Fixtures & Referees Update

Dear Secretary:

Please note that the fixtures will be issued on Mondays at 6pm going forward to allow the allocators more time to assign referees before fixtures are released to the clubs.

Clubs can source their own referee(s) if one is not appointed, this can only be done after 6pm on the Wednesday, following the fixtures being issued. 

If you source a referee – you MUST contact the referees department with the referees name, to allow the league to update the system with the relevant information.

We are currently short of approx. 175/190 referees to cover the fixtures (the figures do not include the large number of referees that are rejecting games each week).  The league are working tirelessly to improve the shortage of referee(s).

 Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

 

Issued on behalf of the:

FSMT (Football Senior Management Team)

‘It’s My Game’ Silent Sideline Weekend

Following the successful launch of our DDSL ‘IT’S MY GAME’ campaign & SILENT SIDELINE campaign last season, it is important for the DDSL and its clubs to continue to support and act where possible.

Therefore, we intend to hold a ‘SILENT SIDELINE CAMPAIGN’ once a month until the end of the year to try to stem the continued ‘BAD BEHAVIOR’ from those on the sidelines. It is having a detrimental effect on the players looking to play & enjoy their football.

Given the escalation of ‘Behavioural & Respect Issues’ particularly from the sidelines from both Coaches/Parents etc, we are holding a ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ on Friday/Saturday/Sunday 26th/27th/28th September. We are requesting all clubs support this initiative using their clubs BDO’s to start the culture change required to create the right environment for children in the game.

For the weekend of the 26th, we want to see  ‘IT’S MY GAME’ initiative in action on the sidelines at every match within our League.  For this to happen, we need you to help implement in some helpful ways of creating a positive environment on the sidelines  to ensure the following happens !

 

Silent Side lines – Rope of spectator areas if possible

Let the players play and think and learn for themselves.

Let the official’s referee without comment

Let the coaches coach and players learn

 

Don’t let inappropriate comments, shouting, aggression, physical violence, and laughing at others whilst supporting or coaching a match become the norm!

Change it! Challenge it! Live it!

The ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ is there for a purpose to allow our players play & enjoy their football and stop those who are ruining children’s football.

PLEASE ADVISE ALL YOUR MANAGERS/COACHES.

 

Yours in Sport

From Everyone in the DDSL

 

REMINDERS

Match procedures for teams(compulsory)

Start-Teams line up Centre approaching from opposite halfway-lines, After toss etc. both teams Cross walk and shake hands.

During– all subs ideally seated in technical area, subs will shake hands as they come on/off pitch at halfway line. No player on until he arrives at halfway line.

Match break (Half time)- teams will gather on opposite sides for duration of break. Only manager/Captain can talk to referee if required – no other club official/person

Match end– Captains will bring team (including Management team) in file to halfway line and both teams will shake hands with everyone concerned including the officials who will be thanked by all. The winning team may stand in two lines and applaud the loosing team if they so desire.

 

Match procedures for club/Team Officials

Children are encouraged to develop themselves via their own experience on the pitch and therefore no excessive Coaching/shouting at any player will be accepted. As we must set examples-No smoking ,foul language or any encroachment by anyone on the pitch is permitted. Monkey see monkey do!

The Captain only, may ask the management (of his own team) to cease such behavior by his own team or raise the matter with the referee.

 

Match procedures for Parents/supporters

Remember this is their game -not yours ! therefore what children are exposed to seeing on the sidelines must be of the highest standards. Players will be empowered to not accept sub-standard behavior from anyone including their own parents. We all have a legal duty to protect children -The League, The Club, The Coaches, The Referee and more importantly their parents.

Both sets of supporters will be always assembled on opposite sides of the pitch. No coaching or instructions by parents at any time-this is the managements job, and they should not be undermined in their role-it shows a lack of respect to all concerned including your child.

There is no place for aggression, shouting or screaming in children’s sport and should Children really see their Parents or anyone behave like this at THEIR game.

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Return of DDSL League Cup and Cup Final Cups 31st October 2025

As the season is now up & running, we are looking for the return of the DDSL League & Cup Winners Trophies from those clubs & teams who were successful in winning these Cups.

We have a total number of 239 DDSL Cups to be returned of which 95 are related to the Cup Finals & 144 are related to the League Division Winners from u12’s to u18’s Boys/Girls.

Can you please return the Cups to the DDSL Offices in the FAI H/O in Abbotstown. If the there is no one in the office, please leave the Cup at the FAI Reception & ensure to sign the sheet provided. Please place a ‘Sticker’ on each Cup with your Club Name & Division so we can properly record the return of the Cup.

Please ensure the Cups are returned as you received them e.g. Clean/No Damage etc. All clubs are responsible for the replacement or repairs to the Cup received.

There will be fines issued to clubs who do not return the Cups before the end of 31st October 2025 & these will be strictly enforced.

Any issues, contact me on the e-mail below.

Kind Regards

Mick Kennedy

General Manager

Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls League

 M:+353 86 058 0332

E-Mail: gm@ddsl.ie

Competition Time

Win Win Win 👀👀

We’re delighted to share some exciting news for the new season!

All next week on Dublin’s Q102, your club will have the chance to win Football Team Starter Packs to help kick off the season in style. Each pack includes:

– A new set of jerseys
– Footballs
– Training bibs
– Cones

Kathryn Thomas will kick off the giveaways at 7am Monday morning so make sure to tune in to Dublin’s Q102 all next week for your chance to win one of these fantastic starter packs for your team.

Don’t miss out – this is a great opportunity to get your season off to the perfect start!

Like the @dublinsq102
Mention your Club Name
Share in your Instagram story

SFAI Cup Entry 2025/2026

The entry portal for the SFAI SUBWAY National Cups can be found on the link below

 

2025/26 SUBWAY – Entry Portal

 

We ask Leagues to kindly share this information with the Clubs in your league to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the competitions.

The entry fee for each team is €25.

If your club is entering multiple teams, please indicate which division or suitable label you would like to use to differentiate the teams at the same age level.

Competition – Powered by DB Sports

Dublin’s Q102 & The DDSL have teamed up to launch the perfect summer activity

Q102, in partnership with the DDSL, launch our exclusive Live Like a Pro Football camp, powered by DB Sports, Ireland’s first & largest full-time international academy

Taking place in the Abbottstown Dome at FAI HQ, the exclusive camp will run on August 19/20/21st for kids playing in the DDSL who are aged between 10-12. The camp will be Football based with some classroom based coaching elements focusing on tactical elements & a session on IT’S MY GAME & importance of child well being.

Places are LIMITED & winners will be contacted from Dublin’s Q102 if they are chosen to take part in the summer camp

Join in the fun as the kids learn new skills, make new friends and have a blast on the pitch, all under the guidance of experienced & elite DDSL & DB Sports coaches.

Click Link Below to Enter:

https://www.q102.ie/camp/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLsTw5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7DLLURadDEiUdcpNCrepGgo2EvZQYXQ-VHjsjuNZIqD_bL7dmy0wLslOMz1_aem_nofAbEKGRyLTnpvHtDf5Fw

DDSL Referee Promo

The DDSL will be offering any new Referee who completes the course and joins the DDSL panel for the coming season, A free kit plus the return of the FAI fee after their first season in the DDSL.

 

Upcoming Courses:

Course Name Comet Link
Clare Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085147
Cork Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084691
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084150
Sligo Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085598
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 23rd & 30th July 2025 (6.30-9.30pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084015
Carlow Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084504
Cork Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085065
Dublin Inner City Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35299694
Kerry Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (9.30-3.30pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085460
Meath Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085538
Donegal Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085560
Cavan Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (9.30-3.30pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085723
Mullingar Referee Beginners Course 27th July 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085472
Cork Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085073
Donegal Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085805
Mayo Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085615
Wicklow Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35089111
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 13th & 20th August 2025 (6.30-9.30pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084029
South Dublin Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35093211
Waterford Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084644
Dundalk Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085552
Wexford Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084265
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084107
Roscommon Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085620
Galway Referee Beginners Course 30th August 2025 (10-4pm) https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085663

 

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DDSL Strategic Plan

As you are aware the DDSL has been working hard on the formulation of a 5-year strategy plan for the league with our partners S3 Solutions.

To date, we have established the aims & objectives, conducted various surveys of all stakeholders as part of the process, and met many other organisations as part of the consultative phase. It is hoped that after this phase ,we will be able to formulate the leagues strategy in September.

Now is the time for our member clubs to input and assist in the creation of the DDSL Strategy based on the needs of their clubs and members.

It is important to understand this is not a tick box exercise but a platform to meet the needs of our clubs and members based on their needs-and no one else!

We are holding two sessions as detailed below and ask that two senior/ appointed people from every club attend to give your clubs input.

All clubs are encouraged and  expected to participate and attend to take this opportunity in the creation of your league’s strategy.

Northside clubs

Wednesday 25th June 7pm – Crown Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport,

https://www.google.ie/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x486711deca7775b3:0xa1318fb67c339ecf?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111

Southside clubs

Thursday 26th June 7pm – Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown

https://www.google.ie/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x486709a83467dffb:0x35558b651993c141?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111

Sessions & Workshops will be conducted by S3 solutions with teas/coffees provided-Start time will be 7pm and expected to conclude by 9.30pm.

We would ask that clubs would consider their views in advance of the sessions and would recommend that clubs hold their own sessions in advance to ensure all views of your club are reflected and part of your input.

All attendees must register in advance using the link below as venues have capacity limits.

https://admin.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/event-registration/index/14189

Please also note the Football AGM is scheduled for Monday 23rd of June in Abbottstown for club secs ko 7.30pm.

Yours in sport !

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PLAYER MOVEMENT: RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION & RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING

To All club Secretaries
It has come to the attention of the FSMT that clubs are inviting players to open training days – this is in breach of the DDSL/FAI rules on poaching players
A player who is properly registered to a club remains with that club until mid-night on the 30th June 2025. Any club(s) that advertise open training sessions before that date are in breach of the rules set out below
PLAYER MOVEMENT:
RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION
1.
No DDSL club is permitted to request or invite a player from another DDSL club for training, coaching, or playing games either within their club, academy, or associated academy during the official playing season August 1st to June 30th the following year.
RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING
1.
When a player becomes a registered player with a club/team in any league it shall be an offence for any official, member of any other club/team or any other person to approach, encourage or influence that player or their or parents/guardians on their behalf to seek a transfer to another team, participate in training coaching or games under the auspices of another team.
2.
Such an offence shall be deemed to be “poaching” and any person found culpable shall render themselves and/or their team/club liable to a fine and/or suspension and their club/team shall be.
– Deducted 15 points for a first offence and a Fine €200
– Automatically relegated for a further offence and a Fine €300
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DDSL Mid-Week Games

Following on and as promised at the meeting last, the information around mid-week fixtures is set out below – for the most current information please always check on the official DDSL website and social media platforms.

Mid-week matches will commence from Monday 7th April 2025, the fixture secretaries will decide the matches that will be played mid-week.

The following will apply to any team(s) who change the official fixture date without notifying the relevant fixture secretary, the game will be deemed null & void and no points will be awarded to the 2 teams participating in such a game.

 

The designated playing days are as follows

Saturday  U12/U13/U14 – Monday

Sunday U13/U14  Tuesday

Saturday U12/U15 – Wednesday

Sunday U15  – Thursday

Sundays U16/17/18s. Tuesday & Thursday

In the small sided games there maybe a small number of under 11s fixture to be played.

 

I reminded those present our rules on walk-over s given by clubs – I have included the actual rule for clarity

 

RULE 6. FIXTURE WALKOVER 1

During the season from August till the 30th of April any clubs who give a walkover (which has not been sanctioned by the League) shall be dealt with as follows. 

  1. 11 a-side league clubs will be fined €150, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover. 
  2. 9 a-side league clubs will be fined €100, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover.
  3. In all other games the club shall be fined €25, and the match may be refixed at the discretion of the relevant fixture secretary. 
  4. Any team who gives 3 or more unsanctioned walkovers over a season will be relegated from their respective League, have their results expunged and will start the following season with a deficit of 6 points. 

  1. During the season from the 1st of May until the end of season inclusive any club who gives a walkover which has not been sanctioned by the league shall be dealt with additional sanctions as follows: 
  2. First offence: 

A deduction of 6 points and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €100 fine. 

  1. Second offence:

 A deduction of 12 points, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €300 fine. 

  1. Third offence: 

Relegation from the respective division and a starting deficit of 6 points the following season, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €500 fine. 

  1. A team already confirmed as relegated, giving 3 or more unsanctioned. walkovers will start the following season with a deficit of 9 points.

 

DDSL FSMT