SURREY ELITE INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE
OFFICERS – SEASON 2016/2017
President:
BRYAN COLE
Vice Presidents:
ALAN CONSTABLE, TONY FORD, DAVID LEWIS, BARRY MORSE,
ANDY PALMER
Chairman:
HOWARD TAYLOR
Secretary/Treasurer:
GORDON WORSFOLD
Fixture Secretary:
GEOFF ELLIS
Registration/Minute Secretary:
JOHN YOUNG
Referees Secretary:
RICHARD BRUM
Results Secretary:
ROGER HALL
League Development Officer:
RANGEL NOBREGA
1.
CLUB & GROUND GRADING COMMITTEE:
ALAN CONSTABLE
GEOFF ELLIS
DAVID LEWIS
JOHN YOUNG
Plus others as required
SURREY COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LTD
LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE:
BILL COMBEN
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: League Officers
plus Club Representatives:
BILL COMBEN (REIGATE PRIORY FC),
GRAHAM HOLDER (WESTSIDE FC)
HON AUDITOR
TBA
MEETINGS
(all Wednesday’s unless otherwise stated)
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
Will be held in the Board Room at Abbey Rangers FC, Addlestone Moor, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2QH (All commencing at 7.30 pm)
2016 5th October, 2nd November, 7th December
2017 4th January, 1st February, 1st March, 5thApril, 3rd May
FULL COUNCIL:
Will be held in the Main Hall Abbey Rangers FC, Addlestone Moor, Addlestone,
Surrey KT15 2QH (All commencing at 7.30 pm)
2016 3rd August
2017 17th May (E.O.G.M.), 14th June (A.G.M.)
CONSTITUTION 2016/2017
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION (16) RESERVE DIVISION (14)
AFC Cubo Abbey Rangers Reserves
AFC Spelthorne Sports Ash United Reserves
Battersea Ironsides Battersea Ironsides Reserves
Godalming & Farncombe Athletic Farleigh Rovers Reserves
Horsley Frimley Green Reserves
Laleham Horsley Reserves
Merrow Merrow Reserves
NPL Reigate Priory Reserves
Project Clapham Ripley Village Reserves
Reigate Priory Sheerwater Reserves
Ripley Village Sutton Common Rovers Reserves
Tooting Bec Tooting Bec Reserves
Virginia Water Virginia Water Reserves
Warlingham Worcester Park Reserves
Westside
Yateley United
HONOURS 2008-2016
INTERMEDIATE CHALLENGE CUP
Winners Runners-Up
2015-16 HORSLEY Battersea Ironsides
2014-15 HORSLEY Ripley Village
2013-14 ABBEY RANGERS NPL
2012-13 OLD FARNBORONIANS Coulsdon Town
2011-12 COULSDON TOWN Horsley
2010-11 SPELTHORNE SPORTS Ripley Village
2009-10 WANDGAS SPORTS Bletchingley
2008-09 EVERSLEY Epsom Eagles
RESERVE CHALLENGE CUP
Winners Runners–Up
2015-16 ABBEY RANGERS Reserves Virginia Water Reserves
2014-15 FARLEIGH ROVERS Reserves Worcester Park Reserves
2013-14 VIRGINIA WATER Reserves Horsley Reserves
2012-13 ABBEY RANGERS Reserves Ripley Village Reserves
2011-12 EPSOM ATHLETIC Reserves Coulsdon Town Reserves
2010-11 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES Reserves Burpham Reserves
2009-10 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES Reserves Epsom Eagles Reserves
2008-09 EVERSLEY Reserves Liphook United Reserves
RESERVE SUBSIDIARY COMPETITIONS
Winners Runners–Up
2014-15 TOOTING BEC Reserves Abbey Rangers Reserves
(Spring League)
2013-14 No Competition
2012-13 No Competition
2011-12 COULSDON TOWN Reserves Crescent Rovers Reserves
(Autumn Cup)
2009-11 No Competition
2008-09 EVERSLEY Reserves Croydon Greenside Reserves
3.
HONOURS – Continued
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
Winners Runners-up
2015-16 HORSLEY Balham
2014-15 HORSLEY Battersea Ironsides
2013-14 NPL Battersea Ironsides
2012-13 YATELEY GREEN Old Farnboronians
2011-12 EPSOM ATHLETIC Horsley
2010-11 SPELTHORNE SPORTS Epsom Athletic
2009-10 EPSOM EAGLES Battersea Ironsides
2008-09 EVERSLEY Liphook United
RESERVE DIVISION
Winners Runners–up
2015-16 SHEERWATER Reserves Virginia Water Reserves
2014-15 FARLEIGH ROVERS Reserves Battersea Ironsides Reserves
2013-14 EPSOM & EWELL Reserves Farleigh Rovers Reserves
2012-13 ABBEY RANGERS Reserves Battersea Ironsides Reserves
2011-12 HORSLEY Reserves Ripley Village Reserves
2010-11 HERSHAM ELM GROVE Reserves Coulsdon Town Reserves
2009-10 SPELTHORNE SPORTS Reserves Elm Grove Reserves
2008-09 ELM GROVE Reserves Battersea Ironsides Reserves
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Intermediate Division (Winners & Runners–up from 2012-13)
Winners Runners-up
2015-16 TOOTING BEC Project Clapham
2014-15 BALHAM NPL
2013-14 OLD FARNBORONIANS AFC Cubo
2012-13 ABBEY RANGERS Old Farnboronians
2011-12 HORSLEY
2010-11 HORSLEY
Reserve Division (Winners & Runners–up from 2012-13)
Winners Runners-up
2015-16 REIGATE PRIORY Reserves Tooting Bec Reserves
2014-15 REIGATE PRIORY Reserves Tooting Bec Reserves
2013-14 EPSOM & EWELL Reserves Tooting Bec Reserves
2012-13 COULSDON TOWN Reserves Oxted & District Reserves
2011-12 CRESCENT ROVERS Reserves
2010-11 REIGATE PRIORY Reserves
REFEREES AWARD WINNERS
2015-16 R. IRESON 2014-15 I. BRYANT
2013-14 T. DOWDESWELL 2012-13 A. GOODWIN
COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMPETITIONS:
SURREY – SATURDAY INTERMEDIATE CUP
2015-16 Winners: HORSLEY Runners-up: Project Clapham
2014-15 Winners: HORSLEY Runners-up: Abbey Rangers
2013-14 Runners-up: Horsley
2012-13 Runners-up: Horsley
2009-10 Runners–up: Epsom Eagles
2008-09 Winners: BATTERSEA IRONSIDES
MIDDLESEX – SATURDAY JUNIOR CUP
2014-15 Runners-up: AFC Spelthorne Sports Reserves
2013-14 Runners-up: NPL
LONDON SENIOR TROPHY
2015-16 Runners-up: Tooting Bec
OTHER COMPETITIONS:
SLOUGH TOWN CUP – INTERMEDIATE SECTION
2008-09 Winners: WRAYSBURY
SURREY ELITE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
League Rules
DEFINITIONS
- (A) In these Rules:
“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an
affiliated Association under the Rules of The FA.
“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.
“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.
“Club” means a Club for the time being in membership of the Competition and “Team” means a side from a Club especially where a Club provides more than one Team in a division in accordance with the Rules.
“Competition” means the Surrey Elite Intermediate Football League.
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.
“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.
“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules.
“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules.
“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s team(s) plays its Competition Matches.
“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.
“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.
“Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.
“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.
“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other Player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.
“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
“Sanctioning Authority” means the Surrey County Football Association Ltd. “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C 3 (a) (i) of the Rules of The FA.
“SGM” shall mean a special general meeting held in accordance with the rules of the Competition.
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“Team Sheet” means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Competition match are listed.
“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.
“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
(B) All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 16.
(C) The Competition will be known as “SURREY ELITE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
LEAGUE“ (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs
participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.
(D) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.
NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
- (A) This Competition shall consist of not more than 32 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
(B) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D”
to the Surrey County Football Association Ltd, and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Surrey County Football Association Ltd.
The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be the County of Surrey, and/or Counties/areas adjacent thereto.
(C) Only one team shall be permitted from any Club to participate in the same division as another team from the same Club unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries. The Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority in the event of a division comprising of more than one team from the same Club. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than via transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.
(D) Inclusivity & Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination.
(ii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.
(E) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of the FA which are adopted by the Competition including but not limited to Charter Standard and respect programmes.
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(F) 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.
(G) Not adopted
ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
- (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the
Secretary and must be accompanied by a Ground Inspection Fee of £50.00 per Club which shall be returned in the event of an inspection not being carried out or considered unnecessary, an Entry Fee of £30.00 per first team which shall also be returned in the event of non election. A Reserve Team Division will also operate subject to viability, for which the entry fee will be £15.00 per team, this shall also be returnable in the event of non election, or should the operation of the Division in any season be considered as unviable. Entry of a team into the Reserve Division is NOT mandatory all fees as set out in the Fees Tariff.
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 AGM or a SGM. The Entry Fee(s) and the Ground Inspection Fee shall apply.
Paragraph 3 – Not adopted
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be £145.00 per Club (for two teams) payable
on application for new applicants and on or before the Annual General Meeting each year for existing members. For Clubs with only a First team the fee shall be £80.00. (These sums will include League & League Challenge Cup Fees and the first 25 player registrations per team.)
(C) In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 30th June its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined the sum of £25.00. 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.
MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
- (A) The Management Committee shall comprise of the Officers of the
Competition and up to 4 representatives from member Clubs who shall all be elected at the AGM.
The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Life Vice Presidents,
Vice Presidents, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary,
Registration Secretary, Fixture Secretary, Referees Secretary, Results
Secretary & Minute Secretary, together with holders of such other posts as
approved by the Management Committee from time to time.
(B) All candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management
Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing signed by the Secretaries of 2 member Clubs, not later than 1st May each year. Names of candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the
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event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting.
Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination.
(C) The Management Committee shall meet during the season as and when required with no more than three calendar months between each meeting.
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.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
- (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate
such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or Affiliated Association.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season.
(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club they represent 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 these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.
With the exception of Rules 5(I), 6(H) 10(A), 11 and 19, for all breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given seven days from the date of notification of the charge to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to:
(i) Accept or deny the charge
(ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
(iii) Put their case before the Management Committee.
All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate Association.
All fines levied shall be in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
The maximum fine permitted for any breach of Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
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(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 10 days.
(F) More than 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.
(H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. A Club failing to comply etc, shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(I) All fines and charges are payable forthwith and must be paid within 21 days of the date of notification of the decision, to the Treasurer. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. (This may be the doubling of the amount or an additional fine to a maximum of £50). Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine sum within 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid. (Fixtures will continue to be allocated and resulting unplayed fixtures will be awarded, as the Management Committee may decide in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10(F)(i)).
(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 AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
(M) A Club failing to be represented at a General Meeting may be fined £30.00 and failing to be represented at three consecutive meetings without satisfactory reasons shall be further dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.
Not less than seven days notice shall be given of any meeting.
(N) The League shall enter a representative team in any appropriate competition should it so decide.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
- (A) The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted, provided that at least 10
Members are present and entitled to vote:
(i) To receive, confirm and consider any business arising from the Minutes of the preceding AGM.
(ii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.
(iii) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee).
(iv) Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing season.
(v) Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vi) Appointment of Auditors.
(vii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given).
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(viii) Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of playing season.
(ix) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.
(B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed change of Rules.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority, within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.
(D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 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.
Clubs applying for entry to the Competition shall be fully represented but such delegates shall not have power to vote until elected into the Competition.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Club.
(H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM or any SGM. Any new Club must be represented at the AGM. Any Club failing to be represented at either the AGM or a SGM without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £40.00.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM.
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
- The Chairman, the Secretary of each Club which is an unincorporated Association or two directors of each Club which is an incorporated entity shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete:
“We, A, (name) of (address) __(Chairman/Director) and B, (name) ___of (address) (Secretary/Director) of
and E.F. of (Member
and G.H. of (Member) of the
________________Football Club, have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Surrey Elite Intermediate Football League 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 County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of this Competition. In addition two members should also sign as shown below, the Signatures on this form are also acceptable on Result sheets and Registration Forms.
23.
QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
- (A) (i) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not
permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System.
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player signing a registration form for that Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
(ii) Each Club must have at least 11 players registered for each of their teams competing in the Competition a minimum of SEVEN days before the start of each Playing Season. Failure to comply will be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible has:
(i) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition Registration form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registration Secretary at least 24 hours prior to playing and whose registration has been confirmed by the Competition prior to that player playing in a Competition match.
A correctly completed Competition Registration form may also be sent via email to the Registration Secretary at least 24 hours prior to playing. In this case the Club must retain the original Registration form for the remainder of the current season.
(ii) In the Reserve Division only, in League games only, in case of emergency not more than TWO players per team may be registered by a properly signed registration form being completed (in ink) before the game and signed by the Officer of the opposing club, or the Referee. The emergency form(s) must be included with the result sheet submitted to the Registration Secretary (See Rule 11(A)). An emergency signed registration form will not be accepted unless the player actually plays for the Club on the day the form is signed. A player having played under the conditions of this clause shall not play again until the Club have received confirmation of the registration.
(C) Once a player has played six matches for a First team he automatically becomes qualified for that team, if he then plays 6 consecutive matches for the Reserve team, or misses 6 consecutive matches for the First team he becomes reinstated as a qualified Reserve team player. Not more than 4 qualified First team players may play in any Reserve team league game.
(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 this 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. in the event that a Player could be required to pay a proportion of a debt due under the FA Football Debt Recovery System then, whether or not the debt has been referred to the relevant County FA, the Competition must not affect the players registration in any way or refuse to register a transfer due to that debt being outstanding. The Competition cannot refuse to register a Player for an unpaid non–footballing debt.
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(E) Registration Forms shall be obtained from the Registrations Secretary. All player registrations in excess of the first 25 per team, will be charged at £0.50 per player as set out in the Fees Tariff, to be invoiced to Clubs after the closure of registrations for the season.
(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 a breach of Rule 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 has wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have 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 or may fine any player, at their discretion 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) 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.)
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(I) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C(2) when a Club wishes to register a Player who is already registered with another Club it shall submit a transfer form to the Competition accompanied by a fee of £5.00 as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the Club for which the player is registered .Should the Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the Player concerned within three days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within three days, the Registration Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.
(J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st March except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) 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.
In the event of a player without a written contract changing his status to that of a contract player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a Club in another Competition his registration as a player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 8(A)(i).
(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 4 games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) In the Reserve Division, a player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any championship or special championship deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A)) unless the player has played 5 games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(O) (i) Any Club found to have played an unregistered or otherwise ineligible
Player or Players shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a total of 12 points, and shall have levied upon it a fine not exceeding £40.00 per player in the Intermediate Division or exceeding £25.00 in the Reserve Division. The Management Committee may also order such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee, which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.
The Management Committee may vary this decision in respect of the points gained only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Players status.
In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.
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(ii) Any Club proved to have played an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player(s) under the name of a registered player(s), (i.e. by signature or identification) shall be fined a sum of £50.00 per player in the Intermediate Division or a sum not exceeding £30.00 in the Reserve Division.
(P) (i) Not adopted (ii) Not adopted
(iii) To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.
(Q) Players shall make themselves available to the League for inclusion in any representative team, if required.
CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
- (A) (i) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts, shorts and socks with the Secretary who shall decide as to their suitability. Team
numbers must be worn by all teams, any team failing to comply will be fined the sum of £10.00 per player in the Intermediate Division or a sum of £5.00 per player in the Reserve Division not wearing a number.
(ii) Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the match officials.
(iii) No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts failure to comply will incur a fine of £10.00
in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division.
(iv) Any team not playing 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. All teams must have a complete change of kit available. Any Club failing to conform with this requirement will be fined the sum of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division. Any member of a team not playing in Club colours shall be reported by the referee and the Club concerned shall be fined the sum of £10.00 per player.
(v) 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 the sum of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division, in addition to the appropriate fine for the late kick off (see Rule 10(B)).
(vi) 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 the use of any shirts or shorts as they think fit.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing season must obtain permission from the Management Committee
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PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY
TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
- (A) (i) The AGM shall determine the commencing and concluding dates
for the season.
(ii) All Clubs must have a team or teams available to start their fixtures on the date in August set by the Management Committee each year, irrespective of whether their home ground is available on that date. Clubs failing in this respect will be dealt with under Rule 10(F).
Clubs whose grounds are not available from the start date in August, will be advised by the Fixture Secretary of dates on which they will need to obtain alternative facilities until their ground is available, this may also apply at the end of the season, where ground availability ceases prior to the close of the season. (see Criteria Item 5.1).
(iii) Matches over Bank Holiday periods may be arranged in accordance with League requirements and the incidence of the Bank Holidays.
(iv) Where it is considered to be in the interest of the Competition, the League Fixture Secretary may arrange midweek fixtures, in order to complete the programme, by the closing date named by the AGM.
(B) (i) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game
as determined by the International Football Association Board, but within the Rules of the League.
(ii) 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. Goal nets must be used in all matches.
(iii) 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.
(iv) Football Turf pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf pitches. For clubs playing at Step 7 and below a pitch must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to the FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.
The home Club is also responsible for advising participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 10(D).
(v) All matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than 70 minutes for the Intermediate Division and 60 minutes for the Reserve Division) is agreed by the referee in consultation with the two Clubs prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
Two matches (double banker games can be played in the Reserve Division only), on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes. Matches shall therefore be 30 minutes each way, the “home team” to pay the pitch costs and the “away team” to pay the Referees Fee.
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(vi) The times of kick-off for Saturday games shall be as follows:
August to October – 3.00 pm, November to Mid February – 2.00 pm, Mid February to the end of the season – 3.00 pm or as fixed by the AGM. or the Management Committee. Kick off times can only be altered by mutual consent of the two competing Clubs prior to the scheduled date of the match subject to confirmation from the Competition.
Games on a Bank Holiday will kick off at 11.00 am, unless mutually agreed otherwise by both teams. Where floodlights are not available, all Midweek games will kick off at the times advised by the League Fixture Secretary.
(vii) Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined as follows: 5 to 15 minutes late – £10.00, 15 to 30 minutes late £20.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 and £10.00 respectively in the Reserve Division and/or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine. Any team not kicked off within 30 minutes after the appointed time may be deemed absent and Rule 10(F)(i) applied.
(viii) Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition, advising the offending Club of his intention to do so.
A match not kicked off 30 minutes after the appointed time should not be played unless the match Referee so decides.
(ix) The home team must provide goal nets, at least two footballs fit for play, assistant referees flags and corner flags and the referee shall make a report to the Competition of unsuitable footballs, or lack of assistant referees flags or corner flags, advising the offending Club/ team of his intention to do so, failure to comply with any of these requirements will incur a fine of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division for each offence
(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 parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary.
In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition, FIVE (5) clear days notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).
(D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the Match Official(s) and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match, in writing or by email. The Match Official(s) and the away Club shall acknowledge receipt of such particulars. If such notice is not given the Match Official(s) and the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition.
Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine of £10.00 for each of the Match Official(s), and/or the away Club.
(E) A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match.
Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition, and shall have a team available very week once the season commences.
In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 11 players they shall be fined £5.00 in the Intermediate Division and £1.00 in the Reserve Division for each missing player.
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(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 impose a fine, not exceeding £100.00 in the Intermediate Division and £50.00 in the Reserve Division, for the first occurrence, further occurrences may be subject to such additional fines and/or penalties as the Management Committee may decide. The Management Committee shall also decide as to the outcome of the unplayed match, and whether to deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents subject to proof of the amount claimed, 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.
Any Club/team failing to fulfil THREE fixtures (League or League Cup(s)) during a season, will immediately after the third occurrence be called to appear before the Management Committee or a Sub Committee appointed for the purpose to discuss their immediate future in the League and their viability to complete the season.
(ii) Any Club with more than one team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixtures in the following order of precedence: First Team, Reserve Team, any team in breach of this requirement will be dealt with by the Management Committee as considered appropriate.
(iii) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a fixture has been postponed for any reason must, without delay (by personal service/telephone), give notice to the Fixture Secretary, the Referees Secretary, the Results Secretary, the Secretary of the opposing Club and the Referee.(Note: TEXT messages/emails are NOT considered personal service and should only be used as back up or secondary advice).
The Club must confirm the reasons for their failure in WRITING to the League Secretary not later than 3 days (excluding Sunday) after the date of the fixture, this also applies to any Clubs involved in an incomplete fixture. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule 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 replayed in its entirety on a date to be advised by the League Fixture Secretary. Remainder of the Rule Not Adopted
(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 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 member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match.
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(vi) 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 will 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 3 substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5 named players.
Paragraph 2 Not Adopted
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes with the exchange of team sheets (see Rule 10(J)(i)) below, but in exceptional circumstances just prior to kick off, a Player not named prior to kick off will not take part in the game.
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 at least 10 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 clubs taking part in Competition fixture shall identify a team captain who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of on-field discipline of their team mates.
(J) (i) Each Club must hand copies of the League Match Result sheet duly
completed, containing the names of players including nominated substitutes, taking part in the match to the Referee and a representative of their opponents, in the presence of the Referee, not later than 30 minutes before the start of the match. Any Clubs failing to comply or exchanging incomplete team sheets will be fined £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division.
(ii) Any Club altering its Result sheet after they have been exchanged will
be fined £15.00. A player named on the Result sheet may be replaced without fine if he is injured warming up after the exchange of the Result sheet. Any changes must be notified to the referee and to a representative of their opponents.
(iii) The copy handed to the Referee will be used to fulfil the requirement of League Rule 13(J) and the Clubs copy to fulfil the requirements of League Rule 11(A). The retained copies should be kept until the end of the season or until requested to be produced by the Management Committee.
(K) Any Club reported for failing to adhere to the basic grading criteria items required by the competition will be fined a sum of £20.00 in the Intermediate Division and £10.00 in the Reserve Division, for each reported game. Continued failure to meet the grading criteria will be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty that it may deem suitable.
(L) In the Intermediate Division, visiting Clubs must take advantage of the refreshments supplied, unless advance notice of not requiring these is given to the home club. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £20.00, plus the cost of the refreshments.
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REPORTING RESULTS
- (A) The Registration Secretary must receive within FOUR days of the date
played, (excluding Sunday) the Clubs Match Result sheet for each Competition match. This must include the Referee markings required by League Rule 13(H), or any other information required by the Competition with the exception of Misconduct – see Rule 11(C). Failure to do so will incur a fine of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division and/or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide.
(B) In addition to submitting a result sheet, the Home Club shall report the result of each match to the League Officer nominated to receive them by 5.30 pm, on the day of a match or 10.00 pm. where evening games are played, in a manner as decided and advised from time to time. Failure to comply will result in a fine of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division and/or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide. This applies to all Clubs (home or away) competing in County or other Competitions outside the jurisdiction of this League. The Management Committee will decide before the start of each season on the manner in which repeat offenders will be dealt with.
(C) The Match Result sheet, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of the Club (see Rule 7(B)), incomplete Match result sheets will be dealt with under Rule 11(A) above.
In the event of any misconduct during a match the Club must notify the League of the name(s) of the player(s) concerned and whether it be a caution or sending off either on the their match result sheet or within 14 days of the game. Clubs in default will be fined the sum of £5.00 per game for failing to notify, Clubs continually failing to send notification will be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalties they deem suitable.
(D) A League Officer attending a match is authorised to order players to sign for having played and date of birth, in addition to signing the Referees Team sheet, providing the match is under the jurisdiction of this League. It shall be an offence to refuse; any refusal will be dealt with under Rules 8(H), 8(O), and/or 5(H).
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
- (A) (i) 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 team gaining the highest number of points in their Division at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points.
(ii) In circumstances where two or more teams are equal on points, team rankings shall be determined by goal difference, where the goals scored against by each team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that team and the largest positive difference shall be placed the highest. In the event of the goal difference being equal, the highest placed team shall be the team which has scored the most goals. In the event that two or more teams have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals then the highest placed team shall be the team which has won the most matches.
(iii) In the event of the two teams still being equal, the team which has the better playing record against the other team in their head to head Competition matches during the Season will be the highest placed team.
(iv) If the records of two or more teams are still equal and it is necessary for any reason to determine the position of each then
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the teams affected shall play a deciding match or matches as determined by the Management Committee.
(B) (i) Any Club finishing in the top five positions in the Intermediate
Division of the Competition shall be eligible for promotion to a League at Step Six of the National League System (NLS). Promotion to that level will be in accordance with that competition’s requirements.
(ii) This Competition shall accept any club relegated, demoted, or wishing to take voluntary resignation from a League at Step Six of the NLS. Subject to there being a vacancy within the Intermediate Division, an application maybe accepted from the Reserve Team of a Club whose first team are competing at a higher level of the NLS. In order to protect the possible promotion of other member teams not more than ONE such Reserve Team will be accepted to compete within the League in any season.
(iii) Not adopted, (iv) Not adopted (v) Not adopted
(C) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season, the teams record shall be expunged from the Competition Record.
(D) (i) Applications to join the Intermediate Division through promotion
will be considered from Clubs meeting the ground and facilities criteria with priority given to the two clubs finishing in the first two places but not necessarily restricted to such Clubs, in the top Division of each of the Surrey Intermediate Western (SIW) and the Surrey South Eastern Combination (SSEC), Leagues. Applications shall be submitted not later than March 31st each season.
(ii) Clubs finishing in the bottom four positions in the League will be liable to be relegated to the SIW or SSEC, except under extraordinary circumstance, all subject to agreement with those Leagues and possible geographical realignments.
(E) Any vacancy or vacancies in the Competition may be filled by accepting applications from Clubs outside of the SIW or SSEC and Step Six Leagues who are able to meet this Competition’s criteria. Applications shall be submitted not later than May 1st each season.
(F) Applications for reserve team membership of the Reserve Division only, may be considered from Clubs in membership of leagues at Step Seven or above and/or other competitions by invitation from the Management Committee provided there are vacancies in the Division. Applications shall be submitted not later than May 1st each season.
(G) All the above are subject to the rules and regulations of the NLS Committee of The FA.
(H) In the event of a fixture not being completed at the end of the season, for reasons over which neither Club had control, points may allocated at the discretion of the Management Committee.
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 Authority.
(B) The appointed Referee and Assistant Referees if appointed, should be present at the ground at least 45 minutes prior to the appointed kick off time. In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee the appointed senior Assistant Referee shall take charge and a substitute
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Assistant Referee appointed by the competing teams. In cases where there are no officially appointed Assistant Referees, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. An individual thus agreed upon, shall for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee, and the match having been played shall count as a League/Cup game. Should a match not be played due a Referee not being agreed upon, both Clubs must submit within TWO days of the match (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays) a written report to the League Secretary as to the reasons. Rule 10(F)(i) will be applied should the reason(s) not be accepted by the Management Committee.
Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a Referee or Assistant Referee in any open age competition.
(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by the two competing Clubs, appoint registered referees as Assistant Referees, if available, to any match. With the above exceptions each Club shall provide an approved Club Assistant Referee. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £10.00 in the Intermediate Division and £5.00 in the Reserve Division being imposed on the defaulting Team.
(D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be 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.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Association Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid an inclusive match fee of £35.00. Match Officials appointed as Assistant Referees by the Management Committee shall be paid an inclusive match fee of £30.00.
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees before the match or immediately after the match has ended, or be dealt with by the Management Committee.
Referees will be paid an inclusive total fee of £45.00 for a double banker match (Reserve Division only).
(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; that Club shall be ordered to pay the Official(s), if they reasonably attend the ground, their full fee.
(G) A Referee not keeping their appointment, and failing to give a
satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which they are registered.
(H) (i) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The
FA, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the League on the prescribed Form provided, including the late arrival of the Match Referee and/or Assistant Referees if appointed.
(ii) If the mark awarded is 50 or less a written report as to the reasons must be sent with the Clubs Result sheet.
(iii) Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to Surrey County FA Ltd, or other County FA’s with which Referees are affiliated.
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(J) The Referee shall submit the copies of the Match Result sheet provided before the match, by the two Clubs, duly completed, giving the result of the match, and any other information required to the Officer nominated to receive them within two days of the match (excluding Sunday), including a report of their own or an Assistant Referees (if appointed), late arrival at the game.
(K) Referees shall be supplied with a copy of the Competition Handbook each season free of charge.
(L) Not adopted
(M) Referees MUST ensure that ALL disciplinary reports resulting from games in this Competition are sent to the appropriate County FA.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR
WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
- (A) Every Club must notify the League Secretary in writing by 31st March
each season of its intention to continue in or withdraw from the League its team or teams for next season or be liable to a fine of £50.00 per team.
(B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season.
(C) In the event of a Member Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee are empowered to refer the debt under the FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
(D) 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 be liable to a fine not exceeding £150.00 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(E) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at the AGM the League shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw in order to join another Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements
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) (i) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that
there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 14 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer.
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(ii) A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by
permission of the Management Committee.
(iii) A Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any
Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.
(C) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management
Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the
Secretary a sum of £20.00, in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
(D) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being heard.
(ii) 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 then the Club should indicate such when forwarding the written response.
BOARD OF APPEAL
- (A) All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals
arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must deposit a fee of £20.00 in accordance with the Fees Tariff, which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld, and the party not succeeding may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Management Committee.
(B) All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within fourteen days of the event or decision causing any ofthese to be submitted.
(C) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
(D) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within fourteen (14) days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee which may be forfeited in the event of of the appeal not being upheld. a copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary.
(E) If so requested the Management Committee may arbitrate on any disputes, protests, appeals, claims or complaints between two Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee of £20.00 in accordance with the Fees Tariff. Such arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties to the arbitration.
(F) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
36.
EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAMS
MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
- (A) At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose, Notice of Motion having been
duly circulated on the Agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club from further membership 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 which is subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting
(B) At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(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 Clause (A) of this Rule.
(D) Clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials and spectators at all times, including liability for any damage caused to another Clubs property and/or premises.
TROPHY: LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS.
- (A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of any
Cup or Trophy:
“We A and B , the Chairman and Secretary of
________________FC, and C.D. and E.F. members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of the Surrey Elite Intermediate Football League Cup or Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the League, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before the following 1st February. 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 through repair, to the satisfaction of the Management Committee.”
(B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the League permit.
(C) All trophies shall be returned in good clean condition to the League Secretary by 1st February each year; the League at their expense will have the winning Clubs name suitably engraved thereon, for all trophies returned by this date. Any returned after this should be returned with the Clubs name suitably engraved thereon (at the expense of the holding Club). Clubs returning trophies late may be fined the sum of £15.00 per week for each trophy and shall meet the cost of any engraving that is necessary. For any trophy which is returned not in a good and clean condition, the holding Club shall be fined £15.00 per trophy.
(D) Any Club being expelled, retiring or withdrawing from the League at the end of the season shall return any League Trophies they hold immediately or at a time mutually agreed by the Management Committee. The League will cover the cost of any engraving required if returned as requested or by 1st February in any year, any late return of trophies will be dealt with as in Rule 18(C) above.
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SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
- (A) Up on receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in
membership, the Secretary shall call a SGM.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
(B) At least SEVEN days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
(C) Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the Management Committee.
(D) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a SGM without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined in accordance with Rule 5(H).
(E) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
ALTERATION TO RULES
- (A) Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning
Authority shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the Playing Season shall not take effect until the following playing season.
(B) Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM or at a SGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 1st May in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs with the notice of the AGM, or SGM at least SEVEN days before such meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote and voting are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or the FA (as applicable) days prior to the date of the meeting.
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 £100.00 shall be approved by the Management Committee. (This applies to abnormal items of expenditure, not annual commitments).
Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee, (Currently any two from Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer & Registration Secretary).
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 4th Saturday in May
annually.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
(E) In the event of the League ceasing to operate at any time, the assets (including trophies actually belonging to the League, unless otherwise decided at the time) will be realised. Any trophies donated to the League will be returned to the donor(s) if at all possible. All trophies known to be the property of Surrey County Football Association Ltd., will be passed back to them with any donated trophies that it has not been possible to return to the original donor(s) or their representative(s).
If after settling all outstanding liabilities a deficit accrues, then this will be cleared in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5(B). Any surplus accruing will be divided and returned on an equal basis to the remaining member clubs/teams of the League at the time of the closure.
38.
INSURANCE
- All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least 10 million pounds (£10,000,000).
All Clubs shall be members of a Players’ personal accident scheme. The policy cover shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Association. In instances where The Football Association is the Sanctioning Association, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
DISSOLUTION
- (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM
by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.
(B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.
(C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:
(i) Any surplus assets, save for a Trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Association.
(ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a Trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the Donor if the conditions attached it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Association may decide.
SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHIES
- Sportsmanship Trophies will be awarded annually in each Division to the team with the best Sportsmanship record. At the end of the season each teams sportsmanship marks (as awarded by referees) will be totalled from which will be deducted their misconduct points, the resulting total will be averaged by the number of games played (or recorded). The winning teams will be those with the highest points average, in the event of a tie, the winner shall be the team with the fewest players dismissed from the field of play during the season. If there is still a tie then the trophy shall be shared. In addition the Management Committee shall award a prize to the winners as they may decide from time to time.
39.
CHALLENGE CUP RULES
- The competition(s) shall be called the (**) SURREY ELITE INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP and shall be competed for by the clubs/teams in membership of the League, in the appropriate section. (** = Sponsors name if any)
- The Cups shall be competed for annually and shall not become the property of any one club. The winning club shall be responsible for its safe custody and shall return it in good condition as set out in League Rule 18(D), to the Secretary of the League by 1st February or shall be dealt with in accordance with League Rule 18.
- The entrance fee is included in the annual subscription (see League Rule 3(B)).
- All ties shall be played on dates and grounds as determined by the Management Committee. In all rounds, if the scores are equal at full time, extra time shall be played 10 or 15 minutes each way at the discretion of the Referee (other than pool matches). If the scores remain equal, then the match shall be decided on penalties in accordance with the International Board decisions contained in the Laws of Association Football. In the event of the light failing before or during the taking of penalties, the outcome of the match will be referred to the Management Committee for consideration.
- (A) In all rounds prior to the Semi–Finals, the home club shall meet all the costs
of staging the tie.
(B) The Council shall take all receipts and pay full expenses of the Final. In the semi-finals the match fees of the Referee and Assistant Referees shall be shared equally by both Clubs. The cost of the venue will be covered by the League.
(C) In Semi-Finals and Finals, in the event of both teams having the same or similar first named colours, then BOTH teams shall make a complete change, unless otherwise agreed by the two Clubs and confirmed by the League. The change colours are to be notified to the League Secretary. Any team failing to conform will be dealt with by the Management Committee.
- (A) Each player must be registered, and duly qualified, in accordance with the provisions of League Rule 8, for SEVEN days prior to playing in this
competition.
(B) In Semi Final ties all players must have been registered for a minimum of 21 days and have played in THREE matches in this League on THREE different Saturdays in the current season for the team they represent in this competition. All squads for Semi–Final ties must be advised to the League Registration Secretary or the League Officer nominated to receive notification, a minimum of SEVEN days before the game.
(C) All players in the Final must have been qualified to play in the Semi–finals. All squads for Cup Finals must be advised to the League Registration Secretary or the League Officer nominated to receive notification, a minimum of SEVEN days before the game.
(D) Having played in the League Cup, a player subsequently transferred will be Cup tied. Notwithstanding League Rule 10(G), for the purposes of this rule a player named as substitute in a Cup match and who does not actually play in that match remains eligible to play for the Club he transfers to subject to the above. Any Club can play up to a maximum of TWO players who are qualified First Team players or have played in the Intermediate Challenge Cup, in the Reserve Challenge Cup subject to the provisions of League Rule 8(C). No player who has played in the Intermediate Challenge Cup Semi Final or Final may play in the Reserve Challenge Cup Semi Final or Final.
(E) Any club proved to have played an ineligible player(s) shall be removed from the Competition and fined in accordance with the provisions of League Rule 8(O) in respect of each such player. If both clubs in a tie play ineligible players, they will both be removed from the competition.
40.
- (A) The manner of deciding the competition shall be at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(B) Any Club/team having reached a final of a League Challenge Cup competition who fail to fulfil any scheduled League fixture(s) prior to the final being played, may have their position reviewed by the Management Committee, or a Management Sub-Committee nominated for the purpose. The Committee or Sub Committee shall have the power to remove the Club / team from the final as part of the additional punishment under the provisions of League Rule 10(F)(i), and to fill their place in the final in an appropriate manner
- With the exception of the above, the following rules of the Surrey Elite Intermediate League shall apply: League Rules 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22 & 23.
SUBSIDIARY TROPHY COMPETITION(S)
- The competition(s) shall be called the (**) SURREY ELITE INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE (##) and shall be competed for by the clubs/teams in membership of the League, in the appropriate section, if and when the Management Committee so decides. (** = Sponsors name if any, ## = Title as decided))
- The trophy shall be competed for as decided by the Management Committee and shall not become the property of any one club. The winning club shall be responsible for its safe custody and shall return it in good condition, as set out in League Rule 18(B), to the Secretary of the League by 1st February or shall be dealt with in accordance with League Rule 18.
- The entrance fee will be as agreed by the Management Committee.
- The format of the Competition(s) and the manner of deciding ties shall be at the discretion of the Management Committee, in accordance with other League requirements.
- Player qualification will be as decided by the Management Committee from time to time.
FEES TARIFF
| Rule No. | Description | Amount |
| 3(A) | Ground Inspection Fee – Per Club | £50.00 |
| 3(A) | Entry Fee |
£30.00 Intermediate Division
£15.00 Reserve Division |
| 3(B) |
Annual Subscription – Club
(includes League & Challenge Cup Fees & First 25 player Registrations per team) |
£145.00 Team in each Division
£80.00 Intermediate Division £65.00 Reserve Division |
| 3(C) | Deposit (if required) Not to exceed | £250.00 |
| 8(E) | Player registrations in excess of 25/team | £0.50 per player |
| 8(I) | Transfer fee | £5.00 per player |
| 13(E) |
Match Officials – Referee
Assistant Referee (if appointed) Inclusive Fees (per game) |
£35.00
£30.00 (each) |
| 13(F) |
Unplayed games Match Official(s) Fees
Out of Clubs control – Referee – Assistant Referees Club Default – Referee – Assistant Referees |
Subject to attendance
£17.50 £15.00 (each) £35.00 £30.00 (each) |
| 15(C) | Protest / Appeal Fee | £20.00 |
| 16(A) | Protest, Claim or complaint etc | £20.00 |
| 16(D) | Appeal Fee – Surrey County FA Ltd | £25.00 Currently |
| 16(E) | League arbitration Both clubs | £20.00 Each |
41.
FINES TARIFF
A – LEAGUE RULES
| Rule No | Description | Fine | |
| 3(E) | Failing to advise County Affiliation Number by 30th June each season. | £25.00 per Club | |
| 5(H) | Failing to comply with a Management Committee order or instruction or failing to deal with League Business in a satisfactory manner | Management Committee Decision | |
| 5(I) | Failure to pay fines or charges within 14 days | Maximum additional fine of £50.00 | |
| 5(I) | Continuing failure to pay all fines or charges within further 14 days | Suspension from all League Business, Plus possible costs for unplayed games | |
| 5(M) | Failure to attend General Meeting | £30.00 per club | |
| 6(H) | Failure to attend AGM or SGM | £40.00 per Club | |
| 8(A)(ii) | Failure to register 11 players / team 7 days before season | Management Committee Decision | |
| 8(H)(ii) | Player found guilty of registration irregularities | Management Committee Decision | |
| 8(O)(i) | Unregistered or ineligible player – per player per game – not to exceed |
£40.00 Intermediate Division
£25.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 8(O)(ii) |
Unregistered or ineligible player, playing under identification of a registered player –per player /game
Reserve Division Only not to exceed |
£50.00 Intermediate Division*
£30.00 Reserve Division* |
|
| 9(A)(i) |
Team numbers not being worn
– per player |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 9(A)(iii) | Players including goalkeepers wearing black or very dark colours – per player |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 9(A)(iv) | Failing to notify a change of colours to opponents |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 9(A)(iv) | Member not playing in Club colours | £10.00 per player | |
| 9(A)(v) | Failing to have a change of colours or delaying kick off due to no change of colours – appropriate fine for a late kick off will also be applied (Rule 10(B)(vi)) |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(B)(vii) |
Late Kick Offs – 5 – 15 minutes
– 15 – 30 minutes
Note: Any team not kicked off 30 minutes after the appointed time may be deemed absent and dealt with under Rule 10(F)(i) |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division
£20.00 Intermediate Division £10.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(B)(ix) | Failing to provide Goal Nets, 2 Match balls, Assistant Referees Flags or Corner Flags |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division Per offence |
|
| 10(D) | Failing to give 5 days notice to Referee and/or opponents | £10.00 per offence | |
| 10(D) | Opponents failing to acknowledge notice | £10.00 | |
| 10(E) | Players Short – Per player short |
£5.00 Intermediate Division
£1.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(F)(i) | Failing to fulfil a fixture – On the first occurrence – Not to exceed |
£100.00 Intermediate Division
£50.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(F)(i) | Failing to fulfil a fixture – subsequent occurrences | Management Committee Decision | |
| 10(F)(ii) | Failing to fulfil a fixture in order of precedence | Management Committee Decision | |
| 10(F)(iii) | Postponement – failing to give notice to any of the named persons | Management Committee Decision | |
|
|
|||
| Rule No | Description | Fine | |
| 10(F)(iii) | Failing to supply a reason for failing to fulfil a fixture within 3 days | Management Committee Decision | |
| 10(J)(i) | Failure to exchange team sheets at least 30 minutes before kick off |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(J)(i) | Incomplete team sheet exchanged |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(J)(ii) | Altering team sheet after exchanging except for players injured in warm up | £15.00 | |
| 10(K) |
Failing to adhere to any criteria item
– Per Game |
£20.00 Intermediate Division
£10.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 10(L) | Failure to stay for refreshments after the game without prior notice |
£20.00 – Plus the cost of
the refreshments provided |
|
| 11(A) | Failure to return result sheet to the Registration Secretary within 4 days |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 11(A) | Incomplete result sheet returned to the Registration Secretary |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 11(B) |
Failure to notify match result
See below regarding repeat offences |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 11(C) | Failure to notify misconduct on result form or within 14 days of the match | £5.00 per game | |
| 13(B) | Failing to send a report on reasons for not agreeing on a replacement referee | Management Committee Decision | |
| 13(C) | Failing to supply an Assistant Referee |
£10.00 Intermediate Division
£5.00 Reserve Division |
|
| 13(E) | Failing to pay Match Official(s) their fees | Management Committee Decision | |
| 13(H)(i) | Failing to mark referee | Dealt with under Rule 11(A) | |
| 13(H)(ii) & (iii) | Failing to send a report with reasons for a mark of 50 or less for Referee | Management Committee Decision | |
| 14(A) | Failure to give notice of intention for the following season by 31st March | £50.00 per team | |
| 14(B) | Unable to start or complete fixtures for the playing season | Management Committee Decision | |
| 14(D) | Withdrawal after the AGM /during the season not to exceed |
£150.00 per team
|
|
| 15(A)(ii) | Failure to follow up a protest lodged with the match referee | Management Committee Decision | |
| 18(C) | Late return of a trophy | £15.00 per week per trophy | |
| 18(C) | Failing to return trophy in a clean condition | £15.00 per trophy | |
| 18(C) | Failing to return a trophy after 1st February in any season engraved with the Clubs name |
£15.00 per trophy
Plus the cost of any engraving required |
|
| Criteria Item 1.10 | Failing to wear Black bibs in the dugouts Officials or Substitutes | Management Committee Decision | |
* Rules 8(O)(i) & 8(O)(iv) – Deduction and award of points, and other further action at the Management Committees discretion may also be invoked.
Rule 11(B) – repeat offenders will be dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee as advised prior to the season.
43.
B – CHALLENGE CUP RULES
| Rule No. | Description | Fine |
| 5(C) | Failing to notify change of colours for semi finals or finals | Management Committee Decision |
| 6(B) | Failing to notify a semi final squad to the appropriate Officer at least 7 days in advance | Management Committee Decision |
| 6(C) | Failing to notify a final squad to the appropriate Officer at least 7 days in advance | Management Committee Decision |
NOTE: Any other contraventions of the Challenge Cup Rules will be dealt with under the appropriate League Rule, either as quoted within or covered by the provisions of Challenge Cup Rule 8.
C – SUBSIDIARY TROPHY COMPETITION RULES
Any contraventions of the Subsidiary Trophy Cup Rules will be dealt with under the appropriate League Rule, dependant upon the format of the Competition and the player qualification as set under Subsidiary Trophy Rules 4 & 5 or as either quoted within or covered by the provisions of the Subsidiary Trophy Rules.
APPENDIX “A”
CRITERIA
The following criteria are the minimum required for entry to be considered for membership of the League, at any time the Management Committee may wish to amend these or they may need to be amended as a result of the issue of criteria for this level by the FA’s National League Committee who control the NLS, if the League are members at that time.
- GROUND
The ground should ideally be private in nature, but sites where there are multiple pitches may not be acceptable or will be accepted only under conditions set by the League Management Committee from time to time.
1.1 Security of Tenure
Where a Club does not own the freehold of their ground then evidence of adequate security of tenure must be provided, at a minimum on an annual basis prior to each season.
1.2 Ground Share
Ground sharing is at the discretion of the League. Where ground sharing is permitted the Club must have sole control over and use of facilities on match days, and priority of fixture where the sharing club plays at a lower level of football. Ground sharing will not be allowed in order for a Club to gain promotion.
1.3 Capacity
Ground capacity is not relevant at this level
1.4 Boundary of Ground
Although desirable, a permanent boundary/barrier around the ground is not required at this level.
1.5 Clubhouse
There must be a clubhouse facility on or close to the ground, open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators. Refreshments must be supplied to opponents and officials at half time and after games. (see Notes)
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1.6 Car Parking
There should be adequate car parking facilities on or adjacent to the ground.
1.7 Pitch Perimeter Barrier
There should ideally be a permanent barrier of sound construction (post and rail) surrounding the pitch on all four sides. The height should not exceed 1.1 metres. If a permanent barrier cannot be supplied the pitch must be adequately roped off all round or in accordance with the agreed configuration of the ground. Ideally there should be 2 metres between the touchline, goal line and the pitch perimeter barrier, with a minimum of 1.83 metres. (See Notes)
1.8 Pitch Standards
The playing surface will be grass, or if artificial of an acceptable standard. The surface must be maintained to a reasonable standard. Grass pitches must be relatively level and free from surface depressions and excessive undulations. The maximum slope allowable will be at the discretion of the League Management Committee, taking into account local conditions.
1.9 Playing Area
The pitch should ideally measure a minimum of 110 x 70 yards (100 x 64 metres) and must conform to the Laws of the Game. Goal posts and goal net supports should be of professional manufacture and conform to current safety requirements and to the Laws of the Game.
1.10 Trainers Boxes & Technical Areas
Two covered trainers’ boxes must be provided, equidistant from the halfway line and at least 3 metres apart. Each box should accommodate at least 8 persons in each. Portable boxes are permitted but must be securely fixed when in use. A Technical Area as defined within the Laws of the Game should be marked out around each trainer’s box, where practical. (See Notes).
In all games under the jurisdiction of the League all Club Officials & Substitutes (to a maximum of 8) sitting in or using the dugouts MUST wear the Black bibs provided by the League.
1.11 Secure Walkway
A secure walkway is not a requirement, however where possible the home club should make provision for safe passage for players and match officials between the dressing rooms and the field of play.
1.12 Floodlighting
Floodlights are not compulsory at this level.
1.13 Public Address System
A public address system is not compulsory.
1.14 Entrances
There is no requirement for fixed entry points.
1.15 Exits
Where fixed exit points are provided, these must be sufficient to ensure safe evacuation of the ground if necessary. All exits must be clearly signposted.
1.16 Emergency Access
Access for emergency services must be provided.
- SPECTATOR FACILITIES
2.1 Seated Accommodation
Seated accommodation is not a requirement.
2.2. Covered Standing Accommodation
Covered accommodation is not compulsory. Hard standing is not compulsory.
45.
However where provided it must be a minimum width of 1 metre, measured from the spectator side of the pitch perimeter barrier.
2.3 Toilets
Provision should be made for adequate toilet facilities.
- DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES
Good security is required for all dressing room accommodation. All dressing rooms should be maintained to a high level of cleanliness.
3.1 Players
Separate dressing rooms must be provided for both teams within a reasonable distance of the pitch. These must be of sound construction and should be a minimum of 12 square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas. Each dressing room must have its own showering facilities with hot water and a minimum of three / four shower heads, although communal showering facilities may be acceptable in which case at least eight shower heads must be available. Toilet facilities, to include at least two WC’s and two wash hand basins, must be available to players.
3.2 Match Officials
A separate dressing room, of at least 4 square metres, must be provided for the match official(s), which must have access to an exclusive shower with hot water. Clubs are to provide an audible warning device in the match official’s dressing room linked to the players’ dressing rooms.
3.3 Assistant Referees
All Clubs must provide a suitable assistant referee for all matches, both home and away.
4 MEDICAL
All clubs must provide first aid equipment at their ground, including a stretcher. All clubs must have a suitably qualified person in attendance.
- MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Playing Season
Ideally Clubs should have their ground available from the start date in August each year to at least the last day of April, but under all circumstances must be able to field a team every week during that period. Where a Clubs ground is not available from the start date they will be advised by the Fixture Secretary of dates up on which they must obtain alternative facilities it may also be necessary to adopt similar action where a ground closes earlier than the season closing date. Where Clubs are advised of the need to obtain alternative facilities, the League must be notified with the necessary details a minimum of SEVEN days before the date concerned. Failure to comply within that deadline will necessitate the postponement of the game and its being treated as an unfulfilled fixture.
5.2 Promotion / Relegation
Promotion / Relegation will be decided in accordance with League Rule 12, it may also be subject to the Regulations of the National League System.
NOTES: For matches in the Reserve Division, the requirements of sections 1.5, 1.7 & 1.10 are not mandatory, the following will apply:
Section 1.5
Drinks only need to be available for the Match Official(s).
Section 1.7
Roping off is not required but an additional marked line parallel with the sideline would be acceptable, running behind the benches.
Section 1.10
Chairs or benches can be used instead of Trainers boxes, but the technical areas remains mandatory.
REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM
- Definitions
In the interpretation of these Regulations: any words and expressions, unless otherwise defined herein, shall be words and expressions as defined as follows:
“AC” means the Alliance Committee appointed by FA Council.
“Association” means The Football Association Limited.
“Club” means a football club for the time being in a league in membership of the NLS.
“Competition” in these Regulations means a League in the National League System.
“Conditional Licence” means a Licence with conditions attached to be met by a Club within a period determined by the Competition in which the Club holding the Licence is allocated by the Leagues Committee. Such period is not to exceed 1 March in the Membership Year to which the Licence relates. Save in exceptional circumstances a Conditional Licence cannot be granted to a Club for successive Membership Years in respect of the same Criterion.
“League” means any competition sanctioned by the Association and/or an Affiliated Association in membership of the NLS.
“LC” means the Leagues Committee appointed by FA Council.
“Licence” means an annual licence required to be held by a Club to be a member of a Competition that may be either an Unconditional Licence or Conditional Licence.
NLS” means the National League system of competitions controlled by the Association where promotion and relegation links exist between participating Leagues.
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the League is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the League is played. For Clubs participating in play-off matches this does include the period when play-off matches are played.
“Play Off Matches” means matches played between Clubs in a Play Off Position on a format to be determined by each League provided that the format is the same across each Step.
“Play off Position” means the position of a Club `at the end of each Playing Season which is provided for in Standardised Rule 13 as qualifying the Club to take part in a play off match to qualify for promotion to the next Step for the next Playing Season.
“Regulations” means these regulations.
“Rules” means the FA Standardised Rules or FA Standard Code of Rules under which a League is administered.
“Step” means the level at which a Club participates in the National League System.
“Unconditional Licence” means a Licence without any conditions attached.
- The National League System (“NLS”) shall be operated in accordance with the Regulations.
A Club shall be required to hold a Licence to be a member of a Competition at Steps 1 to 4 of the NLS.
The aims and objectives of the NLS are to provide:
2.1 Clubs with a level of competitive football appropriate to their playing ability, stadium/ground facilities, and geographical location.
2.2 A framework for discussion on matters of policy and common interest to Leagues and Clubs.
2.3 The seasonal movement of Clubs.
All Leagues are bound by the Regulations. A Club is bound by the Regulations from the date it has qualified for placement into the NLS until such time as it leaves the NLS for whatever reason.
3. Position of a League in the National League System
- The current structure of the NLS is set out below:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5/6
Step 7
The Leagues currently at Step 5, 6 and 7 are set out at the end of the Regulations
3.2 Any League wishing to become part of the NLS must apply to The Association by 31st December in the relevant year in such form and/or providing such information as shall be required by the LC from time to time. The decision as to whether or not a League should be admitted to the NLS shall be made by the LC which will then decide on the Step at which the League will play.
3.3 Any League wishing to propose an adjustment to its position within the NLS must apply in writing to the LC by 31st December in any year for such proposal to be determined by the LC in order, if approved, to have effect in the following Playing Season.
4. Rules and Regulations for Promotion and Relegation
The LC shall provide for the seasonal promotion, relegation or lateral movement of Clubs. A League must be committed to promoting and relegating Clubs at the conclusion of each Playing Season.
5. Detailed Promotion and Relegation Issues
5.1 The criteria for entry to the NLS and the criteria for ground/stadium facilities and the criteria for participation in Play Off Matches shall be determined by the LC. All criteria so determined shall be published by The Association from time to time
5.2 At the conclusion of each Playing Season, the following procedures will apply to promotion/relegation subject to the application of the Rules:
Step 1 and Step 2
The following does not apply to promotion from Step 1.
The Clubs finishing in the bottom four places at Step 1 at the end of the Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 2 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 2 together with a further two Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for participation at the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the criteria for participation in Play Off Matches the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. The Play Off Matches shall be played so that in each Step 2 division the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. The aggregate winners will play each other and the winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will be promoted. Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be considered for Play Off Matches.
48.
Step 2 and Step 3
The Clubs in the bottom three places in each of the two divisions at Step 2 at the end of the Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 3 together with a further three Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for participation at the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the criteria for participation in Play Off Matches the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. The Play Off Matches shall be played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. At Step 2 the aggregate winners will play each other and the winner of that match will be promoted and at Step 3 the winners of each first match will play each other and the winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will be promoted. Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be considered for Play Off Matches.
The promoted Clubs will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 2.
Step 3 and Step 4
The Clubs in the bottom four places in each of the three divisions at Step 3 at the end of the Playing Season will be relegated to a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 4 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Club finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 4 together with a further six Clubs to be determined by a series of Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for participation at the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the criteria for participation in Play Off Matches the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. The Play Off Matches shall be played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. The winners of each match will play each other and the winner of that match will be promoted. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will be promoted. Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be considered for Play Off Matches.
The promoted Clubs will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3.
Step 4 and Step 5
At the end of the Playing Season the Clubs in the bottom two places in each of the four divisions at Step 4 administered by the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues, together with the Clubs in the bottom three places in each of the divisions administered by the Isthmian League will be relegated and placed in the most geographically appropriate League at Step 5. Irrespective of any provision contained within the Rules the Clubs finishing in bottom position in each of the Step 4 divisions will be relegated and will not be reprieved. These Clubs will be replaced by the fourteen most suitable Clubs from the Leagues at Step 5 as determined by the LC. The suitability shall be determined as the Club finishing in 1st position in each Step 5 League which meets the entry criteria and wishes to be considered for promotion. In the event of the 1st placed Club not being eligible, the Clubs finishing in 2nd or 3rd position shall be subject to the same criteria. In usual circumstances, no more than one Club will be promoted from any one League. The Clubs to be promoted from Step 5 will be placed in a feeder pool and allocated to the most geographically appropriate division at Step 4.
If vacancies remain, Priority will be given to those Clubs other than bottom placed clubs relegated from Step 4 who will be ranked according to the average number of points gained per games played and the Club with the highest average shall be reprieved first. In the event of Clubs having an identical record the Club to be reprieved shall be determined by the LC.
Any Club seeking promotion from Step 5 to Step 4 must make application to the Association on the prescribed form, copied to their existing League, by 30 November in the relevant year. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee, as determined by the LC, which is non refundable. Applicant Clubs must achieve an E Grade by 31st March in the Playing Season when promotion is sought
A Club seeking to be promoted to Step 4 shall also be required to apply for a Licence as set out in Appendix 1 to the Sanction and Control of Competitions Regulations.
49.
Step 5 to Step 6 and Step 6 to Step 7
The promotion and relegation of Clubs between Steps 5, 6 and 7 shall be dealt with as follows.
Movement of Clubs between Steps 5, 6 and 7, where a League operates at each Step, shall be included in their constitutional rules and regulations. Irrespective of any provision contained within the Rules, the Clubs finishing in bottom position in each of the fourteen Step 5 divisions will be relegated to Step 6 and will not be reprieved, as determined by the LC.
Clubs seeking promotion to Step 5 from a League at Step 6 which is not linked to Step 5, must make application using the prescribed form direct to the Association, copied to their existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed application fee, as determined by the LC, which is non refundable.
Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 from a League at Step 7 which is not linked to Step 6, must make application using the prescribed form direct to the Association, copied to their existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. In order to be considered for promotion Clubs must finish in 1st position in their Step 7 league. If the Club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be promoted or fails to meet the entry criteria then the club finishing in 2nd position will be eligible for promotion. If the club in 2nd position does not seek promotion or fails to meet the entry criteria then clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position will not be considered for promotion and only one club will be considered from each league. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed application fee, as determined by the LC, which is non refundable.
5.3 Where a vacancy occurs within the NLS the following procedures will apply:
5.3.1 (a) Where a Club notifies its decision to resign from its League at the end of the Playing Season, then a vacancy is created on the date the notification of
decision is formally recorded by that League. Such resignation can only be withdrawn by the end of that Playing Season with the consent of the Board of that League.
In all cases, that Club is treated as a relegated Club. The final table of that division is not affected
In cases where the vacancy is created prior to the end of the Playing Season, the vacancy will be filled by the best ranked Club in that same division.
In cases where the vacancy is created after the end of the Playing Season but before the League’s AGM, the vacancy will be filled in accordance with Regulation 5.3.2 below.
5.3.1 (b) Where, during the course of the Playing Season, a Club notifies its decision
to resign from its League with immediate effect or where a Club is removed
from the League for any other reason, then the playing record of that Club will be expunged and a vacancy is created on the date the resignation or removal is formally accepted or recorded by that League.
In all such cases that Club is treated as a relegated Club and the vacancy will be filled by the best ranked Club in that same division.
5.3.2 Where a vacancy occurs at Step 1 following the completion of a Playing Season the best ranked Club in a relegation position in that division is reprieved
Where a vacancy occurs at Steps 2 and 3 following the completion of a Playing Season then the best ranked Club in a relegation position across the particular
Step is reprieved. The ranking to be determined by the average points gained per game played and comparable league position. The Club with the highest average shall be reprieved first. In the event of Clubs having an identical record the Club to be reprieved shall be determined by the LC.
Where a vacancy arises and Clubs at Step 4 are to be reprieved and all Step 4
Leagues have a full complement of clubs at the end of the Playing Season, the four Clubs finishing second to bottom in the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues and the two Clubs finishing third from bottom in the Isthmian League would be ranked by the average points per game played. In the event of all of the above six Clubs being reprieved where there are further vacancies available the next two places would be allocated to the Clubs finishing second to bottom in the Isthmian League ranked on the average points per game played.
Where a vacancy arises and clubs at Step 4 are to be reprieved but for whatever reason a Step 4 division does not have its full complement of clubs at the end of
the Playing Season then clubs to be reprieved will be determined by the Leagues Committee in its sole discretion.
5.3.3 Where a vacancy occurs after the date of a League AGM then a League is not able to replace the Club(s) concerned for the following playing season.
5.3.4 In the event that for any reason whatsoever there are more vacancies in a division before the end of a Playing Season than relegation places in that division, the question of relegation and reprieves shall be dealt with at the sole discretion of the LC.
5.4 Only internal changes to the constitution of a League are allowed following the holding of a League’s Annual General Meeting.
5.5 Clubs are not allowed to enter into a ground share agreement in order to gain promotion or to retain membership at a particular Step where the Club has failed to attain or maintain the relevant Grade.
5.6 Ground grading requirements will be in accordance with the Rules.
In order to be considered for promotion, the following requirements will apply.
Step 1 Clubs must comply fully with the requirements of Grade A.
Step 2 Clubs competing at Step 2 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade B. To be considered for promotion to Step 1 or to be included in the play-off matches, clubs must meet the requirements of Grade B together with any additional requirements by 31st March in the year in which they seek promotion. Clubs must also attain Grade A by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 3 Clubs competing at Step 3 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade C. To be considered for promotion to Step 2 or to be included in the play-off matches, clubs must meet the requirements of Grade C and attain Grade B by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 4 Clubs competing at Step 4 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade D. To be considered for promotion to Step 3 or to be included in the play-off matches, clubs must meet the requirements of Grade D and attain Grade C by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 5 Clubs competing at Step 5 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade F. To be considered for promotion to Step 4, clubs must meet the requirements of Grade E by 31st March in the year in which they seek promotion, and attain Grade D by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 6 Clubs competing at Step 6 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade G. To be considered for promotion to Step 5 clubs must meet the requirements of Grade G and attain Grade F by 31st March in the year following promotion.
Step 7 Clubs competing at Step 7 must comply fully with the minimum requirements in force. To be considered for promotion to Step 6 clubs must meet the requirements of Grade H and attain Grade G by 31st March in the year following promotion. Clubs can be promoted from Step 7 to 6 without floodlights provided that all other requirements of Grade H are met by 31st March in the Playing Season in which the Club wishes to gain promotion and that the Club has the following in place:
Planning permission for floodlights
Funding applications submitted if required
Quotations/estimates for the work to be carried out
A development/business plan
That by 30th September following promotion the floodlights are
installed and in working order
Failure to install floodlights in working order by 30th September following promotion will result in a penalty being imposed by the League of which the Club is a member. If by 31st March in the year following promotion the floodlights are still not installed then the Club would become a relegated Club and be dealt with accordingly.
5.7 If a Club is relegated for not achieving the required Grade for the Step at which it is
playing it will not be eligible for promotion again until it has attained the required Grade for the Step to which it wishes to be promoted. The Club must have that Grade at 31st March in the year in which it seeks promotion.
5.8 (a) Where a Club resigns from a League that Club will not be eligible for promotion for
at least one Playing Season following the Season in which it resigned.
(b) Where a Club qualifies for promotion and elects not to be promoted then that Club
will not be eligible for promotion for at least one Playing Season following the Season in which it elected not to be promoted
- The Movement of Clubs within the National League System other than by Promotion or Relegation
6.1 Movement of a Club from participation in one League to another is not permitted other than by promotion and relegation save with the approval of the LC.
It may be necessary from time to time to move Clubs laterally at the same Step. Each year the LC will consider whether any lateral movements may be necessary at each Step; if so the Clubs likely to be affected shall be notified and given the opportunity to present a case if that Club does not wish to be moved laterally. The final decision shall rest with a sub-committee of the LC. This sub-committee may include members of Step 5 or Step 6 Leagues if appropriate. Any appeal shall be to the LC using members who have not been involved in the original decision. The decision of that appeal shall be final and binding subject only to Arbitration under FA Rule K.
In coming to its decision the LC will have regard to any representations made by any party, the distance to be travelled by any Club to be moved compared to the distance travelled in the Playing Season prior to movement; the financial impact on the Club to be moved, the frequency with which the Club has been moved in the past; the number of Clubs both in the division to which the Club is to be moved and in the division from which the Club is moved, and any other matter that it considers to be relevant.
6.2 Any Club proposing to move from one League to another must make application in writing to The Association on or before 31st March in each year to be effective for the following Playing Season. In the event of such application being successful the League from which the Club is moving shall not levy a financial penalty on that Club.
6.3 (i) If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) is wound up, liquidated, or is removed from its League or withdraws from football competition (‘the Former
Club’), and a new Club (‘the New Club’) is established which wishes to be placed within the NLS, then unless otherwise determined by the LC, it will be allowed to make an application only to join a League/division at Step 5 of the NLS unless the Former Club was in either Step 4 or Step 5 when the event which caused it to cease its membership occurred in which case it must re-join the NLS at a minimum of two Steps below the level at which it was at the time the event occurred, or withdrew from football competition, whichever is lower. Where the Former Club as a member of The FA Premier League or Football League in the current Playing Season then the LC shall at its absolute discretion determine in which League the New Club shall be placed for the following Playing Season and will set out at its complete discretion the requirements to be met by the New Club.
In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS of the New Club in the following Playing Season, an initial application must be received by the LC by1st March or within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, if such date is later than 1st March.
The full application accompanied by all necessary documents including evidence of security of tenure having been granted to the New Club and affiliation to a County
Football Association must be received by 31st March or within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound–up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, if such date is later than 1st March. The application will be determined by the LC.
In considering any application, the LC will set out at its sole discretion the requirements to be met by the New Club.
In the event of more than one application being received within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its
League or withdrawing from football competition, the LC will consider at its discretion which application will be considered in accordance with this Regulation.
6.3 (ii) If a Club is removed from its League and wishes to remain in the NLS it shall apply to the LC within five working days of it receiving written notification of its removal from its League. The LC will consider such application and will place the Club in what it considers at its sole discretion to be the most appropriate League/division for the following Playing Season.
6.4 If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) ceases to be a member of its
league and that Club (that is not a New Club as defined at 6.3 above) wishes to be placed within the NLS for the immediately following Playing Season, then unless otherwise determined by the LC, it may be allowed to make an application to join a League/division below the most recent League/division of which the Club was a member.
In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS by the Club in the immediately following Playing Season, an initial application must be received by the LC in accordance with the procedures set out at 6.3 above. The application shall be copied to the League of which membership is being requested. The application will be determined by the LC at its absolute discretion.
In considering any application, the LC will set out at its discretion the requirements to be met by the Club in determining whether to approve the application.
6.5 If two or more Clubs (“the Merging Clubs”) are proposing a transaction or series of
transactions that result in the merging or consolidation (“the Proposed Merger”) of those Clubs into one Club (“the Merged Club”) then a formal application to do so must be received by the LC and the league(s) of which the Merging Clubs are members by 31st December to be valid for the following playing season.
A Deed of Agreement, which shall be legally binding on all parties must be submitted to The Association by 31st March in the year immediately following receipt of the application. The LC shall determine at its absolute discretion where the Merged Club is to be included in the NLS for the following season subject to the provisions of item 6.5.5 below.
In arriving at its decision the LC may apply the following minimum criteria:
6.5.1 The requirements of Standardised Rule 2.9 for the current season must be met by each of the Merging Clubs. If one or more of the Merging Clubs is subject to an insolvency event then Standardised Rule 2.9.2 shall be applied to such club(s), otherwise Standardised Rule 2.9.1 shall be applied;
6.5.2 Proposed playing name of the Merged Club must be acceptable to the LC; and
6.5.3 The Merged Club must have security of tenure to a ground that meets the relevant ground grading requirements;
6.5.4 Any other criteria that the LC may from time to time deem to be appropriate;
6.5.5 The Merged Club will ordinarily be placed at the lower of the Steps at which the Merging Clubs ended the Playing Season in which the application is made. For the purposes of this Regulation, if one of the Merging Clubs has finished that Playing Season in a relegation place, then they will be deemed to have ended the Playing Season at the Step to which they would have been relegated without the Proposed Merger proceeding.
Any decision regarding whether a proposed transaction or series of transactions falls to be considered under this Regulation shall be determined by the LC at its absolute discretion
- Placement of a Club into a League
7.1 Usually a club can only enter the NLS at Step 7. However a League may seek approval
from the LC to receive a club not currently in membership of a League within the NLS provided that there is: (a) exceptional circumstances, (b) a vacancy within its constitution (c) the club meets the entry criteria and (d) promotion and relegation issues have been satisfied. Such request must be received from the league by no later than 1st February. Any decision shall only be capable of Appeal to The FA by the affected League.
7.2 Reserve teams, including a team from a club or Club which is not considered by the LC
to be sufficiently separate from another club or Club, are not be permitted to compete above Step 6 in the NLS. There must be a minimum of two Steps between a first and reserve team. This does not apply at Steps 6 & 7. No two teams from the same Club can play at the same Step. Reserve teams currently at Step 5 can remain unless relegated, once relegated they will not be permitted to be promoted back to Step 5.
7.3 Teams from Higher Education or Further Education establishments are not permitted to compete above Step 5. This does not prevent any such establishment forming a Club
which complies with all entry criteria and which is separate from the establishment itself.
7.4 Where a Club moves from one League to another, for whatever reason, the League
from which it is being moved must provide the League to which the Club is being moved with a certificate confirming that the Club being moved does not owe any money or other property of any nature to the League from which it is being moved. The Club being moved cannot compete in its new League until such certificate has been provided and the onus will be on the Club being moved to ensure that it has cleared all indebtedness to its previous League.
- Procedures for the Determination of any Matter, Dispute or Difference by
the Leagues Committee
8.1 The LC may adopt such procedures for the determination of any matter, dispute or difference as it considers appropriate and expedient, having regard to the aims and
objectives set out at Regulation 1. The LC may require the attendance at a meeting or the written observations of any League or Club, as it considers appropriate to assist its determination.
8.2 (a) Any dispute or difference between a League and a Club relating to promotion and
relegation issues, lateral movement and/or other eligibility criteria must be referred for determination to the LC; such determination shall be final and binding, subject only to Arbitration in accordance with Rule K.
8.2 (b) Any decision of the LC shall be subject to a right of appeal to an Appeal Board. The decision of that Appeal Board shall be final and binding on all parties.
All referrals of appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the Regulations for Football Association Appeals save for appeals in relation to Ground Grading decisions where the procedures are outlined in 8.2(c) below.
8.2 (c) Procedures for Ground Grading Appeals
(i) The ratification of the Ground Grading decision must be sent in writing within 14 days of the final decision date, currently 31st March.
(ii) Appeals in relation to Ground Grading Appeals must be submitted to The FA Judicial Services Department within seven days from the date of the written decision outlining the Grounds of Appeal, with a copy to The FA Leagues & Clubs Department.
(iii) The Ground Grading Technical Panel will appear before an Appeal Board with
the Appellant to respond to the application and there is no requirement to make a formal response in writing.
(iv) In all cases the Ground Grading Technical Panel will submit any documentation including the Ground Grading report that was considered by the Ground Grading would already have received).
(v) Dates would be set annually in advance by the Judicial Services Department for the hearing of Ground Grading appeals and details of the dates would be notified to all Clubs in the correspondence from the Ground Grading Technical Panel notifying the decision of the Ground Grading assessment.
(vi) All Ground Grading Appeals are to be heard by the end of April each year.
8.3 The LC may, at its discretion, delegate the resolution of any matter, dispute or difference arising under these Regulations to any body it considers to be appropriate (including a sub-committee or commission which may include members of council not on the LC or a body constituted by a County Football Association).
- Arbitration
The fact of participation in the NLS and signifying agreement to be bound by the Regulations shall constitute an agreement between each League and Club to refer to Arbitration any challenge in law arising out of, or in relation to, the Regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of The Association.
- Precedence
In the case of conflict between the Regulations for the Operation of the National League
system and the Rules, the Regulations take precedence.
LEAGUES/DIVISIONS AT STEPS 5, 6 & 7 OF THE N L S (Season 2016/2017)
| Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 |
| Combined Counties League Premier Div | Combined Counties League Div 1 | Anglian Combination Premier Div |
| Eastern Counties League Premier Div | East Midlands Counties League | Bedfordshire County League Premier Div |
| Essex Senior League | Eastern Counties League Div 1 | Cambridgeshire County League Premier Div |
| Hellenic League Premier Div | Hellenic League Div 1 East | Central Midlands League Div North |
| Midland League Premier Div | Hellenic League Div 1 West | Central Midlands League Div South |
| North West Counties League Premier Div | Midland League Div 1 | Cheshire League Div 1 |
| Northern Counties East League Premier Div | North West Counties League Div 1 | Dorset Premier League |
| Northern League Div 1 | Northern Counties East Div 1 | Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Div |
|
Southern Combination League
Div 1 |
Northern League Div 2 | Essex Olympian League Premier Div |
| Southern Counties East League Premier Div | South West Peninsula League Premier Div | Gloucestershire County League Premier Div |
| Spartan South Midlands League Premier Div |
Southern Combination League
Div 2 |
Hampshire Premier League Senior Div |
| United Counties League Premier Div | Southern Counties East League Firstr Div | Herts Senior County League Premier Div |
| Wessex League Premier Div | Spartan South Midlands League Div 1 | Humber Premier League Premier Div |
| Western League Premier Div | United Counties League Div 1 | Kent County League Premier Div |
| Wessex League Div 1 | Leicestershire Senior League Premier Div | |
| West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Div |
Liverpool County Premier League
Premier Div |
|
| Western League Div 1 | Manchester Football League Premier Div | |
| Middlesex County League Premier Div | ||
| Midland League Div2 | ||
| Northamptonshire Combination Premier Div | ||
| Northern Football Alliance Premier Div | ||
| Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Div | ||
| Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Div | ||
| Peterborough & District League Premier Div | ||
| Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Div | ||
| Somerset County League Premier Div | ||
| South West Peninsula League Div 1 East | ||
| South West Peninsula League Div 1 West | ||
| Spartan South Midlands League Div 2 | ||
|
Staffordshire County Senior League
Premier Div |
||
| Suffolk & Ipswich League Senior Div | ||
|
Surrey Elite Intermediate League
Intermediate Div |
||
| Teesside League Div 1 | ||
| Thames Valley Premier League Premier Div | ||
| Wearside League | ||
| West Cheshire League Div 1 | ||
| West Lancashire League Premier Div | ||
| West Midlands (Regional) League Div 1 | ||
|
West Riding County Amateur League
Premier Div |
||
| West Yorkshire League Premier Div | ||
| Wiltshire Football League Premier Div | ||
| York Football League Premier Div | ||