BOTSWANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
PLAY RULES AND REGULATIONS
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 1st SEPTEMBER 2014
PLAY RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR BOTSWANA FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
CONTENTS
Regulation
Page
Preamble
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Laws of the Game
Registration of Players
Players’ Suspension after “Send Off”
Principles towards Nationals
Forfeitures
Defaulters
Late coming
Stoppage and Abandonment of the Game
Protests
Appeals
Review of Proceedings
Violence and general misbehaviour
General Punishments
Conduct
The League System
Relegation and promotion
Final Match “Knock Out Game”
Definition of Season
Registration of club colours
Clubs’ Home Grounds
Registration Subscription Fees and Change of names
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
11
11
13
13
15
16
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Transfer of players
Participation in friendly tournaments and events
Club Licensing
Misbehaviour
Security and Protection of all participants at football games
Code of Conduct
Definition of a football season
Review, Variation, Amendment and/or change
18
23
28
29
29
30
30
31
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PREAMBLE
These Play Rules and Regulations have been enacted to provide understanding among
Botswana Football Association as regards the conditions of play in line with the FIFA
Statutes and the Laws of the Game and to foster co-operation within the Association as
well as to promote the highest possible competition and fair play. Where a particular matter
is not adequately covered in these Play Rules and Regulations, provisions in the relevant
FIFA Statutes shall apply. Great is the club that does its utmost best to win. Greater is the
club that accepts defeat with dignity.
1. LAWS OF THE GAME
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1.1
All games are to be played according to the FIFA Laws of the Game, as
promulgated from time to time.
1.2
All games shall be officiated by BFA Referees and Assistant Referees and, if
these are not available, the respective competent BFA authority shall have
the right to appoint a Referee and Assistant Referees.
1.3
Substitutes of up to a maximum of three players per team are permitted at
anytime during official matches. In a friendly game, the number of substitutes
shall be as agreed upon by the two clubs prior to the commencement of the
game provided the Referee shall have been informed before the game starts.
1.4
No team shall be allowed to play or continue to play a game with less than
seven (7) players. In the event that a team ends up with less than seven
players after the game has started for whatever reason, the game shall be
stopped by the Referee who shall make a report to the competent BFA
authority.
1.5
Where the deficiency in the number of players mentioned in 1.4 above is as a
result of injuries during play, a replay shall be ordered and, in any other
situation, the club with less than the minimum number of players shall forfeit
the points of the game and two goals to the opposing.
2. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS AND CLUB LICENSING
2.1
Only players registered with the BFA shall participate in official BFA
Activities.
2.2
Registration by the BFA of a player shall be shown by the following details in
the player’s registration book:
2.2.1. Photograph of the Player.
2.2.2 BFA Registration Number.
2.2.3 Signature of the Player and Date
2.2.4 Full names of the Player.
2.2.5 Date and Place of Birth of the Player.
2.2.6 Name of the Club.
2.2.7 Signature of Club Chairman and date.
2.2.8 Signature of Club Secretary and date.
2.2.9 Signature of BFA President and date.
2.2.10 Signature of BFA General Secretary and date.
2.2.11 BFA date stamp
2.2.12 Endorsement on the pages for transfers.
Provided that BFA officials of the respective National leagues may sign on
behalf of the President and the General Secretary. In the case of registration
within or to regional league clubs, the registration shall be signed by the
Chairman and Secretary of the Regional Football Association. Provided that
where the player is a minor, the consent in writing must be signed by the
player’s parent[s] or legal guardian. Such consent shall be filed in the records
of such BFA Authority for future reference. The registration books for players
in junior teams shall, whilst containing all the same details referred to above,
be distinguishable by colour from players registration books for their main
teams.
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2.3
A club shall be allowed to register up to twenty-five (25) players at any given
time for its main team. Clubs required to maintain junior teams shall be
allowed to register up to twenty five (25) players under the respective age
category over and above those registered for the main team. Should a club
wish to use a player registered with any of its junior teams in its main team,
the club shall first register the player as a member of its main team provided
that such registration observes the quota of 30 players. For purposes of
these play rules, “junior teams” shall be teams that consist of players of up to
17 years of age.
2.4
A player shall only play for the club that he is registered for.
2.5.
BFA registered players shall not participate in official games of foreign
National Associations or non-FIFA affiliated or FIFA suspended football
associations. Contravention of the above condition may result in the
automatic suspension of the player’s registration for at least one season.
2.6.
Clubs shall be at liberty to enter into written contracts with players registered
by them which shall set out the terms and condition for the player’s
engagement as a player for the particular club. Provided that such clubs shall
be under obligation and it shall be their sole responsibility, in terms of the Tax
Laws of Botswana, to collect tax and submit such to government tax
collectors accordingly
3. PLAYERS’ AND OFFICIALS’ SUSPENSION AFTER “SEND OFF”
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3.1
A player or club official who is sent off the field by the Referee during a BFA
official game (except international games) shall be automatically suspended
for a minimum of two next official club games, inclusive of any other local
BFA competitions. Provided that the player or club official so suspended may
have further disciplinary action taken against him after due investigation by
the competent BFA authority. In the event that the player transfers to another
club before serving the suspension, he shall still be required to complete the
suspension at the new club to which he is transferring.
3.2
A player who receives an aggregate of two (2) yellow cards in two
successive BFA games shall be automatically suspended for the next BFA
official club game.
3.3
A player shall be automatically suspended for the next BFA official game for
an aggregate of three (3) yellow cards that he receives in three (games)
throughout the season, in exception of those described under 3.2 above.
Furthermore, for every aggregate of three red cars/send offs received by a
player/club official in official club games, such a player/official shall be
suspended for an additional two official games.
3.4.
In addition to the herein mentioned punishments, there shall be fines to a player
/official for every yellow card and red card received during an official game which
fines shall be set by the National Executive Committee of BFA from time to time.
Failure to pay such fines shall result in two official game suspensions and three
additional game suspension for the yellow card and red card respectively.
3.5
A competent BFA authority responsible for the league/tournament and or the
National Disciplinary Committee may institute additional punishments over and
above those stated above under Regulations 3.1 to 3.4 on the merit of the case.
4. PRINCIPLES TOWARDS NATIONALS
5.
4.1
All clubs affiliated to the BFA are under an obligation to release and send
their players to any of the National Teams when called upon to do so by the
National Executive Committee. The Association shall inform clubs whose
players are required for national team duty in writing regarding the need for
the players to be released. The Association shall be responsible for securing
the release of players from their places of work or study. Clubs are also
required to release their players to participate in regional selection
competitions when called upon by the BFA. The Association may, through
the National Executive Committee, take appropriate action against any club
which refuses or neglects to release a player required for national team duty.
Furthermore, the Association may, through the National Executive
Committee, take such action as it deems fit against a player who does not
report for national team duty after being called upon and released by his
club, employer or institution of learning.
4.2
Where a club has a total of more than three (3) players doing duty with any of
the National Teams, such club shall not be required to honour league or any
other BFA competition games in the absence of such players. Provided that
players shall be released from national teams back to their clubs such that
such players are able to have at least one training session with the rest of
their club team mates prior to an official game.
4.3
Any club which contravenes sub-regulations 4.1 above shall be guilty of
unpatriotic behaviour and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding P2 000.00
and such players shall not be eligible to play for their respective clubs in any
official game during the period for which they have been called to the
national team.
4.4
Players serving a suspension sentence from their clubs due to misconduct
shall not be considered for national team selection.
FORFEITURE
5.1
Any game declared forfeited by a competent BFA authority due to the fault of
a participating club shall result in a forfeiture of three (3) points and two (2)
goals by the club at fault to the innocent club in the case of league games
and a forfeiture of the game to the opposing club in respect of competition
games.
5.2.
A suspension of a club during a season shall result in the following:
5.2.1. A forfeiture of three (3) points and two (2) goals to the opposing
team(s), for the remaining games if the suspension takes effect in the
second round of the league.
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5.2.2. A nullity of all the games if the suspension takes effect in the first
round of the league.
5.2.3. Disqualification from all BFA competitions and tournaments to be held
during the period of suspension.
5.3.
Where teams gain goals and points through a forfeiture by others, and
consequently qualify for a league championship, promotion to a higher
league, or avoid relegation, and such gain has displaced other teams which
would otherwise have qualified, or avoided relegation, the concerned teams
shall have play offs and the winner(s) of such game shall qualify for the
league championship or promotion to a higher league or avoid relegation. No
team shall be deemed to have displaced another in terms of this regulation,
where the concerned teams have gained the same number of goals and/or
points through forfeiture. The format and details of such play offs shall be
determined by the Relevant league committee and approved by the BFA
National Executive Committee.
6. DEFAULTER
6.1
In terms of these Play Rules and Regulations, a defaulter is a player:
6.1.1 who plays while under suspension;
6.1.2 who is not registered to play for the club he has actually played for;
6.1.3 who is improperly cleared by the club which uses him;
6.1.4 who is registered after any of the stipulated quotas have been
exhausted;
6.1.5 who plays for a club without the relevant international registration
transfer certificate and/or relevant documents;
6.1.6 who is registered, transferred or loaned outside of the periods
provided for in sub-regulation 22.13.
6.2
Any team that fields a defaulter in a league game and a complaint or protest
or information about the use of an alleged defaulter is brought to the attention
of the relevant league or disciplinary committee within 30 days of the date of
the said league game, shall
6.2.1 forfeit three (3) points and two (2) goals to the opposing team for
every game that the defaulter shall have played in a given season,
provided that procedures relating to protests shall be adhered to;
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6.2.2 be liable for a fine of not less than P1 000.00 and not exceeding P2
000.00 for Premier and First Division Leagues and not less than
P500.00 and not exceeding P1 000.00 for any other league.
7.
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6.3
Any team that fields a defaulter in a league game and a complaint or protest
or information about the use of such defaulter is brought to the attention of
the relevant league or disciplinary committee after 30 days of the date of the
said league game, shall be liable to a fine of not less P2000.00 and not
exceeding P3000.00 for Premier and First Division Leagues and of not less
then P1000.00 and not exceeding P2000.00 for any other league.
6.4
Any team that fields a defaulter during a knock-out competition or play-off
game shall be deemed to have lost the game in question and the fines in
regulation 6.2.2 above shall apply mutatis mutandis.
LATE COMING
7.1
Late coming shall mean a team arriving at the official match venue less than
fifteen (15) minutes before the time stipulated for the start of the match. It
shall also mean a situation where a team fails to present itself to the match
officials for inspection when required to do so before the commencement of
the match.
7.2
Any club contravening sub-regulation 7.1 above without reasonable excuse
shall be guilty of late coming and liable to a fine not less than P1000.00 but
not exceeding P2000.00 for clubs in the Premier and First Division Leagues
and not less than P500.00 and not more than P1000.00 in respect of clubs in
other leagues.
7.3
In the event that a club arrives late for a match, the referee shall report the
matter to the competent BFA authority.
7.4
Where the delay of the start of the match is in excess of thirty (30) minutes or
a team does not turn up at all, the official referee shall call the game off and
submit a report to the competent BFA authority.
7.5
A team that fails to give reasonable grounds for late coming to a league
match or failure to turn up, shall forfeit three (3) points and two (2) goals and
may be liable to any other disciplinary action.
7.6
If a match cannot be played on account of one team being prevented to
arrive by a cause beyond its control (force majeure) the match will be set for
another date at the same venue. The match official and/or competent BFA
authority shall determine whether the cause was a force majeure or not and
shall be reported soon after such occurrence or as soon as it is practically
possible to report to one match official and/or competent BFA authority. The
onus of proving force majeure shall lie with the party who alleges same.
8.
STOPPAGE AND ABANDONMENT OF A GAME
8.1
Only the officiating referee may stop a game.
8.2
Where a game is abandoned on account of the misconduct of one of the
participating teams, the guilty team shall lose the game with three points and
two goals (or such higher number of goals as the innocent team shall have
scored at the time of abandonment) in favour of the innocent team. Provided
that the points so gained shall not be regarded as soft points. The guilty team
shall not receive any points or goals from the abandoned game.
8.3
Where a game is abandoned without the fault of any of the participating
teams, it shall be replayed at the same venue on a date determined by the
competent BFA authority.
8.3.1 Should a match be abandoned by the Referee due to an electricity
power failure in a match played under floodlights, then the remaining
minutes of the match will be resumed on a date and time agreed upon
between the two participating clubs immediately upon the
abandonment of the match, subject to the approval of the Chief
Executive Officer of the League or a delegated official of the League
who may set an alternative date and time
8.3.1.1
In the event of the two clubs being unable to agree to such
a date, then the Chief Executive Officer or a delegated
Official of the League will determine the date and time.
8.3.1.2 The resumed match will be a continuation of the abandoned
match as if the match had not been abandoned. The
abandoned match and the resumed match will constitute
one single match which will only be completed upon the
final whistle of the resumed match.
8.3.1.3 Notwithstanding this, nothing will preclude the League from
instituting disciplinary proceedings against any club as a
result of such incident. The Disciplinary Committee of the
League will have the power to make, inter alia, a finding as
to the costs of hosting the resumed match. Until such
finding is made, the League shall bear the costs of the
resumed match.
8.3.2 If a match is postponed or abandoned through a weather or state of
the pitch, the League will set another date on which the match will be
played. All records of the abandoned match will be expunged except
that any cautions or dismissals that occurred will remain in force. All
suspensions and/or punishments imposed under Clause 3 herein shall
not be deemed to have been served in the event of a postponement or
abandonment in respect of 8.3.1 and this clause.
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8.4.
9.
10
Any player and/or official of a club, member (as defined by the constitution)
or identifiable supporter who causes a stoppage or abandonment of a game
shall be guilty of misconduct and be liable to a fine not exceeding P1000.00
and/or any other punishment provided in these Play Rules and Regulations.
Provided that the Association may take further action against the club to
which the player or official belongs.
PROTESTS
9.1
Protests may be lodged for breach of the FIFA Laws of the Game, the BFA
Constitution and these Play Rules and Regulations.
9.2.
No protests shall be lodged against decisions on points of fact taken by the
referee on the field of play.
9.3.
All protests must be made in writing to the respective league committee or
competent BFA authority not later than seven days after the game. A protest
lodged after seven days shall not be entertained. Provided that a protest in
respect of a defaulter shall inter alia be reported with the time period
stipulated at Clause 6.2 and 6.3 above in which event such a matter shall be
treated as a complaint and shall be addressed in terms of the provisions of
the said Clauses.
9.4.
Protests must be accompanied by a non-refundable protest fee of P500.00
for all regional leagues and women’s football leagues and P1000.00 in
respect of the First Division and Premier Leagues.
9.5.
Any team which makes a protest verbally to the referee during play, and
does not follow it up with a written protest shall be guilty of misconduct and
shall be liable to a fine of not less than P500.00 but not exceeding P1000.00
and/or any other punishment provided for in these regulations.
9.6.
The referee shall report to the respective league committee or other
competent BFA authority any act of misconduct for appropriate disciplinary
action. The report shall be made in writing with seven (7) days of occurrence.
9.7.
All protests shall be heard within fourteen (14) days (excluding weekends
and public holidays) from the date of lodgement or so soon thereafter as the
competent authority is in a position to hear them. No protests shall remain
unheard for a period exceeding six (6) weeks.
9.8.
Decisions of League Committees shall take effect from the date of
pronouncement.
9.9.
Any BFA authority which is unable to hear a protest within six (6) weeks after
the match must make a written explanation to the National Executive
Committee through the Secretary General as to why it has not been possible
to hear the protest. It shall not be competent for a BFA authority to hear a
protest after six (6) weeks have elapsed from the date of lodging the protest,
without the written consent of the National Executive Committee.
9.10. All clubs appearing before a league committee shall be represented by not
more than two people, who shall be members of such clubs and not hired
attorneys.
9.11. The Disciplinary Committee may waive the provisions of sub-regulation 9.10
above and permit attorneys to represent an affiliated club or member during
proceedings before the Disciplinary Committee.
10. APPEALS
10.1
Disciplinary Committee
10.1.1
All appeals from the various league committees in the regions
shall lie with the respective Regional Football Committee or
Regional Disciplinary Committee (as the case may be).
10.1.2
All appeals against decisions of:
10.1.2.1.1
10.1.2.1.2
10.1.2.1.3
Any Regional Football Committee
Regional Disciplinary Committee;
The First Division Committees;
The Premier League Committee
and/or
Shall lie with the Disciplinary Committee.
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10.1.3
All appeals shall be lodged in writing within ten (10) days,
excluding weekends and public holidays, of the date of decision
by the lower body.
10.1.4
Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall take effect from
the date of pronouncement.
10.1.5
All appeals shall be accompanied by a fee of P2000.00 in
respect of the Premier and First Division Leagues and
P1000.00 for any other league; provided that 50% of the fee
shall be reimbursed to the appellant if the appeal is successful.
10.1.6
All clubs appearing before the Disciplinary Committee shall be
represented by not more than two people, who shall be
members of such clubs, subject to Regulation 9.11 above.
10.2
10.3
National Appeals Board
10.2.1
All appeals from the Disciplinary Committee and or the Players Status
Committee shall lie with the Appeals Board appointed under Section
16 of the Botswana National Sports Council Act (Cap 60:61).
10.2.2
All appeals must be lodged within ten (10) days (exclusive of
weekends and public holidays) from the date of decision of the
Disciplinary Committee.
10.2.3
All appeals shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of
P2000.00 in respect of the Premier and First Division Leagues and
P1000.00 for any other League.
10.2.4
The decision of the National Appeals Board shall be binding on all
parties concerned.
Court of Arbitration for Sport
10.2.5
10.2.6
10.2.7
10.2.8
There shall be a right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
against the decision of the National Appeals Board.
Any such appeal shall be lodged in accordance with the FIFA statutes
in regard thereto.
The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport shall be final and
binding on all parties concerned.
All affiliates shall be bound by the hieratical dispute resolution
structure as contained at Clause 9 and 10 above. Failure to adhere to
this hierarchy shall be considered as an act of misbehaviour as
contemplated by Clause 24.7 hereunder.
11. REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS
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11.1
Should the National Executive Committee determine that a decision or
action of a lower body of the BFA and/or the Referee are in breach of
the BFA Constitution, these Play Rules and Regulations and/or FIFA
Laws of the Game, or that the body has exercised its discretion
improperly (except the referee), the Secretary General shall, without
calling the affected clubs to appear before the National Executive
Committee, call upon the Disciplinary Committee to review such
proceedings of the lower authority. The Disciplinary Committee shall
call upon the parties concerned to make the necessary
representations.
11.2
The Disciplinary Committee may impose such punishment or give
remedies as may appear appropriate in the circumstances. Provided
that the Disciplinary Committee shall not set aside a decision of the
Referee based on a point of fact or on the Referee’s opinion made by
the Referee on the field of play.
12.
13.
VIOLENCE AND GENERAL MISBEHAVIOUR
12.1
All cases of violence shall be submitted for hearing to the Disciplinary
Committee by the Secretary General within ten (10) days (excluding
weekends and public holidays) of the Secretary General becoming
aware of such incidents. Provided that any player or club official
reported to have been involved in such violence shall be automatically
suspended from all BFA activities pending hearing of the case by the
Disciplinary Committee. The respective Region, National League, or
the Secretary General shall immediately write a letter to the concerned
club informing such a club of the automatic suspension in terms of this
Regulation on receipt of the report(s) from the match official(s). Any
club that allows such person (player or official or its member) to
represent it in any BFA activity shall be guilty of misconduct and will
be liable to additional punishment over and above what is already
prescribed in these Play Rules and Regulations.
12.2
All cases of misbehaviour reported to the Secretary General shall be
submitted to the Disciplinary Committee for action within ten (10) days
from the date that the Secretary General becomes aware of such
cases.
12.3
Any affiliate of the BFA which refers a dispute concerning the game of
football to the courts of law, ignores orders and decisions of the
Disciplinary Committee and/or the National Appeals Board or
persistently repeats acts which it has been previously punished for,
shall be guilty of misbehaviour and liable to a fine of not more than
P10 000.00 and a docking of points. Furthermore, the club may be
liable to a suspension from the BFA for a period of not more than
twelve (12) months.
GENERAL PUNISHMENTS
13.1
Notwithstanding any punishments that may be imposed under these Rules
and Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to impose
the following punishments:
13.1.1 Recommend expulsion from BFA;
13.1.2 suspension from BFA for a period not exceeding eighteen (18)
months;
13.1.3 a fine not exceeding P10 000.00;
13.1.4 both a fine and suspension from BFA.
13.1.5 Suspension from BFA games and activities for a period not exceeding
eighteen (18) months (in case of individuals)
13.1.6 Reprimands.
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13.1.7 Deduction of league points.
13.2
14.
14
The Disciplinary Committee may suspend any of the punishments it is
authorised to impose for any period it may find appropriate.
CONDUCT
14.1
Every affiliate club shall be held responsible for the conduct of its registered
members and identifiable club supporters on and off the field of play.
14.2
No affiliate club or member thereof shall submit statements or articles to the
media on matters relating to the state of affairs and policy of the Association.
14.3
Any member of the Association, a member of a club or a recognisable
supporter of a club, or any official of the Association, who makes false and/or
damaging statements against members of clubs or BFA officials, shall be
guilty of misconduct and liable to a fine not exceeding P2 000.00 or any other
punishment provided in these Rules and Regulations. Provided that, in the
case of officials of the Association, the individual shall be liable in his
personal capacity.
14.4
Any player or official of a club who threatens (either by conduct or by words),
or argues with or uses abusive, offending or insulting language or words
against the officiating referee or any other official of the BFA before, during
and/or after a game shall be guilty of misconduct and liable to any
punishment under these Play Rules and Regulations. The offending player or
official shall be reported by the officiating referee or the BFA official to the
Secretary General who shall refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee to
be dealt with in accordance with regulation 12 above.
14.5
No club will keep a floating trophy or shields for more than nine (9) months,
except with special permission from the Secretary General. Provided that the
trophies may be loaned to clubs on request at special occasions.
14.6
Any damages caused to trophies or shields belonging to the Association
shall be repaired by the holding club or the club under whose care the
trophies or shields were when the damage occurred. Where such damage is
extensive, the club shall be required to pay the replacement value of the
damaged trophies or shields.
14.7
Any club that violates sub-regulations 14.5 and 14.6 above, shall be guilty of
misconduct and liable to a fine or such other punishment provided for in
these Play Rules and Regulations.
14.8
Affiliated clubs seeking to play local friendly games shall not prejudice or
interfere with any of the BFA league games or competitions.
14.9
All affiliated clubs shall participate in all their league matches and all BFA
competitions for which they qualify.
14.10 No team shall withdraw from the league before the completion of its league
games or boycott or withdraw from any BFA tournament.
14.11 Any team guilty of contravening sub-regulations 14.9 and 14.10 above shall
be liable to a fine of not less than P2000.00 and/or such punishment
provided in these Play Rules and Regulations.
14.12 In the event of any club withdrawing from the league or other competition, all
results emanating from games played by the withdrawing club shall be
nullified.
14.13 In the event that a club applies for readmission into the Association in
accordance with Article 12.13 of the Constitution, the club will commence its
participation in the Association’s activities from the lowest league, subject to
the availability of a vacancy in that particular league.
14.14 Any club that fails to honour a properly scheduled league game shall be
suspended for a period of six (6) months for first offence, eighteen (18)
months for the second offence, and expulsion from BFA for subsequent
offence. Provided that, the National Disciplinary Committee as the judicial
body responsible for dealing with this type of cases, may impose additional
levy to the prescribed sentences on the concerned club as deemed fit.
14.15 Only the head coach, up to two (2) assistant coaches, and two (2) medics of
the club shall be allowed to sit on the bench during all BFA official games.
14.16 All clubs shall amend their respective constitutions to provide for club officials
to have term of office of four (4) years with effect from the 2009/2010
Football Season.
14.17 The National Executive Committee may create a code of conduct in respect
of the conduct of all it’s affiliates, officials and supporters, which code of
conduct shall be an extension of these play rules and regulations and be
enforced in accordance hereof.
15.
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THE LEAGUE SYSTEM
15.1
Each team in the same league division shall play games on home and away
basis against each of the other teams in the league division, with three points
awarded for a win, one point awarded for a draw and no points awarded for a
loss.
15.2
If at the end of the league, two or more teams obtain an equal number of
points, the team with a better goal difference shall take precedence over the
other teams. The goal difference shall be determined by subtracting the total
goals scored against the team from the total goals scored for by the team.
16.
15.3
If the goal difference of the two or more teams is equal, the team that would
have scored more goals shall take precedence. If the teams involved have
scored the same number of goals, the winner shall be determined by a final
match, played at a neutral ground, from which a winner shall emerge.
15.4
All clubs competing in any of the National Leagues shall do medical
examinations on all their players at the beginning of every season and when
a new player joins such clubs and maintain records of such medical
examinations which records shall be availed to the Association when the
concerned players are called to the National Teams or when required to do
so as the situation dictates.
15.5
The BFA National Executive Committee shall develop a licensing system the
fulfilment of the requirements of which shall be a pre-requisite and mandatory
for participation in the National Leagues by all concerned clubs.
15.6
All clubs in the National Leagues shall produce annual audited financial
statements as a prerequisite for continued or new membership to the two (2)
leagues with effect from 2009/2010 Football Season.
RELEGATION AND PROMOTION
16.1
Between the Premier and First Division Leagues.
The three bottom clubs in the Premier League shall automatically relegate to
the First Division. The Champions of the First Division (North) and (South)
shall automatically promote to the Premier League. The runners up of the
First Division (North) and (South) shall play-off between themselves at a
venue to be determined by the BFA National Executive Committee. Such
games shall be played over two weekends on a home and away basis with
the overall winner taking a place in the Premier League.
16.2
Between Regional Football and the First Division League
The Champions of Division One League in each of the Regional Football
Associations within each Zone shall engage in promotional games with the
champions and the runner up of the promotional games promoting to the
respective First Division League. Provided that such promotional games for
each zone shall start at the level of regional clusters whereby each cluster
shall produce the best two clubs to join the best two clubs from the other
clusters. The best four clubs from the clusters shall engage in the final stages
of the promotional games to produce the best two clubs to join the respective
16
First Division League within each zone. The clubs occupying the bottom two
positions in each First Division League shall automatically relegate to their
respective region.
16.3
Within the Regional Football Leagues
The two clubs occupying the bottom two positions shall relegate to the
league division immediately under them. The champion and runner up in
each league division shall automatically promote to the league immediately
above them.
16.4
Restriction of transfer of players during play-offs
Teams involved in play-offs shall be restricted to using players that have
played for the club during the season which has resulted in the play-offs
taking place.
16.5
Maintenance of numbers of teams in all leagues
16.5.1 Once a particular season is completed (i.e. all league games have been
played) the relegation of any team or teams shall not in any way affect or
alter the stipulated number of teams in any given league. In the event that
the relegation of any team (or teams) from any particular league may
have the effect of increasing the number of teams in the league below,
the stipulated number of teams in that league shall be maintained by
relegating the requisite number of teams which held the positions
immediately above the team or teams which are to be relegated at the
end of the said season, to the league immediately below.
16.5.2 The manner of maintaining the stipulated league numbers as laid down in
the preceding regulation shall be referred to as the “trickle down effect”.
To this end, save as provided in sub-regulation16.5.3 below, this method
shall apply throughout all leagues in order to maintain the stipulated
number of teams.
16.5.3 The number of teams in the lowest league in the region shall not be
reduced as a result of relegation of teams from the league immediately
above. As a result, trickle down effect shall not be applied to the lowest
league in the region.
16.6
Vacancies as a result of promotion or relegation
In the event that the promotion or relegation of a team or teams results in the
number of teams in any league being less than the stipulated number of
teams in terms of the constitution or regional rules and regulations as the
case may be, the best losers of the play-offs shall engage in play-offs with
17
the better of the relegated teams to determine which team or teams shall
make up the numbers. Such play-offs shall be at a neutral ground. In regard
to this regulation, the National Executive Committee shall have the ultimate
say as to how and who shall play in the play-offs referred to herein, applying
the principles laid out in this sub-regulation as far as possible.
17.
FINAL MATCH (OR “KNOCK OUT GAME”)
17.1
If a final match or “Knock Out Game” should end in a draw, extra time shall
be played following immediately after the end of the normal time with only a
10 minute break.
17.2
The extra time shall last 30 minutes, divided into two 15 minutes periods. No
interval shall be allowed.
17.3
If after extra time the result is still a draw, the winner shall be determined by
the taking of penalty kicks, initially five (5) kicks each, and proceeding to
sudden death in terms of sub-regulation 17.4.7 below if the teams are still
deadlocked.
Provided that the referee shall, however, have the power to declare that no
extra time be played if, in his judgement, circumstances would prevent the
full play of extra time, in which case the referee will order the teams to
proceed to penalty shoot-out.
17.4
The penalty shoot-out will be in the following procedure:
17.4.1 The referee will indicate the goal posts where the penalties are to be
taken. All players will remain on the field of play, within the circle in the
middle of the field, until the winner has been determined.
17.4.2 The referee will toss a coin in order to determine which team will start,
provided that the referee shall not determine which player takes which
penalty.
17.4.3 No substitutes may be brought in to take penalties.
17.4.4 A substitute goalkeeper may be brought in, provided that a team has
not exhausted its authorised number of substitutes.
17.4.5 Both teams will alternate in taking penalty kick, and the team that
scores more goals at the end of the shoot out shall be the winner.
17.4.6 The goalkeeper shall not move over the goal line until the penalty
taker has kicked the ball and the Referee shall ensure that this is
strictly observed and shall order that the penalty be re-taken if the
goalkeeper moves before the ball kicked. However, the goalkeeper
18
shall be at liberty to move along the goal line even before the ball is
kicked.
17.4.7 If, after both teams have taken their initial five penalty kicks, the
winner has not yet been determined, the teams will continue to take
alternate penalty kicks until one team scores a goal more than the
other, after taking the same number of penalties.
17.4.8 Each penalty kick will be taken by a different player, including the
goalkeeper. If each player in a team has taken a penalty kick, then
any player in a team on the field of play can take the next kick.
18.
19.
19
DEFINITION OF THE SEASON
18.1
A playing season shall be the period within which all BFA competitions are
played. All BFA affiliates shall be informed about the start of the season at
least two weeks in advance to enable clubs to prepare their teams in time.
18.2
Clubs shall be informed about the last date of the season at the beginning of
the season, to enable them to make off-season arrangements.
18.3
Unless stipulated to the contrary, the BFA season in every year shall begin
during the second week of August and end during the last week of May,
provided that the season shall not extend beyond the second weekend of
June, except in the event of force majeure or other circumstance not in the
control of the National Executive Committee.
REGISTRATION OF CLUB COLOURS
19.1
Each club shall register with the committee of its respective league its home
colours. At the commencement of each season, each club shall register its
away colours for that season. Any change in the home colours shall be
communicated to the league committee accordingly. Clubs shall use their
registered home colours for all their home games. If a home club uses a
colour other than the registered home colours and this results in a clash of
colours, that club will be the offending club in terms sub-regulation 19.3 and
shall face the consequences stipulated thereon accordingly.
19.2
All playing jerseys shall be numbered at the back, by numbers not less than
20 cm high. Though it shall not be a strict requirement, the playing jerseys
may also be numbered on the front and the shorts at the bottom on the right
hand side. Clubs may write the name or logo of their sponsors, if any, on the
front of the jerseys and the names of their players on the back of the jerseys
above the number. The name of the sponsor of the championship or
competition shall, if not written on the front of the jerseys, be written on the
sleeves of the jerseys. Provided that all clubs participating in any sponsored
official game shall, as a prerequisite to participate in the said competition,
abide by the conditions of the sponsorship as entered into on behalf of the
Association by the National Executive Committee in terms of the BFA
Constitution. Any club that fails to abide by the conditions of the sponsorship
shall forfeit its right to participate in the said competition; provided that such
club shall be liable for further sanction and or punishment in terms of these
Play Rules and Regulations.
20.
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19.3
When, in the opinion of the referee, the official and duly registered colours of
the two teams might lead to confusion, the team reflected in the fixture as the
visiting team shall change to an alternative colour. The visiting team shall
carry with it an alternative colour which must be available at the field of play
for quick change, within 15 minutes from the time the referee orders such
change. In the event of the unavailability of the alternative colour, the
offending team shall be liable to a fine of not more than P2000.00 and forfeit
the points of the game to the innocent club with two (2) goals.
19.4
The home status of a club shall be determined by the written order in the
league or any other competition fixtures. Home status teams are written first.
For example, if clubs A and B, both from Gaborone are fixtured in the
following manner: Club B vs club A, then club B enjoys home status.
19.5
Any visiting club which does not bring alternative colours to change to in the
event of a clash in colours and thereby causes a delay of the start of the
game, shall be guilty of late coming and punishable in terms of Regulation
19.3 above.
CLUBS HOME GROUNDS
20.1
By 30 June of each year, each club shall inform the respective league
committee which ground it shall prefer as its home ground. The clubs which
will have indicated their preferred home grounds shall, as far as possible, be
fixtured at such grounds for their home games.
20.2
Notwithstanding regulation 20.1 above, the relevant league committee or
competition organising committee shall have the power to fixture a game to
an alternative ground or venue, where it deems that the fixtured ground is not
fit for a particular game to take place.
20.3
The host club shall be responsible for marketing the game, arranging security
at the match and printing and selling admission tickets. The host club shall
keep all the gatetakings after deduction of the ground levy, referees fees at
rates determined by the National Executive Committee from time to time and
other costs associated with the game. Provided that clubs within a league
division shall be at liberty to agree in a meeting arranged and conducted by
the respective League Committee on a different format for sharing of
gatetakings. Hosting clubs shall ensure that adequate security is available at
the game and any club that fails in this respect shall be appropriately
sanctioned by the respective league committee. Provided that in all games
involving “disciplined forces” teams, as defined by the National Executive
Committee, the gate takings shall be shared on the 70/30 percent basis, in
favour of the “non-disciplined forces” teams irrespective of whether the game
is played home or away.
21.
22.
REGISTRATION, SUBSCRIPTION FEES AND CHANGE OF NAMES
21.1
The registration, affiliation and subscription fee rates shall be determined by
the National Executive Committee from time to time.
21.2
Clubs shall pay annual subscription fees in accordance with the provisions of
the Constitution.
21.3
Any club that fails to pay subscriptions on 31 st May of any year shall, in
addition to the subscription fee, pay a penalty amounting to 50% of the
subscription fee.
21.4
Clubs shall pay subscriptions to the league of which they were a member as
at the end of the season.
21.5
All clubs competing in National Leagues (i.e. Premier and First Division
Leagues) shall first pay their annual subscriptions to their respective
Regional Football Associations. Subscriptions to the National Leagues shall
only be accepted on provision of proof of subscription to the respective
region. Any club that fails to pay its annual subscription fee to the region in
terms of the BFA Constitution and these Play Rules and Regulations shall
immediately cease to be a member of the Association irrespective of whether
such club has subscribed to the respective National League or not.
21.6
Should any club and/or affiliate desire to change its name such club and/or
affiliate shall make a written application accompanied by approvals from the
relevant authorities being the Registrar of Societies, if the club is affiliated as
a society, or the Registrar of Companies, if the club is affiliated as a
company, to the National Executive Committee through the Secretariat
provided that such change is not made after the commencement of the
season or during the season. Should the approval by the National Executive
Committee be made during the season then such change can only be
effective during the next season.
TRANSFER OF PLAYERS
22.1
For purposes of these play rules and regulations, the following definitions
shall apply;
22.1.1 “Professional player” shall mean a player who has entered into a
written contract of employment with a club and is paid more than the
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expenses he effectively incur in return for his football activity.
Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions contained therein, the
contract must be from the date of its entry into force to the last day of
the contract. Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions
contained therein, the contract must:
22.1.1.1 Be for a fixed period of time, not less than 1 year but not
exceeding 5 years; except for players less than eighteen
(18) years old whose contract shall not be longer than three
(3) years duration. Termination of such contracts shall
concide with the beginning of one of the transfer windows
as prescribed under Regulation 22.13 of these Play Rules
and Regulations.
22.1.1.2 Provide for a basic monthly salary and any other additional
agreed benefits and allowances, payable by the club to the
player over and above the expenses of training and playing
for the club;
22.1.1.3 Signed by both the player and the club. Provided that where
the player is a minor, the agreement must be signed by the
player’s parent[s] or legal guardian;
22.1.1.4 Be endorsed by the relevant Chairperson or Secretary of
the Regional Football Committee or First Division
Committee or Premier League Committee, as the case may
be.
Alternatively a written acknowledgement of the
existence of the contract between the player and the club,
signed by both parties and endorsed by the relevant
Chairperson or Secretary of the Regional Football
Committee or First Division Committee or Premier League
Committee, as the case may be, and filed with the relevant
committee’s office and a copy with the BFA Secretariat.
Provided that such a player shall have passed a medical
examination conducted by a legally recognized medical
practitioner.
In the absence of any of the above requirements, a player shall not be
a professional player for purposes of these play rules and regulations.
22.1.2 “Amateur player” shall mean any player who is not a professional
player.
22.1.3 A “free agent” shall mean any or a combination of the following:
22.1.3.1 a professional player whose contract has come to an end or
has been terminated by his former club
22.1.3.2 a player who has never been registered by any club
22
22.1.3.3 a registered player who has not participated in the game
and or has not played football for two seasons or more
22.1.3.4 a player declared as such by a competent BFA Authority
based on the aforementioned definition
22.2 A club in Botswana wishing to acquire the services of a player from another
club in Botswana shall, prior to approaching the player:
22.2.1 In the case of an amateur player, inform the club with whom the
player is registered, in writing with proof of delivery, of the intention to
talk to the player;
22.2.2 In the case of a professional player, request the club with whom the
player is registered, in writing with proof of delivery, for permission to
talk to the player. The player’s club must respond in writing, with proof
of delivery, within 14 days of receipt of the said request, failing which it
shall be deemed that the said team has consented to the said player
being approached by the other club. Provided that with respect to a
professional player whose contract is left with less than six months
before expiry, the conditions for recruiting an amateur player shall
apply and such a player may sign a pre-contract agreement with any
club of his choice during that period. Both the club and player shall
fulfil their respective contractual obligations up to and including the
last day of the contract
22.2.3 Once the club has been informed or permission has been granted as
the case may be, the club will approach the player for negotiation;
provided that in case of a professional player, the two clubs shall
agree first before the recruiting club could finalize agreement
regarding the player’s terms. Once agreement has been reached with
both the club and the player, the player shall submit to the club he/she
is registered with a letter indicating that he/she wishes to be released
to the club that has approached him/her. Upon such letter being
submitted, the two clubs shall enter into final negotiations and
conclude their agreement regarding the terms of transfer. Provided
that no player shall train with another club until he has been released
from or specifically permitted by his club or is a free agent. Failure to
abide by this provision by any player shall constitute a misconduct and
the player shall be liable for disciplinary action by his club provided
that further action may be taken against such a player by a competent
BFA authority if the misconduct also puts the name of the game into
disrepute.
22.2.4 Any club that approaches a player without advising the player’s team
in the case of an amateur player or seeking permission of the player’s
team in the case of a professional player, shall be guilty of misconduct
in terms of these play rules and regulations and liable to fines of no
less than:
23
22.2.4.1 P5000.00 in the case of professional players;
22.2.4.2 P3000.00 in the case of amateur players in the Premier
League;
22.2.4.3
P1500.00 in the case of amateur players in the First
Division;
22.2.4.4 P1000.00 in the cause of amateur players at in all the
Regional Football Leagues.
22.2.4.5 Any
club
that
causes
and
or
influences
a
contracted/professional player to terminate a legal contract
shall be guilty of an offence and the relevant FIFA penalties
shall apply over and above Regulation 22.2.4 above.
22.3
The registration fees of previously unregistered players or free agents shall
be set by the National Executive Committee.
Provided that there shall be no registration fee for first time registration of
players in women football and players registered for and playing in junior
teams.
22.4 The transfer fee of a professional player shall be negotiated upon by the two
clubs concerned, either directly and/or through registered players’ agents
with the objective of agreeing on a reasonable fee for the transfer of the
player. In determining the value to be placed on a professional player, the
two clubs shall negotiate in good faith and shall ensure fair play in their
dealings with each other. The clubs shall enter into a written agreement
which will stipulate the agreed terms. Provided that a professional player
whose contract with the club has ended shall be deemed a free agent and
the concerned club shall, with immediate effect, issue such player with a free
clearance.
22.5
Subject to regulation 22.6, the transfer fee of an amateur player shall be a
fixed fee set by the National Executive Committee.
22.6
Where an amateur player wishes to transfer from his current team to a new
team, the new team shall pay the current team, either:
i)
The transfer fee applicable to amateur players, as set by the National
Executive Committee, or;
ii)
Development/training compensation in the form of actual expenses
incurred by the current team on the player, during his tenure with the
said current team;
Whichever shall be the higher.
24
In the event that an amateur player turns professional, the FIFA regulations
relating to development/training compensation shall apply.
22.7
The National Executive Committee shall appoint a Players’ Status
Committee, which shall hold office for a period of two years. The National
Executive Committee shall appoint the Chairman of the Players Status
Committee.
22.8 The Players’ Status Committee shall, save for charges of misconduct in terms
of regulation 22.2.4 above which shall be adjudicated upon by the relevant
league or disciplinary committee as the case may be, adjudicate over issues
and disputes concerning the transfer of players, including determining,
whenever called upon to do so, a reasonable transfer fee or compensation
(as the case may be) in the event that the concerned clubs cannot agree on
the amount payable. In carrying out this function, the Players’ Status
Committee shall observe the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
The determination of the Players Status Committee shall be final and binding
and both clubs shall be obliged to conform therewith. Appeals against the
decision of the Players’ Status Committee shall lie with the National Appeals
Board.
22.9 For the purposes of any disputes relating to transfer of players, any decision
by the Players Status Committee shall become effective immediately upon
the decision having been made.
22.10
There shall be a levy of 5% of the final transfer fee paid to the BFA, which
will be deducted from the transfer fee, upon the resolution of the dispute by
the Players’ Status Committee.
22.11
Fifteen per cent (15%) of the agreed transfer fee shall be payable to the
player. The player’s agent fee, if any, shall be payable in accordance with
such agreement(s) as shall have been entered into between the player and
the agent and/or the club which agreement shall conform to requirements as
may be stipulated by FIFA in the regulations for the conduct of players’
agents.
22.12 A player shall be registered for one club at a time:
22.12.1 A player may be registered to a maximum of three (3) clubs during
the period from 1st July until 30th June of the following year (i.e.
within 12 months). During this period, the player shall only be
eligible to play in official matches for a maximum of two (2) clubs.
22.12.2 A player shall be registered to play for a club either as a professional
or an amateur in accordance with Regulation 22.1 of these Play Rules
and Regulations; provided that all premier league clubs shall sign
contracts with all their players with effect from 2008/2009 Football
25
Season while all first division clubs shall do the same effective from
the 2009/2010 Football Season. Only registered players shall be
eligible to participate in official football games. By the act of
registering, a player agrees to abide by the Statutes and or
Regulations of FIFA as well as these Play Rules and Regulations.
22.12.3 Transfer and or registration of players shall be done during the
period stated in Regulation 22.13 of these Play Rules and
Regulations. To this end, transfer shall include first time registration
of the player and the loaning of a player from one club to another. In
respect of a professional player, all contracts shall be drafted in
such a way that expiry/termination date falls at the beginning of
either of the two periods referred to in Regulation 22.13 of these
Play Rules and Regulations.
22.12.4 For the purposes of transfer, a new season begins immediately after
the end of the preceding season.
22.13
Unless directed otherwise by the BFA Players Status Committee, National
Appeals Board and or relevant FIFA Statutes and provided that the
recruitment process shall have been conducted in accordance with the
provisions of these Play Rules and Regulations, the transfer, registration
and loaning of players shall be done during the following periods only:
22,13.1 Between the time designated by the National Executive Committee
as the end of the season and a day before the beginning of the New
Season.
22.13.2 Between 1 and 31 January.
Provided that teams playing in qualifying competitions for promotion
into higher divisions shall not use a player transferred or registered
after the end of the league fixtures.
22.14
Before a transfer can be effected, the receiving club (transferee) must
produce a document signed by the other club confirming the release of the
player and a copy of the letter from the player indicating that he wishes to
join the transferee. The player’s registration book shall also be produced,
properly signed by officials of both clubs, for endorsement by authorised
BFA officials.
22.15 The transferring club shall release the player to the transferee within seven
(7) days from the date of signing of the agreement or from the date of
pronouncement by the Players Status Committee regarding the transfer fee
or compensation payable in respect of the player or any other issue related
to the transfer of the player.
26
22.16
In the event of non-compliance with sub-regulation 22.15 above, the
Secretary General shall clear the player by issuing him with a new
registration book and the transferee shall forfeit the 20% of the standard
transfer fee or the transfer amount as determined by the Players’ Status
Committee to the BFA. The Secretary General shall have notified the
Secretary of the transferee of his intention to clear the player.
22.17
In case of sub-regulation 22.16 above, the registration book held by the
transferee shall become invalid and the Secretary General or other official
authorised by him/her shall inform the concerned League Committee of
same.
22.18 Clubs shall be at liberty to loan players to each other without having to pay
transfer fees but at a fee agreed between the clubs, provided that the two
clubs shall enter into a written agreement or letter, signed by both clubs, in
respect of the loan transfer, and provided that the agreement provides for
a signature by the BFA National Executive Committee which signature
signifies the approval of the agreement. The loan period in any loan
agreement shall be for a minimum of one season and the termination date
shall be at the end of the season or on the 31st December. Upon
completion of the loan period, the player shall revert to his club.
22.19
The transfer of players from Botswana to national associations in other
countries and from national associations in other countries to Botswana
shall be done in accordance with the FIFA Regulations for the Status and
Transfer of Players.
22.20 Any Club that desires to register a foreign player (i.e. a player coming from
another national association) shall register such player with the Association,
provided that a registration fee of P500.00 is paid to the Association. Such
player shall only be registered upon receipt of a certificate of transfer of
registration (“the international registration transfer certificate”) issued by the
national association from which he is transferring directly to the Association
and provided that the receiving club has satisfied all the Immigration and
Labour requirements for the employment of non-citizens in Botswana. Only
the Secretary General of BFA is authorized to lawfully request for and issue
an international registration transfer certificate/certificate of transfer of
registration in accordance with FIFA statutes.
22.21
A non-citizen player who is registered with a BFA affiliate and wishes to
transfer to another affiliate, shall only be eligible to play for the new team if:
22.21.1 He has a valid residence permit;
22.21.2 He has a valid work permit or proof of submission of an application
or a work permit, authorising him to play for the new team.
27
22.21.3 Fulfil all other requirements for transfer of a player in terms of these
play rules and regulations.
22.22
Clubs shall be at liberty to register a maximum of three foreign players per
club and may field all the foreign players at any given time in any game, the
provisions of sub-regulations 6.2 applying mutatis mutandis, to any team
that is in breach of this provision. Provided that such players shall meet the
set eligibility criteria for foreign players.
22.23 Clubs shall, where deemed desirable, enter into agreements or contracts
with players setting out the terms and conditions under which the players
shall play for the club.
22.24
The transferee shall, in all cases and before the transfer can be effected,
pay to the relevant Regional Association or First Division Association or
Premier League Association as the case may be, the registration fee or a
levy equivalent to 5% of the transfer fee, whichever shall be the greater.
However, in the case of a local or foreign player requiring an international
clearance, a levy of 50% of the registration fee shall be payable to the BFA
over and above the normal registration fee payable to the relevant regional
and/or national Association.
23. PARTICIPATION IN FRIENDLY TOURNAMENTS OR EVENTS
23.1 No club shall participate in any event that is a non-official BFA event or game
or an event or game not officially sanctioned by the Association, without the
consent in writing of the Association, which consent shall be sought before no
less than six weeks before the date of the said event or game taking place.
23.2 The Association shall be entitled to give either unqualified or conditional
consent to the event taking place.
23.3 Notwithstanding the fact that any such event shall not be an official BFA
event, the Association may at its’ discretion, institute any disciplinary
proceeding in terms of these rules and regulations for any incidents of
violence or bringing the game into disrepute that may occur during such game
or event.
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24
CLUB LICENSING
2.4.1 The Botswana Football Association will proceed to the granting of licenses to
the clubs according to the club licensing system setting the minimum
requirements adopted by CAF for the granting of the license.
24.2
The said Club Licensing System particularly includes:
24.2.1The minimum criteria to be fulfilled by the clubs before their
participation in CAF competitions is accepted:
.
24.2.2 The procedure to be adhered to for the granting of licenses to the
Clubs.
24.2.3 The minimum requirements to be imposed by the licensors.
24.3
25.
Refer to Annexure A as an Insert referring to the produced document.
MISBEHAVIOUR
Misbehaviour, inter alia, includes:
29
25.1
Failure to accept and/or timeously obey instructions, orders and decisions of
the respective League Committee or any competent organ of the
Association.
25.2
Any act which, in the opinion of the Association, is prejudicial to the Welfare
and development of football.
25.3
Referral of disputes connected to football to courts of law.
25.4
Arguing with the Referee before, during and/or after a game.
25.5
Assaulting or threatening any Referee, Assistant Referee or BFA official or
club official before, during or after the game.
25.6
Any other act that may be properly interpreted as bringing the game of
football into disrepute.
25.7
Failure to adhere to the dispute resolution procedures and/or Disciplinary
mechanisms prescribed in terms of these Play Rules and Regulations.
25.8
Failure to adhere to principles detailed in the BFA Code of Conduct for all
members and or any BFA Policy/Standard Document.
26
30
SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF ALL PARTICIPANTS AT FOOTBALL GAMES
26.1
All committees responsible for fixturing games shall categorise such games
in accordance with the potential security risks where Categories A, B, and C
shall refer to high risk, medium risk, and low risk respectively.
26.2
The Referee and Match Official shall assess the adequacy of security
provided by the host team prior to the start of the game. The assessment of
the adequacy or inadequacy of security measures provided shall be based,
among others, on the security risk category of the particular game. This
should be done at least one hour before the start of the game. The host
team shall parade the security personnel to allow the officials to properly
establish the adequacy of the security personnel provided.
26.3
If the security is found to be inadequate for the game, the host team shall be
liable for a fine of P1,500.00 for all National leagues and P500.00 for
Regional leagues. The host team shall then be asked to make good the
shortfall to allow the game to start within fifteen (15) minutes of the
scheduled kick off time.
26.4
Where the failure to provide adequate security results in violence against
match officials and/or players and/or their property, there shall be an
automatic fine of P5,000.00 for all National leagues and P3,000.00 for
Regional leagues. Further action shall be taken against the offending club
and individuals in accordance with the BFA Constitution and Play Rules &
Regulations.
26.5
Any player or official reported to have participated in one way or the other in
a violent activity at a game shall automatically be suspended from all BFA
activities until the hearing and ruling by the Disciplinary Committee. Such
suspension shall take effect upon receipt of written notification of such by the
offending player or official by the competent BFA Authority.
26.6
Any team that has been fined for failure to provide adequate security in terms
of regulation 25.3 above, shall pay the said fine within 30 days, failing which
it shall be liable to a deduction of league points in addition to paying the said
fine.
27.
CODE OF CONDUCT
27.1
The National Executive Committee working in consultation with the National
Council, shall produce a Code of Conduct, prescribing principles governing
the general conduct of all members of the Association as part of these Play
Rules and Regulations.
27.2 The National Executive Committee working in consultation with the National
Referees Committee, shall produce a referees code of conduct, prescribing rules
and regulations for the general conduct of referees, the qualifications of referees
and prescribe sanctions for anything relating to referees conduct or misdeeds.
28.
DEFINITION OF A FOOTBALL SEASON
28.1
29.
For the purpose of these Play Rules & Regulations, “a season” shall mean
the period commencing on 1 June or the day after the lapse of any extension
of the end of a season by the National Executive Committee (NEC) (which
ever shall be the later) to the end of May the following year or any extension
of the season by the NEC thereof (which ever shall be the later). The
definition of a Football Season shall also include the period designated for
promotion/relegation play-offs; provided that such games shall be played
immediately after completion of the relevant league games determining the
competing clubs.
REVIEW, VARIATION, AMENDMENT AND/OR CHANGE
29.1
These Play Rules and Regulations may be reviewed, varied, amended
and/or changed by the National Executive Committee from time to time either
to change existing Rules and Regulations, or to add new ones or to
incorporate changes ordered by FIFA and/or CAF.
29.2
Any changes, variations and/or amendments made shall take immediate
effect notwithstanding that they have not yet been incorporated into these
Play Rules and Regulations provided that the change, variation and/or
amendment shall have been adequately communicated to all BFA affiliates
and structures.
29.3
The National Executive Committee may suspend the application of any of the
provisions of these Play Rules and Regulations for such period as it shall
deem necessary in the interests of the game of football.
Signed: ____________________
BFA President
31
Signed: ___________________
BFA Chief Executive Officer