Reporting procedures for Week 2

Dear All: Clubs and League Managers.

As you are all aware, GMS crashed last Friday. All areas had a meeting with EH/GMS on Tuesday evening, where it was clear that EH are very upset at the way they have been let down by the contractors. Just now is not the time for recriminations, they are firmly focused on fixing the problems. Independent specialists have been brought in, a lot of work has gone on, and they have been stress testing today, and continuing tomorrow.

EH have made a decision this evening, that they will be able to provide only limited access to priority groups, and that they will proceed cautiously, and guided by the specialists. It will probably be an area-by-area introduction. They want to ensure it works.

Following the EH guidance, the East League has decided that we will proceed as follows:

1. This weekend (and may be longer), Team Sheets will be back to a paper-based system, to be emailed to League Managers by 9.00pm on Monday. Please ensure you keep the sheets, they will be required to be entered digitally in due course, together with the Sheets from last week.

2. By Friday 8.00pm, all home teams from last Saturday should email or text their League Manager with the result, score, and any red or yellow cards. (If you did a fixture reversal, please ensure which club is to enter the result, and make it clear.)

3. By 8.00pm on Saturday, again the home teams are to email or text the result etc.

4. League Managers will upload the results.

5. The same process will roll on until further notice.

6. Other functions will be brought as and when the specialists think it prudent.

Having had conversations with EH, and been on conferences, I can assure you that EH are working very hard: individuals are, to use their own words, “gutted”: they have been badly hurt by the assurances they were given which have proved worthless. I know many of you scorn GMS: but it is here to stay; it will be made to work; and the League fully support that. Once we are given clearance, we will expect 100% compliance: please respect it.

Thank you for your patience in the meantime.

Rosemary Prince, Chair Chris Perry, Secretary: 28.09.2022