| Section | Question | Answer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General | What is the Witney and District Youth League? | The Witney and District Youth League (WDYL) is a local youth football league serving teams across Witney and the surrounding district. We provide competitive and developmental football for young players of all abilities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General | What age groups does the league cater for? | The league caters for age groups from Under 7s through to Under 18s, following the FA's age group guidelines. Age groups are determined by a player's age as of 31 August at the start of the season. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General | What format of football is played at each age group? | U7 & U8 – 5-a-side U9 & U10 – 7-a-side U11 & U12 – 9-a-side U13 and above – 11-a-side All formats follow FA guidelines for youth football. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General | When does the season run? | The season typically runs from September through to April/May, with a winter break over the Christmas and New Year period. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General | How do I find out about news and updates? | News, fixtures, and results are published on the league website and through our affiliated club contacts. Key communications are sent to club secretaries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | How do I register a new team with the league? | New teams should contact the league secretary to express interest. Registration forms, entry fees, and required documentation must be submitted before the published deadline ahead of the new season. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | How do I register a player? | All players must be registered through the FA's Whole Game System (WGS) before they are eligible to play. Registration is the responsibility of the club's appointed registrations secretary. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | Can a player play for more than one team? | No. A player may only be registered to and play for one team at a time within the league. A formal transfer process must be followed if a player wishes to move clubs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | What are the eligibility rules for players? | Players must: - Be correctly registered before taking part in any fixture - Fall within the correct age group for the team they are playing for - Not be under suspension at the time of the match |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Registration & Eligibility | Is there a deadline for player registrations? | Yes. A registration deadline applies during the season — typically in January. Please check the current season's handbook or contact the registrations officer for exact dates. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | How are fixtures scheduled? | Fixtures are arranged by the league fixture secretary and published via the league website and Whole Game System. Clubs are expected to check fixtures regularly and ensure they are prepared to fulfil them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | What happens if a match cannot be played? | If a fixture cannot be fulfilled, the club must notify the opposing club and the league as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours before kick-off. Failure to do so may result in a fine or points deduction. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | How are results submitted? | Results must be submitted by the home club through the Whole Game System within 48 hours of the match being played. Both clubs are responsible for ensuring the correct result is recorded. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | What happens in the event of a disputed result? | Any dispute must be raised formally in writing to the league secretary within three days of the fixture. The management committee will review and make a ruling. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixtures & Results | Are there cup competitions as well as the league? | Yes. The league runs cup competitions alongside the regular league programme. Details of draws and formats are published at the start of the season. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referees & Rules | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referees & Rules | Who provides referees for matches? | Referees are allocated by the league's referee coordinator where possible. Where a neutral referee cannot be provided, clubs may be required to provide a qualified referee or a responsible adult as a match official. This varies by age group. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referees & Rules | What rulebook does the league follow? | The league operates under FA Rules and the league's own handbook, which is issued to all clubs at the start of each season. In all matters not covered by the handbook, FA Rules apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referees & Rules | What should I do if there is an incident involving a referee? | Any complaints or concerns regarding match officials must be submitted in writing to the league secretary and will be dealt with in accordance with FA and league disciplinary procedures. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Referees & Rules | How does the disciplinary process work? | Yellow and red cards are reported to the league. Automatic suspensions apply in line with FA guidelines. Clubs will be notified of any charges and given the opportunity to respond before any sanction is imposed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees & Payments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees & Payments | What fees are payable to join the league? | An annual affiliation fee is payable per team at the start of each season. Additional match fees and cup entry fees may also apply. Full details are set out in the league handbook. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees & Payments | What happens if fees are not paid? | Clubs with outstanding fees may have fixtures suspended or be subject to points deductions. Persistent non-payment may result in expulsion from the league. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees & Payments | Are there fines for rule breaches? | Yes. Fines may be issued for offences such as late result submission, failure to fulfil a fixture, or misconduct. A full schedule of fines is contained within the league handbook. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees & Payments | How do I pay fines or fees? | Payment details are provided with any invoice or fine notice. Please contact the league treasurer if you have any queries about outstanding payments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safeguarding & Welfare | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safeguarding & Welfare | Does the league have a safeguarding policy? | Yes. The Witney and District Youth League is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all young players. All clubs must comply with the FA's Safeguarding Children Policy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safeguarding & Welfare | Does every club need a welfare officer? | Yes. Every affiliated club must have a designated Club Welfare Officer (CWO) who is appropriately trained and FA-verified. This is a mandatory requirement for affiliation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safeguarding & Welfare | What do I do if I have a safeguarding concern? | Any safeguarding concern should be reported to your Club Welfare Officer in the first instance. Concerns can also be reported directly to the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or, in an emergency, to the police or social services. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safeguarding & Welfare | Are coaches and volunteers required to have DBS checks? | Yes. All adults working with young players must hold a valid FA-processed DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before undertaking any role. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contact & Administration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contact & Administration | How do I contact the league? | Please use the contact form on this website or email the league secretary directly. Contact details for all committee members are listed in the league handbook distributed to clubs each season. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contact & Administration | When does the management committee meet? | The management committee meets regularly throughout the season. Dates are circulated to club secretaries. Clubs wishing to raise items for the agenda should contact the secretary in advance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contact & Administration | How do I raise a formal complaint or appeal? | All formal complaints and appeals must be submitted in writing to the league secretary within the timeframe set out in the league rules. The management committee will convene to hear the matter and communicate a decision to all relevant parties. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contact & Administration | How do I get involved in running the league? | The league is run entirely by volunteers. If you are interested in joining the management committee or helping in any capacity, please get in touch via the contact details on this website. New volunteers are always welcome. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
