NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
1. (A) This Competition shall be designated the Oxford Boys League and known as the Oxford Mail Boys League and shall consist of not more than 80 Clubs who shall be Full Member Clubs. (Note: Wherever the word "Competition" appears in these rules, it should be taken to mean the Oxford Boys League).
All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D” to the Oxfordshire County Football Association Ltd. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be the City of Oxford and the surrounding district.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Oxfordshire Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions.
Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.
The Competition will provide 11-a-side football for players who have attained the age of 10 as at midnight 31st August in a playing season and Mini-Soccer for players who have attained the age of 6 years but not the age of 10 years as at midnight on 31st August in a playing season.
ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
2. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition must be made in writing to the General Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of £5.00 per club 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 Annual Subscription shall be £5.00 per team playing 11-a-side football and £5.00 per team playing Mini-Soccer payable on or before the 31st May in each year.
(C) Each Club shall, upon election, pay a Deposit of £0.00 which shall be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied with all orders of the Management Committee.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription, Competition Fees and Deposit have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 31st August of its relevant County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined a Scale A fine. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.
(F) Inclusion of team managers contact details in the handbook will be at the discretion of each club.
(G) Within 12 months of joining the League all managers new to the League must be qualified to at least FA Level One coaching course standard.
(H) All U9 managers must complete the age appropriate coaching module organised by the County FA.
(I) All clubs joining the League agree to use suitable barriers at all home games. Suitable barriers include: the Respect barriers obtainable from the FA, roped off area, cones, white line.
They will instruct all home and away spectators to stand on one side of the pitch only behind the designated barriers. No one except each manager, one assistant and the substitutes with each team may stand on the opposite touch line. No one is to stand behind the goals or anywhere along either goal line.
Club officials and appointed referees are required to report to the League General Secretary any team not complying with the above requirements.
The League will investigate any reported breaches and take appropriate action as defined in the Code of Conduct.
OFFICERS
3. The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Registration Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Referees Secretary, Welfare Officer and Discipline Secretary to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).
MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
4. (A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and up to seven (7) members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. All participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The Association from time to time.
(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 31st May in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting
(C) The Management Committee shall meet as often as is necessary to deal with business as it arises.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the 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 nominated Officers.
(F) No telephone calls should be made to an Officer or Committee member of the League before 9.30am or after 9.00pm other than by prior arrangement. Failure to comply will result in a Scale A fine.
(G) Any member of the Management Committee failing to attend three (3) consecutive meetings without good cause shall be deemed to have resigned.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
5. (A) The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider necessary and may delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary to such committees. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association
(B) Subject to the permission of the Oxfordshire County Football Association Ltd. 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 also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
The President shall not have the right to vote at Management Committee or sub-committee meetings.
(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. Financial penalties can only be imposed if included within the set penalties for breaches of Competition Rules. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules by the appropriate Association.
With the exception of Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football Pyramid and the FA Women’s Premier League, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the Board of Appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 14 days.
(F) Five (5) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and three (3) Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any sub-committee of the Competition.
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.
(H) A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(I) All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written notification.
Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this Rule will incur such penalties as the Management Committee may impose.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined.
(M) Leagues who organise Mini Soccer for teams playing U7 and U8 football may not, with the exception of Rules 6, 11d, 14 and 19 fine clubs for breaches of League Rules.
(N) The Management Committee may from time to time accord the position of Honorary Life member to any person(s) deemed worthy of recognition within Youth Football.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
6. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 50% Members are present and entitled to vote:-
1. To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding A.G.M..
2. To consider any business arising there from.
3. To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.
4. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee).
5. Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season.
6. Election of Officers and Management Committee.
7. Appointment of Auditors.
8. Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given in writing to General Secretary).
9. Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of playing season.
10. Other business of which due written notice (no later than 48 hrs prior to the meeting) shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the Oxfordshire County Football Association Ltd.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Oxfordshire County Football Association Ltd. within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D) Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than seven (7) days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 75% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Full Member Club.
(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £20.00.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
7. (A) 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,……(Chairman) and …….. (Secretary) of ……….. Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Oxford Mail Boys League Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into Membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Any alteration of the Chairman and/or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the County Football Association 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 officers and members).
(B) The League Code of Conduct Agreement is to be completed and signed by all club Chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers as well as by the managers of all the teams participating in the league for the coming season. The deadline by which it is to be completed, signed and be with the General Secretary will be 1st August.
Any forms not returned by this date or missing any signatures will result in the whole club not being allowed into the League for the coming season.
During the season any new replacement Club Secretaries, Chairpersons, Treasurers and managers appointed must complete and sign a Code of Conduct form.
(C) Any breach of the Codes of Conduct as described in the current OMBL handbook will result in the party at fault being reported to the County FA to deal with.
QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
8. (A) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition. No player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy will be permitted to play in this competition. A Player registered with a Centre of Excellence may only play in this Competition subject to the Regulations of the Programme for Excellence.
(B) A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-
Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by his/her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registrations Secretary seven (7) days prior to playing and whose completed ID card has been received by the Club prior to playing.
The registration document must incorporate one current passport-size photograph of the player seeking registration together with proof of the player’s date of birth. (Proof of date of birth is only required for players registering with the League for the first time or a registration presented on a new card).
A new and current photograph must be provided when players register and Under 9, Under 12 and Under 14.
The completed registration form, ID card, registration fee (see 8E), proof of date of birth and a S.A.E. should be submitted to the Registration Secretary. Any incomplete submissions will be returned unprocessed.
The qualification dates for the Competition shall be as follows:
Mini-Soccer
To play in a KO Cup game or a game where points are awarded, or results collected, a player must have achieved the age of eight (8) on or before 31st August.
Under 7 – the player must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season but must be under the age of 7 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 8 – the player must be under the age of 8 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 9 – the player must be under the age of 9 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 10 – the player must be under the age of 10 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player in the above age ranges must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
Youth Football
Under 11 – the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be under the age of 11by midnight 31st August in the playing season.
Under 12 – the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 13 – the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 14 – the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 15 – the player must be under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 16 – the player must be under the age of 16 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 17 – the player must be under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 18 – the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
(The above qualification dates are subject to the provisions contained in FA Rule C.4(a)(v)).
(C) Rule not used
(D) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played.
(E) Player registration fees:
£4.00 per player on Registration Day (Date prior to start of season)
£5.00 per player thereafter
An 11-a-side team shall register no more than eighteen (18) players at any one time. (Number to be registered for Mini Soccer see rule 23)
Players are regarded as being registered for a team within a Club and may not play for another team within that Club unless transferred.
(F) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes.
In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club priority of registration shall decide for which Club the player shall be registered. The Registrations Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to:-
(i) Play for more than one Club or team in the Competition in the same season without first being transferred or having been deregistered.
(ii) Having signed for one Club or team in the Competition, sign for another Club or team in the Competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer or having been deregistered.
(iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have power to accept the registration of any player.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player at their discretion who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16).
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association.
Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated 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 (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association.) 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.)
(I) Subject to The Football Association Rules dealing with players without a written contract when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form, the player’s ID card, £10.00 fee and a stamped addressed envelope to the Registrations Secretary. If the ID card is not available then a new card with an up to date photograph of the player should be supplied. Such transfer shall be referred by the Registrations Secretary to the Club for which the player is registered. Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Registrations Secretary and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days, the Registrations Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club seven (7) days after transfer dated.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.
No club will approach a signed player of another club without complying with the current FA 7 day approach rule. (See Appendix 6)
A player may not have more than one (1) transfer in a season.
A player who is transferred is subject to Rule 8(Q) regarding Cup eligibility.
(J) A player may not be registered for a Club or team nor transferred to another Club or team in the Competition after 31st March except by special permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Registrations Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Season only.
In the event a Club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be clearly designated “A” and “B” etc. In such cases, players will be registered for one team only. A player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8.B only if they have been transferred or have been deregistered and then subsequently registered for their new team.
(M) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12.A) unless the player has played three (3) games or has been selected for three (3) games.
(N) Rule not used
(O) (i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. If the match was a Cup game then the offending team shall be removed from the competition and the game awarded to the non-offending team and may be fined and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team may have three (3) points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit.
(iii) The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question deducted to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.
(The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):-
(P) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday Competitions).
(iii) Children under 15 shall not play in a team involving players who are more than 2 years older.
(Note: For players under the age of 18 the provisions contained in Football Association Rules will apply.)
(Q) A player may only play for one team in Cup competitions.
(R) (i) A player who is registered with a Club may be de-registered by that Club. The Registration documents must be returned to the Registration Secretary.
(ii) If having been de-registered a player wishes to sign for another team the consent of the Registrations Secretary will be required. The normal registration fee is payable.
(S) (i) If a team withdraws from the League during the playing season all players shall be deemed to have been de-registered. The Registration documents must be returned to the Registration Secretary.
(ii) If a player subsequently wishes to register for another team the consent of the Registrations Secretary will be required and that further registration will be regarded as a new registration. No fee will be levied if the registration is requested within twenty eight (28) days of the withdrawal, thereafter the normal fee will be payable. Subject to rule 8.O regarding Cup eligibility.
CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the General Secretary by 31st August 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.
The players’ shirts must be clearly numbered
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 seven (7) days before the match.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the home team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined a Scale A fine.
The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee.
PLAYING SEASON, CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS, SUBSTITUTES
10. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for the ensuing season which shall be in accordance with Football Association Rules. No Club shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. Original fixtures arranged by the Fixtures Secretary, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later than 31st August, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting.
(B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer, the Laws of Mini-Soccer as set down by The Football Association.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground.
All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two managers in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
For Mini-Soccer
Under 7 & Under 8 10 minutes each way
Under 9 15 minutes each way
Under 10 20 minutes each way.
The minimum time for any game will not be less than six (6) minutes each way for Under 7 & 8, ten (10) minutes each way for Under 9 and fifteen (15) minutes each way for Under 10.
The maximum duration of play shall be two halves of 20 minutes each way. The maximum playing time in any one day for under 7 and under 8 age groups is 40 minutes and for under 9 and under 10 age groups is 60 minutes.
For Youth football
Under 11 and Under 12 30 minutes each way
Under 13 and Under 14 35 minutes each way
Under15 and Under 16 40 minutes each way
The minimum time for any game will not be less than twenty (20) minutes each way for Under 11-14 age groups and not less than twenty five (25) minutes each half for Under 15 & 16 age groups.
Extra time where needed shall be,
For Under 11 - 12 inclusive Five (5) minutes each way
For Under 13 - 16 inclusive Ten (10) minutes each way
No player under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in any season shall be permitted to play more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header, i.e.: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition.
The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the A.G.M. or the Management Committee. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time may be fined a sum not exceeding Scale A or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.
Under 9 matches are to be played on Saturdays and, unless mutually agreed, the kick off time will be no earlier than 10.30 am and no later than 12 noon.
Under 10 to Under 15 matches are to be played on Sundays and, unless mutually agreed no morning match shall kick off earlier than 10.30 am or later than 12 noon and no afternoon match shall kick off earlier than 1.30pm
The Competition reserves the right to require teams to play matches other than on a Saturday or Sunday. Evening games will kick off at 6.30pm unless agreed by both teams and the League Fixtures Secretary.
Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.
The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable.
The size of football to be used shall be:
Size 3 for Under 7 & 8
Size 4 for Under 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14
Size 5 for Under 15 & 16
Goal nets must be used.
(C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and all relevant County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary.
(D) The Fixture Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the Secretary of the opposing Club and the Referees Secretary at least twenty eight (28) clear days prior to the playing of the match. This does not apply to re-arranged fixtures. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars.
All Fixture Secretaries are to supply an e mail contact and all fixture details are to be sent by e mail.
The home Club shall also give full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials three (3) clear days prior to the playing of the match.
These particulars can be given to the match officials by either telephone or e-mail. If using e-mail the referee will confirm receipt and attendance to the home club.
If an e-mail response is not received from the match official the home club must telephone the referee to seek confirmation of attendance at the game.
Clubs failing to comply with any part of this Rule shall be liable to a fine of Scale A
(E) Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition.
In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than eleven (11) players they may be fined £0.00 for each missing player. A minimum of nine (9) players will constitute a team for an 11-a-side competition match. A minimum of five (5) players will constitute a team for a mini soccer competition match. (i.e. If a team has these numbers of registered players available then the game must be played).
(F) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to 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 power to order a match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent's ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.
Any Club 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 Scale A or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee.
Any club unable to fulfil a fixture must, without delay give notice to the: Fixtures Secretary, the Referees Secretary, the Secretary of the opposing Club and the match officials. Such notice must be given in writing together with the reasons at least seven (7) clear days preceding the date of the match. If due to player unavailability then the notice to the League Fixtures Secretary must include the names of the players who are unavailable. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it may deem suitable.
Clubs must inform the League Fixtures Secretary of unavailability of players with names and/or managers at least three (3) weeks before cancelling matches scheduled during any school holiday. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it may deem suitable.
In the event of a postponement due to the condition of the pitch or adverse weather it is both Clubs responsibility to make all efforts to play the game. If an alternative pitch can be found or the fixture can be reversed then this must occur even if the fixture has already been reversed. (This may mean that teams play both fixtures at home or away). If either manager refuses to play at another venue the Disciplinary Committee will ask for a written explanation from the manager concerned. If the Disciplinary Committee find the written explanation invalid or it is not received, they may impose a fine on Scale B and/or award the game to the opposing team.
When a fixture is reversed due to the condition of the pitch or adverse weather then the same kick off time should be kept unless a change is agreed with the Referees Secretary. The original named home team is responsible for phoning in the result, sending in the match card and paying the appointed officials.
A Club playing in a County FA Cup match and having a league fixture scheduled for the same date must inform the League Fixtures Secretary, League Referees Secretary and their opponents that the league fixture will be postponed. Failure will result in a scale A fine. (County games having precedence over league fixtures).
Within seven (7) days of the date on which the match was due to have been played the Club causing the postponement must send a written explanation on the official postponement form to the Fixtures Secretary. If a match is postponed then Clubs may, instead of posting a postponement form, e-mail the Fixtures Secretary with the relevant information. If the postponement was due to lack of players then this must be supported by written evidence from parents, school, or medical practitioners stating why players were not available to play and sent to the Fixtures Secretary within seven (7) days. Failure to comply will result in a Scale A fine.
Insufficient registered players alone is not a valid reason for a postponement. All registered players, including those who are suspended from football by a County FA, will be counted when deciding the number of registered players a team has available to play.
The non-offending Club must also inform, in writing, within seven (7) days of the date on which the match was due to have been played the reason for the postponement to the Fixtures Secretary or be liable to a Scale A fine.
The Discipline Committee shall consider all postponed matches and decide whether or not the postponement was valid or invalid. If valid the match will be rearranged. If invalid the team that caused the postponement will be fined a Scale B fine and the Discipline Committee are empowered to; award the game and points to the opponents or in the case of a Cup match award the game to the opponents.
In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the Fixtures Secretary within seven (7) days the Management Committee shall have power to order the match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.
Within seven (7) days of the date on which the match was due to have been played both Clubs must send a written explanation as to why the game was not played or abandoned to the Fixtures Secretary. If this was due to players being unavailable then this must be supported by written evidence from parents, school, or medical practitioners stating why players were not available to play. Failure to comply will result in a Scale A fine.
The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opponent. 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 five (5) substitute players in any 11-a-side match in this Competition who may be selected from five (5) named players.
For Mini-Soccer – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the Referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A player who has been replaced may return to the play as a substitute for another player. A Team must not have a squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.
For Youth Football – for teams in the under 16 age group and below, a player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than ten (10) minutes before the start of the match.
A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
The match card must be completed before the kick off by both managers leaving only the result, goal scorers and referee marks to be added after the game. The match card is to be available for inspection by both managers, the referee, and members of the Management Committee. Management Committee members must show their ID cards before being given the match card.
Players not named on the match card prior to the kick-off of the game will not be permitted to play.
(H) The half time interval shall be of five (5) minutes duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
(I) The manager or person appointed responsible for a team will carry the official identity card of their players to all fixtures and must produce them to the opposing manager or appointed person before the match starts.
A player is not allowed to play if their identity card is not available for inspection. If all a team’s identity cards are not available for inspection the opposing team can refuse to play the match. If the match is not played then both Clubs must, within seven (7) days of the date that the match was due to have been played, send a written explanation to the Fixtures Secretary. The Discipline Committee is empowered to award the match to the non-offending Club and take any other action as they consider appropriate.
A member of the Management Committee, if present and carrying an official League ID card, is permitted to inspect the identity card of any player.
(J) All Cup matches will be on a single match basis. In the event of a draw at full time extra time will be played in accordance with Rule 10.B. For an 11-a-side game if the score is still level at the end of extra time, the winners will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board Decision contained in the Laws of Association Football. (For Mini-Soccer penalties see rule 25.H)
Up to the semi-final the first team drawn shall have choice of ground.
Clubs with an A & B team in the same age group will be seeded to avoid each other in the 1st round of the Cup.
In the Cup competition A-League teams will only enter the competition after the first round.
(K) During the playing season all teams must be prepared to play every weekend, including those shown as "free" weeks on the published fixtures. At least 7 clear days notice will be given by the League Fixture Secretary for any games arranged for "free" weekends.
(L) Each Club must have a First Aid kit available at all games. Failure may result in a Scale A fine.
(M) Players must wear shin pads at all times during matches
(N) The Management Committee has the authority to enforce supplementary rules and conditions to specific competitions. These will be notified, in writing, to competing Clubs and will not be in breach of these rules.
REPORTING RESULTS
11. (A) The League Fixtures Secretary must receive from the Home Club within three (3) days of the date played, the result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner. The match card must include the result, the forename and surname of the team players (in block letters) and the Referee markings required by Rule 13, and any other information required by the Competition. Insertion of the player's names shall be the responsibility of the respective competing Clubs. Failure to comply with any part of the rule will incur a fine of Scale A issued to the defaulting club.
(B) The Home Club shall submit to the League Fixtures Secretary the result of each match or that the match was postponed or abandoned on the day of the match. This to be done either by E mail (paullyon@btinternet.com) or by text message (07876682501).
For Saturday & Sunday matches before 6.00pm on day of the match.
For Mid-Week matches before 9.00 pm on the day of the match.
Failure to comply will incur a Scale A fine.
The Home team must also submit by 9.00pm on the Monday after the match the match result together with the first name and surname of the goal scorers of both teams using the match report button via their log-on page on the League web site. Failure to comply will result in a Scale A fine.
Submission of a match report is optional. Either the home team or the away team can submit a match report. (Note that although the full report will appear on the web site it may not be used by the Oxford Mail for publication and, if it is used it may be edited for length and content).
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of each Club. The Management Committee shall have power to take such action as they deem suitable against a Club which submits an incomplete form or incorrect information.
(D) Leagues are not permitted to collect result sheets or compile any playing data for fixtures they organise for U7 and U8 Mini Soccer. They may require a Club to confirm that a set fixture has been played. A maximum fine of £5 may be imposed for a breach of this Rule.
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
12. (A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three (3) points to be awarded for a win and one (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 Mini Soccer points can only be awarded for Under 9 Competitions.
In the event of two or more teams being equal on points then team rankings shall be decided by the points won in matches between the tied teams. If still unresolved then goal difference in the matches between the tied teams shall decide. If still unresolved then a deciding match played under conditions determined by the Management Committee shall decide.
For deciding matches, in the event of the scores in a special championship match played under conditions determined by the Management Committee being level at the end of the game minutes extra time shall be played as in Rule 10B. If the scores are still level at the end of extra time, the winners will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board Decision contained in the Laws of Association Football.
(B - D) Not used
(E) Any team that withdraws from the Competition shall have all points and goals obtained by or recorded against them expunged from the league table.
REFEREES
13. (A) (i) Registered Referees and Assistant Referees for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association(s).
(ii) Referees will be appointed for all Cup semi-finals and finals by the Referees Secretary.
(iii) If Referees and Assistant Referees are appointed as above (i & ii) then Clubs must always use them. Clubs failing to comply will be fined a Scale B fine.
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee and there are no officially appointed Assistant Referees the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. In cases where there are no officially appointed Assistant Referees, or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, the Home Club will provide a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by the two competing Clubs, appoint Assistant Referees, if available, to any match. Where Assistant Referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club Assistant Referee. Failure to do so will result in a fine of Scale A being imposed on the defaulting Club.
(D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground, the Representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted.
(E) Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to charge the following match fees inclusive of travelling expenses (subject to any limits laid down by the sanctioning Association):-
Referee £17.00 (For Under 9–13 Age Groups)
£20.00 (For Under 14 & 15 Age Groups).
Registered Referees appointed as Assistant Referees
£17.00 (For Under 9–13 Age Groups)
£20.00 (For Under 14 & 15 Age Groups)
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fee before the match. Clubs failing to reimburse the officials will be fined a Scale B fine and will still be liable for the unpaid fees.
(F) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses. Where a match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee and expenses.
(G) A Referee not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may have his name removed from the list of Referees and the fact reported to the County Football Association with which he is registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the match card. Clubs failing to comply with this rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
Guide to Marking (See Appendix 7 for further help)
Club officials should use the full range of marks within each category to help distinguish between different performance levels e.g. within the 85-76 category a mark of 84 indicates a better performance than a mark of 77.
Whilst some referees may have poor matches there will usually have been some positive aspects of their performance so extremely low marks should be very rare.
When club officials are marking a referee they should always look at the game as a whole and not isolated decisions. The result of the match should not influence the mark and disciplinary action should be judged objectively.
The 1 – 100 marking scheme is sub-divided in to four categories as follows:
100 - 86
The referee demonstrated very accurate decision-making and controlled the game very well using management and communication skills effectively to add value to the game
85 - 76
The referee demonstrated accurate decision-making and controlled the game well using management and communication skills to contribute positively to the game
75 - 61
The referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision-making and despite some short comings generally controlled the game well
60 and below
The referee demonstrated shortcomings in the accuracy of decision-making and control which affected the game.
If a referee is marked 60 or below then a written report must be sent to the Referees Secretary within three (3) days of the match being played. Clubs failing to send in such a report shall be fined a Scale B fine.
(N.B. The purpose of this is to assist referees to improve their performance levels, so the comments should be helpful as possible).
The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County Football Association.
(J) Not used
(K) Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR
WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
14. (A) After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding Scale A.
All Clubs wishing to remain in membership of the Competition for the following Season must confirm their intention to do so, in writing, to the Secretary by 31st May.
(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the Annual General Meeting for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Scale E per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B)
(C) Not used
(D) In the event of a Member Club which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the Competition.
In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order.
PROTESTS AND APPEALS
15. (A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee.
(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the General Secretary within seven (7) 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 General Secretary a sum of £20.00. 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 power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
(E) All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received seven (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.
BOARD OF APPEAL
16. Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or the Competition a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Oxfordshire Football Association Ltd., including the fee currently in force, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.
No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
The operation of the decision made by the Management Committee or the Competition shall not be suspended whilst under appeal unless requested by the Club and agreed by the County FA.
EXCLUSION OF CLUBS.OR TEAMS
MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
17. (A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or Team of a Club from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
(B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or team of a Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.
(D) Not used
TROPHY LEGAL OWNERS,
CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED, AWARDS.
18. (A) 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 Association may decide.
(B) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:
“We ____and ____the Chairman and Secretary of __________FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of _________Cup or Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the General Secretary on or before 1st March. If the Cup or Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”
(C) At the close of each Competition awards shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
(D) Clubs winning trophies shall at their own expense engrave the name of their Club and the year on the trophy. Alternatively the Management Committee will arrange for the engraving, the cost of which will be borne by the club concerned.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
19. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least seven (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 being given shall be fined a Scale A fine.
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.
ALTERATION TO RULES
20. Alterations shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until the following season.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the General Secretary by 31st March in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 30th April and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 31st May. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association seven (7) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been obtained.
RULES BINDING ON CLUBS
21. (A) Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing Rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 16. Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Codes of Conduct. (See Appendix 2)
FINANCE
22. (A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £200.00 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 March 31st.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
TOURS AND OUTSIDE COMPETITIONS
23. Any Club wishing to proceed on tours during the playing season must make application, in writing, to the General Secretary no later than December 31st of the season in which they wish to tour. The Management Committee will consider such applications and inform the Club of the outcome within twenty eight (28) days of receipt.
CONSTITUTION OF DIVISIONS IN THE AGE GROUPED LEAGUES
24. (A) At the start of each season the Management Committee will determine the size of the various divisions taking into account the number of teams entered, the number of days available for playing fixtures and the dictates of the cup competition.
(B) (i) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied to the first two (2) and last two (2) teams in each division.
(ii) Additional teams may be promoted or relegated to balance the divisions.
(iii) New teams entering the League will be placed in a division that, in the opinion of the Management Committee, best meets the needs of the League.
MINI SOCCER
See Appendix 5 for match regulations.
25. (A) All current League rules will apply except those amended or specifically added.
(B) Teams will consist of a maximum of ten (10) players - (7 + 3 substitutes). A minimum of five (5) players will constitute a team for a Competition match. (i.e. If you have 5 registered players available then the game must be played)
(C) At any one time Clubs may register no more than twenty (20) players if entering the two (2) team league or fourteen players (14) if entering one (1) team league.
The players that make up a particular team can vary from week to week, but players may not change teams for a particular fixture. (i.e. Once named on the match card for a team they may not play for the other team in that fixture)
(D) Leagues will be formed taking into account, where possible, the number of one or two 7-a-side teams entered.
(E) Clubs must state on the League application form which league (i.e. two team or one team) they intend to enter.
(F) Two Team League.
A fixture will consist of two (2) games. (i.e. Red Team A v Blue Team A & Red Team B v Blue Team B). The match result will be the combined score of the two matches.
One Team League
A fixture will consist of a single game.
(G) If necessary a different referee may take charge of each game.
(H) All Cup games will be on a single fixture basis (i.e In the two team league the combined score of the two matches and in the one team league the result of the single match). If at full time the scores are level there will be no extra time. The tie will be decided on the taking of penalties as indicated below. Penalty takers can be chosen from those named on the match card. Goalkeepers can only be changed if they are injured during the taking of the penalties. (i.e. they can not be alternated between penalties)
One Team Match
Best of three (3) penalties, then sudden death.
Two Team Match
Best of five (5) penalties, then sudden death.
REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES
(A) The Management Committee will decide if any League Representative teams will be formed.
(B) The Management Committee will appoint all representative team managers and assistant managers. Appointments will be for one season only.
(C) Representative team managers and assistant managers must not be connected as either; team manager, assistant manager, coach or parent with a league team in the same age group as the representative team that they manage. In the absence of a suitable and qualifying manager under this rule the Representative Team Committee have the discretion to appoint a manager, as far as is possible, to ensure the League field Representative Teams in each age group.
(D. Representative team managers and assistant managers must hold a current CRB certificate and must be qualified to at least FA Level One coaching course standard.
(E) Representative team managers and assistant managers must not have any contract with a professional club.
(F) Representative team managers and assistant managers will be supplied with a League Handbook and will sign an undertaking to abide by the rules contained therein.
(G) The Management Committee have the right to remove a representative manager or assistant manager who in their opinion has;
(i) Disregarded or broken League rules.
(ii) Not acted in the best interests of either; the players, the team or the League.
(H) Representative managers will arrange and organise their own trials to select players. The following must be observed:
(i) Trials are open to any player.
(ii) No more than three (3) players from any one league team can be selected for a Representative team.
(iii) List of players selected together with name of their club must be provided to the League co-ordinator.
SECRETARIES/MANGERS MEETINGS
27. (A) All managers and Club secretaries who are in their first season with the League are required to attend the New Secretaries/Managers meeting. If unable to attend then a representative of the club must attend in their place. Failure to attend will result in a fine on Scale C.
(B) A manager of a team registered with the League must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the season to be deemed the responsible adult in charge of the team.
APPENDIX 1
CHILD PROTECTION
1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
2. In these Regulations the expression "Offence" shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.
3. Upon receipt by The Association of:
3.1 notification that an individual has been charged with an Offence; or
3.2 notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, Social Services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or
3.3 any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children then The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific football activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
4. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made The Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:
4.1 whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;
4.2 whether the matters are of a serious nature;
4.3 whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by The Association or any other authority or body to proceed unimpeded.
5. The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of The Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end.
6. Where an order is imposed on an individual under regulation 3 above, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of The Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.
7. Where a person is convicted, or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of The Association and The Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or any specific football activity for such a period (including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
8. For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the Board.
9. Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he is associated as soon as reasonably practicable.
APPENDIX 2
CLUB RESPONSIBLITIES
The Management Committee very specially reminds all Clubs that they will be held responsible for the conduct of their officials, players and spectators. Every Officer, member of Club and player is required by the Football Association Limited Laws to take every precaution necessary to prevent spectators insulting, threatening or assaulting officials or players either during or at the conclusion of matches. Misconduct towards a referee away from the pitch will be dealt with just as if the offence had been committed on the field.
It is the recommendation of the League that no player should play in more than one League during the season.
APPENDIX 3
SCALE OF FINES
Scale A £10
Scale B £15
Scale C £20
Scale D £25
Scale E £30.00
APPENDIX 4
F.A. CODES OF CONDUCT
YOUNG PLAYERS
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:
• Always play to the best of my ability
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time.
• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager.
• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
• Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me
• Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:
I may:
• Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
• Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
• Be dropped or substituted
• Be suspended from training
• Be required to leave the club
In addition:
My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club
COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS AND CLUB OFFICIALS
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In the FA’s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe the Football Association’s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do.
On and off the field, I will:
• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators
• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game
• Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour
• Always respect the match official’s decision
• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission
• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
When working with players, I will:
• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning
• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me
• Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations
• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying
• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem
• Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
• Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity
• Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player’s best interests
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:
I may be:
• Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer
• Required to meet with the club committee
• Monitored by another club coach
• Required to attend a FA education course
• Suspended by the club from attending matches
• Suspended or fined by the County FA
• Required to leave or be sacked by the club
In addition:
• My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn
SPECTATORS
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. This club is supporting The FA's Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment. Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
• Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided)
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• Always respect the match officials' decisions
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success
In addition, when attending youth games I will:
• Remember that children play for FUN
• Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
• Never criticise a player for making a mistake -mistakes are part of learning
MATCH OFFICIALS
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The behaviour of the match officials has an impact, directly and indirectly, on the conduct of everyone involved in the game – both on the pitch and on the sidelines. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct of match officials at all time.
I will:
• Be honest and completely impartial at all times
• Apply the Laws of the Game and competition rules fairly and consistently
• Manage the game in a positive, calm and confident manner
• Deal with all instances of violence, aggression, unsporting behaviour, foul play and other misconduct
• Never tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour from players and officials
• Support my match official colleagues at all times
• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour and showing respect to everyone involved in the game
• Communicate with the players and encourage fair play
• Respond in a clear, calm and confident manner to any appropriate request for clarification by the team captains
• Prepare physically and mentally for every match
• Complete and submit, accurate and concise reports within the time limit required for games in which I officiate.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA:
I may be:
• Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Official
• Required to meet with The FA/County FA Refereeing Committee
• Obliged to attend or re-attend The FA Respect training or other FA education course
• Issued with a written warning
• Fined by the County FA
• Offered less senior appointments
• Suspended from all appointments for a defined period
• Excluded from affiliating as a FA Referee
APPENDIX 5
MINI SOCCER MATCH REGULATIONS
1. All games will be played under current Football Association Laws except if otherwise stated in the F.A. Mini Soccer match regulations.
2. Matches will be 7-a-side. Any number of substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player.
3. Pitch sizes:
Under 7’s and 8’s
Minimum width 18.30m (20yd)
Maximum width 27.45m (30yd)
Minimum length 27.45m (30yd)
Maximum length 45.75m (50yd)
Under 9’s and 10’s
Minimum width 27.45m (30yd)
Maximum width 36.60m (40yd)
Minimum length 45.75m (50yd)
Maximum length 54.90m (60yd)
4. The Penalty area is 10 yards (9.15m) in length x 18 yards (16.47m) in width.
The penalty mark is 8 yards (7.32m) from the goal line opposite the centre of the goal.
5. The goal size is 12 feet x 6 feet (3.6m x 1.8m). All goals must be securely weighted or pegged down.
6. No player shall play more than 60 minutes in any one day.
7. There is no offside
8. All free kicks are direct. Opposition players must be at least 5 yards (4.5m) away from the ball.
9. Corner kicks-opposition players must be at least 5 yards (4.5m) away from the ball.
10. Goal kicks are taken from any point within the penalty area. Opposition players must remain outside the penalty area and at least 5 yards (4.5m) away from where the kick is taken until the ball is in play.
11. At penalty kicks all players except the defending goalkeeper and the penalty taker must be outside the penalty area and at least 5 yards (4.5m) from the penalty mark.
APPENDIX 6
THE FA SEVEN DAY APPROACH RULE
To assist in knowing when the 7 day approach rule applies and what to do, below are two examples:
Scenario 1
You want to speak to or approach a player signed with another club about signing for you. A manager wishing to speak to a play about joining their team, when the player is already registered with another team, MUST ask their club secretary to write to the secretary of the players current club given seven days' formal written notice of their intention to speak to the player. This written notice must be sent by special delivery or recorded post or a written acknowledgment otherwise obtained from the secretary of the player's current club (fax or e-mails may be used provided a receipt of acknowledgement is also obtained). Once this has been done, the player can be spoken to on or after the eighth day and the player must be registered on or before the 21st day. The player can then be transferred in accordance with the first part of rule (8J).
If the player declines your offer to leave their current team and join your team then you cannot approach them again in the same season (the FA season is from 1st July to 31st May). You can only approach one player in the same team at any one time. You cannot approach another player in the same team within 28 days.
Scenario 2
You are approached directly by a player or indirectly about a player signing for you that is already signed to another club. A player (or their parent/guardian) registered in club (A) approaches a member of club (B) about joining club (B).Club (B) MUST ask their club secretary to write to the secretary of the players current club (A) giving seven days' formal written notice of their intention to speak to the player. This written notice must be sent by special delivery or recorded post or a written acknowledgment otherwise obtained from the secretary of the player's current club (fax or e-mails may be used provided a receipt of acknowledgement is also obtained). Once this has been done, the player can be spoken to on or after the eighth day. The player can then be transferred in accordance with the first part of rule (8J).
A club which is the subject of a complaint alleging failure to give notice in accordance with the FA rules can be subject to a charge of misconduct under FA Rule E1(b). Therefore all instances of this rule being breached need to be raised by your Club Secretary with your County FA.
APPENDIX 7
HOW TO DECIDE ON THE REFEREE’S MARK
The following questions focus on the key areas of a referee’s performance. They are intended as an “aide memoire”, are not necessarily comprehensive and need not be answered individually. It is, however, worth considering them before committing yourself to a mark for the referee. Always try to be objective when marking. Judge the performance over the whole game. Don’t be too influenced by one particular incident. Don’t mark the referee down unfairly because your team was unlucky and lost the game or some disciplinary action was taken against your players.
CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING
•How well did the referee control the game?
•Were the players’ actions recognised correctly?
•Were the Laws applied correctly?
•Were all incidents dealt with efficiently/effectively?
•Were all the appropriate sanctions applied correctly?
•Was the referee always within reasonable distance of incidents?
•Was the referee well positioned to make critical decisions, especially in and around the penalty area?
•Did the referee understand the players’ positional intentions and keep out of the way accordingly?
•Did the referee demonstrate alertness and concentration throughout the game?
•Did the referee apply the use of the advantage to suit the mood and temperature of the game?
•Was the referee aware of the players’ attitude to advantage?
•Did the referee use the assistants effectively?
•Did the officials work as a team, and did the referee lead and manage them to the benefit of the game?
COMMUNICATION AND PLAYER MANAGEMENT
•How well did the referee communicate with the players during the game?
•Did the referee’s level of involvement/profile suit this particular game?
•Did the referee understand the players’ problems on the day – e.g. difficult ground/weather conditions?
•Did the referee respond to the changing pattern of play/mood of players?
•Did the referee demonstrate empathy for the game, allowing it to develop in accordance with the tempo of the game?
•Was the referee pro-active in controlling of the game?
•Was the referee’s authority asserted firmly without being officious?
•Was the referee confident and quick thinking?
•Did the referee appear unflustered and unhurried when making critical decisions?
•Did the referee permit undue questioning of decisions?
•Did the referee deal effectively with players crowding around after decisions/incidents?
•Was effective player management in evidence?
•Was the referee’s body language confident and open at all times?
•Did the pace of the game, the crowd or player pressure affect the referee negatively?