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East Lancashire Football
Alliance
Football First – Enjoyment Foremost
Sponsors
Forbes solicitors & McDonalds (Econ restaurants)
Handbook – Season 2012 – 2013
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT - DAVID RICHARDSON
301 Kings Causeway Brierfield BB9 0EZ TEL: 01282 694972.
CHAIRMAN - JOHN McGREGOR
4 Elmwood Close Accrington BB5 6UJ TEL; 07778 876670
Email: [email protected]
VICE-CHAIRMAN - LEE HALSTEAD
Email: [email protected]
VICE –CHAIRMAN - PETER THORNTON
39 Victoria Street Ramsbottom 07595 221279 Email: [email protected]
SECRETARY - CRAIG WILKINSON 94 Garden Village Darwen BB3 2HS TEL: 07737 417803 Email: [email protected] LEAGUE WELFARE OFFICER - PETER THORNTON: REGISTRATION SECRETARY - MICHAEL KEMP
14 Worston Lane Great Harwood BB6 7TH TEL: 07545 116351
Email: [email protected]
11 a side FIXTURES’ SECRETARY - GRAHAM SNOWDEN
54 Queens Road Accrington BB5 6AW TEL: 07828 319704
Email: [email protected]
Mini Soccer + 9v9 FIXTURES SECRETARY - DAVE PILKINGTON
62 Trinity Street Oswaldtwistle BB5 3PY TEL: 07828 466813
Email: [email protected]
TREASURER - PETER HOLDEN 83 Edge End Lane Great Harwood BB6 7QD TEL: 01254 883517
Email: [email protected]
REFEREES’ APPOINTMENTS’ SECRETARTIES - ISMAIL ESAT 2 Churchill road Little Harwood BB1 5NX TEL- 07802 912700 / 07736317413 Email: [email protected] DISCIPLINE TRIBUNAL CHAIR – JOHN SPENCER Email: [email protected]
Life Members
J. Addison, R. Burns, E. Hart, K. Inkle, P.Riley, Mrs. C. Wilson, S. Wilson
CLUB REPRESENTATIVES - ELECTED MEMBERS
1. Nathan Sergeason (Mill Hill) - Tel 0787 2646707
2. Chris Whalley (Blackburn Eagles) – Tel 07914 58846
Important Dates Mon 12th
November
Club Meeting – Rishton Mid season Meeting
Monday 22nd
April
Club Meeting
- Issue League
Application forms
End of season Meeting
Sunday 21st
April
Cup Finals - 11 a side Under 12 – 11.00
Under 14 – 12.30
Under 16– 14.30
Sunday 28th
April
Cup finals – 11 a side Under 13- 11.00
Under 15 - 12.30
Under 18 - 14.30
Sunday 12th
May
Cup Finals – AFC Darwen Under 9 - 10.00
Under 10 - 11.00
Under 11 - 12.30
Under 12 ( 9v9 ) – 14.00
Monday 3rd
June
AGM – Rishton
Conservative Club
It is requested that ALL clubs are represented at the League's meetings, which are
to be held at:
Rishton Conservative Club Cliff St,Rishton
Meetings commence at 7.30pm, those unable to attend should send their apologies
via the League Secretary.
Respect is the collective responsibility of everyone in football to create a fair, safe and
enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. It is the behavioural code for
football. Respect is a continuous FA programme, not a one-off initiative. What do we want to
achieve with Respect?
1. There will be a ‘step change‘in youth football on what is acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour from parents, spectators and coaches.
2. We will work with coaches to create an enjoyable learning environment for
Children’s football
3. There will be zero tolerance for assaults on referees.
4. There will be an improvement in on-field player discipline, particularly in the area of
dissent to referees and in competitions that have an established record of poor discipline.
The Respect programme includes practical steps to improve behaviour:
Step 1: Codes of Conduct
Step 2: Manage the match day environment
Step 1 - Codes of Conduct
There are Respect Codes of Conduct for:
• Young Players
• Spectators and Parents/Carers
• Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials
• Match Officials
Each Code explains that actions can be taken if the Code is broken. Although the County FA
or The FA will deal with cases of reported misconduct, clubs and leagues also have a role to
play in dealing with poor behaviour from players, officials or spectators. This can range from
education, mentoring, official warnings, suspension or even exclusion from the club/league.
Each Respect Code of Conduct explains that action can and will be taken if the Code is
broken.
The creation of designated areas for spectators is a key element of Respect and is a
measure largely aimed at youth football where large numbers of spectators can be attracted,
some of whom may behave poorly. Designated Spectators’ Areas can be marked by the use of
cones, a roped-off area or use of a temporary spectators’ barrier. The areas literally draw
the line which spectators should not cross. Research has shown it to have a beneficial impact
on the behaviour of spectators and their impact on players and match officials.
The ideal arrangement is to mark out a Designated Spectators’ Area on the opposite side of
the pitch to club officials (manager/ coaches etc) for spectators to stand behind. This allows
the manager/coaches of both teams to stand on the other side of the pitch, meaning players
can better distinguish the advice from their team officials. The Designated Spectators’ Area
should start two metres from the touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run
the full length of the pitch. This means no-one should be watching from behind the goals.
It is recognised however that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this
set up in which case other appropriate arrangements should be made. You may prefer an
alternative form of marking Designated Spectators’ Area, but you must ensure this is safe
for both the spectators and the players. The FA strongly recommends you obtain formal
agreement from the facility/pitch provider about which method of marking is most suitable
for the pitch, before beginning any work or buying any new equipment. The safety of the
players, officials and spectators is paramount. To help implement the Designated Spectators’
Area; The FA has endorsed a Respect Barrier Kit which is available from
www.Touchlinelogos.com
The Codes identify a range of sanctions which can be applied in the event of misconduct or
poor behaviour. Whilst your County FA or The FA will deal with
reported misconduct, clubs also have a role to play in educating its membership as to what is
– and what isn’t – acceptable behaviour and taking action when the Codes are broken.
Step 2 - Managing the match day environment
Sometimes the behaviour of spectators and team officials can have a negative impact on the
game itself. Respect aims to create a playing environment which is fair, safe and enjoyable.
This can be achieved by clearly identifying to players, spectators and team officials the
behaviour that is appropriate. This is why the codes of conduct are important, explain that
this behaviour cannot be tolerated, that continued abuse will lead to problems for the club
and the players and that the incident will be fully reported to the league and County Football
Association.
And if this doesn’t work……..Bring the incident to the attention of the referee
If the Referee deems it necessary the game will be abandoned and the club will face a full
report. Remember: if you have done all that you can the League should take this into account.
Clubs should consider the use of a touchline
Manager - someone known to club members designated to help maintain a supportive playing
environment. A touchline manager could be someone in the club with relevant experience (e.g.
the club welfare officer or a police officer
or teacher). Ideally the individual should have authority and presence, and the ability to
remain calm. The role of the touchline manager is to attempt to nip any behavioural issues in
the bud, to be a point of contact during the game for the referee and to remind spectators
of their responsibility. It’s important that they act quickly and discreetly. Some clubs have
equipped touchline managers with a Respect bib which has increased their visibility and
assisted them when required to intervene. The touchline manager is to assist the smooth
running and enjoyment of the game for everyone – not just the home team. They are there to
deal with small scale incidents and to reduce and diffuse problems. It is not the role of the
touchline manager to replace the referee or the normal league sanctions. They should never
place themselves or others in danger.
The Role of a Touchline Manager
Be aware - Enjoy the game but monitor the touchline
Move towards an incident or potential incident
Observe and analyse – Is this a significant incident likely to escalate or will a quiet
reminder sort it out.
Isolate -ask the person to move away for a chat, remind them that the children are
there to have fun.
Emphasise that the club is committed to creating a environment where people are
treated with Respect and dignity.
Let them know that children may be influenced by their behaviour.
Acknowledge that they may be frustrated by the decisions a coach or referee has
made but explain that the person is doing their best (everyone makes mistakes) and
that the referee may see things differently from their field of play.
Explain that abuse directed at players or team officials on either team is
unacceptable.
Refer to the club’s Code of Conduct – the spectator may not realise that they have
behaved inappropriately.
Be calm and firm. Be conscious that both the tone of your voice and your body
language is assertive but not aggressive
Many children and young people have a fantastic experience through football - some don't.
This may be down to aggressive or pushy coaches and parents screaming and shouting from
the sidelines. Respect highlights that this behaviour is unacceptable. We need to help
coaches and parents understand the effect this behaviour can have and share positive ways
to motivate young playersThe Football Association
Wembley Stadium, Wembley,
The Rules of the East Lancashire Football Alliance
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, Times of Kick-off, Postponements,
Substitutes
11 Reporting Results
12 Determining Championship
13 Referees
14 Continuation of Membership or Withdrawal of a club
15 Protests and Appeals
16 Board of Appeal
17 Exclusion of Clubs, or Teams, Misconduct, Clubs, Officials, Players
18 Trophy: Legal Owners, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed,
Awards
19 Special General Meetings
20 Alteration to Rules
21 Rules Binding on Clubs
22 Finance
Appendices A. Cup Competitions
B. Summary of Rules varying with Age group
1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
(A) This Competition shall be designated the East Lancashire Football Alliance and shall
consist of not more than the number of clubs agreed at the AGM. Clubs 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 Lancashire County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition
Membership shall be East Lancashire and any other local area agreed by the clubs at the
AGM.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Lancashire Football Association and
the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions each not exceeding 14 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.
This Competition is a charter standard League, existing member clubs have until the end of
the 2012-2013 season to achieve the Charter Standard Club award or face expulsion from
the League. New member clubs have one year to achieve the Charter Standard club Award.
The League has the right to refuse membership to a club if it fails to demonstrate
commitment to achieving the award.
This Competition and its clubs shall support the FA’s Respect Program and as such it
recognizes that everyone in football has a collective responsibility to create a fair, safe, and
enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. A respect League values the
courtesy and fairness in which the game can take place. A Respect League values the
courtesy and fairness by opposing players, club officials and spectators. The League and its
clubs will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive but not antagonistic environment
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. 9v9 may be provided for players who have obtained the age of 9 as of midnight on
31st August.
Other formats of youth football as authorized from time to time by the FA are also
permitted in accordance with Rule 8(B).
(B) At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, a
majority of the delegates present shall have the power to decide or adjust the compilation
of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over
Rule 12.
2. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
(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 must be accompanied by an Entry Fee
equal to the Annual Subscription per team which shall be returned in the event of non-
election. – SEE APPENDIX D
At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present applications, of
which due notice has been given, may be received at the Annual General Meeting or a Special
General Meeting. The Entry Fee shall apply.
When Rule 12(B) is applied and a team seeks a transfer or is compulsorily transferred to
another division no Entry Fee shall be payable.
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be £60 per Team playing 11-a-side football, £ 40 perTeam
playing 9v9 football and £ 40 per/ Team playing Mini-Soccer payable on or before the 8th
June in each year.
(C) Each Club shall within 7 days of election pay a Deposit of £25 (twenty five) which shall
be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures
and complied with all orders of the Management Committee.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription
and Deposit have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by July 31st of its Lancashire
County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which
they shall be fined £15 (fifteen). 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. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Competition shall be by the Annual General Meeting and elected
thereat. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).
4. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
(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 at least 2
member clubs 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 May 31st 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 at least quarterly.On receiving a requisition
signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall
convene a meeting of the Committee.There will be a League Meeting as decided at the AGM
during the playing season. Any club failing to attend this monthly meeting will be fined
£10(ten). Any club missing two consecutive meetings will be fined £20 (twenty) and asked to
appear before the Management Committee. Any club missing more than 3 (three) meetings in
a season will be fined £50 (fifty) and asked to appear before the Management Committee.
The club representative must remain present throughout the whole of the meeting. Failure
to do so without the permission of the Chairman or the League Secretary the club may be
liable to a fine.
(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
5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
(A)The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider
necessary 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 with only matters within the competition
and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the Jurisdiction of the Football
Association or affiliated Association
(B) Subject to the permission of the Lancashire 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 or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall apply to the procedure
of any sub-committee).In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman
shall have a second or casting vote.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules
of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the
Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. With the exception of Rules 5(I),
6(h), 11 and 19 for any breaches of a Rule a formal written -charge must be issued. The
respondent shall be given seven days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and
given the opportunity to:-
Accept or deny the charge
Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
Put their case before the Management Committee
All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association
shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules by the appropriate Association. With the
exception of Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football pyramid and the FA Women’s Premier
League, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition rule is £250 and when
setting the fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the
offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of
appeal in accordance with Rule 16.Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified
in writing to those concerned within 14 (fourteen) days.All fines which carry a set penalty
within the League rules have to be issued by the Exec within 28 days of the offence taking
place
(F) 5 (five) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business of the Management Committee and 3 (three) 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 or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the
Management Committee.
(I)All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written
notification, any Club failing to do so will be fined a maximum of £50. Further failure to pay
the fine including the additional sum within 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn
until such time as the outstanding payments are settled.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a
meeting or match 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) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined.
No phone calls should be made to members of the Management Committee after 8.30pm. Any
team failing to adhere to this rule will be liable to a fine of £10 (ten).
(M) Leagues who organize Mini Soccer for teams playing Under 7 and under 8 football may
not with the exception of rules 6, 10(a) 11D, 14 and 19 fine clubs for breaches of league
rules.
(N) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be
transacted by electronic mail.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than June 30th in each year. At this
meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 50% of the
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 Kick off times applicable to the Competitions.
(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 verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be
forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the Lancashire
County Football Association(s).
(C) A signed copy of the duly verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be
sent to Lancashire 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. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of
any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being
concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote
only on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs
expelled in accordance with Rule 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at
least 2/3 (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 £10 (ten).
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an
Annual General Meeting.
7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following
agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the Application for
Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete."We,
A,__________________of ________________(Chairman) and B, _______________ of
______________________ (Secretary) of the ______________________________
Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the East
Lancashire Football Alliance 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 16."Any alteration of the
Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the Lancashire
County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the
Competition.The Secretary, Chairman and Team Manager must be aged 18 (eighteen) or over
8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
(A) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this
Competition. It is the responsibility of each club to ensure that any player signing a
registration form for that club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer
Certificate. Clearance is required for any player aged 12 and over crossing borders including
Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
No player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy will be
permitted to play in this competition. A Player registered with a Centre of Excellence may
only play in this Competition subject to the Regulations of the Program for Excellence. While
serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces a player must first obtain the consent
of his commanding officer before signing a registration form to play for a club
(B) A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects
eligible, has:- Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form and ID
card 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 7 (seven) days prior to playing and
whose completed registration counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing. All
clubs must have the minimum number of players registered by the due Pre Season date as
agreed at the AGM and maintain this number throughout the season. Failure to register the
minimum number of players may lead to a team being withdrawn from the competition.The
registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the player
seeking registration together with proof of the player’s date of birth. If a player’s age is
required for registration purposes the Competition must accept an original birth certificate
or a photocopy. In cases where the birth certificate is not available the competition is
required to accept a photocopy of the player’s passport or other official documentation
issued by a Government agency attesting to the player’s date of birth. No Registrations will
be processed by the League for a period of no longer than one month, prior to the start of
the season, the dates of which will be advised at the AGM. This is to enable the League to
have all registrations received pre season to be fully processed and distributed accordingly
at the Pre Season meeting. The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows:
To play in a KO Cup game or a game where points are awarded, or results published a player
must have reached the age of 8 on or before 31ST August.
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.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player in the above age ranges must not
play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
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 if the format of football is 11v11.
If the format provided is 9v9, the player must have attained the age of 9 but must be under
11 as at midnight on 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 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 15 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),(vi) and (vii).
(C) Not Applicable
(D) 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.
(E) A fee of £0 (nil) shall be paid for each player registered.
Registration forms shall be obtained from the (Registrations) Secretary on prepayment of
£0 (nil) per form.
(F) 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.
(G) 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 willfully neglected
to accurately or fully complete.
(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any
player subject to the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) below.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the
registration of any player who has been charged and found guilty of registration
irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16).
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the
registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule
16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association.
Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter
a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the
parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.
(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (iii)
but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a
probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the player
commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition,
(excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further
charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute. (Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not
be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the
appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into
disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. All
decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the
competition into disrepute can only be considered where the player has received in excess of
112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in a period of two years or less
from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.)
(I) Subject to FA Rule C2(a) dealing with players without a written contract when a player
desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form to
the (Registrations) Secretary accompanied by a fee of _________. Such transfer shall be
referred by the (Registrations) Secretary to the Club for which the player is registered.
Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the
(Registrations) Secretary and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the
transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written
objection within seven days, the (Registrations) 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 ___________days 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.
If a player has not been selected to play for his team for 3 (three) consecutive games he
may apply to the Registration Secretary for a transfer. The Registration Secretary shall
transact the transfer provided the player has met all his obligations to his current club. His
current club should state its objections in writing to the Registration Secretary and to the
player within 7 (seven) days of receipt of the transfer form. Any club whose officials,
players or parents induce, or attempt to induce, a player who is registered with a club in the
League to play for another club in this League shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and liable
to a fine of £20 (twenty). A club official who wishes to approach a player, who is registered
with a club in this League, to play for another club MUST first give 7 (seven) days written
notice to the said club and the Registration Secretary. Proof of posting may be required in
cases of dispute. Any breach of this Rule will result in a fine of £20 (twenty).
(J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the
Competition after January 31st except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which
they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management
Committee. 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 8 (B).
(L) 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.
(M) 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 3 (three)
games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) A player who has played for a team in the Red Division 4 (four) times or more shall not in
that season be eligible to play in a lower Division (similar provisions also apply for a player in
the Green Division moving to the Yellow Division) except by permission of the Management
Committee.
(O) (i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have
the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined and/or otherwise
dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team may have 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 in may, at its discretion award the points available in the
match in question to the opponents subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed
(The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary
education):-
(P) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. This is
not applicable for under 17/18 Football.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday
Competitions).
(iii) Children under 15 shall not play in a team involving players who are more than 2 years
older.
9. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
(A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by the
AGM 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 3 (three) days before the
match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the home
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 £5 (five). 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.
(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.
10. PLAYING SEASON - CONDITIONS OF PLAY- TIMES OF KICK-Off –
POSTPONEMENTS + SUBSTITUTES
(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, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later
than 14 days prior to the start of the season, must not be arranged for a date later than
seven days preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting.
( 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 and 9v9 Football the Laws
as set down by The Football Association.All team photos and current registration documents
MUST be presented to the referee and made available to the opposing manager and ANY
League Official before, during and after the match so that the player’s eligibility can be
checked. Failure to provide such before the match will result in the match not taking place
and will be awarded to the opposition. ALL failures will result in the offending club being
reported to the Management Committee and the game awarded to the opposition. 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 facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to
order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground .In Mini Soccer the League
may during a defined period of time in the season transfer scheduled League matches to a
central venue to play on a suitable artificial surface including Astro Turf and 3G. The League
have fully endorsed the use of Astro Turf and 3 G as suitable pitches to play Mini soccer
League matches on providing the facilities adhere to FA laws on pitch size, markings and
goalpost safety. All matches shall have duration as set out in APPENDIX D unless a shorter
time (not less than the minutes shown in APPENDIX D) is mutually arranged by the two
managers 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 maximum duration of play shall be
two halves of 20 minutes each way. The maximum playing time in any one day for under 7 and
under 8 age group is 40 minutes and for Under 9 and Under 10 age groups is 60 minutes.
Recommended duration of play for mini soccer is 15 minutes each way for Under 7 and Under
8 and 20 minutes each way for Under 9, and Under 10. 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. Any Club failing to commence at the
appointed time may be fined a sum not exceeding £5 (five) 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 at least two footballs fit for play
and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. The
home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a
report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable.
A size 3 ball will be used for age groups U7 to U9.
A size 4 ball will be used for age groups U10 to U14.
A size 5 ball will be used for all other age groups.
Goal nets must be used.
(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. In
the case of a revised fixture date the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear day’s
notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed). Any team playing in a County Cup
competition must, as soon as the Club receives notification of its fixture, inform its
opponents, the Referees Secretary, the relevant Fixtures Secretary and the WEB
coordinator immediately. Failure to do so may incur a fine. Teams playing in such a County Cup
competition, whether playing at home or away, MUST telephone the result as per Rule 11B.
Any team that has at least 1 (one) player representing this League in an Inter League game
MAY, if it so desires, postpone its fixture by contacting its opponents, the relevant Fixtures
Secretary and the Web coordinator at least 7 (seven) days before the game is scheduled to
be played. This cancellation will not count as one of the two cancellations allowed each
season. The League is a Sunday League but midweek evening games may be required at the
beginning and the end of the season in some sections. The Fixtures Secretary will decide the
games and the Kick-Off times. If there is a problem with the day because of school or work
commitments (or pitch congestion) then the game shall be re-arranged to another day in
THAT WEEK.
Any team wishing to change the date of a fixture or wishing to apply to keep a FREE DATE
open must give 14 (fourteen) days notice in writing to the League Secretary. A maximum of
TWO postponements per team will be allowed in a season. Any team wishing to change the
kick-off time or the venue of a fixture must obtain the consent of its opponents and the
relevant Referees Secretary before giving 7 (seven) days notice in writing to the relevant
Fixtures Secretary.
No games including re-arranged games shall take place without prior sanction of the relevant
Fixtures Secretary. Any games that so take place without prior sanction will be deemed NOT
to have taken place.
No requests for postponements of cup matches will be allowed
(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 League Secretary if there
is a permanent change to the Handbook. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be
liable to a fine of £10 (ten).
(E) In the event of a club playing in any match with less than the minimum number of players
they may be fined for each missing player. A minimum number of (See Appendix D) players
constitute a team for a Competition match
(F) (i)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 inflict a fine, deduct points
from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the opponents,
order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal
with them except the award of goals. 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.
(ii) Any club with more than one team in the competitions shall fulfill its fixture within the
competition, in the following order of preference:- First Team, Reserve Team A Team, clubs
in breach of this requirement shall be fined a sum not exceeding £25.00 or otherwise dealt
with by the Management Committee
(iii)Any club unable to fulfil a fixture must without delay give notice to the fixtures
secretary, the referee’s secretary, the opposing team, and match officials. Any club failing
to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it
may deem suitable
(iv)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 mutually agreed by the two
Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification
to the (Fixtures) Secretary the Management Committee shall have power to order the match
to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.
(v)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 is 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. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both
teams and their Club members, the Management Committee shall rule all points for the
match as void. No fine can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned
match. The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either
or both teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association or Affiliated
Association. In each case the team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the
same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 8(O)
above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 5
substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5. A player
who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace a player at any time
subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the
Game. 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 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. The Referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 5
minutes before the start of the match. The referee will request the appropriate match card
completed in every respect prior to the game. The substitute’s names must be recorded and
each substitute MUST sign the referee’s card prior to the kick-off. If a player is not
present at kick-off he may not be listed as a substitute, but may be listed on the match card
as one of the starting members – a non present starting member (NPSM). If after the game
commences a manager decides to use a substitute in place of a NPSM, then that NPSM, if he
turns up, cannot take part in the game. In a match up to and including Under 18’s, with its
“Roll On Roll Off” approach to substitutions the NPSM must take part in the game before
he/she can become a substitute ie., the manager makes a decision to play with a player (or
players) short of a full complement until the arrival of the NPSM(s). A player who has been
selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not
actually take play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game
within the meaning of Rule 8 in this competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 5 (five) minutes duration, but it shall not exceed
fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
(I) The League shall require all players and club officials to have signed the FA’s Respect
code of conducts and produce these if so requested by the League Management Committee.
Prior to each match the participating teams and officials shall conduct the respect
handshake. Each home club shall make arrangements for the provision of designated areas
for spectators. This area can be marked by the use of cones, a roped off area or use of a
temporary spectator barrier. The area for spectators should start 2 metres away from the
touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run the whole length of the pitch. It is
recognized that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this arrangement in
which case appropriate arrangements should be made. If the Referee reports that the above
is not visible a fine of £10.00 will be imposed.
(J) The format below will be the maximum format allowed for each age group for the
2013/14 season
U7 – 5v5
U8 – 7v7
U9 – 7v7
U10 – 7v7
U11 – 9v9
U12 – 11v11
U13 – U18 – up to 11v11
From the beginning of the 2014/15 season the format below will be adopted.
U7 – 5v5
U8 – 5v5
U9 – 7v7
U10 - 7v7
U11 – 9v9
U12 – 9v9
U13 – U18 – up to 11v11
11. REPORTING RESULTS
(A) The person appointed by the Management Committee must receive within 3 (three)
working days of the date played, the Match Card of each Competition match in the
prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the team players the
complete team name (including any colour etc. that differentiates two or more teams from
the same club in the same League (in block letters) and also the Referee markings required
by Rule 13, and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur
a fine of £5 (five). If the match card is still not received within 7 days this fine will be
increased to £25.00 and/or the club being dealt with by the Committee.
(B) The Home Club shall telephone, email or text (to the specific numbers highlighted in the
League Handbook) the result of each match (including postponed matches along with the
reason for postponement) to the Results Secretary by 6.00pm on the day for a Sunday game
and by 9.00pm on the night for midweek matches. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £5
(five) for the first offence, £10 (ten) for the second, £15 (fifteen) for the third and so on.
Persistent offenders will be reported to the Management Committee.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible
member of the club. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £5. The Match Card will be
checked for completeness and if there is any information missing or any illegible names the
club will be fined £5 (five). The Registration Secretary will check the Match Cards for
player eligibility.
(D) Leagues are permitted to collect result but not to publish for fixtures they organize for
Under 7 and Under 8 Mini soccer. They may require a Club to confirm a set fixture has been
played. A maximum fine of £5 may be imposed for a breach of this rule.
12. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
(A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with 3 (three) points to
be awarded for a win and 1 (one) 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 Mini Soccer points can only be
awarded for Under 9 Competitions. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points
team rankings will be determined by deciding matches played under conditions determined by
the Management Committee except at Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 competitions where
joint awards will be issued for teams finishing on the same number of points. Differences in
the scores of teams shall be published showing only a maximum of 9 goals difference
(B) Not Applicable
(C) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season all points
obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the
Competition table.
(D) Not Applicable
13. REFEREES
(A) Registered Referees (and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA)
for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and
by the sanctioning Association(s). The home team manager must contact the appointed
referee to confirm all match details including kick off time. If an appointed referee is not
informed of any changes to the published fixture, then the home team may be liable to pay
the relevant match fee and any associated expenses.
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee or in cases where there are
no officially appointed Assistant Referees, or where the competition has been unable to
appoint a Referee, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall,
for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
(C) Where Assistant Referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club Assistant
Referee. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £5 (five) being imposed on the defaulting
Club.
(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 arbiter and
whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play.
(E) ) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association Match
Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee of .............and travel expenses
of….per mile/or inclusive of travel expenses. Any team failing to pay the appointed referee
at the due time will remain responsible for its payment and will be liable for a fine imposed
by the Management Committee. The League will pay the referee in the interim period.
(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. Where a match
is not played owing to one Club being in default, then that Club shall be ordered to pay the
Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee.
(G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory
explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or
she is registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association,
award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks
awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs
failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management
Committee shall determine. Where a mark of 60 (sixty) or less is given to a referee a
written explanation must be supplied to the League Secretary within 7 (seven) days of the
match.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the
prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County
Football Association.
(J) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of
the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the Referees
Secretary within two days of the match.
(K) Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of
charge.
(L) Referees shall have undertaken a Respect briefing offered by the County FA or the
League.
14. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
(A) After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional
intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and
fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by
31st March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding £10 (ten).
(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after
the Formation of the League (normally at the AGM) for the following Season. Any Club
infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £25 (twenty five) per team and
shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(C) The membership for the current season having been decided at the AGM the competition
shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions within 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 Member’s pro
rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the
Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order.
15. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS
(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 7
(seven) 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 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 £10 (ten). 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 7 (seven)
days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission.
(i) All parties must have received seven days notice of the hearing should they be instructed
to attend
(ii) Should a club elect to state its case in person they should forward a deposit of £10 and
indicate such when forwarding a written response
(F) 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. BOARD OF APPEAL
Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management
Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may
appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the
Lancashire Football Association, including a fee that is agreed annually by the LFA, for
adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA
Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by
whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final
and binding on all parties concerned. No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an
Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
17. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS.OR TEAMS MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS,
PLAYERS
(A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose 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 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 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.
18. TROPHY: - LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER, AGREEMENT
TO BE SIGNED.
(A) 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. .
(B) 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
February 28th fully engraved. 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 as determined by the Management
Committee
(C) At the close of each Competition awards shall be made to the winners and runners-up if
the funds of the Competition permit
19. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
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 7 (seven) days notice shall be given of either meeting under
this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each
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 7 (seven) 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 £10 (ten). Officers
and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special
General Meetings. All amendment of Rules can only be implemented once approved by the
appropriate sanctioning authority.
20. ALTERATION TO RULES
Alterations for which consent has been given by the sanctioning association shall be made to
these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially
convened for 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 April 1st in each year. The proposals,
together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs
by May 1st and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by June 1st.
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 2/3 (two
thirds) 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 7 (seven) days prior to
the date of the meeting. Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not
become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been
obtained.
21. FINANCE
(A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial
institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £500 (five hundred) 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.
(D) 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.
INSURANCE
22. All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds
(£10,000,000).
Appendix A Cup Competitions – Specific Rules
The Management Committee will suggest the format of the League’s Cup competitions and
will agree such with the clubs prior to playing including the payment of pitch fees and
referee’s fees. - as League Rules apart from the following amendments.
All teams are required to take part in the League’s cup competitions.
Rule 8. Qualification of Players
(B). A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in a cup match unless he has been eligible
to play for that team 7 days previous to the cup match.
No player shall be eligible to play for more than one team in any cup competition
Rule 10. Conditions of Play - Knock Out competitions
(F) The first paragraph in the League Rules to be replaced by :
The tie will be played at the venue of the team drawn out first. In the event of a club failing
to keep its engagement the Management Committee will have the power to inflict a fine,
award the tie to the opposing club and order the defaulting club to pay any expenses
incurred by the opposing club.
Extra time will be played in ALL drawn ties and ALL ties will be completed on the appointed
day. If the tie is still a draw after extra time the match will be decided by penalties.
Guide to Scoring Referees
The mark awarded by a club must be based on the referees overall performance. It is
important that the mark is awarded fairly and not based upon isolated incidents or previous
games. The Referees performance should be determined by the table below
Mark Range Comment
86 – 100 The Referee demonstrated very accurate decision
making and controlled the game very well using
management and communication skills effectively to add
value to the game
76-85 The Referee demonstrated accurate decision making
and controlled the game well using management and
communication skills to contribute positively to the game
61 -75 The referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision
making and despite some some shortcomings generally
controlled the game well
60 and below The Referee demonstrated shortcomings in the
accuracy of decision making and control which affected
the game
Clubs should use the full range of marks to help distinguish between different
performance levels e.g. in the 2nd Category a score of 84 reflects a better
performance than a score of 77
When scoring a referee look at the game as a whole not at an isolated decision. The
result of the match should not influence the mark.
When a mark of 60 or lower is awarded an explanation must be provided to the League
Secretary. The purpose of this is to assist the League to improve the Referees
performance levels, so the comments should be as helpful as possible.
How to decide on the Referees Mark
The following questions focus on the key areas of a Referees performance and would be
worth considering before marking the Referee.
CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING
How well did the Referee control the game
Were the laws applied correctly
Were all incidents dealt with efficiently / correctly
Was the referee always within reasonable distance of incidents
Was the referee correctly positioned to make key decisions especially in and around
the penalty area
Were the referees decisions clear to all
Did the referee demonstrate alertness and concentration throughout the game
Did the referee apply the use of advantage to suit the mood of the game
Did the referee understand players positional intentions and keep out of the way
accordingly
Did the referee check player ID cards effectively
COMMUNICATION AND PLAYER MANAGEMENT
How well did the Referee communicate with the players during the game
Did the referee understand the player’s problems on the day – difficult ground/
weather conditions?
Did the referee respond to the changing pattern of the game?
Was the referee pro-active in controlling the game?
Was the referees authority assertive firmly without being officious
Was the referee confident and quick thinking?
Did the referee permit undue questioning of decisions?
Did the pace of the game , the crowd, or the players affect the referee negatively
FINAL THOUGHTS
Always try to be objective when marking; you may not obtain the most objective view by
marking immediately after the match pitch side.
Judge the performance over the whole game; don’t be influenced by one particular incident,
Don’t mark the referee down unfairly because your team was unlucky and lost the game or
some disciplinary action was taken against your players.
If the referee needs further mentoring by an experienced League referee please score
accordingly as above and write to the League Secretary detailing any points which need to be
addressed.
Referee name HOME MOBILE
Ainscough Keiran 1254877662 7964669369
Alderman Lucy 1282866622 7837609836
Alli Mohammed 1254681224 7742047560
Allingham Richard 1614289576 7782377290
Anderson Jack 1254697013 7759652030
Asghar Rohail 1254383564 7575444780
Asghar Sohail 1254383564 7599571493
Avison Dominic 1254887942 7837116977
Bahadur Rehan 1254662077 7803558375
Bailey Mark 7920592821
Bamber Zac 1254469140 7955336634
Battle Jason 1254238007 7968137681
Battle Elliot 1254238007 7881565559
Bhaiyat Munif EX Dir 7808033856
Blackledge Joseph 1254611571 7756310857
Booth Mohd Ashraf 1254722947 7765811518
Bray Simon 1254231735 7900243794
Brennan Kristian 1254264469 7837997570
Brennan Peter 1254667383 7960868459
Brierley Ben 1254383376 7533665985
Briggs Thomas 7821434423 7864684359
Brignall George 1254722024 7518372986
Brown Adam 7930828440
Buckley Michael 1254249937 7791708568
Buckley James 1254249937 7967039001
Bulcock Matthew 1772620761 7805850012
Burgess Sam 1254698993 7877400873
Burnett Stuart 1282866607 7810191203
Burnett Daniel 1282866607 7909601000
Buxton Craig EX Dir 7867526852
Byker Kaine 1282690571 7792887875
Carruthers Jake 1706211958 7592109958
Chauhan Huzaifa 1254606835 7858638396
Clucas John EX Dir 7977473444
Clugston Edward 1254382272 7549163209
Cooper Ryan 1254702918 7530144500
Coster Niall 1254722207 7767746054
Cunningham Dylan 1254387899 7538701024
Curran David 1254883589 7772293417
Dakin Jonathan 1254670683 7789178175
Danson John 1254708057 7947189906
Danson Elliott 1254708057 7540130713
Danson Ross 1254708057 7949084320
Darbar Anis 1254661983 7526767047
Dawson Conor 1254704837 7801266040
Dearden Carl 1254725627 7514420949
Devine Luke 1254690385 7725419617
Dewhurst Andy 1254690653 7944049674
John Driver
Duckworth Peter 1254249989 7590467479
Eccles Marcus 1254207214 7858721472
Esat Ismail 7802912700 7736317413
Esat Khalid EX Dir 7448144324
Esat Shoayb EX Dir 7708954340
Evans Paul 1282771282 7976776225
Farnworth Samuel 1254209873 7580520835
Fletcher Matt 1254386930 7908609851
France Matthew 1254771067 7984781616
Frankland Mick 1253822668 7770443521
Frayne Rhys 1254698565 7545612579
Fulat Shakeel 1254695901 7592221939
Gibson Gianluca 1254697419 7824705421
Greenwood Nick 1706211666 7816171568
Grime Alan 1254234741 none given
Hargreaves Billy 1254876232 7740061034
Harris Andy 1254683491 7753968284
Haworth Thomas 1254395767 7883874775
Haworth Stephen 1706223984 7947724763
Hindle Alistair 1254851376 7590377203
Hodgkinson Bethany 1254661437 7733480517
Hogg Daniel 1254390014 7411298524
Holden Daniel 1254232549 7956408315
Holmes Alex 1282424527 7760231982
Hoole Michael 1254207333 7917695447
Hudson Lee 1254723980 7401127581
Hurst James 1254761165 7516184447
Hussain Ethzam 1254675795 7708210013
Hussain Shabar 1254875942 7547601517
Hyde Oliver 1254727899 7758597571
Iqbal Shahid 1254671372 7912075445
Irving Elliot EX Dir 7527889088
Jardine Lewis 1254678234 7805225705
Jasat Suhail 1254668835 7432655989
Jogee Ebrahim EX Dir 7513070500
Jogee Ahmed EX Dir 7736870485
Jogee Salim EX Dir 7768296285
Jogee Bilal EX Dir 7936034497
Jones Nathan 1254682383 7411594194
Kaduji Rizwan 1254727970 7743109176
Karolia Inamul 1254727157 7860460736
Karolia Mohammed 1254601567 7706366189
Kelly Sean 1254238088 7809609843
Kiss Dylan 1254825974 7587040425
Kitchen John 1706229552 7790178534
Knightley Tom 1282426994 7748523122
Lawrenson Erik 1254661644 7870374640
Lee Stephen 1254387805 7813208192
Leeson John EX Dir 7540814828
Lennon Don EX Dir 7872650237
Lewis Matthew EX Dir 7710834885
Lilley John 1254209686 7955013463
Lomax Joshua 125451798 7713881417
Lord Benjamin 1254381841 7946707823
Lucas Simeon EX Dir 7742916967
Manton Joshua 1282458125 7542757795
Mashiter James 1254249752 7833456218
Mason David
Matadar Muhammed EX Dir 7973109208
McCluskie Daniel 1706601506 7772702553
Mcgrath Chris 1254390253 7784509285
McGurty Richard 1254813407 7891702026
McKelvie Sam 125452518 7825130669
McPartlan Callum 1254207593 7523959654
Monk Ryan 1200423191 7583153457
Montague Anthony EX Dir 7957490124
Moore Mark 1254703390 7765668045
Mulla Shoyab EX Dir 7711736866
Nightingale George 1254883417 7974122952
Oldale Liam 1254671504 7713235414
Oswald Ian 1282690922 7784981254
Oxley Charlie 1254209423 7568069824
Parker Lauren 1200426783 7843853721
Patel Aadil Bopa 1254582053 7519819572
Patel Mo.Yahyah 1254663334 7927838513
Patel Suhail 1254679182 7936034565
Patel Kassim 1254679182 7871231390
Patel Nabil 7713632291 7411431144
Philipson Matthew 1254777433 7595449273
Pickering Ross 1282438534 7907746565
Pilkington David Ex Dir 7828466813
Poole Billy 1706215097 7535665750
Qadri Faisal 1254721805 7751869854
Rasul Mohammed 1254582365 7400141777
Rasul Safwan 1254582365 7954309205
Richardson Peter 1254245379 7805849298
Robinson Greg 1706225434 7816379621
Robson Joshua 1254234925 7941851577
Ryan Sanderson 1254386469 7854497393
Saeed Bilal 1254682820 7892657847
Saeed Sufyan 1254682820 7715213756
Shakoor Hamzah 1254823112 7857481172
Sidat Adam 1254261456 7944860127
Sidat Ismail 1254261456 7784406511
Sidat Suhail 1254722893 7749129198
Skinner Roger 1282436246 7780527552
Smith Robert 1254247592 7757932546
Smith Jake 1254877530 7960816956
Smith William 1254201026 7868011647
Southward Lewis 1254386129 7790171135
Spencer John 1254301544 7821172208
Spouse Robert 1254240099 7890393349
Ground Details
ACCRINGTON CRICKET CLUB – Thorneyholme Rd off Queens Rd
ACCRINGTON ACADEMY - Queens Rd west, Accrington
BAE, SALMESBURY: - Off Preston New Road, Salmesbury.
BASNETT STREET - off Eastern Avenue,Burnley
BELLHOLME – Off Rochdale Rd Todmorden
BLACKSNAPE - Roman Road, Darwen.
BOLTON AVENUE: - Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, Accrington.
BRANCH ROAD - Branch Road, Lower Darwen.
BULLHOLME - Wilton Street, Barrowford.
BULLOUGH PARK - Willows Lane, Accrington
BURNLEY CRICKET CLUB - Belvedere Road,Burnley
CENTRE VALE PARK - Off Burnley Rd Todmorden
Spouse David 1254240099 7837606885
Sykes Philip 1282722551 7801823494
Sykes James 1282722551 7713252316
Taylor Allan Ex Dir 7928143123
Toner Ben Ex Dir 7708366062
Tonge Christian 1706212456 7581723422
Trower Chirs 125453343 7715479891
Walker Joshua 1706213788 7792871679
Watson Thomas 1282620419 7791769819
Whitehead Hadley 1254667843 7725972744
Wilcock John 1254721974 7981824802
Willets Edward 1254695281 7941411259
Woodhouse David 1254265339 7989515695
Yates Neil 1254877530 7500144743
Yates Sam 1254877530 7908191511
Yusuf Mohammed Z 1254610706 7730432427
EDISFORD SCHOOL - Edisford Road, Clitheroe.
EVERTON - Off Roman Road Blackburn
FENISCOWLES & PLEASINGTON WAR MEMORIAL GROUND - Livesey
Branch Rd, Blackburn.
FENNYFOLD - Off St Johns Rd Padiham
FISHMOOR – Off Roman Rd Blackburn
FOXHILL BANK: - Harvey Street, Oswaldtwistle.
GLEN, THE - via Rakehead Lane and Royds Road, Waterfoot.
Due to parking constraints, please keep the number of cars to a minimum.
GREEN LANE - Off Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn
HASLINGDEN SPORTS CENTRE - Helmshore Road, Haslingden.
HEYS PLAYING FIELDS - Heron Way,off Fielding Lane,Oswaldtwistle
HOLY CROSS RC HIGH SCHOOL - Off Yarrow Bridge Rd Chorley
HIGHMOOR – Pendle Rd Clitheroe
HOLDEN ROAD - Belvedere FC Readley, Burnley.
KING GEORGES PLAYING FIELDS - Hollins Lane, Accrington
LOCKYER AVENUE - off Padiham Road,Burnley
LYNDON HOUSE PLAYING FIELDS - Harwood Lane, Gt. Harwood.
MADEN REC – Off Market St Bacup
MARL PITTS: - Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall.
MARSDEN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Hibson rd, Nelson
MEMORIAL PARK - Church Lane Great Harwood
MOUNT LANE – Off park rd Cliviger Burnley
NELSON CRICKET CLUB - off Barrowford Road,Nelson
NORTHCOTE - Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn
OAKHILL COLLEGE- Wiswell Lane, Whalley
OLD BLACKS - Old Blackburnians, Lammack Road, Blackburn
OUR LADY of perpetual Succour – Holmbrook Close off Fishmoor Drive
Blackburn
PADIHAM F.C - the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, Well St, Padiham.
PENDLE VALE COLLEGE - Walton Lane,Nelson
PLEASINGTON - Pleasington Playing Fields, Preston Old Road, Blackburn
PLECKGATE - Pleckgate Road, Blackburn
PRAIRIE Playing Fields – off Colne Rd Burnley
PRIME TIME - Stourton Street, Rishton.
QE II - Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields, Station Roard, Whalley
QUEEN STREET - off Briercliffe Road,Harle Syke,Burnley
RIBBLESDALE SCHOOL - Peel Park Avenue,off Littlemoor Road,Clitheroe
ROEFIELD - Edisford Road, Clitheroe.
ST CHARLES SCHOOL - Off station Rd Rishton
ST. MARYS - St. Marys College, Shear Brow, Blackburn
ST PETERS – Off Helmshore rd Haslingden
SANDY LANE - Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen
SWINDON P.F - Cravendale Avenue, Off Reedyford Road, Nelson.
THE RYDINGS - Longsight Road, Langho.
THOMAS WHITHAM COLLEGE - Barden Lane,off Colne Road,Burnley .
TOWNELEY – Todmorden rd Burnley
WHINNEY LANE - Whinney Lane, Mellor.
WILSONS - Off Whalley Road, Clayton Le Moors
WITTON PARK: - Preston Old Road, Blackburn.