WEETABIX YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES
RULES 2008-2009
1. NOMENCLATURE AND
CONSTITUTION
2. ENTRY FEE,
SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
3. OFFICERS
4.
MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
5.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
7. AGREEMENT
TO BE SIGNED
8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
9. CLUB
COLOURS. CLUB NAME
10.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY
11.
REPORTING RESULTS
12.
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
13.
REFEREES
14.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR
WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
15.
PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS
16. BOARD
OF APPEAL
17.
EXCLUSION OF CLUBS. OR TEAMS
MISCONDUCT,
CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
18.
TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,
19.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
20.
ALTERATION TO RULES
21. RULES
BINDING ON CLUBS
22.
FINANCE
23.
LEAGUE MEETINGS
24.
BRINGING LEAGUE INTO DISREPUTE
25.
KEN BURTON KNOCK OUT CUP
COMPETITION
26.SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL RULES
CHILD PROTECTION
1. (A) This Competition shall be designated the Kettering & District Youth Football
League and known as the Weetabix Youth League, incorporating Midshires Girls League and shall consist of not more than 100 Clubs who shall be Full Member Clubs.
All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form D to the Northamptonshire County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be as designated by the League Management Committee.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Northamptonshire Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 12 in number.
Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.
The competition will provide 11-a-side football for players who have attained the age of 10 as at midnight 31st August in a playing season and Mini-Soccer for players who have attained the age of 6 years but not the age of 10 years as at midnight on 31st August in a playing season.
ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
2. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional team(s) must be made in writing to the Secretary and an entry fee to a value decided by the League Management Committee will be invoiced subsequent to the teams acceptance into the League. Closing date for applications is May 31st.
(B) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee has been paid.
(C) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary by e-mail or in writing by June 14th of its County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined an amount not exceeding £20. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.
3. The Officers of the Competition shall be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, General Secretary, Girls Secretary, Registration Secretaries, Referees Secretary, Fixtures Secretaries, Publicity Officer, Child Welfare Officer, Minute Secretary, a representative from the Girls Sub Committee and 3 Club Members, to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).
The President and Vice President(s) shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and will act as figureheads for the League, but will not have any voting powers. They will remain in office until he or she retires.
4. (A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and 3 Club Members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. All participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The Association from time to time.
(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 31st May in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting
(C) The Management Committee shall meet monthly or as often as is necessary to deal with business as it arises. The General Secretary will deal with the day-to-day business of the League.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the 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 nominated Officers, a Club Secretary can nominate another Club Official to deputise in time of absence. All correspondence entered into by any Officer of the League requiring a reply must be replied to within 14 days. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule will be fined £10. All correspondence entered into by Clubs to the League, requiring a reply, must be responded to within 14 days. If this response is purely and acknowledgement, it should include a date for the anticipated full response.
Although any Management Committee Member will help any Club or Team Official, please remember that they do have families and are in full time employment and it is unreasonable to telephone any League Official after 9:00pm.
5. (A) The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider necessary and may delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary to such committees.
The decisions of all such committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Northamptonshire County Football Association having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club 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. (See Rule 6(e)).
(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. (This shall apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).
If an agenda or meeting item relates to a Management Committee member, or a Club that the Management member is part of or associated with, the Management member will be asked to leave the room whilst the item is discussed and any action or actions are decided upon. Fellow Management members are strictly forbidden from discussing the ensuing proceedings with the Management Committee member in question, the General Secretary will inform the Management Committee member of any decision(s) and/or further action(s) to be taken, in writing, at a later date.
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
The content, discussions and actions decided at Management Committee Meetings are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and must not, under any circumstances, be relayed, in part or whole, to any person or persons, other than fellow Management Committee members who are entitled to participate in the business of the Management Committee.
Any Management Committee member found to be in breach of the League rules and regulations will either be asked to resign immediately from the Management Committee or suffer the consequences of a no confidence vote, which could lead to dismissal from the Management Committee.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. In the event of circumstances arising not covered by the Rules, the Management Committee shall have the power to deal with the same as they see fit in the circumstances. Except where these Rules provide for the imposition of a set penalty any Club, Official or Player alleged to be in breach of a Competition Rule must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the Management Committee. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the Board of Appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 14 days.
(F) 5 Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and 3 Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any sub-committee of the Competition.
(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 having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition, shall be liable to be fined an amount not exceeding £20 or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(I) All fines and charges (ie invoices) shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written notification.
Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this Rule will be fined £20 and will not be
allowed to play or take part in the business of the League until the fine or charges have been
cleared. Should there be a delay in payment of a fine or charge the reason must be forwarded
to the General Secretary, who will submit it to the Management Committee for their adjudication.
This may lead to the Club being reported to their County Association prior to any action being
taken by the League.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) The Emergency Committee shall consist of the Officers of the League.
(M) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined.
6. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the first Tuesday in July in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least two thirds of Members are present and entitled to vote:-
(i) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.
(ii) To consider any business arising therefrom.
(iii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of
Accounts.
(iv) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management
Committee).
(v) Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season.
(vi) Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vii) Appointment of Auditors.
(viii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given).
(ix) Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of playing season.
(x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, and to the
Northamptonshire County Football Association.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Northamptonshire County Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D) Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than14 days notice shall be given of any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least two thirds 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 Full Member Club
(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £20.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
7. The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the agreement re Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct as shown on the Application Form.
Any alteration of the Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the General Secretary of the Competition.
8. (A) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition.
No player registered with a Centre of Excellence or Academy will be permitted to play in this competition.
(B) A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-
(1) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in BLOCK CAPITALS 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 playing and whose completed registration counterfoil (League IDENTITY CARD) has been received by the Club prior to playing.
The registration document must incorporate 2 current passport-size photographs of the player seeking registration. The Club Secretary must ensure that proof of date of birth is seen prior to sending in the registration form.
The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows:
Mini-Soccer
Under 7 the player must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season but must be under the age of 7 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 8 the player must be under the age of 8 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 9 the player must be under the age of 9 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 10 the player must be under the age of 10 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Youth Football
Under 11 the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be
under the age of 11 by midnight 31st August in the playing season.
Under 12 the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 13 the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 14 the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 15 the player must be under the age of 15 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 16 the player must be under the age of 16 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 17 the player must be under the age of 17 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
Under 18 the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on
31st August in the playing season.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the
age of 16 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season must
not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or
more.
(The above
qualification dates are subject to the provisions contained in FA Rule
C.4(a)(v )).
(C) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played.
(D) A fee of £4 shall be paid for each player registered. This will include personal accident cover.
Registration forms are available on the League website. Registration of Players will only be conducted via the post. A suitable sized self-addressed envelope must accompany Registrations or a £5 administration charge will be incurred.
(E) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes.
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 Registrations Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(F) It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to:-
(i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without
first being transferred.
(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the
Competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer.
(iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully
neglected to accurately or fully complete.
(G) (i) The Management Committee shall have power to accept the registration
of any player.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel
or suspend the registration of any player or may fine any player at their
discretion who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities.
(Subject to Rule 16).
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse or cancel the
registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct
(subject to Rule 16). Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated
conduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition.
(Note: Action
under Clause (ii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the
matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in
cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute.)
(H) Subject to The Football Association Rules dealing with players without a
written contract when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to
transfer to shall submit a transfer form to the Registrations Secretary, a fee
of £5 being invoiced for each completed transfer. Clubs must provide a stamped
addressed envelope with the transfer form. Transfer forms are available on the
League website, and all transfer forms must be accompanied by a copy of the
relevant 7 day notice or a written agreement to waiver.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the
Management Committee for a decision. Once a players former club has signed the
transfer form agreeing to the transfer, the players registration is terminated
with that Club and is ineligible to play for them. When the Registration
Secretary has completed the transfer and the players new League Identity Card
is returned to the Club Secretary, the player is free to play for his/her new
Club.
(I) A player may not be transferred to another Club in the Competition after February 28th except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(J) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the
games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by
the Management Committee.
In the event a Club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be
clearly designated A and B etc. In such cases, players will be registered
for one team only.
(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 any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Season only. League Registration Cards must be taken and produced, and the players identified, prior to the start of the game, by the opposing manager(s). The Registration Cards should be made available to Match and League Officials on request. Failure to comply will result in a fine of up to £50 and any other actions as decided by the Management Committee.
Any Registration Card damaged or illegible in any way shall be replaced
immediately. Failure to maintain cards in a good condition may result in a fine
of up to £25.
(L) A player shall
not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or
relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A)) unless the player has
played 1 game for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(M)
(i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined up to £25 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team shall have 3 points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit.
(iii) The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.
(The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):-
(N) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday Competitions).
(iii) Children under 14 shall not play in a team involving
players who are more than 2 years older.
(Note: For players under the age of 18 the
provisions contained in Football Association Rules will apply.)
(O) All eleven a side teams must register no more than 20 players per team. Clubs must register at least 11 players for each eleven a side team entered into the League by 7th August or be fined up to £20. If 13 players are not registered the team will not be able to take part in the business of the League, until such time as at least 13 players are registered.
(P) Clubs can de-register a player at any time by notifying the appropriate Registration Secretary in writing, using the appropriate form, signed by the Club Secretary, and also returning the players identity card, which will be retained by the Registration Secretary. Failure to return the identity card may result in a fine not exceeding £20. Clubs should de-register a player or players who have left the team, otherwise they will be classified as valid player/s for that team. A de-registered player may not play for any other team except by transfer.
9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary, by the Annual General Meeting, who shall decide as to their suitability.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee.
No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least 5 days before the match.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the away team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined £10.
The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit. Shirts must be numbered. Substitutes, with the exception of the substitute goalkeeper, cannot enter the field of play wearing a numbered shirt that has previously been worn by a player in the same match. During a match, players must not wear team shirts displaying the same number, teams failing to comply may be fined not exceeding £20. Names on shirts must correspond to the name of the player wearing the shirt, clubs failing to comply may be fined not exceeding £20. Footwear shall be in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The wearing of shin guards is compulsory and they must be covered by stockings. The Referee should enforce this Rule and not let any player onto the field of play who is in breach of this Rule. No jewellery or watches should be worn, all rings must be removed or taped, ear-rings or facial piercing must be removed or taped. The Referee should enforce this Rule and not let any player onto the field of play who is in breach of this Rule. Shirts must be worn tucked into shorts at all times.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY
TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
10. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for the ensuing season which shall be in accordance with Football Association Rules. No Club shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. Original fixtures arranged by the Fixtures Secretary, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting. Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless objections are received by the Fixtures Secretary, in writing, within 14 days of their issue.
(B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer, the Laws of Mini-Soccer as set down by The Football Association.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home team a 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 matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground. All teams shall provide adequate changing facilities for both teams and the Referee.
All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time (as below) is mutually arranged by the two captains in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
For Mini-Soccer The recommended duration of play shall be as follows: for under 7 and under 8 age groups, 15 minutes each way, for under 9, 15 minutes each way and under 10, 20 minutes each way. The maximum playing time in any one day for under 7 and under 8 age groups is 45 minutes and for under 9 and under 10 age groups is 60 minutes.
For Youth football The duration of play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time. For under 11 and under 12, 30 minutes each half; for under 13, 14, 35 minutes each half and under15 and under 16, 40 minutes each half; under 17 and under 18, 45 minutes each half.
The minimum time for any game will not be less than 20 minutes each half for players in the under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes each half for all other age groups.
No player under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in any season shall be permitted to play more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header, ie: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition.
The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the A.G.M. or the Management Committee. Unless otherwise specifically agreed at the A.G.M., all matches to be played on Sundays and kick off at 2:00pm, except where:
The match is Boys Under 11 or 12, which shall kickoff at 10:30am;
It is Under 7, 8, 9, 10 or girls;
Girls 11 a side games will be played on Saturdays and kick off at 10:30 am;
By mutual agreement between the two clubs;
By order of the Management Committee;
The match is a Ken Burton Cup game.
Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum not exceeding £2 at 10 minutes and 50p for each subsequent minute, the above fine to be levied should a satisfactory explanation not be received by the General Secretary, in writing, within 7 days or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.
Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.
The home team must provide a correctly marked out pitch, complete with goal posts and nets and regulation corner posts ready for the scheduled kick off time. NO GAME SHALL COMMENCE until the above are in place.
If the kick off time is delayed or the fixture is not played it will be dealt with as the Management Committee may determine using any appropriate rules that apply.
The Home team shall provide 2 Assistant Referees flags and at least two footballs fit for play; failure to do so will result in a fine of £5 for each offence. Referees must report to the General Secretary if any of the above are not provided.
Ball Sizes:-
Under 7 9s Size 3
Under 10 14 Size 4
All other age groups Size 5
All teams must provide first aid equipment at each match, as per Health and Safety Regulations. Each Team Official must have a Child Protection and Good Practice Certificate, Appointed 1st Aid Certificate and CRB Clearance and have attended a Treatment of Injuries Course and a 1st 4 Sport-coaching Course.
(C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and all relevant County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary.
(D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars.
Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine of not exceeding £20.
(E) Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition.
In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 11 players they may be fined for each missing player. A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match.
(F) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to take any, or all, of the following actions:-
a. Deduct 3 points from the defaulting team.
b. Fine the offending Club up to £50.
c. Award the points to the opposing team.
d. Order the defaulting club to pay expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except award goals.
e. Order the match to be replayed.
Not withstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a 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.
Notice of postponement of any match must be given without delay by the postponing Club. Such notice must be given at least 48 hours prior to the match in writing by the Club to the General Secretary, the Fixtures Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the Secretary of the opposing Club and the match officials. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it may deem suitable.
In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be fixed by the Fixtures Secretary.
The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the 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 match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opponents and/or take what other action they may deem necessary. In cases where a match is abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club members, the Management Committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. Such action is subject to any disciplinary action taken by the appropriate Affiliated Association.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 5 named substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5 players.
For Mini-Soccer 3 substitutes 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 the play as a substitute for another player. A Team must not have a squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.
For Youth Football for teams in the under 17 age group and below, a player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 10 minutes before the start of the match.
A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
11. (A) The relevant Registration Secretary must receive within 3 days of the date played, the result of each Competition match (including County Cup matches) 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 13, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £10 and/or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide. Failure to send in a result sheet within 7 days from notification of the first fine may result in the club being suspended and being dealt with as the Management Committee deem necessary.
(B) Both Clubs shall communicate the result of each match (including County Cup matches) to the Publicity Officer and Fixture Secretary by 8:00pm on the day of the match, or, on evening matches, immediately following the match. Failure to do so will result in the club being fined £10.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of the Club. The Management Committee shall have power to take such action as they deem suitable against a Club which submits an incomplete form or incorrect information. All cautions and dismissals must be recorded, failure to do so will result in the Club being fined £10. Clubs proved to have falsified result sheets will be fined up to £50 per player per match and/or dealt with as the Management Committee deem fit.
12. (A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with 3 points to be awarded for a win and 1 point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points.
In the event of two or more teams being equal on points for the Championship, team rankings will be decided by a play-off under conditions determined by the Management Committee.
For deciding matches, in the event of the scores in a special championship match played under conditions determined by the management committee being level at the end of the game, Ken Burton Cup rules will apply.
(B) In the event of a team not completing all of its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table and the team concerned will be fined £50.
13. (A) Registered Referees for all matches shall, where possible, be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association.
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, the Home Club must provide a suitable person to act as Referee, or may be subject to a fine of £5. A Referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by the two competing Clubs, appoint Assistant Referees, if available, to any match. Where Assistant Referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club Assistant Referee.
(D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground, the Representative of that body is the sole arbitor and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play.
(E) Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to charge standard class public transport expenses or private car expenses of 15p per mile and any other permitted expenses actually incurred together with the following match fees:-
Referee Under 11 Under 14 £15, Under 15 Under 17 £20; Registered Referees appointed by the Management Committee as Assistant Referees £10, subject to any limits laid down by the sanctioning Association(s).
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees and expenses immediately after the match. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £5.
(F) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses. Where a match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee and expenses.
(G) A Referee not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he is registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
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 County Football Association.
(J) Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
14. (A) All Clubs wishing to remain in membership of the Competition for the following Season must confirm their intention to do so, in writing, to the Secretary by 31st May.
(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the Annual General Meeting for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall forfeit any Entry Fee per team already paid under Rule 2 (B) and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(C) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at the Annual General Meeting held not later than 1st Tuesday in July the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements.
(D) In the event of a Member Club which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the Competition.
In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Members pro rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which may apply to the Clubs Parent County Association for a suspension order.
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15. (A)(i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee.
(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) 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 in duplicate with the Secretary within 3 days (excluding Sundays) of the 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/her Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.
(C) Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all parties subject to Rule 16.
(D) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum of £20. 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 enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
(E) All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received
14 days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint.
16. Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Northamptonshire Football Association, including the appropriate fee, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.
No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
17.
(A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or Team from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (⅔) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
(B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for
the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited
delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in
the Competition any Club or team of a Club whose conduct has, in their
opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds
(2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted
by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be
excluded from voting.
(C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.
(D) Any Club or Team failing to complete all of its fixtures in any season shall (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast) be debarred from membership the following season.
The Management Committee shall have the power to decide on any application to the League, whether as a new Club/Officer or an existing member Club or Team.
(E) If the Secretary and Chairman or Senior Official of a Club has been asked to attend a meeting before the Management Committee, this will constitute a verbal warning and, at the discretion of the Management Committee, the Club/Team will be deducted 1 point. If the Club insists on infringing the League Rules, the said Club will be issued a written warning. If, after these warnings, the Club still infringes the League Rules, then the Management Committee will have the power to take steps to exclude the said Club or team from membership of the League.
TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS.
18. (A) A League Cup or Trophy is the property of the said League. If a Competition be 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 Association may decide. At the close of each Competition awards shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:-
We A_________________and B______________________, the Chairman and Secretary of ________________________FC, 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 _____________________. 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.
(B) Failure to return a trophy to the General Secretary on or before 1st March will result in the Club being fined £10.
(C) The winning Team is responsible for engraving the Cup or Trophy. Failure to do so may result in the Club being fined up to £10.
(D) At the close of each competition, individual awards may be made to winners and runners-up if the funds of the League permit. 16 trophies will be provided for 11 a side Divisions, 10 trophies for 7 a side Divisions. Clubs may request additional trophies at their own cost.
19. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least 14 days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 14 days notice shall be given of any Meeting.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £20.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
20. Alterations shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19.
Any alteration made during the playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until the following season.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary by March 30th in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by May 30th and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by June 6th. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.
Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been obtained.
21. Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing Rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 16.
Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct.
22. (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 £500 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 May 31st.
The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
All Clubs must be represented at the relevant Club League Meetings.
If a Club is not represented, a fine of £20 will be imposed and the Club concerned may incur an administration charge of £5.
A copy of the Club League Meeting Minutes will be sent to each Club Secretary after each meeting.
Any Club proven of bringing the League into disrepute shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee.
This includes items appearing on Official Club websites. The Disciplinary Committee may impose any combination of a fine not exceeding £100, Club suspension and points deduction.
BRINGING LEAGUE INTO DISREPUTE
24. Any Club proven of bringing the League into disrepute shall be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee. This includes items appearing on Official Club websites. The Disciplinary Committee may impose any combination of a fine not exceeding £100, Club suspension and points deduction.
KEN BURTON KNOCK OUT CUP COMPETITION
25. (a) All
eleven (11) a side and Girls Teams must enter. There is no entry fee and the
Management Committee will fix details.
(b)
Qualifications of players as in the League. Any Team found to have played an
ineligible player shall be fined £25 as per League Rules and struck from the
Competition. No player registered or transferred to the League after 28th
February will be allowed to play in the Competition. No player may play for more
than one Team in the same season. Any Team eliminated from the Competition as a
result of playing against a Team who have played an ineligible player, will be
reinstated to the Competition, subject to:
(i) The
protest is lodged with the General Secretary of the League within three days of
the match-taking place.
(ii) The next
round of the Competition has not taken place.
(b) All Cup
matches shall kick off at 2-00 p.m. with the exception of U 11s,U12s, Girls,
Semi-Finals and Finals where the kick off times will be decided by the
Management Committee.
(c)
Substitutes as per League and match duration as per League, for the purpose of
the Competition the first named Team shall be deemed the home team. If the score
is level at the end of the game, extra time will be played. If the scores are
still level, penalties will be taken; Five per Team taken alternatively followed
by sudden death, as per FIFA Rule.
Extra Time;
U11s = 5
minutes each way will be played.
U12s = 6
minutes each way will be played.
U13s = 7
minutes each way will be played.
U14s = 8
minutes each way will be played.
U15s = 9
minutes each way will be played.
U16s = 10
minutes each way will be played.
U17s = 10
minutes each way will be played.
Girls as
above.
Postponed
matches to be arranged by the Fixtures Secretary.
(d) All
protests must be accompanied by a deposit of £20 and must be lodged with the
General Secretary within three days of the match being played.
(e) All Teams
must fulfill their obligations; failure to do so will mean expulsion from the
Competition, unless special permission is gained from the Management Committee.
(f) Referees
fees will be the same as the League. Semi-Finals where possible will be played
on neutral grounds. The League will endeavor to provide neutral Assistant
Referees to all Semi- Finals. The Competing Teams will share the cost of the
pitch, Referee and Assistant Referees. They will arrange to supply goal nets,
corner post and assistant Referees Flags.
(g) All other
Rules of this Competition-League Rules apply.
(h) No Player
will be allowed to play in the final unless they have played in at least one
other round.
(i) Mementoes
will be presented to teams competing in the finals. 16 trophies will be provided
for 11 a side Competitions and 10 for 7 a side Competitions. Clubs may request
additional trophies at their own cost.
SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL RULES
The Laws of the Football Association and the Weetabix Youth Football League apply with the following exceptions:
(a) The pitch will be 30 x 50 yards for Under 7's, Under 8s and Under 9s and 40 x 60 yards for Under 10s and under 11's.
(b) The penalty area is 9.15m (10yards) by 16.47m (18 yards.)
(c) The penalty mark is 7.32m (8 yards) from the Goal Line opposite the center of the goal.
(d) A penalty kick is awarded if any of the offences in Rule 12 are committed inside his / her own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.
(e) The ball used will be a size 3 for U8s and U9s and size 4 for U10s.
2 NUMBER OF PLAYERS
(a) Under 7 5 players per team. Maximum to be Registered 10.
(b) Under 8 6 players per team. Maximum to be Registered 12.
(c) Under 9 7 players per team. Maximum to be registered 14.
(d) Under 10 7 players per team. Maximum to be registered 14.
Clubs must register at least team plus 1 players by 7th August or be fined up to £20.
(a) Players must play with and against players from their own age range. Therefore Under 8 players must be 7 years of age as of midnight on the 31st August and at Under 10 players must be 9 years of age before August 31st.
(b) Three substitutes may be used at any time .
(c) Substitutes are permitted to leave and re enter the field of play as permitted by the timekeeper. (Rolling substitutes)
3 PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
(a) Players must wear shinguards and goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing playing strip. Shinguards must be covered entirely by the stockings.
(a) Duties and responsibilities as laid down by the Football Association Rules of the game.
(b) The home team should pay the Referee prior to the start of the game or immediately after the game.
5 DURATION OF THE GAME
The playing time for
(a) Under 7's, Under 8s is 30 minutes split into two halves.
(b) Under 9s shall be 30 minutes and Under 10s shall be 40 minutes split into two halves.
(a) Teams may include male and female players.
(b) Players registered for small side football teams cannot register for any other teams.
There will be no offside.
8 START OF PLAY
(a) A kick off is taken at the center of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored, opponents must be 4.5m (5 yards) away from the ball, and in their own half of the field. The ball must be played forward.
9 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
A dropped ball to restart the match after play has been temporarily stopped inside the penalty area takes place on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when the play stopped.
10 GOAL KICKS, THROW INS AND CORNER KICKS
(a) Goal kick: A player of the defending team kicks the ball from any point within the penalty area. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area and at least 4.5. (5 yards) from where the kick is taken until the ball is in play.
(b) Corner kicks: The opposing players must remain at least 4.5m (5 yards) from the ball until it is in play. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If he / she does a free kick is awarded against them. The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play.
(c) Throw in: A goal cannot be scored direct from a throw in. A throw in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, either on the ground or in the air.
11 FOULS AND MISCONDUCT
(a) All free kicks are direct.
(b) A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences in a manner considered to be careless, reckless or using excessive force.
Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent.
Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
Jumps at an opponent.
Charges at an opponent.
Strikes or attempt to strike an opponent.
Pushes an opponent.
Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball.
(c) A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following offences.
Holds an opponent.
Spits at an opponent.
Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his / her own penalty area)
Plays in a dangerous manner.
Impedes the progress of an opponent.
Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his / her hands.
Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player.
(d) A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper:
Takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball from his / her hands.
Touches the ball again with his / her hands after it has been released from his / her possession and has not touched any other player.
Touches the ball with his / her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him / her by a teammate.
Touches the ball with his / her hands after he /she has received it directly from a throw in taken by a teammate.
For all these offences, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence.
12 CAUTIONABLE OFFENCES
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he / she commits any of the following seven offences.
1. Is guilty of unsporting behaviour
2. Shows dissent by word or action.
3. Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game.
4. Delays the restart of play.
5. Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick.
6. Enters or re-enters the field of play without the Referees permission.
7. Deliberately leaves the field of play without the Referees permission.
13 SENDING OFF OFFENCES
A player is sent off and shown the red card if he / she commits any of the following seven offences.
1. Is guilty of serious foul play.
2. Is guilty of violent conduct.
3. Spits at an opponent or any other person.
4. Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious scoring opportunity, by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his / her own penalty area).
5. Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent towards the players goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick.
6. Use offensive or insulting or abusive language and or gestures.
7. Receives a second caution in the same match
14 TEAMS PLAYING AT CENTRAL VENUE
(a) When teams play at a central venue the team named first on the fixture list will be deemed the home team.
(b) Teams with the first kick off time must each put up a set of goals.
(c) Teams with the last kick off time must each take down a set of goals and return them to the pavilion.
(d) Teams kicking off late may be fined £2.00 for ten minutes and 50p for each subsequent minute.
(e) All teams will be invoiced for £6 per game.
15 KNOCK OUT CUP
(a) There will be no knock out Cup Competition for Under 7's, Under 8s, Under 9 and Under 10 teams.
16 REGISTRATION CARDS
(a) Registration Cards must be carried as per League Rules.
17 OTHER MATTERS NOT COVERED BY THESE RULES
The League organizing the competition may decide any matters not covered by these rules, other than the provisions stipulate in the Laws of the Game.
CHILD PROTECTION
1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
2. In these Regulations the expression "Offence" shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.
3. Upon receipt by The Association of:
3.1 notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or
3.2 notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the
Police, Social Services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or
3.3 any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe
that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children then
The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be
suspended from all or any specific football activity for such period and on
such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
4. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made The Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:
4.1 whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;
4.2 whether the matters are of a serious nature;
4.3 whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any
investigation by The Association or any other authority or body to proceed
unimpeded.
5. The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end.
6. Where an order is imposed on an individual under regulation 3 above, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of The Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.
7. Where a person is convicted, or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of The Association and The Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or any specific football activity for such a period (including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
8. For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the Board.
9. Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he is associated as soon as reasonably practicable.
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