stedders
9th July 2003, 13:23
This is a long message. It contains important information about WorldNET.
If you are a member of the Bees United or Hey Jude sides at WorldNET,
please read and digest ASAP; when complete will you please email back
(or leave a message on the GPG) "READ and UNDERSTOOD STEDDERS" or
something similarly absurd. If you don't, I will simply bombard you with the
same email time and time again (and you wouldn't like that).
++++++++++++++
Ladies and Gentlemen;
First of all if I could apologise for the delay in announcing the
squads for this season's WorldNET.
This has been caused by a number of late withdrawals from the squad
and the Board of Directors (myself, Scratchy, Chris and PJ) have been exploring
alternative Avenues to get around the problems we have been facing.
Before I go any further, it would be stupid and naïve of me to expect
that the plans this year are going to meet with the full approval of
everyone. I think it is fair to say, though, the best I can do is to carry the majority
of the squad, 100% sweetness and light would be nice, but I'm not holding my breathe.
As a compromise, however, if anyone strongly objects to the
arrangements for this season, I will give them a full refund for any
money they have paid and they will have my full blessing in withdrawing from
this year's tournament. No questions asked.
This offer of a refund has a time limit however. I must be notified by
this coming Sunday morning (11am on 13th July) if you wish to withdraw.
If you do wish to withdraw, will you please email me or telephone me.
I can't really do any more to accommodate the views of the squad as a
whole, and I hope this will put a stop to any dissenting voices during
WorldNET.
So let me explain what the thinking is behind the selection of teams
for this year's tournament.
One team – Hey Jude – has been selected solely on the basis of
furthering our team's path during the tournament. Simple as that, in
short: we have simply picked what are perceived to be the most talented
players in the team that we think can progress the furthest.
The second team – Bees United – is for everyone else, which covers a
multitude: the less talented; the less athletic; the less committed; or
quite simply those who are happy to turn up at WorldNET; enjoy the
banter with other supporters and the social whirl; have a game of
footie and laugh and not take it too seriously. Whilst I have used
the term as a "competitive" side and a "social" side, these labels
are more a matter of convenience. (Bees United's side will not be
comprising a pantomine horse!)
The hope is that by entering these two different types of teams we are
satisfying both schools of thought of how our teams should compete.
On the (reasonable) assumption that Bees United do not end in the top
two of their group, they will have the opportunity to fight another day
in the Plate Competition on Sunday.
If you have been selected in the Bees United side and want to be in the
Hey Jude side (or vice versa) will you please contact me and I'll see
what can be done to change things.
The observant among you will have noticed that HEY JUDE (the stronger side)
have a considerably easier group than Bees United.
There has been considerable discussion among the Directors on this
issue, and I have to say there has not always been unanimty – however
it was felt that this was probably the best decision to make as any
side would struggle to live with the likes of Charlton, Hibs and Luton,
whereas by pursuing this path (making Hey Jude the stronger side in the
weaker group) does give us the unique opportunity of one of our sides
making it through to the competition proper for the first time.
At the end of this email are the rules of the competition – will you
please make sure you have read these. I particularly want to draw
everyone's attention to No. 5 which is the disclaimer. It is important
that you realise that WorldNET – and IFA Football as a whole – is not
sanctioned by the Football Association and therefore, there is no insurance
as a result of injuries incurred during the course of a game – over and above
any private policies that you may have, of course.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5. Disclaimer
As per official IFA policy, Worldnet 2003 has not been registered with
the FA at Lancaster Gate and hence is not an FA sanctioned tournament.
We, the IFA, must make it clear that all players compete in the
tournament at their own risk. Football can result in injuries,
sometimes serious, but the organisers of Worldnet 2003 cannot be held
responsible for any injuries incurred during the tournament. Likewise,
they cannot be held responsible for any theft or damage to belongings
or motor vehicles whilst at the venue.
Teams who reach their respective finals could end up playing a total of
five to six hours football, and because the tournament is in July it
could be in relatively high temperatures. It is the responsibility of
each player to ensure that they are fit and well enough to participate
and do not enter the tournament with any medical condition, which could
endanger their health. All matches will be played on grass; it is up to
players to decide on suitable footwear.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One final thing before the squads: I want to emphasise that at WorldNET, Brentford supporters will have one complete squad comprising THREE teams: Bees United, Hey Jude and Beesotted.
It is envisaged that all resources will be shared and obviously I would expect that the two non-playing teams will be on hand to cheer on the side competing at that time.
Despite Bees United being drawn in a Group of Death, the schedule has actually been quite kind to us overall, with our three teams avoiding playing at the same time as each other.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, down to business:
Bees United (Manager: Paul Fitzsimons – playing manager)
Joseph Edmond Paul Stedman
Andy Mutton
Nick Galley
Nick Field
Jonno Fitzmaurice
Gary Paul
Anji Williams
Steven Smith
Dan O'Brian
Paul Minkennin
David Merritt
Nasser Khan (g/keeper)
Hey Jude (Manager: Chris Wickham)
Jem Rampling (g/keeper)
Paul Griffiths
Mike Williams
Paul Harrison
Phil Marchant
Adrian Smyth
Stephen Woodman
Spender
Sacha Syed
Steve Harrison
Jim Finigan
Joshua Simon Jon Stedman
Sammy Fenton-Elstone
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Playing Schedule:
08:30: HIBS v BRENTFORD BEES UNITED (GROUP 13/PITCH G)
09:00 : BRENTFORD BEESOTTED (GROUP 9/PITCH E) vs ABERDEEN
11.00 : BRENTFORD HEY JUDE (GROUP 12/PITCH F) vs SWINDON
11:40 : BRENTFORD BEESOTTED vs MAN UTD
12.20 : LINCOLN vs BRENTFORD HEY JUDE
13:50: CHARLTON vs BRENTFORD BEES UNITED
14:20 BRENTFORD BEESOTTED vs COLCHESTER
15:10: BRENTFORD BEES UNITED vs LUTON
16.20 : MILLWALL II vs BRENTFORD HEY JUDE
++++++++++++++++++++
Competition Rules
1. Tournament Format:
Day one will see a series of games between sixteen groups of competing
teams; the winners and runners-up from all groups, will automatically
qualify for day two of the Sports Interactive Cup. The 3rd and 4th
placed teams from all groups will go in to the Plate Competition. Both
32 team tournaments on day two will adopt an FA Cup style format i.e. a
sudden death knockout competition. The first round of both day two
tournaments will be drawn on the Saturday evening of Worldnet; teams
will then progress through their section of the draw.
The Saturday night draw for the Cup competition is as follows:
*
The 16 group winners will be placed in one hat
*
The 16 group runners up will be placed in one hat
*
A random draw from each hat will take place until all teams are matched
*
No team will be drawn against a team it played in in the group stages
The Saturday night draw for the Plate competition is as follows:
*
The 16 3rd place teams will be placed in one hat
*
The 16 4th place teams will be placed in one hat
*
A random draw from each hat will take place until all teams are matched
*
No team will be drawn against a team it played in in the group stages
All rules for both events will be as per the Football Association, with
the following exceptions:
*
Games will be 15 minutes each way with a five minute break between
halves.
*
In the event of a draw in the knockout stages, a ten-minute “Golden
Goal” period will be played (no half time).
*
If the teams are still level at the end of this period the tie will be
decided on penalties.
*
Teams will be allowed a maximum of five substitutions per game.
*
Players who have previously been taken off can be brought back on
during the same game, this will count towards the maximum of five.
2. Disciplinary Measures
In the unlikely event of any player receiving a sending off or two
bookings, they will miss their teams’ next game. Bookings or
sendings-off from the first day are not carried forward to the next day.
N.B. see also section 7 and 8 below
3. Squad Registrations
All squads, including individual email addresses for each member
(Maximum size - 22 players), should be registered with the following
contacts no later than Friday 4th July 2003. Your email header should
read: WorldNet 2003 Squad Registration – Team Name.
*
R.Goodair@brad.ac.uk
*
C.Thacker@brad.ac.uk
Squad replacements will be allowed in the event of late injuries or
other unforeseen circumstances. If you need to change your squad, email
the details to the two addresses above immediately; do not expect to be
able to turn up on the day with half your squad having miraculously
metamorphosed into the local Sunday League Champions!! Team Managers
should also be aware; that there would be little point in using more
than 22 players, as there will only be 22 medals available should you
win the tournament! Even more important, the use of ‘Ringers’ i.e.
non-list members, is strictly forbidden at WorldNet 2003, and will be
punishable with a ban from next years tournament if discovered. Please
note, the IFA will be checking your list membership during the run up
to the tournament; if any members of your squad will not have a valid
email address (subbed to your list) at the time of the tournament, we
will require a very plausible excuse as to why this is so. Please
include all fairy tales in your registration email!
4. Administration
Each group on the first day of the tournament will have a ‘Group
Co-ordinator’. During the knockout stages on day two their job title
will suddenly change to ‘ Pitch Co-ordinator’! They will be expected to
fulfil the following duties:
*
Make sure that both teams and the officials for each match are ready to
start games on time.
*
You will be provided with a full match schedule and the names of
officials for all your games.
*
Liaise with the referee at the end of each game, to confirm the score,
and take note of any bookings or sendings off.
*
Report scores, bookings and sendings off, to the IFA Central Admin Desk
at the first available opportunity.
*
Liaise with the Senior Group Co-ordinator (AKA John and Roger’s
bullshit deflector!) Malcolm Butterfield on all other matters.
N.B. We have full complement of Co-ordinators for 2003, so no further
volunteers are required.
5. Disclaimer
As per official IFA policy, Worldnet 2003 has not been registered with
the FA at Lancaster Gate and hence is not an FA sanctioned tournament.
We, the IFA, must make it clear that all players compete in the
tournament at their own risk. Football can result in injuries,
sometimes serious, but the organisers of Worldnet 2003 cannot be held
responsible for any injuries incurred during the tournament. Likewise,
they cannot be held responsible for any theft or damage to belongings
or motor vehicles whilst at the venue.
Teams who reach their respective finals could end up playing a total of
five to six hours football, and because the tournament is in July it
could be in relatively high temperatures. It is the responsibility of
each player to ensure that they are fit and well enough to participate
and do not enter the tournament with any medical condition, which could
endanger their health. All matches will be played on grass; it is up to
players to decide on suitable footwear.
6. It's Only a Game
Certain supporters have old rivalries with other teams supporters. If
anyone wishes to display their feelings towards another team, they
should do this by scoring a spectacular hat trick rather than a
Cantonaesque flying drop kick!
Likewise, with the increase in the number of competing teams and the
advent of the second day plate competition, even the most competitive
of sides will have little or no excuse for not giving ALL their
players, a fair “crack of the whip” in terms of playing time. We all
know don’t we boys and girls, that it’s not the winning that counts,
but the taking part!!
N.B. See also section 7 and 8 below
7. Officials
Since the emphasis of the tournament is on fun,_ players shall respect
ALL decisions made by officials even though they may be obviously
wrong! Referees and linespeople will be instructed to punish acts of
dissent severely, and those teams that persistently offend in this
manner will face an immediate IFA Disciplinary Hearing. Physical and
persistent verbal abuse of officials will not be tolerated under any
circumstances, and will result in instant expulsion from the tournament.
8. Racism and Racist Abuse
Any incidence of racism or racist abuse will not be tolerated under any
circumstances._ It is EVERY participant's duty to ensure that the
tournament and its participants are not subject to any form of racism
or racist abuse._ We gladly welcome all participants regardless of
race, religion, gender or sexual orientation._ Any participant or team
that fails to extend this welcome to their fellow participants is not
welcome at this tournament or any of our other activities._
N.B. Would Team Managers/Organisers please make sure that these rules
are circulated promptly to all potential participants at Worldnet 2003
and reply to me, R.Goodair@brad.ac.uk, stating that this has been done.
Your email header should read: Worldnet 2003 – Rules Circulated - Team
Name.
If you are a member of the Bees United or Hey Jude sides at WorldNET,
please read and digest ASAP; when complete will you please email back
(or leave a message on the GPG) "READ and UNDERSTOOD STEDDERS" or
something similarly absurd. If you don't, I will simply bombard you with the
same email time and time again (and you wouldn't like that).
++++++++++++++
Ladies and Gentlemen;
First of all if I could apologise for the delay in announcing the
squads for this season's WorldNET.
This has been caused by a number of late withdrawals from the squad
and the Board of Directors (myself, Scratchy, Chris and PJ) have been exploring
alternative Avenues to get around the problems we have been facing.
Before I go any further, it would be stupid and naïve of me to expect
that the plans this year are going to meet with the full approval of
everyone. I think it is fair to say, though, the best I can do is to carry the majority
of the squad, 100% sweetness and light would be nice, but I'm not holding my breathe.
As a compromise, however, if anyone strongly objects to the
arrangements for this season, I will give them a full refund for any
money they have paid and they will have my full blessing in withdrawing from
this year's tournament. No questions asked.
This offer of a refund has a time limit however. I must be notified by
this coming Sunday morning (11am on 13th July) if you wish to withdraw.
If you do wish to withdraw, will you please email me or telephone me.
I can't really do any more to accommodate the views of the squad as a
whole, and I hope this will put a stop to any dissenting voices during
WorldNET.
So let me explain what the thinking is behind the selection of teams
for this year's tournament.
One team – Hey Jude – has been selected solely on the basis of
furthering our team's path during the tournament. Simple as that, in
short: we have simply picked what are perceived to be the most talented
players in the team that we think can progress the furthest.
The second team – Bees United – is for everyone else, which covers a
multitude: the less talented; the less athletic; the less committed; or
quite simply those who are happy to turn up at WorldNET; enjoy the
banter with other supporters and the social whirl; have a game of
footie and laugh and not take it too seriously. Whilst I have used
the term as a "competitive" side and a "social" side, these labels
are more a matter of convenience. (Bees United's side will not be
comprising a pantomine horse!)
The hope is that by entering these two different types of teams we are
satisfying both schools of thought of how our teams should compete.
On the (reasonable) assumption that Bees United do not end in the top
two of their group, they will have the opportunity to fight another day
in the Plate Competition on Sunday.
If you have been selected in the Bees United side and want to be in the
Hey Jude side (or vice versa) will you please contact me and I'll see
what can be done to change things.
The observant among you will have noticed that HEY JUDE (the stronger side)
have a considerably easier group than Bees United.
There has been considerable discussion among the Directors on this
issue, and I have to say there has not always been unanimty – however
it was felt that this was probably the best decision to make as any
side would struggle to live with the likes of Charlton, Hibs and Luton,
whereas by pursuing this path (making Hey Jude the stronger side in the
weaker group) does give us the unique opportunity of one of our sides
making it through to the competition proper for the first time.
At the end of this email are the rules of the competition – will you
please make sure you have read these. I particularly want to draw
everyone's attention to No. 5 which is the disclaimer. It is important
that you realise that WorldNET – and IFA Football as a whole – is not
sanctioned by the Football Association and therefore, there is no insurance
as a result of injuries incurred during the course of a game – over and above
any private policies that you may have, of course.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5. Disclaimer
As per official IFA policy, Worldnet 2003 has not been registered with
the FA at Lancaster Gate and hence is not an FA sanctioned tournament.
We, the IFA, must make it clear that all players compete in the
tournament at their own risk. Football can result in injuries,
sometimes serious, but the organisers of Worldnet 2003 cannot be held
responsible for any injuries incurred during the tournament. Likewise,
they cannot be held responsible for any theft or damage to belongings
or motor vehicles whilst at the venue.
Teams who reach their respective finals could end up playing a total of
five to six hours football, and because the tournament is in July it
could be in relatively high temperatures. It is the responsibility of
each player to ensure that they are fit and well enough to participate
and do not enter the tournament with any medical condition, which could
endanger their health. All matches will be played on grass; it is up to
players to decide on suitable footwear.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
One final thing before the squads: I want to emphasise that at WorldNET, Brentford supporters will have one complete squad comprising THREE teams: Bees United, Hey Jude and Beesotted.
It is envisaged that all resources will be shared and obviously I would expect that the two non-playing teams will be on hand to cheer on the side competing at that time.
Despite Bees United being drawn in a Group of Death, the schedule has actually been quite kind to us overall, with our three teams avoiding playing at the same time as each other.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, down to business:
Bees United (Manager: Paul Fitzsimons – playing manager)
Joseph Edmond Paul Stedman
Andy Mutton
Nick Galley
Nick Field
Jonno Fitzmaurice
Gary Paul
Anji Williams
Steven Smith
Dan O'Brian
Paul Minkennin
David Merritt
Nasser Khan (g/keeper)
Hey Jude (Manager: Chris Wickham)
Jem Rampling (g/keeper)
Paul Griffiths
Mike Williams
Paul Harrison
Phil Marchant
Adrian Smyth
Stephen Woodman
Spender
Sacha Syed
Steve Harrison
Jim Finigan
Joshua Simon Jon Stedman
Sammy Fenton-Elstone
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Playing Schedule:
08:30: HIBS v BRENTFORD BEES UNITED (GROUP 13/PITCH G)
09:00 : BRENTFORD BEESOTTED (GROUP 9/PITCH E) vs ABERDEEN
11.00 : BRENTFORD HEY JUDE (GROUP 12/PITCH F) vs SWINDON
11:40 : BRENTFORD BEESOTTED vs MAN UTD
12.20 : LINCOLN vs BRENTFORD HEY JUDE
13:50: CHARLTON vs BRENTFORD BEES UNITED
14:20 BRENTFORD BEESOTTED vs COLCHESTER
15:10: BRENTFORD BEES UNITED vs LUTON
16.20 : MILLWALL II vs BRENTFORD HEY JUDE
++++++++++++++++++++
Competition Rules
1. Tournament Format:
Day one will see a series of games between sixteen groups of competing
teams; the winners and runners-up from all groups, will automatically
qualify for day two of the Sports Interactive Cup. The 3rd and 4th
placed teams from all groups will go in to the Plate Competition. Both
32 team tournaments on day two will adopt an FA Cup style format i.e. a
sudden death knockout competition. The first round of both day two
tournaments will be drawn on the Saturday evening of Worldnet; teams
will then progress through their section of the draw.
The Saturday night draw for the Cup competition is as follows:
*
The 16 group winners will be placed in one hat
*
The 16 group runners up will be placed in one hat
*
A random draw from each hat will take place until all teams are matched
*
No team will be drawn against a team it played in in the group stages
The Saturday night draw for the Plate competition is as follows:
*
The 16 3rd place teams will be placed in one hat
*
The 16 4th place teams will be placed in one hat
*
A random draw from each hat will take place until all teams are matched
*
No team will be drawn against a team it played in in the group stages
All rules for both events will be as per the Football Association, with
the following exceptions:
*
Games will be 15 minutes each way with a five minute break between
halves.
*
In the event of a draw in the knockout stages, a ten-minute “Golden
Goal” period will be played (no half time).
*
If the teams are still level at the end of this period the tie will be
decided on penalties.
*
Teams will be allowed a maximum of five substitutions per game.
*
Players who have previously been taken off can be brought back on
during the same game, this will count towards the maximum of five.
2. Disciplinary Measures
In the unlikely event of any player receiving a sending off or two
bookings, they will miss their teams’ next game. Bookings or
sendings-off from the first day are not carried forward to the next day.
N.B. see also section 7 and 8 below
3. Squad Registrations
All squads, including individual email addresses for each member
(Maximum size - 22 players), should be registered with the following
contacts no later than Friday 4th July 2003. Your email header should
read: WorldNet 2003 Squad Registration – Team Name.
*
R.Goodair@brad.ac.uk
*
C.Thacker@brad.ac.uk
Squad replacements will be allowed in the event of late injuries or
other unforeseen circumstances. If you need to change your squad, email
the details to the two addresses above immediately; do not expect to be
able to turn up on the day with half your squad having miraculously
metamorphosed into the local Sunday League Champions!! Team Managers
should also be aware; that there would be little point in using more
than 22 players, as there will only be 22 medals available should you
win the tournament! Even more important, the use of ‘Ringers’ i.e.
non-list members, is strictly forbidden at WorldNet 2003, and will be
punishable with a ban from next years tournament if discovered. Please
note, the IFA will be checking your list membership during the run up
to the tournament; if any members of your squad will not have a valid
email address (subbed to your list) at the time of the tournament, we
will require a very plausible excuse as to why this is so. Please
include all fairy tales in your registration email!
4. Administration
Each group on the first day of the tournament will have a ‘Group
Co-ordinator’. During the knockout stages on day two their job title
will suddenly change to ‘ Pitch Co-ordinator’! They will be expected to
fulfil the following duties:
*
Make sure that both teams and the officials for each match are ready to
start games on time.
*
You will be provided with a full match schedule and the names of
officials for all your games.
*
Liaise with the referee at the end of each game, to confirm the score,
and take note of any bookings or sendings off.
*
Report scores, bookings and sendings off, to the IFA Central Admin Desk
at the first available opportunity.
*
Liaise with the Senior Group Co-ordinator (AKA John and Roger’s
bullshit deflector!) Malcolm Butterfield on all other matters.
N.B. We have full complement of Co-ordinators for 2003, so no further
volunteers are required.
5. Disclaimer
As per official IFA policy, Worldnet 2003 has not been registered with
the FA at Lancaster Gate and hence is not an FA sanctioned tournament.
We, the IFA, must make it clear that all players compete in the
tournament at their own risk. Football can result in injuries,
sometimes serious, but the organisers of Worldnet 2003 cannot be held
responsible for any injuries incurred during the tournament. Likewise,
they cannot be held responsible for any theft or damage to belongings
or motor vehicles whilst at the venue.
Teams who reach their respective finals could end up playing a total of
five to six hours football, and because the tournament is in July it
could be in relatively high temperatures. It is the responsibility of
each player to ensure that they are fit and well enough to participate
and do not enter the tournament with any medical condition, which could
endanger their health. All matches will be played on grass; it is up to
players to decide on suitable footwear.
6. It's Only a Game
Certain supporters have old rivalries with other teams supporters. If
anyone wishes to display their feelings towards another team, they
should do this by scoring a spectacular hat trick rather than a
Cantonaesque flying drop kick!
Likewise, with the increase in the number of competing teams and the
advent of the second day plate competition, even the most competitive
of sides will have little or no excuse for not giving ALL their
players, a fair “crack of the whip” in terms of playing time. We all
know don’t we boys and girls, that it’s not the winning that counts,
but the taking part!!
N.B. See also section 7 and 8 below
7. Officials
Since the emphasis of the tournament is on fun,_ players shall respect
ALL decisions made by officials even though they may be obviously
wrong! Referees and linespeople will be instructed to punish acts of
dissent severely, and those teams that persistently offend in this
manner will face an immediate IFA Disciplinary Hearing. Physical and
persistent verbal abuse of officials will not be tolerated under any
circumstances, and will result in instant expulsion from the tournament.
8. Racism and Racist Abuse
Any incidence of racism or racist abuse will not be tolerated under any
circumstances._ It is EVERY participant's duty to ensure that the
tournament and its participants are not subject to any form of racism
or racist abuse._ We gladly welcome all participants regardless of
race, religion, gender or sexual orientation._ Any participant or team
that fails to extend this welcome to their fellow participants is not
welcome at this tournament or any of our other activities._
N.B. Would Team Managers/Organisers please make sure that these rules
are circulated promptly to all potential participants at Worldnet 2003
and reply to me, R.Goodair@brad.ac.uk, stating that this has been done.
Your email header should read: Worldnet 2003 – Rules Circulated - Team
Name.