Here are a few frequently asked questions about WIFC that are not covered elsewhere – please read and drop Rich or Charlie a message if there is something we need to add, or if you have any comments.

Q. How much are subs and when should they be paid ?

Subs are currently set at £5 per game and MUST be paid before kick-off to whoever has been noiminated ito collect. Failure to pay may result in not being selected to play. There will be an additional £1 added if subs are paid late for any reason.

Q. Is there an annual signing-on fee ?

Not as such – the £25 fee for playing at Worldnet and £5 matchday subs are set at the level they are to ensure the club has a float to pay for things like matchballs, kit, pitch/referee fees and website hosting as we go along. All full squad members are also expected to fully support any additional fund-raising exercises we undertake.

Q. What happens if I owe WIFC money ?

We will periodically issue a list of monies outstanding for each player. If the amount becomes too large, we will discuss each player’s outstanding amount with them and arrange payment over a period of time. In extreme cases we reserve the right not to select players that owe money to the club so please be aware. If you’re in any doubt about how much you may or may not owe, please drop Chris an Email.

Q. Is Injury insurance provided by WIFC ?

In a word, No. Because the IFA is not linked to, and is not recognised by the FA, insurance companies will not touch us as a club. The IFA is not willing to persue becoming officially recognised as this would mean members of the IFA committee having to take on the responsibility of adhering to the numerous rules and regulations of the FA. We would also then also have the issue of paying league fees for all the administration that would result from this.

All this means it is the responsibility of each player to ensure they are adequately covered against a nasty injury. As the IFA gets a little more serious each year we encourage everyone to, at the very least, look into the costs. The IFA is not like Sunday League and is not run as such. You play for WIFC at your own risk and each of us needs to consider the implications of a bad injury.

Q. What is the difference between a full squad player and an associated player ?

The full squad system allows those running the club to have a bit of control on how many active players we have. We know that some people would prefer not to have the hassle of being expected to reply to availability threads, and we don’t want the hassle of chasing those people down every week.

Basically, anybody who has a squad number is considered to be a full squad player. Being a full squad player means that you understand that whether you’re going to be available much or not is irrelevant but you are happy to commit to replying to all availability threads that go up on here, continuing to play in the IFA spirit and generally being an active player for the team.

Most importantly, this DOES NOT mean that anyone who is an associated player is not welcome to play – far from it. Any associated player, be they new to the club, retired, semi-retired or just unable to commit to playing regularly is more than welcome to make themselves available for any WIFC match or event. As said above, we just need to know who our fully active players are.

Q. How do I stay, or become a full squad player ?

Going forward, full squad players will need only appear in one game during a season or at Worldnet to retain full squad status. If we don’t hear from you on a regular basis, or you finish a season without an appearance, don’t be surprised if we ask you to give up your squad number. Any vacated squad numbers will be offered to everyone else.

For newer players, once you make your WIFC debut, you will be offered a squad number if you wish to join the full squad. Returning players who previously had a squad number and lost it for whatever reason will also be able to claim a squad number if re-joining for regular football.

If there are any questions/comments about this post, please contact Rich by Email.