SAL Rules 2019-2020 - click to download a PDF version
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1. dEFINITIONS
1. (A) In these Rules: “Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA. “AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition. “Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition. “Competition” means the Southern Amateur Football League. “Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition. “Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club. “Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition. “Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A. “Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A. “Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches. “Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company. “Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match. “Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment. “Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition, which requires that individual to make day-to-day decisions. “Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club. “Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played. “Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered. “Sanctioning Authority” means The Amateur Football Alliance Limited. “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C 3 (a) (i) of the rules of The FA. “Team Sheet” means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Competition match are listed. “The FA” means The Football Association Limited. “WGS” means the Whole Game System and the procedures for the operation thereof as determined by The FA from time to time. “Written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise. 2. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
2. (A) The Competition will be known as “The Southern Amateur Football League” (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club, which ceases to exist, or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition. (B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 60 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority. (C) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA. (D) All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7. (E) The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition. (F) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 1. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 14 in number. (G) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination (i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination, and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010). (ii) This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise. (iii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation. (H) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA, which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, Charter Standard and RESPECT programmes. (I) Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. (J) At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22. (K) Only one Team shall be permitted from any Club to participate in the same division as another Team from the same Club unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries. The Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority in the event of a division comprising of more than one Team from the same Club. 3. CLUB NAME
3. Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. 4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
4. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary by 31st January in any year and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee per Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election. (1). At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the AGM or an SGM. (B) The annual subscription shall be as set out in the Schedule of Fee Payments and Fines. Clubs may wish to apply for Associate Membership status ahead of becoming Full Members of the Competition and must be made in writing to the Secretary before the 31st January in any year accompanied by the entry fee (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) that shall be returned in the event of non-election. Associate Member Clubs wishing to become Full Member Clubs must make their application in writing before the 31st January in any year accompanied by the Entry Fee (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) that shall be returned in the event of non-election. Associate Membership Clubs may, at the discretion of the Management Committee, be invited to participate in the Challenge Cup Competitions. Associate Membership clubs may not participate in League Competition until they are granted Full Member Status. Exceptionally, at the discretion of the Management Committee, a club wishing to apply for Membership or Associate Membership to the Competition, but has failed to its application is received in writing by the Secretary at least 28 days prior to the date of the AGM and is accompanied by the membership fee (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) that shall be returned in the event of non-election. (C) In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 8. (D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee; annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid. (2 A, B, C). (E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Playing Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 2 A, B, C and 4. 5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
5. (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and five ordinary members who shall all be elected at the Annual General Meeting. (B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 31st May in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of they’re being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office; nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting. (C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee. (D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings. (E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. (F) All Officers of the Competition, other than those ex-officio Officers i.e. President, President Elect and Vice Presidents, are required to attend 50% of the Management Committee Meetings held between the dates of two consecutive AGMs. Officers who do not fulfil this requirement may not, at the discretion of the Management Committee, be nominated at the subsequent AGM for re-election to the management Committee and/or be requested to resign from the Management Committee. (G) The term of the President will consist of a fixed 3-year tenure. (H) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and other members, including at least representatives of 3 member clubs, who shall be elected at the AGM. All participants shall abide by the Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by the Football Association from time to time. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 3. 6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
6. (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers, as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association. (B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained, the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any club which may have withdrawn during the Season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season. (C) Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote. (D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified. With the exception of Rules 6(I), 8(H), and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may: (i) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or (ii) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or (iii) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or (iv) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate. Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above. Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable). The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate Association. (E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days. (F) More than 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof. (G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number. (H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 3. (I) Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid. (J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition. (K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season. (L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee. It may be transacted by electronic mail, telephone conference call meeting or facsimile. (M) The Management Committee shall call a Council Meeting comprising the members of the Management Committee and no more than two representatives from each Club to discuss the general working of the League whenever they deem it necessary and shall do so at least once a year, prior to the AGM. At such a Council Meeting, there shall not be any formal voting, nor will minutes be taken. Clubs failing to attend may be liable to a fine, under Schedule A number 4. (N) When, due to the urgent nature of the business, it is not practicable to call a special meeting of a sub-committee, a decision may be taken following consultation with senior members of the Management Committee by e-mail or conference telephone call if necessary. (O) Where any club appoints at the start or during the season one member to complete the duties of the Club Secretary, Match Secretary and Referees Secretary, that club shall also provide the details of two emergencies contact names and their contact details, which are also to be shown within the League Handbook. 7. PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEAL
7. (A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. (ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the Competition Match. (B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined. (C) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee, unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties. (D) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being heard. (i) All parties must have received 14 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend. (ii) Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response. (E) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct. (F) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to): (i) Invite submissions by the parties involved; (ii) Convene a hearing to hear the appeal; (iii) Permit new evidence; or (iv) Impose deadlines as are appropriate Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee. (G) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct. (H) All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) under Schedule A number 8. which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld, and the party not succeeding may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Management Committee. All such protests claims complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within fourteen days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted. 8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
8. (A) The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 20 members are present and entitled to vote:- (i) To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM. (ii) To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts. (iii) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies. (iv) Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season. (v) Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members. (vi) Appointment of auditors. (vii) Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14). (viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition. (ix) Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Step 7, which shall be determined by The FA). (x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM. (B) A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes. (C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM. (D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM. (E) Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12. (F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands unless a ballot is demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides. (G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Club. (H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 8. (I) Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting. 9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS (SGM)
9. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM. The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time. At least fourteen (14) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the Management Committee. Any continuing member club must be represented at a Special General Meeting. Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Schedule of fines. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 4. Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs. At this meeting business shall be transacted provided that at least 20 delegates and 7 members of the League Management Committee are present and entitled to vote. 10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
10. Each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement, which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the application for membership for the coming Season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. “We, (A) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Chairman)/(Director)and (B) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Secretary)/(Director)of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the [ ] Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.” The agreement shall be signed by: [i] Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or [ii] Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club. Any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the Amateur Football Alliance the County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 1. 11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLU
11. (A) Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st March each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22(B). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the schedule of fines. (B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the schedule of fines. (C) Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6(I), in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions. 12. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
12. (A) At the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office; (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club, which is the subject of the vote being taken, shall be excluded from voting. (B) At the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting. (C) Any Officer or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of clause (A) and/or (B) of this Rule. (D) The Management Committee shall have the power to ban or expel any Club or named individual from playing in the League, engaging in Club administration, attending any League function if it considers that the Club or individual’s participation is of undesirable conduct and detrimental to the best interests of the League. Any decision made by the League shall be in accordance with FA Rules. Any club that expels a player independently of action taken by the Management Committee shall inform the Secretary of the League within 7 days of the decision. (E) The procedure to be followed by the Management Committee or duly appointed sub-committee in pursuing Rule 6 (D), Rule 18 (B)(iv) and or Rule 12 (C) 12 (D). a. The Management Committee has the ability to invite any Club(s) and/or their representative(s) in writing to attend before the Management Committee or appointed Sub-Committee with at least 14 days clear notice of the time, date and venue. b. Full details of the offence shall be stated in the letter. c. The Clubs and/or their representatives shall be given the opportunity to address the Committee, produce documents and call witnesses if the individual so desires, and may be assisted by not more than one other person to support the individual or speak on his behalf in so doing. d. After the Clubs and/or their representatives has been heard by the Committee and the case has been considered, a two thirds majority of the members of the Committee present and voting in favour is required for the recommendation that the player, official or member of a Club is to be suspended or expelled. e. If the Committee votes to recommend the suspension or expulsion of a Member Club, player, official or member of a Club, an SGM must be called within 28 days of the Committee Meeting. A two-thirds majority of the members present and voting is required to order the suspension or expulsion of player, official or member of a Club. f. If the required majority of votes for suspension or expulsion have not been obtained under (iv) or (v) above, the matter is closed and may not be reopened in the same season. g. Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee, appointed sub-committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken, may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the AFA (procedure to be followed is set out in the AFA handbook), including a fee of (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) for adjudication of an AFA Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The AFA Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the AFA Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. 13. TROPHY
13. (A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy: - “We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chairman and Secretary of [ ] FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before 1ST February If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.” Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule of fines, under Schedule A number 10a. (B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit. 14. ALTERATION TO RULES
14. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season.Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30th April in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 31st May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 31st May. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if two thirds of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour. A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting. 15. FINANCE
15. (A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged. (B) All expenditure in excess of £500 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee. (C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 30th April. (D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting. 16. INSURANCE
16. (A) All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times. (B) All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 4. 17. DISSOLUTION
17. (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant Special General Meeting. (B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition. (C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows: (i) Any surplus assets, save for a trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority. (ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide. 18. MATCH RELATED RULES - QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
18. (A) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible has: (i) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club, which is submitted to the Competition prior to the Player playing and whose registration has been confirmed by the Competition prior to that Player playing in a Competition Match; Or (ii) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club, and submitted to the Competition within four days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The Player shall not play again on a subsequent match day until the Club is in possession of the approval of the Competition. Or (iii) Registered through WGS. Any registration form which is sent by either of the means set out at Rules 18(A) (i) or (ii) above that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed. If a Club attempts to register a player via WGS but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via WGS, the registration will not be processed. For Clubs registering Players under Rules 18(A) (i) or (ii), registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering Players via WGS (under Rule 18 (A) (iii)), Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process. (i) Contract players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland. (ii) Each Club must have at least sufficient players registered 7 days before the start of each Playing Season. (C) A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) to any club(s) shall be permitted to register and play for a Club in Competition Matches, save that the Player may be liable to be suspended from playing for that Club should the Player fail to comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt. (D) A fee as set out in Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines shall be paid by each club for each player registered. (E) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes. In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club, priority of registration shall decide for which Club the Player shall be registered. The League’s Honorary Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration. (F) It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to: - (i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred. (ii) Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer. (iii) Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through WGS for registration that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. (G) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18(G) (ii) and (iii) below. (ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Schedule of fines) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7). (iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition. (iv) For a Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18(G) (iii) but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute. (Note: Action under Rule 18(G) (iii) shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.) (H) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C2(a) when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer form (in a format as determined by the Competition) to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the club for which the player is registered. Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the Competition Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date 2 days after receipt of such transfer. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision. (I) A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 8th September except by special permission of the Management Committee. (J) A Club shall keep a list of the Players it registers and a record of all matches in which those Players have played for the Club, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. (K) A register containing the names of all Players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Registrations Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of an Officer of the Club at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only. In the event of a Non Contract Player without a written contract changing his status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a club in another competition his registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18(B) (i). (L) A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule 22(A) unless the Player has played 5 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season. (M) (i) Subject to Rule 18(M)(ii), any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied it upon it a fine in accordance with the fines tariff. (ii) The Management Committee may vary the decision in respect relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(M)(i) only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status. (iii) Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(M)(i) above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion: a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee). (N) The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education: - Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule of fines. (ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday leagues competitions). (iii) To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16. (O) (i) In all matches in which it competes, each Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI; its second strongest team in is 2nd XI and so on. (ii) Sectional Strength. On any match day, irrespective of a Club not fielding all its sides, the team(s) that do play, must, including any substitute players be of a relative sectional strength for each fixture. (iii) Clubs are expected to hold regular selection meetings or a comparable electronic selection programme to select sides of relevant sectional strength (A Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in is 2nd XI etc.). Any Team not selected in accordance with sectional strength rules as stated above may have championship, promotion or SAL Cup revoked by the Emergency, Discipline and General Purposes Sub Committee. 19. CLUB COLOURS
19. Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 1st August who shall decide as to their suitability. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee. Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials. No Player, including the goalkeeper shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 3 days before the Competition Match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two teams have the same or similar colours, the home team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 12/13. Each team must have shirts uniquely numbered, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the fines tariff, under Schedule A number 17. 20. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
20. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the date for the commencement of the season. Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless objections are received by the League Match Secretary may arrange that Club’s fixtures. Any Club failing to be represented at a fixture meeting or otherwise infringing this Rule, shall be liable for a fine (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) and the Management Committee or the League match Secretary may arrange that Club’s fixtures, under Schedule A number 4. (B) All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board. Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed. The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground. Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C). Within the National League System (“NLS”), all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All Competition Matches outside of the NLS shall have duration of 90 minutes, unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes. In such instances where two matches have been scheduled, each match shall have a duration of 60 minutes (30 minutes each way). These matches shall be played one after the other on the same ground. The first played match will be deemed to be the home “match” of the host club, and the second played match will be deemed to be the “home match” of the visiting club. The times of kick-off shall be fixed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs prior to the scheduled date of the Competition Match with written notification given to the Competition at least 7 days prior. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. (C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary. In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed). Clubs shall be permitted to request the Competition’s Fixtures Secretary for a fixture to be held on a midweek day and when so agreed the home (host) Club must provide 10 clear days’ notice of the match to the Competition’s Fixtures Secretary and the Referee’s Secretary. (D) An officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 14. (E) In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7. (F) (i) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to impose a fine (in accordance with the fines tariff), deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances. (ii) Any Club with more than one Team in the Competition shall always fulfill its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence:- First Team, Reserve Team, 3rd Team and so on a Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition commencing with its strongest players in the First Team and so on. Any postponement of a match by any Club will be from the bottom team upwards and will need the permission of the League Match Secretary. Any misuse of this Rule by a Club for the purpose of postponing the match (es) of other than that of a Club's bottom team may result in a fine and/or other sanctions being imposed on that Club by the Management Committee. A Club during the course of a season and by no later than 31st January each season shall be permitted to postpone a maximum of one match per team entered in the Competition while allowing a match (es) on the same date to be played by a team(s) of that Club lower than that of the team of the postponed match. The postponement of such a match will require the permission of the League Fixture Secretary and must be advised to the opposition Club at least 4 days prior to the date of the planned fixture and by no later than 20.00 hours on a Tuesday preceding a Saturday fixture. However, there will be instances where AFA Cup ties will take precedence over the playing of League games, therefore in cases of this nature it will be left to the discretion of the League Match Secretary to decide if the League game involving that Clubs bottom team is postponed. (iii) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the Fixtures Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. (iv) In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 7 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. (v) The Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a Competition Match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Competition Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Competition Match. (vi) The Management Committee shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18(N) above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed. (G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club may name up to 3 substitute Players who may be selected from 3 named players. A player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace a Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football. The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitute Players not later than 20 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match. A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition. (H) The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee. (I) The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who may wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her teammates. (J) All of the teams of each Club taking part in Competition Match shall provide to the Referee a (fully) completed pro-forma Competition Team sheet at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the match, Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 5. (K) The home Club will provide after match hospitality for the away Club and the match official(s). In the unusual event of the home Club being unable to provide after match hospitality that Club should pre-advise the away Club and the match official(s). The home Club must ensure that the match official(s) are hospitably entertained and provided with an after match meal or refreshment and a drink. The away Club is expected to stay after the game and accept the hospitality provided by the home Club, wherever the game is played. If a minimum of 6 players fail to return to the home Club's clubhouse or notified venue to accept the after match hospitality, the away Club will be required to reimburse the home Club for the hospitality costs. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 11. The requirement to reimburse will be waived only if the away Club's Match Secretary informs either the home Club's Match or Club Secretary by 22.00 hours on the Thursday before the Saturday game, or at least 48 hours prior to kick-off time if the match is played on a day other than a Saturday, that their team will not be returning to the home Club's clubhouse to accept the hospitality provided. It is expected that any issues concerning hospitality will be resolved amicably between Clubs without the intervention of the League. 21. REPORTING RESULTS
21. (A) The Results/Referee/Registration Secretary must receive within 4 days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. The Team sheet must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also the submission in the prescribed manner of the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 5. (B) Both home and away Clubs shall respond to the Full Time SMS text messages with the result of each League and League Challenge Cup match for Senior Section by 18.00 hours [22.00 hours for matches commencing after 15.00 hours] and for all other Sections by 22.00 hours on the day of the match Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 5. 22. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
22. (A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points. In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest). In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has the better playing record against the other Team in their head to head Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest. If the records of two or more Teams are still equal and it is necessary for any reason to determine the position of each then the Teams affected shall play a deciding match or matches under conditions as determined by the Management Committee. (B) Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first 2 Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last 2 Teams in each division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(K). (i) Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced, an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated. (ii) The League Management Committee reserve the right to balance out any of the divisions to make the competition fairer if required. (iii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways: (a) Retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or (b) Additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or (c) Election. (D) In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22(D) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee. 23. MATCH OFFICIALS
23. (A) Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority. (B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant referee appointed by the competing Teams. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine or dealt with, as the Management Committee shall determine. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. (C) Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall not provide a Club assistant referee. (D) The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted. (E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff. Match Officials will be paid their fees by home Club immediately after the Competition Match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 5d. In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to full fee. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered. Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided within 48 hours of the match. If a Club awards a mark of less than 61, a written report, justifying the mark, shall be submitted to the Referee’s Secretary within 5 days of the match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 16. (F) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to The FA/County FA. (G) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the Referees’ Secretary within two days of the Competition Match. (H) Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge. (I) Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition. 24. REPRESENTATIVE GAMES
24. The Management Committee may arrange representative games and a player selected to represent the League may not play for his club on the date of any such match without the consent of the Management Committee. When a member Club has two or more players selected to play for the SAL Representative Team that Club, may with the consent of the League Match Secretary, postpone its 1st team game scheduled for the date of the Representative game. 25. ADVERTISING
25. Advertising on players clothing is permitted providing that such advertising is in accordance with the Rule and appendix as set out in the current FA handbook. Details of any advertising and sponsorship must be submitted to the AFA for their approval. Players clothing shall not be permitted to carrying advertising until such time that permission for that advertising has been obtained by that Club from the AFA. Advertising on players clothing is permitted providing that such advertising is in accordance with the Rule and appendix as set out in the current FA handbook. Details of any advertising and sponsorship must be submitted to the AFA for their approval. Players clothing shall not be permitted to carrying advertising until such time that permission for that advertising has been obtained by that Club from the AFA. 26. EMERGENCY, DISCIPLINE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
This committee will be formed within 14 days of the receipt, by the Secretary of the Management Committee, of any reported serious offence(s) committed by any player(s) or Club(s) during any match day or over a season, as reported by any serving AFA or Southern Amateur Football League Management Committee Officer, League or Club appointed Referee or elected Officer of a Member Club. The Committee will consist of at least 3 Senior League Management Committee Members (with a duly elected Chairman) and shall have the power to deal with any matters that they see fit to investigate, whether or not they are provided for in the rules (but shall be in accordance with FA Rules). The Committee will have the ability to require any Club and/or individual to appear before them on any nominated date. This Committee will have the power to administer any penalty or fine or any costs the League incur as deemed necessary (but shall be in accordance with FA Rules) covering the nature of an individual incident or incidents over a season committed by any player or Club. Any decision made by this Committee will need confirmation from the full Management Committee at their next Committee meeting and follow the misconduct procedures stated within Rule 17. This Committee will have the power to revoke the awarding of any Championship or promoted side and/or Cup at the end of that season if in their opinion that team has not been selected consistently in accordance with the relative sectional strength Rules under Rule 8. In addition, this Committee will have the powers to deduct points from any individual team or all teams within that Club at the end of that playing season if it is agreed by that Committee that any team's or Club's actions are of undesirable conduct and are detrimental to the best interests of the League. In any hearing this Committee will have the power to make an order as to the costs of that hearing, as it considers appropriate. Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or appointed Sub-Committee of the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken, may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the AFA (procedure to be followed is set out in the AFA handbook), including the appropriate fee (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) for adjudication of an AFA Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The AFA Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. Fines Tariff, under Schedule A number 9. 27. RULES BINDING ON CLUBS
27. Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 17. Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct. 28. Schedule of Fees, Payments & Fines
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