Units must appoint a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary to enable the club to function effectively within County FA Rules and Regulations. It is also suggested that other people are appointed to assist in other administrative areas of the club.

It is important that Units are fully conversant with the rules of each competition that they may wish to enter. All discipline at grassroots is administered by the County Football Association and the Secretary of the Unit is responsible to ensure that all players are eligible to play. If Units have any doubts about player eligibility, for example suspensions, they should contact us for details.

GUIDANCE FOR THE ASSURANCE OF FOOTBALL IN THE ARMY.

A. Army Sport Control Board Directive 2016/17.

B. FRAGO 01 TO OPO 14/002 – The Army’s Approach to Risk to Life Sport and Adventure Training (dated 3 Sep 2014).

C. AGAI Volume 1 Chapter 5 Sport (updated March 2017).

A Unit will need to affiliate to The Army Football Association and the league it wishes to join.

Please note this is mandatory for all levels of football played within the Army.

Fixtures are administered by the appropriate competition secretary, who advises Units of forthcoming matches. If it is a home match, the club secretary must arrange hire of a pitch (unless this is arranged by the league), 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 Units from different leagues or divisions.

Please make sure you read the relevant rules relating to the league/competition entered to ensure you abide by them. Each league/competition may vary with regard to their requirements. If in doubt contact the league/competition organisers.

Please be aware that the County FA only deal with fixtures relating to their own cup competitions.

Purchase suitable equipment prior to the start of your fixtures and ensure you have sufficient equipment for all teams in your Unit. The necessary equipment will include, playing strip, first aid kit, nets and balls.

See below the Unit Action Timetable which covers tasks in pre-season, tasks prior to the day of the game, task on the day of the game, discipline and the club annual general meeting (AGM).

Ensure you pass on results of your matches to comply with competition regulations. For County Football Association competitions, the results are to be reported to The Army FA by emailing the Certificate of Eligibility within 24 hours of match completion.

• 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 the County FA 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 Unit / team meetings (e.g. Weekly Training, Monthly Management Meeting, AGM). Also attend relevant league or County FA meetings when required.
• Registration: Ensure all players are registered with the appropriate league (forms will be available from the league). Up-to-date photographs may be required.
• Friendly fixtures: Arrange fixtures with secretaries of other affiliated clubs and notify the County FA for approval.
• Delegation: Unit Secretaries / Team Managers should seek support from other members to spread the administrative workload where practical.

• Confirm Fixture eg. kick-off time, colours, directions to ground, availability of pitch with groundsman, match officials.

• 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). A suitable area should be provided for the officials to change in pre/post match. Refreshments should be provided at half time.
• Refreshments: Provide refreshments where appropriate.
• Medical Bag: Further details can be found on the Pitch Side Medical Bag page.
• Results: Ensure the results are posted to the appropriate league official to arrive by designated time. Please note the competition may require the result to be confirmed by telephoning the appropriate official.

• Disciplinary Procedures: This is an ongoing task throughout the season. The secretary and players must complete and return appropriate documentation with fines. A record should be kept of players discipline and ensure any suspended players do not play.

• AGM: Arrange AGM and/or presentation evening.