1. dEFINITION
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.
“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.
“Club” means a Club for the time being in membership of the Competition and “Team” means a side from a Club especially where a Club provides more than one Team in a division in accordance with the Rules.
“Competition” means the Southern Amateur Football League.
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
(B) 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.
(C) 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 16.
(D) 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.
(E) 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.
“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.
“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.
“Club” means a Club for the time being in membership of the Competition and “Team” means a side from a Club especially where a Club provides more than one Team in a division in accordance with the Rules.
“Competition” means the Southern Amateur Football League.
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
(B) 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.
(C) 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 16.
(D) 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.
(E) 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.
2. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
2. (A) This Competition shall consist of not more than 60 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
(B) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D” to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association(s) and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 14 in number.
(C) 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. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than via transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.
(D) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination
(ii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.
(E) 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.
(F) 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.
(G) At the Annual General Meeting or at 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 12.
(B) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D” to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association(s) and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 14 in number.
(C) 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. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than via transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.
(D) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination
(ii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.
(E) 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.
(F) 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.
(G) At the Annual General Meeting or at 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 12.
3. Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit
3. (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 the Entry Fee as set out in the Schedule of Fees Payments & Fines which shall be returned in the event of non-election.
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 Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be as set out in the Schedule of Fees Payments & 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 31st of 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 to the Secretary before 31st of 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 submit its application by 31st January in any year may be considered for membership provided the application is received in writing by the Secretary at least 28 days prior to the date of the AGM and is accompanied by the entry 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 by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.
(F) The Annual Subscription for each club and each team entered shall be (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) 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 by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit.
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 Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be as set out in the Schedule of Fees Payments & 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 31st of 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 to the Secretary before 31st of 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 submit its application by 31st January in any year may be considered for membership provided the application is received in writing by the Secretary at least 28 days prior to the date of the AGM and is accompanied by the entry 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 by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.
(F) The Annual Subscription for each club and each team entered shall be (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines) 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 by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit.
4. The Management Committee
4. (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and up to a maximum of 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 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 there 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 with no more than three calendar months between each meeting.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the 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 nominated Officers.
(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.
(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers 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 there 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 with no more than three calendar months between each meeting.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the 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 nominated Officers.
(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.
5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
5. (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 Football Association 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 and Vice Presidents 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 apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman 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 5(I), 6(H) and 19, for all breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given seven days from the date of notification of the charge to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to:-
(i) Accept or deny the charge
(ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
(iii) Put their case before the Management Committee at a personal hearing
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.
Any fines levied shall be in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within ten days.
(F) More than fifty percent (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.
(I) All fines and charges are payable forthwith and must be paid within 21 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 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 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 Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee 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 any formal voting nor will minutes be taken. Clubs failing to attend may be liable to a fine (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
(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 emergency contact names and their contact details, which are also to be shown within the League Handbook.
(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 and Vice Presidents 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 apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman 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 5(I), 6(H) and 19, for all breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given seven days from the date of notification of the charge to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to:-
(i) Accept or deny the charge
(ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
(iii) Put their case before the Management Committee at a personal hearing
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.
Any fines levied shall be in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within ten days.
(F) More than fifty percent (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.
(I) All fines and charges are payable forthwith and must be paid within 21 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 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 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 Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee 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 any formal voting nor will minutes be taken. Clubs failing to attend may be liable to a fine (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
(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 emergency contact names and their contact details, which are also to be shown within the League Handbook.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
6. (A) The Annual General Meeting 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 Annual General Meeting.
(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 ensuing season.
(v) Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vi) Appointment of Auditors.
(vii) Alteration of Rules, if any.
(viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
(ix) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed change of Rules.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to Sanctioning Authority within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the 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 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands unless a ballot be 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 Annual General Meeting.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
(i) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.
(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 ensuing season.
(v) Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vi) Appointment of Auditors.
(vii) Alteration of Rules, if any.
(viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
(ix) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed change of Rules.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to Sanctioning Authority within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the 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 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands unless a ballot be 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 Annual General Meeting.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
7. The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club which is an unincorporated Association and two directors of each Club which is an incorporated entity 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 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 16.”
Any alteration of the Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the Competition.
“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 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 16.”
Any alteration of the Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the Amateur Football Alliance County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the Competition.
8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
8. (A) (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 signing a registration form for that 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) While serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces, a player must first obtain the consent of his Association Secretary before signing a registration form to play for the Club.
(iii) Each Club must have at least sufficient Players registered 7 days before the start of each Playing Season.
(B) All players competing in matches under the jurisdiction of the League must be registered playing members of their Club.
Before the start of the season, each Club must agree an initial list of all its players, including those playing in veterans or friendly match teams, for the coming season with the League’s Honorary Registration Secretary. The information required for each player is: full name, address, and date of birth.
Additional players may be registered on the day of a match provided that full information is received by the League's Honorary Registration Secretary within 4 days of the match or registered through WGS.
For Clubs registering players via WGS Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process.
(C) (i) In all matches in which it competes, each Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in its 2nd XI and so on.
(ii) Sectional Strength. If on any match day a Club is 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 relative sectional strength ( A Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in its 2nd XI and so on) . Any team not selected in accordance with sectional strength rules as stated above may have any championship, promotion or SAL Cup revoked by the Emergency, Discipline and General Purposes Sub Committee.
(D) 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 the Competition, 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.
(E) A fee as set out in the Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines shall be paid by each Club.
(F) 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 Registration Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be a breach of Rule for a player to:-
(i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being transferred.
(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the Competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer.
(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 who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 16).
(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 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.
(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (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 Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. 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 a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.)
(I) 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 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 three days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within three 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 or 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.
(J) A player already registered for a Club may not transfer to another Club in the Competition after 15th September of that season except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the (Registration) Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one season only.
In the event of a 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 player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 8(A)(i).
(M) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A) unless the player has played [5] games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine. The Management Committee may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.
The Management Committee may vary this decision in respect of the points gained 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.
In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.
(O) (The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):-
(i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday Leagues).
(iii) To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player signing a registration form for that 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) While serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces, a player must first obtain the consent of his Association Secretary before signing a registration form to play for the Club.
(iii) Each Club must have at least sufficient Players registered 7 days before the start of each Playing Season.
(B) All players competing in matches under the jurisdiction of the League must be registered playing members of their Club.
Before the start of the season, each Club must agree an initial list of all its players, including those playing in veterans or friendly match teams, for the coming season with the League’s Honorary Registration Secretary. The information required for each player is: full name, address, and date of birth.
Additional players may be registered on the day of a match provided that full information is received by the League's Honorary Registration Secretary within 4 days of the match or registered through WGS.
For Clubs registering players via WGS Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process.
(C) (i) In all matches in which it competes, each Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in its 2nd XI and so on.
(ii) Sectional Strength. If on any match day a Club is 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 relative sectional strength ( A Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in its 2nd XI and so on) . Any team not selected in accordance with sectional strength rules as stated above may have any championship, promotion or SAL Cup revoked by the Emergency, Discipline and General Purposes Sub Committee.
(D) 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 the Competition, 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.
(E) A fee as set out in the Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines shall be paid by each Club.
(F) 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 Registration Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be a breach of Rule for a player to:-
(i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being transferred.
(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the Competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer.
- Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through WGS for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
(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 who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 16).
(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 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.
(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (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 Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. 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 a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.)
(I) 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 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 three days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within three 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 or 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.
(J) A player already registered for a Club may not transfer to another Club in the Competition after 15th September of that season except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the (Registration) Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one season only.
In the event of a 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 player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 8(A)(i).
(M) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A) unless the player has played [5] games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine. The Management Committee may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.
The Management Committee may vary this decision in respect of the points gained 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.
In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.
(O) (The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):-
(i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday Leagues).
(iii) To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.
9. CLUB COLOURS, CLUB NAME
9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts, shorts and socks with the Secretary by 1st August who shall decide as to their suitability.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which 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 colour of the goalkeepers jersey) at least [3] days before the match.
When the colours of competing Clubs are similar the home Club shall change its shirts and, if required, its shorts and socks in order to ensure that there is not a clash of colours unless mutually agreed arrangements have been made between the Clubs to the contrary. Shirts must be uniquely numbered.
If, in the opinion of the Referee, a colour clash occurs with either the Referee or the teams and the situation cannot be remedied causing the match to be postponed, the offending team shall be liable to a fine, points deduction or both.
The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which 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 colour of the goalkeepers jersey) at least [3] days before the match.
When the colours of competing Clubs are similar the home Club shall change its shirts and, if required, its shorts and socks in order to ensure that there is not a clash of colours unless mutually agreed arrangements have been made between the Clubs to the contrary. Shirts must be uniquely numbered.
If, in the opinion of the Referee, a colour clash occurs with either the Referee or the teams and the situation cannot be remedied causing the match to be postponed, the offending team shall be liable to a fine, points deduction or both.
The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.
10. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY. TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES. HOSPITALITY
10. (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 within 14 days of their issue.
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.
(B) All 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 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 matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground.
Football Turf pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf pitches. For clubs playing at Step 7 and below a pitch 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 10(D).
All matches 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 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 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 matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a 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 to 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 Referees' Secretary.
(D) The Secretary 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 the Secretary 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.
(E) A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match.
(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 inflict a fine, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any 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 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 fulfil 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 March each season shall be permitted to postpone a maximum of two matches 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 2 days prior to the date of the planned fixture and by no later than 20.00 hours on a Thursday 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 fixture 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 match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall 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 power to order the match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.
(v) The Management Committee shall review all 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 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 match to the opponent. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match.
(vi) The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association 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 8(O) above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 3 substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 3 named players.
Except for matches played at Step 7 of the National League System 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 substitutes not later than 20 minutes before the start of the match and a Player not so named may not take part in that match.
A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the Referee.
(I) The Cubs taking part in fixture Competition Match shall identify a team captain who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her team mates.
(J) 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 (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
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.
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.
(B) All 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 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 matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground.
Football Turf pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf pitches. For clubs playing at Step 7 and below a pitch 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 10(D).
All matches 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 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 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 matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a 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 to 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 Referees' Secretary.
(D) The Secretary 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 the Secretary 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.
(E) A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match.
(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 inflict a fine, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any 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 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 fulfil 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 March each season shall be permitted to postpone a maximum of two matches 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 2 days prior to the date of the planned fixture and by no later than 20.00 hours on a Thursday 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 fixture 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 match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall 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 power to order the match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.
(v) The Management Committee shall review all 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 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 match to the opponent. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match.
(vi) The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association 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 8(O) above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 3 substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 3 named players.
Except for matches played at Step 7 of the National League System 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 substitutes not later than 20 minutes before the start of the match and a Player not so named may not take part in that match.
A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the Referee.
(I) The Cubs taking part in fixture Competition Match shall identify a team captain who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her team mates.
(J) 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 (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
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.
11. REPORTING RESULTS
11. (A) The Results/Referee/Registration Secretary must receive within 2 days (4 days for the completion of Team Sheets) 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 13, or any other information required by the Competition.
(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.
(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.
12. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
12. (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 match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points.
In circumstances where two or more teams are equal on points team rankings shall be determined by goal difference where the goals scored against by each team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that team and the largest positive difference shall be placed the highest. In the event of the goal difference being equal the highest placed team shall be the team which has scored the most goals. In the event that two or more teams have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals then the highest placed team shall be the team which has won the most matches.
In the event of the two 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 Season will be the highest placed team.
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 as determined by the Management Committee.
(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first 2 and last 2 teams in each Division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(B).
(i) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one Division after the fixtures have commenced an equal number of teams to those withdrawing in that Division shall not be automatically relegated.
(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled on any of the following ways:
(a) retention of otherwise relegated team(s)
(b) additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the Division below
(c) election
(C) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 12(C) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.
In circumstances where two or more teams are equal on points team rankings shall be determined by goal difference where the goals scored against by each team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that team and the largest positive difference shall be placed the highest. In the event of the goal difference being equal the highest placed team shall be the team which has scored the most goals. In the event that two or more teams have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals then the highest placed team shall be the team which has won the most matches.
In the event of the two 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 Season will be the highest placed team.
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 as determined by the Management Committee.
(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first 2 and last 2 teams in each Division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(B).
(i) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one Division after the fixtures have commenced an equal number of teams to those withdrawing in that Division shall not be automatically relegated.
(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled on any of the following ways:
(a) retention of otherwise relegated team(s)
(b) additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the Division below
(c) election
(C) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 12(C) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.
13. REFEREES
13. (A) Registered Referees (and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA) for all 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 Assistant Referees, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a Referee or Assistant Referee in any open age competition.
(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 matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground. The Representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee. See Schedule of Fees Payments & Fines.
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees before/immediately after the match.
(F) In the event of a 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 match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee.
(G) 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 Association with which he or she is registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I) 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 Football Association/County Association.
(J) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the Referees' Secretary within two days of the match.
(K) The Competition Rules shall appear on the League's website.
Upon request to the Referees' Secretary Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
(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 Assistant Referees, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a Referee or Assistant Referee in any open age competition.
(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 matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground. The Representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee. See Schedule of Fees Payments & Fines.
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees before/immediately after the match.
(F) In the event of a 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 match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee.
(G) 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 Association with which he or she is registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I) 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 Football Association/County Association.
(J) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the Referees' Secretary within two days of the match.
(K) The Competition Rules shall appear on the League's website.
Upon request to the Referees' Secretary Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
- Referees and Assistant Referees shall have undertaken a Respect briefing offered by the FA/County FA or the League.
14. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
14. (A) A 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.
(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.
(C) In the event of a Member Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee are empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
(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.
(C) In the event of a Member Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee are empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
15. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS
15.(A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to 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 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 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 Schedule of Fees Payments and Fines. 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 enquiry 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 the Club should indicate such when forwarding the written response.
(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 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 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 Schedule of Fees Payments and Fines. 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 enquiry 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 the Club should indicate such when forwarding the written response.
16. PROTESTS, APPEALS
16. (A) 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 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.
(B) 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.
(C) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
(D) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within fourteen (14) days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee 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.
(E) If so requested the Management Committee may arbitrate on any disputes, protests, appeals, claims or complaints between two Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee. Such arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties to the arbitration.
(F) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
(B) 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.
(C) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
(D) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within fourteen (14) days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee 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.
(E) If so requested the Management Committee may arbitrate on any disputes, protests, appeals, claims or complaints between two Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee. Such arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties to the arbitration.
(F) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
17. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAMS MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
17. (A) At the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for the purpose, 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 exclude any Club or Team from membership 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 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 19, 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.
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 5 (D), Rule 8 (A)(iv) and or Rule 17 (C) 17 (D) and Rule 24.
(i) 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.
(ii) Full details of the offence shall be stated in the letter.
(iii) 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.
(iv) 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.
(v) 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.
(vi) 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.
(vii) 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.
(B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, 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.
- Any official 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 expulsion or 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) of this Rule.
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 5 (D), Rule 8 (A)(iv) and or Rule 17 (C) 17 (D) and Rule 24.
(i) 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.
(ii) Full details of the offence shall be stated in the letter.
(iii) 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.
(iv) 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.
(v) 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.
(vi) 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.
(vii) 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.
18. TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER, AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED, AWARDS
18. (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.”
(B) At the close of each Competition awards may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
(C) A Competition Cup or Trophy shall be vested in the Association sanctioning the Competition as Trustees.
(D) The winners of a Southern Amateur Football League Cup or Trophy must also return the Cup or Trophy in a clean, presentable condition. Failure to comply will result in a fine (see Schedule of Fees Payments and Fines).
(E) Attendance by a Club representative at the Annual and Presentation of Awards Dinner for any Club who have won a League Championship or Challenge Cup or other League Trophy will be mandatory. Any Club failing to attend this event will not have that relevant Trophy presented to them and the Management Committee will have the power to revoke the awarding of any Championship, Cup or other League Trophy at the end of that season.
“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.”
(B) At the close of each Competition awards may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
(C) A Competition Cup or Trophy shall be vested in the Association sanctioning the Competition as Trustees.
(D) The winners of a Southern Amateur Football League Cup or Trophy must also return the Cup or Trophy in a clean, presentable condition. Failure to comply will result in a fine (see Schedule of Fees Payments and Fines).
(E) Attendance by a Club representative at the Annual and Presentation of Awards Dinner for any Club who have won a League Championship or Challenge Cup or other League Trophy will be mandatory. Any Club failing to attend this event will not have that relevant Trophy presented to them and the Management Committee will have the power to revoke the awarding of any Championship, Cup or other League Trophy at the end of that season.
19. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
19. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least fourteen days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. 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.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
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.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a SGM without satisfactory reason being given may be fined (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least fourteen days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. 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.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
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.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a SGM without satisfactory reason being given may be fined (see Schedule of Fees, Payments and Fines)
20. ALTERATION TO RULES
20. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following season.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by the 30th of April. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by the 31st of May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by the date of the AGM. 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 and entitled to vote 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.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by the 30th of April. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by the 31st of May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by the date of the AGM. 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 and entitled to vote 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.
21. FINANCE
21. (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 some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
(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 some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
22. INSURANCE
22. All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least 10 million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.
All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident 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 Association. In instances where The Football Association is the sanctioning Association, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident 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 Association. In instances where The Football Association is the sanctioning Association, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
23. DISSOLUTION
23. (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a Special General Meeting 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 Association.
(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.
(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 Association.
(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.
24. RULES BINDING ON CLUBS
24. 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.
25. REPRESENTATIVE GAMES
25. 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.
26. Advertising
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.
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.
27. Emergency, Discipline & General Purposes Committee
27. 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.
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.
28. Schedule of Fees, Payments & Fines
| Description | Amount | Due Date/Period | ||
| 1 | League Entry Fee | £100 | Within 14 days of acceptance | |
| 2a | Annual Registration Fee per member Club (non Charter Standard) | £475 | Upon demand from the League | |
| 2b | Annual Registration Fee for Charter Standard member Club | £225 | Upon demand from the League | |
| (both of the above to include 2 tickets for the SAL Dinner) | ||||
| 2c | Annual Entry Fee per team including Challenge Cup Entry Fee | £100 | Upon demand from the League | |
| 3 | Standard mal-administration fine | Up to £250 | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 4 | Failure to attend an AGM, SGM or Council Meeting | £100 | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 5a | Failure to report Senior Section result within prescribed time scale | £25 | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 5b | Failure to report club results within prescribed time scale | £10 per late result | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 5c | Failure to provide team sheet to the Referee before the match | Up to £25 | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 5d | Failure to provide a match official with their match fee | £25 | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 5e | Failure to complete or partial completion of Team sheets for team(s). | Up to £20.00 per team | Within 21 days of advice | |
| Failure to complete any Team sheets | Up to £50.00 | Within 21 days of advice | ||
| 6 | Referees Match Fee | £34 | Immediately after the match | |
| 6a | Referee Double Header Match Fee | £44 | Immediately after the games | |
| 7 | Assistant Referees Match Fee | £27 | Immediately after the match | |
| 7a | Assistant Referees Double Header Match Fee | £32 | Immediately after the games | |
| 8 | Deposit against a Protest | £25 | To accompany the protest, which must be made within14 days of the incident/match | |
| 9 | Appeal fee to the AFA | £75 | To the AFA Secretary within 14 days of the letter of the original SAL decision notification | |
| 10 | Failure to deliver League and Cup trophies back on the nominated date and to relevant venue after demand from the League | £50 | Within 21 days of advice To be increased by £50 for each week trophies are not returned after the nominated date. | |
| 10a | Failure to return League Cup(s) and/or Trophy(ies) in a clean, presentable condition | Up to £50 per Cup/Trophy | Within 21 days of advice | |
| 11 | Reimbursement to the Home Club cost of hospitality | Up to £50 | Within 21 days of advice | |