1.        DEFINITIONS

1.A    In these Rules:

“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of the FA.

“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.

“Club Portal” means the system used by Clubs to affiliate teams as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Competition” means the Central Midlands Alliance League.

“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.

“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.

“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.

 “Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Board / Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the board / Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.

“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

“Board” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the Board elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

“Non-Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.

“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.

“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.

“Player” means any Contract Player, Non-Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.

“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition i played.

“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.

“Sanctioning Authority” means The FA / the Derbyshire County Football Association Limited].

“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules.

“Season” means the period of time between one AGM and the next AGM.

“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.

“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.

 “The FA” means The Football Association Limited.

“Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically

“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

1.B

Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and also the other way around   

             GOVERNANCE RULES

2.            COMPETITION NAME, CONSTITUTION

2.A

The Competition will be known as “Central Midlands Alliance League” (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist, or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.         

2.B

This Competition shall consist of not more than 120 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

2.C

The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, and West Riding.

2.D

The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Board / Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of the  FA.

2.E

All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Board / Management Committee in relation to them subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

2.F

The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.

2.G

1. All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association.

2. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions,    [each not exceeding 20 in number].

2.H

Inclusivity and Non-discrimination:

The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (including those contained in the Equality Act 2010). This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise. Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

2.I

Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2.J

All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by The FA from time to time.

2.K

Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club must immediately inform the Competition of the details of any fixture(s) in any other competition in which the Club has entered, for which written consent of the Management Committee has been obtained.

2.L

At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary, this Rule shall take precedence over rule 22. 

2.M

Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case the Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority.  This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, Teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than by transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.

3.            CLUB NAME

3.A

Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority following consultation with the Competition. In the event that permission is granted, the Club must advise the Competition Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.            ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

4.A

Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary by 31st of May and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee for each Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.

Applications, of which due notice has been given, will be received at the AGM or an SGM if confirmed by a majority of the accredited voting members present.

When Rule 22.B is applied or a Team seeks a transfer or, is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee shall be payable

4.B

The annual subscription shall be payable, in accordance with the Fees Tariff for each Team payable at a date agreed at the AGM or set by the Competition.

4.C

In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.D

A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription, and deposit (if required) have been paid.

4.E

Clubs must ensure that all its teams participating in the Competition are recorded as affiliated on the Club Portal for the forthcoming Playing Season by the 31st of July. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5.            MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5.A The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and 10 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

The Board shall comprise the Directors (Chairperson of the Board, Vice Chairperson of the Board, Company Secretary, Development Director, Disciplinary Director, Fixtures Director, Referees Director, Registrations Director, Finance Director, and  Commercial Director) of the Competition and 10 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

This will be done with Board Members elected on a 3-year cycle. The Chairperson of the Board, Discipline Director, and Registration’s Director, on the first cycle, Vice Chairperson, Finance Director, and Fixtures Director, and Development Director on the second cycle, with the Company Secretary, Referees Director and Commercial Director being elected on the third-year cycle. (Note: - Auditors are not Officers). Directors can only hold office for a maximum of four cycles (12 years) but can remain as a Board member. Note: Maximum of 4 cycles is not retrospective and starts from Season 2024/25

5.B Retiring Directors / Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than the 30th of April in each year. All other candidates for election as Directors / Officers of the Competition or members of the Board / Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than the 30th of April in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for any office by the date stated in the earlier part of this Rule, nominations may be received at the AGM.

5.C The Board / Management Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a season or as and when required. 

On receiving a requisition as set out in the Companies Acts signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Board / Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.

5.D Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.

5.E All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5.F Members and Directors of the League Board having completed 15/20 years of service shall be eligible for Life Membership and Long Service Award. They will be entitled to attend the A.G.M. and Board meetings without the power to vote. 

6.            POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

6.A

The Board / Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Board /Management Committee for ratification. The Board /Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.

All Board members must sit on at least one Sub-committee and attend at least 2/3 of meetings in conjunction with Rule 6M.

6.B

Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained, the Board / Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call on each Club to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.

6.C

Each member of the Board / Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote at all such meetings, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly relating to that member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee)

6.D

In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.

6.E

The Board / Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.

With the exception of Rules 6.J, 8.H, and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule, the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply to, a Club may:

1. Accept the charge and / or submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee, OR

2. Accept the charge and notify the Competition that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee, OR

3. Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee, OR

4. Deny the charge and notify the Competition that it wishes to have a hearing before the Management Committee.

Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.

Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Board / Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable). 

Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.

With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Board / Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances. 

The maximum fine permitted for a breach of a Rule by a Team playing at Regional NLS Feeder League level is £500. 

No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate sanctioning Association.

6.F

All decisions of the Board / Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.

Decisions of the Board / Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.

6.G

A minimum of 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Board / Management Committee or any of its sub-committees. 

6.H

The Board / Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number.

6.I

A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Board / Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Board / Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6.J

Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

6.K

   6.L

A member of the Board / Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.

The Board / Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations or Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable).

6.M

The business of the Competition as determined by the Board / Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.

6.N

Should any elected committee member fail to attend three consecutive meetings, except through illness, the Management Committee may declare their seat vacant, and shall be empowered to fill any such vacancy.

7.            PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

7.A

1.  All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Board / Management Committee or a sub- 
 committee duly appointed by the Board / Management Committee.

2.  Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities will not be entertained by the Board / Management 
 Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee prior to the commencement of the Match.

7.B

Except in cases where the Board / Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests, and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 5 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. 

A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Board / Management Committee. A member of the Board / Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of their Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.

7.C

No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Board / Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

7.D

All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days before the protest or complaint being heard.

All parties must have received a minimum of 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend. Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.

7.E

The Board / Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Board / Management Committee shall direct.

7.F

Any appeal against a decision of the Board / Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the League Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, and the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

    invite submissions by the parties involved.     convene a hearing to hear the appeal.     permit new evidence; or     impose appropriate deadlines.

Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Board / Management Committee.

7.G

No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct

7.H

All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Board / Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Board / Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld, and in these circumstances may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Board / Management Committee.

All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within 14 days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted.

8.              ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8.A

The AGM shall be held not later than 30th of June each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least two thirds of members are present and entitled to vote: -

Confirm the minutes of the last AGM. Adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts from the previous season or accounting period. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season. Election of Competition Officers and Directors / Management Committee members. Appointment of auditors/verifiers. Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14). Agree the date for the beginning of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition. Agree the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Regional NLS Feeder League which shall be determined by the FA). Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted by the Chair as being relevant to an AGM.

8.B

A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes.

8.C

A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.

8.D

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.

8.E

Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12

8.F

All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or count of email or virtual responses (for virtual meetings), unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair so decides.

8.G

No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.

8.H.

1. Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2. Any club that has submitted a valid application to join the Competition for the forthcoming season must have the opportunity to be put forward for membership and to have a vote taken on their membership application.

8.I

Directors / Officers of the Competition and Board / Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 8.G)

8.J

Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Directors / Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.

9.            SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

9.A

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call an SGM.

9B

The Board / Management Committee may call an SGM at any time

9C

At least 7 days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.

9D

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.

9E

Any Club failing to be represented at an SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

9F

Directors / Officers of the Competition and Board / Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 9.D)

10.           AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

10.

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, 

 “We, (A) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Chair)/(Director)and (B) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Secretary)/(Director)of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the [ ]  Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.”

The agreement shall be signed:

where a Club is an unincorporated association, by the Club Chair and Secretary; or where a Club is an incorporated entity, by two directors of the Club.

Any change of Chair, Secretary or Directors of the Club as named on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football Association to which the Club is sanctioned and to the Secretary of this Competition.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.          CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

11.A

Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing of such intention by 31st of March of each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22.B. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.B

The Board / Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.C

Notwithstanding the powers of the Board / Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6.I, in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Board / Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.

    EXCLUSION OF CLUBS AND TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

12.A

At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Board / Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: 

(1)  remove a member of the Board or Management Committee from office. 

(2) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting 
  on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Board / Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken
  shall be excluded from voting.

12.B

At the AGM, or at an SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, provided this is supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting.  Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting

12.C

Any Director / Officer or member of a Club  found guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of 12.A and/or 12.B of this Rule.

13.          TROPHY

13.A

The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:

“We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chair and Secretary of [ ] FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and the cup or trophy 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 28th of February. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care, we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”

Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

13.B

At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

14.          ALTERATION TO RULES

14.A

Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at an SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season, except in exceptional circumstances and approved by Sanctioning Authority or the FA.

14.B

Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by the 31st of January each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Board / Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by the 15th of March and any amendments to these proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary by 15th of April. The proposals and proposed amendments to these proposals shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote and voting are in favour.

14.C

A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting.

15.          FINANCE

15.A

The Board / Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.

15.B

All expenditure in excess of £300 shall be approved by the Board / Management Committee.

15.C

The financial year of the Competition will end on the 15th of May of each year.

15.D

The accounting records  or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be [audited/verified] annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.

16.          INSURANCE

16.A

All Clubs must have valid Public Liability Insurance cover for a minimum of ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.

16.B

 All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ Personal Accident Insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.

16.C

Failure to comply with Rule 16.A or 16.B will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

17.          DISSOLUTION

17.A

Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at an SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.

17.B

In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Board / Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.

17.C

The Board / Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:

Any surplus assets ( save for a trophy or any other presentation), remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority. If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.

MATCH RELATED RULES

18.         QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18.A

A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:

1.      Registered through the Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition.  except in the case of a Player who has been registered on the day of a match. For any players registered on the day of a match, an Officer of a club must email the Competition registrar with details of the registration 4 hours prior to the scheduled kick off time in order for the player to be eligible to play in that match. The Player shall not play again in any subsequent match in the Competition until the Club has registered the player through The FA Player Registration system  and  is in possession of the approval from the Competition. A maximum of 5 Players may be registered in this manner.

Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration System, the registration will not be processed.

For Clubs registering Players under Rule 18.A.2. registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition.  For Clubs registering Players by the Player Registration System, Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.B

1.        Contract players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System. or Tiers 1-4 of the Women Pyramid System.  

2.       It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered with the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer 
Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

3.       Each team must have at least 11 Players registered 7 days before the start of each Playing Season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff

4.     In the event of a Non-Contract Player changing their status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non-Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18.B.1. 

18.C

A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) shall be permitted to register for a Club but will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.   

18.D

A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered.  

18.E

The Board / 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 in the Competition the valid registration submitted first shall take precedence. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.  

18.F

It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to:

Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred. Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer, or  where the Competition adopts rule 18.P Submit a signed registration form as per  Rule 18 A.2  or submit a registration through the Player Registration System  that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.G

The Board / Management Committee shall accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.G.2 and 18.G.3 below. The Board / Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7). The Board / Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with.

Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition.

A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.G.3  but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition may consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.

(Note: Action under Rule 18.G.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or the FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match-based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

18.H

Subject to compliance with FA Rule C, when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer notification to the Competition via the Player Registration System. A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff will  be required. 

Such a transfer shall be referred by the Competition 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 Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the Secretary may, on behalf of the Board / Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or 4  days after receipt of such transfer.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Board / Management Committee for a decision.

18.I

A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st of March except by special permission of the Board / Management Committee

18.J

Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only. 

18.K

A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule (22.A) unless the Player has played 5 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.  

18.L.

A Team shall not include more than 5 Players who has/have played in 5 or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 clear days has elapsed since they last played. 21 clear days is counted by excluding the day when the relevant Player last played and the day when the Player intends to play again.

For the purpose of this Rule, a senior competition(s) is a higher league/division or the NLS Step 6. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.M

Subject to Rule 18.M.2 any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff). The Board / Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18.M.1 only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status. Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.M.1 above, the Board / Management Committee may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or  Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Board / Management Committee).

18.N

The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education:

Priority must be given at all times to activities of schools and school organisations. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.  The availability of children and young people must be cleared with the Head Teachers or Principals (except for Sunday leagues competitions). To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.

18.O

A Player who has played for a Team in the Premier Division or higher (NLS Step 6 or above) 20 times or more shall not in that Playing Season be

eligible to play in a lower division except by permission of the Management Committee.

18.P

If a  Club wishes to cancel a Player’s registration within the Competition, may do so after the 1st April of each year it must make a request via The FA’s electronic player registration system giving the reasons for the request. The Competition may either approve or decline the request.

If a Player’s registration is cancelled they will not be eligible to re-register in the Competition for a period of 14 days from the date of cancellation

19.          CLUB COLOURS  

19.A

Every  team must register the colour and design of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 15th of June and the Competition Secretary shall decide as to their suitability.

19.B

Any team wishing to change the colour(s) and/or design(s) of its shirt(s) and short(s) during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Competition Secretary in advance of making that change.

19.C

Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.

19.D

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

19.E

Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents of the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 5 days before the Competition Match.

19.F

If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the away Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.  

19.G

Shirts must all be numbered, and no two shirts shall have the same number, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff

20.          PLAYING SEASON.  CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF.  POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES

20.A

All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Board / Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a match has to be replayed, the Board / Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.

The Board / Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground.

Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches - https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitch-register. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to the FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.

The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20.C.

Within Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes.
The times of kick-off shall be agreed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs and the Competition. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.
The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition If not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are removed for all affiliated matches at Regional NLS Feeder League level
For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues:  Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance with the laws of the game.

20.B

Except with permission of the Board / Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally agreed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

NOTE: Clubs may apply to call off a maximum of two League Fixtures during the season and NOT consecutive weeks except for F.A. and County Cup Competitions. All teams to advise the Fixture Secretary and give at least 6 weeks’ notice prior to calling off a fixture which is intended for social purposes only and not to play any other football match. Less than 6 weeks’ notice, the details of the postponement will be forwarded to the discipline committee who’s decision may include awarding the points from the match to the opposition. (See 20E) In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).

In order to postpone a match for any reason due to significant illness within the squad, medical certificates for those Players affected, signed by the Players’ own doctor, must be forwarded to the Competition Secretary within fourteen days of the postponement, along with a full list of Players currently registered by the Club on the date of the match, which was postponed, giving full reasons against each name for the Player’s unavailability.  

20.C

An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground, time of kick-off and kit colours (including goalkeeper) to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. The opposing Club must confirm receipt and give notice of its kit colours (including goalkeeper) at least 3 days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. Fixture particulars should include fixture location(s) M-EAP, link to, or pertinent information e.g. Nearest AED. If either is not provided, the relevant Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.  

20.D

In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players  which will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7. 

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.E

1.  Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Board / Management Committee shall decide   
     whether it should either:
     a.  award the points from the Competition Match in question to the Club’s opponent (without the awarding of goals) 
OR
     b.  order the Competition Match to be rescheduled. The Board / Management Committee shall also have the power to order the rescheduled 
           Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent Club’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the
           circumstances.
     c.   In addition, the Board / Management Committee may at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):
           (i)   impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff),
           (ii)  deduct points from the defaulting Club,
           (iii) order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents.
2. Any Club with more than one Team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence: -
     First Team, Reserve Team, A Team. 
     Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give a personal     
     notification (No Text / email or WhatsApp messages) to the Competition Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. 
     Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff
3. In the event of a Competition Match not being played or being abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played       
     in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Competition Failing such agreement and notification to the
     (Competition within 7 days the Competition shall have the power to order the Match to be played on or before a given date. Where it is to the
     advantage of the Competition. The Board / Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment  
     to stand.
     Providing gate money is taken and retained the visiting Club shall receive their actual standard class rail or bus fares or the equivalent for 20
     persons, or car allowance at £0.33 p per mile for transporting 4 persons or hire charge of a coach (receipt to be submitted). The residue (if any) to
     be equally divided between the two Clubs after deducting the cost of advertising, printing, posting, police and Match Officials charges. The home
     Club shall take the whole of the proceeds of the second Competition Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with
     the Fines Tariff.
4. The Board /Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either   
     or both Teams.  Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Board /Management Committee shall
     order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Board /Management Committee are satisfied that a Match was
     abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Club member(s) they shall 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 Board /Management Committee shall rule that  
     neither Team will be awarded any points for that Match, and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Board /Management
     Committee for an abandoned Match.
The Board /Management Committee shall review any Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18.M above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

20.F

A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used. 

The referee [and a representative of the opposing Club] shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) not later than 30 minutes (15 minutes for an evening game) before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.

A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

20.G

The half time interval shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

20.H

The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who shall wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of their teammates.  

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.I

Where a suspension imposed in relation to a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) upon a Club by The FA or Affiliated Association is not lifted, and/or the Club does not provide confirmation from The FA or Affiliated Association that such suspension is lifted to the Competition Secretary by 5pm at least 1 days before a fixture, that fixture will be treated as an unfulfilled fixture and dealt with in accordance with Rule 20(E).

21.          REPORTING RESULTS

21.A

The Competition (Via the FA Full Time) must receive within 3 days (excluding Sundays) 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 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21.B

The Home Club Clubs shall use telephone/SMS/email/ FA Full Time / FA Matchday as directed by the Competition  to notify the result of each Competition Match to the results officer by 5.15pm (as soon as is practical for evening games). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21.C

The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the Team, or as prescribed by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

22.          DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

22.A

Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.
In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by the following criteria, in the order of priority in which they appear:
(NB: for Regional NLS Feeder Leagues criteria 1 & 2 are mandatory; for all other Competitions they are optional):Goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be  placed highest.
1.      In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest. 
2.      In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.
 3.      In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has the better playing record against the other Team in their head-to-head
         Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest.
4.     One-off fixture or play-off games as determined by the League management committee. 

22.B

Automatic promotion shall be applied for the Championship winning team, subject to that team showing their intentions to meet the ground grading requirements of the higher league by the 31st of March of the promotion season. Automatic relegation shall be applied to the last three Teams in each Premier Divisions (North & South) except as provided for below.

Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated. Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:

retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the division below: (Subject to above) or election.

The last Team in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the conditions of Rule 22. B.1 above.

When a senior Team is relegated to a lower division of which its reserve Team is a member, or entitled to be a member, such reserve Team must accept relegation to, or retain its position in, the next lower division; and should the senior Team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve Team automatically retires from the Competition. Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have its senior Team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next highest Team or Teams in the division concerned.

22.C

Play-off matches are not adopted

22.D

In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.D a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Board / Management Committee.

22.E

At the end of each Season and depending on the geographical location of Clubs gaining promotion to or being relegated from the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             (NLS Step 6) Competition, it may be necessary for the Competition either (a) to accept a Club from the (NLS Step 6) Competition, or (b) have a Club transferred to the same Competition.

The bottom Clubs in the (NLS Step 6) Competition may/will be relegated. Each relegated Club will be allocated either to the Regional NLS Feeder League Competition or to the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee. 

REGIONAL NLS FEEDER LEAGUES ONLY: The bottom three Clubs in the Premier Division North / South Competition will be relegated; Any Club not maintaining the ground grading set for the Competition may be relegated at the end of the Playing Season. Each relegated Club will be allocated to the highest division in either the Central Midlands Alliance League Competition or the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee.

Clubs will be promoted to the (NLS Step 6) Competition from the Premier Divisions (North & South) Competition, providing that each Club is either the Champion Club or Runner-up or third-placed Club and has the necessary grading criteria.

In the event of there being no eligible Club wishing promotion or not having the necessary ground grading criteria from any of the Competitions, this will reduce the number of Clubs to be relegated from the Premier Divisions (North & South) Competition.

23.         MATCH OFFICIALS

23.A

Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Board / Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.

23.B

1..In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant
     referee appointed by the competing Teams. 

2. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon
     shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not
     participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match.

23.C

Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.D

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: No Club shall postpone a Competition match on account of the apparent state of the ground. In the event that such circumstances prevail, Clubs should comply with procedures provided for in the document published by The FA “Recommended procedure for the guidance of Clubs and Referees in determining the suitability of grounds in adverse weather conditions”. Should the ground be declared unfit it is the responsibility of the home Club to immediately advise the Competition, the Appointing Authority, the visiting Club and the Match Officials.

For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues:  The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.

23.E

Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff inclusive of travel expenses.

Match Officials will be paid their fees by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.F

In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to [a reduced fee as shown in the fines tariff. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.G

A referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which they are  registered.  

23.H

Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by the FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Board / Management Committee shall determine.

23.i

The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to  the Sanctioning Authority.

23.J

The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.

23.K

Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.

23.L

Match Officials shall comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA and/or Sanctioning Authority adopted by the Competition

           ADDITIONAL COMPETITION RULES.

    PROGRAMMES

The Home Club in (Regional NLS Feeder League Premier North and Premier South Divisions) shall publish a full match programme (A5 size) consisting of at least 3 double-sided pages (A4 size) for all League and Cup Competition matches.

Additionally, in the League Challenge Cup, any Division One home team must also produce a programme.

The programme must include details of the visiting Club and match officials. It must also provide advertising space for the League sponsors. The Programme should be available prior to kick-off.

A hard copy (digital copy by arrangement) of each programme shall be forwarded to the League Results Officer as directed.

The Secretary of the Away Club must inform the Home Club of their Club and Player details for insertion in the programme at least five days prior to the date of the match. The home Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars. Any Club failing to comply with this rule shall be liable to a fine as shown in the Fines Tariff.

HOSPITALITY.

Regional NLS Feeder League Premier North and Premier South Divisions

All Home Clubs are expected to provide full hospitality to their opponents, match officials, Management Committee members, and guests and this should consist of the following:

(a)  Drinks prior to the game and at the half-time interval for their opponents and the match officials.

(b)  Drinks prior to the game and at the half-time interval for committee members of the visiting club, Management Committee members, and guests 
       provided for at a table to be set aside solely for this purpose
(c)  After the game has been concluded food should be made available for the visiting team and their officials,   
       match officials, Management Committee members, and guests.

(d ) If a visiting team, or match officials, does not wish to stay and partake in the after-match hospitality, then they must inform the Home Club
       Secretary at least 3 clear days prior to the date of the match.

(e)  Hospitality should be available in the Club House or other suitable facility. This should be either on or adjacent to the ground. If a Clubhouse facility    
       exits then this should be open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators.

(f)   In the event of non-compliance with any of the above instructions, the League General Secretary should be informed within 3 days of the
       match. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule will be subject to a fine as shown in the fines tariff and may be ordered to pay compensation.
Division One.

The minimum standard of hospitality to be afforded to Clubs 

(a) That drinks are to be made available for their opponents and  officials and the match official(s) prior to the game and at the half time interval.

(b) That drinks are to be made available prior to the game and at the half time interval for committee members of the visiting club, Management
       Committee Members and guests.

(c) The provision of after-match hospitality is not compulsory. in other Divisions.

(d) If the visiting Club are advised that after match hospitality will be available and do not wish to accept the after-match hospitality offered, then it
      should inform to home Club 3 clear days prior to the date of the match

(e) In the event of non-compliance with any of the above instructions the League General Secretary should be informed within 3 days of the match.
      Clubs failing to comply with this Rule will be subject to a fine as shown in the fines tariff and may be ordered to pay compensation.
Division Two.
The minimum standard of hospitality to be afforded to visiting Clubs in Division Two is:
(a) That drinks are to be made available for the visiting team, their officials and the match official(s) prior to the game and at the half time interval. As a  
      Minimum, drinking water must be available.
(b) The provision of after match hospitality is not compulsory.
(c)  If the visiting Club are advised that after match hospitality will be available and do not wish to accept the after-match hospitality offered, then it
       should inform to home Club 3 clear days prior to the date of the match.
(d)  In the event of non-compliance with any of the above instructions the League General Secretary should be informed within 3 days of the match.   
       Clubs failing to comply with this Rule will be subject to a fine as shown in the fines tariff and may be ordered to pay compensation

GROUND PASSES

The General Secretary will, at the commencement of each season, issue 10 ground passes to each Premier Division Team and 5 ground passes to each team in Division One & Two in the Central Midlands Alliance Football League. The Ground pass will give the holder free access to the ground and stands in which their team is playing in a scheduled fixture in the Central Midlands Alliance Football League.

Any alleged misuse of a pass must be reported to the General Secretary. The Board / League Management Committee may take action as shown in the Fines Tariff.

The League President, Vice Presidents, Life members, Directors /Officers, Committee Members, and Sponsors will also be issued with a Ground Pass.

ADMISSION CHARGES

The admission price to be charged at all Central Midlands Alliance League games and Cup games up to the Semi-Finals is left to the discretion of the Clubs, however, it is recommended that the minimum charge for admission to matches in the REGIONAL NLS FEEDER LEAGUE PREMIER NORTH AND PREMIER SOUTH DIVISIONS be £4.00 for adults and reduced charges for Senior Citizens and Children.

GROUND GRADING.

REGIONAL NLS FEEDER LEAGUE. PREMIER DIVISIONS NORTH AND SOUTH.

 Clubs shall have facilities that meet the League Ground Grading standards in line with the Regional LS Feeder League requirements.

 Clubs will be subject to Ground Grading inspections by the Board / League Management Committee.

(2)   OTHER DIVISIONS.

The Board / League Management Committee shall determine the standard of the ground by following the principle of the Regional NLS Feeder League standards.

(3)   Any team seeking promotion must be the championship winning club

(4)   Any team seeking promotion to the Premier Division (North or South) must show their intention to achieve the necessary ground grading standard 

by the 31st of March in the playing season when promotion is being sought. Such grade, shall be obtained by making application to the league accompanied by the appropriate ground grading fee as shown in the fees Tariff.

(5)   All Clubs shall provide a detailed plan of any Ground improvement Schemes.

(6)   In conjunction with the League, Clubs shall carry out a phased programme of required or planned improvements to meet completion dates set 
        by the League.

(7)   Failure to carry out and complete any or all scheduled ground improvements by dates set by the League during the current season may result in the
        Club being relegated or removed from membership of the League following the conclusion of that season.

(8)   When considering any developments of the ground to comply with the requirements of this grade Clubs are recommended to bear in mind the criteria
        for higher grading which may be achieved for minimal additional expense.

29. ACCREDITATION CHARTER

Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including but not limited to, the Accreditation Scheme

As an FA Accreditation League, this Competition requires all of its clubs to have achieved Accreditation status and to maintain their Accreditation Status throughout their membership in the Competition and to adhere to this requirement.

New members have one year to achieve the Charter Standard Club award.

The League has the right to refuse membership to a Club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving the award.

The annual subscription will be increased for any club not being Accreditation compliant by the 31st of May in any year. (Except New Member Clubs). The Fees are shown in the Fees Tariff.

USE OF GROUND AND FACILITIES.

Each Club shall place their ground and facilities at the disposal of the Board / Management Committee for two dates in each season and any Club not complying with the Rule shall be liable to be dealt with as the Board / Management Committee may deem fit.

OCCUPANTS OF THE TECHNICAL AREA

The occupants of the technical area must always behave in a responsible manner. Except for the Team Manager, Team Coach and any substitute warming up or warming down all other personnel are to remain seated on the trainer’s bench. All substitutes must wear substitute bibs. 

Failure to do so will incur a fine as shown in the Fines Tariff.

The technical area should only extend 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and up to 1m (1yd) from the touchline.

Markings should be used to define the area.   The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is eight (8) as defined by the competition rules. These are the Manager, Assistant   
  Manager, Physio, and the five (5) named substitutes.

(NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED IN THE TECHNICAL AREA)

   

The occupants of the technical area:

are identified before the start of the match in accordance with the competition rules. must behave in a responsible manner. must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, e.g. a physiotherapist/doctor entering the field of play, with referee’s.

      permission, to assess an injured player.

only one person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions from the technical area. Failure to do so will incur a fine as shown in the
fines Tariff.

32. SUBSTITUTE BOARDS.

Substitute Boards must be used at all matches played in the Regional NLS Feeder League Premier Divisions North & South status. 

Failure to do when a player is substituted will incur a fine as shown in the Fine Tariff.