FIFE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
LEAGUE
CONSTITUTION & PLAYING RULES
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
CONSTITUTION
1.
NAME
This association of clubs shall be called the Fife Football Development League and shall be
affiliated to the Scottish Youth Football Association (“SYFA”).
2.
MISSION STATEMENT
The object of the league shall be to legislate for, foster, develop and improve the game of
association football among all classes of youth football clubs throughout the league.
3.
GENERAL
3.1 Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in the rules shall
bear the same meaning as in the Articles of Association of SYFA as adopted or
amended from time to time.
4.
3.2
Unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular only shall include
the plural and vice versa and words importing any gender shall include all genders.
3.3
Unless the context otherwise requires, the word “secretary” contained in the rules shall
bear the same meaning as “secretary or in his absence an authorised deputy.”
3.4
The word “league” contained in the rules shall bear the same meaning as “league or
association.”
3.5
Any omissions from the rules will be covered by the SYFA Supplementary and Playing
Rules and/or Rules for Small Sided Games that are both downloadable from the SYFA
website.
3.6
Any disciplinary matters under the jurisdiction of the league shall be dealt with by the
disciplinary committee in accordance with SYFA disciplinary procedures.
3.7
The headings are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of
the rules.
CONFIDENTIALITY
4.1 All business of the league and all matters arising are dealt with in accordance with the
SYFA Confidentiality Agreement.
4.2
All officials will take all reasonable steps to prevent the unauthorised publication or
disclosure of any such confidential information. This restriction shall continue to apply
after the termination of any appointment without limit in point of time.
4.3
The league reserves the right to initiate a disciplinary process as a result of any apparent
breach of confidentiality.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
5.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
5.1 A member of the executive committee, disciplinary committee or any sub-committee, if
required by such body, shall retire from any discussion of the body if the matter to be
dealt with involves the club which he represents and it is possible that a penalty or some
other material decision may require to be taken.
5.2
6.
7.
It is the member’s responsibility to disclose the conflicting interest to the executive
committee, disciplinary committee or any sub-committee and refrain from participating
in any deliberation or decision of the other executive committee, disciplinary committee
or any sub-committee with respect to the matter in question.
MEMBERSHIP
6.1 Membership is open to all invited youth clubs.
6.2
All clubs must be members of the SYFA.
6.3
All clubs in membership shall be subject to all relevant rules, clauses, paragraphs and
sub paragraphs of the SYFA Articles of Association, Supplementary and Playing Rules,
Standing Orders, Player Protection Policy, Adults at Risk Protection Policy,
Disciplinary Procedures and all related policies and any amendments thereto and any
regulations or decisions promulgated by the Board and regulations or decisions of the
Scottish FA shall be binding on all members.
6.4
Each member club is responsible to the league for the action of its players, officials and
spectators.
6.5
Any change of club secretary must be intimated in writing to the league secretary and
the chief executive of the SYFA and any subsequent appointment must be similarly
notified within 48 hours. Clubs failing to properly notify such changes will be fined a
sum determined each season by the SYFA.
ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP
7.1 Clubs seeking membership for the first time shall be admitted to the League at the
Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at a Special General Meeting (SGM) convened for
that purpose.
7.2
Clubs which are candidates for membership must in the first instance satisfy the
executive committee that they should be put forward for membership and must submit
to the league secretary a copy of their Constitution and Rules at the time of application.
7.3
The admission to membership shall be by a two thirds majority of those attending and
entitled to vote at such meeting.
7.4
All existing member clubs are required to renew their membership on an annual basis.
Membership shall be granted on receipt of the annual subscription unless membership
has been withdrawn by the disciplinary committee, executive committee, AGM or
SGM.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
8.
9.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION/DEPOSIT/PAYMENT
8.1 The Annual subscription of each club shall be fixed at the AGM.
8.2
Each club (shall or may) in addition to payment of the annual subscription, deposit a
sum of money to be fixed at the AGM which shall be liable to forfeiture at the end of
the season if such club shall have failed to complete its league fixtures without sound
reason or shall have failed to satisfy the executive committee of its endeavour to do so.
8.3
This sum or part may be used at the discretion of the league to pay any referee's claims
and fines imposed on the defaulting club. All such monies used for this purpose shall
be repaid by the defaulting club on or before the next meeting and after intimation to do
so shall have been made to the said club.
8.4
The deposit is recoverable by the club members who have fulfilled all their fixtures and
obligations as stated in these rules.
8.5
Subscriptions and deposit fee shall be paid at the AGM as follows:
8.5.1
Existing Members competitive season:
Full fees in season about to end with balance by 31 July of ensuing season;
Existing Members development season:
Full fees in season about to end with balance by 31 January of ensuring season.
8.5.2
New Members:
Full fees for ensuing season.
8.6
If applicable pitch fees and deposit shall be determined at the AGM and paid as follows:
8.6.1
Deposit: N/A
At the first league meeting of the season.
8.6.2
Balance: N/A
As agreed at the first meeting at point 8.6.1 above.
RESIGNATION FROM THE LEAGUE
9.1 When a club intimates its resignation from the league, such club must notify the league
secretary and the chief executive of the SYFA in writing.
9.2
The club must also notify their opponents and the referee, until such time as their
resignation has been accepted by the executive committee, and failing which they will
be treated as a defaulting club.
9.3
In the event of a club resigning from the league during the season all fixtures shall be
decided as follows:
9.3.1
Clubs who have played one third or less of their fixtures all matches shall be
classified as null and void and points deducted from the opponents that they
have played;
9.3.2
Clubs who have played more than one third of their fixtures all existing results
will stand and all future listed fixtures shall be awarded to the listed opponents.
9.4
Any club that wishes to resign its membership from a league with the intent on seeking
membership of another league must make application in writing to the league secretary
stating their reasons for resigning.
9.5
If a league or association refuses to accept a resignation the club may refer the matter in
writing to the chief executive of the SYFA.
9.6
No league or association will accept a club into membership while that club is in
membership of any other member league or association.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
10.
MANAGEMENT
10.1 The management of the league shall be vested in an executive committee that shall be
elected annually in accordance with SYFA supplementary and playing rules and which
shall consist of:
10.1.1 Office-bearers consisting of a:
10.1.1.1 Chairman;
10.1.1.2 Vice-Chairman;
10.1.1.3 Secretary;
10.1.1.4 Treasurer;
10.1.1.5 Match Secretary;
10.1.1.6 Protection Officer. and
10.1.2 Three members to be elected at the AGM.
10.2 To be eligible for election as Chairman, a candidate must have served for a period of
not less than two years as Vice-Chairman. To be eligible for election as ViceChairman, a candidate must have served for a period of not less than two years as a
member of the executive committee.
Should the Vice-Chairman not seek election as Chairman or re-election as ViceChairman then any member of the executive committee who must have served for a
period of not less than two years will be eligible for election.
10.3 All persons acting for or on behalf of the league must be registered on the league’s
online registration with SYFA.
10.4 No club/community club shall have more than one member on the executive committee.
10.5 Four members of the committee shall form a quorum.
10.6 In the event of a vacancy occurring in the executive committee during the season the
executive committee shall have the power to fill such vacancy and shall be responsible
for updating the leagues online registration with SYFA.
10.7 All retiring office-bearers shall be eligible for re-election.
10.8 The executive committee shall be the authority for the interpretation of the rules and
shall decide upon any question of interpretation or upon any matter affecting the league
not provided for by these rules or SYFA rules and its decisions upon questions of
interpretation and on matters affecting the league shall be final except as provided in the
SYFA appeal rules.
10.9 The executive committee shall have the power as occasions shall require to appoint
from its own members and/or co-opt from the member clubs a disciplinary committee
and such sub-committees as it may deem expedient and to depute or refer to them such
of its powers and duties as it may from time to time determine.
10.10 The executive committee shall have the power temporarily to amend or add to these
rules as circumstances may dictate from time to time to facilitate the smooth running of
the league. Any amendment made to be approved by the next meeting of members.
10.11 The treasurer shall effect all money transactions and shall submit at each meeting a
financial statement of the league’s accounts and at the AGM a statement of accounts
duly audited by two competent persons appointed as auditors.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
10.12 The bank account will be in the name of the Fife Football Development League, the
signatories being the chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer. Two signatures
are required for all financial transactions one of which must be the treasurer.
11.
BREACH OF RULES
11.1 Any breach of SYFA and/or league rules will be dealt with in accordance with SYFA
Disciplinary Procedures.
11.2 The disciplinary committee may suspend a club until the AGM when the retention of
that club in the league shall be considered. Any decision arrived at by the AGM under
this rule shall not be the subject of revision by a SGM.
11.3 Clubs must ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of its supporters before,
during or at the conclusion of any match.
11.4 In any match the home club must ensure the safety, good conduct and behaviour of all
supporters before, during or at the conclusion of any match. The foregoing applies to all
matches authorised by or matches played under the jurisdiction of SYFA.
11.5 In the event of misbehaviour of supporters being reported to or otherwise being brought
to the attention of the league, the league will have jurisdiction to deal with the matter
and to impose sanctions in respect thereof as prescribed within SYFA Disciplinary
Procedures.
11.6 Each club must ensure that its players, officials, supporters and any person exercising a
function for or in connection with the club do not engage in unacceptable conduct.
12.
MEETINGS
12.1 Meetings of the league shall be held in the Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly or any venue
notified by the secretary and the dates shall be notified by the secretary.
12.2 The secretary shall have the power to convene meetings when necessary.
12.3 The league will hold a minimum of four general meetings of member clubs including an
AGM in each season.
12.4 All clubs must attend general committee meetings. Failure to do so will result in a fine
of £10 for non-appearance.
12.5 When a club sends an apology then they must send £5, if required, to cover postage of
any league information, to the secretary before the meeting.
12.6 No more than two apologies will be accepted from a club during the season. Failure to
do so will result in the club being fined £10.
12.7 At all meetings of the league the chairman or vice-chairman shall preside. In the event
of none of these officials being present the chair shall be taken by another office bearer.
The chairman shall have both a deliberative and casting vote at all meetings, and his
rule shall be final.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
12.8 A member of the committee shall retire from the meeting during the consideration and
while decision is being taken on any case involving his club, a club official or players
connected with his club.
12.9 Each club shall be entitled to send two registered representatives to all league general
meetings but shall have only one vote.
13.
ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION & PLAYING RULES
13.1 The Constitution & Playing Rules may be added to or altered by a resolution passed at
an AGM or at a SGM duly convened for the purpose, and for the passing of which
resolution at least 75% of those present and entitled to vote have voted.
13.2 The AGM of the league shall be held each year not later than the last Friday in June.
13.3 Notice from a member club of any proposed addition or alteration to the Constitution &
Playing Rules to be put forward for consideration at the AGM must be sent by Recorded
Signed for or Special Delivery by the proposer and seconder in separate letters, signed
by the respective secretary of the member club proposing and seconding, to the
secretary 30 days before the AGM. Notice from a member of any other resolution to be
brought before an AGM must be sent in like manner 30 days before the AGM.
13.4 The executive committee shall have power to propose additions or alterations to the
Constitution & Playing Rules for consideration at the AGM.
13.5 Any proposed alteration of the Constitution & Playing Rules of the league shall be
submitted to the chief executive of the SYFA in writing by Recorded Signed for or
Special Delivery letter 30 days before it is proposed that such change or changes should
become operative or should be submitted to the AGM or a SGM of the league.
14.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
14.1 The office bearers may recommend to the AGM that life membership be granted to any
person whom it is considered has rendered valuable service to the league or in the cause
of youth football.
14.2 Life members have the right to attend meetings of the league and shall be able to
exercise the right to vote at such meetings.
14.3 Life members have the right to sit on the executive committee with voting rights.
15.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ENQUIRIES
15.1 Any notice to the league must be sent to the secretary and any notice from the league to
any of its members, or to any person under its jurisdiction, shall be validly given if
posted or sent by electronic communication to the secretary of the club or to the person
concerned at its or their last notified address.
15.2 All correspondence shall be addressed to the secretary and, if requiring a reply, must be
accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope to sender, failing which an
administration charge may be levied. Correspondence that has not been signed will be
judged to be incompetent.
15.3 All electronic communications shall be addressed to the secretary. Electronic
communications that do not include the name of the club, the club’s age group and the
club SYFA registration ID number will be judged to be incompetent.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
15.4 Any club under the league’s jurisdiction which fails to answer a written communication
from the secretary within the timescale notified may be censured, fined, or suspended at
the discretion of the executive committee.
15.5 Any player, official or other person under the league’s jurisdiction who fails to answer a
written communication from the secretary within the timescale notified may be ensured
or suspended at the discretion of the executive committee.
15.6 Where the failure to reply relates to a case of reported misconduct or to an offence the
case shall be dealt with as determined by the disciplinary committee, except as
otherwise indicated within SYFA rule.
16.
PROTESTS
Protests and claims for matches/ties must be made in accordance with the SYFA
Supplementary and Playing Rules that can be downloaded from the SYFA website
www.scottishyouthfa.co.uk
For all unfulfilled fixtures and matches abandoned by the referee the disciplinary committee
will determine the status of the match. No protest or claim is required.
17.
APPEALS
A club, player or registered club official may appeal to the SYFA Appeals Committee against
the decision of the League, Association affecting such club, player or registered club official.
Such appeals must be made in accordance with the SYFA Supplementary and Playing Rules
that can be downloaded from the SYFA website www.scottishyouthfa.co.uk
18.
CUSTODY OF LEAGUE TROPHIES
18.1 Trophies for the league championship and cup competitions shall be presented to the
respective winners.
18.2 A document in the following terms shall be granted on behalf of the winning club. We,
representing the chairman and the secretary, members of the club which has now been
declared to have won the league trophy, do hereby bind ourselves jointly and severally
and on behalf of the said club to return the same in good order and condition to the
secretary of the league by a date determined by the executive committee.
18.3 Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine not exceeding £100 (One hundred
Pounds).
18.4 For trophies that have been returned damaged the offending club will be levied the full
cost of repair.
18.5 For trophies that have not been returned the offending club will be levied the full cost of
replacement.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
19.
DISSOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the league there remains, after the satisfaction
of all its debts and liabilities, any assets whatsoever, the same shall not be paid or distributed
amongst the members but shall be given or transferred to some other society, institution or
organisation having objects similar to the objects of the league and which shall prohibit the
distribution of its income and assets among its members to an extent at least as great as is
imposed on the league under or by virtue hereof, such a society, institution or organisation to
be determined by the members of the league at or before the time of dissolution and if and so
far as effect cannot be given to such provisions then to some charitable object.
PLAYING RULES
20.
MATCHES
20.1 All matches played under the jurisdiction of SYFA and its member leagues shall be
played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as settled by the International Football
Association Board and the SYFA Supplementary and Playing Rules and/or Rules for
Small Sided Games that are available for download from the SYFA website.
20.2 Each club shall play home and away matches with every other club in its relative
division or section unless so determined by the executive committee. Three points
shall be awarded for a win and one point for a draw.
20.3 When clubs within a league division have equal points at the end of the playing season
the league championship shall be shared or determined by a play-off. This shall be at the
sole discretion of the executive committee.
If the determination is by a play-off the match will be played to a finish with extra time
being played in the event of a draw. If the play-off is still undecided the result of the
play-off shall be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance
with the rules laid down by the International Football Association Board. All players to
be eligible must be registered. Trialist will not be allowed to play in any play-off.
21.
FIXTURES
21.1 Clubs shall receive from the match secretary their league fixtures which shall be played
on the date stipulated. Any club refusing or failing to play the club against which it is
listed within the time intimated to it and without sufficient reason for doing so shall be
dealt with by the disciplinary committee.
21.2 If a club wishes to be excused from playing a game on any particular date throughout
the season, such club must make application in writing to the match secretary not less
than fourteen days before the executive committee meeting for their consideration and
decision. All applications must have a stamped return addressed envelope enclosed.
21.3 No club shall be allowed more than two relief of fixtures in the same season unless
agreed in accordance with point 21.2 above.
21.4 In extraordinary circumstances relief of fixture may be granted not less than five days
before the date stipulated on application to the match secretary.
21.5 Any club seeking relief of fixture less than five days before the date stipulated shall be
responsible for any relevant match fees incurred by their opponents for the listed fixture
on receipt of proof of such fees.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
21.6 All matches shall be played according to the Laws of the Game as adopted by the
Scottish Football Association Ltd. but with the one exception that clubs will play two
equal periods of not less than :
21.6.1 35 minutes duration for age groups 13 and 14;
21.6.2 40 minutes duration for age groups 15 and 16;
21.6.3 45 minutes duration for age groups 17, 19 and 21.
21.7 No club, player or registered club official shall be permitted to take part or be involved
in any match or competition which is not authorised by the SYFA.
21.8 Secretaries of home club must make contact with the referee and the visiting club not
later than 72 hours preceding any game as to the time of kick-off and ground directions
etc.
21.8.1 Visiting clubs and referees must travel to the registered ground of the home
club if no notification is received from them.
21.8.2 Failure to notify will result in the defaulting club being fined the sum not
exceeding £50.00 (Fifty Pounds).
21.8.3 The secretary of the home club must telephone the match secretary or other
appointed person the match result of all cup ties and league matches played or
unplayed before 6pm on Saturday/Sunday and not later than 9pm for mid-week
games.
21.8.4 Clubs failing to comply with this rule will be fined the sum of £10 per offence.
22.
HOME GROUND
22.1 The home club is responsible for the condition of the ground and laws of the game
regarding same being complied with, failing which it is liable to be disqualified.
22.2 On points of fact connected with the game and fitness of the ground for play, the
decision of the referee or match supervisor shall be final, except in an event of a club
travelling outwith an area of seven miles when the inspection of the ground by a local
referee or match supervisor will decide.
22.3 Where clubs have an appointed grounds man in charge of the ground such grounds
man's decision will be final.
22.4 The home club secretary must immediately notify the referee/match supervisor and
secretary of the visiting club if a postponement is necessary, in default of which the
home club may at the discretion of the executive committee be required to pay the
referee's half-fee and the travelling expenses in whole or part of the visiting club.
22.5 For all matches to be played under the jurisdiction of the SYFA it will be deemed the
responsibility of the home club to supply changing accommodation for their opponents
and the referee/match supervisor. The changing accommodation should be adjacent to
the pitch where the match is to take place and should contain washing and toilet
facilities. If the changing accommodation is at a different location to that of the pitch
where the match is to take place the home club must provide transport for their
opponents and the referee/match supervisor.
22.6 Separate changing accommodation is required for mixed gender teams in accordance
with SYFA supplementary and playing rules.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
23.
TEAM LINES
23.1 In all matches the official in charge of the respective clubs shall, before the match starts,
hand to the referee an official league form in duplicate, written in ink or typewritten,
containing the names (Christian names in full), SYFA player ID number, place of birth
registration and date of birth of each player.
23.2 The referee shall, after signature, exchange one copy with the respective officials and
forward the remaining copies, together with the result of the game, to the match
secretary as soon as possible after the match.
23.3 Failure of clubs to comply with this rule will automatically be fined £5.00 for each time
there is something wrong with the team lines. The match secretary shall impose this
fine automatically.
23.4 In all matches the substitution of players will be permitted in accordance with the SYFA
supplementary and playing rules.
23.5 The referee and all registered officials must not pass team lists onto any other party for
any reason except as designated in Rule 94 of the SYFA supplementary and playing
rules. Any club, official or referee violating this rule will be reported to the relevant
disciplinary committee.
24.
COLOURS
24.1 Where there is a similarity of club colours the visiting club shall play in their registered
colours and the home club shall change unless otherwise mutually arranged.
24.2 Numbers must be worn which must correspond to the numbers on the team list.
25.
UNFULFILLED FIXTURE
25.1 The reason for non-fulfillment of any fixture and unfinished matches shall be
investigated by the disciplinary committee
25.2 If the reasons are deemed to be unsatisfactory the defaulting club may be fine a sum not
exceeding £500 and deducted up to 10 points or be eliminated from a cup competition.
All fines imposed under this rule must be paid to the treasurer within 14 days from
receipt of letter.
26.
REPRESENTATIVE GAMES
26.1 In all representative games the league and/or region shall have power to select players
from any club in the league and any players so selected who may decline to play shall
not be eligible to play for their own club on that date without special permission from
league.
26.2 A club may apply for a postponement of a league game should one or more players be
selected to play in a representative game on the same day.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
27.
REFEREES
27.1 Referees for all matches will be appointed by the match secretary from the SFA List of
registered referees.
27.2 No club may object to any referee so appointed.
27.3 The referee will receive from each club two team lists. Both lists will be compared and
signed by the referee. One list shall be given to the opposing club secretary prior to the
kick-off. The referee shall forward the other copy of the fully completed team list and
any misconduct reports to the match secretary as soon as possible after the match.
27.4 The referee's fee and payment of fee shall be decided by the league’s AGM.
27.5 Where the referee attends and the fixture does not take place for any reason except as
per 27.6 below the home club shall pay the referee's fee which shall be recoverable from
the defaulting club. If the referee does not attend no fee will be payable.
27.6 Should a ground be considered unplayable the referee shall, after inspection of same,
receive half fee which shall be shared equally by each club, and paid by the home club,
who shall be responsible for collecting the visiting club's share.
28.
MATCH GUIDANCE
28.1 Home club:
28.1.1 The home club should confirm the ensuing fixture with the away club in the
week and must provide them and the referee with directions to the venue at
least 72 hours before the fixture date.
28.1.2 The home club should ensure that the away club and referee are met on arrival
and are shown to their respective dressing rooms.
28.1.3 The home club is responsible for the pitch preparation. Corner flags and goal
nets are compulsory.
28.1.4 The home Club should arrange an early inspection of the pitch by a qualified
referee in inclement weather and advise the away club and referee accordingly.
28.1.5 The home club must provide at least two playable match balls.
28.2 Away club:
28.2.1 The away club in the event of a travel problem delaying their arrival in time for
kick-off should send at least one person to the venue to explain their problem
to the referee and home club.
28.2.2 The away club and the referee are expected to travel to the registered ground of
the home club on not receiving directions from the home club. Such instances
must be reported to the league secretary.
28.3 Both clubs:
28.3.1 The referee's fee is shared equally by both clubs with the home club being
responsible for ensuring payment to the referee except for cup finals when the
referee expenses will be paid by the league.
28.3.2 The fees are as follows:
28.3.2.1 13’s and 14’s age groups
£30.00 / £ 32.00;
28.3.2.2 15’s and 16’s age groups
£34.00;
28.3.2.3 17’s’ 19’s and 21’s age groups
£36.00.
28.3.3 The attending referee is due half fee when direct intervention by him is the
cause of the game not being played otherwise the full fee is due;
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
28.3.4
Club secretaries phoning the match secretary may phone between the hours of
9am and 5.30pm unless in extreme emergencies.
28.4 Referees:
28.4.1 The normal period of play for games shall be as follows:
28.4.1.1 70 minutes duration for age groups 13 and 14;
28.4.1.2 80 minutes duration for age groups 15 and 16;
28.4.1.3 90 minutes duration for age groups 17, 19 and 21.
28.4.2 Referees having accepted a match and then being unable to fulfill the match
must notify both the match secretary and home club secretary.
28.4.3 Referees are required to inspect the pitch and each player’s equipment prior to
kick-off.
29.
CUP, SHIELD AND SUPPLEMENTARY COMPETITIONS
29.1 Competitions will be played on the cup-tie, home and away, sectional or other principle
as may be determined by the executive committee.
29.2 When matches are played on a 'cup-tie ' principle clubs that are first drawn in the ballot
shall have choice of ground. The league will select a venue for the final.
The executive committee shall fix grounds for the final tie and shall have direct control
of all arrangements and receipts. Each participating team in a final shall provide two
match footballs of a suitable standard.
29.3 In the event of the score being level in any cup-tie after the stipulated playing time has
been completed extra time will be played. Should the score remain level after extra time
is completed then the result of the tie will be decided by the taking of kicks from the
penalty mark in accordance with the rules laid down by the International Football
Association Board.
29.4 Any club intending to scratch must give notice in writing to the secretary of the
opposing club and the league secretary at least three days previous to the date of the tie.
Defaulting clubs may be liable for the expenses of the tie and also be dealt with by the
executive committee as they may deem expedient.
29.5 In all cup tie matches the duration of play must be the full period appropriate to the
particular age group concerned. The duration of extra time shall be as follows:
29.5.1 Age groups 13 to 16 – 20 minutes
29.5.2 Age groups 17 to 21 – 30 minutes
29.6 In the event of clubs having an equal number of points in a competition played on a
sectional basis then a play-off will take place to decide the section winner.
30.
LOCAL RULES
Local rules may only be incorporated within this section of the Constitution and Playing
Rules. Rules must only be incorporated if approved by the members at an annual general
meeting and the Board of the SYFA acting through the Legislation Working Group.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
31.
League Constitution
31.1
31.2
32.
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33.
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34.
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This document should be read in conjunction with the SYFA Disciplinary Procedure
Document, which is available to download from the SYFA website http://www.scottishyouthfa.co.uk/index.php/information-downloads/policies-and-procedures
You will also find other relevant documents on the FFDL Website (contact details, code of
conduct, Monitor form template, Team sheet template in addition to fixtures).
Conduct
The FFDL is a role model and set apart from other leagues in terms of the conduct of players,
coaches and spectators. This is vital to the success of the League and all clubs involved should
reinforce this message at every opportunity.
The development of children as individuals, as well as in football terms, is a primary objective
of the Fife Football Development League. In light of this, a code of conduct has been
established. This code of Conduct must be adopted by all member clubs and a copy given to the
FFDL on request. SFA Quality Mark Clubs should already have a code of Conduct and this is
acceptable, again a copy may be given to FFDL on request.
Safety
Every team should have a qualified first aider and carry a first aid kit at all times. A First Aider
should be in attendance at every training session or fixture.
Clubs should also carry a mobile phone. If this is not possible, the club should at least know
where the nearest telephone is situated.
All club coaches and officials should be aware of any special health conditions of children at
their club. Coaches and officials should seek the parents’ guidance on what signs to look for
and what precaution/action to take should a situation arise.
All coaches and officials should adopt and implement child protection guidelines.
All coaches must have gone through the disclosure Scotland process.
Coaches should carry emergency contact numbers for all children at all matches, festivals and
training sessions.
League Management
The league committee will manage the league. Contact details for each member can be found
on our website.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
35.
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36.
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Prior to the Season Starting
All Teams and each player must register with the SYFA.
No Under 13 team should play any 11-a-side fixtures prior to 1st July out with the current
dispensation rulings or without local league/SYFA approval.
All teams need to be registered with the League Secretary; deadline for Registration is 14th June.
Registration form available on Website.
Teams must ensure a sufficient number of players (minimum 7) are registered, prior to their first
game, to comply with the maximum of 4 Trialists ruling.
Each team must identify a secretary or main point of contact who should be the contact for
arranging fixtures and who must be named on and sign each team sheet. If the team secretary
and/or main contact changes throughout the season the League Secretary must be informed.
This person shall be named on the FFDL website for team contact purposes.
All Coaches with each team must be registered with the League. Each coach must have at least
SFA Level 1.2 SFA Coaching Certificate – Coaching Youth Footballers / Coaching Footballers
13+.
The Season
The League shall run from August until May with a winter shutdown in December and January;
Under 13’s only.
36.1
Under 13’s
Under 13 matches will be played on a Sunday with a 12:00 Kick Off.
There will be no scheduled fixtures in School Holidays (3 Weekends).
Fixtures will be displayed on our Website.
Teams will be graded to ensure competitive fixtures are played
Each team shall play each other home and away. There may be a 3rd or 4th fixture should team
numbers dictate – this is at discretion of committee.
Referees will be assigned and listed either on the Website fixture list or by email.
FFDL supports the development of Referees by working in partnership with the Fife Referee’s
Association in order to promote the development of new and developing referee’s.
Teams will not be entered into any Cup Competitions within Fife Football Development League
apart from the Fife Development Cup. FFDL U-13 football is played in a trophy free
environment and we hope that no team would play in a game or tournament / festival which
awards a trophy on a “winners” basis, with the exception of the Scottish Cup where National
SYFA rules apply.
At the end of the Season the league committee will decide the make-up of the divisions at U-14
level.
If a player is signed by a team he cannot train or play with another team until his registration is
released by SYFA.
A player can play a maximum of 4 league games as a trialist before signing for a team.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
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36.2
Under 14’s
Under 14 matches will be played on a Sunday with a 10:00 am Kick Off (with the occasional
midweek fixtures, these will KO 18:45)
There will be no scheduled fixtures in School Holidays, although these may be requested.
Fixtures will be displayed on our Website.
Each team shall play each other home and away. There may be a 3rd or 4th fixture should team
numbers dictate – this is at discretion of committee.
Referees will be assigned and listed on the Website fixture list.
There will be 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
Goal Difference will not be taken into account.
If there are 2 teams tied on points at the end of the season, promotion, relegation or League
winners will be decided in a play off match on neutral ground.
At the end of the Season; 2 teams shall be relegated from Division One to Division Two. This
is at the discretion of the committee.
At the end of the Season; 2 teams shall be promoted from Division Two to Division One. This is
at the discretion of the committee.
Should a team withdraw from the league at any time any points gained against this team will be
null and void as long as no more than 50% of the fixtures have been fulfilled. If said team has
played more than 50% of their fixtures then points are awarded to teams who are still to play the
team that has folded.
All Cup-ties take priority over league games throughout the season.
If a player is signed by a team he cannot train or play with another team until his registration is
released by SYFA.
A player can play a maximum of 4 league games as a trialist before signing for a team.
36.3
Under 15’s
Under 15 matches will be played on a Saturday with a 11:00 Kick Off (with the occasional
midweek fixtures, these will KO 18:45)
There will be no scheduled fixtures in School Holidays, although these may be requested.
Fixtures will be displayed on our Website.
Each team shall play each other home and away. There may be a 3rd or 4th fixture should team
numbers dictate – this is at discretion of committee.
Referees will be assigned and listed on the Website fixture list.
There will be 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
Goal Difference will not be taken into account.
If there are 2 teams tied on points at the end of the season, promotion, relegation or League
winners will be decided in a play off match on neutral ground.
At the end of the Season 2 teams shall be relegated from Division One to Division Two. This is
subject to AFYFC approval.
At the end of the Season 2 teams shall be promoted from Division Two to Division One. This is
subject to AFYFC approval.
Should a team withdraw from the league at any time any points gained against this team will be
null and void as long as no more than 50% of the fixtures have been fulfilled. If said team has
played more than 50% of their fixtures then points are awarded to teams who are still to play the
team that has folded.
All Cup-ties take priority over league games throughout the season.
If a player is signed by a team he cannot train or play with another team until his registration is
released by SYFA.
A player can play a maximum of 4 league games as a trialist before signing for a team.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015
37 Cup Competitions
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37.1
The Scottish Cup
Teams can enter into the Scottish Challenge Cup; this should be done during their SYFA
registration. Fixtures and rules for these matches will be issued by the SYFA.
Scottish Challenge Cup fixtures shall take priority over any Fife Cup, Development Cup,
League or friendly fixture including festival fixtures.
The SYFA will send out specific team sheets for the Scottish Cup.
Include Scottish Cup ties on the FFDL monthly monitor form.
37.2 The Development Cup – Under 13’s
All teams will be entered into the Development Cup.
The draw for each round will be made by the league committee and displayed on our website.
Development Cup fixtures shall take priority over any League or friendly fixture
No Player can play for more than one team in any cup competition.
A Player is considered cup tied if he plays any part of any cup game, even if that match is later
abandoned.
No Trialists are permitted to play in a cup-tie.
Normal league rules apply with the exception of 2 x 10 minutes extra time and penalties if
required, all ties played to a finish on the day.
To play in a Cup Final a player must be signed by the club prior to the Semi Final stage or by
March 31st (Aug – May Season).
The Final shall be played on a neutral venue, which shall be booked and paid for by FFDL, as
will all officials on the day.
Should there be a clash of colours the toss of a coin will decide the home team.
Include Development Cup ties on the FFDL monthly monitor form.
ONLY officials who are registered with the League shall be allowed in the Technical area /
Changing Rooms on Semi Final / Cup Final days
37.3 The Fife Cup – U14 / U15 Age Groups
All teams will be entered into the Fife Football Development League Cup.
The draw for each round will be made by the league committee and displayed on our website.
Fife Cup fixtures shall take priority over any League or friendly fixture
No Player can play for more than one team in any cup competition.
A Player is considered cup tied if he plays any part of any cup game, even if that match is later
abandoned.
No Trialists are permitted to play in a cup-tie.
Normal league rules apply with the exception of 2 x 10 minutes extra time and penalties if
required, all ties played to a finish on the day.
To play in a Cup Final a player must be signed by the club prior to the Semi Final stage or by
March 31st (Aug – May Season).
The Final shall be played on a neutral venue, which shall be booked and paid for by FFDL, as
will all officials on the day.
Should there be a clash of colours the toss of a coin will decide the home team.
Include Fife Cup ties on the FFDL monthly monitor form.
ONLY officials who are registered with the League shall be allowed in the Technical area /
Changing Rooms on Semi Final / Cup Final days
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38
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Facilities
38.1 Under 13 / U14 Age Groups
Teams will play home and away fixtures using their own nominated pitch as a home venue. The
home team can choose to play any tie at another ground but this must be communicated with the
away team and referee at least 5 days prior to the match.
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For the season there are three options open to teams regarding pitch size:
a. The preferred option, which all teams should strive for, is to play on a smaller 11-aside pitch (approximately 80 x 55 Metres) with intermediate size goals (21ft x 7ft) (6.4 x
2.13 Metres).
b. For teams where there are fixed 11-a-side goalposts on the pitch, the intermediate sized
goal may be placed on the six-yard line with markers used to represent the goal line from
the end of the six-yard box out to the touchline.
c. If it is the only available option, teams may use a full size pitch with 11-a-side goals but
should pursue first option if possible.
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The away team must be informed during initial contact if the preferred option above is not
possible.
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All clubs are required to provide changing facilities.
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38.2 Under 15 Age Group
Teams will play home and away fixtures using their own nominated pitch as a home venue. The
home team can choose to play any tie at another ground but this must be communicated with the
away team and referee at least 5 days prior to the match.
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Games will be played on a full sized 11-a-side pitch (90 x 45 Meters (Minimum), 120 x 90
Meters (Maximum)
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Full Sized Goals (24ft x 8ft) will be used.
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All clubs are required to provide changing facilities.
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39
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Prior to Match Day
The home team is expected to contact the Referee and the visiting team at least 96 hours (4
days) before the scheduled Kick Off time to confirm all match details.
o Under 13’s – 12:00noon on the Wednesday for Sunday fixtures
o Under 14’s – 10:00am on the Wednesday for Sunday fixtures
o Under 15’s – 11:00am on the Tuesday for Saturday fixtures
Teams should discuss their colours and (unless agreed otherwise) if they clash the home team
should change colours and wear bibs if necessary, which they will provide. Home team should
advise referee of both teams’ colours including goalkeepers.
Any team unable to fulfil this, or seeking to re-arrange the kick-off time, should contact the
opposition by the same deadline as above – 96 hours.
Teams who fail to notify their opponent and / or the referee by this deadline will be fined £10.
This will be doubled to £20 for any subsequent failure.
If a referee is unavailable the home team must contact the league secretary ASAP and another
will be assigned.
The home team should contact the away team in the event of a postponement, providing as
much notice as possible. Note – Normally only the Land Owner (generally Fife Council) or
Referee can call a game off. However if Fife Council has not called off the game and the home
team thinks the pitch is unplayable they can call off the game. In either case it is the
responsibility of the home team to inform their opponent and the referee ASAP. The away team
may request the referee to do a pitch inspection; this would be at the cost of the away team (i.e.
half the referees match fee).
If the home team fail to notify the referee of a call off they shall be liable to pay the full fee.
If the referee calls the game off they will be paid half their fee, which will be split by the two
sides.
Under 13’s - If a team wishes to re-schedule a fixture (Section21) their opponent must agree to
this and the league secretary must be informed of the reason. Executive Committee will have
final say if this cannot be mutually agreed.
Under 14’s / Under 15’s If a team wishes to re-schedule a fixture (Section21) the league
secretary must be informed of the reason. Each team will be allowed up-to a maximum of 2
request’s that are permitted each season.
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40
Match Day
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Match Day team squads may consist of up to 16 players.
Teams cannot have any more than 5 players stripped on the sidelines.
Substitutions may be made at any time during the match (roll on roll off). Coaches must inform
the referee when making a substitution.
All members of the match day squad should be involved for a minimum of a third of every
match.
The match day squad of players can be made up of several different registered players from
match to match. However, no team is permitted to carry more than 20 registered players.
Any club with less than seven signed players at the start of the season upon receiving their
fixtures will automatically lose all points where they choose/are unable to fulfill the cast fixture.
Any fixture that is not fulfilled as a competitive fixture will be played as a friendly.
40.2
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Team sheets
The Match day team squad shall be listed in a team sheet. 2 copies of this team sheet (1 for
referee, 1 for opponents) must be completed and signed then handed to the referee prior to the
kick off. A template is available on the Website. The referee can choose not to start the game if
they do not have the completed team sheets.
Players serving a match suspension must be listed on the team sheet and are not included in the
squad count. i.e. teams can list more than 16 players only if the additional players are marked
as serving a suspension for that match. Note: where a match is abandoned prior to conclusion
of the fixture any suspensions are deemed not to have been served and will carry over to the
next appropriate fixture.
The name and current address of the registered secretary must be included on the referee’s copy
of the team sheet.
The names of all registered officials (whether present or not) must be listed on all team sheets.
Failure to follow the correct procedure in respect of team sheets will result in a £5 fine.
Further guidance on team sheet procedures can be found on the website.
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Match Rules
Both teams should arrive at the venue NO LATER than 30 minutes prior to kick-off time.
The referee should arrive NO LATER than 15 minutes prior to kick-off time.
Both teams split referee payment,
o Under 13’s is £30.00, on the day
o Under 14’s is £32.00, on the day
o Under 15’s is £34.00, on the day
o Scottish Cup Ties - £36.00 – HOME teams pays full fee
Any portable goals should be firmly anchored using the pins supplied for this purpose. This is
very important for safety reasons.
Team coaches will stand on the same side of the pitch. Parents should stand on the opposite side
of the pitch behind a marked area (approx 1m from side of pitch), for example, cones, pitch
tapes etc.
Cont….
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Under 13 and Under 14 Matches will consist of 2 periods of 35 minutes.
Under 15 Matches will consist of 2 periods of 40 minutes.
The interval between each period will be a maximum of 7 minutes.
Under 13’s - The home team shall provide a size 4 football; the referee will inspect this.
Under 14’s / Under 15’s - The home team shall provide a size 5 football; the referee will inspect
this.
Normal football rules apply in terms of pass backs, free kicks, and offside. There is to be no
over-coaching of players by coaches.
Under 13 / Under 14 - Players that commit a foul throw will be allowed to take the throw again.
It must be the same player taking the throw again and they will be given one more
attempt.(League Fixtures Only)
When a team’s goalkeeper catches/picks up the ball, they should be encouraged to throw or roll
the ball out rather than kick from hand.
PLAYERS MUST BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE FIRST TOUCH AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE.
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Common sense should be applied if, after starting the game, the weather becomes very bad (i.e.
game abandoned).
Any match that is abandoned prior to the end of regulation time may be subject to a replay
subject to a review by the fixture secretary and/ or disciplinary committee.
40.4
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After the Match
Players and coaches must line up in the centre circle after the game and shake hands. Everyone
should also shake the hand of the referee.
At U-13 level no match scores should be recorded. These should not appear on any website or
media type report. The club will be held responsible for any such reports that appear.
Under 14 / Under 15 Fixtures - The home team should text or email the Match Score
Administrator with the score of the match. (Contact details on Website) This should be done by
6pm for weekend games, 9pm for midweek games. Email or text clearly stating Teams and
score. Failure to do so will result in a fine (£10).
The matchday score can also be reported direct to the website.
A monitoring form will be completed after every match and must be submitted to the
Monitoring Form Secretary. (Sent before the 7th of every month for games played in the
previous calendar month). Email should be sent to the following address
o Under 13’s - [email protected]
o Under 14’s – [email protected]
o Under 15’s – [email protected]
A template is available on the Website. If no games are played in a month then send an email
stating this. Failure to do so will result in a £10 fine. This will be increased to £25 for each
subsequent failure to submit a return.
The referee will deal with all discipline on the day and will report all disciplinary matters from
the game to the Development League Disciplinary Committee.
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Disputes, Protests and claims
Disputes – Members in dispute over any incident on or off the field of play shall endeavour to
reach a mutually agreeable outcome embracing the spirit of fair play where possible. Only if
this cannot be achieved shall the matter be reported to the Discipline Secretary who has the
power to take such action as is necessary to resolve the dispute.
Any formal protest/claim made must be sent to the Disciplinary Secretary (contact details on
website) by registered post within four (4) days of the fixture, excluding Sunday. A £30 fee
payable to FFDL should be included. A verbatim copy of the protest / claim should be sent to
your opponent, where relevant, again by registered post. The league committee will only
consider a complaint made out with the above procedure where it feels failing to do so may
bring disrepute to the league.
The committee has the discretion to investigate further any matters brought to its attention.
Tournaments and Friendly Fixtures.
The League Secretary MUST be informed of all matches played by member clubs. This should
be done in writing; email is sufficient, stating Date, Time, Opponent, Venue, and Referee.
It is the responsibility of the team to assign a referee.
If the game is between two FFDL member teams both teams must notify the secretary. No other
action is required in this case.
If an FFDL team is playing a non-FFDL side, that are an SYFA member then notify the league
secretary and a match permit will need to be issued by the league. This may be asked for by the
referee and will be needed for insurance purposes. You should give at least 7 days’ notice of
any such games to ensure permit arrives in time.
If the game is against a team out with SYFA then inform the league secretary but also apply for
a permit online with the SYFA. See SYFA website for details.
Normal team sheets and monitor forms should be used and include friendly matches.
The League have the right to withhold permission for any friendly match should they see fit.
Reminder that FFDL U-13 football is played in a trophy free environment and no team
can play in a game or tournament / festival which awards a trophy on a “winners” basis.
Any team doing so may jeopardise future membership.
Any team wishing to enter any tournament, competition or festival must approach the
league committee prior to making any booking. The league will not be responsible for any
expenditure by any team.
Permission will not be granted to attend festivals/tournaments during the season unless
agreement has been reached with the Executive Committee.
Issue No 1 26 February 2015