Explains various options to manage fixture backlogs.

The following measures covered by League rules may be taken at the League Management Committee’s discretion to manage fixture backlogs and keep the overall fixture schedule on track.

Teams must do everything they can to safely play their fixtures as scheduled. However, to be clear, no risks are to be taken by playing in unsafe or unsuitable conditions.

• The League encourages the use of suitable alternative pitches or switching home and away arrangements to enable fixtures to go ahead safely that would otherwise be postponed.
• The League allows fixtures to be played at other reasonable times outside of the league normal KO window (Saturday 9.30-12.00) if both participating teams agree e.g. mid-week fixtures.
• The League may schedule Double Header league fixtures i.e. 2 separate shorter duration matches played back-to-back on the same date.
• The League may schedule Dual Cup & League fixtures i.e. 1 normal duration fixture, normal time score used as cup and league result.
• The League may place Completion Orders on specific fixtures i.e. they must be settled on the scheduled date by playing the match or the fixtures will be subject to a League decision. It is the responsibility of the home team to source a playable pitch anywhere in or near the league catchment area or risk being in default if their usual pitch is unplayable resulting in a cancellation.
• The League may prioritise/re-prioritise fixtures. Fixtures may be added or previously published fixtures replaced with alternative fixtures at minimum notice covered in the league rules (midnight Sunday before the fixture) to prioritise e.g. cup ties and league fixtures that are decisive for presentation positions. Shorter notice may apply if agreed with the participating teams.
• The League may amend or suspend the SSYFL postponement policy covering team requested postponements. Approval of any team postponement request always depends on the fixture situation of both teams and the overall state of the fixture schedule irrespective of the policy guidelines. As alternative fixture dates run out for more teams it is likely more team requested PP’s will be rejected.
• The League may make an Unsuitable Pitch Order i.e. if a pitch is frequently unplayable or unavailable when most league fixtures elsewhere are played, the league may declare the pitch unsuitable for SSYFL competition fixtures and order the team to find an alternative playable pitch for home fixtures.
• The League may make competition changes in season. The League may amend competition formats and/or abandon some fixtures and/or competition elements to reduce the number of fixtures to be played in the remaining time available. If this is necessary, any changes will be carefully considered to retain a cohesive competition format and fair outcome for all participating teams.