Scarborough Saturday and Sunday Leagues expunge cup competitions and leagues

The Scarborough & District Saturday and Sunday Leagues, and all cup competitions, for 2019-20 have been declared and null and void due to coronavirus.
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A joint-league statement from the leagues said: “The North Riding FA issued a statement last week (see below).

"The League Management Committees have reviewed the situation over the weekend and made the decision to follow the FA recommendations.

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"The results of the 2019/20 season have therefore been expunged and no further league or league cup games will be played.

"We appreciate how very disappointing this will be to some clubs who have had a great season both on Saturdays and Sundays but we felt that there was no real alternative that would be fair to all teams across all competitions. This is also in line with all the other Football Leagues in the Scarborough area.

"We are now moving on to the 2020/21 season which will hopefully start on time. The Management Committees will be looking at a restructuring of the league for presentation at the AGM, although it is more than likely AGM may be conducted via email."

The North Riding FA Statement said: "Following The FA’s statement yesterday announcing the conclusion of the 2019/20 football season, the North Riding FA Board of Directors met this morning via video conference call to discuss the implications for football across the county.

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"The Directors of North Riding FA agreed to support The FA’s strong and clear recommendation that leagues should consider expunging all results for the 2019/20 season in line with the National League System and Women’s Pyramid. Following this guidance, we believe, will allow for consistency across the grassroots game in North Riding. As a Board and staff we will endeavour to provide the utmost support to leagues over the coming weeks and months.

"It is the intention of North Riding FA to conclude the 2019/20 County Cup competitions when football resumes. This decision will be revisited on 30th April 2020 and if necessary, will be continuously reviewed thereafter, in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.

"Finally, the North Riding FA Board of Directors would like to confirm that entry to our 2020/21 County Cup competitions will be free to all clubs.

"We send everyone involved in football across the county our best wishes at this challenging time and hope that you are finding ways to stay healthy in line the Government’s advice about social distancing. Please stay safe and we look forward to the resumption of football when the time arrives."

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Saturday League secretary John Orrah said: “We know this isn’t an ideal situation for all but we really had no choice looking forward, it’s a shame but the wellbeing of everyone not just local league footballers, supporters and spectators is a priority and the call by the FA is obviously the right one for grassroots football.

“I’m sure everyone in the league would have been looking forward to the finish of the three-horse race for the Division One title.

“In Division Two Edgehill Reserves are the real losers as they had already clinched the title and been presented with the shield with West Pier Reserves finishing runners-up.

“As a committee we’d like to thank all those in the care sector and in the NHS on the front-line saving lives and urge everyone to stay home and stay safe.”

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Sunday League secretary Paddy Parke added: “It is such a shame that a great season has ended like this, as it was very close with a lot of teams going for the titles, but at a time like this everyone’s health and safety is the main priority.”

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