Morning all,

With the main NVL season now completed, we are now moving towards of our own local season. It has been apparent in a number of cases that there have been one or two close matches that have not been completed due to insufficient time at the venue. It is even more imperative now that there are so few weeks available that referees get the fixtures underway as quickly as [possible (whilst allowing at least a modest period of warm up to ensure the safety of the players. Our rules state 20 minutes should be allowed.

As a regular referee myself, I know how difficult it can be if equipment has to be set up (and often home players can be the more casual in arriving on time). That said, it is the home team responsibility and in the event of a dispute over a fixture, these may be factors that could influence the deliberations of the GMVA committee in the unfortunate situation where we have to award an incomplete fixture. It has generally been an enjoyable season so far, so let’s close it out in great style!

As part of the play offs, teams involved will also need to nominate their teams and no playing down will be allowed where a team has more than one team involved.

Finally, I am still trying to organise a referees course. The fixture congestion and lack of facilities has been the problem. I had thought that we had a course tutor and a hall sorted for early May only to find that the hall is now needed for exams. I have therefore asked Volleyball England to organise this and hope to be back in contact soon when I have further information.

We also did not have an AGM last year due to Covid and the idea at present is probably to hold this in June as a combined meeting with the North West regional AGM.

Enjoy the rest of the season!

Bryan Youlden

Chair GMVA