With a lot of games being played on astro 3 or 4g or even grass with a 2 hour let slot, don't you think west ties should go straight to penalties.

The reason is west replays where cut out a few years back to stop the back log of fixtures with Scottish, league etc, but its causing more problems because you have to have a 3 hour let to cover, if it goes to extra time and penalties. That costs teams an extra 40 to 50 at the very least for a extra hour, which most teams cant afford. Even if teams do manage to get 3 hours which is very rare, its generally 2 hour lets most places can only give which does not cover the possible extra time and penalties.

Its just with these astro complexes a lot of teams want to play at these days, they are very strict time wise so when this first came out it was not a problem because we all played on the same parks every week which were a bit more flexible you could get the game done but not now.

Got to agree with you Greig we pay enough for 3g facilities not just for games but also training common sense should prevail especially with our weather dont know what MORRIS" thoughts would be through but i could hazard a guess!!!!

It would help Morris to get these games played guvnor, teams could book anywhere knowing they have the whole game covered.

Good point made.
Although Im sure auld Mo would need to set about changing the rulebook for this. He's got plenty of time on his hands to do it!!

XXXL - If only I could change the Rule Book. But you know, if I changed it to what is always sensible (that means of course what I think is sensible!!) how many other people are going to agree with me?

But if you want West Cup ties going straight to penalties, I don't have a problem with that as Match Secretary. All you need to do is persuade the SAFA AGM in June to change the rule. So its over to you at Ashvale Vics, XXXL.

On the issue raised about booking 3G pitches, of course I realise the problem with a booking system geared up to 2 hour slots. All I can do is make sure clubs realise if they go for a two hour slot that they will be in difficulty if its a draw at the end of 90 minutes. Roughly 90% of matches are decided in normal time. But the Cup Rules are clear.....the home club is responsible for arranging a pitch on which the match can be completed. If they opt for a two hour slot they know they are taking a chance. Amending the Rule as you suggest would deal with that problem and if the clubs want it all they have to do is put it forward and vote it through.

Agree with Greig......for once. As Morris says its up to the clubs to change it at the AGM. Get there and get voting!

Good advice Burst Balloon! However there has to be something on the agenda to vote on.

Anybody seeking a change in the Rules has to do it as set out on Page 53 (Rule 17) of the SAFA 2011/12 Handbook. A club has to get its Secretary to send a letter setting out the change being proposed to the SAFA by 31st March. A separate letter has to be sent by a another club seconding the proposal to change the rule.

Greig why don't we do it???

a good solution to problems of weather,fitxtures backlog etc but i think it might take away from the buzz when you are playing the game, as players we all know how good or bad it feels when in extra time your team gets that winner.
we will just need to see what happens over the next couple of years and if it gets voted through,
i am thinking managers may prefer this but as a player i doubt i would like to go straight to penalties as normally they are a lottery!!