Last week the FA officially launched their RESPECT Campaign, aimed at improving behaviour towards referees. This is part of their plan for the future to improve football for all participants and you will hear more about this and other topics during the season.

by Chris McCullough

Last week the FA officially launched their RESPECT Campaign, aimed at improving behaviour towards referees.

This is part of their plan for the future to improve football for all participants and you will hear more about this and other topics during the season.

But as the new season opens it is important that all clubs talk to their club officials and players to remind them that they should respect the referee at all times.

Everyone has their own opinions but shouting at the referee will not improve things. The referee is there to control the game and preserve a safe environment for the players, so please just let him or her do their job and let everyone enjoy the game.

It is important that new referees are recruited and retained, so that as many matches as possible have an official referee.

Hopefully the campaign will help people to consider their attitude and restrain their behaviour.

The League have a panel of referees and try to provide cover for all matches, however, at times this is not possible, as referees are reallocated to FA or County appointments or call-offs due to injury.

It would be helpful if all clubs would consider finding a volunteer to be a stand-in referee in emergency cases. I know how difficult it is to find helpers but it is better to be prepared, than wait until something happens. Of course if you know anyone who wants to train as a referee, Norfolk FA will be pleased to provide information.

On Tuesday, champions Wroxham Reserves start the new league season at home to Brandon Town, while runner-up Cromer Town face Acle United, both games should be closely contested. Hempnall, having won the Mummery Cup and finishing third in the league, will be keen to continue their success, as they welcome Blofield United.

Hindringham face newly-promoted Holt United and there are local derbys between Sheringham and North Walsham, and Sprowston Athletic and AFC Norwich. Watton United return to the Premier and face Dersingham Rovers. On Thursday evening, Beccles Town travel to Loddon United, another promoted club, that scored lots of goals last season. Next Saturday, the Norfolk Senior Cup starts with three matches, Caister v Horsford United, Gayton United v Wells Town and St Andrews v Mattishall. The second round is on September 6, before our Premier Clubs join at the following round.

Midweek fixtures continue this week and next week. Before the Knock-Out Cups start on Saturday, August 30. A few fixtures had to be changed from the original list that was issued, due to changing pitch availability. Up-to-date fixtures are available on the League Website www.angliancombination.org.uk.

Fixtures

Tuesday, August 19

(6.30pm unless stated)

Premier Division

Cromer Town v Acle United (7.30), Hempnall v Blofield United, Hindringham v Holt United, Sheringham v North Walsham Town, Sprowston Athletic v AFC Norwich, Watton United v Dersingham Rovers (7.30), Wroxham Res v Brandon Town (7.30).

Division One: Attleborough Town v Wymondham Town, Caister v Kirkley & Pakefield Res, Long Stratton v Bungay Town, Mattishall v Gayton United, Sole Bay v Corton, Stalham Town v St Andrews, Wells Town v Horsford United (7.30).

Division Two: Beccles Caxton v Oulton Broad & Notleys, Hellesdon v Anglian Windows, Norwich CEYMS v Norwich St Johns, Reepham Town v Fakenham Town Res, Norwich United Res v Sprowston Wanderers, West Lynn SSC v Downham Town Res, Wortwell v Poringland Wanderers.

Division Three: Aylsham v Cromer Town Res, Bradenham Wanderers v Thetford Rovers, East Harling v Thorpe Rovers, Swaffham Town Res v Mundford (7.30).

Division Four: Easton v South Walsham.

Division Six: Scole United Res v Thorpe Village Res.

Wednesday, August 20

Division Two: Acle United Res v Great Yarmouth Town Res.

Division Three: Caister Res v Martham, Sprowston Athletic Res v Loddon United Res, Thorpe village v Hempnall Res.

Division Four: Brandon Town Res v Mattishall Res, Foulsham v Wells Town Res, Freethorpe v Blofield United Res, Harleston Town v AFC Norwich Res, Marlingford v Hindringham Res, St Andrews Res v North Walsham Town Res, Wymondham Town Res v Newton Flotman.

Division Five: Bungay Town Res v Long Stratton Res, Hoveton Wherrymen v CNSOBU, Mundford Res v Attleborough Town Res, Necton v Watton United Res, Sheringham Res v Aylsham Wanderers Res, Sprowston Wanderers v Poringland Wanderers Res, Stalham Town Res v Norwich CEYMS Res.

Division Six: Buxton v Hellesdon Res, Dersingham Rovers Res v Holt United Res, Gayton United Res v Reepham Town Res, Horsford United Res v Easton Res, Redgrave Rangers v Wortwell Res, Waveney v Hemsby.

Thursday, August 21

Premier Division (kick-off 6.30pm): Loddon United v Beccles Town.

Division Six: Corton Reserves v Martham Reserves.

Saturday, August 23

Norfolk Senior Cup, first round (kick-off 2.30pm): Caister v Horsford United, Gayton United v Wells Town, St Andrews v Mattishall.

C S Morley (kick-off 2pm): Brandon Town Reserves v Long Stratton Reserves, Scole United Reserves v Easton Reserves.