Doug Gamble Programme 2016 17

Peterborough & District Youth Football League

Peterborough & District Youth Football League

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

RESPECT & CODE OF CONDUCT

Firstly, I would like to welcome you all here today for the Doug Gamble Charity match, to kick off the new season. My first meeting with Dougie was in 1960 when I went to the local Boys Club at Walton. Playing football for the club of which he was a Manager was the first step to my future involvement into the administration side of football. Dougie was a member of the then Peterborough & District Junior League and invited myself to join the Management Committee in 1967 when the name was changed to accommodate the Youth Service Clubs, hence the name change to the Peterborough & District Youth Football League, which still remains today. This was all thanks to the hard work behind the scenes of Dougie. Dougie held many posts within the league during his 44 years’ association with youth football. During the period from 1965 to 1978 he was Registration Secretary for 3 years, followed by 10 years as Secretary. During this time, he had served with 4 Chairmen, the one main Office he never held. He also received during this time his Life Membership for 15 years’ service to the league. He stepped down from his Officer’s role to be an active committee member, only to return once again, to take up the Secretary’s role midway through season 1991 after the job became vacant. This showed his

dedication to the league in times of a crisis. He was elected to take over in 1981 the Presidency from Ted Poole who too was a long-standing member of the Committee. Dougie held this title until ill health made him retire from the position in 2003. I have fond memories of Dougie and it was a privilege to have known him for so long, helping him to see young people playing and enjoying football. We hope that we are richer for all of his efforts back in the 1960’s when football at youth level was only played from 15 years of age and upwards. How times have changed in football since then.

Prior to each match the participating teams and officials shall conduct the ‘Respect’ handshake and/or participating teams to offer ‘three cheers’ and handshakes to the opposing team after the match. The participating clubs taking part in the fixture shall identify a team captain designated with a captain’s armband who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her team-mates. If the participating players are considered to be too young to take on this role a member of the team coaching staff should provide this support. (Excerpt from Youth League Rule 10 (i)) Respect is about recognising that the integrity of the game is more important than the result of the match. Respect is about creating an understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in Football. Respect is about those involved taking responsibility for the consequences of their own actions. Respect is a behavioural code for Football

Respect is about supporting match officials to do their job. Without them we don’t have a game. Respect is not a slogan. It is a collective responsibility of those involved in football to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place.

Enjoy the evening and I hope the match is played in a good spirit.

CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR PLAYERS AND TEAM OFFICIALS

1. Know, and play by the rules. 2. Accept Match Officials decisions without argument. 3. Maintain self-control at all times. 4. Refrain from provocative behaviour. 5. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. FOR SPECTATORS 1. Acknowledge good football and sporting behaviour by both teams. 2. Support the Match Officials. 3. Show consideration for other Spectators. 4. Refrain from provocative acts. 5. Show your appreciation to both teams at the conclusion of play.

Graham Phillips President