Rules of The Middlesex County Football League
for the Season 2012-2013
1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
(A) (i)
This Competition shall be designated the MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LIMITED and known as the MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE and shall
consist of not more than 150 Clubs approved by the sanctioning authority.
(ii) All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and
their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the
Form “D” to the RELEVANT County Football Association. The area covered by the
Competition Membership shall be AS REQUIRED BY THE MEMBER CLUBS, in
accordance with FA guidelines.
(iii) This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Football Association, and the
constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 22
in number. No more than one team from a Club can participate in the same division. In
relation to the Premier Division, ONLY CLUBS WHO COMPLY WITH THE BASIC
REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR PROMOTION WITHIN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE
SYSTEM WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. Any club found not to be complying
with the standard requirements necessary for the above will have until the end of that
season to remedy the matter or will be dealt with under rule (12D).
(iv) This Competition wishes to become a designated Charter Standard League. Existing
Member Clubs have two years (until the end of the 2012-13 season) to achieve the
Charter Standard club award or face expulsion from the League. New Member Clubs
have one year to achieve the Charter Standard club award. The League has the right to
refuse membership to a Club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving the
award.
(v) This Competition and its Clubs shall support the FA’s Respect programme. As such it
recognizes that everybody in football has a collective responsibility to create a fair, safe
and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. A Respect League values
the contribution of match officials, players and spectators and ensures that they are
treated with courtesy and fairness by opposing players, club officials and spectators. The
League and its Clubs will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive but not antagonistic
environment.
(vi) Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competitions in any
other competitions (with the exception of F.A. and relevant County FA Competitions)
except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.
(B) At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, a
majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the compilation of the
divisions at their discretion When necessary this Rule shall take precedence to Rule12.
2. ENTRY FEE – SUBSCRIPTION – DEPOSIT
(A) (i)
Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition (or the entry of an additional
team) must be made in writing to the General Secretary on the League Application Form
by the 30th April, in the season before they wish to participate. This application must be
accompanied by a fully completed copy of the League Facility Checklist and an Entry Fee
of £50-00 per team, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.
At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present, applications of
which due notice has been given, may be received at the Annual General Meeting or a
Special General Meeting. The Entry Fee shall apply in all cases.
(ii) When Rule 12(B) is applied and a team seeks a transfer, or is compulsory transferred to
another division , no Entry Fee shall be payable.
(B) (i)
The Annual Subscription shall be £130.00 per Team payable on or before the 1st
AUGUST in each year. Printed handbooks are available at £7.00 per copy.
(ii) Any clubs having outstanding debts to this league at the end of the concluding season
will not be invited to compete in the competition for the following season.
(iii) All payments made to this league will only be accepted on a club account, the
Designated Secretary’s personal account or by banker’s draft.
(iv) Any club incurring a disproportionate amount of fines during a season will have their
membership questioned at the AGM.
(C) Each Club shall within 7 days of election pay a Deposit of £20.00 which shall be refundable to
Clubs upon leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied
with all orders of the Management Committee.
(D) (i) A club Shall not participate in this competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and
deposit have been paid
(ii) A NEW MEMBER Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee,
Annual Subscription, Deposit and fourteen player registrations have been paid..
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the General Secretary in writing or by Email by the 1st JULY
of its PARENT County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season.
Failing which they shall be fined £50.00.
(F) Clubs must advise the General Secretary in Writing, or by Email on the prescribed form, of
details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition by
the Annual General Meeting or be fined £60-00 in accordance with Rule 5(H). Should any of
these details change during the course of the season the General Secretary should be notified
immediately failing which the fine will be imposed.
3. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Competition shall be the :- President , Vice Presidents, Chairman, Vice
Chairman, Asst Vice Chairman, General Secretary, Asst General Secretary, Treasurer, IT
Administrator, Cup Competitions Director, Registration Secretary, Referees Secretary, Asst to
Referees Secretary, , Fixture Secretary, Result’s Secretary, Fines Secretary, Discipline Chairman,
Disciplinary Secretary, Minutes Secretary, Press & Publicity Secretary, Registrar , Management
Committee Members plus One representative for each Division.
Club Representatives and Committee Members to be elected annually at the Annual General
Meeting. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers)
4. MANAGEMENT- NOMINATION –ELECTION
4 (A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the
Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and Divisional
Full Member Club Representative members who shall be elected at the Annual General
Meeting. All participants shall abide by the Football Association Regulations for safeguarding
children as determined by the Association from time to time
(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible (to become candidates) for re-election without nomination.
All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall
be nominated to the General Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Member
Clubs, not later than 1st April in each year. Names of the Candidates for election will be
circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no
nominations in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at
the Annual General Meeting
(C) The Management Committee shall meet Monthly to deal with business as it arises. Upon
receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee
the General Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee. The League Council shall
meet as often as is deemed necessary by the Management Committee Any Club failing to
attend any League Council Meeting shall be Fined £50-00 and otherwise dealt with as the
Management Committee decides.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communication shall be addressed to the General
Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its
proceedings.
(E) All communications from Clubs must be conducted through their nominated Secretary (as
indicated on the League facility checklist) and addressed to both the General Secretary & the
Relevant Management Committee Member. With reference to 15(B)
(F) Each Club shall nominate to the General Secretary within 14 days of election its Delegate to
the League Council for the ensuing season. A club shall not be allowed to change its
nominated Delegate during a season without the sanction of the Management Committee,
however, it may appoint a deputy to act in the unavoidable absence of its nominated
delegate .No more than Once a Season.
5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
(A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers
as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the
Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal
only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under
the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association
(B) Subject to the permission of the Football Association having been obtained. The Management
Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be
devoted to the funds of the Competition and , if necessary, may call upon each Club
(including any Club that 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 . (Rule 14D).
(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all
Management Committee Meetings and have one vote there at, 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 Subcommittees’). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a
second or casting vote.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the
Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including
any not provided for in the Rules. With the exception of Rules 5(I), 6(H), 10(A), 11 and 19, for
all breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued. The respondent shall be given
seven days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to :(i) Accept or deny the charge
(ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
(iii) Put their case before the Management Committee
All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of the Football Association shall
be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate Association With the exception of
Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football Pyramid and the FA Women’s Premier League, the
maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition Rule is £250-00 and, when setting any
fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into
account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the
Board of Appeal in accordance with Rule 15/16. Decisions of the Management Committee must
be notified in writing or Email to those concerned within 14 days of the decision.
(F) FIVE (5) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business by the full Management Committee and THREE (3) Members shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business by any Sub-Committee of the Competition. No member
of the management committee will be allowed to sit on a Discipline Committee if they have an
official affiliation to a club in membership of this league
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have the power to fill, in an
acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number during the current
season.
(H) A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, or
failing to satisfactorily attend to the Business and/or the Correspondence of the Competition,
shall be fined £60-00 and otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(I)
(i) All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written
notification
(ii) Any Club failing to do so will be fined a maximum of £50-00. Further failure to pay the
fine including the additional sum within 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn
until such time as the outstanding payments are settled.
(J)
A Member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting
or match shall have the full powers of the committee in any decision taken relating to any
transgression of the rules this competition is governed by. They will be eligible to have any
expenses incurred refunded by the Competition
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the
membership of the Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting
called to decide the Constitution and the completion of the current season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be
transacted
by
electronic
mail
or
facsimile.
(M) Management committee members are only contactable between the hours of 9.00 am to
8.00 pm Monday to Saturday, and you must only contact the member relevant to your
question. Any contact from clubs will only be accepted from their recognised Secretary, as
stated on their League application form, or by their nominated League Council Delegate.
Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine of £40 00 and being dealt with at the
discretion of the Management Committee.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the 30th JUNE in each year. At this
meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 5 members are
present and entitled to vote:(i)
To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.
(ii) To consider any business arising there from .
(iii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.
(iv) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee)
(v) Constitution
of
the
Competition
(vi)
Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vii)
Appointment of Auditors
for
the
ensuing
season.
(viii) Alteration of Rules , if any (of which due notice has been given)
(ix)
Fix the date for the commencement and kick off times applicable to the competition
(x) Any other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being
relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be
forwarded to each Club and the Football Association at least fourteen days prior to the
meeting.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the
Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D)
Each Member Club shall be empowered to send TWO delegates to an Annual General
Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given
of any meeting
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being
concluded, or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only
on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled
in accordance with Rule 17.
(F)
All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at
least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member club
(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without
satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £60-00.
(I)
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an
Annual General Meeting.
7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
The Chairman and Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following
agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the Application for
Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete.
“We __________________ of __________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Chairman and
__________________ of __________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________ Secretary of the
______________________________________ Football Club
have been provided with a copy of the Rules & Regulations of the MIDDLESEX COUNTY
FOOTBALL LEAGUE 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 Management Committee of the
Competition , subject to the right of protest in accordance with Rule 15/16. Failure to return this
fully completed notice within 14 days of the date of issue will result in the club being fined
£50.00. Any alteration of the Chairman and/or Secretary on the above Agreement must be
notified to the RELEVANT County Football Association to which the Club is Affiliated AND to
the General Secretary of the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will incur a Fine of
£30.00.
(NOTE the spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the signatures and
addresses of officers and members)
8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
(A) (i) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this
Competition. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player signing a
registration form for that Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer
Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 12 and over crossing borders including
Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
(ii) While serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces, a player must first obtain
the consent of his Association Secretary before signing a registration form to play for a Club.
(B) A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible has :(i)
Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition Registration form in ink,
countersigned by an OFFICER OF THE CLUB, and who has been registered with the
REGISTRATION Secretary and whose completed registration ID card has been received by
the club prior to playing. Players registrations last for one season only.
(ii) All new registrations will take a minimum of seven days from receipt by the registration
secretary to process. All registration cards will be posted only to the club secretary as notified
on the clubs D form
(iii) The registration cards must be available at all games within the jurisdiction of this
competition, and may be requested only by the designated opposing team official or a League
Officer. If the cards are not present the game will be awarded and the defaulting team dealt with
under Rule 10 (F) (i) (ii)
(iv) The players actual Registration Card remains the property of the league who may request
the return of such at any time during the season. Failure to comply with this rule will result
in the club being fined no less than £50.00
(v) ID Cards as per team sheet presented to your opponents 30 minutes prior to kick-off
Cards must be exchanged for perusal together with a fully completed team sheet form
prior to the commencement of the fixture and must be returned either during or
immediately after the fixture has been completed. Cards are subject to inspection by
members of the Management Committee or nominated delegates at any time. If there are
any players present for whom there is no registration card that player will be deemed as
ineligible to play under Rule 8(O). Failure to comply with this rule will result in a £60.00
fine and the defaulting club dealt with by the Management Committee.
(vi) In the event of a Club falsifying the details shown on a Players registration form that
Club shall be fined up to £200.00 and be otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the
Management Committee.
(vii) Registration cards must be returned to the League at the Annual General Meeting at the
close of the season or Club will be fined £40-00.. Cards will be returned to the Club once
the appropriate administration form has been completed. This Players registration list form
will advise the club of its player’s details, (i.e. Date of Birth, Full address, Full Name, and
League Registration number.) This form will be issued along with the Annual General
Meeting Paperwork and incorrect information corrected. Once the form is received back by
the League Registration Secretary with the information corrected the clubs players
registration cards will be issued for the forthcoming season.
(viii) A player whose registration form has been found to be false shall be treated as an
UN-REGISTERED player for ALL matches in which he has been involved, and the
CLUB dealt with accordingly.
(ix) While serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces, a player must first
obtain the consent of his Association Secretary before signing a registration form to
play for a Club
(C) A team shall not include any more than 3 (three) players who have taken part in any more
Senior Competition matches during the current season unless a period of 8 (eight) days has
elapsed since they played. Failure to comply with this will result in said club being fined £40.00
per player and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. This rule
will not be enforced between the Premier and Senior Reserve Divisions except in cup
competitions. For the purpose of this Competition, Senior Competitions are any League,
Divisional or Cup Competition deemed to be of a higher level than the game in question.
(Decisions regarding seniority are at the sole discretion of the Management Committee)
(E) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association
shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition without
first proving to the officials of the intended Club that said player has discharged all
reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs. A Club official may not accept
such players signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been
discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played.
(F)
(i) A fee of £3.50 shall be paid for each player registered. The registration will be valid for five
years as long as the player stays at the same club, if not a new card will be issued for
each change at the standard rate.
(ii) Fourteen players must be registered for each team at least FOURTEEN (14) days prior to
that teams relevant division’s start date as set by the Management Committee. Failure to
comply will entail a fine of £10-00 per player late registered under this rule.
(G) (i)
The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes.
(ii) 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.
(H) It shall be a breach of the rules for a player to:(i)
Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being
transferred.
(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the Competition, in
that season, except for the purpose of a transfer.
(iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to
accurately or fully complete.
(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any
player subject to the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) below.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse, cancel or suspend the
registration of any player or may fine any player at their discretion who has been charged
and found guilty of registration irregularities.(Subject to Rule 15/16)
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the
registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule
16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association.
Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may
deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to
the parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.
(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (iii)
but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a
probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the player
commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition,
(excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a
further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.
(Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the
matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the
player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal
to the Football Association. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the
purpose of this Rule, bringing the competition into disrepute can only be considered where
the player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based
discipline, in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence for any team
playing in this Competition.
(I)
Subject to FA Rule C2(a) dealing with players without a written contract, when a player desires a
transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form to the Registration
Secretary accompanied by a fee of £10-00. Such transfer shall be referred by the Registration
Secretary 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 Registration Secretary and to the player concerned
within seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its
failure to give written objection within seven days, the Registration Secretary may, on behalf of
the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new
Club once his previous ID card has been retrieved from his old Club as per Rule 8(B)(iv). In the
event of an objection to transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a
decision. Failure to comply with this rule will leave the player subject to rule 8(H), and the club
subject to 8(O)
(J)
A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition
after the last day of February except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have
played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) (i)
A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of
registration, shall be kept by the Registration Secretary and shall be open to the
inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management
Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one
Season only.
(ii) In the event of a player without a written contract changing his status to that of a contract
player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a Club in another
Competition his registration as a player without a written contract will automatically be
cancelled and declared void. In order to play in the League again either for his original Club
or for another Club it will be necessary for him to be re-registered as required by this Rule.
(M) (i) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or
relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A)) cup Semi-Final or Final unless the
player has played FIVE games for that team in this Competition in the current season. Any
club found to be infringing this rule shall forfeit the fixture and be subject to a fine not
exceeding £60.00 (Rule 8 (O) (i)) (See Cup Rule 10). ALL Clubs appearing in SEMIFINALS MUST contact the Registration Secretary by the Wednesday before the game to
obtain a list of all eligible players.
(ii) A player will be considered CUP TIED only if he has participated in play during a Cup
game, and therefore the player would then be ineligible to play for another club/team in any
cup competition.
(iii) In the event of both semi-finalists being in breach of League Rule 8(O) (i) both teams will
forfeit the fixture and fined as per rule 8(O)(i), and the Cup awarded to the winning team
contesting the other semi-final in the same competition as the forfeiting teams. If the
same situation arises in both semi-finals fixtures NO Cup will be awarded for that season
for the competition that was being contested.
(N) A player who has played for a team in a higher Division three (3) times or more shall
not in that season be eligible to play in a lower Division except by permission of the
Management Committee.
(O) (i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have the
points or honours gained in the match deducted and will be fined £100-00 for each player
and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team shall have 3 points deducted from its total at the discretion of the
Discipline Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to
be fit
(iii) The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in
the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be
replayed.
(P)
Minimum age for players in this competition is 16 years of age.
9. CLUB COLOURS, CLUB NAME
(A) (i) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by the 1 st
JULY who shall decide as to their suitability. Goalkeepers must wear colours which
distinguish them from other players and the Referee. No player, including the
goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
(ii) Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition
shall notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least 7 days before the
match. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine of £20-00.
(iii) In all matches under the jurisdiction of this competition in the event of a colour clash the
away team shall always make the change failure to comply with this rule will result in a
fine of £40 00.
(iv) The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are
received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may
refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.
(v) Shirts must be numbered and recorded on the team sheet handed to the Referee. Any
infringement of this Rule will invoke a fine of £30-00 for each match in which this Rule is
infringed.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must seek permission from its affiliated
County Association and from the Management Committee.
(C) A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another
player (including any kind of jewellery). The basic compulsory equipment of a player
comprises the following separate items:
A jersey or shirt with sleeves – if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve must
be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt.
Shorts – if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts
Stockings- Footwear- Shinguards • are covered entirely by the stockings, are made of
rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material and provide a reasonable degree of protection
Colours :- The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and
also the Referee and the Assistant Referees Each goalkeeper must wear colours that
distinguish him from the other players, the Referee and the Assistant Referees
Any infringement of this Rule will result in the Club being fined £60-00 for each incident.
10. PLAYING SEASON, CONDITIONS OF PLAY
TIMES OF KICK-OFF, POSTPONEMENTS, SUBSTITUTES
(A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the date for the commencement of the season in
accordance with Football Association Rules. Original fixtures arranged by the Fixtures
Secretary, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later than
APRIL, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days preceding the concluding date.
(B)
(i) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by
the International Football Association Board.
(ii) The dates of all matches shall be arranged by the Fixture Secretary, and notified to the
Clubs. All clubs will be required to fulfil fixtures in Midweek and on Bank Holidays if the
league so schedules.
(iii) Any request by a Club for a free date shall be submitted to the Fixture Secretary and
the General secretary in writing, not less than 28 days prior to said date, for consideration.
Premier
Division clubs can only apply under this rule if they are willing to fulfil the fixture
in the week leading up to the requested date
(iv) Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition.
All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. This
will include the use of third generation artificial surfaces. All pitches within the Premier Division
must be a minimum of 110 yards long, by 70 yards wide all other Divisions must be a minimum
100 yards by 60 yards. PREMIER DIVISION TEAMS must use FA Step 7 minimum
requirement pitches which are either roped off or contained by a permanent barrier surround
there must be a technical area, clearly marked, for each team which contain seating for
substitutes and staff. Provide a Match Programme for all Home matches including Cups.
Provide refreshments at half time and full time fo players and officials.
Any team within the Premier Division failing to meet the requirements of Premier Division
football, as stated, will be fined £60-00 on each occasion a misdemeanour is reported.
(v)
If through any fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management
Committee shall have the power to order the venue to be changed.
(vi) Should a Club fail to provide the basic amenities, clean showers, changing rooms and
toilets, the visiting Club or match officials shall report this to the General Secretary within
72 hours in writing or by Email. The General Secretary will then notify the defaulting Club
and request an explanation. The League Management Committee will then inspect the
defaulting Club, within 7 days, and upon their findings levy a fine of no less than £50-00.
(vii) The Management Committee shall have the power to decide whether a pitch and/or
facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its
fixtures on another ground.
(viii)
All Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than 70
minutes) is mutually agreed by the two captains in consultation with the Referee prior to the
commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
(ix)
The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the Annual General Meeting. Any Club failing to
commence at the appointed time shall be fined £40-00 and be otherwise dealt with as the
Management Committee may determine.
(x)
be:-
The kick-off times for afternoon matches where floodlights are not available will normally
AUGUST 3-00 PM JANUARY 2-00 PM
SEPTEMBER 3-00 PM FEBRUARY 2-00 PM
OCTOBER 2-30 PM MARCH 2-30 PM
NOVEMBER 2-00 PM APRIL 3-00 PM
DECEMBER 2-00 PM MAY 3-00 PM
Where floodlights are available, a standard kick-off time of 3-00 PM will apply except in
exceptional circumstances. Mid-week games without floodlights will kick of no later than 6 30
pm. For Cup games within this competition the kick of times will always be 30 minutes before
league scheduled kick off times. Ref:-Cup Rule 20 The above is mandatory, variable only at the
discretion of the Management Committee Unless written permission has been obtained any Cup
match not kicking off 30 minutes before the scheduled League kick off time will be dealt with
under Rule 10(B)(ix).
(xi)
The Referee shall commence a game providing both teams have at least seven (7)
players changed at the appointed time and shall continue within the Laws of the Game. The
Referee MUST report all late starts to the Competition. Any team not ready to commence at the
appointed time shall be fined £40-00 and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the
Management Committee. The appointed time is that agreed by both clubs with reference to
above and approved by the Management Committee.
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(xii) Any team failing to be ready to commence the game within twenty minutes of the appointed
kick off time, with reference to 10(B)(ix) and 10(B)(xi) will be deemed to have not fulfilled the
fixture and the game will be awarded and charged under Rule 10(F)(i)/(ii).
(This Rule is only to be considered providing no travelling information has been received from
the
missing
team).
(xii) The home team must provide at least two (2) Approved League Match Balls fit for play prior
to the commencement of the fixture, preferably in the dressing room area. Suitability of
Match balls are at the Referee’s discretion. They must also ensure that (i) adequate goal
nets are used and that (ii) regulation height corner posts and (iii) appropriate goals are
provided. The Referee shall make a report to the Competition if any part of this rule is
breached Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £15-00.
(xiii) Both competing teams must submit a team sheet, including substitutes, with their
player’s full names and relevant registration numbers and their correct shirt numbers.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £40.00
(xiv) This sheet to be handed to the Referee in the match officials changing room at least 30
minutes prior to the appointed kick off time. Clubs will then exchange team sheets as well
as relevant ID cards. At this time the Home team will also supply the Referee with the two
match balls. Clubs will only use the official team sheets supplied by the League for all
League & Cup Games. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £20.00
(xv) If you sign the waiver regarding ID CARDS on the team sheet then no protest regarding the
opposing players will be heard by this League.
(C)
(i) Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the
dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to the Football Association and all relevant County
Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually
agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixture Secretary.
(ii) In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition five (5)clear
days’ notice of the match 9unless otherwise mutually agreed).
(D) The Secretary of the Home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the location of,
and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials’, The Discipline Secretary and the
secretary of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. The away club
shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule will
be fined £40.00.
(E)
Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the
Competition. In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 11 players they shall be fined
£10.00 for each missing player. A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition
Match. (NOTE: The intention of this rule is not to interfere with normal team selection by Clubs, but to
prevent Clubs deliberately fielding a weakened team in order to unreasonably reserve players for
another game or to boost the strength of another or lower team. It is NOT intended that Clubs MUST
field higher team players in lower teams when the higher team has no engagement If, in the opinion
of the Management Committee, the substance or spirit of the rule is obviously being disregarded, the
Club or Clubs concerned may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject to such
decisions as the Management Committee may determine, despite the fact that Rule 8 has not been
infringed.)
(F) (i)
Home and Away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its
engagement the Discipline Committee shall have the power to inflict a fine of £50-00,
deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the
opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or
otherwise deal with them except by the award of goals. Not- withstanding the foregoing
home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have the power to order a
match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponents ground if they are satisfied
that such action is warranted by the circumstances. .
(ii) After the After 30th March matches must be played as directed, including midweek
fixtures, the Middlesex County Football League will arrange games for Clubs/Teams
that have not got available home dates to play outstanding fixtures. Fixtures can and
will be arranged for Midweek and Saturdays at a neutral ground. All games scheduled
by the Fixture Secretary must be played. Clubs not complying with this Rule will be
fined £250-00. .
(iii) Any Club failing to field on more than three (3) occasions during the season will
immediately be dealt with under rule 17(B) and the member clubs will be requested to
expel them. If so they will then become liable to rule 14(B)
(iv) Any Club with more than one team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within
the Competition, in the following order of precedence:
First Team, Reserve Team , A Team.
Clubs in breach of this requirement shall be fined £ 40-00 and otherwise dealt with by
the Discipline Committee.
(v) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture must, without delay, give notice to the General
Secretary, Results Secretary, Referees Appointments Secretary, Fixture Secretary, the
Secretary of the opposing Club, the match Official/s by phone or e-mail and acquire
confirmation of such, followed by the Discipline Chairman giving full reasons for the
postponement in writing by post or e-mail. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with
by the Management Committee who may inflict a penalty of not less than £40-00.
(vi) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture, including County Cup matches, through inclement
weather, i.e. waterlogged or frozen pitch, must without delay, give notice to the General
Secretary, Results Secretary, Referees Appointments Secretary, Fixture Secretary, the
Secretary of the opposing Club and the match Official/s by phone or text AND by e-mail
or fax and acquire confirmation of such. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with by
the Management Committee who may inflict a penalty of not less than £40-00.
(vii) In the event of a match not being played or abandoned due to causes over which neither
Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the
two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and
notification to the Fixtures Secretary within 7 Days, of the original fixture, the
Management Committee shall have the power to order the Match to be played on a
named date or before a given date.
(viii)
The Discipline Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is
consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the
Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Discipline Committee shall be
empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where
the Discipline Committee are satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct
of one team or its Club member (s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the
match to the opponent. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct
of both teams or their Club member (s), the Discipline Committee shall rule all points for
the match as void. No fine (s) can be applied by the Discipline Committee for an
abandoned match.
The Discipline Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both
teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association or Affiliated
Association. In each case the team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the
same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule
8(O) above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null
and void.
(ix) In the case of an abandoned match, both teams and the Referee must forward a written
report to the League General Secretary and Discipline Chairman by either post or e-mail
within seven (7) days, in order for the League Disciplinary Committee to decide the
outcome of the match following the relevant County Association's decisions.
(x) Fixtures at any time during the season may be scheduled with no less than 48 hours
notice of the league scheduled kick off time.
(G) A Club may at its discretion, and in accordance with the laws of the game, use 3 substitute
players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5 players. The Referee shall
be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 30 minutes before the appointed start
time of the match. A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before
the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have
been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 15 minutes duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half
time interval may only be altered with the consent of the Referee AND BOTH OPPOSING
MANAGERS.
(I)
The League shall require all players and Club officials to have signed the FA’s Respect Codes of
Conduct and produce these if so requested by the League Management Committee.
The participating Clubs taking part in the fixture shall identify a team captain designated with a
captain’s armband who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field
discipline of his team mates. Prior to each match the participating teams and officials shall
conduct the ‘Respect’ handshake and participating teams to offer handshakes to the opposing
team after the match.
(J) Subject to Rule 10B (ii) , the Management Committee shall have the authority to withdraw
fixtures in the event of teams not being able to mutually agree kick of times or dates. These will be
rescheduled at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club under suspension by the Football Association or County Association or by a League
Decision and whose suspension is not lifted by noon on the Tuesday before the date of the fixture
will not be allowed to fulfil that fixture on the scheduled date. The fixture will be considered
unfulfilled and dealt with under the provision of Rule 10 (F) (i)/(ii).
(L)
(i) All clubs shall have a member with either a valid First Aid or Treatment of Injuries
Certificate. The members name with photocopies of relevant documents to be submitted to
the Designated League Officer not less than seven days before the start of each season.
Failure to comply will invoke an initial fine of £40-00 and the matter referred to the
Management Committee for any further action.
(ii) Each team shall provide a First Aid Kit and a First Aider who shall be in attendance at all
Home and Away matches and shall sign the team sheet handed to the Referee AND SHALL
MAKE HIM?HERSELF KNOW TO THE REFEREE BEFORE THE MATCH STARTS. The
nominated first aider will not be eligible as a player during this match Failure to comply will
entail a fine of £40-00.
(iii) Where clubs make use of an outside first aid organisation to cover games, such as St
Johns Ambulance, the League requires formal confirmation of the duties that they have
agreed to undertake for the Club.
(iv) Both teams must supply suitable First Aid equipment at their fixtures, minimum
contents as separate list in the Handbook. The Referee shall make a report to the
Competition if the First Aid equipment is unsuitable. Failure to comply will render the club
liable to a fine of £40.00.
(M) Any Premier or Senior Reserve Division Club failing to comply with the Middlesex
County Football Association Intermediate Status Rule 2 will be dealt with by the Management
Committee.
(N)
The league expects any club or official being offered hospitality by any club within this league
to partake of said hospitality. Any team or official failing to avail themselves of the hospitality offered
by any club within this league will be reported to the Management Committee and liable to being dealt
with under rule 5H.
11. REPORTING RESULTS
(A) (i) The Designated League Officer must receive within 5 days of the date the match is played
(ie; by 12 noon on the fifth day following the date the match is played),, the result of each
Competition match in the prescribed manner. And also the Referee markings, required by
Rule 13 (H), or any other information required by the Competition. This information can
now be entered directly onto the website and if done this way will satisfy the
requirements of this rule you must enter full details OF YOUR TEAM INCLUDING RED
CARDS AND CAUTIONS. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £40-00, and the club
required to submit a correctly completed result sheet within seven days, this Fine to be
doubled every seven days until complied with and also being dealt with at the discretion
of the Management Committee.
(ii) The Designated League Officer must receive within 5 days of the date played, the fourth
copy of the team sheet which must also include the forenames and family names of the
team players in block capitals. This will now be accepted by emailing a scanned version
of the BLUE copy to the MCFL fines email address always requesting a read receipt.
Failure to do so will incur a fine of £20-00, and the club required to submit a correctly
completed sheet within seven days. This Fine to be doubled every seven days until
complied with and also being dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(B) (i)
The Home Club shall telephone or text the result of each match to the Results Secretary
by 5-15 PM on Saturdays and after the game for midweek fixtures. This applies to all
League fixtures. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine of £20-00.
(ii) For all external Competitions whether you are Home or Away you must telephone the
result to the Results Secretary in compliance with the above Rule. Failure to comply with
this Rule will result in a fine of £20-00.
C)
The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible
member
of the Club. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £20-00
(D) A Club falsifying any detail on a result sheet shall be fined £40.00 for each false entry and be
otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
12. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
(A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points, with 3 points to be awarded
for a win and 1 point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in
their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not
be played for double points. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points, team
rankings may be decided in any or more of the following ways :(i) Goal average or Goal difference,
(ii) Goals scored or Deciding match/s played under conditions determined by the
Management Committee
(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first 2 and last 2 teams in each
Division except as provided for hereunder. Subject to the provisions of rule 1(B).
(i) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one Division after the fixtures have
commenced an equal number of teams to those withdrawing in that Division shall not be
automatically relegated.
(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled in any of the
following ways :(a) Retention of otherwise relegated teams.
(b) Additional promotion of the next ranked teams from the Division below.
(c) Election.
(iii) The last 2 teams in the lowest Division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except
as below, and be subject to the conditions of paragraph (B) (i) above.
(iv) When a senior team is relegated to a lower Division of which its reserve team is a
member, or entitled to be a member, such reserve team must accept relegation to, or
retain its position in, the next lower Division; and should the senior team be relegated to
the lowest Division its reserve team automatically retires from the Competition.
(v) Should either or both of the leading teams in any of the Divisions have its senior team in
the next higher Division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to
the next highest team or teams in the Division concerned.
(C) In the event of a team not completing 100% of its fixtures for the season all points obtained
by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table.
(D) Where a promotion and/or relegation link exists between Competitions in the National League
System, Clubs, providing they meet appropriate grading criteria, will be eligible to make
application to the Appropriate Competition at their Annual General Meeting. Should the
Champion Club not wish for promotion or, alternatively, not have the necessary grading
criteria, then the 2nd place Club will be eligible under the same conditions. At the end of each
season and depending on the geographical location of Clubs gaining promotion to or being
relegated from the National League System Competition, it may be necessary for the
Competition either:
(a) to accept a Club from the Senior Competition, or
(b) have a Club transferred to the same Competition.
In the event of there being no eligible Club wishing promotion or not having the necessary
grading criteria from any of the Competitions, this will reduce the number of Clubs to be
relegated from the Senior Competition. If no Clubs are eligible, or wish for promotion, no
Clubs will be relegated from the Senior Competitions .In the event of a Senior Competition
Club opting to be relegated or being relegated under Rule 12D such Club or Clubs will
replace the Club or Clubs otherwise due for relegation.
13. REFEREES
(A) Registered Referees(and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA) for all
matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the
sanctioning Association(s).
(B) In the event of the non appearance by the appointed Referee, the appointed senior Assistant
Referee shall take charge and a substitute Assistant Referee appointed by the competing
teams. In cases where there is no officially appointed Referee, the Clubs can either refer the
matter to the Fixtures Secretary for rescheduling or MUTUALLY agree upon a Referee. A
Referee thus agreed upon shall officiate for the full duration of the game and exercise the full
powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by the two
competing Clubs, appoint Assistant Referees, if available to any match. Where Assistant
Referees are not appointed each team shall provide a Club Assistant Referee. Failure to do
so will result in a fine of £30-00 being imposed on the defaulting club.
(D) The Appointed Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all
matches and the decision shall be final, subject to either in the case of a ground of a local
Authority or the owners of a ground, the representative of that body is the sole arbiter and
whose decision must be accepted unless a ground is declared fit to play.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association Match
Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to the following Match Fees
(inclusive of expenses) :Referee £35.00
Assistant Referees £25.00
The Home Club shall pay the Officials all their fees immediately after the match.
If the Management Committee under Rule 13 C decides the cost to be divided, the Away club
to reimburse Home club 50% off the entire fee. If the officials are not paid as per this rule the
offending club will be liable to a fine of £60-00 and the full cost of the outstanding fees.
(F) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the clubs have
no control, the Match Officials if present, shall be entitled to half their fee only. Where a match
is not played owing to one club being in default, that club shall be ordered to pay the officials,
if they attend the ground, their full fee.
(G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation
as to their non appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or she is
registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award
marks to the Referee for each match, and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded
shall be submitted to the competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply
with this Rule shall be fined and dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
Subject to Rule 11A.
(I)
The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided, by the
prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County
Association.
(J)
The Referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the
match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick off to the Registration
Secretary within two days of the match.
(K) Referee’s and Assistant Referee’s shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the
Competition Rules free of charge.
(L) Referees and Assistant Referees shall have undertaken a ‘Respect’ briefing offered
by the FA/County FA or the League
(M) In the case of an abandoned match the Referee must supply the League General Secretary
with a full written report (post or e-mail) explaining the full circumstances leading to the
match being abandoned in order for the League Disciplinary Committee to determine the
outcome of the match following the relevant County Association's hearings.
14. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
(A) (i)
After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional
intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and
fulfilment of all other obligation to the Competition must notify the General Secretary in
writing by 31st MARCH each Season or be liable to a fine of not less than £50.
PREMIER DIVISION CLUBS wishing to be promoted from Step 7 to Step 6 must make
their application to the Football Association, copied to this League, by 31st December in
the relevant year, as per Regulation 6:2 of the Establishment and Operation of the
National League System.
(ii) Every Club/Team will be considered as continuing within the League constitution for the
following season unless Rule 14(A)(i) has been correctly followed. No written notification
of continuation is required.
(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the
Annual General Meeting for the following season.
(i) Any Club infringing this Rule after the fixtures have commenced shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding £120-00 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be
made under Rule 5(B).
(ii) Any Club infringing this Rule and not disbanding before the fixtures have been
commenced shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £120-00 per team and shall also be liable
for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(iii) Any Club infringing this Rule and disbanding before the fixtures have commenced cannot
be fined but will be liable for their financial commitments prior to disbanding
(C) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at the Annual General Meeting
held not later than 30th June, the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other
provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team in order to join another
Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements.
(D) In the event of a Member Club which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing and/or
disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to
the Competition.
(i) In the event that any such obligation remains un-discharged after a period of twenty-one
(21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding
those under the statuary school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro rata obligation is
discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which
may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order.
(ii) If the debt remains unpaid after eighty-four (84) days the Competition may apply to the
Club’s parent County Association for the debt to be recovered in accordance with the FA
Football Debt Recovery System. Once the matter has been passed to the Club’s parent
County Association the debt can only be cleared by payment to that County Association.
15. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS
(A)
(i) All question of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be
referred to the Management Committee.
(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of
the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is
lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such
protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and
shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) (i)
Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special
circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the
grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the General Secretary and
the Discipline Chairman within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence
to which they refer. With reference to rule 4(E)
(ii) A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management
committee. A Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club
involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such
protest or complaint is being determined.
(C)
Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for
determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all
parties subject to Rule 16.
(D)
No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee
unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Discipline Chairman a sum of £25.00, for
their protest together with a written reason for the protest, 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 enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
(E)
All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be
afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being
heard.
(i)All parties must have received 7 days notice of the Hearing should they be instructed to
attend.
(ii)Should a Club elect to state its case in person then they should forward a deposit of £50-00
and indicate such when forwarding the written response.
16. BOARD OF APPEAL
Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or
the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such
decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Football Association, including a
fee of £50.00, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance
with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by
whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding
on all parties concerned. No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special
General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
17. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, OR TEAMS MISCONDUCT CLUBS, OFFICIALS,
PLAYERS
(A) At the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for the purpose, Notice of
Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda; the accredited delegates present shall
have the power to exclude any Club or Team from further membership, which must be
supported by (more than) two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point
shall be by Ballot.
(B) (i) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a special General Meeting called for the purpose, in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have
the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose
conduct has, in their opinion been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than)
two thirds (2/3rds) 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.
(ii) In the case of a special general meeting having been called by the Management
committee voting , if it is felt appropriate, can be done by electronic mail or post. Subject
to rule 15(E)
(C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule , other than field
offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the
Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or
Management Committee Meeting may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion
in accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.
(D) Any Club or Team failing to complete 100% of its fixtures in any season shall (unless the
conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the Annual
General Meeting or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of two-thirds
of the votes cast) be debarred from Membership for the following season.
(E) (i) The players photo registration card must be returned to the Discipline Secretary within
three days of notification of the withdrawal of the registration or be liable to have their
fixtures withdrawn immediately and become subject to Rule 8(O)(i)
(ii) A club suspended under this rule who have more than one team in the competition will
only be penalised for the defaulting team and will be allowed to compete with their other
team/s in the competition that they relate to.
(iii) Any player registered for said team will be deemed as unregistered until the county
football association has met and given its decision. Subject to rule 16.
(iv) Any games during this period that are not fulfilled will be deemed as postponed until the
Relevant County Football Association has passed down its decision.
(v) If the original charge is upheld the club will have all its games scheduled during this
period awarded and be immediately subject to: Rules 10(F) (i)/ (ii) and Rule 17(D) and
otherwise dealt with at the Management Committee’s discretion.
(vi) If the injured party in question decides to take the matter further they will be backed by
this competition to its fullest extent.
(vii) If the original charge is overturned all games postponed under this rule will be
rescheduled by the management committee within the meaning of Rule 10 (F) (vi)
18. TROPHY LEGAL OWNERS CONDITIONS OF
TAKING OVER AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED.
AWARDS
(A) If a Competition be discontinued for any cause the Cup or Trophy shall be returned to the
Donor, if the conditions attached to it so provide, if not dealt with as the sanctioning
association may decide.
(B) Trophy Agreement
We, the undersigned, on behalf of (Name Of Club)
……………………………………… having been declared the winners and taken possession of the
Middlesex County Football League (COMPETITION) ……………………………………….. Trophy
which we understand remains the property of the Middlesex County Football League, do hereby
undertake, jointly and severely, to keep the said Trophy in safe custody.
Furthermore, we agree to return the trophy, no later than on or before first (1st) March, so that the
Trophy can be prepared for presentation at the Leagues Cup Finals or Annual General Meeting to be
held during the month of June.
Thereafter, the Trophy will be kept in safe custody, in accordance with paragraph one, until it is
returned to the Middlesex County Football League at a dedicated venue to be advised, on or before
the first (1st) March next.
Signed ……………………………………………………..Club Secretary
Date
………../…………./20…….
Address
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….
Post Code ……………………………………………………………….
Tel. No.
……………………………………………………..
Signed …………………………………………………………………….
Position
…………………………………………………….
Signed …………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………….
(Places to be signed by two additional responsible Club Members)
Position
(i) If the winners of a Trophy should fail to have returned the Trophy to the League by the prescribe
date, they shall be fined £50-00 for each week it is late.
(ii) All winners of the Middlesex County Football League Competitions are required to take steps
necessary to ensure the safety of the relevant Competition Trophy. In order to ensure that the said
Trophy is returned, clean and without damage, all winners are required to provide the League’s
General Secretary, on a Form provided to the Club (at the semi-final stage or end of season), with
proof that the said Trophy has been insured, either through the League or directly by the Club to a
value determined by the League, at their own expense. Failure to complete both the Trophy
Agreement and Insurance Form will make the Club liable to a fine of £50-00. If the Club inform the
League that they have their own insurance, they must furnish the League General Secretary with a
copy of the policy when returning the Form. Failure to provide such proof, will entail the said trophy
being returned to the League immediately after the presentation at the Cup Final or Annual General
Meeting, and the Club fined £50-00.
(iii) Furthermore, any damage occurring to the said Trophy, between the final tie or Annual
General Meeting and its return to the League, will be charged to the winners of the said Trophy in
full, upon receipt of an invoice from the League. Any winners not wishing to accept this liability will
not be permitted to remove the said Trophy from the Cup Final or Annual General Meeting venue
(C) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners up if
the funds of the Competition permit.
(D) If any club does not continue membership the trophy must be returned immediately or the
defaulting club will be fined £500-00 plus the replacement cost of the trophy.
19. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Special General Meetings Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in
membership, the General Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least seven days’ notice shall be given of either Meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda
of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings.
Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the Management Committee.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting, without
satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £50-00.
Officers and Management Committee Members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special
General Meetings. .
20. ALTERATION TO RULES
(A) Alterations , for which consent has been given by the sanctioning Association shall be made to
these rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially
convened for that purpose, called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the
playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until the
following season.
(B) Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be
submitted to the General Secretary by 1st MARCH in each year. The proposals, together with
any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs at the APRIL
League Council meeting. Any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the General
Secretary by 1st MAY. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated
to the Clubs with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to Change a Rule shall
be carried if the majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour.
(C) A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting
or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 14 days
prior to the date of the meeting. Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting
shall not become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have
been obtained.
21. FINANCE
(A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution
the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £1000-00 shall be approved by the Management Committee.
Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 30th April.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of the Competition shall be prepared and shall be
audited annually by some suitable person’s who shall be appointed at the Annual General
Meeting.
22. 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 Management Committee subject to Rule 15/16. Each Member Club
must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct.
23. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES
(A) Registered players who play for this League in representative matches approved by the
Management Committee may be awarded a memento.
(B) Clubs may request postponement of a match within the competitions of this League if they
have three or more players selected for a representative team on the same date. If a goalkeeper is
selected then postponement may be requested if no other player has been selected. Requests for
postponement must be directed to the Fixture Secretary and General Secretary and will be granted
provided that the selection has been for a League or County Football Association representative
team and that the players selected have accepted such selection. Requests for postponement
must be received at least seven days prior to the match or within twenty four hours of notification of
selection where such notification is within eight days of the match.
(C) Clubs may withhold release of their player (s) for League representative teams if less than
eight days’ notice of selection is given.
(D) Any player selected for a League representative match who declines the invitation, or fails to
attend without a certifiable reason, shall not be eligible to play in any League competitions for a
period of fifteen days commencing with the date of the representative match.
.
24. SPONSORSHIP
The Management Committee have full authority at their discretion to negotiate an agreement on
behalf of the Competition. Clubs shall comply with the provisions of any/all sponsorship deals as
recommended by the Management Committee, but with the minimum requirement being a full page
advert in their match day programmes.
25. INSURANCE
All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least 10 million pounds (£10,000,000).
With effect from the 2013-14 season all Clubs must be members of a players personal accident
scheme which meets the minimum criteria set by the sanctioning Association.
CUP COMPETITION RULES
SEASON 2012/2013
1.
(A) The number of Cup competitions, the teams competing in each, and the method of playing
each competition shall be decided annually by the Management Committee. The competitions
may be decided either on a ‘knock-out’ basis or on a combination of league and ‘knock-out’
matches.
(B) The League Cup Finals will be played, wherever possible on Senior Club pitches, in a strict
rotation, Res Div, Div 2, Div 1, Premier Div, Junior Open Cup and finally Senior Open Cup.
Once dates are agreed with the Senior Clubs these will be made known to all League Clubs and
officials and strictly adhered to, no exceptions will be made other than weather or Senior Club
liabilities.
2.
Member clubs must enter each of its teams in all such competitions.
3.
The entrance fee shall be £30.00 per team payable on or before 1st August.
4.
In a ‘knock-out’ competition all ties shall be drawn by the Management Committee. The dates of
all matches shall be arranged by the Fixture Secretary and notified to the clubs. Teams first
drawn shall have the choice of ground.
If the scores are level at the end of ninety minutes play, extra time of fifteen minutes each way
shall be played. If a conclusive result has still not been achieved by the end of extra time, the
result of the game will be decided by kicks taken from the penalty spot in the manner prescribed
by The Football Association and the International Board.
5.
6.
Not withstanding the provisions of Rules 4 and 5, the Management Committee can order a
match to be played on the opponents or neutral ground, if it is satisfied that such action is
warranted by the circumstances.
7.
When part of a cup competition is decided on a league basis, three points shall be awarded for a
win and one for a draw. Final positions within the League shall be decided by the number of
points gained. Should more than one team finish level on points the position of the teams shall
be decided using the following criteria in the order listed:
(1) Better goal difference.
(2) Highest number of goals scored.
(3) Highest number of games won.
If the above criteria fails to separate any teams in a qualifying position a deciding match or
deciding matches shall be played under conditions arranged by the Management Committee.
8.
Only players registered for a club on or before 28th February shall be eligible to play for that
club in Cup Competitions during that season. (League Rule 8(O) )
9.
Any Player who has played in any League Cup Competition, and is then transferred to another
League club, will not be eligible to play for their new club/team in any League Cup Competition,
subject to league rule 8(M) (ii). Any club/player found to be infringing this rule shall have the
fixture awarded to their opponents, and be as per Rule 8(O).
10. If a club has more than one team in the League no player shall play for the club’s lower team in
cup competitions having played any games for the higher team in Cup Competitions. See League
Rule 8 (M)(i) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any Cup SEMI-FINAL or FINAL
unless the player has played FIVE games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
All Clubs appearing in SEMI_FINALS MUST contact the Registration Secretary by the
Wednesday before the game to obtain a list of all eligible players.
11. CUP FEES. The Home Club will be responsible for the cost of Pitch Hire and the Away Club will
be responsible for the Referees fee, both Clubs will share the cost of the Assistant Referees
which will be paid on the day of the match. If the match is played on a neutral ground all fees on
the day will be shared equally by both teams. (see also League Rule 13(E)).
12 The League shall take all gate receipts and shall be responsible for all expenses connected with
the ground at Final ties played at neutral venues. Both teams shall be required to supply two match
balls, as well as two ball boys. The two ball boys to receive trophies supplied by the League.
13. Medals or plaques shall be presented to the players, and nominated substitutes, participating in
the final tie to a maximum of 16. Where a player has been ordered from the field of play for
misconduct, the Management Committee shall have the power to withhold the medal or plaque to
which he was entitled.
14. Medals or plaques shall be presented to the match officials participating in the final tie.
15. In the event of a team not fulfilling a cup final fixture on the date decided by the Management
Committee the tie shall be awarded to the opponents and the runners-up medals will not be
awarded.
16 (A) Cup Competition matches if abandoned will be considered by the Discipline Committee
following the outcome of the appropriate County FA, and if owing to the conduct of one team or its
Club member/s they shall be empowered to award the match to the opponents. In cases where the
match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Clun member/s then the
match shall be deemed as void and neither team shall progress.
(B) In the event of a Cup Final being abandoned for any reason relating to either of the teams
competing or their supporters actions the Competition for that year will be declared void and no
Trophy’s will be awarded.
17. The Management Committee shall have the power to deal with any contingency affecting these
competitions not provided for in the foregoing rules.
18. Any additional trophies required by a team will be purchased by the League and invoiced to the
Team/Club. This request to be in writing by the Club Secretary.
19. PHONE IN RESULTS League Rule 11(B) to be complied with in all Cup Competitions and Finals.
20. All Cup fixtures to kick off a minimum of 30 minutes prior to 10(B)(x).
Unless prior written
permission has been obtained any Cup match not kicking off 30 minutes before the scheduled League
kick off time will be dealt with under Rule 10(B)(ix).
21. Each club competing in a final will purchase 50 Fifty Cup Final Tickets for their respective Final,
at a price agreed by the Management Committee. The dispersal of these tickets will be solely the
clubs responsibility All spectators to a cup final will only be allowed into the ground upon production of
a valid ticket or the payment of the quoted entry fee
22. All Clubs having reached the final will provide all relevant information required to print and
collate the programme for said final to the designated League Officer no later than 14 fourteen days
prior to the respective final. Any club failing to comply with this rule will be fined not less than £50-00
23. Subject to the preceding rules the rules of the Middlesex County Football League shall apply to
these competitions.
24. Presentation of Trophy. Following the completion of the Cup Final the Trophy will be presented
to the winning team, to be held until the last day of February the following year when it will be
returned to the League General Secretary having BEEN ENGRAVED in the appropriate place by the
winning team and FULLY CLEANED. Any damage incurred will have to be paid for by the Club in
whose hands the Trophy has been held. Failure to return the Trophy engraved and cleaned will entail
a fine of £30-00. A memento of the Cup Final win will be presented to the winning team for them to
keep and display within their Club Headquarters. (also see League Rule 18- Trophy Agreement).l
INSURANCE FORM
Name of Competition
Insurance Value of Trophy :
MCFL Insurance Cover Premium :
Name of Winning Club :
Name and Address of Club Secretary :
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………….Post Code : …………………………………
As the winners of the said Trophy, in accordance with Middlesex County
Football League Rule 18, will provide Insurance Cover for the said Trophy
by : (1)* Requesting that the Middlesex County Football League insures the
said Trophy on our behalf. We undertake to pay the Premium in FULL to
the League upon receipt of an invoice from the League Office.
(2)* Obtaining Insurance individually and supplying the Middlesex
County Football League with proof that the
said Trophy has been
insured to the value as determined by the League valuers.
(3)* Not accepting liability for the said Trophy. (with this option the said
Trophy will be returned IMMEDIATELY to the Middlesex County Football
League after the presentation at the Cup Final or Annual General
Meeting).
*Delete where not applicable
We have read the Middlesex County Football League Rule 18 in full, and
have completed and returned the said Middlesex County Football League
Trophy Agreement Form.
Signed …………………………………………………………. Club Secretary
Date …………./…………../20………..
REGULATIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION
OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM
1.
Definitions
In the interpretation of these Regulations: any words and expressions, unless
otherwise defined herein, shall be words and expressions as defined as
follows:“AC” means the Alliance Committee appointed by FA Council to deal with
matters appertaining to Steps 1 to 4 of the National League System.
“Association” means The Football Association.
“Club” means a football club for the time being in a league in membership of
the NLS.
“League” means any competition sanctioned by the Association and/or an
Affiliated Association.
“LC” means the Leagues Committee appointed by FA Council to deal with all
matters appertaining to the National League System.
“NLS” means the system of competitions controlled by the Association where
promotion and relegation links exist between participating Leagues.
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first
League fixture in the League is played each year until the date on which the
last League fixture in the League is played. For Clubs participating in play-off
matches this does include the period when play-off matches are played.
“Play off Position” means the position of a Club in the table at the end of each
Playing Season which is provided for in Rule 13 as qualifying the Club to take
part in a play off match to qualify for promotion to the next Step of football for
the next Playing Season.
“Regulations” means these regulations.
“Step” means the level at which a Club participates in the National League
System.
2. The National League System (NLS) shall be operated in accordance with
these regulations (“the Regulations”).
The aims and objectives of the NLS are:
(a) To provide clubs with a level of competitive football appropriate to their playing
ability, stadium/ground facilities, economic means and geographical location.
(b) To provide a framework for discussion on matters of policy
and common interest to leagues and clubs.
(c) To allow the seasonal movement of clubs.
To be members, all Leagues, and Clubs shall be bound by these Regulations. All Leagues will
be required to sign a certificate confirming their agreement to the acceptance of the
Regulations.
3.
Position of a League in the National League System
3.1 The current structure of the NLS is set out below:
Step 1
Football
Conference
Step 2
Conference
North
Conference
South
Step 3
Northern Premier League
Premier Division
Southern Premier
League Premier Division
Isthmian League
Premier Division
Step 4
Northern Premier League Division One North
Northern Premier League Division One South
Southern League Division One Midlands
Southern League Division One South & West
Isthmian League Division One North
Isthmian League Division One South
Step 5/6/7
The leagues currently at Step 5, 6 and 7 are set out at the end of the
Regulations.
3.2 Any league wishing to become part of the NLS must apply to The Association by
31 December in the relevant year in such form and/or providing such information as
shall be required by the LC from time to time. The decision as to whether or not a
League should be admitted to the NLS shall be made by the LC which will then
decide on the Step at which the League will play.
3.3 Any league wishing to propose an adjustment to its position within
the NLS must apply in writing to the LC by 31st December in any year for
such proposal to be determined by the LC in order, if approved, to have
effect in the following Playing Season.
4.
Rules and Regulations for Promotion and Relegation
The LC shall provide for the seasonal promotion, relegation or lateral
movement of Clubs between Steps within the system. A League that
signifies its acceptance to be bound by the Regulations must be in a
position to promote and relegate Clubs at the conclusion of each Playing
Season.
5.
Detailed Promotion and Relegation Issues
5.1 The criteria for entry to the NLS and the criteria for ground/stadium
facilities and the criteria for participation in play off matches shall be
determined by the LC. All criteria so determined shall be published
by the Association from time to time.
5.2 It may be necessary from time to time to move Clubs laterally between
Leagues at
the same Step to accommodate the movement of Clubs by normal
promotion and relegation.
5.3 At the conclusion of each Playing Season, the following procedures
will apply:
Step 1 and Step 2
The Clubs finishing in the bottom four places at Step 1 at the end of the Playing
Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically
appropriate division at Step 2 for the following Playing Season.. They will be replaced
by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 2 together with a
further two Clubs which win a series of play off matches involving those clubs
finishing in a play-off position (normally positions 2 to 5) in each of the divisions at
Step 2. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the criteria for
participation in play off matches the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall
take part in the play off matches. The play off matches shall be played so that the
highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two
Clubs play each other. The winners of each match will play each other and the
winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the
highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play the winner of
the other play off match and the winner of that Final will be promoted. Clubs finishing
below position 7 will not be considered for play off matches.
Step 2 and Step 3
The clubs in the bottom three places in each of the two divisions at Step 2 at the end
of the Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most
geographically appropriate division at Step 3 for the following Playing Season. They
will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 3
together with a further three clubs determined by a series of play off matches
involving those clubs finishing in a play-off position (normally positions 2 to 5) in each
of the divisions at Step 3. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not
meet the criteria for participation in play off matches the Club finishing in the next
eligible position shall take part in the play off matches. The play off matches shall be
played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed
and the other two Clubs play each other. The winners of each match will play each
other and the winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible
Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play
the winner of the other play off match and the winner of that Final will be promoted.
Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be considered for play off matches.
The promoted Clubs will also be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most
geographically appropriate division at Step 2.
Step 3 and Step 4
The clubs in the bottom two places in each of the three divisions at Step 3 at the end
of the Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most
geographically appropriate division at Step 4 for the following Playing Season. They
will be replaced by the club finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 4
together with a further six clubs to be determined by a series of play off matches
involving those clubs finishing in a play-off position (normally positions 2 to 5) in each
of the divisions at Step 4. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not
meet the criteria for participation in play off matches the Club finishing in the next
eligible position shall take part in the play off matches. The play off matches shall be
played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed
and the other two Clubs play each other. The winners of each match will play each
other and the winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible
Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play
the winner of the other play off match and the winner of that Final will be promoted.
Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be considered for play off matches.
The promoted clubs will also be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most
geographically appropriate division at Step 3.
Step 4 and Step 5
The Clubs in the bottom place in each of the six divisions at Step 4 at the end of the
Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most
geographically appropriate League at Step 5. These Clubs will be .replaced by the
fourteen most suitable Clubs from the Leagues at Step 5 as determined by the LC.
Each of these Leagues will nominate the Club finishing in 1st position subject to
meeting the entry criteria and wishing to be considered for promotion. In the event
of the 1st placed club not being nominated, the club finishing in 2nd or 3rd position
can be nominated subject to the same criteria. In addition, any additional Clubs
required will be selected from the following Step 5 Leagues based on a points
gained per game played basis: Combined Counties League, Eastern Counties
League, Essex Senior League, Kent League, Spartan South Midlands League,
Sussex County League, and Wessex League. No more than two Clubs will be
promoted from any one League. The Clubs to be promoted from Step 5 will be
placed and allocated to the most geographically appropriate division.
In the event that there are more clubs qualifying for promotion than spaces available,
priority will be given to the Champion Clubs in Step 5 leagues. If vacancies remain,
Clubs finishing in 2nd place in Step 5 Leagues will be ranked for promotional
purposes according to the average number of points gained per games played.
Any Club seeking promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 must make application to The
Association on the prescribed form and provide the required supporting
documentation, copied to their existing League, by 30th November in the relevant
year. The application must be accompanied by the agreed grading fee, as
determined by the LC, which is non refundable. Applicant Clubs must achieve an E
Grade by 31st March in the Playing Season when promotion is sought. The
Association will arrange an inspection as soon as practical thereafter .
Step 5 to Step 6 and Step 6 to Step 7
The promotion and relegation of Clubs between Steps 5,6 and 7 shall be dealt with as
follows.
Movement of clubs between Step 5, 6 and 7 where a League operates at each Step, shall
be included in their constitutional Rules and Regulations.
Clubs seeking promotion to Step 5 from a League at Step 6 which is not linked to Step 5,
must make application using the prescribed form direct to the Association, copied to their
existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. Each application must be
accompanied by the agreed grading fee, as determined by the LC, which is non
refundable.
Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 from a League at Step 7 which is not linked to Step 6,
must make application using the prescribed form direct to the Association, copied to their
existing League by 31st December in the relevant year. In order to be considered for
promotion Clubs must finish in 1st position in their Step 7 League. If the Club finishing in
1st position does not wish to be promoted or fails to meet the entry criteria then the Club
finishing in 2nd position will be eligible for promotion. If the Club in 2nd position does not
seek promotion or fails to meet the entry criteria then Clubs down to 5 th position may be
considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs
finishing below 5th position will not be considered for promotion and only one Club will be
considered from each League. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed
grading fee, as determined by the LC, which is non refundable.
5.4 Where a vacancy occurs within the NLS the following procedures will
apply:(i)
Where a vacancy occurs in a particular division prior to the
end of the Playing Season, the Club concerned would be
classed as one of the relegated Clubs in a relegation
position.
(ii)
Where a vacancy occurs following the completion of the
Playing Season then the best ranked Club in a relegation
position across the particular Step would be reprieved. The
ranking to be determined by the average points gained per
game played and comparable League position.
(iii)
Where a vacancy occurs after the date of a League AGM
then a competition would not be able to replace the Club(s)
concerned.
5.5
Only internal changes to the constitution of a League are allowed
following the holding of a Leagues Annual General Meeting.
5.6
Clubs are not allowed to enter into a ground share agreement in
order to gain promotion or to be saved from relegation.
5.7
Ground grading requirements will be in accordance with the National
Ground Grading document as issued from time to time by the
Association.
In order to be considered for promotion, the following requirements
will apply.
Step 7 - Clubs competing at Step 7 must comply fully with the
minimum requirements in force. To be considered for promotion to
Step 6 Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade H and attain
Grade G by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 6 - Clubs competing at Step 6 must comply fully with the
requirements of Grade G. To be considered for promotion to Step 5
Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade G and attain Grade F by
31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 5 - Clubs competing at Step 5 must comply fully with the
requirements of Grade F. To be considered for promotion to Step 4,
Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade E by 31st March in the
year in which they seek promotion, and attain Grade D by 31st March
in the year following promotion.
Step 4 - Clubs competing at Step 4 must comply fully with the
requirements of Grade D. To be considered for promotion to Step 3
or to be included in the play-off matches, Clubs must meet the
requirements of Grade D and attain Grade C by 31st March in the
year following promotion.
Step 3 - Clubs competing at Step 3 must comply fully with the
requirements of Grade C. To be considered for promotion to Step 2
or to be included in the play-off matches, Clubs must meet the
requirements of Grade C and attain Grade B by 31st March in the
year following promotion.
Step 2 - Clubs competing at Step 2 must comply fully with the
requirements of Grade B. To be considered for promotion to Step 1
or to be included in the play-off matches, Clubs must meet the
requirements of Grade B together with any additional requirements
by 31st March in the year in which they seek promotion. Clubs must
also attain Grade A by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 1 - Clubs must comply fully with the requirements of Grade A.
6.
The Movement of Clubs within the National League System
other than by Promotion or Relegation.
6.1 Movement of a club from participation in one League to another is not
permitted other than by promotion and relegation save with the approval of
the LC.
6.2 Any Club proposing to move from one League to another must make
application in writing to The Association on or before 31st March in each
year to be effective for the following Playing Season. In the event of such
application being successful the League from which the Club is moving shall
not levy a financial penalty on that Club.
6.3 If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) is wound up, liquidated,
ceases to trade or is removed from its League or withdraws from football
competition (‘the Former Club’), and then wishes to establish a new Club
(‘the New Club’) and be placed within the NLS other than as set out in
Regulation 5.3, then unless otherwise determined by the LC, it will be
allowed to make an application only to join a League/division at Step 5 of the
NLS unless the Former Club was in either Step 4 or Step 5 when the event
which caused it to cease its membership occurred in which case it must rejoin the NLS at a minimum of two Steps below the level at which it was at
the time the event occurred, or withdrew from football competition,
whichever is lower. Where the Former Club as a member of The FA
Premier League or Football League in the current Playing Season then the
LC shall at its absolute discretion determine in which League within the NLS
the New Club shall be placed for the following Playing Season and will set
out at its complete discretion the requirements to be met by the New Club.
In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS by the
New Club in the following Playing Season, an initial application must be
received by the LC by 1st March or within twenty-one days of the Former
Club being wound up, liquidated, ceasing to trade, resigning or being
removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, if such
date is later than 1st March.
The full application accompanied by all necessary documents including
evidence of security of tenure having been granted to the New Club must be
received by 31st March. The application shall be copied to the League of
which membership is being requested. The application will be determined
by the LC.
In considering any application, the LC will set out at its discretion the
requirements to be met by the New Club.
Only one application will be considered for placement in the NLS in
accordance with this Regulation. In the event of more than one application
being received within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up,
liquidated, ceasing to trade, resigning or being removed from its League or
withdrawing from football competition, the LC will consider at its discretion
which application will be considered in accordance with this Regulation.
6.4 If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) ceases to be a member
of its League and that Club (that is not a New Club as defined at 6:3 above)
wishes to be placed within the NLS for the immediately following Playing
Season, then unless otherwise determined by the LC, it may be allowed to
make an application to join a League/division below the most recent
League/division of which the Club was a member.
In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS by the
Club in the immediate following Playing Season, an initial application must
be received by the LC in accordance with the procedures set out at 6.3
above. The application shall be copied to the League of which membership
is being requested. The application will be determined by the LC at its
absolute discretion.
In considering any application, the LC will set out at its discretion the
requirements to be met by the Club in determining whether to approve the
application.
6.5
If two or more Clubs (the Merging Clubs”) are proposing a
transaction
or series of transactions that result in the merging
or consolidation (“the Proposed Merger”) of those Clubs into one
Club (“the Merged Club”) then a formal application to do so must be
received by the LC and the League(s) of which the Merging Clubs
are members by 31 December.
A Deed of Agreement, which shall be legally binding on all parties
must be submitted to The Association by 31st March in the year
immediately following receipt of the application. The LC shall
determine at its absolute discretion where the Merged Club is to be
included in the NLS for the following season subject to the provisions
of item (v) below.
In arriving at its decision the LC may apply the following minimum
criteria:
(i) The requirements of Rule 2.9 Transfer of Membership of FA
Standardised Membership Rules for the current season must
be met by each of the Merging Clubs. If one or more of the
Merging Clubs is subject to an insolvency event then Rule
2.9.2 shall be applied to such Club(s), otherwise Rule 2.9.1
shall be applied:
(ii) the proposed playing name of the Merged Club must be acceptable to the LC;
and
(iii) the Merged Club must have security of tenure to a ground that
meets the relevant ground grading requirements;
(iv) Any other criteria that the LC may from time to time deem to be appropriate;
(v) The Merged Club will ordinarily be placed at the lower of the Steps at which
the
Merging Clubs ended the Playing
Season in which the application is made. For the
purposes of
this Regulation, if one of the Merging Clubs has finished that Playing Season
in a relegation place, then they will be deemed to have ended the Playing
Season at the Step to which they would have been relegated without the
Proposed Merger proceeding.
Any decision regarding whether a proposed transaction or series of transactions
falls to
be considered under this Regulation shall be determined by the LC at
its absolute discretion.
7.
Election of a Club into a League
7.1 Usually a Club can only enter the NLS at Step 7. However, in exceptional
circumstances a League may seek approval from the LC to receive a Club
not currently in membership of a League within the NLS provided that there
is:
(a) a vacancy within its constitution
(b) the club meets the entry criteria and
(c) promotion and relegation issues have been satisfied.
7.2 Reserve teams, including a team from a Club or Club which is not
considered by thr LC to be sufficiently separate from another Club or
Cubs, are not permitted to compete above Step 6 in the NLS. There
must be a minimum of two Steps between a first and reserve team. This
does not apply at Steps 6 & 7. Reserve teams currently at Step 5 can
remain unless relegated, once relegated they will not be permitted to be
promoted back to Step 5.
7.3 Teams from Higher Education or Further Education establishments are
not permitted to compete above Step 5. This does not prevent any such
establishment forming a Club which complies with all entry criteria and
which is separate from the establishment itself.
8. Procedures for the Determination of any Matter, Dispute or
Difference by the Leagues Committee
8.1 The LC may adopt such procedures for the determination of any
matter, dispute or difference as it considers appropriate and
expedient, having regard to the aims and objectives set out at
Regulation 1. The LC may require the attendance at a meeting or
the written observations of any League or Club, as it considers
appropriate to assist its determination.
8.2(a) Any dispute or difference between a League and a Club relating to
promotion and relegation issues and/or other eligibility criteria must
be referred for determination to the LC; such determination shall be
final and binding.
8.2(b) Any other decision of the LC shall be subject to the right of appeal to
an Appeal Board. The decision of that Appeal Board shall be final
and binding on all parties.
All referrals of appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the
Regulations for Football Association Appeals. Such must be
accompanied by a deposit as follows :
Step 1 Clubs - £250-00
Step 2 Clubs - £200-00
Step 3 Clubs - £150-00
Step 4 Clubs - £100-00
All other applications - £50-00
8.3
The LC may, at its discretion, delegate the resolution of any matter, dispute or
difference arising under these Regulations to any body it considers to be
appropriate (including a sub-committee or commission which may include
members of council not on the LC or a body constituted by a County Football
Association).
10. Arbitration
The fact of participation in the NLS and signifying agreement to be bund by these
Regulations shall constitute an agreement between each League and club to refer to
Arbitration any challenge in law arising out of, or in relation to, the Regulations in
accordance with the provisions of the Rules of The Association.
LEAGUES/DIVISIONS AT STEPS 5, 6 & 7 OF
THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM
Season 2012/2013
Step 5
Combined Counties League Premier Div
Eastern Counties League Premier Div
Essex Senior League
Hellenic League Premier Div
Kent League
Midland Football Alliance
North West Counties League Premier Div
Northern Counties East League Premier Div
Northern League Div 1
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Div
Sussex County League Div 1
United Counties League Premier Div
Wessex League Premier Div
Western League Premier Div
Step 6
Combined Counties League Div 1
East Midlands County League
Eastern Counties League Div 1
Hellenic League Div 1 East
Hellenic League Div 1 West
Kent Invicta League
Midland Combination Premier Div
North West Counties League Div 1
Northern Counties East Div 1
Northern League Div 2
Spartan South Midlands League Div 1
South West Peninsular League Premier Division
Sussex County League Div 2
United Counties League Div 1
Wessex League Div 1
West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Div
Western League Div 1
Step 7
Step 7A
Anglian Combination Premier Div
Bedfordshire County League Premier Div
Central Midlands League Div North
Central Midlands League Div South Div
Cheshire League Div 1
Dorset Premier League
Essex Olympian League Prem Div
Herts Senior County League Prem Div
Humber Premier League Premier Div
Leicestershire Senior League Prem Div
Midland Combination Div 1
Northern Football Alliance Prem Div
Peterborough & District League Prem Div
Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League
Somerset County League Prem Div
Staffordshire County Senior League Prem
Suffolk & Ipswich League Senior Div
Wearside League
Cambridge County League Premier Div
Essex & Suffolk Border League Prem Di
Gloucester County League Premier Div
Hampshire Premier League Senior Div
Liverpool County Premier League Prem
Manchester Football League Prem Div
Middlesex County League Prem Div
Northamptonshire Combination Prem Div
Nottinghamshire Senior League Sen Div
Oxfordshire Senior League Prem Div
Reading Football League Senior Div
South West Peninsula League Div 1 W
South West Peninsula League Div 1 E
Sussex County League Div 3
West Lancashire League Prem Div
West Cheshire League Div 1
West Midlands (Regional) League Div 1
West Yorkshire League Prem Div
Wiltshire Football League Prem Div
Step 7B
Kent County League Prem Div
Spartan South Midlands League Div 2
Surrey Elite Intermediate League
Intermediate Div
Teeside League Div 1
TheFA.com/Respect
Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials Respect Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In The
FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the
game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over
competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe
The Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do.
On and off the field, I will:
• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials,
opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
Always respect the match official’s decision
Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
When working with players, I will:
• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
• Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity
• Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials,
physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests.
doctors,
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions
may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer
Required to meet with the club committee
Monitored by another club coach
Required to attend an FA education course
Suspended by the club from attending matches
Suspended or fined by the County FA
Required to leave or be sacked by the club.
In addition:
• My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn.
TheFA.com/Respect
Adult Players Respect Code of Conduct
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. Players
tell us they want a referee for every match, yet thousands of match officials drop out
because of the abuse and intimidation they receive on and off the pitch. Respect your
referee today and you may just get one for every match this season. Play your part and
observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for players at all times.
On and off the field, I will:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adhere to the Laws of The Game
Display and promote high standards of behaviour
Promote Fair Play
Always respect the match officials’ decisions
Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
Never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
Never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment
Speak to my team-mates, the opposition and my coach/manager with respect
Remember we all make mistakes.
Win or lose with dignity. Shake hands with the opposing team and the referee
at the end of every game.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions
may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:
• Be required to apologise to team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Receive a warning from the coach
Receive a written warning from the club committee
Be required to attend an FA education course
Be dropped or substituted
Be suspended from training
Not be selected for the team
Be required to serve a suspension
Be fined
Be required to leave the club.
In addition:
• The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/ or suspension on the club.
REGULATIONS FOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION APPEALS
Commencement of Appeal
1.1 An appeal shall be commenced by lodging a notice of appeal (“the Notice of Appeal”) with The
Association.
1.2 The Notice of Appeal shall be lodged within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision
appealed against. In the case of an appeal from a decision of a Disciplinary Commission, the
date of notification of the decision shall be the date of the written decision or, if applicable, the
date of the written reasons for the decision. In relation to any other decision, the relevant date
shall be the date on which it was first announced.
1.3 The Notice of Appeal must:
(1) Identify the specific decision's being appealed;
(2) Set out the ground's of appeal and the reasons why it would be substantially unfair not to
alter the original decision;
(3) Set out a statement of the facts upon which the appeal is based;
(4) Be accompanied by any deposit prescribed by the relevant Rules or Regulations. A
deposit of £75 is required for appeals against decisions of FA Disciplinary Commissions
and £50 for appeals against decisions of Commissions of Affiliated Associations. Where
an appeal is lodged by fax, the deposit must be received not later than the third day
following the day of despatch of the fax (including both the day of despatch and receipt);
(5) Where appropriate, apply for leave to present new evidence under 2.6 below.
1.4 The grounds of appeal shall be that the body whose decision is appealed against:
(1) Misinterpreted or failed to comply with the rules or regulations relevant to its decision;
and/or
(2) Came to a decision to which no reasonable such body could have come; and/or
(3) Imposed a penalty, award, order or sanction which is excessive.
Appeal Proceedings
2.1 An Appeal Board shall proceed as set out below.
2.2 Reference to a party or parties means:
(1) The appellant (the “Appellant”); and
(2) The Association in the case of an appeal against a decision of the Disciplinary
Commission, or the Affiliated Association or Competition whose decision is appealed
against (the “Respondent”).
2.3 The Respondent shall nominate an individual or individuals to represent it before the Appeal
Board.
2.4 The Respondent shall serve a written reply to the Notice of Appeal (the “Reply”) on an
Appellant and the Appeal Board within 21 days of the lodging of the Notice of Appeal. Where
appropriate, the Reply must include any application for leave to present new evidence under
2.6 below.
2.5 The parties shall be entitled to make oral submissions to the Appeal Board but an appeal shall
be by way of a review on documents only, without oral evidence, except where the Appeal
Board gives leave to present new evidence under 2.6 below.
2.6 The Appeal Board shall hear new evidence only where it has given leave that it may be
presented. An application for leave to present new evidence must be made in the Notice of
Appeal or the Reply, setting out the nature and the relevance of the new evidence, and why it
was not presented at the original hearing. Save in exceptional circumstances, the Appeal Board
shall not grant leave to present new evidence unless satisfied with the reason given as to why it
was not, or could not have been, presented at the original hearing and that such evidence is
relevant. The Appeal Board’s decision shall be final.
2.7 The Chairman of an Appeal Board may upon the application of a party or otherwise, give any
instructions considered necessary for the proper conduct of the proceedings, including but not
limited to:
(1) extending or abridging any time limit;
(2) amending or dispensing with any procedural steps set out in these Regulations;
(3)
instructing that a transcript be made of the proceedings;
(4) ordering parties to attend a preliminary hearing;
(5) Ordering a party to provide written submissions.
The decision of the Chairman of the Appeal Board shall be final.
2.8 The Appeal Board may adjourn a hearing for such period and upon such terms (including an
order as to costs) as it considers appropriate.
2.9 The Appellant shall prepare a set of documents which shall be provided to the Appeal Board and
Respondent at least seven days before the hearing and which shall comprise the following (or
their equivalent):
(1) the Charge;
(2) the Answer;
(3) any documents or other evidence referred to at the original hearing relevant to the appeal;
(4) any transcript of the original hearing;
(5) the notification of decision appealed against and where they have been given the reasons
for the decision;
(6) any new evidence.
(7) The Notice of Appeal;
(8) The Reply.
Where the Disciplinary Commission or other body appealed against has not stated the reasons
for its decision, either:
(i)
The Appellant shall request written reasons from that body which shall provided to the
Appeal Board, or:
(ii) The Appeal Board shall require that a member of the body that made the decision shall
attend (in which case, questions may be put by the Appeal Board at a hearing to satisfy
itself as to the reasons for the decision. Cross-examination by the Appellant or
Respondent shall not be permitted. Representations may be made by the parties to the
Appeal Board who may then put questions to the member of the body that made the
decision.
2.10
Appeal hearings shall be conducted how, when and where the Appeal Board considers
appropriate. Reasonable notice shall be given by the Appeal Board of the date, time and venue
of the appeal. Where an application to present new evidence has been made, the party making
the application shall address the Appeal Board in support of the application and the other party
may respond; the Appeal Board shall then determine whether or not it will receive the new
evidence. The following procedures shall be followed at an appeal hearing unless the Appeal
Board thinks it appropriate to amend them:
(1) The Appellant to address the Appeal Board, summarising its case;
(2) Any new evidence to be presented by the Appellant;
(3) The Respondent to address the Appeal Board, summarising its case;
(4) Any new evidence to be presented by the Respondent;
(5) Each party to be able to put questions to any witness giving new evidence at any stage;
(6) The Appeal Board may put questions to the parties and any witness giving evidence at
any stage;
(7) The Respondent to make closing submissions;
(8) The Appellant to make closing submissions;
2.11
The Appeal Board shall proceed in the absence of any party, unless it is satisfied that there
are reasonable grounds for the failure of the party to attend, and shall do so in such manner
as it considers appropriate.
2.12
The Appeal Board, in the event of a party failing to comply with an order, requirement or
instruction of the Appeal Board, take any action it considers appropriate, including an award
of costs against the offending party.
Appeal Board Decisions
3.1 A decision, order, requirement or instruction of the Appeal Board shall (same where to be made
under the Rules by the Chairman of the Appeal Board alone) be determined by a majority. Each
member of the Appeal Board shall have one vote, same that the Chairman shall have a second
and casting vote in the event of deadlock.
3.2 A decision of the Appeal Board shall be final and binding and there shall be no right of further
challenge.
3.3 The Appeal Board shall have power to;
(1) Allow or dismiss the Appeal:
(2) Exercise any power which the body against whose decision the Appeal was mad could have
exercised, whether the effect is to increase or decrease any penalty, award, order or
sanction originally imposed;
(3) Remit the matter for re-hearing;
(4) Order that any deposit be forfeited or returned as one considers appropriate;
(5) Make such further or other order as one considers appropriate, generally or for the
purpose of giving effect to its decision.
Costs
3.4 Any costs incurred in bringing, or responding to, and appeal shall be borne by the party incurring
the costs. Any costs incurred in relation to the Appeal Board, including travel, accommodation
and room hire, may be ordered by the Appeal Board to be paid by either party.
Announcement of Decision
3.5 The Appeal Board shall announce is decision to the parties as soon as practicable in such a
effect immediately.
The Football Asociation Guidance to County FAs and Leagues on
League Fixtures and Religious Observance
As part of The Football Association’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all to participate
in football Rule B5 was amended at the AGM in order to include all religions, the new approved
wording is:
Rule B5
Football and Religious Observance
(a)
A Participant cannot be compelled to play football on bona fide occasions where religious
observance precludes such activity, save where the Participant:
(i)
has consented to do so on such occasions; or
(ii) is registered as a player under written contract, which shall be taken as consent to play
on such occasions unless otherwise provided for in the contract.
(b) Annually, when planning programmes, Competitions shall define and notify agreed dates of
such occasions.
Guidance
In order to support you with your fixture planning this document has been written to provide you with
the most significant dates for religious observance together with some information on them. It is not
intended that you avoid all these dates, and the list is by no means exhaustive, but you are advised to
consult with your clubs as to the most relevant dates to consider for your locality as this will vary
considerably.
A calendar of these dates will be provided by The FA annually. You should note that some religions
work on a lunar calendar (10/11 months) rather than the Gregorian (12 months) which means dates
will vary from year to year. In addition some dates can only be confirmed by the sighting of the moon
so are sometimes expressed as two or three dates and confirmed nearer the time of the festival.
Some dates also have alternative spellings.
Chinese
• Yuan Tan
Christian
• Christmas Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Sunday
Sundays unless the League is a Sunday League (membership of or participation in Sunday football
shall be taken as consent to play on Sundays, except when Christmas Day be on a Sunday)
Hindu
• Diwali or Divali
• Hindu New Year
• Navrati – this is nine nights but usually finish quite late, not ideal when playing matches
• Rakshabandan
• Holi – only if evening fixtures are made as Holi is celebrated in late afternoon/evenings
Jewish
• Rosh Hashanah
• Yom Kippur
• Passover
Saturdays (Sabbath) unless the League is a Saturday League (membership of or
participation in Saturday football shall be taken as consent to play on Saturdays)
Muslim
• Eid-ul-Fitr (occurs at the end of Ramadan)
• Eid-el-Adha
Lailat-Ul-Qadr (occurs during Ramadan)
Sikh
• Diwali or Divali
• Vaisakha (Baisakhi)
Birthday of Guru Nanak
Explanation of Religious Observances
Birthday of Guru Nanak - Birthday of founder of Sikhism. This is the holiest festival of the Sikhs
which is celebrated over a three day period.
Christmas - Celebrates the birth of Jesus who Christians believe to be the Son of God. Christians
focus on the incarnation of God becoming a man in this major festival.
Diwali/Divali - (Hindu/Sikh). Festival of Lights. Celebration of good over evil. Victory of Lord Rama
over demon Ravana and end of over 14 years of exile of Lord Rama. Prayers are said for Goddess
Laxmi for prosperity and beginning of financial year. For Sikhs this has a special significance
because the sixth Guru was released from prison on Diwali.
Eid-Ul-Adha - This Muslim festival marks the end of Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and also
commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s offer to sacrifice his own son Ishmael. An animal is
sacrificed. Third is distributed to the poor, the remainder to relatives.
Eid-Ul-Fitr - This day marks the end of the month of fasting for Muslims (Ramadan). The day is
marked with prayers and festivity and presents for children.
Good Friday - This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.
Hindu New Year – the day following Diwali and more important than it.
Holi - Spring Festival of Colours for Hindus which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The
event celebrates the death of the evil demoness Holika who was consumed by fire while her
nephew Prahlad who was a devotee of Vishnu survived. These days the event is signified by
burning large bonfires, dancing and spraying coloured powder and water on each other.
Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny") marks the Muslim anniversary of the night on
which the Prophet Muhammad first began receiving revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel.
Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadan.
Navarati - 9 days of dance (Garba) and celebration when the Goddess Laxmi is worshipped by
Hindus.
Passover – A Jewish festival recalling the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and celebrating the
barley harvest. Unleavened bread is eaten with a special meal (Sedar), with food, prayers, games
and song.
Rakshabandhan - Sisters tie holy thread onto brothers wrists for protection. Brothers in return give
sisters presents and also offers the sister protection in return.
Ramadan - The Islamic month for fasting from dawn to sunset every day, normally 30 days with the
Eid-ul-fitr.
Rosh Hashanah - Two-day religious observance that marks the start of the Jewish New Year. It is
traditionally announced by blowing a shofar, a ram’s-horn trumpet. It is the first of the high holy days,
or ‘days of awe’, and celebrates the creation of the world, the repentance of sins, and the renewal of
God’s relationship with the Jewish people.
Vaisakha (Baisakhi) - Founding of Khalsa (Sikhism) order of the Guru by Guru Gobind Singh - he
baptised 5 disciples known as the Five Beloved Ones.
Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement. (Jewish) The last day of 10 days of repentance and the holiest
day of the year with fasting and prayer.
Yuan Tan - New Year’s Day, the most important day in the traditional Chinese calendar and marks
the beginning of the first Lunar month.
If you require any further help or guidance please e-mail [email protected]
or telephone 0800 085 0508
Ethics and Sports Equity Department
The Football Association
July 2005
Contents of a “Routine” Medical Bag
Crepe Bandages
Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) (Various
Sizes) Elastic/Self-Adhesive/Tearable
Bandages (Various Sizes)
Zinc Oxide Tape (Inelastic) (Various Sizes)
Disposable Nitrile Gloves
Gauze Swabs
Plasters (Non-allergenic/Waterproof)
Sterile Non-adherent Wound
Dressings (Various Sizes)
Triangular Bandages
Eye pads
Spray Bottle (for iced water)
Scissors (Safety Type)