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Contents This Page Conforms With:
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RULES
AND REGULATIONS RULES 20092010 1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION (a) This Competition shall be designated the ‘South Lancashire Counties Football League’ and shall incorporate The Wigan Sunday League. All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and their particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the form ‘D’ to the Lancashire County Football Association. The area covered by the League to be determined each season and all Clubs to be a reasonable travelling distance from the League’s Headquarters. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Lancashire Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding sixteen (16) in number. Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition. Any Club wishing to play in an independent competition must apply for permission in writing 21 days beforehand. (b) At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called
for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have the
power to decide or adjust the compilation of the divisions at their
discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule
12. (a) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional team(s) must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of £50 per team(s) 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 Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. The entry fee
shall apply. (b) The League Fees and instalments shall be set at the Annual General Meeting preceding the season. (c) In addition teams shall pay a £10 annual donation to the League Development Fund. (d) Each team shall within seven (7) days of election pay a deposit of £50, which shall be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied with all orders of the Management Committee. (e) Any team playing in the Competition must become a member of the Competition Insurance Scheme. The fee for this will be set annually. (f) Each member team shall be responsible for the compulsory purchase of tickets for the annual presentation evening. They will also be allocated tickets for the League Draw. The cost of such tickets will be added to the annual subscription. (g) Any team finishing as winners or runners-up of their division will be invited to a presentation evening, date to be decided by the Committee. They will be allocated 16 tickets, the cost of each ticket will be determined each year by the Committee. (h) Clubs may elect to pay their competition fees, insurance scheme fee, league ground development fund donation and monies for tickets by instalments. The first instalment must be paid to the Treasurer on or before the registration evening. Any team falling behind with their instalments may have their fixtures suspended. (i) All Clubs must have a cheque account in the name of the Club with a direct debit facility and the League can at any time call on Clubs to present statements and documents. (j) The Committee may insist on fees over £10 be paid by cheque only. (k) Fines must be paid by the time given on the official form or Clubs will be fined £5 administration charge and will be prevented from playing fixtures with the League until the monies are paid. (l) A £10 administration fee will be levied on a team each time a cheque issued to the League is returned unpaid. The cheque may be presented once more before the team is asked for an alternative payment method. 3. OFFICERS (a) The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Registration Secretary, Referees Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Disciplinary Officer, Press Officer, Welfare Officer. With the exception of the President, these will be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (N.B. Auditors are not Officers). 4. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION (a) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprising of the Officers and a minimum of four Committee Members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. There may be Vice Presidents who will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Competition Secretary may request their attendance at a Management Committee meeting when required. All participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by the Association from time to time. (b) Retiring Officers and Members of the Management Committee shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. Candidates may be nominated in the name of Committee. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 30th of April each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting. (c) The Management Committee shall meet as often as is necessary to deal with business as it arises. (d) The League Secretary shall call a General Meeting following an instruction from the Committee or a requisition signed by two thirds of the Clubs. The Secretary shall also give all concerned seven days notice of such meetings and send an agenda to each club. (e) Any Club failing to attend a meeting, or an Annual General Meeting, shall be fined £20. Apologies will not be accepted as an attendance. Late arrivals shall be fined £5. Clubs absent from second roll call shall be fined £10. (f) A Club may be required to replace at future meetings any delegate who causes unruly behaviour. (g) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings. (h) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their nominated officers. (i) Persons who have given distinguished service to the League may be invited to become Life Vice Presidents; these will be nominated by the Management Committee. 5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT (a) The Management Committee may appoint Sub-Committees, of not less than three members, as they may deem necessary. The decisions of all Sub-Committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have the power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association. (b) Subject to the permission of the Lancashire County Football Association having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season. (See rule 6(e)). (c) Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so represented (This shall apply to the procedure of any Sub-Committee). In the event of the vote being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. (d) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. Except where these Rules provide for the imposition of a set penalty any Club, Club Official (limited to Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer) or Player alleged to be in breach of a Competition Rule must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the Management Committee. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of the Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. rules by the appropriate Association. (e) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject
to the right of appeal to the Board of Appeal in accordance with Rule
16. (f) Five members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and three Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any Sub-Committee of the Competition. (g) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have
power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst
their number. Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this Rule will incur such penalties the Management Committee may impose. A £5 administration charge will be imposed for the late payment of fines and clubs will be prevented from playing fixtures with the Competition until such monies are paid. (j) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition. (k) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution, and the commencement of the Competition season. (l) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined. 6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (a) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than June 30th in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least half of the members are present and entitled to vote:. (1) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General
Meeting. (b) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the Lancashire County Football Association. (c) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Lancashire County Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting. (d) Each Full Member Club shall send one delegate who shall be entitled to one vote only, other delegates may be admitted only at the discretion of the Chairman. (e) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall only vote on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17. (f) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot is demanded by at least half of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides. (g) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Full Member Club. (h) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall/may be fined £20 (i) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to
attend and vote at an 7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the competition together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. “We, A ………………… Of
…………………………
(Chairman) and Any alteration of the Chairman and/or Secretary on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the Competition. (Note: The spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the signatures
and addresses of
(a) Contract players, as defined in the Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition. (b) A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all respects eligible has:- Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registrations Secretary, by 6 p.m. two days before the game he intends to play in. For youth players, proof of date of birth and identity photographs must accompany the registration forms, at the time of registration. Registration will be refused if any document is incomplete. Under 17 – the player must be under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season. Under 18 – the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season. In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older by 2 years or more. To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16. (c) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a club in the Competition without first proving to the Officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club Official may not accept such player’s signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been fully discharged to the satisfaction of the Club or Clubs, for which the player last played. (Note: The intention of this rule is to ensure that players discharge their responsibilities to Clubs who may have paid fines/administration charges on their behalf, in respect of current season or the season just ended. Similarly Clubs are expected to report to their County Football Association, at the end of each season, players who have failed to reimburse them such monies paid on their behalf.) (d) Registration forms shall be obtained from the Registration Secretary, payment for which is included in the League Fee. All Open Age Clubs shall register a minimum of 18 players and a maximum of 30 players. Youth Clubs require a minimum of 16 players. (e) An official release form must be used for the release of each player. A player who has previously been registered for a Club and wishes to play for another Club must complete and sign a transfer form. (f) The Management Committee shall decide on 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. (g) It Shall be deemed misconduct for a Player to :- (1) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season
without first being transferred (3) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. (h) (1) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any player. (2) The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player or may fine any player, except those under 18 years of age, at their discretion who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (Subject to Rule 16). (3) The Management Committee shall have the power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated conduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the player is registered with. (Note: - Action under clause (3) shall not be taken against a player
for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate
Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition
into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an appeal to the Football
Association. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition
into disrepute can only be considered where the player has received
in excess of 112 days suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline,
in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.) (j) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after the last day in March except by special permission of the Management Committee. (k) A club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. (l) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Registration Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at any time mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one season only. In the event of a player without a written contract changing his status to that of a contract player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a Club in another competition his registration as a player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void. In order to play in the League again either for his original Club or for another Club it will be necessary for him to be re-registered as required by this Rule. (m) A player shall not be eligible to play in any cup semi- final or final unless the player has played three (3) games for that team in this Competition in the current season. In exceptional circumstances when the player has registered in good time to have played three (3) games but because of bad weather postponements has been prevented from doing so, the Management Committee may review any applications for flexibility of this rule on its individual merits. (n) Any player who has played in a divisional cup match shall not be allowed to play for his new team in the same Competition or any other divisional cup. If a Club has two teams in the League, its players may play for only one in any divisional cup competition. If a Club has two teams in the League, once a player has played for one team in the Houghton Cup he cannot play for the other team, or any other club, in the Competition. (o) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players may/shall have the points gained in that match deducted from its total and may be fined a sum not exceeding £50 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. (p) In addition the team may/shall have 3 points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought fit. The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed. (q) Players with teams in the youth division(s) must be under 17/18 years of age before August 31st and at the time of registration must provide proof of date of birth. Youth players must provide two passport size photographs (no more that one year old) upon registration, pasted on the registration form, one of which must be signed on the rear, by a Club Official. This is a true likeness of player …………… signed …………………. and countersigned by the player himself. Each signed photo will form the basis of an I. D. card. Said cards
must be produced for the opponents’ inspection prior to each game.
Any dispute regarding eligibility must be reported to the referee, prior
to the commencement of the game, who will report to the League any discrepancies
on the referee’s team sheet. Clubs must not wilfully play a youth
player who does not meet the registration requirements. The Management
Committee will adjudicate on any registration infringements ID cards
must be produced if requested by the match referee and /or a League
Officer. (s) Any team playing in a cup semi-final or final, must at least 7 days prior to the game, forward to the Registration Secretary a list of players from whom the team will be selected and a brief history of their Club for any potential cup final programme notes. Any Club failing to do so shall be fined £10.00. (t) All players registrations shall cease at the A.G.M. Players are then free to sign for one club in this League, providing they are clear of all financial commitments to their County Football Association, the League and all previous Clubs.
(a) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary at the Annual General Meeting who shall decide as to their suitability. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee. No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least 3 days before the match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar
colours, the away team shall make the change. Any away team not having
a change of colours or delaying the kick off by not having a change
shall be fined £5.00. (b) Nothing must be worn by a player that, in the opinion of the referee, might injure the player himself or any other player. Clubs must ensure that no player enters the field of play wearing finger rings (unless a Wedding Ring adequately taped), earrings, necklaces or any jewellery that could cause injury. Should it be necessary to send a player from the field to remove such articles the referee must report this fact to the League Secretary. If a referee reports such matters to the League a fine of £2.00 shall be imposed per game. (c) All players must play in recognized football kit. No rugby boots or similar footwear shall be worn. (d) All teams shall have their team shirts numbered on the back in the regulation manner, players will be allowed to wear any number they wish to start the game but it MUST correspond with that on the team sheet and the match report, including substitutes, or shall be fined a sum not exceeding £5.00. The substitute may not enter the field of play wearing a number previously used by a member of the starting eleven. Such players will not be allowed to enter the field of play. (e) Each club must provide a first aid kit at each game. Any club failing to provide a first aid kit shall be fined £5.00. (f) All serious injuries MUST be reported on the referee’s team sheet and match report. (g) No player will be permitted to play without shin pads. (h) Club names shall be approved by the Management Committee and no Club shall be allowed to change their name after the Registration Meeting. (i) Captains shall wear distinctive armbands. Any team failing to have
a captains arm band shall be fined £5.00 (a) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for the ensuing season, which shall be in accordance with Football Association Rules. No club shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. The Fixture Secretary will arrange fixtures for the whole season. Fixtures shall be confirmed by the Fixture Secretary on a monthly basis and clubs will be notified. Any team wishing to apply for a postponement must have a suitable reason and must apply to the Fixture Secretary only. This must be done in writing, not less than 14 days before their proposed postponement. If the postponement is granted, all interested parties will be notified by telephone and the applicant only if the postponement is refused. Re-arranged fixtures will be notified by telephone at not less than 4 days notice and teams must always be available to take a fixture at short notice. Any team wishing to postpone a re-arranged fixture must do so not less than 3 days prior to the fixture. Teams with players selected for Inter League duty may apply for a postponement to the Fixture Secretary by telephone at no less than 4 days notice. (b) All 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 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 the power to order the venue to be changed. The Management Committee shall have the power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground. All teams sharing pitches with teams in another league may be asked to make alternative arrangements if the Fixture Secretary is unable to arrange an away fixture. Cancellation for lack of a home pitch is not acceptable. All matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than 60 minutes in league matches and not less than 80 minutes in cup matches. Cup semi-finals and finals shall be 90 minutes) is mutually arranged by the two captains and the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. The Management Committee shall fix the times of kick off. The home team must state their kick off time before the league programme commences. Clubs must kick off at 11:30a.m. or 2:30p.m. only (2:00pm during the months of November – January), except under extenuating circumstances. Midweek games should kick off during August at 18:30p.m., September and March 18:15p.m., April 18:30p.m. and May 18:45p.m. Any club reported for a late kick off will be fined £2.00 plus 20p per minute for the first offence and £5.00 on the second offence plus 20p per minute. Third time offenders shall be brought before the Management Committee. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The home side must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable for use. Goal nets and corner flags must be used. Each team must supply their own assistant referee’s flag at each game. Any team failing to comply with any part of this Rule shall be fined for each offence £5.00. (c) Except by permission of the Management Committee, all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to the Football Association and all relevant County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixture Secretary. (d) The Secretary of the home team must give notice by telephone full particulars of the location, and access to the ground and kick off time to the match official (s) and the contact of the opposing team at least three (3) clear days prior to the playing of the match. Any Club failing to comply with this rule shall be fined £5.00 for each offence. (e) Every Club 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 Clubs, but to prevent Clubs deliberately fielding a weakened
team in order to unreasonably reserve players for another game or to
boost the strength of another or lower team. It is NOT intended that
Clubs MUST field higher team players in reserve teams when the higher
team has no engagement. If in the opinion of the Management Committee,
the substance or spirit of this Rule is obviously being disregarded,
the Club or Clubs 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 8 has not been infringed.) (f) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have the power to inflict a fine, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents, or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Not withstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have the power to order a game to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted in the circumstances. 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. Clubs in breach of this requirement shall be fined a sum not exceeding £50.00 or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee. The Management Committee shall review all abandoned matches and in the cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opponents or take what other action they deem necessary. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match. (g) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 3 substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5 players. A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition. Clubs must submit a team sheet to the referee and opposition in the changing rooms 10 minutes prior to the kick off. The names of all substitutes will be included on this sheet. Clubs failing to do so shall be liable to a fine of £5.00. (h) The half time interval shall be of five minutes duration, but shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee. (i) All youth teams must provide a visible barrier between the field
of play and spectators. Teams who do not comply with this rule will
be fined £10 for the first offence and £20 for a second
offence. Failure to comply for a third time will result in the Club
being called to a Discipline Hearing to explain their reasons. 11. REPORTING RESULTS (a) The Competition Secretary must receive within 3 days of the date played, the result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner. Teams will be given books with duplicate team sheets and each team must submit a team sheet to the League after each game. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the team players (in block letters) and the number on the team sheet, which must correspond with the number on the shirt worn. Clubs must also mark the referee as required by Rule 13. Clubs must also include their goal scorers and their opponent’s man of the match. Incomplete team sheets or failure to comply with this Rule will incur a fine not exceeding £10.00 or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee may decide. If the match report does not arrive within ten days of the game the club will be suspended from all competitions. (b) The Home Club shall telephone the result of each match and goal scorers of both teams to the Press Officer no later than 4:00pm. for morning games, 5:30pm for afternoon games and 9:30pm for midweek games. Any Club failing to do so will be fined £5.00. If the game is postponed, the home team must inform the Press Officer and Referees Secretary within 30 minutes of the postponement, so that the referee may be allocated to a game that may be without a referee. Any team failing to do so will be fined £5.00. Any club playing in a County Competition, must telephone the Press Officer irrespective of playing at home or away. The Press Officer must be informed of the result or whether the match was postponed, together with any likely replay date. Only the goal scorers of players within this League are required. (c) The match report, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of the Club. The Management Committee shall have the power to take such action as they deem suitable against a Club, which submits an incomplete form or incorrect information.
(a) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with 3 points awarded for a win and 1 point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points team rankings may be decided in the following ways:- (1) Goal difference (b) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first two and the last two teams in each Division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 1(b). (1) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one division after the fixtures have 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 season may be filled by any of the following ways: (a) Retention of otherwise relegated team(s). (3) 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. Should the senior team be in a position to be relegated to the lowest division, the Management Committee shall decide whether the reserve team retires from the Competition or that the senior team shall not be relegated. (c) In the event of a team not completing its fixtures for the season, for whatever the reason with five games or less to play, the Management Committee have the right to either award or expunge their record. If six or more games remain their record will be expunged. (d) All cup matches shall be decided on a knockout basis unless otherwise decided by the League Committee. In the event of a drawn game extra time shall be played of two equal halves, the length of time at the discretion of the referee, but not exceeding 15 minutes each half. If the result is still a draw after the extra time, each team shall take 5 penalties. If this fails to produce a result then a sudden death situation will occur whereby both teams shall continue to take equal alternative penalties until one team misses and one team scores. In the event of the home drawn teams ground being unfit after two attempts to stage the game, after the second attempt if their opponents ground is fit and available, the game must, if possible, be switched. If this happens, then the away team must then take the responsibilities of the home team and pay the referee. Should both grounds be unfit and the game is postponed, then when it is re-arranged the same procedure must be followed until the game is played. (e) The League Committee reserves the right to dismiss any team from a cup competition for failing to fulfil a cup fixture or causing the abandonment of a cup tie. (f) Divisional cup semi-finals shall be played on the ground of the first drawn club. Normal match procedure to be observed by the home team. Referee and assistant referee’s fees and expenses shall be shared between both teams. In the event of the home teams ground being unfit or unavailable the Committee reserve the right to change the venue. (g) The Fixture Secretary shall decide on all dates for the replay of games. If games are to be played or re-played in midweek, clubs must be available to play Tuesdays or Thursdays. (h) Any club wishing to play in an independent competition must apply to the League Committee for permission in writing 21 days beforehand. (i) No fixture shall be postponed due to player’s commitments with other clubs outside this League. (j) All clubs must inform the Fixture Secretary of their intention to take part in any F.A., County, or other competition outside this League, and the dates of these games as soon as they are known.
(a) Registered referees and assistant referees for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association. (b) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant referee appointed by the competing teams. In cases where there are no officially appointed assistant referees, the teams shall agree upon a referee. A referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Under no circumstances must the fixture be cancelled. (c) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, appoint assistant referees, if available to any match. Where assistant referees are not appointed each team shall provide a club assistant referee. (d) The appointed referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground, the representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play. (e) When a registered referee is provided the home team shall pay a fee, which will be set at the start of each season, plus travelling expenses which must be calculated from home to the changing rooms and back. Or where public transport is used the actual fare at second class rate. If assistant referees are provided by the League for any game each team shall pay one fee, which will be set at the start of each season, to each assistant referee, plus travelling expenses or actual fare used on public transport at second class rate. In cup semi-finals both clubs shall share the fees and expenses of all officials. The home team shall pay the officials their fees and expenses immediately after the match. (f) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the teams have no control, the match officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses, providing that he is in attendance. Where a match is not played owing to one team being in default, that team shall be ordered to pay the officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee and expenses. (g) A referee not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he is registered with. (h) Each team shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by the Football Association, award marks to the referee for each match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Teams failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine. (i) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to the Lancashire Football Association. (j) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the match, the number of players in each team and the kick-off to the Secretary within two days of the match. (k) Referees and assistant referees shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge. (l) Home teams must ensure that a whistle and a watch are available should a referee fail to attend. Any team failing to do so shall be fined £3.00. (m) Referees must wear the traditional kit.
(a) Each club must notify the Secretary in writing, by the 1st of May each Season of its’ intention to withdraw from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition or be liable to a fine not exceeding £50.00. (b) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the following dates. If this occurs they will be subject to the following fines and administration charges:- A Club withdrawing membership on or after 1st May and up to and including the A.G.M., they will be fined £ 25.00. A Club withdrawing membership after the A.G.M. but before the registration evening, they will be fined £30.00. A Club withdrawing membership after the registration evening will be fined a sum not exceeding £50.00. In addition an administration charge equal to the first instalment of League fees will be due. Any Club who resigns after the commencement of the season, will be subject to a fine of a sum not exceeding £50.00, the Club will be liable to pay any fines previously imposed and pay its full League fees and any insurance payment already paid by the League. In addition to these fines, the Club will lose their guarantee fee for any resignation after 1st May. (c) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at the Annual General Meeting held not later than 30th June the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements. (d) In the event of a Member Club, which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the Competition. In the event that any such obligation remains un-discharged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order. (e) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw from the League to join another league or competition after previously declaring its intention to continue. (f) In the event of a Member Club withdrawing or disbanding during the playing season, in addition to the action taken in 12 (c) and a fine being imposed 14 (b), the players registered with the Club at the time of withdrawal, will not be allowed to re-register with another Club in the League for a period to be set at the Committee’s discretion. Upon registration the said players will pay a £10.00 administration fee. (g) All teams will furnish the League with the names and addresses of three responsible persons connected with their Team stating their capacity with the Team. Any resignation letter must then contain the signatures of at least two of these persons.
(a) (1) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee. (2) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee. (b) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are specials circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within 3 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined. (c) Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all parties subject to Rule 16. (d) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum of £5.00. 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 the power to order a defaulting Club or the Club making a frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the costs be shared by the parties. (e) All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received 7 days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint.
Within 14 days of posting a written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Lancashire Football Association, including a fee of £35.00 for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with F.A. Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
(a) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or Team from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. (b) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting. (c) Any Official or Member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with provisions of Clauses (a) and (b) of this Rule. (d) Any Team that fails a fixture has seven days from the date of the failure to explain in writing the reason(s) and any plea of mitigation. They shall be fined a sum not exceeding £50.00, may have three points deducted and shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred. A second offence by the same Club may result in expulsion from the Competition. A third offence WILL result in expulsion from the Competition. Any Club that is suspended by the League will be deemed to have failed a fixture and dealt with by the Management Committee. (e) The provisions of Appendix 3 shall apply. (f) Any Club may be required to attend a disciplinary hearing when requested at no less than 7 days notice. Should a Club fail to attend the hearing, costs of £10.00 shall be enforced and they may be dealt with in their absence. Any Club found guilty may be required to pay £5.00 costs in addition to any fines that may be issued. (g) If a Club has two or more teams in the League the responsibility of poor administration, finance problems or misconduct of any nature as deemed by the Management Committee, will be accepted by all the teams and no distinction will be made. (h) Any Club continually accumulating administration fines in a current season will be called to a disciplinary hearing. The League may ask for the removal of the said Club Secretary and a suitable replacement requested. Refusal to do this or a lack of improvement may result in the expulsion of the same Team or Club.
(a) A Competition cup or trophy shall be vested in the Association sanctioning the Competition as trustees. 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 Association may decide. No trophy can be won outright by any Club. Clubs resigning from the League who are in possession of a cup or trophy must return it immediately.
“We A………………………
and B…………………………….., (c) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
Upon receiving a request signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting. The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time. At least 7 days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a special General Meeting without satisfactory reason shall be fined a sum of £5.00 Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings. All amendment of Rules can only be implemented once approved by the appropriate sanctioning authority.
(a) Alterations shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General
Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose
called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the playing
season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not
take effect until the following season. A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 7 days prior to the date of the Meeting. Any alterations decided upon at any Meeting shall not become operative until the approval of the Lancashire Football Association shall have been obtained.
Each Member Club shall be deemed to have its assent to the foregoing Rules and agree to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 16. Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct.
(a) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other
financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
(a) The League shall run an Inter League Team, which may enter competitions throughout the season. The appointed Team Manager may call upon any player(s) from any team in the League for the representation of the League Team. (b) Any Club refusing to release a player for the League Team may face a possible fine if a reasonable explanation is not given. (c) Any team having two or more players in the League Team or one if he is a recognised goalkeeper will have the right to cancel their fixture in accordance with the fixture schedule. (d) Any player failing to attend an inter league fixture will be asked to give an explanation in writing within 7 days to the League Secretary. Should the explanation not be received in the specified time, or is not to the satisfaction of the Management Committee, the player may be liable to disciplinary action. (e) Any player selected to play in an inter league game shall not be allowed to play for his Club on the same day, should his Club have a fixture. Appendix 1 Appendix 2 It is the responsibility of the Club to pay the charge NOT the PLAYER. If it is not returned to the County F.A. within 14 days the Club will be suspended. Clubs are advised to pay the charge immediately on receipt of the form to avoid suspension and not wait for the monies from the player. This can then be claimed back from the player by the Club. Club Secretaries SHOULD NOT entrust the player concerned to pay the charge and send the form off himself. If the player forgets, the Club will suffer. If a player refuses to reimburse the Club for the administration charge
the Club can apply to their County F.A. to have the player suspended
from all football (Saturday and Sunday).
The League operates a disciplinary code to ensure clubs and players maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour on the field. Accordingly the following points system is observed:- A player receiving a caution 2 points COUNTY .F.A. SUSPENSION FROM A GAME(S) IN THE LEAGUE Suspension of 14 days or less 5 points Any club found guilty of misconduct by it’s Any player accumulating 15 points over a season will receive a written warning as to future conduct. Any player accumulating 20 points during a season will receive a final written warning and an administration charge of £15.00. Any player accumulating 25 points may have his registration withheld within the League. If so review will be at the discretion of the Management Committee. If a player receives a total of 113 days or more suspension from football in a rolling 24 month period the League will not hesitate in requesting the removal of that player by the County Football Association from participation in the League. A Club accumulating 50 points will receive a written warning. A Club accumulating 75 points will receive a written warning and may
be fined. Any player who physically threatens a referee and has been found guilty of that charge by his County F.A. may have his registration withheld within the League. Review will be at the discretion of the Management Committee. The League Committee has the right to refuse the registration of a player or suspend the registration of an existing player, if the player is deemed guilty of undesirable conduct (rule 8h).
REFEREE - £20.00 match fee } Plus 20p per mile It is the responsibility of the HOME Club to pay the referee after the game. Each Team shall pay one Assistant Referee. A neutral referee, if not appointed by the League, should also be paid the full match fee plus expenses. A referee provided by either team need not be paid. If a game is postponed by the League or grounds are closed by the Council and the referee does not attend NO fee is payable. If the referee does attend the ground and postpones the game BEFORE kick-off, HALF the match fee plus expenses is payable If the referee is forced to abandon the game for whatever reason the full fee plus expenses are payable. If the game cannot be played due to one team failing to attend the referee MUST be paid the full fee plus expenses. If it is the Home Team that does not attend on this occasion it is the responsibility of the AWAY Team to pay the referee. The League at the next League Meeting will automatically reimburse any team so paying the referee. Inform the League Secretary of the non-attendance as per match procedure. No letter of appeal or complaint required. In a cup semi-final the two teams are to add up the total for all three
officials and pay half each. HOME TEAMS ARE ADVISED to follow the weekly match procedure outlined below: 1. By Thursday contact the away team to confirm details of kick off
time, colours, and ground location. If the away team is travelling some
distance and does not know the area around your ground, arrange for
them to be met at an easy to find building or landmark and direct them
from there. BOTH TEAMS 1. Fill in the team sheet. Hand (GREEN) to the referee BEFORE he leaves
the changing rooms.
1. Exchange Photo ID cards with your opponents prior to the match. Verbally report any discrepancies to the referee prior to the match if possible. Match officials are NOT empowered to prevent players from taking part in the match. Any alleged discrepancies must then be reported to the League in writing in accordance with League Rules 15(a) & (d). 2. It is mandatory for all matches involving players playing in a Division
of age groups under 18 and below to have a sufficient barrier in place
to segregate spectators from the field of play, with a minimum distance
of 1 metre from any pitch line markings. This can be in the form of
stakes, tapes, ropes or cones. In the event of bad weather clubs must do everything possible to ensure
their pitch is in a playable condition. It is up to the appointed match referee to inspect a doubtful pitch
and clubs must try to ensure that visiting teams are not caused unnecessary
travel if they have a journey of 5 miles or more by calling the match
referee for an early inspection. If the match referee is not available
for an early inspection then a local referee within this League may
be called in if necessary, after consultation with the appointed referee.
Should this not be possible advice must be received from a League Official.
Clubs caused unnecessary travelling may be awarded travelling expenses
if it is found that no effort has been made for an early inspection. If a club knows the day before or earlier that their pitch is doubtful
or closed then, providing they have not already played the reverse fixture
they must if possible, switch to their opponents ground if that ground
is fit. Please consider the comments below and other advice given by both the FA and the League before awarding your mark on the referee’s performance. 91-100 The referee was extremely accurate in All Clubs - Meetings All Teams - General Home Team – Days before the Game Both Teams - Before the Kick Off Home Team – The Game Both – Paperwork
Appendix 9 The following is a list of postcode areas that are within the unofficial boundaries of the League. All grounds must be within the following list or permission MUST be obtained before making arrangements to play elsewhere. This list is subject to change at any time. You are further reminded that before arranging to play on a pitch other than the one already notified to the League you MUST write to the League Secretary to obtain permission for a change of ground. All teams must provide changing rooms both before and after games and these must include a separate room for your match official(s). Area Postcode Areas Included In the first instance you are to contact the Assistant Treasurer. Following advice from Mr Rowan any completed claim forms are to be returned to: Barry Tombs,
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