Please contact us if you cannot find any rule you require.
1(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.
“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.
“Competition” means the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance.
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.
“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.
“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, set out at Schedule A.
“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.
“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.
“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.
“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.
“Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.
“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.
“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.
“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.
“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.
“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
“Sanctioning Authority” means the London County Football Association Limited.
“Scholarship“ means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules
“Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent AGM.
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.
“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.
“Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.
“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.
“Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically
“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)
Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and also the other way around
2(A)
The Competition will be known as Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.
(B)
This Competition shall consist of not more than 100 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
(C)
The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be within a 15 mile radius of Meridian Sports & Social Club and South of the River Thames
(D)
The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.
(E)
All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.
(F)
The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.
(G)1)
All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(2)
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 12 in number.
(H)
Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(1)
The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
(2)
This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.
(3)
Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.
(I)
Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(J)
All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by The FA from time to time.
(K)
Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(L)
At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22.
(M)
Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case the Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority. 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 by transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.
Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority following consultation with the Competition. In the event that permission is granted, the Club must advise the Competition Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
4(A)
Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary by May 31st and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee for each Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.
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 an SGM.
When Rule 22(B) is applied or a Team seeks a transfer or, is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee shall be payable.
(B)
The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team payable on or before the August general meeting of the Competition in each year.
(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 (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(D)
A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid.
(E)
Clubs must advise the Secretary annually in writing by 1st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Playing Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
5(A)
The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and up to 4 members (Club delegates) who shall all be elected at the AGM.
(B)
Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the League Secretary in writing not later than 14 days prior to the AGM in each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the League Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two member Clubs, not later than 4 weeks prior to AGM in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the AGM.
(C)
The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the League Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.
(D)
Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the League General Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.
(E)
All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(F)
The Officers (Management Committee) of the Competition shall be the Chairman, League Secretary, Treasurer, Referees' Secretary and may include;
(1)
Life President, Vice Presidents, Deputy Chairman, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Referees’ Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Assistant Fixtures Secretary, Registrations Secretary, Conduct Secretary, Results Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Trophy Secretary, Social Secretary, Fund Raising Secretaries, Website Administrator, League Development Officer, Social Media Officer, Marketing and Communications Secretary. These positions are to be elected at The Annual General Meeting (or co-opted).
(2)
Club/team delegates, (maximum of four to be elected at the Annual General Meeting) shall be considered as Officers of the Alliance, but not as part of the Management Committee. They will be entitled with advance notice to the League General Secretary, to attend Committee meetings, to bring Club issues to the Management Committee’s attention, to observe and to ensure the protocol and regulation of the Alliance is adhered to. They will not be entitled to join the discussion/debate on any agenda item unless invited by the management committee. Confidentiality must be observed at all times by all Officers. If any part of business in Committee, or any discussion taken by Officers is divulged or placed into the public domain before the official notification has been published, an investigation will take place and the source of that indiscretion will be subject to a vote of no confidence. The Life President position is the only lifetime appointment on the Management Committee.
6(A)
The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.
(B)
Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained, the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call on each Club 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 at all such meetings but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly relating to that member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee)
(D)
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.
(E)
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. In cases where alleged incidents occur at a match, the Management Committee may withdraw a team’s fixtures for up to 28 days in order to investigate and call the Club(s) concerned. If a criminal investigation is instigated directly before, during or post a WESFA fixture then the withdrawal of fixtures will be increased for the duration of the investigation and furthermore until the London Football Association has levied its findings. With the exception of rules 6(J), 8(H) and 9, for all alleged breaches of a rule the management committee shall issue a formal written charge to the club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:
(1) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
(2) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or
(3) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
(4) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee.
Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.
Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above
Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or, proven , decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).
With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence; taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
The maximum fine permitted for a breach of a Rule by a Team playing at Regional NLS Feeder League level is £500
No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined
All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate sanctioning Association.
(F)
All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days
(G)
More than 50 % of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.
(H)
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.
(I)
A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(J)
Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid
(K)
A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
(L)
The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations or Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable).
(M)
The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.
(N)
Any teams statement of account that has a negative balance (monies owed) other than the 200 club prior to the December league general meeting, will have 14 days to clear the total from the date of the statement issued. Failure to do this will result in a fine in accordance with the fines tariff. A further non-payment within 14 days to clear the account to £0 will result in your cast fixtures being awarded on a continuous rolling basis. The management committee would then invoke rule 6(I)
1
The 200 club draw balance of £45 must be paid on or before the December league general meeting. Failure to pay this fee in full on or before the deadline listed above will result in a club suspension of 14 days and any subsequent fixtures that have already been cast within that period of time will be awarded to your opponents in line with Rule 6(N)
(O)
A club failing to be represented at a general or committee meeting will be fined. If your club has more than one team in the competition, the absence fine is levied against all teams if you are absent. There is a staggered increase of fines dependant on the quantity of meetings not attended by a team per season. There is no fine levied for your one and only apology during a season. The fine tier structure is clarified below; 1 x absence = £20 2 x absences - £40 3 x absences = £60 4 x absences - £80 5 x absences - £100. A maximum of one (1) apology per team will be permitted per season; upon the second notice of apology and subsequent apologies thereafter will have a non-attendance fine levied. (See also Standing Order, section A).
(P)
20 awards will be presented to the winners and runners-up in the League and its other Competitions, with awards for other special achievements and successes as decided by the Management Committee. These will be presented at the Annual General Meeting. Awards will not be presented to teams not properly represented. Winners and runners-up in Cup Finals will be presented with awards on the day, at a presentation ceremony after the match. The perpetual trophies will be collected at the end of the presentation ceremony ready for engraving and handed back at the AGM.
(Q)
Each Member Team is entitled to send two delegates to all League General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. Each Team shall be entitled to one vote only.
(R)
The Management Committee may refuse an application from any new team/Club.
(S)
The Management Committee may refuse the continuance of a member Club if they fail to return their continuation form to the Hon. League Secretary by the 31st March each season. This is only possible on reasonable grounds that are both recorded and communicated to the applicant, apply natural justice and is shown to be lawful and not in any unjustifiable way discriminatory.
7A 1
All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee.
(2)
Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee prior to the commencement of the Match
(B)
Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within [ ] days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined
(C)
No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties
(D)
All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days before the protest or complaint being heard
(1)
All parties must have received [7] days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.
(2)
Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.
(E)
The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
(F)
Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):
(1)
invite submissions by the parties involved;
(2)
convene a hearing to hear the appeal;
(3)
permit new evidence; or
(4)
impose deadlines as are appropriate.
Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.
(G)
No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
(H)
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/Teams or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (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.
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 of these to be submitted.
8(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 51% of members are present and entitled to vote:-
(1)
To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.
(2)
To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.
(3)
Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
(4)
Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
(5)
Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.
(6)
Appointment of auditors.
(7)
Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).
(8)
Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
(9)
Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Step 7 which shall be determined by The FA).
(10)
Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.
(B)
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes.
(C)
A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.
(D)
Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.
(E)
Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12.
(F)
All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G)
No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.
(H)
Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(I)
Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a Club (see Rule 8(G)).
(J)
Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules
9(A)
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call an SGM
(B)
The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time.
(C)
At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
(D)
Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.
(E)
Any Team failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(F)
Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a Club (see Rule 9(D)).
Each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the application for membership for the coming Season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. We have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.” The agreement shall be signed by: (i) Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or (ii) Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club. We also agree that any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the League Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club will not be cast any fixtures until the League Secretary is in receipt of a signed copy of this Rule by the member team. The Competition shall require all players and Club Officials to have signed the FA’s “Respect” Codes of Conduct and produce these if so requested by the Management Committee
Click this link to sign Rule 10
11A
Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the League Secretary in writing by 31st March each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22(B). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(1)
A fine will be levied against any team that submits a continuation form stating that they are continuing for the following season and then withdraws. Fine in accordance with the fines tariff
(B)
The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the competition after the AGM/arrangement of fixtures for the following season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine in accordance with the fines tariff
(C)
Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6(I), in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
12A
At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to:
(1)
remove a member of the Management Committee from office;
(2)
exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(B)
At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(C)
(C) Any Officer or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of clause (A) and/or (B) of this Rule.
(D)
(D) Any team failing to complete 75% of its fixtures in any season shall, (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the AGM or Special General Meeting decide otherwise by two thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast) be debarred from membership in the following season.
(1)
Any member club, having played the AWAY fixture against another member club, and not fulfilling their return HOME fixture, and withdrawing from the league during the playing season, shall be liable to reimburse their opponents’ permit costs. The amount of reimbursement will be subject to the remainder of monies initially deposited as a goodwill bond by the withdrawing team(s), less any outstanding fines and fees subtracted at the end of season. The league secretary will email all teams within the affected division. All claims must be in writing to the league general secretary within 14 days of the notification of the teams(s) withdrawal. Claims outside of this timeline will not be valid. (As an example, if 3 home matches are left unfulfilled when a team withdraws, then the balance of the withdrawing team’s remaining funds (goodwill bond, etc) after any outstanding League fines and fees are subtracted, would be divided 3 ways and those equal proportions would be forwarded to the Clubs/Teams affected by the withdrawal).
(E)
Any team that reaches 15 disciplinary points in the season will be written to by the ‘Conduct Secretary’ warning them of their misconduct. A team obtaining 25 disciplinary points in a season will be required to attend a sub- committee meeting to discuss in person their continuing misconduct and supply evidence of how they intend to manage this area of concern. Any team accumulating 40 disciplinary points during the season from all fixtures, MAY be considered by the Management Committee for expulsion from the Alliance by member clubs at the AGM or an SGM. It is each teams’ responsibility to manage their players’ behaviour and conduct both on and off the field of play. If you do not, then the Management Committee will.
13A
The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:-
“We ________________________ and __________________________, the Chair and Secretary of ________________________ FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before March General Meeting. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our ownership we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.” Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(B)
At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
(C)
Failure to return trophies by the March league general meeting will incur a fine in accordance with the fines tariff for each trophy. The Pat Tansley memorial trophy is required to be returned on or before the AGM each playing season. If any trophy is returned in a damaged or unsatisfactory condition, the restoration will also be charged to the team concerned.
(D)
Only those successful teams whose continuation of membership has been confirmed for the following season and not later withdraw shall be permitted to retain the leagues perpetual trophies until the date of the return quoted in the above rule. Any team not continuing in the Alliance in the following season will be presented with trophies at the AGM however they must be returned at the end of that AGM.
14A
Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at an SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season, except in exceptional circumstances and approved by Sanctioning Authority and The FA.
(B)
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the League Secretary by the 15th of May each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by the 31st May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the League Secretary by the 7th June. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.
(C)
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting
(D)
Each Member Team agrees to the foregoing Rules and also to abide by decisions of the Management Committee, subject to Rule 7. Each Member Club, having signed the Codes of Conduct or any other policies adopted by this Alliance, has accepted and agreed to abide by them.
15A
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 £75 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
(C)
The financial year of the Competition will end on 31st May annually.
(D)
The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited and verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.
All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.
(B)
All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
(C)
Failure to comply with Rule 16(A) or 16(B) will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff and fixtures cannot be arranged for member clubs without these insurances.
17A
Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at an 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:
(1)
Any surplus assets, save for a trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority.
(2)
If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.
18A
A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:
(1)
signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club, which is submitted to the Competition by 9pm on a Thursday prior to the Player playing and whose registration has been confirmed by the Competition prior to that Player playing in a Competition Match; or
(2)
signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club and submitted to the Competition within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The player shall not be able to play again on a subsequent day until the club is in possession of the player registration card processed by the Registration Secretary;
(3)
registered through The FA platform by 9pm on a Thursday prior to the Player playing and whose registration has been confirmed by the Competition prior to that Player playing in a Competition Match and is in receipt of the players registration card.
Note
Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration System the registration will not be processed
For Clubs registering Players under Rule 18.A.2. registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering Players by the Player Registration System, Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process
(4)
The Alliance enforces a photo-card registration procedure. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(5)
A maximum of 10 emergency player registrations can be used in accordance with this paragraph 18(A)(ii) up until the 31st March each year but a maximum of 2 can be used in any one match. Players that are registered via the emergency registration process cannot be deregistered from that team until 14 days has elapsed since the date of their respective emergency registration.
(6)
If a player has signed the emergency registration card but is subsequently found to be registered to another member club, as long as that player has not played in any match/es for the original club for a period of no less than 90 days prior to the date of the emergency registration then that player will be considered clear to register for the new team and a transfer fee will be applied.
B(1)
Contract players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, or Tiers 1-4 of the Women Pyramid System.
(2)
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
(3)
Each Club must have at least 11 Players registered before the 15th August. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(4)
In the event of a Non Contract Player changing his status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18.B.1
(C)
A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) to any club(s) will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.
(D)
A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered.
(1)
Twenty five (25) player registration cards for new teams will be supplied by the Registration Secretary no later than the August pre-season meeting each year.
(2)
Twenty Eight (28) clear days must be allowed for bulk (11+) player registrations prior to the first scheduled competitive fixture. The onus is on the team to ensure that the registration cards have been received by the Registration Secretary. Upon the completion of the player registrations, half of the card will be returned to the team Secretary. This counterfoil will include a photograph and should be kept safe and be available for inspection in all Competitive matches within the Alliance. A stamped self-addressed envelope is required to return the processed Registration cards back to the team’s Secretary.
(3)
Each club with more than one (1) team in the League will announce each team’s squad by the 15th August each year. Thereafter, each team will separately sign any new players. The transfer of any player from one team to another has a cost of £5 on each occasion.
(4)
From Monday after the commencement of the season, all individual player registrations will be processed by the Registration Secretary in the timeline that follows: (a) Player registration card/s that are fully completed and the hard copy received by the Registration Secretary on or before 9pm on a Thursday evening prior to the fixture will be processed ready for the Sunday. (b) Player registration card/s that are received online or via post on a Friday prior to the fixture or later will not be processed for the Sunday. Unless otherwise instructed by the specific member club, the player registration cards/s will be posted to team Secretary’s home address as soon as possible ready for the following Sunday.
(5)
A stamped self-addressed envelope should be submitted to the Registration Secretary for the return of ALL player registration card/s. If a stamped self-addressed envelope is not supplied then the processed registration cards are by collection only.
(E)
The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes. In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club, priority of registration shall decide for which Club the Player shall be registered. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration
(F)
It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to
(1)
Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred
(2)
Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer.
(3)
Submit a signed registration form as per Rule 18 A.2 or submit a registration through the Player Registration System that the Player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
(4)
If a player cancels the registration with the one but registers with another member team within twenty eight (28) days, this action will be considered a transfer and all transfer rules and fee shall apply.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff
(G)1
The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.G.2 and 18.G.3 below
(2)
The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).
(3)
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 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with
Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition
(4)
A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.G.3 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 may consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute
Note
(Note: Action under Rule 18.G.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)
(H)
Subject to compliance with FA rule C when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer form (in a format as determined by the Competition) to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the club for which the player is registered. Once a transfer request has been received by the league, the club to whom the player is currently registered will be emailed to seek confirmation and the immediate return of the player’s registration card to the Registration Secretary. Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the 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 or 7 days after receipt of such transfer. Failure to return the player’s registration card will result in the club being charged under rule 6(H).
Note
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision
(I)
A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st March except by special permission of the Management Committee
(J)
Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only
(K)
A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule 22(A)) unless the Player has been registered for the member club and has played 3 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.
(1)
In the event of a Non Contract 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 Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18(B)(1).
(2)
Teams that disband, withdraw, are removed from membership or do not continue in the following season are required to return ALL registration cards to the Registration Secretary within fourteen (14) days of the notification to the League Secretary of their intention to fold/withdraw or the date of removal and in the case of non-continuance, fourteen (14) days after the AGM. Failure to do so will result in the Management Committee withholding the return of the goodwill bond or any residue after any deductions are made.
(L)
A Team shall not include players who have taken part in a or more senior Competition Matches during
the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 days has elapsed since they last played.
For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is when a player has a written contract and is paid under that contract. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff and be sanctioned under Rule 18(M).
(see Trophy Competition rules for player eligibility criteria for all Cup competitions and PCC)
(M)1
Subject to Rule 18.M.2 any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).
(2)
The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18.M.1 only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status
(3)
Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.M.1 above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion
a)
Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or
b)
Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or
c)
Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).
(N)1
The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education:- Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(2)
The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday leagues competitions).
(3)
To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16
(O)
A Team shall not include any players who have taken part in a more senior Competition Match during the current Playing Season. For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is when a player has a written contract and is paid under that contract. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff and (also see Rule 18.M.1)
(P)
Clubs with more than one team within this alliance will be permitted to interchange players as follows; Movement of players from the lower team to the higher team is unlimited but any player originally registered for the lower team that plays five times for the higher team will by default automatically be transferred to the higher team and subsequently will not be eligible to play for the lower team again in the current season. A maximum of two players per game will be permitted to interchange from the higher team to the lower team but any player originally registered for the higher team that plays five times for the lower team will by default automatically be transferred to the lower team and subsequently will not be eligible to play for the higher team again in the current season. In such circumstances the standard transfer fee of £5 will apply. (Rule 18D)(iii). For the avoidance of doubt, the team named as the “A” team may not necessarily be the higher division team unless they are in the same division. Note: There will be no movement at all between two or more teams within the same club after the transfer deadline date of 31st March each season. Any team that breaches this rule, please refer to Rule 18.M.1.
19A
Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 1st August who shall decide as to their suitability.
(B)
Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.
(1)
All new kits incorporating dark colours must be approved by the Management Committee before purchasing.
(C)
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.
(D)
No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
(E)
Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 5 days before the Competition Match.
(F)
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the away Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(G)
Shirts must be numbered, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
20A
All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground.
Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.
The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C).
All Home ground dates should be forwarded to the Fixture Secretary by the date notified on the permit & pitch availability form, no later than 15th August. Failure to do so will result in a fine in accordance with the fines tariff.
Within the National League System (“NLS”) and Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes.
The times of kick-off shall be fixed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs prior to the scheduled date of the Competition Match with written notification given to the Competition at least 7 days prior.
Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The Referee shall make their way to the field of play 15 minutes before the scheduled kick off time and is then given the team sheets from both teams, the two match balls fit for play and offered their fee. The Referee must receive their copy of the team sheet from both teams at least 15 minutes prior to kick off (For Cup Finals this must be 30 minutes prior to the kick off time), with named substitutes clearly marked and ensuring all written shirt numbers correspond with those worn by the players. Teams delaying the start of the match by not having their team sheet ready for the Referee will be fined for causing a late kick off in accordance with the fines tariff.
Any Team failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum in accordance of the fines tariff (1-15 minutes) or (16-30 minutes), 30 minutes late is the cut off time for a scheduled kick off, teams later than 30 minutes will not be permitted to record this fixture as a competitive match and the result will be decided by the Management Committee. The result will be covered by 20(E). Member clubs causing continual late kick offs will be dealt with in line with Rule 6H.
The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches.
Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are removed for all affiliated matches in the NLS and at Regional NLS Feeder League level. For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance of the laws of the game.
(B)
Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally agreed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(1)
Fixtures, having been issued shall be deemed to have been accepted unless objections are received by the Fixtures Secretary in writing, within seven days of their issue. All matches must be played on stated/published dates, or as directed by the Fixtures Secretary or the Management Committee.
In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).
(C)
A Secretary of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground, time of kick-off & colours to be worn to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff (Except where the Fixtures Secretary has arranged a fixture at shorter notice). For midweek matches, notice must be given by 9pm Sunday prior to playing the match. Any team which does not notify their opponents and/or match official(s) by midday on the preceding Thursday may lose the right to play the match and be liable for the full cost of the match official(s). The points or the tie may be awarded to the opposition, with a score line of 0-0 being recorded. In all cases, email communication (where possible) will be deemed acceptable.
(D)
In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players which will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7
(1)
If a team fields only 6 players, a match cannot start. Similarly, if during a match, a team is reduced to 6 players either by injury, disciplinary action, (excluding temporary dismissals) or other circumstances, the match should not continue and should be abandoned immediately. The circumstances should be reported by both Teams and the referee, where appointed by the League, to the League secretary and Fixtures Secretary within two days of the match. In certain circumstances the Referee must also report the abandonment to the County FA. Every Team shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition. (Note: The intention of this Rule is not to interfere with normal team selection by teams, but to prevent them deliberately fielding a weakened team in order to unreasonably preserve players for another game or boost the strength of another or lower team. If, in the opinion of the Management Committee, the substance or the spirit of the Rule is obviously being disregarded, the team or teams concerned may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject to such decisions as the Management Committee may determine, despite the fact that Rule 18 has not been infringed.)
(E)1
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 (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.
The decision making process into non-played fixtures is as follows;
a)
If you are the HOME TEAM and withdraw before noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek fixture) = the away team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), HOME team Is charged £10 for non-fulfilment of fixture and an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the away team.
b)
If you are the HOME TEAM and withdraw after noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek fixture) = the away team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), HOME team charged £10 for non-fulfilment of fixture, an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the away team. If a club fails to notify the Fixtures Secretary before midday on the Saturday prior to the match, this will result in the full referee costs being levied against the defaulting team, unless the Referee can be reallocated an alternate fixture on the same date by the Referee’s Secretary. (See Rule 13(E).
c)
If you are the AWAY TEAM and withdraw before noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek fixture) = the home team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), the AWAY team charged £10 for non-fulfilment of fixture and an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the home team. Note: Cancellation of the permit is the sole responsibility of the home team as no permit costs will be awarded in this scenario.
d)
If you are the AWAY TEAM and withdraw after noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek fixture) = the home team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), the AWAY team charged £10 for non-fulfilment of fixture, an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the home team. If a club fails to notify the Fixtures Secretary before midday on the Saturday prior to the match, this will result in the full referee costs being levied against the defaulting team, unless the Referee can be reallocated on alternate fixture on the same date by the Referee’s Secretary. (See Rule 23(E)).
e)
A receipt of the permit invoice for that specific date will be required within seven (7) days for reimbursement of the permit costs otherwise the claim will be void.
f)
The HOME team must contact the Fixtures Secretary as soon as possible if their permit becomes available due to a non-played fixture to see whether their permit can be used elsewhere and also contact Referee’s Secretary to ensure that the official can be utilised in another fixture.
(2)
Any Club with more than one Team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence: - First Team, Reserve Team, A Team.
(3)
Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. Any Team failing to comply shall be dealt with in line with Rule 20(E)(i)a)b)c)d)e) by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it may deem suitable.
(4)
In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 28 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand.
(5)
Notice of the abandoned match must be given to the Fixtures Secretary by both Teams on the day of the Match and also to the Results Secretary via text using the code A-A. Both teams shall write to the League General Secretary within four (4) days explaining the reason for this postponement/abandonment (email is acceptable). Any rearranged abandoned fixture will be 50/50 split cost between both competing teams, failure to report will attract a fine in accordance with the fines tariff.
(6)
The Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a Competition Match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Competition Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Competition Match.
(7)
The Management Committee shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18(M.1) above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.
(F)
A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used.
A Player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace a Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football. Where the Competition does allow return substitutes, a club may use up to 5 from 5 substitutes in a Competition Match.
The referee and a representative of the opposing Club shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) no later than 15 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.
A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.
(G)
The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
(H)
The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who shall wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(I)
Double Header Matches – In the event of inclement weather and or adverse playing conditions the Management Committee may authorise the playing of Double-Header games in order to ensure that the League programme is bought to an orderly completion. Double-Header games only consist of two teams playing one another twice on the same day at the same location. Double-Header games will only be introduced when strictly necessary. The Home team will be determined and notified by the Fixtures Secretary.
a)
Each match may consist of different registered players for each team but registration cards must be produced and full match card procedures followed for each separate match.
b)
Separate team sheets must be completed for each game and sent to the Registration Secretary in accordance with Rule 21(A).
c)
A team not ready to play at the time of the first scheduled kick-off shall be deemed as absent, the second game will be played as soon as possible.
d)
No more than a 15 minute break shall be allowed between the two separate matches. Half-time intervals may be reduced if agreeable to both sides and the referee.
e)
All permit costs are to be shared equally for double headers between the two competing teams on the day. Note: An exception to this rule is if two competing teams play their Home matches at the same venue and pay annually for pitch hire rather than on a weekly basis. (f) Each team shall share the costing of the match official(s).
f)
A player who is dismissed from the field of play by the referee in the first match shall be eligible to take part in the second game.
g)
The duration of each game shall be 30 minute each way. (See Standing Order I)
(J)
If fixtures are arranged late, or altered, or any other problems concerning match arrangements, the Teams must keep the Fixtures Secretary, match official(s) and opponents fully informed of the situation. They must contact all parties no later than the Tuesday prior to the match and any further details must be confirmed to all parties by the Thursday preceding the match. If the kick off time of a scheduled match is different from a 10.30 kick off (except for Cup Finals) then the Fixtures Secretary must obtain written confirmation from both affected teams of their acceptance of this change with a copy of such records sent to the League Secretary. Member clubs are advised that due to inclement weather, pitch availability and exceptional circumstances, the kick off time may be moved on a pro-rata basis but verbal communication (email sent is not accepted in this case as confirmed notice) will be the primary contact method.
(K)
Any Team not wishing to play on a specific date must make a written application (a “no game request”) to the Fixtures Secretary at least 28 days before the date they wish not to play. (This does not apply to Cup Finals, where no such dispensation will be granted). Successful applications outside of this limit will not be considered. Teams may submit only two requests per season, unless evidence of extraordinary circumstances can be provided (bereavement, etc). (Note: Wedding parties, “stag” weekends or other pre-arranged social arrangements will NOT be permitted as a reason for not playing without due notice – all such events are inevitably subject to planning and such dates should be well-known to a club, therefore allowing ample time to submit a “no-match” request). Any applications may be declined if it to the detriment of the competition.
(L)
When the home team plays on the away Club’s permit, the cost of the permit must be paid for on the day. Teams in default will be fined in accordance with the fines tariff. The defaulting team will have until noon on the following Thursday to settle the outstanding permit cost. After this Rule 6(I) applies.
(M)
If a player is sent off the field of play for any offence they must remove themselves from the sideline and away from the field of play. The distance required is subjective however they cannot be heard or participate in any capacity for the remainder of that match. Any player that is reported to the Management Committee for non-adherence of this rule will be reported to the County Football Association for further sanctioning.
21A1
The Registration Secretary must receive a fully completed Team Sheet within 4 days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. Emailing scanned team sheets to the Registration Secretary is accepted, however it is the teams’ responsibility to ensure that all the data on the team sheet is legible so that the information is recorded accurately. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters), registration number of ALL players to be shown in the space provided, AND ALL misconduct (player names should be printed) and also the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(2)
In the absence of an original, a duplicate must be provided to the Registrations Secretary within 7 days of a request by an Officer of the league. In this case, the original fine will stand - there will be no reduction in fine for the supply of a duplicate team sheet. Failure to adhere to this will be dealt with; in accordance to Rule 6H
(3)
The hard copy of the team sheet must be provided to the Registration Secretary by the next league general meeting. Failure to adhere to this will incur a fine in accordance with the fines tariff
(4)
Any submitted incomplete team sheet will result in a fine in accordance with the fines tariff.
(5)
Each team will be required to complete their team sheet on the FA full time website within 4 days of the match. Failure to adhere to this will incur a fine in accordance with the fines tariff.
(6)
Any team that has not submitted 3 team sheets (hard copy or online) to the competition will have their fixtures withdrawn for a period of 14 days and will be fined under rule 6I. Fixtures that have already been cast within that timeframe will be awarded and costs levied. Failure to provide the team sheets for a further 14 days will result in the management committee convening a Special General Meeting to remove the team(s) from membership.
(B)
Both Clubs shall text the result of each Competition Match to Full Time by 7pm on the Sunday after the match. For midweek games, results shall be communicated by 11pm on the day of the match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(C)
The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the Club, or as prescribed by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(D)
Team officials should sign their opponents’ Team sheet to confirm they have checked their opponents’ players’ photo-registration counterfoils before kick-off. Any team not able to produce their players’ registrations on request will immediately forfeit the fixture then they have waived their right to protest.
NO PHOTO CARDS - NO GAME - THIS IS THE RULE FOR EVERY MATCH
Note
In the event of a dispute, the signed Team Sheet will be the definitive item and will nullify any protest regarding the qualification of player. (However, this will not necessarily prevent the Officers investigating a claim or protest). If a Team has elected to sign the Team Sheet as confirmation when their opposition’s photo-registrations were not available, then they have waived their right to protest.
22A
Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.
(1)
In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points, any team that has forfeited a League match(es) during the playing season will be placed in a lower divisional standing. (Refer to Rule 24 for forfeited cup match ruling) NOTE: A forfeited match is a cast fixture that your opponent club fails to attend, it is not an awarded fixture due to another breach of rule.
In the event of two or more teams still being equal on points and forfeited matches the league positions will be determined by the following,
(2)
if the forfeited matches are not equal then as long as the goal difference between the two or more teams is either equal to or less than 3 goals per forfeited match then the team that has the better playing record against the other team/s in their head to head league competition matches during the playing season will be placed highest; or
(3)
if the forfeited matches are not equal but the goal difference between the two or more teams is more than 3 goals per forfeited match then goal difference will decide league standings (where the goals scored against each team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that team and the team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest).
(4)
In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest).
(5)
In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.
(6)
In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. In the event of two or more 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 Playing Season will be placed highest.
(7)
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 the Teams affected shall play a deciding match or matches under conditions as determined by the Management Committee.
(B)
Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first 2 Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last 2 Teams in each division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(L).
(1)
Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated.
(2)
Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:
a)
retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or
b)
additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or
c)
election.
(3)
The last Team in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the conditions of Rule 22 (B)(i) above.
(4)
When a senior Team is relegated to a lower division of which its reserve Team is a member, or entitled to be a member, such reserve Team must accept relegation to, or retain its position in, the next lower division; and should the senior Team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve Team automatically retires from the Competition.
(5)
Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have its senior Team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next highest Team or Teams in the division concerned.
(C)
The WESFA do not currently deploy a play-off system, as a result this ruling is not applicable. As an option in SCOR, we list it just in case our members would like to adopt it in the future.
In addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22.B, a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows [ ].
(D)
In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.D a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee
23A
Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority
B(1)
In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant referee appointed by the competing Teams.
(2)
In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match
(C)
Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff
(1)
The management committee may, if considered appropriate, or if requested to by either of the competing teams, appoint Assistant Referees to any match. When appointing assistants, the Referees Secretary shall advise the two Clubs in writing, at least 48 hours before the match, of his reason(s)/justification for placing assistants on their match. A request by one Club for Assistants to be appointed will be sufficient to place 2 additional officials on a match (if available), irrespective of the view of their opponents.
For all League matches, all officials are to be paid by the AWAY team and the cost of ONE Assistant reclaimed from the home team.
(2)
In circumstances where the Management Committee are unable to provide neutral Assistant Referees to any fixture, clubs must provide their own Assistant to aid the Match Referee, if the clubs provides such assistance, this MUST be accepted by the Match Referee and cannot be declined (unless the person provided is under suspension), if the Referee does not accept such assistance, then the club will have the right to refuse to play the fixture, and must report such circumstances to the League Secretary and Fixtures Secretary within the allotted time period for such correspondence.
(D)
The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.
(E)
Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff inclusive of travel expenses. The fee for the Match Officials shall be equal to that published by the London Football Association for the Sunday Junior Cup at the time of the league AGM.
Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff
Cup match fees are split equally by both teams and is the responsibility of the HOME team to ensure payment is made.
(1)
Referee appointed by the Management Committee = £45
(2)
Assistant Referees appointed by the Management Committee or requested by a team(s) = £30
(3)
For “double-headers” Referee: £65, Assistant Referees = £40
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(F)
In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to £5 expenses only. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(G)
A referee not keeping his or her engagement or arriving late and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.
(H)
Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I)
The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to The FA/County FA.
(J)
The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition (usually through wesfa.co), giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off and other requested details to the Referees Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.
(K)
Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the competition rules, free of charge. These are to be found at www.wesfa.co/competitionrules
(L)
(M)
Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition.
A Referee MUST report all cautions and /or sending offs to the appropriate County Association within the statutory periods. Any Referee failing to do so will be reported to their County of Affiliation for appropriate action.
(N)
A Referee MUST submit a report to the Referee’s Secretary if approached by any team official to withhold misconduct information from the County Association or League.
(O)
When marking a referee, emphasis should be given to the complete performance, not one or two isolated or controversial incidents, even if you feel you lost the game because of a particular decision. Where marks are seriously inconsistent between two teams in the same match, the Referees’ Secretary may call the teams to explain their marking(s). Remember – win with dignity, lose with grace and always display a sporting attitude.
(P)
If a Team marks a referee 60 or less, a written report of explanation for the low mark, either by letter or email, must be sent to the Referees’ Secretary and Assistant Referee Secretary, within 4 days of the match. Failing to submit this report will be deemed as failing to deal with League business. Refer to Rule 6(H)
(Q)
All Referees must acknowledge appointments to the Home Team Secretary upon receipt, or by the latest Wednesday 9pm prior to the game. This can be done, if possible, by email. Referees should notify the Referees’ Secretary by Thursday midday prior to the game, if they have NOT been contacted by the Home team, however the Referee should attempt to contact the home team to confirm match details and to report such occurrence. In such circumstances, the referee may be withdrawn and relocated to another fixture.
(A) The Trophy Competition Rules shall be as for the League Championship except that all Cup matches may
commence 30 minutes earlier than League games, to allow for the possibility of extra time. (On private grounds this may vary). Cup draws will be made at the discretion of the Officers, with neutral observers (all rounds), other than the Plumstead Challenge Cup. The Plumstead Challenge Cup will be drawn at the beginning of September each year.
(B) Trophies shall be competed for annually, as decided by the officers. The entrance fee for all competitions
shall be payable no later than the August league general meeting and shall be as determined each season per competition. The draws for trophy competitions will be made with at least two officers of the league present.
(C) The officers shall, for all intents and purposes, be the legal owners of the trophies in trust for the league,
and they are the sole property of the league. No team may hold trophies after expulsion/withdrawal from the league.
(D) Each player must have been registered within this League for not less than fourteen (14) consecutive days
prior to playing in a quarter final or subsequent round of any competition during the current season. They shall be considered a player of the team having played three League or cup games, before being eligible to play in a semi-final or final tie. No individual member shall play for another Team having already played for another team in the same competition in the same season (Divisional cup competitions are treated as one competition in this rule). The Officers, at their discretion, may allow a player not so qualified to play, on investigation of the circumstances presented to them.
(E) All match officials will be appointed by the Referee’s Secretary. Referees and assistant referees will be
appointed to all semi-final and final ties. For final ties, referees and assistant referees will receive a trophy and expenses of £10.
(F) The duration of any trophy match shall not be less than 90 minutes. In the event of a draw at full time,
except for the semi-final and final ties, the result of the game shall be decided on penalty kicks, in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
(1) A period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played at the semi-final and final ties only. In the event of a
raw after the extra time period, the result of the game shall be decided on penalty kicks. Replays will NOT apply at any stage of the competition.
(G) The “home” team will be considered to be the first-named of the member teams in all ties, including the
final tie, irrespective of the venue concerned and subject to the rules of the Competition and ground authority.
(1) The away team is entitled to require evidence of permit cost in any competition match. £100 is the highest
fee paid for a permit reclaim
(2) For rounds prior to the semi-final the HOME team has the right to determine the time of kick-off subject to
paragraph (A), except when on a ground provided through the League, in such cases the kick off time shall be determined by the Officers through the Fixtures Secretary. Venues for Final ties will be arranged by the Management Committee and expenses for Final ties will be met through League funds. An afternoon kick-off for semi-final ties will only be with the permission of the Management Committee.
(H) Up to and including the semi-final tie, all expenses are to be shared equally by the competing teams.
(I) In the event of the ground being provided by the league such gate money/programme sales which may be
taken shall be received by the competition. Finalists of all trophy competitions will receive 10% each of the
total gate money received pertaining to their own cup final only, on each occasion.
(J) Venues for final ties shall be arranged by the league and will include both Sundays and midweek fixtures, at
the sole discretion of the officers. All teams qualifying for finals will be required to purchase 18 cup final
programmes at a discounted price, the cost of which will be reviewed from time to time.
(K) 18 Individual trophies/medals will be supplied to the finalists and winners, and the perpetual trophy will be
presented to the winners upon the conclusion of the match. This trophy must be returned after the match
for engraving purposes and then awarded at the WESFA AGM.
PAT TANSLEY MEMORIAL CUP – Charity competition with proceeds raised for the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. Team
sheets must be completed for this competition as per Rule 21.
(B) The final will be played fourteen (14) days before the first official Sunday of the season with a kick off
time of 2.30pm. This match will be sanctioned by the County FA so will be officiated in the manner
expected.
(i) Unregistered/trialist players will be permitted to play in this match but fair play in the spirit of the game
must be adhered to.
(C) The participants of this final will be decided by the Management Committee. Both teams must be
continuing their membership in the WESFA for the upcoming season. It is normally the Premier Division
winners versus the Dewar Shield winners. If the Premier Division winners are the same as the Dewar
Shield winners then the Dewar Shield runners up will be selected to play. In the event of any of the teams
listed above not being available then the Premier Division runners up will be selected.
(D) In the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, no extra time shall be played. The
winners shall be decided on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game. A replay will
not apply.
(E) Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed to this match by the Referees’ Secretary, match fees
will be payable by the competing Teams.
(F) No individual trophies/medals will be supplied in this match. The perpetual trophy will be presented to
the winners upon the conclusion of the match.
SUPREME ENGRAVING FAIR PLAY INVITATIONAL CUP FINAL
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. Team sheets must be completed in this competition as per Rule 21.
(B) The participants in this competition Cup Final will be the two member clubs with the best conduct record during the qualifying period (September – February inclusive). The two teams will be notified at the March management committee meeting. For clarification, the misconduct report used shall be the data that is held by the WESFA Conduct Secretary.
(C) In the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played. In the event of a draw after the extra time period, the winners shall be decided on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game. Replays will not apply at any stage of the competition.
(D) Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed to this match by the Referees’ Secretary. Referees and Assistant Referees will receive a trophy and expenses of £10 in the final tie.
(E) Individual trophies/medals will be supplied in the final. The perpetual trophy will be presented to the winners upon the conclusion of the match. This trophy must be returned after the match and awarded at the AGM.
PLUMSTEAD CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance.
(B) Officers of the competition will be trustees of the funds and property of the competition. As allowed by the accumulated funds of the competition from time to time a donation will be made to various charities.
(C) Unless otherwise provided for, the competition is subject to the rules of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance, other than the playing venues of some participating Clubs/teams, which may fall outside the League’s 15-mile radius. Due to the nature of the Competition, venues outside this League’s normal radius will be deemed acceptable. Other anomalies will be dealt with by the Management Committee on a “case-by-case” basis. This Is to allow for entry by teams from other Leagues.
(D) Entry Fee will be £20 per team, payable on or before the August General Meeting or by the 31st August each year by external applicants. Any team that has not paid their entry fee by this date will be removed from the competition. Any Team affiliated to a County Association may seek admission to the competition but must also have written approval from their own league which is then forwarded to fixtures@wesfa.co.
(i) Members of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance are admitted automatically and must advise the Fixtures Secretary if they do not wish to enter the draw on or before the August General Meeting.
(E) The Annual General Meeting will be held no later than 30th June each year, to coincide with the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance Annual General Meeting, at the headquarters of the League.
(F) Officers of the competition may call a special meeting at any time it may be considered necessary and will give seven (7) days’ notice of such meetings with details of the agenda. Notice may be dispensed with upon approval of 66% of accredited member delegates present (a minimum of 20 delegates must be in attendance and also able to vote) in the interests of the competition.
(G) Each member team, and each Officer, will be entitled to one vote on each issue where it is called for, other than the Chairman, who will be entitled to cast an extra vote in the event of a tie. All voting will be decided by a simple majority on a show of hands; unless a majority of accredited voters should demand a secret ballot.
(H) The draw for this Competition will be made at the beginning of September each year. Each member will be provided with a copy of the draw. The dates on which ties should be played shall be fixed, and the ties played as the WESFA Management Committee may determine, unless due to weather or circumstances beyond the control of either team or league. Any such decision taken in the interests of the competition will not incur any financial penalty.
(I) Officers of the competition will determine the venue, date, and kick-off time for final ties, bearing all expenses for the final. The Final tie apart, expenses for all ties will be shared equally between the competing teams; the home team will be the first-named of the participants in all ties, including the final tie, irrespective of the venue concerned, and subject to the rules of competition and the ground authority.
(J) Each external team will need to supply a maximum list of 30 players that are to be used in the competition for that season. The list must include the forename, surname, date of birth and FA number of each player and sent to the following email: Registration@wesfa.co by the 15th September each year.
(i) Each external team can use up to but not exceed 10 players that are not listed in the original list of 30 players during the season. However, to use any additional players you must first remove one of the original players from the list and supply all the necessary information by Thursday 9pm. Each team must obtain confirmation from the WESFA Registration Secretary that the new player is eligible to play before the match. Under no circumstances must a team have more than 30 players listed at any one time.
(K) Each player must have been registered within this League, or their parent League for external clubs, for not less than fourteen (14) consecutive days prior to playing in a quarter final tie.
(i) They shall be considered a player of the team having played three league or cup games, before being eligible to play in a semi-final or final tie.
(ii) A player will not be eligible to play in the final tie unless they have played in a previous tie in the same season for the same team; no player may play for more than one team during the same season’s competition.
(iii) Teams can seek dispensation in special circumstances, officers will review and can approve such dispensation on a case-by-case basis.
(L) Any team failing to compete in a scheduled tie must provide written explanation of default to the League General Secretary within four days of the scheduled event. Upon investigating by Officers, defaulting teams will be liable to a fine of £10 plus any other costs listed under Rule 20(E)(a)(b)(c)(d).
(M) Team sheets must be completed for all ties in this competition as per Rule 21.
Rule 21(A) The WESFA Registration Secretary must receive a fully completed Team Sheet within 4 days of the date played. Emailing scanned team sheets to the Registration Secretary is accepted, however it is the teams’ responsibility to ensure that all the data on the team sheet is legible so that the information is recorded accurately. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in UPPERCASE), registration number of ALL players to be shown in the spaces provided, ALL misconduct and, also the referee markings required by Rule 23.
(N) Up to and including the quarter-final tie, in the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, penalty kicks will decide the winner, taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
(i) For the semi-final and final ties, 30 minutes extra time shall be played. If the tie is still undecided after 30 minutes of extra time, the winners shall be decided on penalty kicks.
(ii) Replays will not apply at any stage of the competition.
(O) Teams shall use SMS to notify the result of each competition match to Full Time by 7pm on the Sunday after the match. For midweek games, results shall be communicated by 11pm on the day of the match.
(P) The away team is entitled to require evidence of a permit cost in any competition match. £100 is the highest fee paid for a shared permit (£200 total cost), excluding match officials fees
(Q) In the event of the ground being provided by the league such gate money/programme sales which may be taken shall be received by the competition.
(i) Both finalists will receive 10% each of the total gate money received pertaining to this competition.
(R) The two teams qualifying for the Final will be required to purchase 18 Cup Final programmes at a discounted price, the cost of which will be reviewed from time to time.
(S) 18 Individual trophies/medals will be supplied to the finalists and winners, and the perpetual trophy will be presented to the winners upon the conclusion of the match. This trophy must be returned after the match for engraving purposes and then awarded at the WESFA AGM.