposing manager to check before the game commences. This confirms the identities of each member of a team by listing each player's name, photo and age. If a team does not present this Squad ID Sheet, then the fixture cannot take place. Likewise, a team cannot play any player that is not on their Squad ID Sheet. In both these scenarios, the team attempting the misdemeanour should be reported to the Divisional Secretary.

  • Respect Handshake: It is also protocol for the teams to line up before the game and shake each others hand.

Referee Management

Respecting the referee is fundamental:

  • Assignment and Payment: For specific details, please refer to the league chatbots. Generally:

    • In the Timperley League, the home team pays the referee.

    • In the Salford League, fees are split between teams.

  • Communication: Confirm payment methods and ensure the club covers these expenses.

Always treat referees with courtesy, acknowledging that many are young and developing their officiating skills.

Team Selection and Organisation

Select your team based on availability, adhering to principles of fairness:

  • Equal Playing Time: Strive to give all players similar time on the pitch where possible, especially in the lower age groups.

  • Position Rotation: Encourage players to experience different positions to broaden their understanding of the game.

  • Use of Substitutes: Manage substitutions effectively and fairly. The club has an online app that assists managers in creating a subs plan that provides the minutes that substitutions can be made in order to achieve equal game time based on how many players you have in your match day squad. You can find this app at the link below.

Equal Playing Time App - Equal Playing Time App Placeholder

End of Match Duties
  • Match cards: The Timperley and District League and the Salford and District League require have slightly different processes for match cards. The Timperley and District League requires that managers bring and exchange a hard copy of match cards on match day, whereas the Salford and District League require that match cards are filled in online post-match. Please check our chatbots for each respective league for specific information on how each league operates.

  • Post Game Team Talk: Provide a post-game team talk for your players. Praise and encourage, avoiding any negative comments or unsavoury criticism.

  • Equipment Pack-Up: Collect all training gear and ensure nothing is left behind.

  • Pitch Clean-Up: Leave the area tidy for the next users. If there is no game on your pitch after you, then put away the pitch equipment (goals, corner flags, respect barrier) neatly into the cabin.

  • Player Departure: Confirm that each child is safely collected by their parent or guardian.

  • Lock Up: If you are the last team playing that day, you may need to lock up. This includes securing both cabins and the clubhouse, as well as lowering and locking the car park barrier.

Non-Competitive Fixtures

Remember that all leagues up to under 11s are non-competitive:

  • Focus on Development: Prioritise skill improvement and enjoyment over winning.

  • No Public Scores: Avoid posting results on social media or emphasising the scoreline.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome.

This approach fosters a healthy attitude towards sportsmanship and personal growth.

Section 6 : Match Day Responsibilities

Urmston Town Juniors Football Club

Barton Clough Playing Fields

Stretford

Manchester

M32 9TG

admin@urmstontownjfc.co.uk

© 2024 Urmston Town JFC. All rights reserved.