Fair play is a fundamental part of the game of football. It represents the positive benefits of playing by the rules, using common sense and respecting fellow players, referees, opponents and fans. Photo credit: supplied

THE BVIFA Knock out Competitions will start on September 23, with the Wendoll Williams Cup followed by the Terry Evans Cup. After the conclusion of the knockouts the National League will begin. Photo credit: Charlie Jackson

With the two group format, the Islanders will have an even easier time in the 2012/13 league with half the strongest rivals in another group. Photo credit: Charlie Jackson/ VINO

Although the actual FIFA Fair Play Day is September 8, 2012, the BVIFA had no choice but to hold its festivities on Sunday due to the unavailability of the AO Shirley Ground on Saturday.

According to Acting General Secretary of the BVIFA, Mr. Alfred Reid “The plan is to have a series of 7-a-side games for both men and women on Tortola, and a regular game involving two teams in Virgin Gorda beginning at 7 pm on Sunday at the VG Recreational Grounds.”

Split into two groups, the following clubs are expected to take part, Group A- Haitian Stars, Islanders and Panthers. Group B- Ballstars, Rebel FC, Old Madrid and Wolues.

The Clubs in Virgin Gorda will organise games amongst themselves.

The Women will also play on Tortola, with Panthers and Ballstars and possibly a women's team from VG.

Fair play is a fundamental part of the game of football. It represents the positive benefits of playing by the rules, using common sense and respecting fellow players, referees, opponents and fans.

To give fair play more visibility, FIFA created a programme that turned the generic notion into a simple design and an easy-to-understand code of conduct that must be recognised and respected by players and fans alike.

While fair play should apply in football throughout the year, FIFA has, since 1997, dedicated one week of its international match calendar every year to praising and promoting the spirit of fair play. During these FIFA Fair Play Days, FIFA calls on its member associations to organise activities dedicated to fair play and to highlight its importance both on and off the pitch.

The BVIFA Competitions Committee has also announced plans for the 2012/2013 season. 

The knock out competitions will start on September 23, with the Wendoll Williams Cup followed by the Terry Evans Cup. After the conclusion of the knockouts the National League will begin.

Being introduced for the upcoming league season is the concept of a Premier League and a new National League Format.

This season the National League will be split into two groups with each team being placed depending on their finishing position in last year’s league. Teams finishing in the odd number places will form one group with the “evens” forming the other; the two new teams wishing to take part in the League, the East End Eagles and Rebels FC,  will be allocated to each of the groups, at the discretion of the Competition Committee.

At the end of this season the top three teams from each group will then form the premier league for 2013/14 with the rest of the teams reforming into the National League.