East Lancashire Football

Alliance

Football First – Enjoyment Foremost

Sponsors

Forbes solicitors & McDonalds (Econ restaurants)

Handbook – Season 2012 – 2013

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT - DAVID RICHARDSON

301 Kings Causeway Brierfield BB9 0EZ TEL: 01282 694972.

CHAIRMAN - JOHN McGREGOR

4 Elmwood Close Accrington BB5 6UJ TEL; 07778 876670

Email: john@haworths.co.uk

VICE-CHAIRMAN - LEE HALSTEAD

Email: lee.halstead@lancashire.pnn.police.uk

VICE –CHAIRMAN - PETER THORNTON

39 Victoria Street Ramsbottom 07595 221279 Email: insidewrite@btinternet.com

SECRETARY - CRAIG WILKINSON 94 Garden Village Darwen BB3 2HS TEL: 07737 417803 Email: wilkson_2006@tiscali.co.uk LEAGUE WELFARE OFFICER - PETER THORNTON: REGISTRATION SECRETARY - MICHAEL KEMP

14 Worston Lane Great Harwood BB6 7TH TEL: 07545 116351

Email: mackemp@o2.co.uk

11 a side FIXTURES’ SECRETARY - GRAHAM SNOWDEN

54 Queens Road Accrington BB5 6AW TEL: 07828 319704

Email: gandbsnowden@hotmail.co.uk

Mini Soccer + 9v9 FIXTURES SECRETARY - DAVE PILKINGTON

62 Trinity Street Oswaldtwistle BB5 3PY TEL: 07828 466813

Email: davepilkington21@yahoo.co.uk

TREASURER - PETER HOLDEN 83 Edge End Lane Great Harwood BB6 7QD TEL: 01254 883517

Email: peter.holden3@tesco.net

REFEREES’ APPOINTMENTS’ SECRETARTIES - ISMAIL ESAT 2 Churchill road Little Harwood BB1 5NX TEL- 07802 912700 / 07736317413 Email: ishy40@aol.com DISCIPLINE TRIBUNAL CHAIR – JOHN SPENCER Email: johnspencer1962@yahoo.co.uk

Life Members

J. Addison, R. Burns, E. Hart, K. Inkle, P.Riley, Mrs. C. Wilson, S. Wilson

CLUB REPRESENTATIVES - ELECTED MEMBERS

1. Nathan Sergeason (Mill Hill) - Tel 0787 2646707

2. Chris Whalley (Blackburn Eagles) – Tel 07914 58846

Important Dates Mon 12th

November

Club Meeting – Rishton Mid season Meeting

Monday 22nd

April

Club Meeting

- Issue League

Application forms

End of season Meeting

Sunday 21st

April

Cup Finals - 11 a side Under 12 – 11.00

Under 14 – 12.30

Under 16– 14.30

Sunday 28th

April

Cup finals – 11 a side Under 13- 11.00

Under 15 - 12.30

Under 18 - 14.30

Sunday 12th

May

Cup Finals – AFC Darwen Under 9 - 10.00

Under 10 - 11.00

Under 11 - 12.30

Under 12 ( 9v9 ) – 14.00

Monday 3rd

June

AGM – Rishton

Conservative Club

It is requested that ALL clubs are represented at the League's meetings, which are

to be held at:

Rishton Conservative Club Cliff St,Rishton

Meetings commence at 7.30pm, those unable to attend should send their apologies

via the League Secretary.

Respect is the collective responsibility of everyone in football to create a fair, safe and

enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. It is the behavioural code for

football. Respect is a continuous FA programme, not a one-off initiative. What do we want to

achieve with Respect?

1. There will be a ‘step change‘in youth football on what is acceptable and unacceptable

behaviour from parents, spectators and coaches.

2. We will work with coaches to create an enjoyable learning environment for

Children’s football

3. There will be zero tolerance for assaults on referees.

4. There will be an improvement in on-field player discipline, particularly in the area of

dissent to referees and in competitions that have an established record of poor discipline.

The Respect programme includes practical steps to improve behaviour:

Step 1: Codes of Conduct

Step 2: Manage the match day environment

Step 1 - Codes of Conduct

There are Respect Codes of Conduct for:

• Young Players

• Spectators and Parents/Carers

• Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials

• Match Officials

Each Code explains that actions can be taken if the Code is broken. Although the County FA

or The FA will deal with cases of reported misconduct, clubs and leagues also have a role to

play in dealing with poor behaviour from players, officials or spectators. This can range from

education, mentoring, official warnings, suspension or even exclusion from the club/league.

Each Respect Code of Conduct explains that action can and will be taken if the Code is

broken.

The creation of designated areas for spectators is a key element of Respect and is a

measure largely aimed at youth football where large numbers of spectators can be attracted,

some of whom may behave poorly. Designated Spectators’ Areas can be marked by the use of

cones, a roped-off area or use of a temporary spectators’ barrier. The areas literally draw

the line which spectators should not cross. Research has shown it to have a beneficial impact

on the behaviour of spectators and their impact on players and match officials.

The ideal arrangement is to mark out a Designated Spectators’ Area on the opposite side of

the pitch to club officials (manager/ coaches etc) for spectators to stand behind. This allows

the manager/coaches of both teams to stand on the other side of the pitch, meaning players

can better distinguish the advice from their team officials. The Designated Spectators’ Area

should start two metres from the touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run

the full length of the pitch. This means no-one should be watching from behind the goals.

It is recognised however that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this

set up in which case other appropriate arrangements should be made. You may prefer an

alternative form of marking Designated Spectators’ Area, but you must ensure this is safe

for both the spectators and the players. The FA strongly recommends you obtain formal

agreement from the facility/pitch provider about which method of marking is most suitable

for the pitch, before beginning any work or buying any new equipment. The safety of the

players, officials and spectators is paramount. To help implement the Designated Spectators’

Area; The FA has endorsed a Respect Barrier Kit which is available from

www.Touchlinelogos.com

The Codes identify a range of sanctions which can be applied in the event of misconduct or

poor behaviour. Whilst your County FA or The FA will deal with

reported misconduct, clubs also have a role to play in educating its membership as to what is

– and what isn’t – acceptable behaviour and taking action when the Codes are broken.

Step 2 - Managing the match day environment

Sometimes the behaviour of spectators and team officials can have a negative impact on the

game itself. Respect aims to create a playing environment which is fair, safe and enjoyable.

This can be achieved by clearly identifying to players, spectators and team officials the

behaviour that is appropriate. This is why the codes of conduct are important, explain that

this behaviour cannot be tolerated, that continued abuse will lead to problems for the club

and the players and that the incident will be fully reported to the league and County Football

Association.

And if this doesn’t work……..Bring the incident to the attention of the referee

If the Referee deems it necessary the game will be abandoned and the club will face a full

report. Remember: if you have done all that you can the League should take this into account.

Clubs should consider the use of a touchline

Manager - someone known to club members designated to help maintain a supportive playing

environment. A touchline manager could be someone in the club with relevant experience (e.g.

the club welfare officer or a police officer

or teacher). Ideally the individual should have authority and presence, and the ability to

remain calm. The role of the touchline manager is to attempt to nip any behavioural issues in

the bud, to be a point of contact during the game for the referee and to remind spectators

of their responsibility. It’s important that they act quickly and discreetly. Some clubs have

equipped touchline managers with a Respect bib which has increased their visibility and

assisted them when required to intervene. The touchline manager is to assist the smooth

running and enjoyment of the game for everyone – not just the home team. They are there to

deal with small scale incidents and to reduce and diffuse problems. It is not the role of the

touchline manager to replace the referee or the normal league sanctions. They should never

place themselves or others in danger.

The Role of a Touchline Manager

Be aware - Enjoy the game but monitor the touchline

Move towards an incident or potential incident

Observe and analyse – Is this a significant incident likely to escalate or will a quiet

reminder sort it out.

Isolate -ask the person to move away for a chat, remind them that the children are

there to have fun.

Emphasise that the club is committed to creating a environment where people are

treated with Respect and dignity.

Let them know that children may be influenced by their behaviour.

Acknowledge that they may be frustrated by the decisions a coach or referee has

made but explain that the person is doing their best (everyone makes mistakes) and

that the referee may see things differently from their field of play.

Explain that abuse directed at players or team officials on either team is

unacceptable.

Refer to the club’s Code of Conduct – the spectator may not realise that they have

behaved inappropriately.

Be calm and firm. Be conscious that both the tone of your voice and your body

language is assertive but not aggressive

Many children and young people have a fantastic experience through football - some don't.

This may be down to aggressive or pushy coaches and parents screaming and shouting from

the sidelines. Respect highlights that this behaviour is unacceptable. We need to help

coaches and parents understand the effect this behaviour can have and share positive ways

to motivate young playersThe Football Association

Wembley Stadium, Wembley,

The Rules of the East Lancashire Football Alliance

1 Nomenclature and Constitution

2 Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit

3 Officers

4 Management, Nomination, Election

5 Powers of Management

6 Annual General Meeting

7 Agreement to be signed

8 Qualification of Players

9 Club Colours, Club Name

10 Playing Season, Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-off, Postponements,

Substitutes

11 Reporting Results

12 Determining Championship

13 Referees

14 Continuation of Membership or Withdrawal of a club

15 Protests and Appeals

16 Board of Appeal

17 Exclusion of Clubs, or Teams, Misconduct, Clubs, Officials, Players

18 Trophy: Legal Owners, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed,

Awards

19 Special General Meetings

20 Alteration to Rules

21 Rules Binding on Clubs

22 Finance

Appendices A. Cup Competitions

B. Summary of Rules varying with Age group

1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION

(A) This Competition shall be designated the East Lancashire Football Alliance and shall

consist of not more than the number of clubs agreed at the AGM. Clubs shall be Full Member

Clubs.All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association

and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form

“D” to the Lancashire County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition

Membership shall be East Lancashire and any other local area agreed by the clubs at the

AGM.

This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Lancashire Football Association and

the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions each not exceeding 14 in

number.

Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other

Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A Competitions) except with the

written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.

This Competition is a charter standard League, existing member clubs have until the end of

the 2012-2013 season to achieve the Charter Standard Club award or face expulsion from

the League. New member clubs have one year to achieve the Charter Standard club Award.

The League has the right to refuse membership to a club if it fails to demonstrate

commitment to achieving the award.

This Competition and its clubs shall support the FA’s Respect Program and as such it

recognizes that everyone in football has a collective responsibility to create a fair, safe, and

enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. A respect League values the

courtesy and fairness in which the game can take place. A Respect League values the

courtesy and fairness by opposing players, club officials and spectators. The League and its

clubs will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive but not antagonistic environment

The competition will provide 11-a-side football for players who have attained the age of 10 as

at midnight 31st August in a playing season and Mini-Soccer for players who have attained

the age of 6 years but not the age of 10 years as at midnight on 31st August in a playing

season. 9v9 may be provided for players who have obtained the age of 9 as of midnight on

31st August.

Other formats of youth football as authorized from time to time by the FA are also

permitted in accordance with Rule 8(B).

(B) At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, a

majority of the delegates present shall have the power to decide or adjust the compilation

of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over

Rule 12.

2. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

(A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional

team(s) must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee

equal to the Annual Subscription per team which shall be returned in the event of non-

election. – SEE APPENDIX D

At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present applications, of

which due notice has been given, may be received at the Annual General Meeting or a Special

General Meeting. The Entry Fee shall apply.

When Rule 12(B) is applied and a team seeks a transfer or is compulsorily transferred to

another division no Entry Fee shall be payable.

(B) The Annual Subscription shall be £60 per Team playing 11-a-side football, £ 40 perTeam

playing 9v9 football and £ 40 per/ Team playing Mini-Soccer payable on or before the 8th

June in each year.

(C) Each Club shall within 7 days of election pay a Deposit of £25 (twenty five) which shall

be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures

and complied with all orders of the Management Committee.

(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription

and Deposit have been paid.

(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by July 31st of its Lancashire

County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which

they shall be fined £15 (fifteen). Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the

prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information

required by the Competition.

3. OFFICERS

The Officers of the Competition shall be by the Annual General Meeting and elected

thereat. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).

4. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

(A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The

Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and at least 2

member clubs who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. All participants shall

abide by the Football Association Regulations for safeguarding children as determined by

the association from time to time

(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without

nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management

Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two

Member Clubs, not later than May 31st in each year. Names of the candidates for election

shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there

being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be

received at the Annual General Meeting

(C) The Management Committee shall meet at least quarterly.On receiving a requisition

signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall

convene a meeting of the Committee.There will be a League Meeting as decided at the AGM

during the playing season. Any club failing to attend this monthly meeting will be fined

£10(ten). Any club missing two consecutive meetings will be fined £20 (twenty) and asked to

appear before the Management Committee. Any club missing more than 3 (three) meetings in

a season will be fined £50 (fifty) and asked to appear before the Management Committee.

The club representative must remain present throughout the whole of the meeting. Failure

to do so without the permission of the Chairman or the League Secretary the club may be

liable to a fine.

(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the

Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its

proceedings.

(E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their nominated

Officers

5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

(A)The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider

necessary and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all

sub committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The

Management Committee shall have power to deal with only matters within the competition

and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the Jurisdiction of the Football

Association or affiliated Association

(B) Subject to the permission of the Lancashire County Football Association having been

obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each

season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may

call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to

contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the

season. (See Rule 6(e)).

(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at

all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be

allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so

represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall apply to the procedure

of any sub-committee).In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman

shall have a second or casting vote.

(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules

of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the

Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. With the exception of Rules 5(I),

6(h), 11 and 19 for any breaches of a Rule a formal written -charge must be issued. The

respondent shall be given seven days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and

given the opportunity to:-

Accept or deny the charge

Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or

Put their case before the Management Committee

All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association

shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules by the appropriate Association. With the

exception of Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football pyramid and the FA Women’s Premier

League, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition rule is £250 and when

setting the fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the

offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of

appeal in accordance with Rule 16.Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified

in writing to those concerned within 14 (fourteen) days.All fines which carry a set penalty

within the League rules have to be issued by the Exec within 28 days of the offence taking

place

(F) 5 (five) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the

transaction of business of the Management Committee and 3 (three) Members shall

constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any sub-committee of the

Competition.

(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an

acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.

(H) A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management

Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or the correspondence of

the Competition shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the

Management Committee.

(I)All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written

notification, any Club failing to do so will be fined a maximum of £50. Further failure to pay

the fine including the additional sum within 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn

until such time as the outstanding payments are settled.

(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a

meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.

(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in

the membership of the Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting

called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.

(L) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

No phone calls should be made to members of the Management Committee after 8.30pm. Any

team failing to adhere to this rule will be liable to a fine of £10 (ten).

(M) Leagues who organize Mini Soccer for teams playing Under 7 and under 8 football may

not with the exception of rules 6, 10(a) 11D, 14 and 19 fine clubs for breaches of league

rules.

(N) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be

transacted by electronic mail.

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than June 30th in each year. At this

meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 50% of the

Members are present and entitled to vote:-

(i) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.

(ii) To consider any business arising therefrom.

(iii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.

(iv) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee).

(v) Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season.

(vi) Election of Officers and Management Committee.

(vii) Appointment of Auditors.

(viii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given).

(ix) Fix the date for the commencement and Kick off times applicable to the Competitions.

(x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being

relevant to an Annual General Meeting.

(B) A copy of the duly verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be

forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the Lancashire

County Football Association(s).

(C) A signed copy of the duly verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be

sent to Lancashire County Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the

Annual General Meeting.

(D) Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General

Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of

any Meeting.

(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being

concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote

only on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs

expelled in accordance with Rule 17.

(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at

least 2/3 (two thirds) of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.

(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Full Member Club.

(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting

without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £10 (ten).

(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an

Annual General Meeting.

7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following

agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the Application for

Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete."We,

A,__________________of ________________(Chairman) and B, _______________ of

______________________ (Secretary) of the ______________________________

Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the East

Lancashire Football Alliance Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said

Club, if elected or accepted into Membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and

to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the

Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16."Any alteration of the

Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the Lancashire

County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the

Competition.The Secretary, Chairman and Team Manager must be aged 18 (eighteen) or over

8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

(A) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this

Competition. It is the responsibility of each club to ensure that any player signing a

registration form for that club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer

Certificate. Clearance is required for any player aged 12 and over crossing borders including

Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

No player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy will be

permitted to play in this competition. A Player registered with a Centre of Excellence may

only play in this Competition subject to the Regulations of the Program for Excellence. While

serving in any branch of Her Majesty’s Regular Forces a player must first obtain the consent

of his commanding officer before signing a registration form to play for a club

(B) A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects

eligible, has:- Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form and ID

card in ink, countersigned by his /her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and

who has been registered with the Registrations Secretary 7 (seven) days prior to playing and

whose completed registration counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing. All

clubs must have the minimum number of players registered by the due Pre Season date as

agreed at the AGM and maintain this number throughout the season. Failure to register the

minimum number of players may lead to a team being withdrawn from the competition.The

registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the player

seeking registration together with proof of the player’s date of birth. If a player’s age is

required for registration purposes the Competition must accept an original birth certificate

or a photocopy. In cases where the birth certificate is not available the competition is

required to accept a photocopy of the player’s passport or other official documentation

issued by a Government agency attesting to the player’s date of birth. No Registrations will

be processed by the League for a period of no longer than one month, prior to the start of

the season, the dates of which will be advised at the AGM. This is to enable the League to

have all registrations received pre season to be fully processed and distributed accordingly

at the Pre Season meeting. The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows:

To play in a KO Cup game or a game where points are awarded, or results published a player

must have reached the age of 8 on or before 31ST August.

Under 7 – the player must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on 31st August in

the playing season but must be under the age of 7 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 8 – the player must be under the age of 8 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 9 – the player must be under the age of 9 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 10 – the player must be under the age of 10 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player in the above age ranges must not

play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.

Youth Football

Under 11 – the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be under the age of 11 by

midnight 31st August in the playing season if the format of football is 11v11.

If the format provided is 9v9, the player must have attained the age of 9 but must be under

11 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season

Under 12 – the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 13 – the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 14 – the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 15 – the player must be under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

Under 16 – the player must be under the age of 16 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season

Under 18 – the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on 31st August in the

playing season.

In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the age of 15 as at midnight

on 31st August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older

or younger by 2 years or more.(The above qualification dates are subject to the provisions

contained in FA Rule C.4(a)(v),(vi) and (vii).

(C) Not Applicable

(D) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football

Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the

Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has

discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official

may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have

been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played.

(E) A fee of £0 (nil) shall be paid for each player registered.

Registration forms shall be obtained from the (Registrations) Secretary on prepayment of

£0 (nil) per form.

(F) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes.

In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for

more than one Club priority of registration shall decide for which Club the player shall be

registered. The Registrations Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the

player of the fact of the previous registration.

(G) It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to:-

(i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being

transferred.

(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the Competition in

that season except for the purpose of a transfer.

(iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had willfully neglected

to accurately or fully complete.

(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any

player subject to the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) below.

(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the

registration of any player who has been charged and found guilty of registration

irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16).

(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the

registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule

16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association.

Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter

a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the

parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.

(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (iii)

but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a

probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the player

commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition,

(excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further

charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute. (Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not

be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the

appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into

disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. All

decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the

competition into disrepute can only be considered where the player has received in excess of

112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in a period of two years or less

from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.)

(I) Subject to FA Rule C2(a) dealing with players without a written contract when a player

desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form to

the (Registrations) Secretary accompanied by a fee of _________. Such transfer shall be

referred by the (Registrations) Secretary to the Club for which the player is registered.

Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the

(Registrations) Secretary and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the

transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written

objection within seven days, the (Registrations) Secretary may, on behalf of the

Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new

Club from such date or ___________days after receipt of such transfer.In the event of an

objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a

decision.

If a player has not been selected to play for his team for 3 (three) consecutive games he

may apply to the Registration Secretary for a transfer. The Registration Secretary shall

transact the transfer provided the player has met all his obligations to his current club. His

current club should state its objections in writing to the Registration Secretary and to the

player within 7 (seven) days of receipt of the transfer form. Any club whose officials,

players or parents induce, or attempt to induce, a player who is registered with a club in the

League to play for another club in this League shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and liable

to a fine of £20 (twenty). A club official who wishes to approach a player, who is registered

with a club in this League, to play for another club MUST first give 7 (seven) days written

notice to the said club and the Registration Secretary. Proof of posting may be required in

cases of dispute. Any breach of this Rule will result in a fine of £20 (twenty).

(J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the

Competition after January 31st except by special permission of the Management Committee.

(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which

they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management

Committee. In the event a Club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be

clearly identifiable but not designated “A” or “B” or 1st or 2nd. In such cases, players will be

registered for one team only. A player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a

younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8 (B).

(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of

registration, shall be kept by the Registrations Secretary and shall be open to the inspection

of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or

at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Season only.

(M) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or

relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12(A)) unless the player has played 3 (three)

games for that team in this Competition in the current season.

(N) A player who has played for a team in the Red Division 4 (four) times or more shall not in

that season be eligible to play in a lower Division (similar provisions also apply for a player in

the Green Division moving to the Yellow Division) except by permission of the Management

Committee.

(O) (i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have

the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined and/or otherwise

dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

(ii) In addition the team may have points deducted from its total at the discretion of the

Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner, which is thought to be

fit.

(iii) The Management Committee in may, at its discretion award the points available in the

match in question to the opponents subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed

(The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary

education):-

(P) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. This is

not applicable for under 17/18 Football.

(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday

Competitions).

(iii) Children under 15 shall not play in a team involving players who are more than 2 years

older.

9. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME

(A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by the

AGM who shall decide as to their suitability.

Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee.

No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Any

team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall

notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least 3 (three) days before the

match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the home

team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off

by not having a change shall be fined £5 (five). The Secretary of the Competition may

request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours,

and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.

(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from its

affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee.

10. PLAYING SEASON - CONDITIONS OF PLAY- TIMES OF KICK-Off –

POSTPONEMENTS + SUBSTITUTES

(A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for

the ensuing season which shall be in accordance with Football Association Rules. No Club

shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. Original fixtures arranged by the

Fixtures Secretary, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later

than 14 days prior to the start of the season, must not be arranged for a date later than

seven days preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting.

( B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by

the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer and 9v9 Football the Laws

as set down by The Football Association.All team photos and current registration documents

MUST be presented to the referee and made available to the opposing manager and ANY

League Official before, during and after the match so that the player’s eligibility can be

checked. Failure to provide such before the match will result in the match not taking place

and will be awarded to the opposition. ALL failures will result in the offending club being

reported to the Management Committee and the game awarded to the opposition. Clubs must

take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches

shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any

fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have

power to order the venue to be changed.The Management Committee shall have power to

decide whether a pitch and facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to

order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground .In Mini Soccer the League

may during a defined period of time in the season transfer scheduled League matches to a

central venue to play on a suitable artificial surface including Astro Turf and 3G. The League

have fully endorsed the use of Astro Turf and 3 G as suitable pitches to play Mini soccer

League matches on providing the facilities adhere to FA laws on pitch size, markings and

goalpost safety. All matches shall have duration as set out in APPENDIX D unless a shorter

time (not less than the minutes shown in APPENDIX D) is mutually arranged by the two

managers in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in

any event shall be of equal halves. For Mini-Soccer – The maximum duration of play shall be

two halves of 20 minutes each way. The maximum playing time in any one day for under 7 and

under 8 age group is 40 minutes and for Under 9 and Under 10 age groups is 60 minutes.

Recommended duration of play for mini soccer is 15 minutes each way for Under 7 and Under

8 and 20 minutes each way for Under 9, and Under 10. For Youth football – The duration of

play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time. For

under 11 and, under 12, 30 minutes each half; for under 13, 14, 35 minutes each half and

under15 and under 16, 40 minutes each half; under 17 and under 18, 45 minutes each half.

The minimum time for any game will not be less than 20 minutes each half for players in the

Under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes each half for all other age groups. No player

under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in any season shall be permitted to play

more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header,

ie: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition.The times of kick-off shall

be fixed by the A.G.M. or the Management Committee. Any Club failing to commence at the

appointed time may be fined a sum not exceeding £5 (five) or be otherwise dealt with as the

Management Committee may determine.

Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late

starts to the Competition. The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play

and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. The

home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a

report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable.

A size 3 ball will be used for age groups U7 to U9.

A size 4 ball will be used for age groups U10 to U14.

A size 5 ball will be used for all other age groups.

Goal nets must be used.

(C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the

dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and all relevant

County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs

may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary. In

the case of a revised fixture date the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear day’s

notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed). Any team playing in a County Cup

competition must, as soon as the Club receives notification of its fixture, inform its

opponents, the Referees Secretary, the relevant Fixtures Secretary and the WEB

coordinator immediately. Failure to do so may incur a fine. Teams playing in such a County Cup

competition, whether playing at home or away, MUST telephone the result as per Rule 11B.

Any team that has at least 1 (one) player representing this League in an Inter League game

MAY, if it so desires, postpone its fixture by contacting its opponents, the relevant Fixtures

Secretary and the Web coordinator at least 7 (seven) days before the game is scheduled to

be played. This cancellation will not count as one of the two cancellations allowed each

season. The League is a Sunday League but midweek evening games may be required at the

beginning and the end of the season in some sections. The Fixtures Secretary will decide the

games and the Kick-Off times. If there is a problem with the day because of school or work

commitments (or pitch congestion) then the game shall be re-arranged to another day in

THAT WEEK.

Any team wishing to change the date of a fixture or wishing to apply to keep a FREE DATE

open must give 14 (fourteen) days notice in writing to the League Secretary. A maximum of

TWO postponements per team will be allowed in a season. Any team wishing to change the

kick-off time or the venue of a fixture must obtain the consent of its opponents and the

relevant Referees Secretary before giving 7 (seven) days notice in writing to the relevant

Fixtures Secretary.

No games including re-arranged games shall take place without prior sanction of the relevant

Fixtures Secretary. Any games that so take place without prior sanction will be deemed NOT

to have taken place.

No requests for postponements of cup matches will be allowed

(D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the

location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the League Secretary if there

is a permanent change to the Handbook. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be

liable to a fine of £10 (ten).

(E) In the event of a club playing in any match with less than the minimum number of players

they may be fined for each missing player. A minimum number of (See Appendix D) players

constitute a team for a Competition match

(F) (i)Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its

engagement the Management Committee shall have power to inflict a fine, deduct points

from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the opponents,

order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal

with them except the award of goals. Not withstanding the foregoing home and away

provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a match to be played on a

neutral ground or on the opponent's ground if they are satisfied that such action is

warranted by the circumstances.

(ii) Any club with more than one team in the competitions shall fulfill its fixture within the

competition, in the following order of preference:- First Team, Reserve Team A Team, clubs

in breach of this requirement shall be fined a sum not exceeding £25.00 or otherwise dealt

with by the Management Committee

(iii)Any club unable to fulfil a fixture must without delay give notice to the fixtures

secretary, the referee’s secretary, the opposing team, and match officials. Any club failing

to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict any penalty it

may deem suitable

(iv)In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither

Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two

Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification

to the (Fixtures) Secretary the Management Committee shall have power to order the match

to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.

(v)The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is

consequent upon the conduct of either or both teams. Where it is to the advantage of the

Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be

empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where

the Management Committee is satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of

one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the match

to the opponents. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both

teams and their Club members, the Management Committee shall rule all points for the

match as void. No fine can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned

match. The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either

or both teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association or Affiliated

Association. In each case the team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the

same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 8(O)

above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void.

(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 5

substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 5. A player

who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace a player at any time

subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the

Game. For Mini-Soccer – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the

permission of the Referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage

in play. A player who has been replaced may return to the play as a substitute for another

player. A Team must not have a squad greater than double the size of its team in an age

group. The Referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 5

minutes before the start of the match. The referee will request the appropriate match card

completed in every respect prior to the game. The substitute’s names must be recorded and

each substitute MUST sign the referee’s card prior to the kick-off. If a player is not

present at kick-off he may not be listed as a substitute, but may be listed on the match card

as one of the starting members – a non present starting member (NPSM). If after the game

commences a manager decides to use a substitute in place of a NPSM, then that NPSM, if he

turns up, cannot take part in the game. In a match up to and including Under 18’s, with its

“Roll On Roll Off” approach to substitutions the NPSM must take part in the game before

he/she can become a substitute ie., the manager makes a decision to play with a player (or

players) short of a full complement until the arrival of the NPSM(s). A player who has been

selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not

actually take play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game

within the meaning of Rule 8 in this competition.

(H) The half time interval shall be of 5 (five) minutes duration, but it shall not exceed

fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

(I) The League shall require all players and club officials to have signed the FA’s Respect

code of conducts and produce these if so requested by the League Management Committee.

Prior to each match the participating teams and officials shall conduct the respect

handshake. Each home club shall make arrangements for the provision of designated areas

for spectators. This area can be marked by the use of cones, a roped off area or use of a

temporary spectator barrier. The area for spectators should start 2 metres away from the

touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run the whole length of the pitch. It is

recognized that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this arrangement in

which case appropriate arrangements should be made. If the Referee reports that the above

is not visible a fine of £10.00 will be imposed.

(J) The format below will be the maximum format allowed for each age group for the

2013/14 season

U7 – 5v5

U8 – 7v7

U9 – 7v7

U10 – 7v7

U11 – 9v9

U12 – 11v11

U13 – U18 – up to 11v11

From the beginning of the 2014/15 season the format below will be adopted.

U7 – 5v5

U8 – 5v5

U9 – 7v7

U10 - 7v7

U11 – 9v9

U12 – 9v9

U13 – U18 – up to 11v11

11. REPORTING RESULTS

(A) The person appointed by the Management Committee must receive within 3 (three)

working days of the date played, the Match Card of each Competition match in the

prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the team players the

complete team name (including any colour etc. that differentiates two or more teams from

the same club in the same League (in block letters) and also the Referee markings required

by Rule 13, and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur

a fine of £5 (five). If the match card is still not received within 7 days this fine will be

increased to £25.00 and/or the club being dealt with by the Committee.

(B) The Home Club shall telephone, email or text (to the specific numbers highlighted in the

League Handbook) the result of each match (including postponed matches along with the

reason for postponement) to the Results Secretary by 6.00pm on the day for a Sunday game

and by 9.00pm on the night for midweek matches. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £5

(five) for the first offence, £10 (ten) for the second, £15 (fifteen) for the third and so on.

Persistent offenders will be reported to the Management Committee.

(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible

member of the club. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £5. The Match Card will be

checked for completeness and if there is any information missing or any illegible names the

club will be fined £5 (five). The Registration Secretary will check the Match Cards for

player eligibility.

(D) Leagues are permitted to collect result but not to publish for fixtures they organize for

Under 7 and Under 8 Mini soccer. They may require a Club to confirm a set fixture has been

played. A maximum fine of £5 may be imposed for a breach of this rule.

12. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

(A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with 3 (three) points to

be awarded for a win and 1 (one) point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest

number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the

winners. Matches must not be played for double points. In Mini Soccer points can only be

awarded for Under 9 Competitions. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points

team rankings will be determined by deciding matches played under conditions determined by

the Management Committee except at Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 competitions where

joint awards will be issued for teams finishing on the same number of points. Differences in

the scores of teams shall be published showing only a maximum of 9 goals difference

(B) Not Applicable

(C) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season all points

obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the

Competition table.

(D) Not Applicable

13. REFEREES

(A) Registered Referees (and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA)

for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and

by the sanctioning Association(s). The home team manager must contact the appointed

referee to confirm all match details including kick off time. If an appointed referee is not

informed of any changes to the published fixture, then the home team may be liable to pay

the relevant match fee and any associated expenses.

(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee or in cases where there are

no officially appointed Assistant Referees, or where the competition has been unable to

appoint a Referee, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall,

for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.

(C) Where Assistant Referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club Assistant

Referee. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £5 (five) being imposed on the defaulting

Club.

(D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all

matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local

Authority or the owners of a ground, the Representative of that body is the sole arbiter and

whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play.

(E) ) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association Match

Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee of .............and travel expenses

of….per mile/or inclusive of travel expenses. Any team failing to pay the appointed referee

at the due time will remain responsible for its payment and will be liable for a fine imposed

by the Management Committee. The League will pay the referee in the interim period.

(F) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs

have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee. Where a match

is not played owing to one Club being in default, then that Club shall be ordered to pay the

Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee.

(G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory

explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or

she is registered.

(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association,

award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks

awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs

failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management

Committee shall determine. Where a mark of 60 (sixty) or less is given to a referee a

written explanation must be supplied to the League Secretary within 7 (seven) days of the

match.

(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the

prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County

Football Association.

(J) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of

the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the Referees

Secretary within two days of the match.

(K) Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of

charge.

(L) Referees shall have undertaken a Respect briefing offered by the County FA or the

League.

14. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

(A) After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional

intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and

fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by

31st March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding £10 (ten).

(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after

the Formation of the League (normally at the AGM) for the following Season. Any Club

infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £25 (twenty five) per team and

shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).

(C) The membership for the current season having been decided at the AGM the competition

shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions within this rule, to refuse to permit a

club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another competition and may hold the club to its

engagements.

(D) In the event of a Member Club which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing

and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other

obligations to the Competition. In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged

after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current

Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro

rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the

Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order.

15. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS

(A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules

shall be referred to the Management Committee.

(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of

the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged

with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest

and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt

with by the Management Committee.

(B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special

circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds

upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within 7

(seven) days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest

or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A

Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be

present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is

being determined.

(C) Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for

determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all parties

subject to Rule 16

(D) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless

the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum of £10 (ten). This may

be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its

case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a

losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that

the costs to be shared by the parties.

(E) All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a

statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received 7 (seven)

days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission.

(i) All parties must have received seven days notice of the hearing should they be instructed

to attend

(ii) Should a club elect to state its case in person they should forward a deposit of £10 and

indicate such when forwarding a written response

(F) When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into

consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which,

if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint.

16. BOARD OF APPEAL

Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management

Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may

appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the

Lancashire Football Association, including a fee that is agreed annually by the LFA, for

adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA

Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by

whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final

and binding on all parties concerned. No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an

Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.

17. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS.OR TEAMS MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS,

PLAYERS

(A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in

accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on

the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or

Team from further membership which must be supported by two-thirds (⅔) of those present

and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.

(B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in

accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the

power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or team of a Club

whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more

than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be

conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be

excluded from voting.

(C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than

field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in

the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting

or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in

accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.

(D) Any Club or Team failing to complete its fixtures in any season shall (unless the

conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the Annual

General Meeting or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of two-thirds

of the votes cast) be debarred from membership the following season.

18. TROPHY: - LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER, AGREEMENT

TO BE SIGNED.

(A) If a Competition be discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall

be returned to the Donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as

the sanctioning Association may decide. .

(B) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:-

“We A_________________and B______________________, the Chairman and

Secretary of ________________________FC, members of and representing the Club,

having been declared winners of _____________________Cup or Trophy, and it having

been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and

severally agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before

February 28th fully engraved. If the Cup or Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care

we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its

thorough repair.”Failure to comply will result in a fine as determined by the Management

Committee

(C) At the close of each Competition awards shall be made to the winners and runners-up if

the funds of the Competition permit

19. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary

shall call a Special General Meeting. The Management Committee may call a Special General

Meeting at any time. At least 7 (seven) days notice shall be given of either meeting under

this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each

Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings.

Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 7 (seven) days’ notice shall be

given of any Meeting. Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special

General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £10 (ten). Officers

and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special

General Meetings. All amendment of Rules can only be implemented once approved by the

appropriate sanctioning authority.

20. ALTERATION TO RULES

Alterations for which consent has been given by the sanctioning association shall be made to

these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially

convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the

playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until

the following season. Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General

Meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary by April 1st in each year. The proposals,

together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs

by May 1st and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by June 1st.

The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice

of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if 2/3 (two

thirds) of those present and entitled to vote are in favour. A copy of the proposed

alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General

Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 7 (seven) days prior to

the date of the meeting. Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not

become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been

obtained.

21. FINANCE

(A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial

institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.

(B) All expenditure in excess of £500 (five hundred) shall be approved by the Management

Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management

Committee.

(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on May 31st.

(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be

audited annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General

Meeting.

INSURANCE

22. All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds

(£10,000,000).

Appendix A Cup Competitions – Specific Rules

The Management Committee will suggest the format of the League’s Cup competitions and

will agree such with the clubs prior to playing including the payment of pitch fees and

referee’s fees. - as League Rules apart from the following amendments.

All teams are required to take part in the League’s cup competitions.

Rule 8. Qualification of Players

(B). A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in a cup match unless he has been eligible

to play for that team 7 days previous to the cup match.

No player shall be eligible to play for more than one team in any cup competition

Rule 10. Conditions of Play - Knock Out competitions

(F) The first paragraph in the League Rules to be replaced by :

The tie will be played at the venue of the team drawn out first. In the event of a club failing

to keep its engagement the Management Committee will have the power to inflict a fine,

award the tie to the opposing club and order the defaulting club to pay any expenses

incurred by the opposing club.

Extra time will be played in ALL drawn ties and ALL ties will be completed on the appointed

day. If the tie is still a draw after extra time the match will be decided by penalties.

Guide to Scoring Referees

The mark awarded by a club must be based on the referees overall performance. It is

important that the mark is awarded fairly and not based upon isolated incidents or previous

games. The Referees performance should be determined by the table below

Mark Range Comment

86 – 100 The Referee demonstrated very accurate decision

making and controlled the game very well using

management and communication skills effectively to add

value to the game

76-85 The Referee demonstrated accurate decision making

and controlled the game well using management and

communication skills to contribute positively to the game

61 -75 The referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision

making and despite some some shortcomings generally

controlled the game well

60 and below The Referee demonstrated shortcomings in the

accuracy of decision making and control which affected

the game

Clubs should use the full range of marks to help distinguish between different

performance levels e.g. in the 2nd Category a score of 84 reflects a better

performance than a score of 77

When scoring a referee look at the game as a whole not at an isolated decision. The

result of the match should not influence the mark.

When a mark of 60 or lower is awarded an explanation must be provided to the League

Secretary. The purpose of this is to assist the League to improve the Referees

performance levels, so the comments should be as helpful as possible.

How to decide on the Referees Mark

The following questions focus on the key areas of a Referees performance and would be

worth considering before marking the Referee.

CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING

How well did the Referee control the game

Were the laws applied correctly

Were all incidents dealt with efficiently / correctly

Was the referee always within reasonable distance of incidents

Was the referee correctly positioned to make key decisions especially in and around

the penalty area

Were the referees decisions clear to all

Did the referee demonstrate alertness and concentration throughout the game

Did the referee apply the use of advantage to suit the mood of the game

Did the referee understand players positional intentions and keep out of the way

accordingly

Did the referee check player ID cards effectively

COMMUNICATION AND PLAYER MANAGEMENT

How well did the Referee communicate with the players during the game

Did the referee understand the player’s problems on the day – difficult ground/

weather conditions?

Did the referee respond to the changing pattern of the game?

Was the referee pro-active in controlling the game?

Was the referees authority assertive firmly without being officious

Was the referee confident and quick thinking?

Did the referee permit undue questioning of decisions?

Did the pace of the game , the crowd, or the players affect the referee negatively

FINAL THOUGHTS

Always try to be objective when marking; you may not obtain the most objective view by

marking immediately after the match pitch side.

Judge the performance over the whole game; don’t be influenced by one particular incident,

Don’t mark the referee down unfairly because your team was unlucky and lost the game or

some disciplinary action was taken against your players.

If the referee needs further mentoring by an experienced League referee please score

accordingly as above and write to the League Secretary detailing any points which need to be

addressed.

Referee name HOME MOBILE

Ainscough Keiran 1254877662 7964669369

Alderman Lucy 1282866622 7837609836

Alli Mohammed 1254681224 7742047560

Allingham Richard 1614289576 7782377290

Anderson Jack 1254697013 7759652030

Asghar Rohail 1254383564 7575444780

Asghar Sohail 1254383564 7599571493

Avison Dominic 1254887942 7837116977

Bahadur Rehan 1254662077 7803558375

Bailey Mark 7920592821

Bamber Zac 1254469140 7955336634

Battle Jason 1254238007 7968137681

Battle Elliot 1254238007 7881565559

Bhaiyat Munif EX Dir 7808033856

Blackledge Joseph 1254611571 7756310857

Booth Mohd Ashraf 1254722947 7765811518

Bray Simon 1254231735 7900243794

Brennan Kristian 1254264469 7837997570

Brennan Peter 1254667383 7960868459

Brierley Ben 1254383376 7533665985

Briggs Thomas 7821434423 7864684359

Brignall George 1254722024 7518372986

Brown Adam 7930828440

Buckley Michael 1254249937 7791708568

Buckley James 1254249937 7967039001

Bulcock Matthew 1772620761 7805850012

Burgess Sam 1254698993 7877400873

Burnett Stuart 1282866607 7810191203

Burnett Daniel 1282866607 7909601000

Buxton Craig EX Dir 7867526852

Byker Kaine 1282690571 7792887875

Carruthers Jake 1706211958 7592109958

Chauhan Huzaifa 1254606835 7858638396

Clucas John EX Dir 7977473444

Clugston Edward 1254382272 7549163209

Cooper Ryan 1254702918 7530144500

Coster Niall 1254722207 7767746054

Cunningham Dylan 1254387899 7538701024

Curran David 1254883589 7772293417

Dakin Jonathan 1254670683 7789178175

Danson John 1254708057 7947189906

Danson Elliott 1254708057 7540130713

Danson Ross 1254708057 7949084320

Darbar Anis 1254661983 7526767047

Dawson Conor 1254704837 7801266040

Dearden Carl 1254725627 7514420949

Devine Luke 1254690385 7725419617

Dewhurst Andy 1254690653 7944049674

John Driver

Duckworth Peter 1254249989 7590467479

Eccles Marcus 1254207214 7858721472

Esat Ismail 7802912700 7736317413

Esat Khalid EX Dir 7448144324

Esat Shoayb EX Dir 7708954340

Evans Paul 1282771282 7976776225

Farnworth Samuel 1254209873 7580520835

Fletcher Matt 1254386930 7908609851

France Matthew 1254771067 7984781616

Frankland Mick 1253822668 7770443521

Frayne Rhys 1254698565 7545612579

Fulat Shakeel 1254695901 7592221939

Gibson Gianluca 1254697419 7824705421

Greenwood Nick 1706211666 7816171568

Grime Alan 1254234741 none given

Hargreaves Billy 1254876232 7740061034

Harris Andy 1254683491 7753968284

Haworth Thomas 1254395767 7883874775

Haworth Stephen 1706223984 7947724763

Hindle Alistair 1254851376 7590377203

Hodgkinson Bethany 1254661437 7733480517

Hogg Daniel 1254390014 7411298524

Holden Daniel 1254232549 7956408315

Holmes Alex 1282424527 7760231982

Hoole Michael 1254207333 7917695447

Hudson Lee 1254723980 7401127581

Hurst James 1254761165 7516184447

Hussain Ethzam 1254675795 7708210013

Hussain Shabar 1254875942 7547601517

Hyde Oliver 1254727899 7758597571

Iqbal Shahid 1254671372 7912075445

Irving Elliot EX Dir 7527889088

Jardine Lewis 1254678234 7805225705

Jasat Suhail 1254668835 7432655989

Jogee Ebrahim EX Dir 7513070500

Jogee Ahmed EX Dir 7736870485

Jogee Salim EX Dir 7768296285

Jogee Bilal EX Dir 7936034497

Jones Nathan 1254682383 7411594194

Kaduji Rizwan 1254727970 7743109176

Karolia Inamul 1254727157 7860460736

Karolia Mohammed 1254601567 7706366189

Kelly Sean 1254238088 7809609843

Kiss Dylan 1254825974 7587040425

Kitchen John 1706229552 7790178534

Knightley Tom 1282426994 7748523122

Lawrenson Erik 1254661644 7870374640

Lee Stephen 1254387805 7813208192

Leeson John EX Dir 7540814828

Lennon Don EX Dir 7872650237

Lewis Matthew EX Dir 7710834885

Lilley John 1254209686 7955013463

Lomax Joshua 125451798 7713881417

Lord Benjamin 1254381841 7946707823

Lucas Simeon EX Dir 7742916967

Manton Joshua 1282458125 7542757795

Mashiter James 1254249752 7833456218

Mason David

Matadar Muhammed EX Dir 7973109208

McCluskie Daniel 1706601506 7772702553

Mcgrath Chris 1254390253 7784509285

McGurty Richard 1254813407 7891702026

McKelvie Sam 125452518 7825130669

McPartlan Callum 1254207593 7523959654

Monk Ryan 1200423191 7583153457

Montague Anthony EX Dir 7957490124

Moore Mark 1254703390 7765668045

Mulla Shoyab EX Dir 7711736866

Nightingale George 1254883417 7974122952

Oldale Liam 1254671504 7713235414

Oswald Ian 1282690922 7784981254

Oxley Charlie 1254209423 7568069824

Parker Lauren 1200426783 7843853721

Patel Aadil Bopa 1254582053 7519819572

Patel Mo.Yahyah 1254663334 7927838513

Patel Suhail 1254679182 7936034565

Patel Kassim 1254679182 7871231390

Patel Nabil 7713632291 7411431144

Philipson Matthew 1254777433 7595449273

Pickering Ross 1282438534 7907746565

Pilkington David Ex Dir 7828466813

Poole Billy 1706215097 7535665750

Qadri Faisal 1254721805 7751869854

Rasul Mohammed 1254582365 7400141777

Rasul Safwan 1254582365 7954309205

Richardson Peter 1254245379 7805849298

Robinson Greg 1706225434 7816379621

Robson Joshua 1254234925 7941851577

Ryan Sanderson 1254386469 7854497393

Saeed Bilal 1254682820 7892657847

Saeed Sufyan 1254682820 7715213756

Shakoor Hamzah 1254823112 7857481172

Sidat Adam 1254261456 7944860127

Sidat Ismail 1254261456 7784406511

Sidat Suhail 1254722893 7749129198

Skinner Roger 1282436246 7780527552

Smith Robert 1254247592 7757932546

Smith Jake 1254877530 7960816956

Smith William 1254201026 7868011647

Southward Lewis 1254386129 7790171135

Spencer John 1254301544 7821172208

Spouse Robert 1254240099 7890393349

Ground Details

ACCRINGTON CRICKET CLUB – Thorneyholme Rd off Queens Rd

ACCRINGTON ACADEMY - Queens Rd west, Accrington

BAE, SALMESBURY: - Off Preston New Road, Salmesbury.

BASNETT STREET - off Eastern Avenue,Burnley

BELLHOLME – Off Rochdale Rd Todmorden

BLACKSNAPE - Roman Road, Darwen.

BOLTON AVENUE: - Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, Accrington.

BRANCH ROAD - Branch Road, Lower Darwen.

BULLHOLME - Wilton Street, Barrowford.

BULLOUGH PARK - Willows Lane, Accrington

BURNLEY CRICKET CLUB - Belvedere Road,Burnley

CENTRE VALE PARK - Off Burnley Rd Todmorden

Spouse David 1254240099 7837606885

Sykes Philip 1282722551 7801823494

Sykes James 1282722551 7713252316

Taylor Allan Ex Dir 7928143123

Toner Ben Ex Dir 7708366062

Tonge Christian 1706212456 7581723422

Trower Chirs 125453343 7715479891

Walker Joshua 1706213788 7792871679

Watson Thomas 1282620419 7791769819

Whitehead Hadley 1254667843 7725972744

Wilcock John 1254721974 7981824802

Willets Edward 1254695281 7941411259

Woodhouse David 1254265339 7989515695

Yates Neil 1254877530 7500144743

Yates Sam 1254877530 7908191511

Yusuf Mohammed Z 1254610706 7730432427

EDISFORD SCHOOL - Edisford Road, Clitheroe.

EVERTON - Off Roman Road Blackburn

FENISCOWLES & PLEASINGTON WAR MEMORIAL GROUND - Livesey

Branch Rd, Blackburn.

FENNYFOLD - Off St Johns Rd Padiham

FISHMOOR – Off Roman Rd Blackburn

FOXHILL BANK: - Harvey Street, Oswaldtwistle.

GLEN, THE - via Rakehead Lane and Royds Road, Waterfoot.

Due to parking constraints, please keep the number of cars to a minimum.

GREEN LANE - Off Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn

HASLINGDEN SPORTS CENTRE - Helmshore Road, Haslingden.

HEYS PLAYING FIELDS - Heron Way,off Fielding Lane,Oswaldtwistle

HOLY CROSS RC HIGH SCHOOL - Off Yarrow Bridge Rd Chorley

HIGHMOOR – Pendle Rd Clitheroe

HOLDEN ROAD - Belvedere FC Readley, Burnley.

KING GEORGES PLAYING FIELDS - Hollins Lane, Accrington

LOCKYER AVENUE - off Padiham Road,Burnley

LYNDON HOUSE PLAYING FIELDS - Harwood Lane, Gt. Harwood.

MADEN REC – Off Market St Bacup

MARL PITTS: - Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall.

MARSDEN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Hibson rd, Nelson

MEMORIAL PARK - Church Lane Great Harwood

MOUNT LANE – Off park rd Cliviger Burnley

NELSON CRICKET CLUB - off Barrowford Road,Nelson

NORTHCOTE - Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn

OAKHILL COLLEGE- Wiswell Lane, Whalley

OLD BLACKS - Old Blackburnians, Lammack Road, Blackburn

OUR LADY of perpetual Succour – Holmbrook Close off Fishmoor Drive

Blackburn

PADIHAM F.C - the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, Well St, Padiham.

PENDLE VALE COLLEGE - Walton Lane,Nelson

PLEASINGTON - Pleasington Playing Fields, Preston Old Road, Blackburn

PLECKGATE - Pleckgate Road, Blackburn

PRAIRIE Playing Fields – off Colne Rd Burnley

PRIME TIME - Stourton Street, Rishton.

QE II - Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields, Station Roard, Whalley

QUEEN STREET - off Briercliffe Road,Harle Syke,Burnley

RIBBLESDALE SCHOOL - Peel Park Avenue,off Littlemoor Road,Clitheroe

ROEFIELD - Edisford Road, Clitheroe.

ST CHARLES SCHOOL - Off station Rd Rishton

ST. MARYS - St. Marys College, Shear Brow, Blackburn

ST PETERS – Off Helmshore rd Haslingden

SANDY LANE - Sandy Lane, Lower Darwen

SWINDON P.F - Cravendale Avenue, Off Reedyford Road, Nelson.

THE RYDINGS - Longsight Road, Langho.

THOMAS WHITHAM COLLEGE - Barden Lane,off Colne Road,Burnley .

TOWNELEY – Todmorden rd Burnley

WHINNEY LANE - Whinney Lane, Mellor.

WILSONS - Off Whalley Road, Clayton Le Moors

WITTON PARK: - Preston Old Road, Blackburn.