This was the 41st season of the League and this is my 15th Annual Report as Hon General Secretary.

I would firstly like to extend the League’s sincere thanks to our sponsors: Chris Perry and David Kilmurray of Corsham Print who are the main sponsors of the League; Paul and Denise Sebastianelli of Fountain Trophies, who sponsor the Senior KO Cup and Ken Clarke of Westernsport Trophies who sponsors the Referees Appreciation Award.

As I reported last year, The FA has been carrying out a review of the National League Structure.  New Divisions have been created at Steps 3 and 4, which has meant considerable movement of Clubs at Steps 5 and 6.  Part of this review also included applying restrictions on the numbers of Clubs in Divisions at Steps 5, 6 and 7, which has led to several Wiltshire based Clubs moving to other Step 6 Leagues.  Permissible numbers at our Step 7 level have been restricted to 16.  We had 17 Clubs in our Premier Division last season, which meant we would have to relegate one Club back to a District League ….. or more, if any Clubs were relegated from Step 6.  We also had confirmation from The FA that Development teams would be classified as Reserve teams, which means that such teams would be subject to relegation before any 1st teams.  The restriction on having no more than 25% Reserve teams at Step 7 has been maintained by The FA, despite their liking for “super Clubs”, running football from U.7’s right through to adult.  We did write to The FA about this, as we believe it is not practical to a Club to have their 1st team at Southern League level, but then only being allowed a Reserve team at District League level.   Think we can all see that this is too big a gap, but sadly, The FA have no plans to change it.  Because of the reorganisation of the National League System, I received enquiries from four new Clubs, each of whom were just over the County border, but within our boundary.  The timing of The FA Review didn’t allow these Clubs to follow through with formal applications, but I do expect one or two of them to return next season.

You will see from the proposed constitution that, despite The FA review, we may be running with 17 teams in the Premier Division next season.  Bassett Bulldogs found the step up from District League football a little too much and requested to be relegated back, which solved one relegation issue.  Warminster Town are included within our proposed constitution, but have appealed the decision for them to be relegated from Step 6.  As their appeal is yet to be heard at the time of writing this report, I’ve had to include them.  I received enquiries from four other new Clubs, each of whom were just over the County border, but within our boundary.  Unfortunately, the timing of The FA Review didn’t allow these Clubs to follow through with formal applications, but I do expect one or two of them to return next season.  I also received enquiries from five new Clubs to join the U.18’s Youth Floodlight Division, but unfortunately, one of these together with two current Clubs have been “poached” by the Somerset Floodlight League.  I have complained to both The FA and the Somerset FA about this and, at the time of writing, am awaiting a response.  However, we should still be able to run with 8 teams, which is an increase of two on last season.

In last year’s report I advised that we had established a pyramid with the three District Leagues in the county.  This is the second full season of it in operation and meetings with them continue.  The agreement is that the top three Clubs in each of the Salisbury, Swindon and Trowbridge Leagues are eligible to apply for promotion to this League.  At the same time, and providing our constitution is at our capacity, we will relegate up to 3 Clubs from this League.  I did receive enquiries from two District League Clubs, but these weren’t followed through this season, mainly due to ground improvements required.  However, I do expect one or two of them to return next season.

As most of you are aware, we were awarded Charter Standard League status by The FA back in season 2012/13 and this will be coming up for review very soon.  It’s imperative that at least 60% of our Clubs are Charter Standard Clubs ….. preferably 100%.  In this League, there are currently five Clubs who have yet to submit their applications and I would urge them to do so.  To become a Charter Standard Club really isn’t that time consuming or difficult.  I suspect that many of you are probably there without realising it.  If you have any doubts, please speak with either the Wiltshire FA Football Development Officer, or even one of the Clubs who have been awarded Charter Standard.  Amongst other benefits, being a Charter Standard League gives us access to grants from The FA, which should mean fewer increases in fees for Clubs.

We’ve continued to operate our Premier Division with Level 5 Referees as The FA withdrew our Supply League status some 6 years ago.  Due to a lack of Match Officials and with Step 5 and 6 Leagues taking priority, this past season has been an exceptionally difficult one for Adie Cripps, trying to ensure that all games were covered.  For the first time in four seasons, we had two fixtures which had to be postponed due to lack of Match Officials.  If it hadn’t been for the wet weather in March and April, there may have been more.  You will see from the proposed Rule Revisions, that we’re proposing an increase in fees for Match Officials.  This increase will bring us in line with both the County FA Senior Cup and other adjoining Step 7 Leagues.  It will hopefully make it more attractive to run a line in this League than to referee in a District League. 

I mentioned last year that The FA were planning to experiment with the use of “sin bins” (for dissent only) last season.  They did run a pilot scheme with 31 Leagues throughout the country and the result showed a large reduction in cautions for dissent.  We were offered the opportunity to run with it next season, but declined the offer.  However, it’s likely that it will become compulsory in season 2019/20.

I mentioned earlier the exceptional wet weather in March and April this season.  Many Leagues at our level struggled to complete their fixtures and were either asking The FA for an extension to their season or awarding points for unplayed fixtures in order to complete their tables.  Thanks to the hard work and persistence of the Hon Fixtures Secretary, Phil Cook, this doesn’t happen on this League and we completed by 12th May as instructed by The FA.  Thanks also go to you Clubs for your co-operation with rearranged fixtures.

Last season, we made use of the Whole Game System (WGS) for players’ registrations and transfers.  Thanks to the hard work of Brian Busson, with assistance from both the Wiltshire FA and Clubs, by and large this change went very well.  Use of The FA Full-Time web site for fixtures, Match Officials’ appointments, results, tables, etc continued last season, though there were a few issues integrating the WGS with Full-Time.  Hopefully, those problems have now been overcome and there will be a little less frustration this season.  Clubs can use Full-Time for player statistics, match reports, etc.  A few Clubs already make use of the facilities available, but many do not.  If anyone requires a username and password to be set up as a Club Administrator to access the site, please contact me.  The FA offer training for anyone who requires it.  Again, please contact me if you require training.

During the close season we again had to update our League Development Plan for submission to The FA and a further updated Plan and Report has to be submitted this year.  Last season’s Plan was completed, presented to The FA and duly approved.  We subsequently received grants from The FA for various initiatives.  Some of these have already been completed or are underway.  The first initiative was the training course for Team Managers, which was held at Melksham on 15th May.  Although attendance was mandatory, a few Clubs did not attend, but those who did said that it was very worthwhile.  Thanks go to Mark Young and Ashleigh Brennan at the Wiltshire FA for their work in setting this up an also to Mike Byrne, the tutor.

Following last year’s AGM, Mark Smedley volunteered to join the Management Committee and took on the role of Media Officer.  Mark put in a lot of hard work and soon set up the www.wiltshireseniorleague.co.uk web site.  Mark also set the League up on Facebook and Twitter and I know that his weekly match reports are well received.  Work on the History section of the web site is continuing and, if you have any information, photographs, old programmes, etc I know that Mark would be keen to see them.  You will see from the Election of Officers sheet, we have a couple of vacancies on our Management Committee and also for Club Representatives from each Division.  We will accept nominations at the Annual General Meeting but, if such a post is of interest to you or you have any queries as to what it would entail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The largest piece of work that I had to do this season was in relation to League Rules.  The FA has re-written the Standard Code of Rules, with every single Rule being either reworded or renumbered.  Unfortunately, they chose to send these out at the end of March, which meant a considerable number of hours renumbering our Rules, then rewording them to accord with the new Standard Code, the hi-lighting any changes we required and submitting them for approval.  The changes you will notice is that the Rules have been arranged into two sections.  The first section is titled Governance Rules, which basically covers the way in which the League is administered.  The second section is titled Match Related Rules, which covers fixtures, registrations, Referees, etc.  I would mention that, for Clubs, there are no changes to the current rules.  In broad terms, The FA has just made amendments to the wording of League Rules and they now have different numbers.

Finally, I thank our President, Bill Shail and Chairman, John Gingell both of whom I work with very closely and are always there for help and assistance.  I also extend my thanks to my fellow League Officers and Management Committee for all their help and assistance over the past season.

Best wishes to all Clubs for a good summer break and a successful season in 2018 - 2019.

Jim Thorn

Hon General Secretary

I would like to thank Corsham Print for their continued support and sponsorship of the League.  I would also like to thank Fountain Trophies for providing all the trophies for our KO Cup Final, which was between Cricklade Town and Melksham Town Res, who provided a great game and congratulations to Melksham on winning the Cup.  The Final was held at Corsham Town FC on 5th May and we thank them for the use of their excellent facilities.

Thank you to all the Club Secretaries for all their hard work in fulfilling their fixtures during what was the wettest winter we’ve had for many years.

Finally, as League Chairman, I would like to thank all the League Officers and Management Committee for all the excellent work they do.

Thank you for your attendance this evening and have a safe journey home.

John Gingell

Chairman

This is my sixth Annual Report.

For 2017/2018 the League made a loss of £1,857.62 as opposed to a small profit last year of £197.13. 

The main reason for this, and as you are all probably aware, is that the League was victim of an email fraud which resulted in a payment of £2,250 to All Sport World.  All avenues have been pursued to recover this money but to no avail.  This was a plausible but simple scam perpetrated on the League and as Treasurer I accept full responsibility for this loss.  My offer of resignation was rejected by the Management Committee of the League at the time; however it is my intention over the coming months to recompense the League by denoting my honoraria back to the League.  This is non-negotiable. 

The account balances remain strong and I am aware that many Leagues similar to ours do not carry such healthy balances.

As usual the majority of the League’s income is mainly due to FA Grants (£5,800) however subscriptions, registrations and transfer accounted for an additional £3,204.

Fines accounted for £1,439.81 this year and with the assistance of the Wiltshire FA’s Debt Recovery System, the League has been able to recoup fines from defaulting Clubs and the registered players thereof.  The fines figure is half the 2016/2017 financial year which is pleasing.  Whilst the Management Committee would prefer not to use such systems, it is evidence that the Management Committee will do all it can to protect your interests and pursue those who owe the League money.  On a personal level I would like to see fines reduced. I believe that clubs could assist themselves greatly by simply consulting the handbook!   

Income has reduced by approximately £166. 

To assist clubs in the payment of monies owed, the League has adopted the Faster Payment Service and whilst this has been embraced by some Clubs it would be nice to see more clubs utilising this system as it reduces administration for both the League and Clubs. 

Expenditure increased by approximately £2,221 mainly due to the aforementioned email scam.

The Management Committee have endeavoured to reduce costs where possible.  Other costs are generally on a par or have risen and fallen as would be expected.  

The League is in an extremely healthy position with total assets of £40,969.46. 

On a final point, can I please encourage Clubs to approach the League if they are experiencing financial difficulty? No one wishes to see a Club “fold” due to financial issues, but the first the League normally hears about it as after the event!  It is your League and your money and there may be things he League can do to assist Clubs through difficult times. 

I would like to thank the Management Committee for their assistance especially the Registration Secretary and Discipline Secretary who assist on the financial side of things and the Sponsors for their continued financial support.

I can confirm that the accounts have been audited by our Auditor, Mr Peter Mundy.

Robert Cook

Hon Treasurer

Well, here we are at the end of another season.  Congratulations to Kintbury Rangers on winning the league and Melksham Town Res for winning the Fountain Trophies Senior Cup.  I hope that all teams have enjoyed the season.

The start of this season was very trying as we started to use the Whole Game System for registrations.  The surprise was how many players had several FAN numbers but, thanks to the team at Wiltshire FA, we have worked through the problems and, by the start of this year, things were working well.

From the beginning of next season, I would like to just receive registrations through the WGS.  Once the player details are put in and you have gained consent from the player online or via a signed registration form, then just allocate them to a team and submit it to me.  There is no need to send the forms to me via email or post.

In the case of the U.18’s, either the Team Manager or Club Secretary must check proof of date of birth (driving license or birth certificate or Passport), then check the box that ID has been seen before submitting it to me. 

We will be continuing the system of sending statements out at the end of September, December and March for Registration and Transfer fees.

I would like to thank all the Club Secretaries and Team Managers for their help and support this season.  Most teams now submit the Result Sheets and Referee Reports via email as a scanned attachment, which makes it quicker for me to receive the reports and getting the information on to the Full-Time website. Unfortunately, this season has seen an increase in the number of times I have had to chase match paperwork.

Now the season has ended its time to relax and recharge the batteries ready for the start of next season.

Brian Busson

Hon Registration Secretary

A competitive season with Kintbury Rangers the eventual winners of the League with Melksham Town Res winning the Fountain Trophies Cup Competition.  Congratulations to both teams.  There are many strong teams in the League this season, with other teams finishing well, so the League competes well with the Leagues who are above us the in the football pyramid. 

The Leagues Officials have done their best throughout the season, helping me cover games where I was short.  I could not cover all the games with three officials on every game unfortunately but, close working with the District Leagues helped.  The final two months in particular were very challenging; games were getting called off on a Saturday and being rescheduled for the following midweek.  This was very difficult to cover with other games already being played.

Some of our Level 5-4 promotional candidates were successful in getting promoted and we wish them the all the best as they progress.  Further to that, some other Officials, who used to serve on this League, have been promoted to Level 3 and Level 2B respectively, so we also wish them the very best.

Enjoy your summer break.

Adie Cripps

Hon Referees’ Appointments Secretary

The number of cases dealt with by the Discipline Sub-Committee reduced again last season.  The increased use of technology, eg: texting of scores, e-mailing of Result Sheets and Registration Forms, being able to make on-line payments, etc has hopefully reduced the workload for Club Secretaries.  The problem with Result Sheets being submitted too late has reduced again as most Clubs now scan and e-mail theirs.  It does save you the cost of postage!

Unfortunately, there’s still quite a number of Clubs who regularly fail to notify the League (Fixtures Secretary and Referees’ Appointments Secretary) that a game is postponed.  We’re sure you phone / text your players if a game is off, so please avoid fines by making those two extra calls to the League.  If we get sufficient notice, Phil Cook may be able to rearrange a game for your opponents or Adie Cripps may be able to send the Match Official(s) to a fixture that is short.  Some Clubs also fail to notify Match Officials about postponements, which resulted in them turning up, us having to chase you for payment, then you having to pay them again when the match is rearranged.  When you tell your players and the opposition that a game is off, please remember the third team and save your hard earned money.

For the second season in succession, the number of offences involving ineligible players was possibly the lowest ever.  It is very easy for Clubs to check a player’s eligibility.  Access to the County FA web site is available to all Clubs whereat you can see lists of players under suspension.  This also applies when you register a new player.  It isn’t the League’s responsibility to inform Clubs if a player is suspended, so please check the County FA web site at least weekly.

A few Clubs still incur additional charges for late payment of fees / fines.  All fines have been sent out by e-mail, which has reduced League expenditure on postage.  All fees / fines can be paid by Bank Transfer.  Again, some Clubs already use this method and it does save you the cost of postage and the risk of things going astray in the post.

This season saw 121 fixtures postponed for various reasons, an increase of 15 on last season, which is not surprising given the wet weather.  The Premier Division runs with a policy of deducting points from Clubs found guilty of postponing games without a satisfactory explanation and this has continued this past season.

The Premier Division was again very keenly contested.  Cricklade Town set the early pace with Melksham Town, Shrewton Utd, Kintbury Rangers and Wroughton all in contention.  The eventual winners were Kintbury Rangers, 5 points clear of Melksham Town Res.  Kintbury did very well considering the number of games they had to play in April and May, and the title was only decided in their final fixture.

The U.18’s Youth Floodlight Division ran very well, with only one fixture outstanding at the end of the season.  In the end, it was Chippenham Town who took the honours with Melksham Town emulating their adult side in Runners-Up position, albeit only on goal difference.

Melksham Town Res started the cup campaign with a 2-0 win at Corsham Town Res in the only Preliminary Round tie.  The stand-out tie of Round 1 was probably the Shrewton v Cricklade fixture, which resulted in a 1-0 win for the visitors.  Melksham Town Res progressed to the quarter-finals with a 5-2 win over Ludgershall Sports, whilst Cup holders, Wroughton progressed to the quarter-finals by the same score at Marlborough Town.  The quarter-finals saw Cricklade Town given another difficult away tie at Kintbury Rangers, but triumphed with a 5-3 victory after extra time.  Melksham Town Res recorded another 5-2 score in their win over Pewsey Vale Development, whilst Wroughton needed penalties to progress to the semi-final at the expense of Westbury Utd Res.  Cricklade Town continued their run of tough draws in the semi-finals, but came away from Wroughton with a 3-2 victory.  Melksham Town Res progressed to the final by hitting 5 goals again, this time against Bremhill, who failed to reply.  The final was a very good game.  Cricklade took an early lead, but Melksham hit back to lead at half time, thanks to two penalties.  Melksham’s lead was extended to 3-1 early in the second half.  Cricklade pulled one back, but Melksham hit a fourth late on to win the Cup for the fourth time.

No welfare issues in relation to Under 18’s have been reported to the League this year and therefore I have nothing to report.  Long may this continue!

Robert Cook

Hon Welfare Officer