Questions & Answers
 
PREFACE
 
The purpose of this page is to try to clarify some of the problems which crop up during a season.  
 
Q Why is goal difference not taken into account in the League Tables
  Very few amateur Leagues take goal difference into account due to the fact that many teams may 'concede' and, therefore, no goals can be counted for that game, making it an unfair system.
 
Q What are Interdivisional Games
A The League rules only allow for a maximum of 14 teams in a division
  When entries into an age group exceed 42 (i.e. 3 divs of 14 teams) it may be necessary to split the league into 4 divisions.
  For example if there are 45 entries then the League might be divided as follows
  Div 1 =14 teams.  Div 2 =14 teams.  Div 3 =9 teams.  Div 4 =8 teams
  Under the normal system of teams playing twice then divs 3 & 4 would only have 16 games for the season (the ideal being 22 to 26)
  One way of dealing with the problem is to have teams play each other 3 times
  The Huddersfield League's view is that it is more interesting to play against different opposition - even if they are from a higher or lower division
  Therefore, in the above example, teams in div 3 would play each other twice, giving each team 16 games.  in addition they would play each team in div 4 once giving an extra 8 games - A total of 24 games.
  Teams in div 4 would play each other twice (14 games) and teams in div 3 once (9 games). Giving a total of 23 games
  All points won, drawn or lost count in the League Tables
 
Q How is Promotion & Relegation decided
A In an ideal world 2 teams would be promoted and 2 relegated
  However, in Junior Football many factors can affect the structure of divisions from one season to the next
  Teams may drop out - which may mean more teams being promoted
  In some cases the number of divisions may be more or less than the previous season - Forcing a complete change in the number of teams in a division.
 
One of the most important factors is that teams play in a division of equal standard which means the number of games won and lost by teams are inspected carefully by the Management Committee
             
    POS   TEAM  

PTS

    
  1   Team A   54  
  2   Team B   53  
  3   Team C   52  
 
  4   Team D   36  
  10   Team V   32  
 
  11   Team W  

5

  
  12   Team X   4  
  13   Team Y   2  
  14   Team Z   1  
             
 
In the example shown there are clear gaps in standards.
 
The top 3 are well clear of the rest and would be seriously considerd for promotion if other factors allow
 
The bottom 4 are clearly out of their depth and all 4 would be considered for relegation
 
Q Why do some teams go from the 3rd to 1st Division
A To answer this question it is necessary to explain a few things

Not all Junior Leagues have teams at all age groups and it is common for teams to join the Huddersfield league for a season or 2 until they can rejoin their home town league at a later age level. 
Often they would be put in the 1st division as they claimed to be of that standard.   Whether they were or not is irrelevant, the fact is that having organised the league to include them they would then drop out again the following season
  In order to counteract this problem the League decided that all new teams must enter the lowest division for at least one season.   After that then they are treated exactly the same as any other team in the league
  When deciding which teams will play in which divisions for any season (in addition to normal promotion and relegation) the Management Committee also consider how well or badly a team have performed in the previous season
  Teams who are promoted straight from 3rd to 1st division have usually proved themselves by winning all their games by impressive margins and have probably had a good cup run where they might have beaten some 2nd div teams and performed well against 1st div teams
   
Q Why does the League not publish lists of top scorers
  The main purpose of the League is to encourage young people to enjoy sport and take part in a TEAM game.  To publish a top scorers list would be unfair on other players who make just as big a contribution to the team but who don't have the opportunity to score the goals. 
 
Q I was not happy with the way the referee was handling the game so I took my players off the pitch in protest.  What happens now
A You're big in trouble - If you have any doubts about a referees ability then this must be dealt with before the game starts  Rule 13(B).    In other words once the game has started the referee, whoever they may be, has the full status of an official referee and any action by a player or club official not agreed by the referee which might cause the abandonment of a game is likely to be deemed as serious misconduct
 
Q If I referee a game and send a player off is that punishment enough without reporting the matter
A No - If a player has committed an offence worthy of being sent off then it must be reported to the County F.A.
On the other hand if you do not feel that it is worthy of reporting then it cannot be a sending off offence.
Players will never learn the rules if officials don't apply them.
 
Q I've been asked to referee a game.  I've never done it before and I have no qualifications  What powers do I have
A Substitute referees, whoever they may be, have the full powers, status and authority of an officially appointed referee. Rule 13(B) .
Further information and advice about all refereeing matters can be obtained from the Referees Co-ordinator - Mr. John Kingdom.. Tel - 01484 683157
 
Q Our pitch is unfit for play this week-end but our opponents pitch is O.K.  can we switch the fixture from home to away
A Yes.  Providing both teams agree and the Fixture Secretary is kept informed games can be played anywhere (subject to Rule 10 GROUNDS) It is also possible to concede 'home' advantage and play your home game away from home
 
Q What's the difference between the League Council and Management Committee
  Every Club in membership of the league is represented on the League Council which meets every Month throughout the year except July
  The purpose of the Council is to ensure that the league is democratically organised and that decisions made by the Management Committee are fair and correct.  Clubs are also allowed to voice their opinions and grievances
  Any dispute or problem may be put to the Council for voting
  All member Clubs are allowed one vote each at meetings ( Rule 6D)
  At the Annual General Meeting the Council have the opportunity to change rules and to elect members of the Management Committee
  The Management Committee is elected to organise and ensure the day to day running of the league and to ensure the rules are adhered to
 
Q Which age groups get Official Referee's
  Unfortunately the whole of football is suffering a shortage of Referee's at the moment and the Junior Leagues are no exception
  The League only has some 15 qualified Referee's who are prepared to turn out every Sunday and they are usually appointed to the oldest age groups.
 
Q Who makes the Rules
  The general rules for the game of football are set down by FIFA, they are the same at all levels of the game.   League rules (which must be ratified by the F.A) are set down by the League Council.