STANDING ORDERS
(A) League General Meetings will commence at 8pm (Approx). The attendance Register must be signed by a Team representative.
It will be withdrawn at 8.30 pm, and returned to the Chairman of the meeting. It will be re-called for Teams that have not
signed in. Any Team that has not attended or left the meeting without prior agreement of the Officers, will be fined £20.00.
This includes the administration of documents and information. Where an apology has been received, the cost of posting
and administration of documents and information will be £5.00. A maximum of two (2) apologies per team/club will be
permitted per season; upon the third notice of an apology and subsequent apologies thereafter will have a non-attendance
fine of £20.00 levied.
(B) The League membership will meet monthly on dates shown in the handbook. No other notification will be given.
(C)
Voting for the election of League Officers shall be by ballot, except as otherwise ruled.
(D) The Management Committee may make any alteration or addition to the Standing Orders at any time, subject to 7 days’
notice of any alteration or addition being given to each member of the Management Committee.
(E)
Unless requested, all communications shall be addressed to the League General Secretary to administer all business of the
League and keep a record of its proceedings.
(F) Teams may purchase copies of the Handbook, the price of which shall be £5.00 each
(G) If a motion is put forward which the Chairman of the meeting may consider objectionable, he/she (the Chairman) is
empowered to put to the vote, if time should be allowed for discussion. At all meetings any motion, properly proposed and
seconded shall be open for discussion. Voting will be by a show of hands or as otherwise ruled, by one member of each Team
only.
(H) The League General Meeting Minutes shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times, after application to the
Chairman.
(I)
The season may commence on the first Sunday in September and may finish on the last Sunday in May, as decided at each
Annual General Meeting. (See Rule 6). The season may be extended at the discretion of the Management Committee and by
the express permission of the County Association. All games will commence as ordered, (times may be varied by local
authorities), between 10:00am and 11:00am, depending on the Rules of the Competition. Cup matches shall generally
commence 30 minutes earlier than League matches. Dual fixtures (“double-headers”) shall be two matches, one following
the other, and each having a duration of one hour (two halves of 30 minutes each), with a break of fifteen minutes between
the two. In the first match, the first-named team shall be the home team.
(J)
Teams and match officials are to note that no game shall commence more than 30 minutes after the agreed time of kick-off.
The appointed referee should make certain that, if a game is allowed to go ahead, it is notified as starting more than 30
minutes late (do not leave it to the Management Committee to decide). When there is no appointed referee, or the
appointed referee fails to arrive, Teams must ensure that the game takes place and does not kick-off later than 30 minutes
after the agreed kick-off time. (Refer to Rule 13B)
(K)
Teams are responsible for the behaviour of spectators. Officers will review all instances of crowd disturbance. They have
discretion to impose sanctions against defaulting Teams regardless of any action taken by the County or Football Association
in consequence of reported incidents.
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.
“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the
Competition.
“Club” means a Club for the time being in membership of the Competition and “Team” means a side from a Club
especially where a Club provides more than one Team in a division in accordance with the Rules.
“Competition” means the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance.
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration 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.
“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee
for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules.
“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management
Committee for any breach of the Rules.
“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.
“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.
“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other Player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.
“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 is played.
“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
“Sanctioning Authority” means [The FA] [the Competition][the London County Football Association Limited].
“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C 3 (a) (i) of the Rules of The FA.
“Team Sheet” means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Competition
match are listed.
“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.
“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.
(B) 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 Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the
provisions of Rule 16.
(C) The Competition will be known as “Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance” (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 thereupon automatically
cease to be a member of the Competition.
(D) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where
otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations
and policies of The FA.
NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
2. (A) This Competition shall consist of not more than 80 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
(B) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the
appointed date on the Form “D” to the London County Football Association and must have a constitution approved by
the Sanctioning Authority.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the London County Football Association(s) and the constituent
teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 12 in number.
(C) Only one team shall be permitted from any Club to participate in the same division as another team from the same Club
unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical
boundaries. The Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority in the event of a division
comprising of more than one team from the same Club. 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
via transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.
(D) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of
discrimination
(ii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for
investigation.
(iii) The Competition and each Member 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).
(E) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including but
not limited to, Charter Standard and RESPECT programmes. Failure to demonstrate compliance or steps to achieving
these initiatives will attract a fine of £25 and could jeopardise team membership. The Management Committee will
review teams’ Club Factfile randomly to ensure adherence.
(F) 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.
(G) At the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting 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 12.
ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
3. (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 and must be accompanied by the Application Fee of £20.00 set out in the Fees Tariff per
team which shall be returned in the event of non-election. The Management Committee shall recommend or reject
applicant(s), but a majority vote of two-thirds (2 to 1) of the accredited voting Members shall decide the inclusion
into/exclusion from membership of recommended applicants. Applications may be received but not restricted to the
AGM. The Management Committee will have the power to accept late applications, if the team meets the criteria and the
Constitution permits inclusion.
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.
When Rule 12(B) is applied or a team seeks a transfer or, is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee
shall be payable.
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be £60.00 per team payable on or before the August General Meeting of the Competition
in each year. The fee will be £50.00 for continuing members. The fee includes entrance fee for the season, two League
Handbooks, entry fee for at least three Cup competitions and the registration of a team’s first 30 players. All existing
Member Clubs and newly-elected Clubs who are recognised as Charter Standard Clubs will pay no Annual Subscription as
long as their Charter Standard status is ongoing. Non Charter Standard Clubs will have until 31st December each season to
complete their application and achieve CS qualification. Clubs qualifying by this date will have their Annual subscription
credited to their account. This arrangement shall continue, so the same applies for each subsequent season.
(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 by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion
think fit.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit (if required) have
been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by the August General Meeting of its Sanctioning Authority
affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failure to adhere to this will incur a fine of £10. Clubs must advise the
Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required
by the Competition, failing which they shall be fined £10.
(F) A Goodwill bond of £200.00 for existing member teams is held by the Management Committee and will be returned to
each team once their membership has ceased less any balance owing to the Alliance and/or other member clubs. New
teams are required to pay the Goodwill bond 14 days upon election into membership.
(G) Any affiliation NOT received by the League Secretary by the 15th August each year would result in that team being
considered for exclusion from the constitution.
Note: Affiliations received after 15th August may render the Team liable to expulsion because FA
and LFA regulations do not permit this Alliance to cast fixtures for an unaffiliated Club
MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
4. (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and up to four (4) ordinary members (club
delegates) who shall all be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
(B) All 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 1st June 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 are
eligible as candidates for re-election without nomination to their existing office. Officers shall be elected for a fixed term
of 3 years, during which term any or other candidates may stand for election as Officers or Members of the Management
Committee and shall be nominated to the League Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Teams,
not later than 14 days before the Annual General Meeting.
(C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required with no more than three calendar months between each
meeting. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary
shall convene a meeting of the Committee.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the League General Secretary who shall
conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings. (Standing Orders E)
(E) All communications received from Teams must be conducted through their nominated Officers.
(F) The Officers (Management Committee) of the Competition shall be the Life President, Chairman, League Secretary,
Treasurer, Referees Secretary and may be Vice Presidents, Deputy Chairman, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer,
Assistant Referees’ Secretary, Fixtures Secretary, Assistant Fixtures Secretary, Registrations Secretary, Conduct Secretary,
Results/Publicity Secretary, Trophies Secretary/Social Secretary, Fund Raising Secretaries, Website Administrator, League
Development Officer, Social Media Officer. These positions are to be elected at the Annual General Meeting (or co-opted).
Club/team delegates, (maximum of four, to be elected at the Annual General Meeting) shall be considered as Officers of
the Alliance, but not as part of the Management Committee. They will be entitled with advance notice to the League
General Secretary, to attend Committee meetings, but only to bring Club issues to the Management Committee’s attention,
then as observers and to ensure the protocol and regulation of the Alliance is adhered to. They will not be entitled to join
the discussion/debate on any agenda item. Confidentiality must be observed at all times by all Officers. If any part of
business discussed in Committee, or any decision taken by Officers is divulged or placed into the public domain before the
official notification has been published, an investigation will take place and the source of that indiscretion will be subject
to a vote of no confidence.
The President position is the only lifetime appointment on the Management Committee.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
5. (A) The 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 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.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority 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.
(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee
Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such
Member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall apply to the procedure of
any sub-committee).
NOTE: A Member of the Management Committee holding more than one office is only entitled to ONE VOTE. In the event
of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have
jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. In cases where alleged
incidents occur at a match, the Officers may cancel a team’s fixtures for up to 28 days in order to investigate and call the
Club(s) concerned. If a criminal investigation is instigated directly before, during or post a WESFA fixture then the
cancellation of fixtures will be increased for the duration of the investigation and furthermore until the London Football
Association has levied it’s findings. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being
notified.
With the exception of Rules 5(I), 6(H), 10(A), 11 and 19, for all breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued to
the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given seven days from the date of notification of the charge to reply to
the charge and given the opportunity to:(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Accept or deny the charge
Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or
Put their case before the Management Committee at a personal hearing
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 Association.
Any fines levied shall be in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure
that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within ten days.
(F) More than fifty percent (50%) of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the
Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that
may occur amongst their number.
(H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or
the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to do so will attract a
fine of £20
(I) All fines and charges are payable forthwith and must be paid within 21 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 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.
The exception is the 200 Club Draw which is payable on or before the December General meeting. The Treasurer will
endeavour to email the statement of account to each individual member club between 7 and 14 days prior to each General
meeting. If the balance of account reaches or exceeds £50 please refer to Rule 5 (M).
Payments made by cheque that are not honoured on presentation, will incur a fine of £30, plus any bank charges, (if
incurred) and that team will have their fixtures automatically suspended until the Monday following total clearance of
their account.
Teams, officials or individuals in breach of this Rule will incur penalties as the Management Committee may impose.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any
reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the
Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the
commencement of the Competition season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or
facsimile.
(M) If a team’s account balance reaches or exceeds £50 at any time during the season (with the exception of Rule 3 (B & C),
the team’s fixtures will be automatically suspended and will continue to be so on a ‘rolling’ basis. The defaulting team will
have until midday on a Thursday (in line with the current LFA guidelines) to reduce the balance of account to a lesser
amount than the threshold of £50 and be clear to play. Fines and fees are added to teams’ accounts on a weekly basis;
therefore it is the responsibility of the Club to settle its account in full each month. Teams in default have failed to keep
their engagement (in accordance with League Rule 10F) for all previously-arranged (cast) fixtures whilst under suspension.
Written notification may be sent to the Team Secretary (e-mail will be deemed as an acceptable method), but it may not
always be the primary notification method.
(N) A Team failing to be represented at a Committee or General meeting will be fined £20.00. Where there are apologies, a
£5 charge will be debited to the Team’s account. A maximum of two (2) apologies per team will be permitted per season;
upon the third notice of an apology and subsequent apologies thereafter will have a non-attendance fine of £20.00
levied. (See also Standing Order, section A).
(O) A Team failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or correspondence of the League shall be liable to a fine of £10
or other penalty at the discretion of the Management Committee (subject to the right of appeal in accordance with League
Rule 16).
(P) 16 awards will be presented to the winners and runners-up in the League and its other Competitions, with awards for other
special achievements and successes as decided by the Management Committee. These will be presented at the Annual
General Meeting. Awards will not be presented to Teams not properly represented. Winners and runners-up in Cup Finals
will be presented with awards on the day, at a presentation ceremony after the match. The perpetual trophies will be
collected at the end of the presentation ceremony ready for engraving and handed back at the AGM.
(Q) Teams may purchase copies of the League Handbook at a price of £5.00 each. (See also Standing orders, Section F).
(R) Each Member Team is entitled to send two delegates to all League General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings.
Each Team shall be entitled to one vote only.
(S) The Management Committee may refuse an application from any new team/Club.
(T) The Management Committee may refuse the continuance of a member Club if they fail to return their continuation form
to the Hon. League Secretary by the 31st March each season.
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 6 Members are present and entitled to vote:(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.
To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.
Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season.
Election of Officers and Management Committee.
Appointment of Auditors.
Alteration of Rules, if any.
Fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General
Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at
least fourteen days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed change of Rules.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to Sanctioning
Authority within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
(D) Each Team shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one
vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
(E) Teams who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not
continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded.
This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates
qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Team.
(H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the Annual General Meeting. Any continuing Member Team failing to be
represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given will be fined £30.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
7.
The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club which is an unincorporated Association and two directors of each Club
which is an incorporated entity shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the
Competition together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club
intends to compete.
'We, ____________________________________ (Chairman)
and ____________________________________ (Secretary)
Of __________________________________ Football Club
have been provided with a copy of the Rules, Regulations and Codes of Conduct of The Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football
Alliance Competition. We agree, on behalf of the said Football Club, if elected, to accept them and to implement the
decisions of the Management Committee, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
We also agree that any alteration of the Chairman and/or Secretary shown on the above Agreement must be notified to
the County Football Association(s) to which the Team is an affiliate and to the League Secretary of this Competition, failure
of this task will incur a fine of £10. Teams will not be cast any fixtures until the League Secretary is in receipt of a signed
copy of this Rule by the member team.
QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
8. (A) (i) 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.
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player signing a registration form for that Club has, where
necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over
crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
(ii) Each Club must have at least 11 Players registered 14 days before the start of each Playing Season. A £10 fine will be
levied against any team failing this.
(B) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has signed a fully and correctly completed Competition
registration form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club and either;
(a) submitted to the Competition by 9pm on a Thursday prior to playing and whose registration has been confirmed by
the Competition prior to that Player playing in a Competition Match, or
(b) signed a fully and correctly completed Competition emergency registration form in ink on a match day prior to
playing, countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club, and submitted to the
Competition within four days of the match. The Player shall not again play until the Club is in possession of the approval
of the Competition. A maximum of 4 players may be registered in accordance with sub paragraph (b).
(i) The Alliance enforces a photo-card registration procedure
(C) A maximum of 30 players can be registered per team at any one time. Teams will not be permitted to register additional
players until they de-register a player first. Teams can de-register players at any time but they must retain a minimum of
11 current registrations at all times. Teams failing to comply will be fined £10.
(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. In the event that a Player could be required to pay a proportion of a
debt due under The FA Football Debt Recovery System then, whether or not the debt has been referred to the relevant
County FA, the Competition must not affect the player’s registration in any way or refuse to register a transfer due to that
debt being outstanding. The Competition cannot refuse to register a Player for an unpaid non-footballing debt.
(E) A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/team for each player registered.
(i) As a league participating in the pilot FA online registration scheme clubs / players will be required to register players /
themselves online and comply with any additional instructions as the pilot goes on, in addition to all other rules in this
section.
(ii) Thirty (30) player registration cards, four (4) emergency player registration cards and a player list form will be supplied by
the Registration Secretary no later than the August pre-season meeting each year. Additional player registration cards will
be available to all member clubs at a cost of £1 each thereafter, unless a registered player from the season before is deregistered; then a replacement registration card will be forwarded at no cost.
(iii) Fourteen (14) clear days must also be allowed for bulk player registrations prior to the first scheduled competitive fixture.
The onus is on the team to ensure that the registration cards have been received by the Registration Secretary. Upon the
completion of the player registrations, half of the card will be returned to the team Secretary. This counterfoil will include
a photograph and should be kept safe and be available for inspection in all competitive matches within the Alliance. A
stamped self-addressed envelope is required to return the processed registration cards back to the team’s Secretary.
(iv) Each club with more than one (1) team in the League will announce each team’s squad fourteen (14) days prior to the first
Sunday of the season. Thereafter, each team will separately sign any new players.
(v) From Monday after the commencement of the season, all individual player registrations will be processed by the
Registration Secretary in the timeline that follows:
(a) Player registration card/s that are fully completed online and the hard copy received by the Registration Secretary on or
before 9pm on a Thursday evening prior to the fixture will be processed ready for the Sunday.
(b) Player registration card/s that are received on line or via post on a Friday prior to the fixture or later will not be processed
for the Sunday. Unless otherwise instructed by the specific member club, the player registration card/s will be posted to
team Secretary’s home address as soon as possible ready for the following Sunday.
(vi) A stamped self-addressed envelope should be submitted to the Registration Secretary for the return of ALL player
registration card/s. If a stamped self-addressed envelope is not supplied then the processed registration cards are by
collection only.
(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 Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to
register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be a breach of Rule 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.
(iv) If a player cancels the registration with one team but registers with another member team within twenty eight (28) days,
this action will be considered as a transfer and all transfer rules and fee shall apply.
(H) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any player subject to the provisions of
clauses (ii) and (iii) below.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player or may fine
any player, at their discretion who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 16).
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player
charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the
relevant County Football Association. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct,
which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the parent
County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with.
(iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (iii) but has a registration
accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under
a probationary period, should the player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the
Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of
bringing the Competition into disrepute.
(Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by
the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in
any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For
the purpose of this Rule, bringing the competition into disrepute can only be considered where the player has
received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in a period of two years or less
from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.)
(I) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C2(a) when a Club wishes to register a Player who is already registered with another
Club it shall submit a transfer form to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such 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 three days of receipt of the
notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within three days, the
Competition 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 7 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.
(J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st March each year,
except by special permission of the Management Committee
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce
such records upon demand by the Management Committee.
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the
(Registrations) Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all
Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Season only so all
existing member team’s registration cards are to be returned to the Registration Secretary upon the completion of the
playing season or at the AGM each season. Player registration cards are valid for five (5) consecutive years, a new and
updated player registration card will be required for every player that reaches this expiry date.
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 unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule
8(A)(i).
(ii) Teams that disband, withdraw or do not continue in the following season are required to return ALL registration cards
to the Registration Secretary within fourteen (14) days of their notification to the League Secretary of their intention to
fold/withdraw, in the case of non-continuance, fourteen (14) days after the AGM. Failure to do so will result in the
Management Committee withholding the return of the goodwill bond or any residue after any deductions are made.
(M) A player shall not be eligible to play in for a team in any special championship, promotion, relegation-deciding LEAGUE
match, Cup Semi Final or Final tie unless they have been registered for the member club for at least a period of 21 days
AND have played in three (3) League and/or Cup matches for that member team in that season.
NOTE: Players that appear on the team sheet but do not play in that specific match will be deemed as non-players and therefore
will not qualify as part of the ruling above nor will they be cup-tied if the match was a cup fixture.
(See Trophy Competition Rules for player eligibility criteria for all Cup competitions and PCC)
(N) Clubs with more than one team within this Alliance will be permitted to interchange players as follows: A maximum of two
(2) players that were registered at the start of the season for the higher team will be permitted to transfer to the lower
team in any one season. Movement of players from the lower team to the higher team is unlimited, but any player originally
registered for the lower team, that plays 5 times for the higher team, will by default, be automatically be transferred to the
higher team and subsequently will not be eligible to play for the lower team again in the current season. In such
circumstances, the standard transfer fee of £5 will apply. (Rule 8G). For the avoidance of doubt, the team named as the
“A” team may not necessarily be the higher division team unless they are in the same division.
(O) Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match
or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine of £30 on each
occasion. The Management Committee may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are
decided by the Management Committee which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.
The Management Committee may vary this decision in respect of the points gained 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.
In exceptional circumstances 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.
Any team fielding an unregistered, unqualified or suspended player in any Cup match will be disqualified from that cup
competition and the tie will be awarded to their opponents and a £30 fine levied.
CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 1st August each year who shall decide as
to their suitability.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other players and the match officials.
No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. The League Secretary may
request colours to be submitted if complaints are received as to their suitability.
Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the
colours in which they will play (including the colour of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 5 days before the match.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the away team shall make the change. A club
must delay the scheduled time of kick off for a completion match by not having a change of colours. Shirts must be
numbered.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management
Committee. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the
Management Committee.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
10.(A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for the following season, which shall
be in accordance with Football Association Rules. No Team shall be compelled to play after the concluding date, although
all fixtures must be played (see Rule 10E). All Home ground dates should be forwarded to the Fixture Secretary by the date
notified on the Permit & Pitch Availability Form, no later than 15 th August. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £10.
Fixtures, having been issued shall be deemed to have been accepted unless objections are received by the Fixtures
Secretary in writing, within seven days of their issue. All matches must be played on stated/published dates, or as directed
by the Fixtures Secretary or the Management Committee but priority shall be given to the Football Association and all
County Cup Competitions. All other matches shall be considered subservient.
(B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football
Association Board.
Teams 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.
Football Turf pitches (3G & 4G) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the required performance standards
and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf pitches. For clubs playing at Step 7 and below a pitch 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 team is also responsible for advising participants of footwear requirements when confirming match
arrangements in accordance with Rule 10(D).
All matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged
by the two teams in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of
equal halves, the half-time period must be at least 5 minutes but not exceed 15 minutes 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 fixed at the AGM by the Management Committee and can only be altered by the mutual
consent of the two competing teams prior to the scheduled date of the match with written notification given to the
Competition at least 7 days prior.
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 and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the
Competition if the footballs are unsuitable.
The Home team shall also be responsible for erecting and securing goal nets and for the placing of corner posts and flags.
The referee shall make their way to the pitch 15 minutes before the scheduled kick off time and is then given the team
sheets from both teams, two fit match balls and is offered the fee. The referee must receive their copy of the team sheet
from both teams prior to kick-off. Teams delaying the start of a match by not having their team sheet ready for the referee
will be fined for causing a late kick-off, in accordance with the fine structure noted later in this section.
Any Team failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum of £10 (1–15 minutes) or £20 (16-30 minutes),
30 minutes late is the cut off time for a scheduled kick off, teams later than 30 minutes will not be permitted to record this
fixture as a competitive match and the result will be decided by the Management Committee. The result will be covered
by 10(F). Member clubs causing continual late kick offs will be dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.
(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 parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be
considered secondary. Teams may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary.
In the case of a revised fixture date, the teams must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless
otherwise mutually agreed).
(D) The Secretary of the home team must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time
of kick-off and colours to be worn to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior
to the playing of the match. If not so provided, the away club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the
competition. Any Team failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine of £10 (Except when the Fixtures Secretary
has arranged a fixture at shorter notice). For midweek matches, notice must be given by 9pm Sunday prior to playing the
match. In all cases, e-mail communication (where possible) will be deemed acceptable. Any team which does not notify
their opponents and/or match official(s) by midday on the preceding Thursday may lose the right to play the match and
be liable for the full cost of the match official(s). The points or the tie may be awarded to the opponents, with a score
line of 0-0 being recorded. No costs shall be awarded. Opposing teams who accept a late notification and play the match
will not be permitted to claim.
(E) A minimum of 7 players, one of which shall be the goalkeeper, will constitute a team for starting a Competition match, in
accordance with the Laws of Association Football. If a team fields only 6 players, a match cannot start. Similarly, if during
a match, a team is reduced to 6 players by either injury, disciplinary action or other circumstances, the match should not
continue and should be abandoned immediately. The circumstances should be reported by both Teams and the referee,
where appointed by the League, to the Management Committee.
Every Team shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition.
(Note: The intention of this Rule is not to interfere with normal team selection by Teams, but to prevent them deliberately
fielding a weakened team in order to unreasonably preserve players for another game or boost the strength of another or
lower team. If, in the opinion of the Management Committee, the substance or the spirit of the Rule is obviously being
disregarded, the team or teams concerned may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject to such
decisions as the Management Committee may determine, despite the fact that Rule 8 has not been infringed.)
(F)(i) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a team failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee
shall have power to inflict a fine of £10, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question
to the opponents, order the defaulting team to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them
except the award of goals. Notwithstanding 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. The decision making process into non-played fixtures is as follows;
a) If you are the HOME TEAM and withdraw before noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek
fixture) = the away team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), HOME team charged £10 for nonfulfilment of fixture and an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the away team.
b) If you are the HOME TEAM and withdraw after noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek
fixture) = the away team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie), HOME team charged £10 for nonfulfilment of fixture, an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the away team, plus any referee costs dependent
on when notification of the fixture was given (See Rule 13(F)
c) If you are the AWAY TEAM and withdraw before noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek
fixture) = the home team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie); the AWAY team charged £10 for nonfulfilment of fixture and an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the home team.
Note: Cancellation of the permit is the sole responsibility of the home team as no permit costs will be awarded in this
scenario.
d) If you are the AWAY TEAM and withdraw after noon on the Thursday prior to the match (or Sunday 9pm for a midweek
fixture) = the home team is awarded the match, 0-0 scoreline (walkover in a cup tie); the AWAY team charged £10 for nonfulfilment of fixture, an additional charge of £50 for loss of revenue by the home team, any referee costs dependent on
when notification of the withdrawal was given (See Rule 13F) plus the permit costs if the home team is unable to cancel
their pitch due to the late notification up to the maximum of £90.
e) Rule 10F(d): A receipt of the permit invoice for that specific date will be required within seven (7) days for re-imbursement
of the permit costs otherwise the claim will be void
f) The HOME team must contact the Fixtures Secretary as soon as possible if their permit becomes available due to a nonplayed fixture to see whether their permit can be used elsewhere and also contact the Referee’s Secretary to ensure that
the official can be utilised in another fixture.
(ii) Any team 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. Teams in breach of this requirement shall be
fined a sum decided by the Management Committee, or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee.
(iii) Any team unable to fulfil a fixture or where a fixture has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give
notice to the (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the Secretary of the opposing
Club and the match officials. Any Team failing to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may
inflict any penalty it may seem suitable.
(iv) In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither team has control, it shall
be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two teams and approved by the Management
Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 28 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. Notice of
the abandonment must be given to the Fixtures Secretary by both Teams on the day of the match and also to the
Results Secretary by phoning in, stating that the game has been abandoned and giving the score at the time of the
abandonment (or postponed as the case may be). Both teams shall write to the League General Secretary within four
(4) days explaining the reason for this postponement/abandonment (e-mail is acceptable). The rearranged fixture will
be 50/50 split cost between both competing teams.
(v) The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of
either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either team, 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.
(vi) The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both teams were under a
suspension imposed upon them by the Association or Affiliated Association. In each case the team that was under
suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance
with Rule 8(O) above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void. Such action
is subject to appeal under League Rule 16 and/or any other action taken by the appropriate County Football Association.
In addition, written reports must be submitted to the League General Secretary within 4 days of the match - failure to
report in writing will also attract a fine of £10.
ALL MATCH RESULTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE RESULTS SECRETARY, INCLUDING
ABANDONMENTS/POSTPONEMENTS ON THE DAY AND CUP FINALS.
(G) Repeatable Substitutions
A team may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use unlimited substitute players in any match in
this Competition who may be selected from a maximum of 16 named players on the official team sheet.
The referee shall be informed of the names of all non-starters up to the maximum of 5 players no later than 15 minutes
before the start of the match and a player not so named may not take any part in that 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 (Cup eligibility criteria).
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The following conditions must be observed:
The referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is made
The substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the
referee
The substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match
The substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play
From that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has replaced becomes a substituted player
The substituted player may then take further part in the match and replace a player
There is no limit on the number of repeated substitutions that can be made. However, if the match official believes that
a team is delaying the restart of play, then appropriate action will be taken
All substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play or not
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 15 minutes before the start of the match and
a Player not so named may not take part in that 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.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may
only be altered with the consent of the referee.
(I) The Competition shall require all players and Club Officials to have signed the FA’s “Respect” Codes of Conduct and produce
these if so requested by the Management Committee. The participating clubs taking part in the fixture shall identify a team
captain designated with a captain’s armband who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field
discipline of his team mates. Prior to each match, the participating teams and officials shall conduct the “Respect”
handshake.
(J) Double Header Matches - In the event of inclement weather and or adverse playing conditions the Management Committee
may authorise the playing of Double-Header games in order to ensure that the League programme is brought to an orderly
completion. Double-Header games only consist of two teams playing one another twice on the same day at the same
location. Double-header games will only be introduced when strictly necessary. The Home team will be determined and
notified by the Fixtures Secretary.
(a) Each match may consist of different registered players for each team but registration cards must be produced and full
match card procedures followed for each separate match.
(b) Separate team sheets must be completed for each game and sent to the Registration Secretary in accordance with Rule
11(A).
(c) A team not ready to play at the time of the first scheduled kick-off shall be deemed as absent, the second game will be
played as soon as possible.
(d) No more than a 15 minute break shall be allowed between the two separate matches. Half-time intervals may be reduced
if agreeable to both sides and the referee.
(e) All permit costs are to be shared equally for double headers between the two competing teams on the day.
Note: An exception to this rule is if two competing teams play their Home matches at the same venue and pay annually
for pitch hire rather than on a weekly/monthly basis.
(f) Referees shall be entitled to claim £45 fee for a double header. Each team shall share the costing of this fee.
(g) A player who is dismissed from the field of play by the referee in the first match shall be eligible to take part in the second
game.
(h) The duration of each game shall be 30 minutes each way. (See Standing Order I)
(K) If fixtures are arranged late, or altered, or any other problems concerning match arrangements, the Teams must keep the
Fixtures Secretary, match official(s) and opponents fully informed of the situation. They must contact all parties no later
than the Tuesday prior to the match and any further details must be confirmed to all parties by the Thursday preceding the
match. If the kick off time of a scheduled match is different from a 10:30am kick off (except for Cup Finals) then the Fixtures
Secretary must obtain written confirmation from both affected teams of their acceptance of this change with a copy of
such records sent to the League Secretary. Member clubs are advised that due to inclement weather, pitch availability and
exceptional circumstances, the kick off time may be moved on a pro-rata basis but verbal communication (email sent is not
accepted in this case as confirmed notice) will be the primary contact method.
(L) No team shall be compelled to play on Easter Sunday, unless they are notified 7 days before of the potential fixture and
give their agreement to it. Any Team not wishing to play on a specific date must make a written application (a “no-game
request”) to the Fixtures Secretary at least 28 days before the date they wish not to play. (This does not apply to Cup Finals,
where no dispensation will be granted). Applications within this limit will not be considered. Teams may submit only two
such requests per season, unless evidence of extraordinary circumstances can be provided (bereavement, etc).
(Note: Wedding parties, “stag” weekends or other pre-arranged social arrangements will NOT be permitted as a reason for
not playing without due notice – all such events are inevitably subject to planning and such dates should be well-known to
a Club, therefore allowing ample time to submit a “no-match” request).
(M) When the home team plays on the away Club’s Permit, the cost of the permit must be paid for on the day. Teams in
default will be fined £10. The defaulting team will have until noon on Thursday to settle the outstanding permit cost.
Failure to do so will result in their fixture being awarded to their opponents in line with rule 5(M) plus levied with any
additional costs incurred borne from the awarded match.
REPORTING RESULTS
11. (A) The Registrations Secretary must receive a fully completed Team Sheet within 4 days of the date of a fixture being played.
Emailing scanned team sheets to the Registration Secretary is also accepted, however it is the teams’ responsibility to
ensure that all the data on the team sheet is legible so that the information is recorded accurately.
Each team will also be required to complete their team sheet on the FA Full Time website within 4 days of the match.
Failure to adhere to this will incur a £10 fine. The hard copy must still be sent to the Registrations Secretary to verify an
accurate input on the website. Failure to do so will attract a fine of £20. A fully completed Team sheet for each
Competition match (including Cup Finals) should be received from both participating teams. Failure to provide a fully
completed Team sheet will incur a fine of £5. In the absence of an original, a duplicate must be provided and forwarded
to the Registrations Secretary. In this case, the original fine will stand – there will be no reduction in fine for the supply
of a duplicate team sheet.
Team sheets must include the initial(s) and surname of the team players (in BLOCK LETTERS), registration number of ALL
players to be shown in the space provided, AND ALL misconduct (player names should be PRINTED). The Referee’s marks
as required by Rule 13 and any other information required by the Competition on the team sheet.
(B) Both teams shall text the result of each match to Full Time by 5pm on the Sunday after the match. For midweek games,
results shall be communicated by 10pm on the day of the match. Teams failing to do so may be fined £5. Subsequent
offences will be fined at a rate of £10.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of the Club.
(D) Team officials should sign their opponents’ Team sheet to confirm they have checked their opponents’ players’ photoregistration counterfoils. Any team not able to produce their players’ registrations on request will immediately forfeit the
fixture and will be fined £10 plus any other costs incurred.
NO PHOTO CARDS - NO GAME - THIS IS THE RULE FOR EVERY MATCH
In the event of a dispute, the signed Team sheet will be the definitive item and will nullify any protest regarding the
qualification of a player. (However, this will not necessarily prevent the Officers investigating a claim or protest). If a
Team has elected to sign the team sheet as confirmation when their opposition’s photo-registrations were not available,
then they have waived their right to protest.
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
12. (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 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 circumstances where two or more teams are equal on points team rankings shall be determined by goal difference
where the goals scored against by each team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that team and the largest
positive difference shall be placed the highest. In the event of the goal difference being equal the highest placed team
shall be the team which has scored the most goals. In the event that two or more teams have the same goal difference
and have scored the same number of goals then the highest placed team shall be the team which has won the most
matches.
In the event of the two teams still being equal the team which has the better playing record against the other team in
their head to head Competition matches during the Season will be the highest placed team.
If the records of two or more teams are still equal and it is necessary for any reason to determine the position of each
then the teams affected shall play a deciding match or matches as determined by the Management Committee.
(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first 2 and last 2 teams in each Division except as provided
for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(B).
(i) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one Division after the fixtures have commenced an equal number of
teams to those withdrawing in that Division shall not be automatically relegated.
(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
(iii) 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 paragraph (B)(i) above.
(iv) 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.
(v) 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.
(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. Where a team has completed 75% of its fixtures, points of
any un-played game(s) may be awarded to the non–defaulting opponents. The definition of a completed fixture is one that
has been cast, published, and where the original fixed date for that fixture has passed, other than where a fixture is not
completed due to adverse weather conditions.
REFEREES
13. (A) Registered Referees (and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA) for all matches shall be appointed
in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee the appointed senior Assistant Referee shall take charge
and a substitute Assistant Referee appointed by the competing Teams. In cases where there are no officially appointed
Assistant Referees, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that game, 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 open age competition. Cup matches, where an officially appointed Referee fails to
appear, teams may mutually agree on a referee. If agreement is not reached, then the teams shall share the cost of the
pitch. To assist in the operation of this Rule, the Referees’ Secretary may re-appoint a referee from a divisional League
match, even at short notice.
(C) When Assistant Referees are not appointed, each Team shall provide a Team Assistant. Failure to do so will incur a fine of
£5 to the defaulting team. The Management Committee may, if considered appropriate, or if requested by the two
competing Teams, appoint Assistant Referees to any match. In circumstances, where the Management Committee are
unable to provide neutral Assistant Referees to any fixture, clubs must provide their own Assistant to aid the Match
Referee. If the Club provides such assistance, this MUST be accepted by the Referee and cannot be declined. If the Referee
does not accept such assistance then the club will have the right to refuse to play the fixture and must report such
circumstances to the League Secretary and Fixtures Secretary within the allotted time period for such correspondence.
(D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be
final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground, the Representative of that
body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association, the Referee only, appointed under this Rule
shall be paid a match fee that is equivalent to that published in the London FA Handbook, the Assistant Referee fee shall
be £20.00. Double header match fees are as printed below. The AWAY team shall pay the Officials their fees and/or
expenses before/immediately after the match in League matches ONLY. Cup match fees are split equally by both teams
and is the responsibility of the HOME team to ensure payment is made.
Failure to pay the official(s) on the day incurs a fine of £20, in addition to the unpaid fee.
Referee appointed by the Management Committee
£35
Assistant Referees appointed by the Management Committee or requested by a team(s)
£20
For “double-headers”
Referee:
£45
Assistant Referees:
£30
(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 expenses only of £5. 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. Failure to pay the official(s)
on the day incurs a fine of £20, in addition to the unpaid expense/fee.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement or arriving late, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their nonappearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or she is registered.
(H) Each team shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for
each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the
prescribed form provided. Teams failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the
Management Committee shall determine.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall
submit a summary to The Football Association/County Association.
(J) The referee must submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the match, the number of players
in each team, the time of kick-off, together with any disciplinary measures taken and any other such details that may be
determined by the officers, to the Referees’ Secretary within TWO DAYS OF THE MATCH. (This brings the reporting of
misconduct in line with that of County Associations). Regular dispatch of these cards after each match is essential for League
records.
(K) All referees will be supplied with a copy of the Competition Handbook / Rules free of charge.
(L) Referees and Assistant Referees shall have undertaken a Respect briefing offered by the FA/County FA or the League.
(M) A referee MUST report all cautions and/or sending offs to the appropriate County Association within the statutory periods.
Any referee failing to do so will be reported to his County of Affiliation for appropriate action.
(N) A referee must submit a report to the Referee’s Secretary if approached by any team official to withhold misconduct
information from the County Association or League.
(O) GUIDELINES TO MARKING OF A REFEREE TO F.A. SCALES
100-86: The Referee demonstrated very accurate decision-making and controlled the game very well using management
and communication skills effectively to add value to the game.
85-76: The Referee demonstrated very accurate decision-making and controlled the game very well using management
and communication skills to contribute positively to the game
75-61: The Referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision-making and despite some shortcomings, generally
controlled the game well.
60 or less: The Referee demonstrated shortcomings in the accuracy of decision-making and control which affected the
game.
When marking a referee, emphasis should be given to the complete performance, not one or two isolated or controversial
incidents, even if you feel you lost the game because of a particular decision. Where marks are seriously inconsistent
between two teams in the same match, the Referees’ Secretary may call the teams to explain their marking(s).
Remember - win with dignity, lose with grace and always display a sporting attitude.
If a Team marks a referee 60 or less, a written report of explanation for the low mark, either by letter or email, should be
sent to the Referees’ Secretary and Assistant Referee Secretary, within 4 days of the match. Failing to submit this report
will be deemed as failing to deal with League business.
(P) All Referees must acknowledge appointments to the Home Team Secretary upon receipt, or by the latest Wednesday 9pm
prior to the game. This can be done, if possible, by email. Referees should notify the Referees’ Secretary by Thursday
midday prior to the game, if they have NOT been contacted by the Home team. In such circumstances, the referee may
be withdrawn and reallocated to another fixture.
(Q) The Referees’ Secretary shall have the option to appoint assistant referees in cases where it is judged that it would benefit
the Competition. When appointing assistants, the Referees’ Secretary shall advise the two Clubs in writing, at least 48
hours before the match, of his reason(s)/justification for placing assistants on their match. A request by one Club for
Assistants to be appointed will be sufficient to place 2 additional officials on a match (if available), irrespective of the view
of their opponents. For all League matches, both Assistant Referees (where appointed) are to be paid by the HOME team
and half the cost reclaimed by the away team.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
14. (A) A Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures
and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st March each Season.
Teams should use the form provided in the Handbook. A £50 fine will be levied against any team that submits a continuation
form stating that they are continuing for the following season and then withdraws.
(B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a team being unable to start or complete its fixtures
for a Playing Season. A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the
Annual General Meeting/arrangement of fixtures for the following season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding £50 per team.
(C) In the event of a Member Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the
Management Committee are empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
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. This also applies to photo-registration cards (see Rule 11(D). Any Team lodging such protest and not
proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints
(which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary
within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be
withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A Member of the Management Committee who is a
member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or
complaint is being determined.
(C) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the 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 enquiry or to order that the
costs to be shared by the parties.
(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 prior to the protest or complaint being heard.
(i) All parties must have received 7 days’ notice of the Hearing should they be instructed to attend.
(ii) Should a team elect to state its case in person then the team should indicate such when forwarding the written
response.
(E) Disputes between Teams in the League shall be referred to the arbitration of the Management Committee, whose decision
shall be binding on all parties (Subject to Rule 16). A designated member of the Committee may be empowered to
individually investigate, upon request by the Committee, any dispute, and bring their findings to the Committee.
PROTESTS, APPEALS
16. (A) All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and
determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The
Teams or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or
complaint and deposit a fee of £10 which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not
being upheld, and the party not succeeding may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the
Management Committee.
(B) All such protests claims complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within fourteen days of the
event or decision causing any of these to be submitted.
(C) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the
Management Committee shall direct.
(D) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within
fourteen (14) days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee
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.
(E) If so requested the Management Committee may arbitrate on any disputes, protests, appeals, claims or complaints
between two Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee. Such arbitration shall be final and binding
upon the parties to the arbitration.
(F) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM 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, Notice of Motion having been duly
circulated on the Agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the
power to exclude any Club or Team from membership which must be supported by (more than) two thirds (2/3) of those
present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A team which is the subject of the vote being taken
shall be excluded from voting.
(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 team whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than)
two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
A team whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or
attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or
such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion
in accordance with the provisions of Clause (A) of this Rule.
(D) Any Team failing to complete 75% of its fixtures in any season shall, (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or the
accredited delegates present at the AGM or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a two thirds (2/3) majority of
the votes cast) be debarred from membership the following season.
Any team, having played the AWAY fixture against a Team or Team(s), and not fulfilling the return HOME fixture and
withdrawing from the League during the playing season, shall be liable to reimburse their opponents’ permit costs and
referee’s fee(s) on a percentage basis. The amount of re-imbursement will be subject to the remainder of monies initially
deposited as a goodwill bond by the withdrawing team(s), less any outstanding fines and fees subtracted at the end of the
season.
(As an example, if 3 home matches are left unfulfilled when a team withdraws, then the balance of the withdrawing team’s
remaining funds (goodwill bond, etc) after any outstanding League fines and fees are subtracted, would be divided 3 ways
and those equal proportions would be forwarded to the Clubs/teams affected by the withdrawal.)
(E) Any team that reaches 15 disciplinary points in the season will be written to by the ‘Conduct Secretary’ warning them of
their misconduct. A team obtaining 25 disciplinary points in a season will be required to attend a Management Committee
meeting to discuss in person their continuing misconduct and supply evidence of how they intend to manage this area of
concern. Any team accumulating 40 disciplinary points during the season from all fixtures, MAY be considered by the
Management Committee for expulsion from the Alliance by member clubs at the AGM or an SGM. It is each teams’
responsibility to manage their players’ behaviour and conduct both on and off the field of play. If you do not then the
Management Committee will.
Note: *Accredited delegates are individual Officers and Team Representatives. Only ONE vote from each Officer and each
Team is allowed.
TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER, AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED, AWARDS.
18. (A) A Competition Cup or Trophy shall be vested in the County Football Association sanctioning the Competition as Trustees.
If a Competition were discontinued for any reason, the Cup or Trophy shall be returned to the donor, if the conditions
attached to it so provide, or otherwise dealt with as the County Football Association may decide. The following
agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of Cups or Trophies:
“We.................................. and .................................... the Chairman and Secretary of ..............................FC, members of
and representing the Club, having been declared winners of .....................................Cup/Trophy, do hereby on behalf of
the Club, jointly and severally agree to return the Cup/Trophy to the Trophies Secretary on or before the March League
General meeting. 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.”
(B) At the close of each Competition awards shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition
permit.
(C) Failure to return trophies by the March League General Meeting will incur a fine of £40 for each trophy. The Pat Tansley
Memorial Trophy is required to be returned on or before the AGM each season. If any trophy is returned in a damaged or
unsatisfactory condition, the restoration will also be charged to the Team concerned.
(D) Only those successful teams, whose continuation of membership has been confirmed for the following season and not
later withdrawn, shall be permitted to retain the League’s perpetual trophies until the date of return quoted in this Rule.
Teams not continuing in the Alliance in the following season will be presented with trophies at the AGM. However, they
must also be returned at the end of said meeting.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
19.
Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the teams in membership the Secretary shall call a Special
General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
At least seven 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 Member team shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General
Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the Management Committee.
Any continuing Member Club must be represented at a Special General Meeting.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
Any continuing Member Team failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting without satisfactory reason being
given may be fined £10.
ALTERATION TO RULES
20. (A) Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, 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 these Rules shall not take effect until the following playing season.
(B) Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the League Secretary
at least 28 days prior to the meeting at which they are to be discussed.
(C) The proposed alterations, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Teams
14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting.
(D) The proposals and proposed amendments shall be circulated to Teams with the notice of the Annual General Meeting 7
days prior to the meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those delegates present, and entitled
to vote and voting are in favour.
(E) A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to
the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) 7 days prior to the date of the meeting.
(F) 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.
(G) Each Member Team agrees to the foregoing Rules and also to abide by decisions of the Management Committee, subject
to Rule 16. Each Member Club, having signed the Codes of Conduct or any other policies adopted by this Alliance, has
accepted and agreed to abide by them.
FINANCE
21. (A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition
will be lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £75 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least
two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 31st May annually.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by some
suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
(E) Financial transactions between members with regard to permit transfers will be the responsibility of the members involved,
but must be settled within seven days of the event. In the event of Members failing to comply with the settlement terms,
the Management Committee will intervene. When the Fixtures Secretary requests transfer of a permit to allow a match to
be played, the receiving Club shall settle this amount to the donating Club within 14 days.
INSURANCE
22.
All teams must have public liability insurance cover of at least 10 million pounds (£10,000,000).
All teams shall be members of a Players’ personal accident scheme. The policy cover shall be at least equal to the
minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the sanctioning Association. In instances where The
Football Association is the sanctioning Association, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the
Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
DISSOLUTION
23. (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a Special General Meeting by a majority of three
quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant Special General Meeting.
(B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the
winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.
(C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:
(i)
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 Association.
(ii)
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.
TROPHY COMPETITION RULES
24. (A) The Trophy Competition Rules shall be as for the League Championship except that all Cup matches may commence 30
minutes earlier than League games, to allow for the possibility of extra time. (On private grounds this may vary). Cup draws will
be made at the discretion of the Officers, with neutral observers (all rounds), other than the Plumstead Challenge Cup. If
contested, the draw for the Fred Jolly Cup will be made at the first League General Meeting after the qualifying and first rounds
of the DEWAR SHIELD have been completed.
(B) The trophies shall be known and designated as Challenge Trophies or Charity Cups. Trophies shall be competed for annually,
as decided by the Officers. The entrance fee for all competitions shall be payable not later than August League General Meeting,
and shall be as determined each season per competition. No team will be required to enter more than three League trophy
competitions in one season. The draws for trophy Competitions will be made by the Officers of the League.
(C) The officers shall, for all intents and purposes, be the legal owners of the trophies in trust for the League, and they are the sole
property of the League. No team may hold trophies after expulsion/withdrawal from the League, or a fine of FORTY POUNDS (£40)
may be levied.
(D) Each player must have been registered within this League for not less than twenty-one consecutive days prior to playing in a
quarter final or subsequent round of any competition during the current season. He shall be considered a player of the team
having played three League or cup games, before being eligible to play in a semi-final or final tie. No individual member shall play
for another Team having already played for another team in the same competition. The Officers, at their discretion, may allow a
player not so qualified to play, on investigation of the circumstances presented to them.
(E) Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed to semi-final and final ties by the Referees’ Secretary. For final ties, referees
and assistant referees will receive a trophy and expenses of £10. Up to and including semi-final ties, match fees will be payable
by the competing Teams.
(F) The duration of any trophy match shall not be less than 90 minutes. An extra 30 minutes must be played in all drawn ties. In
the event of a draw after extra time, the result of the game shall be decided on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws
of the Game. Replays will NOT apply at any stage of the competition.
(G) The “home” team will be considered to be the first-named of the member teams in all ties, including the final tie, irrespective
of the venue concerned and subject to the rules of the Competition and ground authority.
(i) The away team is entitled to require evidence of permit cost in any competition match.
(ii) For rounds prior to the semi final the HOME team has the right to determine the time of kick-off subject to paragraph (A),
except when on a ground provided through the League, in such cases the kick off time shall be determined by the Officers
through the Fixtures Secretary. Venues for Final ties will be arranged by the Management Committee and expenses for Final
ties will be met through League funds. An afternoon kick-off for semi-final ties will only be with the permission of the
Management Committee.
(H) Up to and including the semi-final tie, all expenses are to be shared equally by the competing Teams. In the event of the
ground being provided by the League such gate money/programme sales which may be taken shall be received by the
Competition. Venues for final ties shall be arranged by the League, at the discretion of the Officers. All Teams qualifying for
Finals will be required to purchase 18 Cup Final programmes at a discounted price, the cost of which will be reviewed from
time to time.
PAT TANSLEY MEMORIAL CUP – charity competition with proceeds raised for the Greenwich & Bexley Hospice
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. Team sheets must be
completed for this competition as per Rule 11.
(B) The final will be played fourteen (14) days before the first official Sunday of the season with a kick off time of 2:30pm. This
match will be sanctioned by the County FA so will be officiated in the manner expected.
(i) Unregistered/trialist players will be permitted to play in this match but fair play in the spirit of the game must be adhered to
(C) The participants of this final will be decided by the Management Committee. They have the power to decide which teams
contest this final but it is normally the Premier Division winners and the Dewar Shield winners if both member clubs continue in
the Alliance the following season. If the Dewar Shield winners are the same as the Premier Division winners then the Dewar Shield
runners up will be selected to play.
(D) In the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, no extra time shall be played. The winners shall be decided
on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws of the game. A replay will not apply.
(E) Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed to this match by the Referees’ Secretary, match fees will be payable by the
competing Teams.
(F) No individual trophies/medals will be supplied in this match. The perpetual trophy will be presented to the winners upon the
conclusion of the match.
SUPREME ENGRAVING FAIR PLAY INVITATIONAL CUP FINAL
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. Team sheets must be
completed in this competition as per Rule 11.
(B) The participants in this competition cup final will be the two member clubs with the best conduct record during the qualifying
period. For clarification, the misconduct report used shall be the data that is governed by the LFA.
(C) In the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, 30 minutes extra time shall be played. If the tie is still
undecided after the 30 minutes of extra time, the winners shall be decided on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws
of the game. Replays will not apply at any stage of the competition.
(D) Referees and Assistant Referees will be appointed to this match by the Referees’ Secretary. Referees and assistant referees
will receive a trophy and expenses of £10.
(E) Individual trophies/medals will be supplied in this match. The perpetual trophy will be presented to the winners upon the
conclusion of the match.
PLUMSTEAD CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION
(A) The competition is managed by the Officers of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance. Team sheets must be
completed for all ties in this competition as per Rule 11.
(B) Unless otherwise provided for, the competition is subject to the rules of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance,
other than the playing venues of some participating Clubs/teams, which may fall outside the League’s 10-mile radius. Due to the
nature of the Competition, venues outside this League’s normal radius will be deemed acceptable. Other anomalies will be dealt
with by the Management Committee on a “case-by-case” basis. This is to allow for entry by teams from other Leagues.
(C) In the event of the scores being level at the end of 90 minutes play, 30 minutes extra time shall be played. If the tie is still
undecided after the 30 minutes of extra time, the winners shall be decided on penalty kicks, taken in accordance with the Laws of
the game. Replays will not apply at any stage of the competition.
(D) Entry Fee will be £20 per team, payable on or before the August General Meeting. Any outstanding fees not paid by a team by
the Sunday preceding their first scheduled tie will be considered as a withdrawal from the competition and their opponents will
receive a bye into the next round.
Any Team affiliated to a County Association may seek admission to the competition. Members of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday
Football Alliance are admitted automatically, and must advise the Competition Secretary if they do not wish to enter the draw by
or at the August General Meeting.
(E) The Annual General Meeting will be held no later than 30 th June each year, to coincide with the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday
Football Alliance Annual General Meeting, at the Headquarters of the League.
(F) Each member team and each Officer, will be entitled to one vote on each issue where it is called for, other than the Chairman,
who will be entitled to cast an extra vote in the event of a tie. All voting will be decided by a simple majority on a show of hands;
unless a majority of accredited voters should demand a secret ballot.
(G) Each player must have been registered within this League, or their parent league for external clubs, for not less than twentyone consecutive days prior to playing in a quarter final or semi final tie. A player will not be eligible to play in a final tie unless he
has played in a previous tie in the same season for the same team; no player may play for more than one team during the same
season’s competition. On investigation, Officers of the Competition are empowered to grant dispensation.
(H) The draw for this Competition will be made at the September League General Meeting. Each member will be provided with a
copy of the draw. All ties must be played on the date notified and according to the draw, save for weather conditions, when a tie
must be re-scheduled. If convenient and mutually agreed, the team’s tie may be played mid-week. Precedence of other
competitions scheduled for the same date as a tie in this competition will only involve a re-scheduling of the tie in this competition,
if deemed convenient, by the Officers of the Competition. Otherwise, a member team failing to fulfil a scheduled tie will be
excluded from further participation, the tie being awarded to their scheduled opponents. Any such decision taken in the interests
of the competition will not incur any financial penalty.
(I) Officers of the competition will determine the venue, date and kick-off time for final ties, bearing all expenses for the Finals.
The final tie apart, expenses for all ties will be shared equally between the competing teams; the home team will be considered
to be the first-named of the member teams in all ties, including the final tie, irrespective of the venue concerned, and subject to
the rules of competition and the ground authority.
(J) Any team failing to compete in a scheduled tie must provide written explanation of default to the League General Secretary
within four days of the scheduled event. Upon investigation by Officers, defaulting teams will be liable to a fine of £10 plus any
other costs listed under Rule 10(F)(a)(b)(c)(d).
(K) Officers of the competition may call a special meeting at any time it may be considered necessary, and will give seven days
notice of such meetings with details of the agenda. Notice may be dispensed with upon approval of 66% of accredited member
delegates present (a minimum of 20 delegates must be in attendance and able to vote) in the interests of the competition.
(L) Officers of the competition will be trustees of the funds and property of the competition. As allowed by the accumulated funds
of the competition from time to time a donation will be made to various charities.
Where any of the foregoing rules is at variance with the rules of the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance, the rules under
this section will take precedence for the purposes of the Plumstead Challenge Cup in accordance with paragraph (B) above.
(M) The Teams qualifying for the Final will be required to purchase 18 Cup Final programmes at a discounted price, the cost of
which will be reviewed from time to time.
FEES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MAXIMUM FEE
3 (A)
3 (B)
3 (C)
8 (E)
8 (I)
13 (E)
13 (E)
15 (C),16(A)
Application Fee
Annual Subscription
Deposit / Goodwill
Player Registration Form
Transfer Fee
Referees Fees
Assistant Referee Fees
Protest / Appeal Fee
£ 20
£ 50 / 60 / Nil
£200
£ 1 each
£5
£ 35
£ 20
£ 10
FINES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
MAXIMUM FINE
2 (E)
3 (C)
3 (E)
3 (E)
5 (H)
5 (I)
6 (H)
7
Failure to adhere to FA initiatives
Failure to pay a deposit
Failure to affiliate
Failure to prove an affiliation number
Failure to comply with a Management Committee instruction
Failure to pay a fine within 21 days of notice
Failure to be represented at the AGM
Failure to submit the required written agreement or to notify changes to
signatories
Failure to have 14 registered players prior to the season commencing
Playing an eligible player
Failure to provide details of a fixture
Failure to play a fixture
No Team Sheet
Incomplete Team Sheet
Failure to complete the Team Sheet online (FA Full Time) within 4 days of the
match
Failure to provide a match result (fine increases after first offence)
Failure to provide a club assistant referee
Failure to pay match officials fees and expenses
Failure to pay match officials when a fixture is not played
Withdrawal from Alliance after the 31st March
Failure to start / complete fixtures
Failure to return the perpetual trophies by the March League General Meeting
£ 25
No Fixtures
£ 10
£ 10
£ 20
£ 10
£ 30
£ 10
8 (A) (ii)
8 (O)
10 (D)
10 (F) (a)(b)(c)(d)
11 (A)
11 (A)
11 (A)
11 (B)
13 (C)
13 (E)
13 (F)
14 (A)
14 (B)
18 (C)
£ 10
£ 30 per player
£ 10
£ 10 + other costs
£20.00
£5.00
£10.00
£ 5 & £10
£ 5.00
£ 20.00
£ 20.00
£ 50.00
£ 50.00
£ 40.00