IMPORTANT DATES
FOR YOUR DIARY
20th August
Each Team must have 15 players registered with the League
1st February
Last day to notify the Hon. Secretary of any rule changes
4th February
Last day to return the League Trophies / Cups
12th March
Last day to sign players on so that they can be eligible to play in a Cup Final
30th April
Last day to notify the Hon. Secretary for the entry of new / additional Teams for the new season
Fixtures commence Saturday 2nd September 2023
Update 10th September 2023
Religious Articles/Jewellery
Please be mindful of the fact that religious articles circumvent Law 4 and may in fact be worn on the FOP as long as they do not pose a danger to the safety of the player or any other participant, per FA Guidance. It is up to the match referee to judge if the religious articles pose a danger to safety or not. ’Adequate covering’ of religious articles can be used if available/appropriate. Please exercise common sense in these circumstances, working proactively to promote inclusion whilst also showing regard for participant safety.
Technical Area Occupant Behaviour
No matter the minute of the game I would urge you to be sure of Law 12 iro technical area occupants (or often in our case ‘sideline’ occupants). Dissent cautions can be given but the occupant is not sin binned in any way. As for dismissals, note the occupant once dismissed must see out the remainder of the game out of view of the field of play, the same as when an active player is dismissed (i.e. changing rooms, clubhouse, car park). The match cannot restart until the dismissed individual is out of view of the field of play.
On-Field Dissent
A reminder to all that the sin bin is there to be used! We have seen a decrease in the use of sin bins across the grassroots game in season 2022-23, yet an increase in other types of misconduct. Please do not be afraid to use the sin bin where necessary - many clubs have raised decreased use of the sin bin as a concern at recent League meetings.
Squad Numbers
Note there are no stipulations in the LOTG or our Competition Rules as regards the range of squad numbers permitted to be worn, so technically any number may be used on the back of a shirt on the MEFL.
Update 3rd September 2023
We need everyone to play their part, so together we create a safe, enjoyable and inclusive game for all
Poor behaviour is not acceptable in grassroots or any level of football. Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental, however, they must be shown in the right way.
Once again, we want to take the opportunity at the start of the season to set expectations on behaviour. We need stronger progress, from everyone involved, to protect the game we all love.
Within grassroots football, we have a number of existing tools to address poor behaviour and have strengthened our toolkit with the introduction of points deductions this season, to demonstrate how seriously we’re taking the challenge to improve the current situation.
Repeat offences of serious misconduct will result in points deductions
We are introducing point deductions for teams across the grassroots game if their players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct, making clear to clubs that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Point deductions will apply to clubs at Step 7 and below of the men’s game, and clubs across Tier 3 and below in the women’s pyramid. They will be applied where there are cumulative incidents of serious misconduct. This could include acts of discrimination and assault or attempted assault, and physical contact or attempted physical contact against a match official.
Deductions will range from 3 to 12 points depending on the amount and severity of offences committed within a 12-month period.
Discrimination will not be tolerated in our game
Alongside publishing a joint action plan with Kick it Out to tackle serious misconduct in the game, we will launch a new campaign to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour and to encourage people to report it.
If you see or experience any incidents of discrimination, please report it here:
Sin Bins will be used to combat dissent
Temporary dismissals are issued at the discretion of referees as punishment for dissent and apply to all levels of grassroots football, including youth, veterans and disability. This season, we will continue to encourage and support referees to apply the use of sin bins, where appropriate, to tackle poor behaviour.
Promoting positive side-line behaviour through Silent Support Weekends
To continue to influence positive behaviour in the game, we encourage leagues and clubs to adopt Silent Support Weekends throughout the season. We will also host a national weekend in March 2024.
This intervention encourages spectators to applaud, rather than shout and is designed to generate a more positive experience for players. We will communicate further information about how to run these weekends shortly.
Let’s make the 2023/24 season a positive and enjoyable one for all – please play your part.
Update 23rd August 2023
Alan Morris - Durning F.C.
It is with deep regret that we have received news of the sad passing of Alan Morris
Alan was the founder of the Club in 1954, and was still the Secretary of the club when Durning F.C. joined the Mid Essex league in 2007 from the Ilford & District league.
Alan passed from Alzheimer's
Alan started Durning FC back in 1954 (69 years ago). He was just 15 years old back then when he started the team in East London with some friends.
Alan was a lovely man and because he started this club, many many young men have benefitted from playing football for the Club.
Our thoughts are with the family during this sad time.
Update 21st August 2023
Fred Brooks Memorial Trophy
Saturday 26th August 2023 - Fred Brooks Memorial Trophy being played at White Notley F.C. 2pm kick off between the Premier League Champions season 2022-2023 and the winners of the Dave Strachan Trophy
Hannakins Farm F.C. v Benfleet F.C.
F.A points deduction
From the start of the 2023/24 season, The FA will introduce point deductions for teams across the grassroots game if their players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct, making clear to clubs that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Point deductions will apply to clubs at Step 7 and below of the men’s game, and clubs across Tier 3 and below in the women’s pyramid, which commit cumulative incidents of serious misconduct. This could include acts of discrimination and assault or attempted assault, and physical contact or attempted physical contact against a match official.
Deductions will range from 3 to 12 points depending on the amount and severity of offences committed within a 12-month period.
Competition Rules
Please note Extra Time has been eradicated from all Competitions on the Mid-Essex Football League this season – level cup games at full-time will go straight to penalty kicks.
Changes to the Laws of the Game
Please see attached an overview of the amendments made to the LOTG over the summer, please make sure you are up-to-date on all current Laws before refereeing on any Competition.
ULEZ
Please be mindful of the expanding ULEZ area which may impact certain vehicle owners. It is not our intention to appoint any referee to fixtures within the ULEZ area unless they have a compliant vehicle. For all up-to-date ULEZ info, including the vehicle checker, please go to the TFL ULEZ site: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone
Match Officials Fees
Please note as approved at the AGM Referee Fees for Season 2023-2024 will be £45.00
Update 27th May 2023
Season 2022-2023
We reach the end of another season, the Competitions 125th in existence
League Trophies and Medals will be presented at the AGM which is being held on TUESDAY 6th JUNE 2023 at Old Chelmsfordians F.C. commencing at 7.30pm
Congratulations to all Clubs that have won honors this season
