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Dorset Football League

Captains Initiative - Commences 18th January 2025
Senior League Only

Trial protocol
The following procedure will apply:

  • The referee can initiate the ‘only the captain’ protocol at any stage, but it is most likely to be used following major decisions and to prevent major confrontations
  • The referee will blow the whistle and initiate the ‘only the captain’ protocol by using the following new signal:
  • Crossing your arms across the chest
  • Uncrossing their arms and moving them in front of their body with their palms open in a forward pushing motion to indicate that the players must not approach
  • Where appropriate, the referee may move away from the players to create the captain-only zone
  • The captain-only zone extends for 4 m (4.5 yds) around the referee
  • No player is permitted to enter the captain-only zone except each team’s captain, who should wear an identifying armband
  • The captain has a degree of responsibility for encouraging team-mates to respect the captain-only zone and remain at least 4 m (4.5 yds) away from the referee
  • If one player other than the captain enters the captain-only zone, the offender should be cautioned (YC) for dissent by action
  • If more than one player from a team enters the captain-only zone, at least one player must be cautioned (YC) – this will usually be the first unauthorised player to enter the captain-only zone or the player whose approach is most aggressive
  • Any incident in which more than one unauthorised player from a team enters the captain-only zone must be reported to the appropriate authorities after the match*
  • The captain must approach and interact with the referee in a respectful manner; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action
  • After interacting with the captain(s), the referee may decide to delay the restart of play to give the captain(s) time to speak with their players to explain a decision, demand proper conduct etc

Introduction to the Dorset Football League

The Dorset Football League was formed for the 2009/2010 season and is affiliated to Dorset County Football Association.

As a very active League we run a Senior League and six additional Adult leagues. We also run three Under 18 leagues, a Veterans' League and two Womens' Leagues.

Dates for your Diary

Date/Time
Event
Venue
Postcode

With more games being played on 3G pitches please note footwear requirements

Please check our Facebook Page

DFL Substitutes - Rule Clarification
  • Rule 19(F) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match.
  • A Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used. A Player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace a Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.
  • Therefore, where a Competition does allow return substitutes, a Club may use up to 5 from 5 substitute Players in a Competition Match.

    • Useful Documents

    Heading Guidance for Youth Football Team Sheet for 2024/2025 Dorset Football League Player Registration Committee Members Expense Form

    Privacy

    We take your privacy very seriously Click Here for our Privacy Notice

    TEAM SHEETS
    Please ensure that you give your team sheet to the referee at least 15 minutes before kick off
    If you cannot see the referee then leave the team sheet in their dressing room and take a photograph as proof
    Click to download advice and guidance on registering players

    Dorset Football League Handbook 2024/2025
    Click on the cover for all details

    Please check kits to avoid clashes

    Please would all visiting clubs check the email from their hosts to ensure that there is no clash of kit colours

    As a recent example it is not ideal for a visiting club to play in red when the home team play in orange

    England Football Accreditation
    Click to read the guidance document

    Please note deadline for England Football re-accreditation 30 April

    If you have any questions please contact Jemma Tewkesbury at Dorset FA (01202 688279) or Derek Hansford (01305 268722)

    Piddlehinton United FC has completed their Accreditation - Please feel free to download as a good example

    Accredication Contacts for other local Leagues

      Somerset:- Rebecca.Snelling@somersetfa.com
      Wiltshire:- accreditation@wiltshirefa.com
      Hampshire:- Max.Humphreys@HampshireFA.com
    Premier League/Football Foundation Defibrillator Fund
    Click here for details of the Defibrillator Fund

    Important Information re Discipline

    At a recent Disciplinary Sub-committee meeting the following procedure was agreed in respect of Rule 20.E.1
    (In the event of a Club failing to keep to its fixture):

    Clubs will be charged and asked to either:

      a - accept the charge
      b - accept the charge and supply mitigation
      c - deny the charge
      d - put their case before the Management Committee

    If the charge is accepted or the supplied mitigation is not accepted by the Discipline Sub-committee the following penalties will be applied:

    Offence
    Penalty
    First Offence
    £60 fine plus one league point deduction
    Second Offence
    £80 fine plus two league points deduction
    Third Offence
    £100 fine plus three league points deduction
    Fourth Offence
    Called to appear before the Management Committee – fine could be as much as the maximum £250 with potential expulsion from the League