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Dates for the U12/U13 National Tournament are 17^th and 24th April and 1st May 2010.  All leagues interested in entering must return the application form by 20th February; the draw will be made on the 23rd February.  A copy has already been sent out - a further copy can be found on the National Tournament Section

Players, coaches and the football workforce throughout Surrey County FA are invited to have their say on the future of the grassroots game locally by taking part in this year's online survey.

The Surrey County FA are now half way through the second year of their four year Strategy and they want to know how you think they are doing.

Surrey County FA, County Secretary, Ray Ward commented: "Our football workforce has shaped The FA's National Game Strategy which resulted in a four year investment worth £220m across the country from The Football Association.

"Once again, we're looking for the voice of local football people to tell us how we're doing and what still needs to be done to keep the grassroots game heading in a positive direction".

The Surrey County FA Strategy started on 1^st July 2008 and runs until June 2012. This third annual survey is to gain invaluable feedback on how you think we are doing.

In 2009 67% of respondents rated the success of Surrey County FA in improving grassroots football locally as either Good, Very Good or Excellent. Our target is to increase this percentage to 75% by 2010.

The survey will only take about ten minutes to have your say, and this year we are offering some tempting incentives to get involved.

To access the survey visit www.surreyfa.com

Hard copies of the survey are available by contacting the FA's Customer Relations team on 0844 980 8200. The deadline for responses is Sunday 14^th February 2010.

For further information contact Caroline McRoyall, County Development Manager, Mobile: 07917 392823 Email: caroline.mcroyall@surreyfa.com

VETTING AND BARRING SCHEME IS HERE

How it all started………

The Vetting and Barring Scheme was established as a result of the Bichard Enquiry following the murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells in 2002.  One of the recommendations made by Sir Michael Bichard suggested that:

New arrangements should be introduced requiring those who wish to work with children or vulnerable adults, to be registered.  The register would confirm that there is no known reason why an individual should not work with these clients’.

 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was created in response to this recommendation and followed a full public consultation.

 It provides the legislative framework for the VBS and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

 The VBS is designed to ensure that anyone who presents a known risk to vulnerable groups is prevented from working with them.

 How it will work……..

 From 26^th July 2010 individuals applying for roles working with children and vulnerable adults in a Registered Activity will be able to register with the ISA.  Those already working in these sectors and remaining in their current roles, will not be required to register until much later in the roll out of the Scheme.  Once registered, individuals will be continuously monitored and any new relevant criminal information and referrals will be sent to the ISA for consideration.

 Individuals will need to apply for ISA Registration using a new application form, through one of the CRB’s Registered or Umbrella Bodies.  You will be able to apply for ISA Registration and/or a CRB check using the same form.

 Trained caseworker at the ISA will consider all relevant information from police sources, regulatory bodies and information referred from a range of other organisations and individuals and using a structured decision making process, decide whether an individual poses a risk to children and/or vulnerable adults and should, therefore, be barred.

 Once ISA Registration starts in July 2010 anyone with a legitimate interest in and consent of an individual will be able to check that individual’s ISA registration status on line for free and subscribe to receive updates if that individual’s registration status changes.

 The CRB will be responsible for the application and monitoring elements of the Scheme and will continue to provide access to an individual’s full criminal record through a CRB check so that employers can continue to assess their suitability for a specific position.

At the last NEC meeting on the 09.09.09  it was confirmed that 20 League Representatives have now volunteered.The Representatives attending all introduced themselves and gave a brief background of their history with Little League.

Bob Goodall thanked everyone attending and explained that having such a great attendance like tonight (in particular considering England was playing) at future meetings would be a positive step forward.

It was decided to reinstate the practice of some years ago whereby each league had a representative who attended NEC meetings because the existing numbers on the Committee were insufficient to deal with the changes and future development of Little League Football - in essence we need more help.

A questionnaire was issued and discussed which covered the following items: -

• 3.1 Details of League Location web site etc
• 3.2 Details of League Officials
• 3.3 Details of League Structure
• 3.4 Matters that could be raised when speaking to your League Chairman
  or Secretary. The list is not exclusive and is merely an ‘aide memoir'.

The idea is that the League Reps, by completing the questionnaire, will highlight the areas that need work within the leagues to clarify the current situation, so that we can provide help and advice to establish the agreed structures of age groups and rules within each league.

A new "Parents Guide" leaflet is now available supplied free of charge by the NEC.

email dennisjones15@btinternet.com

Aimed at both new and existing parents, the colourful leaflet is intended to encourage sporting behaviour and support from parents. Leagues may like to issue it to all their parents at the start of the season - perhaps slipping a copy inside each fixture list, or accompanying the Code of Conduct.

Little League Football fully supports the FA Respect Programme.

Respect is The FA's programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour in our game at every level.

The programme will be implemented in professional and grassroots football, and encompasses not only respect towards match officials, but also the conduct of overly-competitive coaches and parents on the sidelines at grassroots youth games.

Don't forget that the NEC has agreed for the time being to subsidise 50% of the course fees paid by active LLF Managers on proof of completion of the the Level One Coaching Course. Apply via your League Secretary.

In Little League Football, the protection of the children comes first. We must check all volunteers through the Criminal Records Bureau. That's not just a Little League rule - it's also the law.

If you haven't yet been checked, the 'Responsible Person' at your League will be in touch with you to help you fill in a form. It takes about 10 minutes of your time, and you will need to show proof of who you are and where you live. There are very strict rules on confidentiality.

The system is designed to stop the wrong sort of person getting involved in children's organisations, and we thank you for your co-operation. If you would like to know more, please ask your Responsible Person in the first place.