A Club will need to affiliate to a parent County Football Association and the appropriate league it wishes to join. Clubs are recommended to seek advice on suitable league membership from the County Headquarters.
Fixtures are administered by the appropriate competition which advises clubs of forthcoming matches. If it is a home match, the club secretary must arrange hire of a pitch, notify opponents and match officials of Kick-Off time and location of venue. For away games, arrange to inform your own team of venue, Kick-Off time and arrange for transport of players. All County Football Associations run cup competitions which give an opportunity for teams to play against clubs from different leagues or divisions.
Our league handbook covers the correct procedure for confirming all your HDJFL fixtures.Join a League
Contact details for Junior Leagues are available from County FA's. Teams wishing to join the Halton & District JFL can download application forms from this website.
Apply to your Local Authority, other local teams, Parish Council or owner of a private ground to hire a pitch. Please note hire charges will vary.
Based in Runcorn or Widnes? Contact Halton Borough Council for pitch allocation. At present HBC do not charge junior teams for use of pitches.
Purchase suitable equipment prior to the start of your fixtures and ensure you have sufficient equipment for all teams in your club. The necessary equipment will include, playing strip, first aid kit, nets and balls.
AdministrationResults / Public Relations / Press
Ensure you pass on results of your matches to comply with competition regulations. All Clubs are recommended to establish good relationships with the local press to publish results, match reports and possibly just interesting stories about their club. Good PR will help raise the profile of the club; bring in new players and may even attract some sponsorship.
As per our league rules it is a requirement for the home team to report the result through to the appropriate fixture secretary ASAP. The sooner the result is in the sooner the league tables and results are updated. Short match reports and details of goal scorers etc can be sent in to the league for inclusion on our website.
PRE-SEASON
Players
Ensure each team has a squad of at least 14 players or the appropriate number for Mini Soccer/Small Sided teams.
Affiliation
Complete and forward the appropriate documentation and fees to Cheshire County Football Association and League or other competitions.
Facilities
Arrange pitch(es) which comply with appropriate League regulations and specifications. It is also prudent to arrange/book training facilities early.
Meetings
Organise club/team meetings (eg. Weekly Training, Monthly Management Meeting, AGM). Also attend relevant League meetings when required.
Registration
Ensure all players are registered with the appropriate League. Up to date photographs may be required.
Friendly Fixtures
Arrange fixtures with Secretaries of affiliated Clubs.
Subscription
Set a subscription for players and members to meet your costs for the season. Carry out fundraising (appropriate to the club).
Delegation
Club Secretaries/Team Managers should seek support from other members to spread the administrative and volunteer workload where practical.
PRIOR TO THE DAY OF A GAME
Confirm Fixture
Kick-off time, colours, directions to ground, availability of pitch with groundsman, match officials etc.
ON THE DAY OF A GAME
Pitch
Ensure pitch is safe and correctly prepared with nets, flags, markings and access to appropriate changing facilities.
Match Officials
Ensure match officials have been paid (home team only).
Refreshments
Provide refreshments where appropriate.
Results
Ensure the result card is completed and posted to the appropriate League official to arrive by designated time. Please note the competition may require the result to be confirmed by telephone to the appropriate official. Level of detail on result card (e.g. players, goal scorers, substitutions, injuries etc) will be dependent on League policy.
OTHER TASKS
Disciplinary Procedures
This is an ongoing task throughout the season. The Secretary and player must complete and return appropriate documentation with fines. A record should be kept of players’ discipline and ensure any suspended players do not play.
END OF THE SEASON
AGM & Presentation Evening
Arrange AGM and/or presentation evening.