Rules

INDEX

RULE SCHEDULE B
Rule 1 Definitions
  GOVERNANCE RULES
Rule 2 Name and Constitution
Rule 3 Club Name
Rule 4 Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit
Rule 5 Management, Nomination, Election
Rule 6 Powers of Management
Rule 7 Protests, Claims, Complains, Appeals
Rule 8 Annual General Meeting
Rule 9 Special General Meeting
Rule 10 Agreement to be Signed
Rule 11 Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club
Rule 12 Exclusion of Clubs, Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee
Rule 13 Trophy
Rule 14 Alteration to Rules
Rule 15 Finance
Rule 16 Insurance
Rule 17 Dissolution
  MATCH RELATED RULES
Rule 18 Qualification of Players
Rule 19 Club Colours
Rule 20 Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off. Postponements. Substitutes
Rule 21 Reporting Results
Rule 22 Determining Championship
Rule 23 Match Officials
Rule 24 Life Members
Rule 25 Vice Presidents
Rule 26 Sponsorship
  SCHEDULE A
  Fees Tariff
  Fines Tariff
Rule 27 Safeguarding
Rule 28 PLAYER ID CARDS
Rule 29 USE OF ONLINE SYSTEMS
Rule 30 EVENING MATCHES AND ‘DOUBLE HEADERS’
Rule 31 RELEASE FROM A FIXTURE
Rule 32 TROPHY PRESENTATION EVENT
Rule 33 LIFE MEMBERS
Rule 34 Vice President
Rule 35 SPONSORSHIP
Rule 36 SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

1. DEFINITIONS

  1. In these Rules:

    “Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA.

    “AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

    “Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.

    “Competition” means the Rother Youth Football League.

    “Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.

    “Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.

    “Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.

    “Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

    “Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

    “Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.

    “Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

    “Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.

    “Mini Soccer” means those participating at ages under 7s to under 10s

    “Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.

    “Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.

    “Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.

    “Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.

    “Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.

    “Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.

    “Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.

    “Sanctioning Authority” means the Sussex County Football Association Limited.

    “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C 3 (a) (i) of the rules of The FA.

    “Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent AGM.

    “Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.

    “SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

    “Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.

    “The FA” means The Football Association Limited.

    “written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

    “Youth Football” means those participating at ages under 11s to under 18s.

  2. Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa. \

  3. All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 16.
  4. The Competition will be known as ROTHER YOUTH LEAGUE. The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.
  5. The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

2. GOVERNANCE RULES / COMPETITION NAME AND CONSTITUTION

(A) The Competition will be known as Rother Youth League (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist, or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

(B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 50 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

(C) The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be East Sussex and Kent.

(D) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

(E) All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

(F) The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.

(G) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 50 in number.

(H) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination

  • (i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
  • (ii) This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.
  • (iii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

(I) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, Charter Standard and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(J) All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The FA from time to time.

(K) Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing at a particular age group in the Competition in any other competition (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(L) At the AGM or a SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22.

3. CLUB NAME

Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

(A) Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an entry fee per Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.

At the discretion of the voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the AGM or a SGM or on a date agreed by the Management Committee.

(B) The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team (where a Club has more than one Team in membership of the Competition) and shall be payable on or before 1st September in each year.

(C) A Deposit of £100 shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team (where a Club provides more than one Team in membership of the Competition) and shall be payable on or before 1st September in each year. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.

(E) If requested by the Competition, Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1st September of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Playing Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

(A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and 4 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 1st June in each year.

All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 1st June in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the AGM.

(C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting.

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.

(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.

(E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary, or relevant League Officer. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(F) Personal callers will not be permitted at the home of any member of the Management Committee unless prior arrangement has been agreed. Telephone calls to members of the Management Committee will only be permitted between the hours of 9.00am and 9.00pm. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6, 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 FA or Affiliated Association.

(B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority 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 which may have withdrawn during the Season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.

(C) Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).

In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote.

(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.

With the exception of Rules 6(I), 8(H) and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:-

  • (i) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
  • (ii) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or
  • (iii) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
  • (iv) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case at a hearing before the Management Committee.

Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.

Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.

Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).

The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £100 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

All breaches of the Laws of the Game or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate Association.

(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.

(F) 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.

(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill, in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.

(H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(I) Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable 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 AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season.

(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.

7. PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

(A)

  • (i) All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by 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 Competition Match.

(B) 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 Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the 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) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. 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 power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

(D) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 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 it should forward a deposit of £25 and indicate such when forwarding the written response.

(E) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.

(F) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

  • (i) invite submissions by the parties involved; or
  • (ii) convene a hearing to hear the appeal; or
  • (iii) permit new evidence; or
  • (iv) impose deadlines as are appropriate.

Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.

(G) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.

(H) If so requested by all parties concerned, the Management Committee may determine any disputes, protests, appeals, clams or complaints between two Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee, as stated in the Fines Tariff. Such determination shall be final and binding upon the parties concerned. The procedure for such determination shall be determined by the Management Committee. All misconduct cases will be sent to Sussex County FA for arbitration.

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(A) The AGM shall be held not later than 15th July in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 15 members are present and entitled to vote:-

  • (i) To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.
  • (ii) To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.
  • (iii) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
  • (iv) Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
  • (v) Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.
  • (vi) Appointment of auditors.
  • (vii) Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).
  • (viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
  • (ix) Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season.
  • (x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.

(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting together with any proposed Rule changes.

(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.

(D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.

(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12.

(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 Club.

(H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(I) Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM.

(J) Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.

9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM.

The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time.

At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.

Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs.

10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

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, (A), (name) of (address) (Chairman)/Director and (B) (name) of (address) (Secretary/Director) of [Club Name ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Rother League Youth 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 appeal in accordance with Rule 7.”

The agreement shall be signed by:

  • (i) Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or
  • (ii) Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club.

Any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the Sussex County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

(A) Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition must do so at least 30 days before the AGM. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22(B). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6(I), in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.

12. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAM. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

(A) At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office, (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.

(B) At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or Team whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.

(C) Any Officer 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 such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of clauses (A) and/or (B) of this Rule.

13. TROPHY

(A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:-

“We A [name] and B [name], the Chairman and Secretary of [ ] FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of [ ] cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before the last day of March. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”

Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

(C) Written application may be made to the Competition Secretary by the 31st May for consideration to be given to making additional awards. Such application must include a full list of registered Players who have played in Competition Matches for their respective Team in the Competition and the number of such appearances made by each Player. Consent will only be given if more than 16 Players have played in at least 50% of the Competition Matches played by the Team in the Competition. The payment of any additional awards made will be charged to the Club.

14. ALTERATION TO RULES

Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season.

Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 20th May in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 1st June and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 7th June. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if 75% of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.

A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting.

15. FINANCE

(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 £200 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 June

(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.

(E) All payments made to the club are to be via the BACS system.

(F) The Management Committee shall have the power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the committee and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the League. At the end of each season the Management Committee may authorise a financial remuneration to Officers of the said committee up a maximum amount. (see Remuneration Table)

Position Remuneration
League Secretary £200
Registrations Secretary £400
Fixtures Secretary £500
Treasurer £200
Referees Secretary £300

16. INSURANCE

(A) All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.

(B) All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.

Failure to comply with Rule 16(A) or 16(B) will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

17. DISSOLUTION

(A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.

(B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.

(C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:

  • (i) Any surplus assets, save for a trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority.
  • (ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.

18. MATCH RELATED RULES / QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

(A)

  • (i) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-
    • (a) signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by his /her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the (Registrations) Secretary 3 days prior to the Player playing and whose completed registration counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing in a Competition Match. The registration document must incorporate emergency contact details of the Player’s parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the Player attends within the management of the Club or Competition;
    • or
    • (b) signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by his/ her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club, and submitted to the (Registrations) Secretary within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The Player shall not play again on a subsequent match day until the Club is in possession of the completed counterfoil. A maximum of double the team format of Players may be registered in accordance with this paragraph 18 (A) (i) (b). The registration document must incorporate emergency contact details of the Players’ parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the Player attends within the management of the Club or Competition;
    • or
    • (c) registered through WGS.
    • Any registration form which is sent by either of the means set out at Rules 18(A) (i)(a) or (b) above that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed. If a Club attempts to register a player via WGS but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via WGS, the registration will not be processed.
    • For Clubs registering Players under Rules 18 (A) (i) (a) or (b) registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering Players via WGS (under Rule 18 (A) (i) (c)) Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process.
  • (ii) Registration forms may also be submitted to the (Registrations) Secretary by electronic mail or facsimile machine prior to the Player playing in a Competition Match. The original document must be forwarded by post to the appropriate Officer of the Competition within three days of the Competition Match.
  • The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the Player seeking registration together with confirmation that the Player’s proof of date of birth has been checked by the Club and is accurate.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(B)

  • (i) Contract Players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under contract with the same Club who have a Team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
  • (ii) A Player registered with a Premier League or English Football League Academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan contained within Youth Development Rules will not be permitted to play in this Competition. Details of the Youth Development Rules are published on The FA website. A Player registered with a FA Girls’ Regional Talent Club may play in this Competition subject to the FA Programme for Excellence (Female) Regulations.
  • Additionally, where Club run both academy Teams and inclusive Teams the latter would be allowed entry. In the Management Committee’s view where a ‘Club’ has affiliated with SCFA both as an academy and also as a non-academy, no Players that have registered for the academy Team can register for the non-academy Team.
  • In most cases the Rother Youth League will accept the goodwill and trust of Clubs in the grey areas around what constitutes an academy and allow entry on the condition that this trust is repaid, and we have a fair playing field. Abuse of this trust will result in a Special General Meeting where the Management Committee will propose to expel the offending Club and not just the Team.

  • The following are example of illegible Players that would fall foul of the academy Team ruling where a Club run an academy:
  • a) A Player who registers to an academy and plays for an academy and non-academy Teams at the same Club
  • b) A Player who plays in an academy game
  • c) If the Player or their parent/guardian has been told they have registered on to the academy.

  • As per Competition Rules, if a Player falls within the above Clauses a, b, c and d and plays in a Rother Youth Football League Competition Match he/she will be classed as an ineligible Player and will be dealt with in accordance with Competition Rules, also if it is found that the Player has played in previous games the same rules will apply.

  • (iii) Each Team must have the following number of Players registered 7 days before the start of each Playing Season and may not have more than the maximum permitted number of players:
FORMAT MINIMUM NUMBER MAXIMUM NUMBER
5v5 5 10
7v7 7 14
9v9 9 18
11v11 1 22
  • Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) A child who has not attained the age of 6 shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match of any kind.

The relevant age for each Player is determined by his or her age as at midnight on 31 August of the relevant Playing Season i.e. children who are aged 6 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season (together with those who attain the age of 6 during the Playing Season) will be classed as Under 7 Players for that Playing Season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season will be classed as Under 8 Players for that Playing Season, and so on.

Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above his or her chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after 31 August is permitted to play only in the Under 7 age group, and may not play in the Under 8 age group, for that Playing Season.

The age groups that children are eligible to play in are set out in the table below, along with the permitted football formats for each of those age groups. Children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the stated number of players, according to their age group:

Age* Groups** Permitted Format (Max) Pitch Sizes (Min)   Pitch Sizes (Max)   Goal Sizes*** Ball Size
      Yards Metres Yards Metres Feet  
6 Under 7 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6 3
  Under 8 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6 3
7 Under 8 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6 3
  Under 9 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
8 Under 9 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
  Under 10 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 4
9 Under 10 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 4
  Under 11 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
10 Under 11 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
  Under 12 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
11 Under 12 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
  Under 13 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
12 Under 13 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
  Under 14 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
13 Under 14 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
  Under 15 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
14 Under 15 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
  Under 16 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
15 Under 16 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
  Under 17 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
  Under 18 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
16 Under 17 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
  Under 18 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
  Open Age 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
  1. *Age on 31 August of the relevant Playing Season
  2. **Eligable Age Groups
  3. ***Recommended Goal Sizes

(D) A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered, if applicable.

(E) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes taking into account the following.

  • (i) A Player shall not be permitted to register for more than one Club subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)(iii) below.
  • (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 Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the Player of the fact of the previous registration subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)(iii) below.
  • (iii) A Player is only permitted to register for more than one Club provided that: – a. The Team(s) in which the Player plays in are not in the same age group; or – b. Except for the purpose of a transfer. – And the Player meets the requirements in Rule 18(C).

(F) It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Player to:-

  • (i) Play for more than one Team in the same age group in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred.
  • (ii) Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season, except if the provisions set out in Rule 18 (E)(iii) apply.
  • (iii) Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through WGS for registration that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
  • Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(G)

  • (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rule 18(G)(ii) and (iii) below.
  • (ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player, the exercise of such power being without prejudice to the Management Committee’s ability to fine a Club at its discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) that has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).
  • (iii) The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. Where the Management Committee does not have enough information to enable it to make a decision pursuant to the above power, it may apply, in its absolute discretion, to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA for further information. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition.
  • (iv) For a Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18(G)(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 Rule 18(G)(iii) shall only be taken against a Player in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

(H) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C2(a) when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer form (in a format as determined by the Competition) to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the club for which the player is registered. Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or 7days after receipt of such transfer. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.

(I) A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after [date] except by special permission of the Management Committee.

(J) A Club shall keep a list of the Players it registers and a record of all matches in which those Players have played for the Club, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. In the event a Club has more than one Team in an age group, each Team must be clearly identifiable but not designated ‘A’ or ‘B’ or 1st or 2nd. In such cases, Players will be registered for one Team only. A Player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 18(C).

(K) A register containing the names of all Players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the (Registrations) Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of an Officer of the Club at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only. In the event of a Non Contract Player 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 Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18(B)(i).

(L) A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule 22(A)) unless the Player has played 5 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.

(M) A Team shall not include more than 1 Players who has/have taken part in a more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 days has elapsed since they last played. For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is under 18’s or older Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(N)

  • (i) Subject to Rule 18(N)(ii), any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
  • (ii) The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(N)(i) only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
  • (iii) Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(N)(i) above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion: – (a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or – (b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or – (c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).

(The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education):-

(O)

  • (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
  • (i) The availability of children must be cleared with their head teacher (except for Sunday league competitions).
  • (ii) A child under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31 August in the relevant Playing Season, shall not be permitted to play in a Competition Match during that Playing Season where any other Player is older or younger than that child by two years or more.

19. CLUB COLOURS

Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by [date] who shall decide as to their suitability.

Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.

No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.

Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeeper jersey) at least 2 days before the Competition Match.

If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the away/ home Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick-off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

Shirts must be numbered, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff

20. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF, POSTPONEMENTS, SUBSTITUTES

(A) All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer, and 9v9 football, the Rules as set down by The FA.

Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a Competition Match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.

The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Matches on another ground.

Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.

The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C).

All Competition Matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the Competition Match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.

Competition Matches should be played in accordance with the Laws appropriate to the relevant age group, as laid down by The FA, as detailed below.

Age Group Minimum duration of play per half (minutes) Maximum duration of play per half (minutes) Maximum playing time in one day in all organized development fixtures (minutes) Maximum playing time in one day in all tournaments and trophy events/festivals (minutes) Competition structure
Under 7 and Under 8 10 20 40 60 Development focused with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 2 week periods (6 weeks)
Under 9 and Under 10 20 25 60 90 Development focused with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 4 week periods (12 weeks)
Under 11 20 30 80 120 Development focused with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 6 week periods (18 weeks)
Under 12 20 30 80 (if applicable) 120 Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 13 and Under 14 25 35 100 150 Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 15 and Under 16 25 40 100 150 Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 17 and Under 18 25 45 120 180 Any varieties including one season long league table

For the purpose of this Competition, the maximum playing time per half as stated above will be used.

For round robin/trophy events, the maximum duration of play per half cannot be exceeded, but the minimum duration of play per half may be adjusted.

For trophy events, the Competition may award mementos.

The times of kick-off shall be fixed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs prior to the scheduled date of the Competition Match with written notification given to the Competition at least 7 days prior.

Referees must order Competition Matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.

The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition Match with the consent of the (Fixtures) Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the Competition Match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).

(D) An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(E) The minimum and maximum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is as follows:

FORMAT MINIMUM NUMBER MAXIMUM NUMBER
5v5 4 10
7v7 5 14
9v9 6 18
11v11 7 22

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(F)

  • (i) In competitions where points are awarded, home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have the power to impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.
  • (ii) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials.
  • (iii) In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 2 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. Providing gate money is taken and retained the visiting Club shall receive their actual standard class rail or bus fares or the equivalent for 2 persons, or car allowance at 30p per mile for transporting 2 persons, or hire charge of a coach (receipt to be submitted). The residue (if any) to be equally divided between the two Clubs after deducting the cost of advertising, printing, posting, police and Match Officials charges. The home Club shall take the whole of the proceeds of the second Competition Match.
  • Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
  • (iv) The Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a Competition 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 Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Competition Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Competition Match.
  • (v) The Management Committee shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18(N)(i) above. Where both Teams were under suspension the Competition Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.
  • (vi) If the Management Committee deem that due to exceptional circumstances the fixtures in any Division are unlikely to be completed before the end of the season it may order certain matches to be played on weekdays and/or to play “Double Header” fixtures. A “Double Header” fixture will consist of two matches on the same day between the same two teams played on the same ground, which will be determined by the Management Committee. Both matches would be of equal time with the two Clubs involved agreeing the time to be played which must be no less than half the normal full time for that Division’s matches and no more than the normal full time for that Division’s matches plus 20 minutes. The half time interval shall be of ten minutes duration and there shall be an interval of at least thirty minutes between the end of the first match and the start of the second match. Double Header” fixtures shall not apply to Mini-Soccer Divisions.

(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match.

Where a Competition does not allow return substitutes:

For Under 17s and Under 18s – a Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used.

Where a Competition does allow return substitutes:

For Under 11s - Under 16s – a Club may use unlimited substitutes from 5 substitute Players. A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace any Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.

For Mini-Soccer – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A Player who has been replaced may return to play as a substitute for another Player. A Team must not have a match day squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.

In Youth Football only, the referee shall be informed of the names of the substitute Players not later than 10 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.

A Player who has named as a substitute before the start of that Competition Match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

(H) The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

(I) The Teams taking part in Under 7s to Under 11 or Youth Football shall identify a Team captain who may/shall wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(J) With the exception of cup finals, kick times are to be between the hours of 9.30am and 12.30pm unless agreement is made between the opposing team. Teams are not permitted to start travelling before 8am in order to arrive at the kick off location with suitable warming up time prior to kick off. Kick off times must therefore be appropriate to the distance travelled. Teams have the right to request a kick off time after 12.30 but must give notification to the opposition and fixtures secretary 2 weeks in advance.

21. REPORTING RESULTS

(A) The (Registration/Fixtures) Secretary must receive within 3 days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(B) The Home Club/both Clubs shall telephone/SMS/email/notify the result of each Competition Match to the Fixtures Secretary by 6pm on the same day. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the Club, or as prescribed by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(D) The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect but NOT publish results or any grading tables for fixtures involving Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, and Under 11s. Any Competition failing to abide by this Rule will be dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and any Club failing to abide by this Rule will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect and publish results for trophy events.

(E) Completed match cards on the WGS must be submitted by 6pm on the following Tuesday after a weekend match or 4 days after mid-week fixture.. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

22. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

(A) In Competitions where points are awarded, Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.

In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings may be determined by results between the teams or a deciding match or matches played under conditions determined by the Management Committee, or the position shared.

(B) Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first 2 Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last 2 Teams in each division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(L).

  • (i) Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated.
  • (ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:
    • (a) retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or
    • (b) additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or
    • (c) election
  • (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 Rule 22 (B)(i) above.
  • (iv) Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have a 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.
  • (v) Should either or both of the relegated Teams in any of the divisions have a Team in the next lower division, relegation shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next lowest Team or Teams in the division concerned.

(C) In addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22(B), a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows : If three or more team finish second on points or two or more teams request promotion.

(D) In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22 (D) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.

(E) Where a team fail to complete 75% of its fixtures the committee reserves the right to expunge the team from the competition.

23. MATCH OFFICIALS

(A) Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.

(B) In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any open age competition and individuals under the age of 14 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. Referees between the ages of 14 and 16 are only eligible to officiate in competitions where the Players’ age band is at least one year younger than the age of the referee, for example a 15 year old referee may only officiate in competitions where the age banding is 14 or younger.

(C) Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) being imposed on the defaulting Club.

(D) The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.

(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of £0.30 per mile / or inclusive of travel expenses. Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match, unless otherwise ordered by the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(F) In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to full fee plus expenses/half fee plus expenses/expenses only. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(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 Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.

(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition 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 liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.

(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 FA/County FA.

(J) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.

(K) Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.

(L) Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition.

SCHEDULE A

FEES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM FEE
4 (A) CLUB ENTRY FEE £10.00
4 (B) CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £35 for 11-a-side Teams £30 for 9-a-side Teams £25 for Mini Soccer Teams
4 (C DEPOSIT £100.00
7 (C), 7(E) PROTEST/APPEAL FEES £25.00
18 (D) PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE £2.00 (per player)
18 (H) TRANSFER FEE £10.00
23 (E) REFEREE FEES As agreed with Sanctioning Authority
23 (E) ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES As agreed with Sanctioning Authority
FINES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM FINE
2 (G) FAILURE TO AFFILIATE £50.00
2 (I) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FA INITIATIVES £50.00
2 (K) UNAUTHORISED ENTRY OF TEAMS INTO COMPETITIONS £50.00
3 FAILURE TO OBTAIN CONSENT FOR A CHANGE OF CLUB NAME £30.00
4 (C) FAILURE TO PAY A DEPOSIT £100.00
4(E) FAILURE TO PROVIDE AFFILIATION NUMBER/DETAILS FORM £25.00
5 (F) FAILURE TO PAY A FINE WITHIN 14 DAYS OF NOTICE £50.00
6 (H) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN INSTRUCTION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE £25.00
6 (I) FAILURE TO PAY A FINE WITHIN REQUIRED TIMEFRAME DOUBLE THE ORIGINAL FINE UP TO £50.00
8 (H) FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT AGM £30.00
9 FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT SGM £30.00
10 FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR TO NOTIFY CHANGES TO SIGNATORIES £25.00
11 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL BEFORE DEADLINE £25.00
11 (B) FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES £25.00
13 (A) FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TROPHY £25.00
16 (A) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED INSURANCE £25.00
16 (B) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED INSURANCE £25.00
18 (A) FAILURE TO CORRECTLY REGISTER A PLAYER £10.00
18 (B) (iii) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF REGISTERED PLAYERS PRIOR TO THE PLAYING SEASON COMMENCING £25.00
18 (F) REGISTERING OR PLAYING FOR MULTIPLE CLUBS OR INACCURATE COMPLETION OF A REGISTRATION FORM £25.00
18 (G) (ii) REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES £25.00
18(M) FIELDING MORE THAN THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SENIOR COMPETITIONS MATCHES £25
18 (N) (i) PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER £50.00
18 (O) (i) FAILURE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES £50.00
19 FAILURE TO NUMBER SHIRTS £5.00 (per shirt, up to an aggregate maximum of £30)
19 DELAYING KICK OFF TO DUE TO NO CHANGE OF COLOURS £10.00
20 (A) DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT £10.00
20 (B) FAILURE TO PLAY MATCHES ON THE DATE FIXED £25.00
20 (C) FAILURE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF A FIXTURE £25.00
20 (D) PLAYING MATCH WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED NUMBER OF PLAYERS £25.00
20 (E) (i) & (iii) FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE £25.00
20 (I) NO CAPTAIN'S ARMBAND £5.00
21 (A) & 21 (C) LATE RESULT NOTIFICATION FORM £20.00
21 (B) FAILURE TO PROVIDE RESULT £5.00
21 (D) PUBLISHING RESULTS/GRADING TABLES FOR FIXTURES INVOLVING U7S, U8S, U9S, U10S OR U11S £50.00
23 (C) FAILURE TO PROVIDE CLUB ASSISTANT REFEREE £25.00
23 (E) FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS' FEES AND EXPENSES £25.00
23 (F) FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS WHERE A MATCH IS NOT PLAYED £25.00
23 (H) FAILURE TO PROVIDE REFEREE'S MARK £5.00
19, 32 FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OR TROPHY PRESENTATION EVENT £30.00
24 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SPORTSMANSHIP REQUIREMENTS £5.00
22 INCOMPLETE MATCH CARD £5.00

24. ‘RESPECT’ AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Each Club shall be responsible for ensuring that its Players, officials and spectators conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and refrain from violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language, whilst attending or taking part in a match, whether on its own ground or elsewhere.

Any Club that fails to effectively discharge its said responsibility in any respect whatsoever may be guilty of misconduct and is liable to be dealt with by the appropriate County Football Association. The management committee also reserves the right to expel clubs/teams from the league that fail in this responsibility

The Competition shall require all Players and Club officials to have signed the relevant FA Respect Code of Conduct or similar, and these must be produced to the Management Committee if so requested.

The participating Teams and officials shall conduct the ‘Respect’ handshake prior to the match, and/or shall offer ‘three cheers’ and handshakes to the opposing Team after the match.

Each Club shall make arrangements for the provision of designated areas for spectators at its home Ground(s). This area can be marked by an additional white painted line, the use of cones, a roped-off area, or the use of a temporary spectator barrier. The area for spectators should start two (2) metres from the touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run the full length of the pitch. Spectators and Club officials shall not be allowed to stand behind either goal line.

It is recognised, however, that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this arrangement, in which case other appropriate arrangements for allocating spectator areas should be made by the home Team.

Following completion of a fixture, each Team shall award the opposing Team a sportsmanship mark, to reflect their view of how the opposition Players, officials and spectators conducted themselves before, during and after the game. This sportsmanship mark shall be provided to the Competition in the prescribed manner (e.g.- via the online match return form).

Any Team awarding a sportsmanship mark to its opposition of fifty (50) or below must provide in writing, to the Competition’s Registrations Secretary, an explanation of the reason for the marking within seven (7) days of the date that the fixture was played.

Clubs failing to comply with the sportsmanship obligations set-out in this Rule shall incur a fine as set-out in the Fines Tariff, increasing in multiples of the same for each subsequent offence.

25. FIRST AID

At all Competition matches, each Team is expected to provide someone who has attended an FA Emergency Aid course, or similar, within the last three (3) years. Copies of the relevant Certificate should be provided to the League’s Child Welfare Officer, if so requested.

In addition, each Team must ensure that they have an up-to-date First Aid Kit with them at all Competition fixtures. Clubs failing to comply with this part of the Rule shall incur a fine as set-out in the Fines Tariff, increasing in multiples of the same for each subsequent offence.

26. LEAGUE CUP RULES

The League Cup competitions, when operated, shall be called : (i) Under 10 Challenge Cup, (ii) Under 11 BeSure Security Systems Cup, (iii) Under 12 Wayne Russell Cup, (iv) Under 13 Top Flight Trophy, (v) Under 14 BeSure Security Systems Cup, (vi) Under 15 Challenge Cup, (vii) Under 16 Laurie Webber Cup, and (viii) Under 17 Challenge Cup.

Entry to these Cup competitions shall be open to all eligible Teams participating in the Competition.

The draw for these Cup competitions shall be made at the beginning of every Playing Season, in the presence of at least two (2) members of the Management Committee and two (2) representatives of member Clubs.

Teams drawn first shall be regarded as the home side.

The finals shall be played, wherever possible, on a neutral ground with a neutral Referee and Assistant Referees which shall be provided by the Competition.

Competition-appointed Referee and Assistant Referee fees shall be as per normal Competition Rules.

The duration of Cup games shall be as per normal Competition Rules.

In the event of the scores being level at the end of normal time, extra time shall be played. If the tie is still undecided at the end of extra time, the tie shall be settled by the taking of penalty kicks, in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

When required, the duration of extra time shall be:

  • U10 & U11 – Five (5) minutes each way;
  • U12-U16 – Ten (10) minutes each way;
  • U17 – Fifteen (15) minutes each way.

Qualification and eligibility of players in Cup fixtures shall be the same as for Competition fixtures.

Fines for fielding an ineligible player shall be as set-out in the Fines Tariff.

To play in either a semi-final or a final of a Cup, a registered Player must first have played in a minimum of three (3) matches in the Competition in the Playing Season. Failure to adhere to this Rule will render the offending Player(s) being treated as ineligible. In such circumstances, the tie will be awarded to the opposing Team and the offending Team shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

27. SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF PLAY

Matches arranged by this Competition shall be played in accordance with the Laws of Association Football, with the following clarifications/amendments:

  • (i) For U7 to U10 age groups (i.e.- Mini Soccer matches), the opposition must retreat to the halfway line when a goal kick is awarded. However, if the goalkeeper or other Player taking the goal kick chooses to kick the ball before all the opposition Players have retreated, the ball is in play from the moment the kick is taken.

  • (ii) For U11 age groups and above, deliberate back passes into the goalkeeper’s hands are not allowed. A free kick will be awarded if the goalkeeper touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team mate. The free kick shall be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence.

  • (iii) When a Player is taking a free kick or corner, all opposing Players must be at least five (5) yards from the ball until it is in play.

  • (iv) All free kicks, including the kick-off, are direct.

For U7 to U10 age groups, there will be no offside.

28. PLAYER ID CARDS

For all Players at U10 and above, but not for U7s, U8s or U9s, a current passport-sized photograph must be provided to the Competition when submitting the WGS Player Registration for the Playing Season. This photograph will be used to create an ID Card for the Player in the Competition.

ID Cards for all Players at U10 and above must be presented for inspection by the opposing Team’s manager (and by the match referee/Match Officials, if applicable) prior to play commencing. This is a mandatory requirement of the Competition.

If a valid ID Card is not presented prior to play commencing, the Player shall not take to the field.

29. USE OF ONLINE SYSTEMS

In order to improve the Competition’s operational efficiency and make it easier for Clubs and Teams to participate, the Management Committee is utilising various online systems to manage the Competition’s day-to-day operation.

These include the FA Full-Time website, which is used by the Competition to set and publish fixtures, as well as for the reporting of match results and the submission of team sheets and referee marks, etc., by Clubs and Teams.

In addition, entry forms for Clubs and Teams into the Competition are also handled via an online system.

Any requirements set-out in the Standard Code of Rules regarding the provision of information to the Competition by Clubs and Teams shall therefore include the submission of such information via the relevant online systems, where so specified by the Management Committee.

30. EVENING MATCHES AND ‘DOUBLE HEADERS’

When extreme fixture backlog occurs, the Competition’s Fixtures Secretary, after consultation with the Management Committee, will have the power to schedule evening fixtures, and/or ‘double headers’ if teams have not previously met during the Playing Season.

Such ‘double headers’, when arranged, shall be played as two separate matches immediately following one another on the same pitch, with a ten (10) minute break in between. Notwithstanding the venue, each Team shall play one of these matches as its ‘home’ game and shall be responsible for reporting the match result, etc., on that basis.

31. RELEASE FROM A FIXTURE

Teams requiring release from a fixture on a specific date must notify the Fixtures Secretary, or the person acting on their behalf, in writing, at least four (4) weeks prior to the requested date.

Such requests will be treated on merit and release is not automatically guaranteed, and will not be entertained on more than two (2) occasions during a Playing Season.

The final decision on such requests shall rest with the Management Committee.

32. TROPHY PRESENTATION EVENT

At the close of each Playing Season, the Management Committee will arrange a Trophy Presentation event for all award-winning Teams in each competitive age group, and also for all registered Players/Teams in the non-competitive age groups. Attendance at this event is compulsory, and any Team invited and not represented will be liable to a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

The Competition shall supply ten (10) mementos at the Trophy Presentation event for each eligible Mini Soccer Team, fourteen (14) mementos for each eligible Team participating in 9-a-side Youth Football, and sixteen (16) mementos for each eligible Team participating in 11-a-side Youth Football. Additional mementos may be purchased by eligible Teams, if required.

###PROPOSED FEES – MATCH OFFICIALS – 2018/19 SEASON

Note: The below fees apply to League-appointed Match Officials only.

Format Official Fee
11v11 Match Referee £18.00
  Assistant Referee £12.00
9v9 Match Referee £14.00
  Assistant Referee £10.00

In addition to the above match fees, Match Officials shall be entitled to charge travel expenses or private car expenses of 30p per mile, plus any other permitted expenses actually incurred.

The home Team shall pay the Match Officials their fees and expenses immediately after the match.

For ‘Double Header’ fixtures (see Rule 30 above), Match Officials appointed by the Competition shall be paid a match fee of £12.00 by each Team (i.e.- £24.00 in total) for 11v11 ‘double header’ fixtures, and £10.00 by each Team (i.e.- £20.00 in total) for 9v9 ‘double header’ fixtures, with the cost of any travel expenses incurred by the Match Officials shared equally between the two Teams taking part in the ‘double header’.

Please note that, in addition to the imposition of fines, other penalties may also be applicable for breaching certain Rules (e.g.- the possible deduction/award of points for failing to fulfil a fixture). Also, certain fines (e.g.- incorrectly completed/failing to submit an online Match Return, failing to report a match result) attract an ‘accumulator’ for subsequent transgressions, which can get very expensive for repeat offenders.

…So, in summary, abide by the Rules of the League, and then you won’t get fined! :)

33. LIFE MEMBERS

Any Officer having completed five years’ service to the Competition shall be eligible to be proposed by the Management Committee for Life Membership at the Annual General Meeting. Life Members shall have the privilege to receive notice of and to attend General Meetings and Management Committee meetings I a advisory capacity but shall not have voting powers

34. VICE PRESIDENTS

The Management Committee or member Clubs may propose the election as Vice President for Life Membership of any person who has served or otherwise supported the Competition in an exceptional manner. Al such proposals shall be considered at an AGM.

A proposal from a Club must be in writing and supported by another Club. Vice Presidents shall have the privilege to receive notice of and to attend General Meetings but shall not have voting powers.

35. SPONSORSHIP

Clubs shall comply with The FA or their Sanctioning Authority with regards sponsorship/logo regulations on Player’s equipment, headbands or at grounds. With reference to Player equipment, refer to Law 4: The player’s Equipment.

36. SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

Every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football, thus every Club is required to endorse and adhere to The Sussex County Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy.

The Association recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and young people who play or participate in football by protecting them from abuse and harm. The Association is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

The Association recognises that the terms ‘child or young person’, ‘abuse’ and ‘harm’ are open to interpretation and challenge but for the purpose of this Safeguarding Children policy they shall be defined as follows:

A child or young person: ‘anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.’

Abuse: ‘a violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons and, for the purposes of safeguarding children, shall include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying and hazing.’

Harm: ‘Ill treatment and forms of ill treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment which are not physical) and also the impairment of or an avoidable deterioration in physical or mental health and the impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.’

‘Harm’ may be caused by acts of commission and acts of omission.

The Safeguarding Children Policy is supported by The Association’s Respect programme to address verbal abuse and bullying of youngsters by parents and coaches on the side-lines. The Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy Principles are that:

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration

• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, race, faith, belief or sexual orientation

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately; and

• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents and carers is essential.

The Association is committed to working in partnership with the Police, Children’s Services Departments, Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all children and young people.

The Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy is in response to government legislation and guidance, developed to safeguard the welfare and development of children and young people.

Clubs and Leagues with youth teams must appoint a Welfare Officer in line with The Association affiliation requirements. A Club’s Welfare Officer must sit on the management committee of that Club.

All League and Club Welfare Officers are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct for volunteer Welfare Officers.

Full details can be found at www.sussexfa.com

37. COVID

Clubs are required to take all necessary precautions in regards to protecting players and spectators from the COVID virus. These include but are not limited to:

  1. All payments to and from the league are be to made by bank transfer
  2. Coaches and managers are aware of other guidance issued by the FA
  3. CLUBS are advised to provide their OWN FLAGS FOR ASSISTANTS