ADJFA League Update January 2021

League Update January 2021
With the current national lockdown in place until at least February there will obviously be a delay in the commencement of any cup competitions. These cup competitions could not in any event be started until such time as the league programme has been completed to such an extent that the placement of teams was determined.
As always there is a disparity with regard to the number of games each team has completed. Unfortunately for teams who have completed their league programme they will have to wait until other teams have caught them up. Where possible these teams can play friendlies but priority will be given to competitive league games.
The recommencement of the leagues will be determined by the National Government and the Covid levels both the City and Shire are in at the time. You will now appreciate the reasons the Executive Committee decided to have the league championships determined over one round of fixtures with teams only playing one another once. This will give us the best chance of completing the league competitions thus deciding promotion and relegation issues for season 2021-22 when hopefully things will be a bit more normal then.
Questions and answers
1. Does goal difference count in the event of teams being in equal place?
No Rules Governing Competition are quite explicit on this . where teams are tied on points with regard to places of significance a play off match is held.
2. Where there is two sections of a Division is there a play off match between the top teams in both sections?
No this was changed a couple of seasons ago when it was decided that the winners of each section would receive winners medals. Both the winning teams will be promoted.
3. When will the cup competitions start?
The cup competitions cannot start until the league programme is more or less complete.
4. What will happen if the league is not able to restart?
The executive committee will have to decide the best course of action in that event. It is hoped that we will be able to play the league to a finish as the majority of teams have only two or three games to play .
5. When can teams start training again?
For the 13s to 19s Competitive Age Groups there can be no training
Teams should get their COVID Officer to check the SFA return to football hub so he is aware of the latest guidance. Teams will be notified when the training restriction is lifted
For the under 12 Development Age Groups
None contact training is still permitted currently but NOBODY SHOULD TRAVEL OUTWITH THEIR LOCAL AUTHORITY AREA. This means if a player lives in Aberdeen City plays with a team that trains in Aberdeenshire he cannot travel to training. This also applies to officials.
There can be no bounce games at the end of a session. Teams must follow the SFA Covid Protocols.
They must ask themselves is it worth the risk?