CLOSED DATE PROCEDURE FOR 2023/2024 SEASON

CLOSED DATES PROCEDURE FOR THE 2023-24 SEASON

All Senior Division clubs are allowed two closed dates per season, and they can be applied for once the full list of fixtures have been released. These fixtures are now on Full Time for the season so applications can be made.

September 30th is the last date Senior clubs can request any closed date during the season, and as long as the date is within the 35 days required, you can close a date earlier than the end of September.

For all the other Divisions and including Senior Reserve and A teams the rule is for 35 days’ notice to be given at any stage of the season and again two closed dates are allowed per team per season.

PLEASE BE AWARE THE 35 DAY RULE WILL BE APPLIED FOR EVERY APPLICATION FOR A CLOSED DATE THIS SEASON

It is important that clubs make Managers and Coaches fully aware of the rule to avoid

disappointment. Already three requests have been refused this season with requests made less than 35 days.

All requests for closed dates must be made from the Club Secretary to the SIL Fixture Secretary. Managers or Coaches applying will be told to make their application via their Club Secretary.

EXAMPLES

If an application is made on Friday August 11th the earliest, you could have a closed date would be September 15th or in effect a match date of September 16th

If you wish to have no match on December 23rd you will need to apply before November 18th or for no match on December 30th apply by November 25th.

If you need to make an application both club teams for example in Divisions One and Four for March 16th then the application will be needed to be sent by February 9th.

If you have a problem, please get in touch and I will try to help.

If clubs have a very good reason to have an application considered outside of the 35 day ruling then consideration will be given on seeing the facts on each case.

Certainly, clubs saying we saw on Full Time we had a free date, and the lads are going away for the day is not acceptable as a reason. Especially as a new fixture can be arranged up to five days before a match date.

Please be aware the ruling for teams not fulfilling a fixture can see the awarding of the points to your opponents and a fine being given to the faulting team.

Please check before standing your team down.

Alan Sparkes

SIL Fixture Secretary

August 10th 2023