BDSFA AGM Minutes 2008/09

Present – Dave Moore (Rush Green Jnr), Chris Wilding (Godwin), Alan Harris (St Margaret’s), Graeme Farquhar (Hunter’s Hall), Pete Duggins (District referee), Steven Ley (Marsh Green), Liz Clapper (John Perry).

Apologies – Martin Nicholson (Grafton Jnr) Lee Wilton (William Bellamy Jnr), Mandy Gullefer (William Bellamy Jnr), Keith Judd (William Ford), John Harrington (William Ford), Paul Davies (Five Elms), Jim Simms (St Joseph’s Barking), Claire Clark (SSP), Elaine Burgess (SSP), Natalie Lipman (Parsloes), Russell Wilson (The Leys).

Minutes of last meeting

Were read and agreed.

Matters arising

Girls’ District Football - BDSFA have tried to establish a girls’ representative side for the last few years. It seems the natural progression for developing Gifted & Talented players, building upon the success of tournaments such as the Monteagle Shield and BDSFA Girls’ League. Efforts were restricted due to a lack of opposition. However, in May 2008, Lewisham SFA hosted the Mayor’s Cup, one of only two competitions of its kind in the country.

Therefore Chris Wilding, with assistance from Graeme Farquhar and Rob Calderwood, agreed to manage a team. Following a round of trials, a squad of nine girls was selected. They were: G Faires, C Martin, C Wallington (Rush Green); L Wells, F Popoola, N Tiriboyi (Godwin); E Wells (St Joseph’s); S Williams (Beam); M Rose (Manor); N Mtetwa (The Leys).

With only an hours training, the team lifted the trophy at the first time of asking and remain unbeaten with victories over Lambeth, Lewisham, Islington, Sutton and a draw with Tower Hamlets.

It is anticipated that this will be an annual activity for the association, with further training sessions, trials and competitions a possibility.

Thanks must go to Jo Richardson Community School (for the use of their mini-bus) and GOALS (for training/trial pitches).

Constitution – When the BDSFA Constitution was devised several years ago, consideration was only given to Primary and Junior schools as they are the only age ranges eligible for competition. However, it has been brought to the committee’s attention that infant schools run a variety of after-school coaching sessions and, in order to be covered by English SFA insurance, they must be affiliated to a local association. Chris Wilding therefore proposed that the Constitution be amended accordingly within Point 5a. Similarly, since the establishment of a girls’ District team, an amendment was also necessary to Point 10a. The proposal was passed without objection.

Point 5a now reads: “The members of the Association will automatically be all Infant, Primary and Junior Schools within Barking and Dagenham.”

Point 10a now reads: “Volunteer teachers, who teach in Barking and Dagenham member schools, can help run the representative boys’ and girls’ U11 teams, to compete at District level.”

This raises the overall membership of BDSFA to forty-nine schools.

The BDSFA Constitution can be viewed on the association website (see next point).

Website – Graeme Farquhar has worked with the LBBD ICT department to establish a website for BDSFA. The intention is to improve publicity and communication between the association and those involved within its activities. Graeme and Chris have posted a variety of useful documents on the site and created sections that will be useful to parents, pupils and teachers alike. This includes all BDSFA policies, documents and codes of conduct, as well as details of competitions at both intra and inter association level. Schools are welcome to send match reports and photos to be included in its content and are encouraged to check regularly for updates. With this new initiative, schools have no excuse for not receiving up-to-date information. The address is www.bdsfa.bdcs.org.uk

Dave Moore expressed thanks to Graeme and Chris for their hard work.

Chairman’s Report

(Can be found here) Dave Moore added that the high standard of conduct within schools football is part of what distinguishes it from other forms of the game. Those managing teams have an important role in setting high expectations and dealing with any indiscretions in a professional manner.

Secretary’s Report

(Can be found here)

Treasurer’s Report

(Accounts to be sent to schools but not posted on website)

Competitions

11-aside competitions:

Barking & Dagenham Primary Schools Cup: Winners – Hunters Hall, Runners-up – Manor Jnr
Barking Trophy: Winners – Manor, Runners-up – Hunters Hall
Dagenham Trophy: Winners – Grafton, Runners-up – St Joseph’s (Dagenham)

At the previous AGM, concern was raised about the number of matches played later than the given date. Dave reported that the problem was much improved this year and thanked schools for their co-operation. A record of fifty-eight matches were played, showing that participation levels are rising. Dave agreed to continue acting as secretary but reinforced the English SFA ruling that Y5 pupils are NOT permitted to take part.

There were some cases of schools complaining about the size and standard of other schools’ pitches/goalposts after being beaten. If a game goes ahead, then the visiting school has agreed to the playing conditions and must accept the result of the fixture. Home teams are encouraged to notify visiting teams of any irregularities in the dimensions of their facilities.

Matches will take place after Christmas, with entry forms being sent out in December.

Small-sided competitions:

Evans-Moore Cup: Winners – Rush Green Jnr, Runners-up – Hunters Hall
Evans-Moore Plate: Winners – Rush Green Jnr, Runners-up – Grafton
Monteagle Shield: Winners – Rush Green Jnr, Runners-up – William Bellamy Jnr
BDSFA Girls’ League: Winners – William Bellamy Jnr, Runners-up – Godwin

Graeme Farquhar has agreed to oversee the Evans Moore Cup to be held at Monteagle Primary on Saturday 8th November. Schools were reminded that this is a 7-a-side competition for boys only. Entry forms have already been sent to schools. The finalists will then be eligible for the Essex round of this national competition, The Malcolm Moffatt Trophy. Contrary to previous competitions, the county finals will be held on a weekday over two locations, with the winners meeting in a play-off for the overall title. It is hoped by Essex SFA that this will increase participation. Graeme will also acts as competition secretary for The Evans-Moore Plate and Monteagle Shield. Provisional dates for these competitions are 13th June and 14th March respectively. Monteagle have agreed to act as hosts.

Chris Wilding will continue to act as competition secretary for the BDSFA Girls’ League. Entry forms were sent to schools in the first week of September. Fixtures have been finalised and sent to the schools involved. Last year, there were problems with schools submitting their entry fees and playing matches on time. Chris urged schools to get fixtures arranged as soon as possible.

In the past, the small-sided competitions have been conducted adhering to the ESFA’s “two year” rule with regards to the eligibility of players. This had been interpreted as pupils in Y4-6 were able to participate as they were two school years apart. Further advice from ESFA states that the “two year” rule applies to pupils who are one school year apart. To not comply with this would invalidate borough insurance. Therefore all BDSFA small-sided competitions are Y5/6 ONLY to prevent any confusion. Should schools wish to play pupils in Y4 during friendly matches, no Y6 pupils should be playing etc. To clarify, Y3/4 can play Y3/4, Y4/5 can play Y4/5 and Y5/6 can play Y5/6.

District Football

The District side will be run by Dave Moore and Graham Farquhar. BDSFA is grateful to be assisted by Pete Duggins, who acted as a regular referee and accompanied the squad to Jersey. Last season the District side was:

C Saunders (Monteagle), M Rhodes (Becontree), J Davies (Godwin), A Hawes (John Perry) T Alozie (St Jo's Dag), S O'Connor (St Jo's Dag), S Heard (Parsloes), T Abiola (William Bellamy), O Edobor (St Peter's), J McDermott (Beam), C Gaetien (Henry Green), M Frostick (H Hall), P Ditkevicius (Manor) and C Herring (Manor).

Dave and Graeme stated that last season was another successful and enjoyable campaign. The team reached the final of the prestigious Crisp Shield, losing narrowly 1-0 to all-conquering Lewisham. The Jersey trip was once again a highlight as the team won over two-thirds of their matches over the season. This year’s team is:

R Durban (Godwin), S Franklin (Beam), J McDermott (Beam), B Ocran (St Vincent's), E Okoh (St Jo's Dag), A Monk (Thames View), J Centeno (William Bellamy), A Malbon (Henry Green), R Turner (Ripple), D Boyce (H Hall), L Phillips (H Hall), E Allionis (Marsh Green), L Gelston (Monteagle), S Odelusi (William Ford), C Gray (Gascoigne).

The team has been entered in the Essex SFA Finch League, London SFA Lester Finch Trophy, London SFA Crisp Shield, Kent SFA Gills’ Trophy and the Essex 7-a-side tournament. In addition they will play a number of friendlies. Home games will take place at May & Baker Sports Club, 10:30 kick off.

We hope to run the Jersey trip again this year.

Thanks to teachers who have assisted in the selection of the district side by putting players forward and relaying messages to pupils/parents. Also thanks to Keith Thwaites at Eastbrook for allowing us to use their facilities for trials. Any teachers wishing to assist should speak to Dave or myself.

Fixtures are posted on the BDSFA website.

Election of New Committee

Chairman – Dave Moore (nominated by Chris Wilding, seconded by Graeme Farquhar)

Secretary – Chris Wilding (nominated by Pete Duggins, seconded by Graeme Farquhar)

Treasurer – Dave Moore (nominated by Graeme Farquhar, seconded by Chris Wilding)

A.O.B.

International Honours – Well done to former Monteagle pupil Benik Afobe. The former District player, who finished as top scorer in 2004, was selected to represent England U16s in the Sky Sports Victory Shield tie with Northern Ireland on 3rd October. Benik scored two goals and has been named in the next squad to face Wales on 31st October. Dave has written a letter of congratulations to Benik on behalf of the association.

Funding Opportunities – Free kits for schools can be obtained through the Football Foundation Junior Kit Scheme. The scheme allows provides £400 worth of vouchers available to purchase a range of products in the Nike/Football Foundation catalogue. See www.footballfoundation.org.uk for details. Schools can also apply for grants of up to £10000, every two years, from Awards for All. Money can be used to set up new football opportunities as an extension to the curriculum. This can be in the form of kits, equipment or coaching. See www.awardsforall.org.uk for details.

Match Reports – The Barking and Dagenham Post continue to sponsor Primary Schools’ football and match reports should be emailed to Neil Trannis, FAO Barking & Dagenham Post Sports Desk to dagenhampost.sport@archant.co.uk. Thanks were expressed concerning The Post’s sustained support of BDSFA activities.

Use of Goals Centre – available free for schools until 5:30 p.m. upon application. Schools are reminded that this facility is kindly given without charge and parents/pupils/staff should respect the premises accordingly. Correct supervision is necessary at all times.

Health & Safety – Teachers in charge of football, as part of their ongoing Risk Assessment, need to maintain vigilance with regard to suitable footwear. There is no direct instruction regarding studs or blades although steel studs are not advisable. Studs/blades are preferable on grass, particularly in slippy conditions. However, if the ground is hard, trainers or astro-boots/moulds, may be more suitable. A common sense approach is encouraged. It is the teacher/referee’s responsibility to check footwear is appropriate. Shin guards however are necessary in all structured or organised matches/training. If an injury takes place, particularly if caused by studded boots, and a pupil is not wearing shin guards, teachers may find themselves open to legal proceedings.

Transport – Teachers are reminded that anyone assisting in school arranged transportation of pupils to matches should be CRB checked. In addition, schools should obtain copies of a valid driving license, car tax, MOT and fully comprehensive insurance for business use. An alternative to this is to adopt a “meet me there” policy with teachers playing no role in assisting with arrangements. The onus is then with the parents to arrange transport. Pupils under 135cm require booster seats.

BDSFA Policies and Codes of Conduct – These documents will no longer be posted to schools. Instead, they are available to copy and adjust from the website at member schools’ discretion.

AOTTS - The English Schools’ Football Association Handbook for 2008/9 states:

“All teams must be under the ultimate control of either:

A practising teacher, recognised as such by the Department for Education, or
A retired teacher, or present or past employee of the education service who has direct approval in writing from the appropriate local or county Schools’ Football Association to undertake such responsibilities.
A person who has direct approval in writing from the appropriate local or county Schools’ Football Association who:-
Has at least a Level 1 FA coaching qualification.
Has undergone a (CRB) Criminal Records Bureau check – any payment associated with this shall be the responsibility of the local/county Schools’ Football Association.

This information must be registered with the ESFA on the appropriate form and the CRB certificate must be attached to the form. This registration is to be done on a three year basis. Approval may be withdrawn by the ESFA, or the local or county schools’ football association at any time.

Any other person assisting with or coaching a team must operate under in the presence of a person who is qualified under (1) or (2) above.” (P.135)

In English, this means that a qualified teacher should ideally be in charge. A retired teacher or employee of the education service (mid-day assistant, caretaker etc) can also take a team if BDSFA have provided written permission. Any other individuals must have an FA Level One Coaching qualification, valid CRB and be registered with English SFA. Alternatively, non-teachers may run teams, if a teacher is present.

It is the responsibility of individual schools to request approval letters from BDSFA, which are issued by Chris Wilding, as secretary, following approval from the committee. Failure to do so invalidates ESFA and borough insurance.

Teachers may also find themselves open to legal difficulties if they knowingly enter a fixture where the opposing school fails to meet these requirements.

Referees – It is recommended by the Local Authority that referees should be either a practising teacher or hold a recognised refereeing qualification. ESFA further advise that a suitable individual who doesn’t belong to either of these groups can referee if both parties agree beforehand. Schools are advised that referees from any official county FA list, may request a fee. Essex SFA suggests that £10 is an appropriate amount for U11s games.

C Wilding

BDSFA Secretary

15/10/08