This was the 40th season of the League and this is my 14th 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.

I advised last year that we had retained our Step 7 Status following a review by The FA.  These reviews are now done annually, so we had to submit all Ground Grading Summaries again during the past season.  As many of you may know, one of the provisions is that Step 7 Leagues must have no more than 25% Reserve teams, so we do have to be careful with our structure.  There is a strong suggestion that The FA are to bring in a ruling that Step 7 Leagues will be restricted to 16 Clubs and Step 6 Leagues to 18 Clubs, so we can expect a lot of movement of Clubs, probably the season after next.

In last year’s report I advised that we had established a pyramid with the three District Leagues in the county.  This is the first full season of it in operation and I’m pleased to report that Bassett Bulldogs FC are the first Club to win promotion from a District League via this initiative.  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 of 18 Clubs, we will relegate up to 3 Clubs from this League.  This is a system that works well in neighbouring County Leagues and I’m sure that, within a couple of seasons, it will work well for all four Leagues in the county.

You will see from the proposed constitution that (at the time of writing), we’re planning to operate with 18 Clubs in the Premier Division plus 8 in one U.18’s Youth Floodlight Division.  It’s sad to see a reduction in the number of U.18 Clubs, but we do understand the problems that Clubs experience.  Subject to approval at the AGM, we welcome back Westbury Utd Res and Purton plus new applicants, Bassett Bulldogs, Bremhill View and Kintbury Rangers.

As most of you are aware, we were awarded Charter Standard League status by The FA 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%.  There are still a few 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 5 years ago.  During the past season, as it was the previous three seasons, not one Premier Division or U.18 fixture went short of a Referee or an Assistant, which is testament to the hard work of Adie Cripps.  The FA are planning to experiment with the use of “sin bins” (for dissent only) next season and we are one of the Leagues being considered for this.  If and when we receive any further information about this, we will of course let you know. 

There are Leagues at our level who struggle and often fail to complete all of their fixtures and end up awarding points at the end of the season 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.

Many of you will be aware of the Whole Game System (WGS) that has been introduced by The FA.  Brian Busson has recently been looking into adopting the WGS for players’ registrations and we hope to have someone from the Wiltshire FA to explain this at the AGM.  Use of The FA Full-Time web site for players’ registrations, fixtures, Match Officials’ appointments, results, tables, etc continued last season.  Clubs can also use the site 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.

You will see from the Election of Officers sheet, we welcome Paul Neale to the Management Committee.  However, we still have a couple of vacancies 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.

I must 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.

My report would not be complete without mention of four persons in particular.  Firstly, we will be sad to lose the services of Richard Taylor, who is standing down as Secretary of Corsham Town after 21 years in that role.  Secondly, to Bill Hawkins who is retiring from refereeing on this League for 37 years.  Most of you will have had Bill officiate on one of your games and his long service and assistance to Adie Cripps is much appreciated.  I must also mention two Life Members of the League.  Rod Wirdnam resigned from the League earlier in the season after serving from 1981 to 2014 as Registration Secretary then until 2016 as League Welfare Officer.  Last, but by no means least, Phil Cook, who this year completes 40 years service on the League and has been Fixtures Secretary since 1978, having been Assistant League Secretary in 1977.

Best wishes to all Clubs for a good summer break and a successful season in 2017 - 2018.

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 our top two teams, Shrewton Utd and Wroughton.  The Final was held at Corsham Town FC on 6th May and we thank them for the use of their excellent facilities.

Back on 9th January, I was sad to hear of the passing of Life Member, I E (Ernie) Sumbler, who will be sadly missed by all.

Finally, I would like to thank all the League Officers and Management Committee for the help they have given me throughout my first season as League Chairman and I’m already looking forward to season 2017/18 with several new Clubs entered.

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

John Gingell

Chairman

This is my fifth Annual Report and can report that, for 2016/17, the League made a small profit of £197 as opposed to a loss last year of £2798.  The main reason for this is that the League did not purchase footballs, which we normally buy and sell to Clubs at a discounted price. 

Whilst it is pleasing to see a profit after a few years of losses, I am not optimistic that this will occur next year as I envisage the League again purchasing footballs for Clubs.

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 (£3875), however subscriptions, registrations and transfers accounted for an additional £3366. 

Fines accounted for £2884 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.  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 and I believe that Clubs could assist themselves greatly by simply consulting the League Handbook!

Income has reduced by approximately £480. 

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 reduced by approximately £3475 mainly due to the aforementioned non-purchase of footballs.

The Management Committee have endeavoured to reduce costs where possible and it is pleasing to see that postage costs reduced by approximately half.    

The League did not enter the Inter League Cup this year so that expenditure also reduced accordingly.

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 £42,893. 

On a final point, can I please encourage clubs to approach the League if they are experiencing financial difficulties?  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.

R Cook

Hon Treasurer

Well here we are at the end of another season.  Congratulations to Wroughton on doing the League and Cup double.  I hope that all teams have enjoyed the season.

This is the end of my third season and I am still enjoying the role.  The FA Full-Time system is not perfect, but it does make the job easier.  This season I amended the system of collecting the Registration Fees by doing it in three payments.  This has worked a lot better and I would like to continue it again next season.

I would like to thank all the Secretaries and Team Managers for their help and support this season.  Most teams now submit the Result Sheets and Referee Reports via e-mail as a scanned attachment which makes it quicker for me to receive the reports and getting the information on to the web site. 

This year, I have been to a couple of meeting looking at The FA Whole Game System (WGS).  As it looks at this moment, I believe that there would be quite a few benefits if the League started to use this system for player registrations next season.  I still have a few more meetings to go before I know for sure if this would be good for us.

A total of 823 players were registered in the Premier Division last season (up 12) plus a further 273 in the U.18 Floodlight Division (down 47).  A total of 10 transfers took place (down 7).

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

Thanks again to everyone for all your assistance.

Brian Busson

Hon Registration Secretary

We as Referees set out at each game to do our best for both teams involved.  We don't get everything right and, if mistakes are made, they are honest mistakes.  Being a Referee is not everyone's cup of tea, but Referees are part of the game as well and without a Referee there will be no game of football.  They give up their spare time to actively be involved in our beautiful game, the game we invented.  Last year at times it was a real struggle trying to cover all the games in our League and, at times I had to take Referees from other Leagues.  There is clearly a shortage of Referees and what we should be doing is encouraging them to stay in this game that we all set out to enjoy every week.  So, before anyone berates a Referee for making an honest mistake and then giving them a low mark for something you didn't agree with, ask yourself what you would have done in their position! 

Enjoy the close season and I look forward to working with you next season.

Adie Cripps

Hon Referees’ Appointments Secretary

The number of cases dealt with by the Discipline Sub-Committee almost halved 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.

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.

The number of offences involving ineligible players was possibly the lowest ever, which is very good.  As a reminder, 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 ….. when you send in a Registration Form, he will be registered for your Club (provided he’s not registered for another Club in this League) and his details added to the Full-Time web site.  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.

The problem with Result Sheets being submitted too late has again seen a dramatic reduction as many Clubs now scan and e-mail theirs.  Some Clubs already use this method and it does save you the cost of postage.

A few Clubs still incur additional charges for late payment of fees / fines.  For the past three seasons, 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 106 fixtures postponed for various reasons, a decrease of 30 on last season.  A disproportionate percentage of these were by Clubs in the U.18 South Division, not fulfilling scheduled fixtures, which caused an awful lot of work for both the Hon Fixtures and Referees’ Appointments Secretaries and we need to decide how best to deter / avoid postponements.  The Premier Division runs with a policy of deducting points from Clubs found guilty of postponing games without a satisfactory explanation and we may well have to look at awarding points and not rearranging games in the U.18 Division.

The Premier Division was again very keenly contested.  Cricklade Town set the early pace with Marlborough Town, Melksham Town, Shrewton Utd and Wroughton all in contention and leading at some point.  The eventual winners were Wroughton, who took the title 6 points clear of Shrewton Utd, who were runners-up for the second successive season.

The U.18’s Youth Floodlight teams were again split into North and South Divisions, each with six Clubs.  The North Division was hit with the unfortunate loss of two Clubs at the start of the season, which necessitated a re-shuffle of the constitution.  The North Division managed to complete their fixtures without too many problems and Chippenham Town were crowned winners, undefeated and 3 points ahead of defending Champions, Melksham Town.  The situation worsened in the South Division with a loss of a Club early in the new year, reducing that Division to just four Clubs.  However, they were still unable to complete their fixtures, which meant we were unable to arrange the North v South Play-Off.

The tie of Round 1 of this season’s Fountain Trophies Senior KO Cup was probably the 4-4 draw between Royal Wootton Bassett Town Res and Devizes Town Res, with the latter progressing on penalties.  Melksham Town Res put 13 goals past Pewsey Vale Development whilst Cup holders, Wroughton progressed to the quarter-finals with a win at Corsham.  The quarter-finals saw Cricklade Town maintain their excellent start to the season with an away win at Malmesbury.  Holders, Wroughton needed extra time to see off Melksham Town Res whilst Shrewton Utd progressed to the semi-final at the expense of Wilts Calne Town.  Both of the semi-finals resulted in away wins.  Shrewton Utd won 2-0 at Cricklade whilst Wroughton won 3-1 at Devizes Town Res. The cup was won by Wroughton, who completed a League and Cup double by defeating Shrewton Utd 3-1 in the final.  We again thank Corsham Town for their hospitality and use of their facilities.

I am pleased to report that no incidents or issues were reported to me during the past season and, as far as I’m aware, there were no welfare issues in this League last season.

May I remind all member Clubs of their responsibility to advise me of any issues arising regarding players’ welfare.

Enjoy your summer break

Robert Cook

Hon Welfare Officer