Every team in youth football should provide a match delegate for games to ensure the safety and to maintain a positive environment of all involved.
The Hertfordshire FA handbook states that any team failing to do so, shall be liable to a fine of at least £10.
Role Of The Match Delegate
Both clubs home and away, must nominate a responsible adult/member of their club to act as Match Delegate on the day of the game. Where possible, this should NOT be the team manager or coach, but another adult who is at the match.
Responsibilities Of The Match Delegate
1) Upon arrival at the venue, the match delegate from the home team will ask their opponents, who their match delegate is and make introductions to one another>
2) Together, they will then report to the match official at least 15 minutes before the start of the game and introduce themselves to him or her.
3) The primary responsibility of the home team match delegate is to look after the referee(s) before, during and after the game until he or she leaves the ground. It would be appropriate if the home and away team delegates did the job together.
4) This would include, showing the referee(s) where the changing rooms and toilets are, directing them to the correct pitch, possibly offering them a drink at half time and after the game and ensuring that their fees are paid.
5) During the game, each delegate will be responsible for the behaviour of all club members and spectators. If the referee needs to he/she will, during a stoppage in play, approach the match delegate to assist him/her in dealing with any problems that may occur. The match delegate is not exempt from being reported for misconduct.
6) Filling in match result cards, checking opponents registrations cards, confirm result with the match official and signing the results card. It would also be good practice for the match delegate to ensure the referee is able to leave the ground safely. (Club official or match delegate should perform this task)
7) The FA RESPECT programme must be considered by the delegate at all times, and a report form is provided for any issues to be reported to the County FA.
8) The Hertfordshire FA is totally committed to equality and the County FA Equality Policy must be emphasised and observed at all times.
The downloadable document (right) is available for clubs to print off and distribute to their Match Delegates throughout the season to make them aware of their duties.