Open Age Cup Rules

Challenge Cup Rules 2025-2026 - click to download a PDF version

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

A
In these Rules:
 
AFA means the Amateur Football Alliance Limited company no. 3957859,whose registered office is at Unit 3, 7 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7SL.  
 
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 of the SAVL Divisional Competition held in accordance with the rules and constitution of that Competition. This meeting will be in person unless otherwise designated by the LMC.
 
Appeal Board means a panel as established from time to time selected by the Chair of Council comprising three (3) Council Members whose purpose is to hear appeals made by Participants pursuant to the provisions of these Rules.
 
Associate Member means those Club(s) who, subject to their receiving (and accepting) an invitation from the Committee in relation to the same, are permitted only to participate in the SAVL Cup Competitions and Associate Members(hip) shall be construed accordingly. 
 
CFP means the Cup Final Presenter(s) (i.e. the individual(s) chosen by the Committee to present the Cup and other commemorative souvenirs at each Final). 
 
Chair means the individual(s) appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competitions. 
 
Club means a club for the time being in Membership of the Competition. 
 
Committee means the committee appointed and/or elected to manage the running of the Competitions. 
 
Competitions means the Southern Amateur VeteransLeague’s Challenge Cup Competitions, namely the:-

1. SAL Veterans Sunday Senior Cup.
2. SAL Veterans Sunday Junior Cup.

 
and Competition shall be construed accordingly.
 
Contract Player means any Player who is otherwise eligible to play for a Club but has signed a written contract of employment to play for a football team or club (other than a Player on a Scholarship). 
 
Council/Assembly means the members of the LMC and no more than two (2) Participants from each Full Member Club. This meeting will be in person unless otherwise designated by the LMC. 
 
County Association means an association which has been accorded the status of a County Association pursuant to the Rules of the FA. 
 
Deposit means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of initial Membership of, and subsequent participation in, the Competition.
 
E&GP means the Emergency & General Purposes Committee formed under the provisions of Rule 26 of the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competitions.
 
Entry Fee means the fee payable by a Club following its acceptance of an invitation to participate in the Competition(s), as set out in the Schedule.
 
FA means the Football Association Limited, company number. 00077797 whose registered office is situated at Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London HA9 0WS.
 
Full Membership means those Clubs whose Membership entitles them to participate in (i) the SAL’s Divisional Competitions and, (ii) subject to their receiving (and accepting) an invitation from the Committee, the SAVL Cup Competitions and Full Member(s) shall be construed accordingly.  
 
Ground means the ground on which a Club’s Team(s) plays its Cup Matches and Grounds shall be construed accordingly.
 
League Match(es) means match(es) played in the SAVL’s Divisional Competitions during the Playing Season.
 
LMC means the league management committee appointed and/or elected to manage the running of the SAVL Divisional Competitions. 
 
Manager means the person at a Club responsible for selecting a Club Team and Managers shall be construed accordingly.
 
Match means any Match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of these Rules and Matches/Cup Match(es) shall, where the context so permits, be construed accordingly.
 
Match Officials means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Match.
 
Match Secretary means the individual(s) appointed or elected to carry out the administration/setting of Cup Matches.
 
Membership means either Full Membership or Associate Membership (as the case may be).
 
Minor Infringements means such items as late kick-offs, no corner flags, no nets, etc. The final decision as to what constitutes a Minor Infringement shall be at the discretion of the LMC.
 
Multi-Team Club means any Club that has more than one Team participating in the Competitions in accordance with these Rules.
 
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 (including the President) who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or the Competition, which requires that individual to make day-to-day administrative decisions.
 
Online Player Registration System means the relevant online player registration system to register Players as determined by the FA from time to time.
 
Participant shall have the same meaning as set out in the Rules of the FA from time to time and where the context permits, Participants/participating/participated shall be construed accordingly.
 
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 Match in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive Match in the Competition is played.
 
President shall mean the individual appointed or elected to carry out such representative, ceremonial and ambassadorial roles on behalf of the SAVL as the LMC shall determine from time to time.
 
Referees’ Secretary means the individual appointed or elected to carry out and oversee the registration and appointment of Match Officials for and on behalf of the SAL.
 
Registration Secretary means the individual appointed or elected to carry out and oversee the registration of participating Players for and on behalf of the SAL.
 
Rules means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
 
Rules of the FA means the provisions for the regulation of football matters set by the FA as amended from time to time and any regulations, standing orders, decisions, rulings, findings, penalties, or orders of any nature made pursuant to those regulations.
 
SAVL means the Southern Amateur Veterans League.
 
SAVL Divisional Competitions means those Matches played (on a home and away basis) in the SAVL’s divisional structure during the Playing Season and where the context permits, League Match(es) shall be construed accordingly.
 
Sanctioning Authority means the AFA or any other Affiliated Association.
 
Schedule means the list of Fees, Payments and Fines relating to the Competition which are payable under these Rules, the details of which:
(i) are appended to these Rules; and
(ii) have been approved by the Clubs at the AGM. 
Scholarship means a Scholarship as defined in the Rules of the FA.
 
Season means the period between one AGM and the next AGM.
 
Secretary means the person(s) appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the SAVL Divisional Competitions.
 
Team means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with these Rules and Teams shall be construed accordingly.
 
Team Official means any official, director, chair, secretary, Match/fixture secretary or representative (whether formally appointed or not) of a Team and Team Officials shall be construed accordingly.
 
Team Sheet means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Match are listed and Team Sheets shall be construed accordingly.
 
Undesirable Conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in the Competition.
 
Virtual Meeting means any meeting held electronically and Virtual Meetings shall be construed accordingly.
 
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
Unless stated otherwise, words and phrases used in the FA’s Standard Code of Rules, the Rules of the FA and the Rules of the SAL’s Divisional Competitions, shall have the same meaning herein.
 
C
Unless stated otherwise, words referring to natural persons are applicable to all genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and the other way around and any words denoting persons include bodies corporate (however incorporated) and unincorporated, including unincorporated associations of persons and partnerships.

​2. NAME, CONSTITUTION

2A
There are two (2) cup competitions, which are as follows:
 
1.SAL Veterans Sunday Senior League Cup
2.SAL Veterans Sunday Junior League Cup
 
2B

1. The Competitions shall be competed for annually and participation in the Competitions shall be open to Clubs who are Full or Associate Members of the SAL.
2. Any Club who is not a Full or Associate Members of the SAL but who wishes to enter a Competition must (i) contact the Committee to ascertain if it would be extended an invitation and (ii) have the prior written consent of their County Association before contacting the Committee. 
3. Any Club, which ceases to exist, or which ceases to be entitled to play in the SAL Divisional Competition for any reason whatsoever shall automatically cease to be entitled to receive an invitation to participate in the Competition or have their annual invitation rescinded forthwith (as the case may be).

2C
The administration of the Competition will be carried out by the Committee in accordance with these Rules, the rules of the SAL Divisional Competitions and the Rules of the FA. In the event that there is a conflict between these Rules, the rules of the SAL Divisional Competitions and the Rules of the FA, the latter shall prevail.  
 
2D
All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules and shall be deemed, as a Member of the Competition, to have accepted the Rules and, subject to the provisions of Rule 16, agreed to abide by the decisions of the Committee in relation thereto.
 
2E
Inclusivity and Non-discrimination  

1. The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to the FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
2. This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.
3. Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

2F
Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of the FA, which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
 
2G
All Participants shall abide by the FA Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by the FA from time to time.

3. CUSTODY OF THE CUPS

3A
The President and Chair shall be the legal owners of all Cups in trust for the SAVL. All Competition Cups shall remain the property of the SAVL. No Competition Cup shall ever become the absolute property of any Club and, in the event of the SAVL’s dissolution, the Cups shall become the property of the donors. 

3B

1. The Committee shall be responsible for the engraving of the Cups.  When the winning Club has been ascertained, the Committee shall loan the Cup to that Club, who shall be responsible for its return to the Committee on or before the first day in February in the ensuing year in good order and condition with the Committee reserving the right to request the return of the Cup at any time by giving seven (7) days’ written notice. 
2. Any Club failing to return a Cup to the Committee on time and in a presentable condition shall be fined daily in accordance with the Schedule.

3C
The following agreement shall be signed (and delivered to the Committee) on behalf of the winners of each Competition:
 
We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chair 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 the first day in February (or such other date is notified to us in writing by the Secretary). 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.

4. CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPETITIONS

4A

1. The Competitions shall be run by the Committee. The Committee shall comprise a minimum of three (3) members, nominated by members of the LMC. Two members shall be League Officers, one of whom shall act as the Chair, and the other League Officer shall act as the Secretary. The Committee shall be permitted to co-opt additional members to join the Committee as required by the LMC.
2. If it becomes apparent that continuing a Cup Competition will aggravate/exacerbate the congestion of League Matches, then League Matches shall have priority, and the Competition(s) shall be postponed until such time as determined by the Match Secretary. 

4B

1. The Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a Season or as and when required, save that no more than three (3) calendar months shall pass between each Committee meeting. The business of the Competition as determined by the Committee may be transacted by electronic mail, telephone conference call meeting or Virtual Meetings.
2. Each member of the Committee shall have the right to receive notice of, attend and vote at all Committee meetings and have one (1) vote at all such meetings, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represented by that member or where there may be a conflict of interest.
3. In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote but the Chair shall always exercise the casting vote in the best interests of the Competition.

4C

1. Except where otherwise specified, all communications pertaining to the Competition sent by and received from Clubs must only be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings. 
2. A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
3. The Committee shall have the power to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. 
4. For all alleged breaches of a Rule the procedure to be followed shall be as set out in Rule 6 of the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competitions.
5. All decisions of the Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with the provisions of the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competition.

5. ANNUAL INVITATION, ENTRY FEE, DEPOSIT, GENERAL CONDUCT

5A

1. Entry into each of the Cup Competitions shall be by annual invitation. The Committee may refuse to issue an invitation to any Club to participate in the Competitions at its entire discretion.
2. Each Club shall be invited by the Committee before the end of June preceding the forthcoming Season to participate in the Competitions.
3. Acceptance of the annual invitation shall be notified to the Committee on or before 1 August preceding such Season. Admission shall be subject to approval at the AGM.
4. The Entry Fee shall be notified to all Clubs and shall be payable on or before 1 September in each Season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
5. If the Committee determines that any Club shall pay a Deposit as a condition precedent for an invitation and entry to, and participation in, the Competition, this Deposit shall be paid at the same time as the Entry Fee set out in Rule 5.A.4. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
6. A Club shall not be permitted to participate in the Competition until the Entry Fee and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
7. As entry to the Competitions is only by annual invitation, Clubs must be aware that the Committee is firmly committed to observing, sustaining and upholding the best traditions of courtesy, sportsmanship, good behaviour and hospitality that have been in place since the Competition’s inception. It is the Committee’s firm belief that courtesy, respect, sportsmanship, fair play and consideration by/to Players, Match Officials, Club Officers and Participants alike must remain at the heart of the Competition. As such, each Club is reminded that they are always responsible for the actions/conduct of its Participants. Consequently (in addition to a fine in accordance with the Schedule), the Committee is empowered, at any stage of the Competition (after taking all circumstances into consideration) to rescind its annual invitation to any Club or Participant:
   1. whose conduct is found not to be in keeping with the Competition’s values of courtesy, respect, sportsmanship, fair play and consideration to the

Competition and every Participant alike; and/or

1. whose conduct is found to be not to be in the best interests of the Competition; and/or
2. whose conduct is found to be improper or found to have brought the Competition into disrepute; and/or 
3. who uses one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.

1. The Committee’s decision to rescind its annual invitation under the provisions of Rule 5.A.7 shall take note of but, ultimately will not be dependent on the outcome of any misconduct hearings which may be pending or the consequent result of any disciplinary hearings. 

6. ORGANISATION OF COMPETITIONS (DRAWING AND PLAYING OF MATCHES)

6A

1. As soon as possible after the closing date for entries, Teams competing in each round of the Competitions shall be drawn in pairs (and the Committee may conduct draws for more than one Round of the Competition at the same time). In each Match the first drawn Club is referred to in these Rules as the “Home Team” and the second drawn Club as the “Away Team”. The winners will compete in the next Round, the Matches of which will be drawn in the same manner. This shall continue until the Final of each Competition.
2. All Competitions shall be played on a knock-out basis unless otherwise determined by the Committee. At the sole discretion of the Committee, early rounds of a Competition may be played on a league and/or on a geographical basis rather than on a knock-out basis. Should a Competition not be played on a knock-out basis, Clubs will be issued with appropriate instructions as to the format and rules of that Competition.
3. The Committee, at its sole discretion, may grant exemptions (“byes”) in the early rounds. In the event of any Teams receiving a bye, priority shall be given to the previous Season’s finalists and semi-finalists and thereafter to such other Teams as the Committee shall decide at its sole discretion.

6B

1. After the draw for each Round is made, notice shall be given to each Home Team of the name of the Away Team, and the date and time when the Match shall be played. 
2. All Matches in each Round shall be played on such dates as the Committee shall determine.
3. A Match may only be played after the date determined by the Committee with the prior written consent of the Committee (which may be withheld at its sole discretion).  

6C

1. Save for the Competition Finals (which will be played at Grounds selected by the Committee), the Home Team shall have the choice of Ground unless mutually agreed between the Teams and with the prior written consent of the Committee, the Match Secretary and the Referees’ Secretary. 
2. If the Home Team does not have a Ground available on the date set for the Match or requests that the Match be switched to the Away Team’s Ground (or a Ground on which the Home Team does not normally play), the Home Team shall remain responsible for all Match day expenses including Ground hire, Match Officials’ fees and post-Match hospitality.

6D
The Home Team must, at least 5 days prior to the date arranged for the Match, contact the Away Team and the Match Officials by phone or email (contact via SMS/text messaging/social media/relying solely on the FA Full Time system is not acceptable) and ensure their opponents and the Match Officials are in confirmed receipt of full details of:

1. the Ground’s location.
2. means of access to the Ground (and any bespoke parking arrangements that may be in place).
3. any time constraints which may affect the kick-off or duration of the Match.
4. the Team colours (if there is, or appears to be, a clash of colours, the Home Team shall change as set out in Rule 7A). 
5. the location for post-Match hospitality. 
6. any other relevant details.

 
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine for the Home Team in accordance with the Schedule.

6E

1. Artificial Football (3G) Pitches are allowed in the Competitions providing they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of 3G (Third Generation) Football Turf Pitches. To meet the criteria a 3G pitch must pass a test (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three (3) years as defined in the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf 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. If requested, a Team shall be required to provide written confirmation of the same to the Committee.
2. If a Match is taking place on a 3G pitch, the Home Team must advise the Away Team and Match Officials of footwear requirements and any limitations or recommendations regarding the type of boot or stud that may be used on the surface as well as any time constraints which may affect the duration of the Match when confirming Match arrangements in accordance with Rule 6.D. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
3. Any objections/protests relating to the Ground, goal posts or bars, or other appurtenances of the Match shall not be subsequently entertained by the Committee unless an objection has been lodged with the referee by the captain of the complainant Team in the presence of a Participant of the opposing Team prior to the commencement of the Match. The Referee shall require the Home Team to remedy the objection where practicable to do so without unduly delaying the kick-off of the Match. Any Team who raises an objection/protest pursuant to Rule 6.E.3 and fails to follow up with written notification of the same to the Committee may be fined in accordance with the Schedule.
4. Both Teams are responsible for supplying their own First Aid Kit which meets current FA guidelines. The Home Team shall ensure the Away Team and Match Officials are aware of the location of the nearest Accident & Emergency Department.

 
6F
In the event of a Team being unable to kick off 30 minutes or more after the scheduled kick off time for a Match, the referee shall be the sole arbiter as to whether there is sufficient time to play the Match, depending on the prevailing conditions. If the Match does not take place due to insufficient time being available, the Committee will take such action as it deems appropriate (which may include a fine in accordance with the Schedule and/or rescinding the annual invitation for the Competition from the defaulting Team and/or ordering the defaulting Team to pay the reasonable expenses of its opposition and the Match fee together with the reasonable travelling expenses of the Match Officials).
 
6G
Technical Areas

1. Where a Match in the Competition involves two (2) Teams from the Senior Division 1 of the SAL Divisional Competitions, technical areas for both Teams must be provided. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  
2. When/where a Match is played at a Ground where there are no technical areas formally marked out, the technical area should be (a minimum size of) 8 yards wide and 3 yards deep, and (a minimum of) 1 yard from the side-line. Where it is not possible to meet the minimum size, due to physical constraints, reduced dimensions may be agreed subject to receiving prior written approval from the Referees Secretary. Where it is not possible for the technical area to be marked out using line markings, the technical area should be marked out by using cones. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  
3. In Matches in the Competition where a technical area is required, the number of Players and Club officials in the technical area must not exceed six (6) per Club. Only named substitute Players, managers, coaching and medical staff shall be permitted in the technical area.  No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall be permitted in the technical area.  Participants are to remain in the technical area except for substitutes warming up and medical staff entering the field of play when permitted by the referee. Any misconduct by a Club’s Manager/ coach/Players and any other Participants in the technical area will be reported by the referee.
4. In Matches in the Competition where a technical area is not required, the Manager/coach may convey tactical instructions to Players during the match, however the Manager/coach/Players and any other Participants must always conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Any misconduct by a Club’s Coach/Manager/Players and any other Participants will be reported by the referee.

6H

1. In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Match is seven (7). 
2. In the event of a Team starting a Match with fewer than nine (9) Players, the Referee must report this shortfall and the Team may be fined in accordance with the Schedule.

6I

1. The Home Team must provide suitable food and refreshments for all Players and Match Officials after the Match. If the Home Team is unable to provide post-Match hospitality, it should pre-warn the Away Team and the Match Officials. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 
2. The Away Team must stay and accept the post-Match hospitality provided by the Home Team. If a minimum of 6 Players from the Away Team fail to return to the Home Team's clubhouse or notified venue to accept the post-Match hospitality, in addition to being liable to a fine in accordance with the Schedule, the Away Team will be required to reimburse the Home Team for their reasonable hospitality costs. Any disputes on the reasonable costs will be subject to determination by the Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on both Teams. 
3. The requirement to reimburse the Home Team in Rule 6.I.2 will be waived only if an Official from the Away Team notifies the Home Team's Official in writing by 10pm on the Thursday before a Match due to be played on a Saturday (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 Team'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 Committee.
4. Any Team who consistently refuses to provide/accept post-Match hospitality to/from its opposition without providing a satisfactory written explanation (when requested) to the Committee shall be dealt with in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate.

7. CLUB COLOURS, ADVERTISING, MATCH BALLS

7A

1. Teams must play in colours registered with the Secretary. Any Team wishing to change its colours during the Season must obtain prior written consent from the Secretary. 
2. If, in the opinion of the Match Officials, the two Teams have the same or similar colours, the Home Team shall make the change unless mutual arrangements are made to the contrary. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Match by not having a change of colours, it will be fined in accordance with the Schedule.  
3. In the event of a Match being played on a neutral Ground or in the case of all Competition Finals, the Team drawn first shall have the choice of colours.
4. Players' shirts must be uniquely numbered, and the numbers must correspond exactly with a (complete, legible and accurate) Team Sheet. Referees may not prevent Players from playing in shirts without numbers but should note the facts on their report card. Any Team not having uniquely numbered shirts or who alters its selection or numbering after the Team Sheet has been provided to the Referee without providing the notification required in Rule 7A.5 may be liable to a fine in accordance with the Schedule. The Match Officials and a representative of the opposing Club shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) via the digital team sheet system no later than fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Match.
5. A Player who is named on the Team Sheet may be replaced if they are injured warming up after the Team Sheet has been handed to the Referee provided the alteration has been notified to the Referee before the commencement of the Match. Teams failing to comply with this Rule shall be reported by the Referee and are liable to be fined in accordance with the Schedule.
6. There must be no change of numbers during the Match except on a change of goalkeeper or where a Player has been instructed by the Referee to change their shirt due to blood injury. Teams failing to comply with this Rule shall be reported by the Referee and are liable to be fined in accordance with the Schedule.  
7. No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
8. Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from the other Players and the Match Officials. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
9. The captain of each Team shall wear a distinguishing armband to indicate their status and has a responsibility to offer support to the Match Officials in the on-field discipline of their Players. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
10. Advertising which complies with current FA Regulations may be worn on Players' clothing.

Match Balls

1. The Home Team must provide to the Referee for their approval prior to kick-off of the Match at least two (2) size 5 footballs that conform to the Laws of the Game and the referee shall make a report to the Committee if these are not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.

8. PROVISIONS FOR SUBSTITUTES AND TEMPORARY DISMISSALS

8A

1. Subject to the provisions of Rule 15.8, a Team participating in a Match may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game nominate and use up to five (5) substitutes at any time in a Match, except to replace a player who has been suspended from the Match by the Referee after play has commenced.
2. A Player who has been substituted during a Match himself becomes a substitute and may, in turn, replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the Game.
3. The Match Officials shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) via a (fully and legibly) completed pro-forma Team Sheet no later than   fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the Match and a Player not named on the Team Sheet may not take part in that Match.
4. A substitution can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission. Prior to the substitution being made the Team must identify to the Match Officials the number of the Player out and the Player in, in accordance with the Team Sheet.
5. A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Match but does not actually play in that Match shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Match.
6. In all Matches temporary dismissals (sin bins) will be imposed by Referees for all cautions for dissent in accordance with the guidelines and regulations issued by the FA.  

9. DURATION OF PLAY

9A

1. The duration of each Match shall be ninety (90) minutes consisting of two (2) equal halves of forty-five (45) minutes. The half time interval shall be ten (10) minutes, which may only be altered with the Referee’s consent. The interval before the commencement of extra time shall be five (5) minutes.    
2. The Referee shall allow for time wasted or lost through accident or other cause. The Referee is the sole judge of allowance of time and his decision on this matter shall be final and not subject to appeal or protest. 
3. If the score is level at the end of normal time (plus any additional time allowed by the Referee for time lost or wasted by accident or other cause), then extra time of thirty (30) minutes (fifteen (15) minutes each half plus any additional time allowed by the Referee for time lost or wasted by accident or other cause) shall be played. If the score is level at the end of extra time, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedure adopted by the International Football Association Board. 
4. Notwithstanding Rules 9.A.1-9.A.3, the Referee is entitled to reduce normal time to sixty (60) minutes, extra time to twenty (20) minutes or to dispense with extra-time and go straight to penalties if the prevailing conditions (which includes the allotted time for the hire arrangement of the Ground) make this necessary to obtain a decision. In this case, the Referee shall decide at the end of full time and prior to the commencement of extra time and shall notify both Teams. All Matches in the Competition must be concluded at the first meeting.

10. PROVISIONS FOR POSTPONED AND ABANDONED MATCHES

10A

1. If a Match is postponed for any reason, the Home Team must inform their opponents, the Match Officials, the Match Secretary and Referees’ Secretary without delay. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
2. In the event of a Match being postponed it shall normally be re-arranged for the following Saturday unless the Match Secretary decides that an alternative date is appropriate and beneficial to the progress and running of the Competition.  
3. In the event of a Match being postponed on one (1) or more occasions due to circumstances over which neither Team has control, both Teams should have an alternative Ground available in case a change of Ground is required. Furthermore, the Committee shall be empowered to switch the venue (either to another Ground supplied by the Home Team, to the Away Team’s Ground or to a neutral venue) if the Committee considers such action appropriate and beneficial to the progress and running of the Competition. 
4. If a Match in a Competition is switched to the Ground of the Away Team by mutual consent, the fixture shall be reversed – i.e., the Away Team becomes the Home Team and bears the cost of the Ground, Match Officials and post-Match hospitality. Kick Off times may be delayed to enable last minute switches on the day of a Match. 
5. The Committee shall be empowered to determine whether a Ground and/or facilities are suitable for Matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its Matches at an alternative Ground. In the event of this happening, the cost of the Match shall be met by the Team so directed.
6. In the event of a Match being postponed (on the day of the Match and prior to kick off) due to circumstances over which neither Team has control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half their Match fee if they attend the Ground. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
7. Where a Match is postponed (on the day of the Match and prior to kick off) owing to one Team being in default, the defaulting Team shall pay the Match Officials the full Match fee (together with their reasonable travelling expenses) if they attend the Ground together with the reasonable hospitality expenses of the non-defaulting Team (subject to production of appropriate documentary evidence). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 
8. When a Match has been abandoned before the completion of ninety (90) minutes due to circumstances over which neither Team has control it shall be re-arranged for the following Saturday at the same Ground unless the Match Secretary decides to choose an alternative date in his sole discretion. 
9. The 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 Team, the Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In cases where the Committee is satisfied that a Match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Player(s) it shall be empowered to award the Match to the opponent.
10. In cases where a Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Player(s), the Committee is empowered to take such further action as it deems appropriate (including rescission of the annual invitation for both Teams to participate in the Competition). 
11. In the event of a Match being declared void and ordered to be replayed, the Committee shall decide on how the Match expenses are split and shall inform both Teams and the Match Officials.
12. The Committee shall review any Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the FA or an 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 14. Where both Teams were under suspension, the Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.
13. Cup Matches will normally take precedence over SAVL League Matches. However, so not to compromise the League programme and create any fixture congestion, the SAVL Secretary can decide that a League Match or Matches takes priority over a Cup Match. 

11. PROVISIONS FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COMPETITIONS

11A

1. Teams wishing to withdraw from a Competition after the draw has been made must give at least fourteen (14) days' written notice to their opponents, the Referees Secretary and the Match Secretary. The defaulting Team may not play in any other competition under the jurisdiction of a Sanctioning Authority on the date originally fixed for the Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  
2. Any Team withdrawing from a Competition after the draw has been made and who gives less than fourteen (14) days’ notice shall, in addition to being liable to be fined in accordance with the Schedule, also be liable for (i) any unavoidable expenses incurred by their opponents (subject to production of appropriate documentary evidence); and (ii) (where applicable) the Match fees and reasonable travelling expenses of the Match Officials. Any dispute on the reasonable expenses will be subject to determination by the Committee whose decision shall be final and binding on both Teams. 
3. Any Multi Team Club who has more than one (1) Team entered in the Competition and who wishes to withdraw a Team, must withdraw either the Team entered in the lowest ranking Competition as set out in Rule 14B or the lowest Team if more than one (1) Team is entered in the same Competition and playing on the same day. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  
4. In addition to the provisions in Rules 11A.1-11A.3, any Team withdrawing (i) shall have the Match awarded to its opposition; and (ii) may have its annual invitation rescinded to participate in the Competition for the following Season(s) if it fails to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Committee as to the reason(s) for its withdrawal.
5. A Club wishing to withdraw a Team from a Competition after an abandoned Match must give notice to their opponents immediately following the Match and must then inform the Committee in writing within twenty-four (24) hours. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.

12. REPORTING RESULTS

12A
Both Home and Away Teams shall respond to the Full-Time SMS text messages with the result of each Match by 6pm on the day of the Match for Matches commencing before 3pm (or by 10pm if the Match commences after 3pm).
 
Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 

12B
The Referees Secretary and Registration Secretary must receive within four (4) days of the date of the Match, the result of each Match in the prescribed manner via the online FA Full Time system. The online Team Sheet must include the full names of the Players (including any substitute Players) and the submission of the referee markings required by Rule 23 of the SAL Divisional Competitions in the prescribed manner, together with all other information required by the FA Full Time system.
 
Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
 
13. MATCH OFFICIALS

13A

1. Except for the Finals of each Competition, either Club may be required to provide the Match Officials, but it will be the responsibility of the Home Team to appoint, confirm and notify the Match Officials of the Match details. 
2. For each Final, the Referees' Secretary will appoint, confirm and notify the officials of the Match details. 
3. The fees paid to the Match Officials shall be as set out in the Schedule and a Referee’s Match fee is, save for the Final, payable by the Away Team. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
4. If Assistant Referees are appointed, their Match fees shall be shared equally between the Home and Away Team. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  

14. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS 

14A

1. Every Player, Team or Club participating in the Competitions must fully comply with the provisions of Rule 18 of the SAL’s Divisional Competitions and, if requested by the Committee, shall provide written corroborating documentary evidence of the same. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
2. A Team must keep an online list of all Players it registers and record, on the FA’s systems, all Matches in which those Players have played for the Team and shall produce such records upon demand by the Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
3. Any Club repeatedly failing to comply with Rules 14A.1 and 14A.2, in addition to any fine imposed on by it by the Committee, may also have its annual invitation to participate in the Competitions rescinded if the Committee determines this action is justified in the circumstances. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not necessary that the breach of this Rule be brought to the Committee’s attention by another competing Team or Club.
4. If the Committee has any doubt as to the eligibility/qualification of any Player taking part in the Competition, it is empowered to call upon the Club to prove that they are eligible/qualified according to these Rules.
5. Failing a satisfactory written explanation being provided to the Committee by the Team concerned, the Committee shall be entitled to (i) fine the Team in accordance with the Schedule; and/or (ii) rescind the annual invitation to participate in the Competition from the Player and/or Team and/or (iii) impose such further penalty as it thinks fit.
6. In order to be eligible for the semi-finals and Finals of any Competition, a new Player must (i) be a correctly registered playing member of the Team for whom he plays and (ii) receive prior written consent from the Committee to participate in the Competition. 
7. Provided they have been correctly transferred in accordance with the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competitions, an unused substitute who does not play in a Match is entitled to play for another Club in a Competition or appear in a lower-ranking Competition in the same Season. 
8. Subject to the provisions of Rule 14A.7, no Player shall play for more than one (1) competing Club in the same Competition in the same Season and, in the case of a postponed or replayed Match, only those Players qualified on the original date of the Match shall be eligible to participate.
9. All Players must have been eligible to play in the original Match in order to play in a Match which is replayed, postponed or ordered to be replayed. However, a Player who has been suspended according to the disciplinary procedures under the Rules of the FA may play in a Match which is replayed, postponed or ordered to be replayed provided the term of his suspension has expired.  
10. A Player must have attained the age of thirty-five (35) by 1 October  in the Playing Season to participate in any Cup Match. 
11. Contract Players are not permitted in the Competition. 
12. Subject to the provisions of Rules 14A.1 and 14A.2, a Player who has played for a Team in an earlier round of a higher-ranked Competition, may not, in the same Playing Season, play for another Team in a subsequent round of a lower-ranked Competition (or, in the case of a Multi-Team Club, play for a lower Team in a subsequent round of the same Competition) without the prior written permission of the Committee, which (i) must be obtained at least five (5) days before the date of the Match; and (ii) may be withheld in their absolute discretion. 
13. The provisions of this Rule 14 do not apply to unused substitutes but do apply to Players who have been correctly transferred pursuant to the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competitions.

14B
For the purpose of these Rules, the priority/ranking of Competitions is as follows:-

1. SAL Veterans Sunday Senior Cup
2. SAL Veterans Sunday Junior Cup

15. PROVISIONS FOR THE COMPETITION FINALS

15A

1. The Committee shall arrange the Grounds for the Finals of all Competitions and shall have direct control of all the arrangements, receipts and disbursements in connection with these Matches. The Match fee for Match Officials shall be paid by the Committee. 
2. Details of the dates and venues of the Competition Finals shall be sent to all participating Teams. The dates, venues and kick-off times of the Competition Finals shall only be changed with the prior written consent of the Committee at its sole discretion.
3. The Team drawn first in each Final shall have the choice of colours and shall also use the designated home dressing room. Both Teams shall notify their opponents and the Committee of their proposed colours at least fourteen (14) days before the Final is due to take place.
4. Each Team playing in a Competition Final is required to submit to the Committee and the Match Officials the contact details of two (2) spectator Marshalls at least five (5) days prior to the date of the Final. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
5. In all Finals, both Teams must provide to the Match Officials for their approval prior to kick-off of the Final two (2) size 5 footballs that conform to the Laws of the Game. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.  
6. In all Finals, both Teams and the Match Officials must be ready and prepared to have pre and (in the case of the winning Team and Match Officials) post-Match photographs taken. All Participants in Finals are deemed to have given their consent to being filmed and for their images to be used on the SAL’s website and social media channels. 
7. In all Finals, a Respect handshake must be carried out by both Teams and the Match Officials prior to kick-off. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule.
8. In all Finals, both Teams are permitted to use up to five (5) substitute Players who may be selected from five (5) named substitutes. 
9. In addition to presenting the trophy, the CFP shall present a club memento to the victorious Team as well as commemorative souvenirs to the sixteen (16) Players of both Teams and the Match Officials. Either Team may make an application to the Committee to purchase additional commemorative souvenirs at its own cost and shall be solely responsible for the costs of postage and packaging. 
10. When a Player taking part in the Final is ordered to leave the field of play for misconduct, the CFP shall decide, at their sole discretion, whether the commemorative souvenir to which the Player is entitled shall be presented unless the misconduct is for violent conduct or an assault on a Match Official, Player, Team official or spectator (in which case the Player shall not be presented with an award). The Team may apply in writing for the commemorative souvenir to be sent to it thereafter and shall be solely responsible for the costs of postage and packaging.
11. All Teams playing in a Final are reminded that no alcohol is to be brought onto the host venue – i.e. only alcohol purchased at the host venue during the Final is permitted to be consumed.

16. PROTESTS AND APPEALS, MISCELLEANOUS

16A

1. All questions relating to the qualification or eligibility of Players or interpretation of these Rules or any dispute or protest whatever shall be referred to the Committee whose decision shall be final and binding. Protests from Clubs relating to Player eligibility should be accompanied, where possible, by (photographic) evidence of the Player’s participation in the Match. Other evidence shall be considered (e.g., Team Sheets, social media posts) if they clearly indicate participation in the Match.
2. Any Team who raises an objection/protest pursuant to Rule 6.E.3 and fails to follow up with written notification of the same to the Committee may be fined in accordance with the Schedule.
3. Except in cases where the Committee decides (at their sole discretion) that there are mitigating circumstances to do otherwise, any dispute or protest must be in writing and contain the particulars of the grounds upon which it is founded and sent to the Committee within three (3) days of the Match to which it relates (Sundays included). The Committee may, at their sole discretion, delegate the protest to the E&GP for consideration.
4. No dispute or protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Committee unless the complaining Club has sent a deposit accompanying its protest in accordance with the Schedule. The deposit may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the dispute or protest not being upheld or being judged to be frivolous. 
5. The Committee shall send a copy of the dispute/protest to the Participant protested against, who shall reply in writing to the Committee within five (5) days of receiving the same. The Committee shall then send a copy of the answer to the complaining Participant and shall consider the submissions once both have been received. 
6. If a hearing is required, at least five (5) days’ notice shall be given to each Club who may support their case with witnesses. If a Club prefers to state its case solely in writing, then it should indicate as such when forwarding the written response. No practising solicitor, barrister, paralegal or member of CILEX shall represent any Club unless they are the Chair or Secretary of the Club concerned and appears as such on the Club register.
7. No member of the Committee who is a member of a Club involved in a dispute or protest shall be involved (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being considered and determined by the Committee. 
8. Once the Committee has finished their deliberations, they shall contact both Clubs with a written determination. 
9. The Committee is empowered to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or, if it is determined that both Clubs were at fault, to order that the costs be shared by the Clubs.
10. A Club whose annual invitation to participate in the Competition is rescinded may appeal in writing within seven (7) days against that decision to an Appeal Board.  
11. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club may not appeal against any penalty imposed on it other than rescission of its annual invitation.
12. The decision of the Appeal Board shall be final and binding on all Teams. 
13. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any breach of procedure or failure to follow any time limit by the Committee, E&GP or Appeal Board shall not invalidate its decision unless the breach or failure is such as to seriously and irredeemably prejudice the position of the affected Participant.
14. For Minor Infringements, within seven (7) days from the date of notification, Clubs may either accept the charge or request an informal review by the relevant sub-committee or Officer if the Club considers that the rules have been misapplied or that any evidence or relevant factor may have been omitted from that sub-committee, subject to the fee listed in the Schedule.

16B

1. Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with these Rules and the rules of the SAVL Divisional Competitions, all fees, fines and charges 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 Schedule.
2. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in matches in the SAL Divisional Competitions fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

16C

1. In any matter is not provided for in these Rules, the relevant rule of the SAVL Divisional Competitions shall apply where the context permits. 
2. The Committee is empowered to deal with any matters not provided for in these Rules, and to make such arrangements for the proper conduct of the Competitions as is thought fit. 

SCHEDULE

FEES

Rule		Fee (£)
5A.4	Entry Fee	As confirmed by the Committee
5A.5	Deposit	75
13A.3	Referee Fee	50
13A.3	Assistant Referee Fee	45
16	Deposit for Protests/Appeals	100

 
FINES

Rule		Fee (£)
2F	Failure to comply with the provisions of any initiatives of the FA which are adopted by the Committee.	25
3B	Failure to return a Cup on time and in a presentable condition.	45 per day
4C.2	Failure to comply with an order or instruction of the Committee or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or correspondence of the Competition when directed.	35
5A.4	Late payment of Entry Fee.	35
5A.5	Late payment of Deposit.	35
5A.7	Failure to adhere to the Competition’s values of fair play and respect to the Competition, opposition and Match Officials.	250
6D	Failure of Home Team to contact the Away Team opposition and Match Officials at least five (5) days prior to the date arranged for the Match with details of the Match arrangements.	25
6E	Failure by the Home Team to provide written confirmation of a 3G pitch to the Away Team and Match Officials.	25
6E.2	Failure by the Home Team to advise the Away Team and Match Officials of footwear requirements and any limitations or recommendations regarding the type of boot or stud that may be used on the 3G surface.	25
6F	Failure of a Match to go ahead due to insufficient time being available.	250
6G.1	Failure to provide technical areas for both Teams, where Match involves two (2) Teams from the Senior Division 1 of the SAL Divisional Competition.	25
6G.2	Failure to properly mark out the technical areas for both Teams, where Match involves two (2) Teams from the Senior Division 1 of the SAL Divisional Competition.	25
6H.2	Starting a Match with fewer than nine (9) Players.	25
6I.1	Failure to provide suitable post-Match food and refreshments for the Away Team and Match Officials.	35
6I.2	Failure of 6 Players from the Away Team to stay and accept the post-Match hospitality provided by the Home Team.	25
7A.2	Delaying the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours.	25
7A.4	Failure to have uniquely numbered shirts or altering its selection or numbering after the Team Sheet has been provided to the Match Officials.	25
7A.5	Failure to (i)     notify the Match Officials of an alteration to the Team Sheet before the commencement of the Match. (ii)    make the alteration on a replacement Team Sheet before the commencement of the Match.	25 25
7A.6	Changing shirt numbers during the Match without authorisation from the Match Officials.	25
7A.7	Wearing black or very dark shirts.	25
7A.8	Failure of the Goalkeeper to wear colours that distinguish them from the other Players and the Match Officials.	25
7A.9	Failure of the captain to wear a distinguishing armband.	25
7A.11	Failure by the Home Team to provide to the Referee for their approval prior to kick-off of the Match at least two (2) size 5 footballs that conform to the Laws of the Game.	25
10A.1	Failure by the Home Team to inform their opponents, the Match Officials, the Committee and the Referees’ Appointment Officer of a postponed Match without delay.	25
10A.6	Failure to reimburse the Match Officials if they have travelled to the Ground where a Match has been postponed due to circumstances over which neither Team had control.	35
10A.7	Failure of the defaulting Team to reimburse the Match Officials and the non-defaulting Team.	35
11A.1	Failure to give at least 14 days’ written notice of intention to withdraw after the draw has been made to their opponents, the Referees Secretary and the Match Secretary.	25
11A.2	Withdrawal from a Competition after the draw has been made with less than 14 days’ notice.	25
11A.3	Failure by a Multi-Team Club to withdraw a Team from the lowest ranking Competition or the lowest Team.	25
11A.5	Failure to give written notice of the desire to withdraw after an abandoned Match.	25
12A	Failure to report result by the prescribed time.	35
12B	Failure to complete the online result form within the prescribed time.	35
13	Failure to provide a Match Official with their Match fee	50
14A.1	Failure to provide written evidence of compliance with Rule 18 of the SAL’s Divisional Competitions when requested by the Committee.	25
14A.2	Failure to (i) keep comprehensive record of the Players who participate in the Competitions it registers and (ii) produce such records upon demand by the Committee.	25
15A.4	Failure to provide names and contact details of Spectator Marshalls within the prescribed time.	25
15A.5	Failure (in a Final) to provide the Referee for their approval prior to kick-off of the Match at least two (2) size 5 footballs that conform to the Laws of the Game.	25
15A.7	Failure to conduct Respect handshake prior to kick-off of a Final.	25
16A.14	Deposit for informal review. To accompany the request, which must be made within 7 days of the charge being notified.	25
	Breach of any Competition Rules where there is no fixed amount/Maladministration.	250