SAL Vets League Rules 2022-2023 - click to download a PDF version
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. DEFINITIONS
1.A In these Rules: AFA means the Amateur Football Alliance Limited company no. 3957859. 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 these Rules and the constitution of the Competition. Associate Member means those Club(s) who are permitted only to participate in the SAL Veterans Cup Competitions and Associate Members(hip) shall be construed accordingly. Club means a club for the time being in Membership of the Competition. Competition means the Southern Amateur Veterans League and SAVL shall be construed accordingly. Competition Match means any Match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition and SAVL Matches and Matches shall, where the context so permits, be construed accordingly. Contract Player means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club. Deposit means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of initial Membership of, and subsequent participation in, the Competition. Divisional Competitions means those Matches played in the Competition’s divisional structure during the Season (as such structure has been proposed and agreed at the AGM and set out in the Appendix to these Rules). Where the context so permits, Division(s) shall be construed accordingly. E&GP means the Emergency, Discipline & General Purposes Committee formed under the provisions of Rule 26. 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 the SAVL Divisional and Cup Competitions and Full Member(s) shall be construed accordingly. Ground means the ground on which a Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches and Grounds shall be construed accordingly. League 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. Where the context so permits, LMC shall be construed accordingly. Match Officials means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match. Membership means either Full Membership or Associate Membership (as the case may be). 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 the Competition, which requires that individual to make day-to-day administrative decisions. 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. Player Registration System means the FA system to register Players as determined by the FA from time to time. President shall mean the individual appointed or elected to carry out such representative, ceremonial and ambassadorial roles on behalf of the SAL 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 Competition. Registration Secretary means the individual appointed or elected to carry out and oversee the registration of participating Players for and on behalf of the Competition. 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 SAL 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 Competition. Registration Secretary means the individual appointed or elected to carry out and oversee the registration of participating Players for and on behalf of the Competition. 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. Sanctioning Authority means the AFA or any other Affiliated Association. SAVL Match Secretary means the person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition Matches and Match Secretary shall be construed accordingly. Secretary means the person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition and SAVL Secretary shall be construed accordingly. SAL Veterans Cup Competition(s) means the Competition’s invitational Veterans Challenge Cup Competitions, namely the: 1. SAL Veterans Sunday Senior Cup. 2. SAL Veterans Sunday Junior Cup. 3. SAL Veterans Saturday Shield. 4. SAL Veterans Sunday League Cup. 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 of time between one AGM and the next AGM. SGM means a special general meeting held in accordance with these Rules and the constitution of the Competition. Team means a team affiliated to a Club in accordance with these Rules and Teams shall be construed accordingly. Team Sheet means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Competition 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 this Competition. Virtual Meetings means meeting held electronically. 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. 1.B 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. GOVERNANCE RULES 2. COMPETITION NAME, CONSTITUTION 2.A The Competition will be known as the Southern Amateur Veterans 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. 2.B This Competition shall consist of not more than 40 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority. 2.C The geographical area covered by the Competition shall be Greater London (as such phrase is defined in the London Government Act 1963) or such wider area subject to prior written approval by the LMC. 2.D The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the LMC in accordance with these Rules and the rules, regulations and policies of the FA. 2.E All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules and shall be deemed, as a Member of the Competition, to have (i) accepted the Rules; and (ii) agreed to abide by the decisions of the LMC in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7. 2.F 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. 2.G. 1. All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association (prior to their application for Membership of the Competition) and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date [to the Sanctioning Authority] in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 2. The Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped into Divisional Competition(s), with each Divisional Competition not exceeding 12 Teams in number. 2.H 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. 2.I. 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. 2.J 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. 2.K 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 prior written consent of the LMC. 2.L At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary, this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22. 2.M Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single Division 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 written approval of the Sanctioning Authority in the event of a Division comprising of more than one Team from the same Club. The maximum number of Teams from any Club participating in a single Division shall be two (2). 3 CLUB NAME Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority following consultation with the LMC. If permission is granted, the Club must advise the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 4 ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT 4.A Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition for: (i) Associate Membership; or (ii) Full Membership; or; (iii) the entry into/an invitation for (an) additional Team(s) from the same Club into a SAVL Divisional Competition(s) or SAVL Cup Competition, must be made in writing to the Secretary by 31st January in any year and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee per Team as set out in the Schedule, which shall be returned in the event of non-election. Applications (of which due notice has been given), will be received at the AGM or an SGM if confirmed by a majority of the accredited voting Members present. When 22.B is applied or a Team seeks a transfer, or is compulsorily transferred to another Division, no Entry Fee shall be playable. 4.B The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Schedule at a date agreed by the AGM or set by the LMC. 4.C In the event of any issue concerning the Membership of any Club within the Competition, the LMC may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Schedule) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 4.D A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee; annual subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid. 4.E Clubs must advise the Secretary annually in writing by 1st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Playing Season and must also advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION 5.A The LMC shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and five (5) ordinary members who shall all be elected at the AGM. 5.B Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 31 March each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the LMC shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 31 May each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for any office by the date stated in the earlier part of this Rule.; nominations may be received at the AGM. 5.C The LMC 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 LMC meeting. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Members of the LMC the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the LMC. 5.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. 5.E All communications pertaining to the Competition sent by and received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. 5.F All Officers of the Competition, other than those who are ex-officio Officers i.e., President, President Elect and Vice Presidents, are required to attend fifty per cent (50%) of LMC Meetings held between the dates of two consecutive AGMs. Officers who do not fulfil this requirement may not, at the discretion of the LMC, be nominated at the subsequent AGM for re-election to the LMC and/or may be requested to resign from the LMC. 5.G Subject to the provisions of Rule 12.A, the term of the President will consist of a fixed 3-year tenure. 5.H The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the FA by a LMC comprised of the Officers and other members who shall be elected at the AGM. All Participants shall abide by the FA Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined and amended by the FA from time to time. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT 6.A The LMC 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 LMC for ratification. The LMC shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the FA or an Affiliated Association. 6.B Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained, the LMC 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. 6.C Each member of the LMC shall have the right to receive notice of, attend and vote at all LMC meetings and have one 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 or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub- committee). 6.D In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the chair of the LMC shall have a second or casting vote. 6.E The LMC shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified. With the exception of Rules 6.J, 8.H, and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the LMC shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given seven (7) days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may: 1. Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the LMC on the papers; or 2. Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the LMC; or 3. Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the LMC on the papers; or 4. Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the LMC. Where the Club charged fails to respond within seven (7) days, the LMC shall determine the charge in such manner, and upon such evidence, as it considers appropriate. Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the LMC shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Schedule where applicable). Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above. With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the LMC must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances. No Participant under the age of eighteen (18) can be fined. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules of the FA shall be dealt with in accordance with the Rules of the FA by the appropriate Sanctioning Association. 6.F All decisions of the LMC shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. Decisions of the LMC must be notified in writing to those concerned within seven (7) days. 6.G A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the LMC or any of its sub-committees. 6.H The LMC, as it may deem necessary, shall have the power to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number. 6.I A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the LMC and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the LMC. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 6.J Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within twenty-one (21) days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Schedule. Further failure to pay the fine, including the additional fine within a further 14 days, will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid. 6.K A member of the LMC appointed by the SAVL to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition. 6.L The LMC shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations or Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable). 6.M 1. The business of the Competition as determined by the LMC may be transacted by electronic mail, telephone conference call meeting or Virtual Meetings. 2. The LMC s hall ensure that it keeps a written record, for at least 12 m o n t hs from t h e d a t e of the decision recorded, of every decision taken by the LMC, including the names of those present and subject to the need for confidentiality (in which instance the minutes shall be suitably redacted), shall endeavour to make the same available to the Members. Any such minutes of any meeting, if purporting to be signed by the chair of such meeting, or by the chair of the next succeeding meeting, shall be sufficient evidence without any further proof of the facts therein stated. 3. The LMC shall call a Council Meeting comprising the members of the LMC and no more than two representatives from each Club to discuss the general working of the Competition whenever they deem it necessary and shall do so at least once a year, prior to the AGM. At such a Council Meeting, there shall not be any formal voting, nor will minutes be taken. Clubs failing to attend may be liable to a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 4. 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 by the SAL Secretary with at least three (3) other Members of the LMC (all of whom must have no direct or indirect conflict with regard to the matter at hand) with such consultation being made by e-mail, conference telephone call or Virtual Meetings if necessary. Any decision reached pursuant to this paragraph shall be minuted and recorded in the manner set out in paragraph 6.M.2. 5. Where any Club appoints at the start or during the Season one (1) sole member to complete the duties of the Club Secretary, Club Match Secretary and Club Referees’ Secretary, that Club shall also provide the details of two emergency contacts whose names and contact details shall be set out in the SAL Handbook. 7 PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS 7.A 1. All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the LMC or a sub-committee duly appointed by the LMC. 2. Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the LMC unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the Match. 7.B Except in cases where the LMC decide that there are special circumstances, all protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within seven (7) days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the LMC. A member of the LMC 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. 7.C No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the LMC, unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Schedule. 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 the power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties. 7.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 seven (7) days prior to the protest or complaint being heard. 1. All parties must have received fourteen (14) days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend. 2. Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response. 7.E The LMC shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the LMC shall direct. 7.F Any appeal against a decision of the LMC must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Schedule), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to): 1. invite submissions by the parties involved; 2. convene a hearing to hear the appeal; 3. permit new evidence; or 4. impose appropriate deadlines. Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the LMC. 7.G No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct. 7.H All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the LMC, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the LMC. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Schedule) 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 LMC. All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within fourteen (14) days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted. 8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 8.A The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting, the following business shall be transacted provided that at least fifty per cent (50%) of the Member Clubs are present and entitled to vote):- 1. To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM. 2. To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts. 3. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies. 4. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season. 5. Election of Officers of the Competition and the LMC members. 6. Alteration of Rules, if any (subject to the provisions of Rule 14). 7. Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM. 8.B A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes. 8.C A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM. 8.D Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. At least fourteen (14) days’ notice shall be given of any AGM. 8.E Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12. 8.F All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or count of email or virtual responses (for Virtual Meetings), unless a ballot is demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair so decides. 8.G No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Club. 8.H Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 8.I Officers of the Competition and LMC members shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a Club. 8.J Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association are consistent with the requirements of these Rules. 9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS 9.A Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call an SGM. 9.B The LMC may call a SGM at any time. 9.C At least fourteen (14) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. 9.D Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the LMC. 9.E Any Club failing to be represented at an SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Schedule. 9.F Officers of the Competition and LMC members shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all SGMs but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a Club. 10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED Each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement when requested in writing by the LMC, 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) [ ] (Chair)/(Director)and (B) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Secretary)/(Director)of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the [ ] Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the LMC of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. The agreement shall be signed by: 1. Where a Club is an unincorporated association, by the Club chair and secretary; or 2. Where a Club is an incorporated entity, by two directors of the Club. Any change of chair, secretary or directors of the Club as named in the above agreement must be notified to the Affiliated Association to which the Club is sanctioned and to the SAL Secretary. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB 11.A Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31 March in each Season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22.B. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 11.B The LMC shall have the discretion to deal with a Club/Team being unable to start or complete its Matches for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 11.C Notwithstanding the powers of the LMC pursuant to Rule 6.I, in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the LMC shall be empowered to refer the debt under the FA Football Debt Recovery Regulations. 12. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, LMC 12.A At the AGM or an SGM called in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the LMC, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: 1. remove any Officer or member of the LMC from office; 2. exclude any Club or Team from membership, either of which must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the LMC or Club, which is the subject of the vote being taken, shall be excluded from voting. 12.B At the AGM or an SGM called in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting. 12.C Any Officer or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of a Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or LMC may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of 12.A and/or 12.B of this Rule. 12.D 1. The LMC shall have the power to ban or expel any Club or named individual from playing in the League, engaging in Club administration, attending any League function if it considers that the Club or individual’s participation is of undesirable conduct and detrimental to the best interests of the League. 2. Any decision made by the Competition shall be in accordance with the Rules of the FA. 3. Any Club that expels a Player independently of action taken by the LMC shall inform the Secretary within 7 days of the decision. 4. The procedure to be followed by the LMC or duly appointed sub-committee in pursuing Rule 6.E, Rule 12.C or Rule 18.B.4 shall be as follows: (a) The LMC shall be empowered to invite any Club(s) and/or their representative(s) in writing to attend before the LMC or appointed sub-Committee with at least fourteen (14) days’ notice of the time, date and venue. (b) Full details of the offence shall be stated in the letter. (c) The Clubs and/or their representatives shall be given the opportunity to address the LMC, produce documents and call witnesses if they so desire, and may be assisted by not more than one (1) other person to support the individual or speak on his behalf in so doing. (d) After the Clubs and/or their representatives has been heard by the LMC and the case has been considered, a two thirds (2/3) majority of the members of the LMC present and voting in favour is required for the recommendation that the player, official or member of a Club is to be suspended or expelled. (e) If the LMC votes to recommend the suspension or expulsion of a Member Club, Player, official or member of a Club, an SGM must be called within twenty-eight (28) days of the LMC Meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting is required to order the suspension or expulsion of Player, Official or member of a Club. (f) If the required majority of votes for suspension or expulsion have not been obtained under (d) or (e) above, the matter is closed and may not be reopened in the same Season. (g) Within fourteen (14) days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the LMC or any appointed sub-committee, any Club, Official or Player against whom action is proposed to be taken, may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Sanctioning Authority (the procedure to be followed is set out in the FA handbook), including the fee as set out in the Schedule for adjudication of an Sanctioning Authority Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with the Rules of the FA. (h) The Sanctioning Authority 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 Sanctioning Authority Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. 13. TROPHY The following agreement shall be signed (and delivered to the Secretary) on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy: 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 day of the SAL Council Meeting (date to be sent out to clubs nearer the time)). If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care, we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 13.B At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit. 14. ALTERATION TO RULES 14.A Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season, except in exceptional circumstances and approved by the Sanctioning Authority or the FA. 14.B Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30 April in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the LMC, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 31 May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 31 May. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if two thirds (2/3) of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour. 14.C A copy of the proposed alterations to the Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or the FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting. 15. FINANCE 15.A The LMC shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged. 15.B All expenditure in excess of five hundred pounds (£500) shall be approved by the LMC. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the LMC. 15.C The financial year of the Competition will end on 31 May. 15.D A certified balance sheet of the Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM. 16. INSURANCE 16.A All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times and shall provide details of the same upon written request from the LMC. 16.B All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where the FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 16.C Failure to comply with Rules 16.A or 16.B will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 17. DISSOLUTION 17.A Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM. 17.B In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the LMC are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition. 17.C The LMC shall deal with any surplus assets as follows: 1. Any surplus assets, save for a trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or the Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority. 2. 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. MATCH RELATED RULES 18. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS 18.A A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has registered through the Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition, except in the case of a Player who has been registered on the day of a Match. For any Players registered on the day of a Match, a Club Officer must email the Registration Secretary with details of the registration prior to the scheduled kick off time as shown on the FA Full Time system in order for the Player to be eligible to play in that Match. The Player shall not play again in any subsequent Match in the Competition until the Club has registered the player through the Player Registration system and is in possession of the approval from the Competition. Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the Player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a Player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration System, the registration will not be processed. Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process. No Player shall be permitted to participate in a Match in the Competition unless and until they have reached the age of 35 years by the date of the Match in question. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 18.B 1. Contract Players are not permitted in this Competition. 2. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland. 3. Each Club must have at least fourteen (14) Players per Team registered seven (7) days before the start of each Playing Season. 4. In the event of a Non-Contract Player changing his status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non-Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void. 18.C A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) shall be permitted to register for a Club but will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt. 18.D The LMC 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 Registration Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the Player of the fact of the previous registration. 18.E It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to: - 1. Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred. 2. Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer, or where the Competition adopts Rule 18.P. 3. Submit a signed registration form as per Rule 18.A.2 or submit a registration through the Player registration system that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. 4. Play for a Club if they have not attained the minimum age requirement. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 18.F 1. The LMC shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.F.2 and 18.F.3 below. 2. The LMC shall have the power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Schedule) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7). 3. The LMC shall have the power to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of Undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with. 4. A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.F.3 but has a registration accepted at the expiry of the period of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of twelve (12) months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute. Note: Action under Rule 18.F.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or the FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 Matches in match- based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.). 18.G Subject to compliance with FA Rule C, when a Club wishes to register a Player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer notification to the competition via the Player Registration System. 18.H 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 (3) days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within three (3) days, the Secretary may, on behalf of the LMC, transfer the Player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the LMC for a decision. The decision of the LMC shall be final and binding on all Clubs. 18.I A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31 March except by written permission of the LMC. 18.J Registrations are valid for one (1) Playing Season only. 18.K A Club shall keep an online list of all Players it registers and record online Team Sheets for all Matches in which those Players have played for the Club on the FA systems. 18.L 1. Subject to Rule 18.L.2, any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of twelve (12) points and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Schedule). 2. The LMC may vary the decision in respect to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18.L.1 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. 3. Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.L.1, the LMC may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following: (a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; and/or (b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; and/or (c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on terms as are decided by the LMC). 18.M 1. In all Matches in which it competes, each Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI; its second strongest team in is 2nd XI and so on. 2. Sectional Strength. On any Match day, irrespective of a Club not fielding all its Teams, the Team(s) that do play, must, including any substitute Players, be of a relative sectional strength for each Match. 3. Clubs are expected to hold regular selection meetings or a comparable electronic selection programme to select sides of relevant sectional strength (A Club shall play its strongest team in its 1st XI, its second strongest team in its 2nd XI etc.). 4. Any Team not selected in accordance with sectional strength rules as stated above may have championship, promotion or SAL Cup revoked by the E&GP Committee. 5. Each Team must have at least fourteen (14) Players registered seven (7) days before the start of each Playing Season. 6. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not necessary that the breach of this Rule be brought to the LMC’s attention by another competing Team or Club. 7. If a Club wishes to cancel a Player’s registration within the competition, it must make a request via the Player Registration System giving the reasons for the request. The Competition may either approve or decline the request. 19. CLUB COLOURS 19.A Every Club must register the colour of its shirts, shorts and socks with the Secretary by 1st August and the Secretary shall decide as to their suitability. 19.B Any Club changing its colours during the Playing Season must notify the SAVL Secretary immediately. 19.C Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials. 19.D No Player, including the goalkeeper shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. 19.E Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents and the Match Officials the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeeper’s jersey) at least five (5) days before the Competition Match. 19.F If, in the opinion of the Match Official, both Teams have the same or similar colours, the home Team shall make the change to a non-conflicting colour. Should the home Team unreasonably delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours, they will be fined in accordance with the Schedule. 19.G Shirts must all be numbered, and no two (2) shirts shall have the same number, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Schedule. 20 PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES 20.A All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board. Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the LMC. If through any fault of the home Team a Match has to be replayed, the LMC shall have power to order the venue to be changed. The LMC shall have power to decide whether a Ground and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Match(es) on another ground. Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three (3) years and the results passed to the FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming Match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20.C. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of ninety (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 provided the total playing time is not more than one hundred and twenty (120) minutes. In such instances where two Matches have been scheduled, each Match shall have a duration of sixty (60) minutes (thirty (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 SAVL Pre-Season Meeting shall determine the date for the commencement of the Season. Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless objections are received by the SAVL Match Secretary who may then arrange that Club’s fixtures. The times of kick-off shall be 2pm unless otherwise agreed by the two (2) Teams, the Match Officials and the SAVL Match Secretary. Referees must order Matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the LMC. The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the LMC if not provided. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated Matches. For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated Matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the Match Official to restart the Match in accordance with the laws of the game. 20.B Except by permission of the LMC all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to the FA and parent Affiliated Association Cup Competitions. All other Matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition Match with the consent of the SAVL Match Secretary. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. In the case of a revised Match date, the Clubs must be given five (5) clear days’ notice of the Match by the Competition (unless otherwise mutually agreed). 20.C 1. An officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least five (5) clear days prior to the playing of the Match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 2. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the LMC. 20.D In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is seven (7). 20.E 1. Home and away Matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the LMC shall have power to impose a fine (in accordance with the Schedule), deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except for the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the LMC shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances. 2. Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the SAVL Match Secretary, the Referees Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. 3. Any Multi-Team Club shall always fulfil its Matches within the Competition in the following order: its strongest Team in its 1st Team; its second strongest Team in its 2nd Team and so on. 4. Any Club needing to cancel/postpone a Match due to a shortage of players must: (a) notify its opponents, the Match Secretary and the Match Officials of the cancellation/postponement no later than 22.00 hours on the Friday before the Sunday game by phone or email and ensure its opponents, the Match Secretary and the Match Officials confirm their receipt and understanding of the same. (b) (in the case of a Multi Team Club who must obtain the prior written consent of the Match Secretary before such cancellation/postponement takes place) cancel/postpone the Match of its lowest Team; Any Multi Team Club found to be in breach of Rule 20.E.4(b), or any Multi Team Club deemed by the LMC to be attempting to breach Rule 20.E.4(b) shall be liable to be fined in accordance with the Schedule and/or face any other sanctions determined by the LMC. (c) reimburse the opposing Club in respect of any reasonable expenses already incurred for the Match (subject to production of appropriate invoices). Any dispute(s) on the reasonable expenses will be subject to determination by the LMC whose decision shall be final and binding on both Clubs. Failure to comply with the provisions of Rules 20.E.2, 20.E.3 and 20.E.4 will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 5. Where a Competition Match is cancelled/postponed by a Team due to Player unavailability before 22.00 hours on the Friday before the Sunday Match, then the Match will be rescheduled by the SAVL Match Secretary. The defaulting Team will reimburse any reasonable expenses to the opposition on the basis set out in Rule 20.E.4(c). 6. Where a Competition Match is cancelled/postponed by a Team due to Player unavailability after 22.00 hours on a Friday before a Sunday Match, then the Match shall be awarded to their opponents. The defaulting Team will reimburse any reasonable expenses to the opposition on the basis set out in Rule 20.E.4(c). 7. In addition, the LMC shall also be empowered to:- (a) deduct points from the defaulting Club or Team(s) (in the case of a Multi-Team Club); (b) award the points from the Match or Match(es) in question to the opponents; (c) order the replaying of a Match or Match(es) or otherwise deal with the Match or Match(es) as it shall deem appropriate except for the award of goals. 8. During a Season (and by no later than 31 January in each Season), a Club shall be permitted to postpone a maximum of one (1) Match per Team entered in the Competition while allowing Matches on the same date to be played by a Team of that Club lower than that of the Team which requested the postponement. 9. The postponement of such a Match will require the permission of the Match Secretary and must be advised to the opposition Club at least four (4) days prior to the date of the planned fixture and by no later than 8pm on a Wednesday preceding a Sunday fixture. 10. However, there will be instances where County Cup ties will take precedence over the playing of SAVL Divisional Matches. In this instance, it will be left to the sole discretion of the Match Secretary to decide if the Divisional Match involving that Club’s lowest-ranked Team is postponed. 11. In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned (after it has commenced) owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the LMC. Failing such agreement and notification to the SAVL Match Secretary within seven (7) days, the LMC shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, the LMC shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 12. The LMC shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the LMC shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the LMC are satisfied that a Competition Match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Participants they shall be empowered to award the points for the Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the LMC shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Competition Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the LMC for an abandoned Competition Match. 13. The LMC shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible Players in accordance with Rule 18.L above. Where both Teams were under suspension the Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed. 20.F A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom 5 may be used. 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. 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 Club must identify to the Match Officials the number of the player out and the player in, in accordance with the Team Sheet. 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 a (fully and legibly) completed Competition approved pro-forma Team Sheet no later than twenty (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 named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition. 20.G The half-time interval shall be of 10 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half-time interval may only be altered with the consent of the Referee. 20.H Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who shall wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of their Teammates. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 20.I Technical Areas 1. When/where a Competition Match is played at a Ground where there are technical areas marked out, 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 Coach/Manager/Players and any other Participants in the technical area will be reported by the referee. 2. In Matches in the Competition where a technical area is not marked out, the Coach/Manager may convey tactical instructions to Players during the match, however the Coach//Manager/Players and any other Participants must always conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Misconduct by a Club’s Coach/Manager/Players and any other Participants will be reported by the referee. 20.J Hospitality 1. The home Club will provide post-Match hospitality for the away Club and the Match Official(s). If the home Club is unable to provide post-Match hospitality, it should pre-warn the away Club and the Match Officials. The home Club must ensure that the Match Officials are suitably and hospitably entertained and provided with an after-Match meal or refreshment and a drink. 2. 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 six (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 as set out in the Schedule. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 3. 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 10pm on the Friday before the Sunday Match, or at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to kick-off time if the Match is played on a day other than a Sunday, 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 LMC. 21. REPORTING RESULTS 21.A Both home and away Clubs 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. 21.B The Referees Secretary and Registration Secretary must receive within four (4) days of the date of the Match, the result of each Competition Match via the FA Full Time system in the prescribed manner. The online Team Sheet must include the full names of the Players (including any substitute Players) and also the submission of the online referee markings required by Rule 23 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. 22. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP 22.A Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three (3) points to be awarded for a win and one (1) point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points. In the event of two (2) or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest). In the event of two (2) or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. In the event of two (2) or more Teams still being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. In the event of two (2) or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has the better playing record against the other Team in their head-to-head Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest. If the records of two (2) or more Teams are still equal and it is necessary for any reason to determine the position of each, then the Teams affected shall play a deciding Match or Matches under conditions as determined by the LMC. 22.B Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first two (2) Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last two (2) Teams in each Division except as provided for below, subject to the provisions of Rule 2.L. 1. Should one (1) or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced, an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated. The LMC reserve the right to balance out any of the divisions to make the Competition more equitable if required. 2. Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways: (a) Retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or (b) Additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or (c) Election. 22.C In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing seventy-five per cent (75%) of its Matches for the Playing Season, all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.C, a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has/have been awarded by the LMC. 23. MATCH OFFICIALS 23.A Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by the FA or Sanctioning Authority) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the LMC and by the Sanctioning Authority. 23.B 1. 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. 2. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Match must be played, and the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 23.C Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall not provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 23.D The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted. 23.E Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Schedule. Match Officials will be paid their fees by home Club immediately after the Competition Match. Where assistant referees are provided, the away Team shall pay for one assistant referee. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 23.F In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present at the Ground, shall be entitled to their full fee. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 23.G A Referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which they are registered. 23.H Each Club shall award marks for the referee for each Competition Match. The name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Referees’ Secretary on the prescribed form provided by the FA Full Time system within four (4) days of the Match. If a Club awards a mark of less than sixty-one (61) for the referee, a written report justifying the mark shall be submitted t o t h e Referees’ Secretary within seven (7) days of the Match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Schedule. 23.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 Sanctioning Authority. 23.J The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the Referees’ Secretary within two (2) days of the Competition Match. 23.K Match Officials shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge. 23.L Match Officials shall comply with the provisions of any initiatives of the FA and/or Sanctioning Authority adopted by the Competition. 24 REPRESENTATIVE GAMES The LMC may arrange representative games and a Player selected to represent the SAL may not play for his Club on the date of any such match without the written consent of the LMC. 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 SAVL Match Secretary, postpone its 1st Team Match scheduled for the date of the Representative game. 25 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 Sanctioning Authority for their approval. Player’s clothing shall not be permitted to carry advertising until such time as permission for the advertising has been obtained by that Club from the Sanctioning Authority. 26. EMERGENCY, DISCIPLINE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE 26.A 1. The E&GP will be formed within fourteen (14) days of the receipt, by the Secretary 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 LMC Officer, League or Club appointed Referee or elected Officer of a Member Club. 2. The E&GP will consist of at least three (3) LMC Members (with a duly elected Chair) and shall have the power to deal with any matters that they see fit to investigate, whether or not they are provided for in these Rules (but shall be in accordance with the Rules of the FA). 3. The E&GP will have the ability to require any Club and/or Participant to appear before them on any nominated date. The E&GP 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 the Rules of the FA) covering the nature of an individual incident or incidents over a Season committed by any Player or Club. 4. Any decision made by the E&GP will need ratification/confirmation from the full LMC at their next Committee meeting and follow the misconduct procedures stated within Rule 12. 5. The E&GP will have the power to revoke the awarding of any Championship or promoted side and/or Cup at the end of that Playing Season if in their opinion that Team has not been selected consistently in accordance with the provisions of Rule 18. 6. In addition, the E&GP 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 the E&GP (acting reasonably at all times) that any Team's or Club's actions epitomise or embody Undesirable conduct and are detrimental to the best interests of the SAL. 7. In any hearing the E&GP will have the power to make an order as to the costs of that hearing, as it considers appropriate. 8. Within fourteen (14) days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the LMC 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 Sanctioning Authority (the procedure to be followed is set out in the FA handbook), including the appropriate fee (as set out in the Schedule) for adjudication by a Sanctioning Authority Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with the Rules of the FA. 9. The Sanctioning Authority 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 Sanctioning Authority Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. 27. RULES BINDING ON CLUBS Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing Rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the LMC subject to Rule 7. Each Member Club must abide by any issued FA Code of Conduct. SCHEDULE OF FEES, PAYMENTS & FINES
FINES
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