Scottish Amateur Football Association - 1940-1945 The War Years

1940-1945 The War Years

During the war years an Emergency Committee was formed to run the SAFA affairs and some interesting matters were unearthed. In 1942 four players from Law Boys Guild were suspended “sine die” for betting on the outcome of a game against Larkhall Rangers. Whilst in 1943, a James Ashwood of Coatbridge Thistle was suspended “sine die” for playing whilst a professional and having forged a reinstatement certificate.

By 1943, however, twelve Associations/Leagues had rejoined the SAFA including Lothian AFA, the Scottish Amateur Football League, the West of Scotland AFA, and ninety eight teams entered a “West Cup”. At the SAFA AGM of 1944, a National Registration Scheme was discussed and rejected and the SAFA, who ran Under 18 and 16 leagues, approached the SFA to have all Youth Football under their control. The SFA AGM turned this proposal down. The SAFA membership fee was five shillings (25p) per club or two and sixpence (12.5p) if the club had youth section.

The 1945 AGM attracted only fourteen Associations/Leagues and was not quorate though by July that year it was agreed to restart Scottish and District Cups together with the Under 18 and Under 16 national competitions.

There were sixty nine entries for the Scottish Cup and eighty eight for the West of Scotland Cup