As promised, we are writing to update all clubs with some key dates and information for the coming season to assist in all clubs being ready to kick off in late August and early September. Clubs are reminded that
communications can only be made with the league via appointed club representatives at any time. Details of all the leagues contacts are listed on the DDSL Website.
Firstly as it has just closed, we would like to thank all those clubs who completed the Expression of Interest Phase 1 in advance of the close out, it has greatly assisted us in understanding the early figures for age groups for the season ahead.
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS:
- Registration for all players for the coming season is now open . All players both existing and new players must be registered as per our rules & to ensure all the players are insured. Registration fees remain unaltered for the 25/26 season.
- We will be adding separate categories for FFA and Clubs Academy as requested by clubs at a 50% reduction and will also provide insurance and opportunity to upgrade players to panels during the season at no extra cost.
- Player’s photos are updated every two years and many this season will be required to upload. Please ensure photo follows on-line guide (head/shoulders/clear background) to avoid rejection. This year we are requesting best practice that players Head and Shoulder photo’s are in club jerseys as this photo will be the photo used on the Player ID Card when cleared to use.
- Clubs need to ensure all players are registered as per the rules of the league as the sanctions for failing to do, have a huge effect on those clubs/teams and players effected by the failure to register properly.
REGISTRATION OF TEAMS:
- Registration for all teams will open from the 11th of July until 5PM on the 4th of August.
- Clubs are reminded leagues will not be formed until early august after clubs’ applications are reviewed.
- Teams at U16,U17 & U18 will now have option to select home matchdays/venues for the season in the process to ease pressure on facilities/referees
- Teams owing any monies to the league will be unable to register teams for the coming season.
REGISTRATION OF TEAM OFFICIALS:
- Registration of a team official will be required for each team this season ,who will in turn be allocated to each panel/teamsheet.
- Registration (on-line) for team officials will open in early August.(officials should ensure Vetting/safeguarding is in order).
The second phase of this initiative will require a valid Garda Vetting number as a mandatory field to access the system, this phase will be rolled out during the season dates to be advised.
- The league will be extending the insurance cover for all registered coaches in the DDSL for the coming season at no cost to clubs.
OPENING DATES OF THE NEW SEASON 2025/2026:
- U16’s/u17’s/u18’s: Fri/Sat/Sun 29th/30th/31st August 2025
- U12’s to u15’s: Sat/Sun 6th/7th September 2025
- SSG (u8’s to u11’s) : Sat/Sun 13th/14th September 2025
- Mid-week games: 2 x sets of Mid-week games for u12’s to u18’s.
- All teams ‘MUST’ start on the designated weekends (no cancellations)- Walkover rules apply.
DIVISIONS (Boys/Girls):
- For Divisions from u12 upwards, the League will look to allocate 14 teams to all Divisions where possible.
- For the new Season 2025/2026 promotion/relegation will be based on 2x Up/2x Down based on 14 teams in 11 a side divisions.
- Where there are 12 team Divisions-the league may look to promote 3 Up 2 Down for the following season.
- All promotions & relegations will be defined in advance of each league commencing.
SSG DIVISIONS (Boys/Girls)
- The allocation for SSG Divisions from u8’s to u11’s will commence once the ‘Team registration’ date is closed 5PM on the 4th of August.
- The allocation of teams will be based on Surveys/non-public Results for the u8’s to u10’s & the allocation of teams to u11’s will be based on the results received.
- We will look where possible, to allocate teams based on Location to the different Divisions until Christmas, when further re-grading will take place by the league.
- We will for several of the higher Divisions in certain age groups…allocated teams to these Divisions based on the standard of teams as decided by the league.
- Initially, ‘Draft Divisions’ for these Divisions will be issued to all clubs in advance for feedback ,before the league finalises the divisions.
RULES AND ENHANCEMENTS
Rules:
- Clubs to be aware of rules governing games off, Ref fees, Protests etc….. all available on DDSL web.
More to Follow:
- Results -new procedures on results returned within 48 hours of game by Clubs/Refs (App based).
- Live Panels and Electronic match card to be phased in from start of season.
- Digital match cards will be introduced.
Key Dates:
- Teams need to keep an eye for entry dates to FAI/LFA/SFAI cups (not known yet)
- Easter weekend is a closed weekend and will have no fixtures.
- Cup Finals will be held over Two weekends in May 2026 -Provisionally 16th/17th and 23rd/24th May.
- All Cup and League trophies to be returned to the league as per rule on or before the 31st of October 2025.
BEHAVIOUR,CULTURE,REFEREE INITIATIVES
There are several new initiatives being launched by the league for the coming season as a result of the feedback from clubs/BDO’s to address the Culture/Behaviour/Respect issues that we all agree needs to change in the children’s game.
These initiatives include:
‘Be A Ref’ The DDSL promotion in conjunction with the FAI for all refs undertaking ref courses will, if they assign to the DDSL receive kit and fee refunds which hopefully will see a much-needed boost to address the shortage of referees in our game. We will also be identifying by way of wristbands any referee who is a minor and ensure everyone who attends the games understands the legal responsibilities we all have to minors refereeing the game.
DDSL Junior Ref Academy will be launched in August where clubs will be asked to supply a minimum of one or two young players per five SSG teams to assist in becoming Refs in the SSG game.
We will create a ‘Born to Lead’ programme for the group and supply them with bespoke Kit, on-line training, agree fees with the focus on creating the right environment starting with very young players to learn
respect. We are really excited with the initial response from clubs and this programme will be run in conjunction with the clubs BDO’s .These academy refs will be allocated to games by clubs in the u10/11
levels in the initial phase. The league will escalate to a zero policy on abuse on refs U18 which will include cancellation of games as part of sanctions.
Team Official Registration is being introduced for all teams that at least one manager/coach this season (as previously advised )is registered, and the league will be supplying Team Official Bibs for all registered official to be worn on match days.
This will clearly identify who oversees the team and responsible for all matters on matchdays (including behaviour of their parents & Supporters)and will be the contact/Support for these young referees. The League
have also extended the insurance cover for all registered coaches (estimated at 3900) at no cost to clubs. It is important that everyone has completed Vetting/safeguarding well in advance to ensure they can register which is likely to open in early august.
Rules, Disciplinary/Sanctions. The new rule book (copy on DDSL web) has now been issued and is important that all clubs and indeed all their members, Coaches & Parents are aware of the rules governing the league. We have also updated terms and conditions on the DDSL website and on our player registration process’s. All clubs are encouraged to have their own member packs and hold induction meetings for all their parents/player to manage their club rules, Behaviours, complaints and most importantly manage expectations in advance of the season starting. The league will upgrade to a zero tolerance on behaviour for the coming season and are seeking all DDSL member clubs to fully support and lead by example,
It’s the least our children deserve.
‘Its My Game !’ This initiative will continue with Q102 with over 50 ads per week, regular themed weekends every month along with several new partners with the objective to stamp out all abusive behaviour and change the culture our children deserve.
It’s time for a zero-tolerance attitude from all involved in children’s sport and no Club, Team, Referee, Coach, Parent or Player should be excused for not committing stamping this out and more importantly leading by example!
We will continue to deliver ‘Kits for Clubs’, ‘Bags of footballs and other promotions to clubs throughout the season through our Partners. We are launching the first DDSL/Q102 ‘Born to Dream’ Camps powered by DB Sports with 120 free spaces being offered In August.
Coach Education & ETP. We are currently finalising our Coach education programme for the coming season which is hoped to provide a session weekly for all clubs along with several one-day sessions throughout the season.
The league is also recruiting a club development officer to assist clubs in many areas which is exciting. The ETP is currently being planned also and Barry and his team will be in touch in mid-august.
We appreciate the workloads that clubs are under currently and feel free to use the help of our people if you need it !
We will be in touch will fuller detail as these initiatives progresses.
DATE FOR DIARY – CLUBS OPENING MEETING MONDAY 18th AUGUST 7.30pm !
Thanking you as always.
On Behalf of everyone in the
Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League
