Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League

Constitution, Rules & Regulations

2010 / 2011 Season

www.sdjsfl.co.uk

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League Management Committee 2010/2011 Season

All Club communications to the League Secretary unless otherwise directed

NO telephone calls / faxes to Management Committee after 9 p.m. – League Instruction Rule 5H

Chairman: Mr. Peter Harris Vice Chairman: Mr. Ian Gatfield Hon Secretary Mr Tom Clarke Assistant League Secretary: Mr. John Hendry Treasurer: Mr. Ian Gatfield Match Card Secretary Mrs. Heather Hammond Referees Secretary U11 – U12: Mr. Klark Morgan Referees Secretary U13 – U14: Mrs. Carol Henwood Referees Secretary U15 – U16: Mr. Barry Farmer Referees Secretary U18: Mr. Chris Hockett Registration Secretary: Mrs. Jan Pointer (Full procedures for registration are with your Club Secretary. Do not phone Jan for these. Rule 5H applies) Committee Member: Mr. Richard Bayley Committee Member: Mr. Colin Henwood Child Welfare Officer: Mrs. Jan Pointer U11 Divisional Secretary: Mrs. Jacqueline Pavitt U12 Divisional Secretary: Mr. Andy Hammond U13 Divisional Secretary: Mrs. Kerry Usher U14 Divisional Secretary: Mrs. Denise Webster U15 Divisional Secretary: Mr Gordon Cunningham U16 Divisional Secretary: Mrs Dawn Chilton

U18 Divisional Secretary: Mr. David Allen

SOUTHEND & DISTRICT JUNIOR (SUNDAY) FOOTBALL LEAGUE NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION 2010/2011 SEASON

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1 (A) This Competition shall be designated the Southend & District Junior Sunday

Football League and known as the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League and shall consist of not more than one hundred (100) Clubs who 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 Essex County Football Association Ltd. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be clubs with home grounds within postal codes SS0 to SS17 in Essex.

This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Essex County Football

Association Ltd and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding ten (10) 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.

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

of 10 years 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

All clubs in membership of the competition at the end of the season 2010/2011 must

have achieved the Football Association Charter Standard Award , and must have satisfied the Competition that they have achieved the award

All clubs in membership at the start of the season 2009/2010 have to the end of the

season 2010/2011 to achieve the Football Association Charter Standard award. New clubs entering the competition for season 2010/2011 have until the end of the

season 2010/2011 (12 months ) to achieve the Football Association Charter Standard Award.

Any club in membership at the end of the season 2010/2011 who have failed to

achieve the Football Association Charter Standard Award will be excluded from the Competition for the season 2011/2012 . New clubs applying for to enter the competition for season 2011/2012 will be upon election admitted without the Football Association Charter Standard Award , but the club has to have achieved the Award with 12 months.

Any Club in membership who lose their Football Association Standard Charter

Award or fail to renew it , must regain the award within twelve months , to be included in the membership of the competition.

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

a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the compilation of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 12.

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ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

2 (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional team(s) must be made by the 16th May each year in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of ---- per team, 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.

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. 2 (B) The Annual Subscription shall be £50.00 per team, plus £5.00 per team for League

Cup payable in one payment of £55.00 on or before the specified date on the application form in each year.

2 (C) Each Club shall on the day of election pay a Deposit of £75.00, 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.

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

Subscription and Deposit have been paid. 2 (E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 20th July of its Essex

County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined £20.00. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.

OFFICERS

3. The Officers of the Competition shall be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Registration Secretaries, Referee Secretaries, Child Welfare Officer/s, Fixture/Divisional Secretaries and Match Result Card Secretaries, to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

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 Two (2) Committee 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.

4 (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 April 1st 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.

Officers and Committee members who for any reason resign during a season shall

not be eligible for nomination as Officers or Management Committee Members for two years following the end of the season of resignation.

No more than two Club Officials from any one Club shall hold office on the League

Management Committee in any year.

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4 (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. 4 (D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the

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

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

Officers.

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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 decisions of all such committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association

5 (B) Subject to the permission of the Essex 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)).

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

at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so represented. (This shall apply to the procedure of any sub - committee).

In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a

second or casting vote. 5 (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.

5 (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 fourteen days. 5 (F) Five (5) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the

transaction of a 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.

5 (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. 5 (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 £25.00 or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.

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

the written notification.

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Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this Rule will incur such penalties as the Management Committee may impose.

5 (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. 5 (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. 5 (L) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined. Administration/handling charges will be made against a club at the discretion of the

Management Committee.

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 51% 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 there from. iii) To adopt the Standing Orders as detailed in the league handbook. iv) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of

Accounts. v) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management

Committee). vi) Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season. vii) Election of Officers and Management Committee. viii) Appointment of Auditors. ix) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given). x) Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of playing season. xi) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as

being relevant to an Annual General Meeting. 6 (B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall

be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting, and to the Essex County Football Association Ltd.

6 (C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall

be sent to the Essex County Football Association Ltd within fourteen (14) days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.

6 (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 fourteen (14) days notice shall be given of any Meeting.

6 (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.

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

by at least the majority of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.

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

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6 (H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £75.00.

6 (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,_________________________________________________(Chairperson’s name)

of_________________________________________________(Chairperson’s address) and___________________________________________________(Secretary’s name) of________________________________________________(Secretary’s address) of the ______________________________________________ Youth Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club to, 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 Chairperson and/or Secretary on the above Agreement must

be notified to the Essex County Football Association Ltd to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the Competition.

A current copy of the Club's Constitution/Rules/Codes of Conduct must be

forwarded to the League Secretary, for each season.

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 of Excellence.

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

eligible, has: -

i) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration 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 two (2) clear days prior to playing and whose completed registration counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing. The registration document must incorporate any known serious medical conditions of the player and emergency contact details of the player’s parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the player attends within the management of the Club or Competition.

ii) The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph

of the player seeking registration.

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If a player’s age is required for registration purposes a Competition must accept an original birth certificate or a photocopy. In cases where the birth certificate is not available a Competition is required to accept a photocopy of the player’s passport or other official document issued by a Government Agency attesting to the player’s date of birth.

The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows: 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. 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)).

The onus is on the club to check all details are correct on their players’ registration cards before and after registration.

All clubs must register their players on the registration date/s as instructed at the

Annual General Meeting and must be registered by the Club Secretary or one nominated Club Official only.

Each team in each division must have the minimum number of registered players to

constitute a team as per Rule 10E; there is no maximum. It shall be the responsibility of the club to return their players registration cards to the League Registration Secretary of any player that is no longer with their club.

It shall be the responsibility of the clubs to verify the eligibility of their opponents in

all League matches. The Management Committee may at their discretion appoint a member or members

to attend matches to check that this rule is being observed correctly.

All Clubs must exchange their players Registration cards with the opposing club and check that all cards are intact and fully and correctly completed. If any of particulars are missing the Registration card is not valid and the player concerned is not registered. This must be carried out before a League or Cup fixture commences.

The club official must have in their possession the opposing teams Registration

cards & Result/ Team sheet for duration of the match.

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Any team failing to provide their registration cards by the appointed kick off time may have any points gained in the match awarded to their opposition, or in the event of a League Cup match, have the tie awarded to their opposition. This will apply if:

- Their opponents lodge a protest, fully complying with rule 15 of the rule book - There is sufficient evidence on which the Committee can make a decision.

A match must not commence if a team is unable to supply its registration cards.

Any club not carrying out the correct procedure shall be liable to a fine of £25.00 and

may be dealt with, as the Management Committee consider appropriate. 8 (C) A team will not be permitted to play, in any match, more than two players who have

played in the Eastern Junior Alliance Youth Football League in the current season. 8 (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.

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

of £0.00 (nil) per form. 8 (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.

8 (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 wilfully

neglected to accurately or fully complete. 8 (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 proved 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.

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(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.

8 (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 to the (Registrations) Secretary accompanied by a fee of three pounds (£3.00). 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 (7) of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days (7), 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 14 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. 8 (J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the

Competition after the last day of January except by special permission of the Management Committee.

8 (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 designated “A” and “B” etc. In such cases, players will be registered for one team only. Any players so registered will be allowed to play for his club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8(B).

8 (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. In the event of a player without a written contract changing his status to that of a contract player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a Club in another Competition his registration as a player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void. In order to play in the League again either for his original Club or for another Club it will be necessary for him to be re-registered as required by this Rule.”

8 (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 four (4) games for that team in this Competition in the current season.

8 (N) Not used 8 (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 will be fined £25.00 and/or dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

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(ii) In addition the team shall have three 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 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): - 8 (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 14 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).

CLUB COLOURS, CLUB NAME

9 (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 16th May 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 seven days (7) before the match.

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

away team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined £15.00.

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.

Shirts must be numbered and the number must appear on the back of shirts and be

clearly visible. Within a team, each shirt number must be unique.

9 (B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or Colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the League Management Committee.

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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) Secretaries, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days (7) preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting.

Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless objections are received by the Secretary

within fourteen (14) days of their issue. 10 (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 duration as set out below unless a shorter time (not less than

ten (10) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two captains in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.

For Youth football – The duration of play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time.

U11 and U12 30 minutes each half U13 and U14 35 minutes each half U15 and U16 40 minutes each half U17 and U18 45 minutes each half (Note in games when extra time is played for age groups up to the age of U15

inclusive this will not exceed 5 minutes each way. For all other age groups an additional 10 minutes each way may be played, except for U17 & U18 when an additional 15 minutes each way may be played.)

The minimum time for any game played will be not less than 20 minutes each half

for players in the under the age of 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 i.e. two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition. No League or League Cup match to commence prior to 9.30am or after 3.15pm during the months of September, October , February, March and April. In the months of November , December and January the latest scheduled kick off time for League and League Cup matches shall be 2.00pm.

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Any club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum not

exceeding £20.00 or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.

The home team shall ensure that corner posts and flags are provided. 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 for youth football size 4 for those playing U11, U12, U13 and U14 age groups; size 5 for all other age groups.

Goal nets must be used. 10 (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.

10 (D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice by phone or fax or email or in

writing of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least five (5) clear days prior to the playing of the match.

The away club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine of five pounds (£5). All match officials must be advised when notice is received from a Referee

Secretary. 10 (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 1p for each missing player. A minimum of eight (8) players will constitute a team for a Competition match. .

10 (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 fixtures

within the Competition, in the following order of precedence A team, B team, etc. Clubs in breach of this requirement shall be fined a sum not exceeding £25.00 or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee.

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Any club unable to fulfil a fixture must , without delay , give notice to the Fixture Secretary,The competition referees Appointments Secretary , the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match officials. 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 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.

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.

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

(5) substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from five (5) players, for age groups up to U16. U18 may use 3 from 5.

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 five (5)

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.

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

fifteen (15) minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

REPORTING RESULTS

11 (A) The Match Card Secretary must receive within three (3) days of the date played, the

result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the team players (in block letters) and also the Referee markings required by Rule 13, or any other information required by the Competition.

Failure to do so will incur a fine of £5 and/or the Club being dealt with as the

Management Committee decide.

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11 (B) The Home Club shall telephone the result of each match to the respective Fixture Secretary anytime up to 17.30 hours on the day of the match or shall be fined £5.00 for each match not reported.

Match result / team sheets (detailing players selected for the match including

substitutes) will be completed before the match, as appropriate, and exchanged with the opposing Club Official. Home and Away match result / team sheets will be countersigned by a responsible member of the clubs to confirm the final score; the onus is upon the Clubs to ensure this is carried out.

Clubs failing to comply with this rule shall be fined £10.00. 11 (C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible

member of the 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.

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 the event of two or more teams being equal on points, team rankings will be

decided in the following ways: i) Goal difference. ii) Goals scored.

12 (B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall apply to the first two (2) and last two (2) teams in each Division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 1(b).

(i) Not used

(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled on any of the following ways:

a) Retention of otherwise relegated team(s). b) Additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the Division

below c) Election.

12 (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.

REFEREES 13 (A) Registered Referees for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the

Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association(s).

13 (B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee 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. In the event that Clubs cannot agree upon a Referee, the Home Club shall provide the Referee.

13 (C) Not used.

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13 (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.

13 (E) Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to charge standard class

public transport expenses or private car expenses of 25p per mile and any other permitted expenses actually incurred: -

Referees Fees: U11 to U13 matches = £18.00 INCLUSIVE of expenses

U14 & U15 matches = £23.00 INCLUSIVE of expenses U16 to U18 matches = £26.00 INCLUSIVE of expenses Over U18 matches = £26.00 INCLUSIVE of expenses

NO increase over the above amounts will be permissible as per

Essex County F.A. Registered referees appointed by the Management Committee as Assistant Referees will be paid £10.00 subject to any limits laid down by the sanctioning Association(s).

The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees and expenses immediately before

the match. 13 (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 (½) 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.

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

as to his/her non-appearance may be reported to the Association with which he/she is registered.

13 (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 Form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this rule shall be liable to be fined £10.00 or dealt with, as the Management Committee shall determine.

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 Essex County Football Association Ltd.

Guidance to referee marking A total mark out of 100 (one hundred) to be awarded Mark Range Comment

91-100

The referee was extremely accurate in decision making and very successfully controlled the game using management and communication skills to create an environment of fair play, adding real value to the game.

81-90

The referee was very accurate in decision making and successfully controlled the game using management and communication skills to create an environment of fair play.

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71-80

The referee was accurate in decision making and controlled the game well, communicating with the players, making a positive contribution towards fair play.

61-70

The referee was reasonably accurate in decision making, controlled the game quite well and communicated with players, establishing a reasonable degree of fair play.

51-60

The referee had some shortcomings in the level of accuracy of decision making and control, with only limited success in communicating with the players resulting in variable fair play.

50 and below

The referee had significant shortcomings in the level of accuracy of decision making and control with poor communications with the players which resulted in low levels of fair play.

A letter of explanation must be sent to the League Referees Secretary, within three (3) days, for marks of 50 and below against a Referee on the match result card.

Clubs in default shall be fined £5.00 13 (J) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, within two days

of the match.

13 (K) Referees and Assistant 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 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 £15.00.

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 March.

14 (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 £25.00 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call, which may be made under Rule 5(B).

14 (C) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at the Annual General

Meeting held not later than 30th June; the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements.

14 (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

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

PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS

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.

15 (B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decides 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 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.

15 (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.

15 (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 £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.

15 (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.

A Club when writing a protest or replying must state if they require a personal

hearing.

BOARD OF APPEAL

16 Within fourteen (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 Essex County Football Association Ltd, including a fee as detailed in the current Essex County F.A. handbook, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with F.A. Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.

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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.

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 from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (�) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.

17 (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 (�) 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.

17 (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.

TROPHY: LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,

AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED, AWARDS

18 (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 (Chairperson sign & print)__________________________________/___________________ and

(Club Secretary sign & print)______________________________/___________________, the Chairman and Secretary of _____________________________YFC, 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 1st April each year. 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 may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

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.

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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. Not less than seven (7) 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 £75.00. Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote

at all Special General Meetings. All amendment of Rules can only be implemented once approved by the appropriate sanctioning authority.”

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 Secretary by 1st February in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 28th February and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 21st March. 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 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 fourteen (14) 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 Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing Rules

and agree to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 16. Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct.

FINANCE

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

institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged. 22 (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.

22 (C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 30th April.

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22 (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.

In the event that the League ceases to operate, any remaining assets will be given to the Essex County Football Association Limited. They shall use these assets at their discretion to promote Youth Football in South-East Essex.

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.

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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.

LEAGUE CUP RULES

SOUTHEND AND DISTRICT JUNIOR SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

LEAGUE CUP COMPETITION RULES

23. 1. The Competition shall be conducted in eight sections, which shall be as follows: Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 15, Under 16, Under 17, Under 18, in

accordance with the Rules, Regulations and Laws of the F.A. and shall be open to every club which is a member of the Southend and District Junior (Sunday) Football League. The Competition shall be affiliated to the Essex County Football Association Ltd and shall be on a knockout basis.

23. 2. Entrance to the Competition shall include all teams in the League's Divisions. 23. 3. Players shall be registered as in the Southend and District Junior (Sunday) Football League,

and must be bona-fide members of the teams and clubs they represent. 23. 4. A player shall not play for more than one competing team or club in this competition during

the same season. 23. 4b. The onus is on all Clubs to ensure that their players are not cup tied by having played for any

other Club/Team during the current season. 23. 5. All players in this competition must be registered 5 days before any round except the semi-

finals and final when a player must have been eligible to have played in a minimum of four matches in the League's competitions, for the same Club/Team and age group. External competitions do not count as a League competition i.e. Essex County F.A. Cups, etc.

23. 6. Any team playing an ineligible player shall be fined a sum of £25 and may be struck out of

the competition and the match may be awarded to their opponents at the discretion of the Management Committee.

23. 7. In the event of a draw, extra time shall be played as indicated in Rule 10b, if after the playing

of extra time the score remains level the result of the cup-tie will be decided in accordance with the F.I.F.A. directive by taking of kicks from the penalty mark. If the opposing team's ground is not available the League can change the venue.

23. 8. The draw shall be made at a meeting, especially called for that purpose in all rounds, up to

and including the semi-finals, and the first team drawn, of a pair, shall be called the home team and will be responsible for providing the pitch and match balls. In the finals, the League shall be responsible for supplying pitches and fixing date and time of kick-off. If need be the finals will be staged after the conclusion of the season as fixed at the Annual General Meeting. Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed by the League in the League semi-finals.

(a) In the Cup finals when colours of the competing teams in the same age group are

deemed to be similar or the same, both teams shall change colours. (b) Referees for all competitions shall be appointed and covered by Rule 13 of the

League constitution. The League shall appoint all match officials for the final ties who may receive mementoes in lieu of fees.

23. 9. Except where stated in these Cup Competition Rules, the Rules of the Southend and District

Junior (Sunday) Football League shall govern the competition.

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23. 10. Pitch fees, match officials fees and expenses shall be equally shared between the two teams but is the responsibility of the home team to pay the match Official/s.

For the semi-final’s the League Management Committee reserve the right, in the interests of the competition, to arrange the venues and kick off times.

23. 11 Any team failing to keep an engagement through being unable to field a team on a published

scheduled or re-scheduled cup fixture shall be deemed absent, struck from the League Cup Competition and the tie awarded to their opponents. Cup matches shall take precedence over League matches.

SOUTHEND & DISTRICT JUNIOR SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT (Applicable from season 2007/2008)

The following document is to be signed by the Chairman and Club Secretary and is a requirement for all clubs who wish to join or remain within the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League . Failure to sign this document will result in that club NOT being accepted into or allowed to remain within the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League. 1. All clubs must have a Child Welfare Policy. This policy is for all age groups and must be made available to all persons associated with your club. 2. All clubs must have a designated Child Welfare Officer, who has had the appropriate training with which to hold that post. 3. All Clubs must forward a copy of their Child Welfare Policy to the Child Welfare Officer of the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League. 4. All Club Officials, Managers, Assistant Managers, Coaches, Committee Members or any other person representing the Club/Team will abide by the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations and Instructions of the Football Association, The Essex County Football Association and the Southend and District Junior Sunday Football League. 5. All Club Officials, Managers, Assistant Managers, Coaches, Committee Members or any other person representing the club / team are responsible for the behaviour of their players and supporters. 6. All Club Officials, Managers, Assistant Managers, Coaches, Committee Members or any other person representing a Club or Team will ensure the safety and well being of all players, spectators and match officials whilst engaged in any playing activity governed within the rules of the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League. This includes ensuring that the use of bad language, aggressive behaviour, gestures or physical contact are not allowed, encouraged or condoned. 7. Racism either direct or implied through words or actions will not be tolerated anywhere. 8. All Club Officials, Managers, Assistant Managers, Coaches, Committee Members or any other person representing a Club or Team are required to ensure that players representing their Club are encouraged to conduct themselves in a manner so as to promote the principles of fair play, sportsmanship and equality both on and off the field of play. 9. Any breach of the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action being taken against the club concerned by the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League. The action can include: • Expulsion of Club or Team from the Competition under rule 17. • Cancellation of Players Registration under Rule 8. Declaration I understand that by signing this document on behalf of my Club, I am making a binding undertaking to ensure that persons acting on behalf of my club are both aware and bound by the stated codes of conduct. I further understand that failure to comply will be deemed an infringement of the code of conduct and could result in disciplinary action being taken by Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League.

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I have read the above Codes of Conduct and accept this as a requirement of membership to the Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League Signed_____________ Club Chairman_______________ Date_____________ Signed_____________ Club Secretary________________ Date_____________ Agreement form to be completed and returned by the 8th August each year.

THE SOUTHEND AND DISTRICT JUNIOR SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CHILD WELFARE POLICY CONTENTS 1. Introduction

2. Definitions

3. Responsibilities

4. Policy Statement

5. Policy Aims

6. Good Practice Guidelines

7. Bad Practice

8. Incidents that must be Reported/Recorded

9. Use of Photographic/Filming Equipment at Competitions

10. Recruitment and training of League Committee members

11. Responding to Allegations or Suspicions

12. Action if there are Concerns

13. Confidentiality

14. League Enquiries and Suspensions

15. If Bullying is suspected

Information contained in this Policy has been sourced from various documents including The FA Goal Guidelines, NSPCC Full Stop Guidelines, and the Child Protection in Sport booklet “Standards for the Protection of Children in Sport” 1. Introduction

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a) All sporting organization’s which cater for children and young people are required to ensure that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount; • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin religious

beliefs and/or sexual identity are protected from abuse; • All suspicions and allegations of abuse are taken seriously reported, recorded and responded

to swiftly and appropriately; • All persons engaged in sport have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate officer.

Volunteers are not trained to deal with situations of abuse or to decide if abuse has occurred. 2. Definitions a) In the terms of this Policy the following definitions should be applied:

• Essex County Football Association (Essex FA): An Association charged with overseeing all matters relating to Football in Essex.

• Essex County Football Association Child Protection Officer (Essex FA CPO): An employee of Essex FA charged with overseeing and dealing with all issues relating to Child Welfare arising from children’s involvement in football

• Football Clubs: Constituted clubs who are affiliated to Essex FA and provide opportunities for Children to play Football

• Football Clubs Child Welfare Officer: A person who has received formal training and has been vetted who promotes and investigates Child Welfare Issues on behalf of the Club.

• Leagues: Organizations set up to provide structured organized competition for affiliated clubs • League Child Welfare Officer: An individual who has received appropriate training and has

been vetted and who is responsible for ensuring that games undertaken as part of competitions organized by the league comply with Child Welfare best practice.

• In the context of this Policy “the game” or “competition” will be taken to include the venue where the game is taking place and its immediate area including any car park and changing rooms and will extend only to the duration of the game and 1 hour either side.

• A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (The Children Act 1989).

3. Responsibility a) Primary Responsibility: Clubs will have primary responsibility for children members of their club at all times. The Southend & District Junior Sunday Football League Child Welfare Officer will have primary responsibility of all other participants in a game under the age of 18 years i.e. Referees and Assistant Referees. b) Secondary Responsibility: The Leagues Child Welfare Officer will have secondary responsibility towards all participants under the age of 18 years involved in competitions organized by the league with the exception of those over whom it has primary responsibility. This responsibility will extend only to ensuring that any incident or disclosure resulting from such a game is bought to the attention of the relevant clubs or organizations. 4. Policy statement The Southend and District Sunday Junior League (Hereafter “the league”) have a duty of care to ensure that adequate provisions are in place to safeguard all children involved in the competitions it organizes. The League will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved through promotion of best practice and by ensuring member clubs adherence to the Child Welfare guidelines adopted by the League. 5. Policy aims a) The aim of the Leagues Child Welfare Policy is to promote good practice:

• Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst engaged in competitive games.

• Allow all parties involved in games or competitions organized by the League to make informed

and confident responses to specific child protection issues and be aware of how such responses are recorded and dealt with.

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6. Good practice guidelines a) All League personnel will be required to demonstrate exemplary behavior in order to set a bench mark for member clubs. The League will promote good practice through its Child Welfare Officer and its robust application of its Child Welfare Policy.

b) Good practice in the context of competition means persons involved directly or indirectly with Children is required to:

• Treat all young people equally.

• Always put the welfare of each young person first, before the winning of games or development of performance

• Make sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.

• Give enthusiastic positive and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

• Be an excellent role model – In words or actions.

• Recognize the developmental needs and capacity of young people – avoiding excessive competition and not pushing them against their will.

• Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to administer emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment.

• Keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given. 7. Bad Practice a) The following actions by an adult directly or indirectly connected to children involved in competition will never be sanctioned or condoned.

• Engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay

• Shouting, swearing or berating any participant in a game

• Allowing children to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• Make sexually suggestive or inappropriate comments to a child, even in fun

• Reduce a child to tears as a form of control

• By act or omission condone or encourage unethical behavior or cheating

• Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or acted upon

• Put the result of a game above all other considerations including the physical and emotional wellbeing of children taking part.

8. Incidents that must be reported/recorded a) If any of the following occur at a game organized by the league it should be reported immediately to the club concerned and the Leagues Child Welfare Officer who will record the incident. It should also be ensured that the parents of the child are informed:

• If due to an act, direct or implied by an Adult, a player or other participant is injured within a game or the environments of the ground.

• A Child seems distressed in any manner due to the actions of an Adult at a competition.

• If any adult engages in any other behavior which could be construed as in breach of this

Policies Bad Practice Guidelines 9. Use of photographic/filming equipment at competitions

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a) There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable positions. All clubs should be vigilant and any concerns should to be reported to the Club Child Welfare Officer. Who in turn should report any such incident to the League Child Welfare Officer for the benefit of all Member clubs. 10. Recruitment and training of League Committee Members a) The League recognizes that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with or having access directly or indirectly to children or information about them. Pre-selection checks for the roles of Child Welfare Officer or Child Welfare Designated Person will require:

• A completed application form. The application form will elicit information about an applicant's past and will contain a self disclosure about any criminal record.

• Consent obtained from an applicant to seek information from the Criminal Records Bureau.

• Two confidential references will be required, including one regarding any previous work with children. These references will be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.

• Evidence of identity (passport or driving license with photo). 11. Responding to allegations or suspicions a) It is not the responsibility of anyone working on behalf of the League, in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities.

b) The League through its Child Welfare Officer will assure all Member Clubs, players and other individuals that it will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith reports his or her concern that a an Adult is, has or may be, abusing a child. c) Where there is a disclosure to the league against an Adult in an organized game scenario there may be three types of investigation:

• A criminal investigation, • A child protection investigation, • A disciplinary or misconduct investigation.

The results of the police and child protection investigation may well influence the disciplinary investigation, but not necessarily. In all cases the Child Welfare Officer of the clubs concerned will have primacy in dealing with the disclosure. The role of the leagues Child Welfare Officer will extend only to

• Ascertaining who has primacy in the matter • Ensuring disclosures brought to their attention are being dealt with by those with primary

responsibility • Causing records to be kept to identify recidivist individuals, teams or clubs

The League Child Welfare Officer will only take primacy in enquiries following an incident or disclosure if the Young person involved is notionally or formally employed by the league (Contracted Referees), notionally (Independent Referees) or when the disclosure concerns an Adult not connected to a club and a young person notionally or formally employed by the league or not attached to a club. 12. Action if there are concerns a) Concerns about poor practice:

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• If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice and if it concerns a child directly involved with the League (i.e.) referee then the leagues Child Welfare Officer will make a written record and will ensure that appropriate action is undertaken by Clubs involved or if primacy is established, by the League itself.

• If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice but does not concern a child directly involved with the League then the leagues Child Welfare Officer will record the matter and forward it to the clubs concerned Child Welfare Officer to deal.

b) In reacting to disclosures or concerns about suspected abuse the Leagues Child Welfare Officer will ensure that

• Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to the Club/s concerned Child Welfare Officer/s, who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

• The Child Welfare Officer with primacy will refer the allegation to the social services department who may involve the police, or go directly to the police if out-of-hours.

• The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department.

• The Child Welfare Officer with primacy should also notify the relevant Child Welfare Officer at Essex County FA who in turn will inform the FA Child Welfare Officer who will deal with any media enquiries.

• If the Child Welfare Officer with primacy is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report must be made to an appropriate senior Member of the Club, Organization or in his/her absence the Essex County Child Protection Officer who will refer the allegation to Social Services.

• In all instances when a disclosure is made by any means to the Leagues Child Welfare Officer a record will be created and the situation monitored any such record will be closed when the matter is concluded.

13. Confidentiality a) Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. The league must avoid unwarranted disclosure of any personal details of any party involved in a disclosure. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:

• The Club Child Welfare Officer.

• The parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused

• The person making the allegation.

• Social services/police.

• Essex FA Child Welfare Officer.

• The alleged abuser (and parents if the alleged abuser is a child).

b) Important: Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser.

c) Information should be retained and stored in a secure “Sterile” environment in line with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate, regularly updated, relevant) with access limited to designated people,. Best practice protocols state that the Child Welfare post holder or others who may need to from time to time have access to such information should not hold “Public Facing” roles within the League(i.e. Secretary) minimizing the risk of any accidental disclosure of information. The role of Child Welfare Officer should be overseen by a non “public facing” member of the committee holding the role of “Designated person”. It will be the responsibility of the designated person to undertake routine and regular checks of the work being undertaken by the Child Welfare Officer to ensure that procedures are being adhered to. Child Welfare will be a standing item on Committee meeting agendas where “Sanitized” overviews of any incidents or issues can be bought to the attention of all committee members.

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14. League enquiries and suspension a) It is the responsibility of the Child Welfare Officer of the club in question to make an immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse should be temporarily suspended pending further police and social services inquiries.

b) It is the responsibility of the leagues Child Welfare Officer to monitor any disciplinary action taken by either the club or Essex County FA and together with the leagues Designated person make decisions with regard to any action it may itself take. In making such decisions The Child Welfare Officer and Designated Person shall consider. • The severity of the incident • The sanction/s already in place • The effect that further action may have on the wellbeing of any party involved •

c) Support to deal with the aftermath of abuse:

• Where the League Welfare Officer has primacy Consideration will be given to the kind of support that children, and parents may need. Use of helplines, support groups and open meetings will maintain an open culture and help the healing process. The British Association for Counseling Directory is available from The British Association for Counseling, 1 Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PJ, Tel: 01788 550899, Fax: 01788 562189, E-mail: bac@bacp.co.uk, Internet: http://www.bacp.co.uk.

• Consideration should be given to what kind of support may be appropriate for the alleged perpetrator.

15. Action if bullying is suspected a) In some instances disclosures may be concerned with inappropriate behavior between two young people. Such matters fit the definition of bullying. If bullying is suspected, the same procedure should be followed as set out in 'Responding to suspicions or allegations' above.

b) Action to help the victim and prevent bullying in sport:

• Take all reports of bullying very seriously.

• Rigorously promote the requirements of affiliated clubs to have an Anti-Bullying Policy which aims are to encourage all children to speak and share their concerns (It is believed that up to 12 children per year commit suicide as a result of bullying, so if anyone talks about or threatens suicide, seek professional help immediately). Help to create an open environment.

• Ensure that reported concerns are Investigated and action taken to ensure the safety of the victim. If matters of primacy speak with the victim and the bully (ies) separately.

• If reported directly reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else.

• Keep records of what is said (what happened, by whom, when).

• Report any concerns to the Club Child Welfare Officer

c) The following action should be taken towards the bully (ies): by the club or organization with primacy

• Talk with the bully(ies), explain the situation, and try to get the bully (ies) to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim(s).

• Inform the bully’s parents.

• Insist on the return of 'borrowed' items and that the bully (ies) compensates the victim.

• Provide support for the victim's coach.

• Impose sanctions as necessary.

• Encourage and support the bully (ies) to change behaviour.

• Hold meetings with the families to report on progress.

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• Inform all organization members of action taken.

• Keep a written record of action taken. d) The following steps must be taken when concerns are reported which occur(ed) outside the immediate sporting environment:

• Ensure any concerns/disclosures are reported to the Child Welfare Officer of the Club/Organization with primacy, who should contact social services or the police as soon as possible.

• See 4. below for the information social services or the police will need. • If the Club Child Welfare Officer is not available, the League Child Welfare Officer should if

appropriate consult with the Leagues designated person and together make a decision whether to direct the concern to Essex FA Child Welfare Officer, social services or the police such action must be taken immediately. If for any reason the matter is deemed urgent or delay could be detrimental to the welfare of the young person in question the League Child Welfare Officer should make this decision alone and keep a written record giving reasoning for so doing.

• Social Services and the Child Welfare Officer with primacy will decide how to involve the parents/carers.

• The Child Welfare Officer with primacy should also report the incident to Essex FA Child Welfare Officer who should ascertain whether or not the person/s involved in the incident play a role in the reporting club and act accordingly.

• Maintain confidentiality on a need to know basis only. • See 4 below regarding information needed for social services.

e) Information for social services or the police about suspected abuse: To ensure that this information is as helpful as possible, a detailed record should always be made at the time of the disclosure/concern becoming known, which should include the following:

• The child's name, age and date of birth of the child. • The child's home address and telephone number. • Whether or not the person making the report is expressing their own concerns or those of

someone else. • The nature of the allegation. Include dates, times, any special factors and other relevant

information. • Make a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay. • A description of any visible bruising or other injuries. Also any indirect signs, such as

behavioral changes. • Details of witnesses to the incidents. • The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other

injuries occurred. • Have the parents been contacted? • If so what has been said? • Has anyone else been consulted? If so record details. • If the child was not the person who reported the incident, has the child been spoken to? If so

what was said? • Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details. • Where possible referral to the police or social services should be confirmed in writing within 24

hours and the name of the contact who took the referral should be recorded. Any person having concerns about abuse can contact social services or the police direct, or the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or Childline on 0800 1111.The Southend and District Junior Sunday Football League and other organizations tasked with protecting the rights of Children will always support a disclosure made in good faith.

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STANDING ORDERS

1. Officers, Committee Members and Delegates attending any meeting shall sign the attendance register.

2. All voting to be by show of hands unless in the opinion of the Chairman or the majority of the meeting a ballot should be taken.

3. In the case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second casting vote. 4. That the proposer of a motion be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for his

speech and the seconder and all succeeding speakers be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes.

5. Any member seconding a motion or amendment without remark shall not be considered to have spoken.

6. That the decision of the Chairman on any point shall be binding upon the meeting, but upon notice being given at such meeting it may be called in question at the next meeting and rescinded by two-thirds (�) of those present and voting.

7. The Chairman shall at his discretion or upon request submit to the meeting any question as to the eligibility of delegates to vote upon or be present at the discussion of any matter with which they personally or their clubs, are concerned.

8. That no member be permitted to speak more than once on the same proposition except the proposer who shall have the right to reply. Upon the Chairman rising to speak all other members must resume their seats.

9. That any question may be closed by the resolution "That the question be now put," being moved, seconded, and carried, such resolution be submitted without debate.

10. Any standing order may be suspended upon motion to that effect, provided such motion be duly seconded and carried by two-thirds (�) of those present and voting.

11. A resolution shall not be rescinded at the meeting of the Council at which it is passed unless such rescission is carried by three-fourths (¾) of those present and voting.

12. A resolution adopted at any meeting may be rescinded by a majority of those present and voting at any subsequent meeting during the current season.

Male & Female

A reference to male gender in this rulebook is for simplification and applies to both males and females.

CLUB SECRETARIES Ashingdon YFC Brian BRAZIER Basildon Boys YFC Klark MORGAN Basildon Town YFC Dave LOVELL Beech United YFC John SMITH Benfleet Villa YFC Carol HENWOOD Benfleet YFC Paul MCKEW Berry Boys YFC Tina CHALK Canvey Island YFC Natalie NORRIS Catholic United Minors YFC Andy BADGER Chalkwell United YFC Kerry FAIRLESS Chalvedon Boys YFC Gary STEWARD Concord Rangers YFC Steve SMYTH Copeland Colts YFC Donna OATES Cricketers (Horndon) YFC Jane HAYTER Cupids Colts YFC Terri SIMPSON

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Dark Lane Dynamos YFC Heidi TAYLOR Deaneswood Youth FC David PHILLIPS Dons Academy YFC Bridie KEARNEY Dunton Dynamos YFC Paul STANSFIELD Ekco Whitecaps YFC Sarah ORCHARD Elmwood Colts YFC Leigh WILBY Essex Royals YFC Steve WILSON Estuary Athletic YFC Sheena EVANS Eversley Boys YFC Debbie WILLIS Fairfax Rangers YFC Lorraine HALLIFAX FC Dedman YFC Roy HORTON FC Lions YFC Lisa MULRYNE Forest Glade YFC Lynn SPELLWARD Great Wakering Colts YFC Gordon CUNNINGHAM Hambro Colts YFC Michael LING Hamlet Court YFC Cindy HAGUE Hawkwell Athletic YFC Terry SCUDDER Hockley Orient YFC Susan CRAWT Hockley Rangers YFC Glen WHEELER Hullbridge Sports YFC Mark BELL Island Boys YFC Philip FOOT Junior Bocas YFC Peter GOODWIN Kingdown Rangers YFC Miles READ Kingsborough YFC Chris CLARK Lee Chapel YFC Tom CLARKE Legra YFC Alan PONTING Leigh Dynamo YFC Stuart BRASIER Leigh Ramblers YFC Mark HOLMES Leigh Rockets YFC Trevor BULL Leigh Town FC John LEWIS Mornington Boys YFC Lorna GRAY Noak Bridge YFC Kari-Ann WALDON Phoenix Boys YFC J.E. GILL Pier Sports YFC Jane BUXTON Rayleigh Boys YFC Clare RANKIN-MACLEAN Richmond Youth FC Leona MYERS Rochford Sports YFC Andy HAMMOND Runwell Hospital YFC Cheryl TAYLOR Shoebury Youth FC Wendy RAYNER Shore Athletic YFC Mike DAWSON Southend Manor YFC Amanda STAMMERS Stadium United YFC Barry OWEN Stambridge United YFC Russell CARTER Supreme Youth FC Paula COOPER Thorpe Bay Rangers YFC Steve CLEMENTS Thundersley Rangers YFC Sally MOUNTFORD Trinity United YFC Sharon COOK Trinity YFC Jan BUSHELL Valley Colts YFC Mark PHILLIPS

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Vange United YFC Antony CLIFT Wickford Town YFC Paul BROWN

E. & O.E.