Proposed rule changes/amendments for 2017/18
2.1 (d) (iii)
Any application to enter a new team in the League must be sent to the League
Secretary no later than 2 weeks after the last scheduled League date, as printed in
the fixture list 30th April in the form prescribed by the League.
This is to allow clubs more time to consider their arrangements for the next season
and gives a fixed date rather than one that changes every year.
5.
Match arrangements
5.1 to 5.4 become 5.2 to 5.5.
New:
5.1
All clubs are required to enter the start times of their matches on the League website
no later than 21 days before the relevant fixture. Once the time has been entered it
can only be amended up to 10 days before the fixture date. After this time the
change must be referred to the relevant Area Secretary with confirmation that the
away team has been made aware, and accepted, the change of start time.
Now becomes a mandatory requirement to enter start times on the League website.
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5.2
Start times and playing under floodlights
(b)
Home clubs wishing to start matches outside of the time specified in a) above must
give at least three weeks notice in writing, or by e-email, to the away team who have
the right to raise an objection if they consider this to be unreasonable given the
distance and travelling time. The home team must receive positive confirmation that
the start time has been accepted prior to updating the website. Failure to comply
with these requirements may incur penalties.
If a match is to be played under artificial light the floodlights must adhere to the
standards defined in Appendix 1.
New 5.2(c)
If a game is to be played under artificial light the minimum light level at any point
must be not less than 200 Lux and the average reading must not be less than 250
Lux. Clubs will be required to provide an annual statement, via email or letter, from
their pitch landlord indicating whether or not their floodlights provide this standard.
Existing 5.2(c) becomes 5.2(d)
If a pitch does not have floodlights, or they have not been approved for the current
season, or the information required at 5.2(c) is either not acceptable or has not been
provided games must start no later than:
i.
ii.
14:00 hours in December/January
14:30 hours in November/February
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iii.
15:00 hours in all other months
Existing 5.2(d) & 5.2(e) renumbered as 5.2(e) & 5.2(f)
This brings the requirement into the Rules and removes the need for an Appendix as
League officers will no longer be responsible for testing floodlights. The process for
clubs will be explained by way of a floodlighting protocol document.
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New 5.2(g):
g)
Re-arranged games may be played on a day other than a Saturday or Sunday. Such
matches must remain compliant with Rule 5.2(b) to (d) and begin no later than 20:00.
For the purposes of team selection and player eligibility (Rules 6 and 7) the match
shall be deemed as if it were played the weekend following the re-arranged date.
For clarification when such games take place.
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7.
Team selection and player eligibility.
e)
Where a game has been rearranged following a proper postponement request, or
because of adverse weather, there must be a minimum of 7 regular players from that
team participating in the rearranged fixture. The remaining members of the squad
team should come from players of lower ranked teams. If the fixture concerns the
lowest ranked team of a club no more than 4 players should come from the
immediate team above. The selection of players from this higher ranked team is
permitted so as to bring the available players to 12. Additional players from the
higher ranked team cannot be selected so as to create a squad.
If a club has difficulties with this they must seek clearance from their Area Secretary
to reduce this number prior to the match taking place.
The existing rule permits, where the lowest ranked team has a rearranged game, a
squad of up to 16 players were 9 can be from a higher ranked team. This amendment
removes that inequity.
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9.4 Pitch and equipment
The home team captain shall be responsible for ensuring:
a)
b)
The pitch is fit for purpose with clear line markings and free of debris and the
goals and nets are in good repair.
An adequate supply of match balls
This is to reinforce that the home team is responsible for the state of the pitch.
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10.1
Reporting of results
a) Following each League match, it is the responsibility of both the home and away
team to report the correct result of the match to the League through the online
reporting via the website no later than 8:00 pm on match day.
For clarification purposes.
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10.2
Match Cards
(d)
The card is received electronically by the Match Card Area Secretary within 48 hours
of the match date. by the Wednesday following the match. It may be posted or sent
electronically; if the latter, it must be sent as a scanned image and The original card
must be retained for the remainder of the season in case of query.
Match cards are the cornerstone to ensuring the League is run credibly and fairly.
The prompt receipt, and subsequent recording, of match cards enables complaints
and enquiries to be investigated in a timely manner.
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11.5
Re-scheduling postponed, abandoned or unplayed matches
If clubs cannot, within 7 days of a game being postponed, abandoned or not played,
of the original scheduled, or re-scheduled, date agree a re-arranged date to play a
postponed, abandoned or unplayed match, the Area Secretary may dictate the date
and venue for it to be played.
This is to prevent additional delays in agreeing a re-arranged date where there has
been early postponement.
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15.
APPENDIX 1 –FLOODLIGHTS TESTING PROCEDURE
1
Testing procedures
1.1
The League Secretary will be responsible for arranging the inspection of pitches and
determining whether they reach the standard required. Inspection of pitches may be
delegated to the Area Secretary or any other person authorised by the League
Secretary.
Any club wishing to play matches under floodlights should forward their request to
the League Secretary as soon as possible but in any case at least 28 days before the
match is scheduled to be played under floodlights. The appropriate fee must
accompany the request.
Lighting measurements will be taken using one of the League’s light meters and the
reading entered on a grid of points at 10-yard intervals, including side and goal lines.
The minimum light level at any point must be not less than 200 Lux and the average
reading must not be less than 250 Lux.
After the test, the club concerned should be notified as soon as possible of the result.
The tester shall also send to the League Secretary and the club concerned copies of
the completed grid.
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
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1.6
The Committee may use measurements made by another body, but this is solely at
the discretion of the League Secretary.
See amendments to Rule 5.2 above.
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