HDFL RULES AND REGULATIONS (current) NAME 1. The League shall be called the Heathcote District Football League Incorporated and shall hereinafter be

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1 HDFL RULES AND REGULATIONS (current) NAME 1. The League shall be called the Heathcote District Football League Incorporated and shall hereinafter be referred to as the League or the HDFL. It shall not be dissolved. It shall have the entire control and management of the associated club matches and other matches arranged by the League. It shall have the power to settle all disputes submitted to it. It shall do all things it considers conducive to its interests or to those of the game of football. MEMBERSHIP 2. The League shall consist of two administrators from each of the following clubs: Colbinabbin Football Club Inc. Elmore Football Club Inc. Heathcote Football Netball Club Inc. Huntly Football Netball Club Inc. Leitchville Gunbower Football Netball Club Inc. Lockington Bamawm United Football Netball Club Inc. Mount Pleasant Football Netball Club Inc. North Bendigo Football Netball Club Inc. White Hills Football Netball Club Inc. Together with two administrators from such other clubs that may be admitted from time to time by a majority of not less than two thirds of the eligible votes of administrators present at any meeting of the League called for this purpose. Each affiliated club shall appoint two administrators to the League, along with one emergency at the Annual Meeting. Such appointments must be submitted at the League s Annual Meeting. OBJECTS 3. The objects of the League shall be to promote the game of Australian Rules Football, to increase the effectiveness of the associated clubs and to encourage the formation of new clubs. WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP 4. Membership of the League may be withdrawn at any time by a majority of not less than two thirds of the eligible votes of administrators present at any meeting called by the League for this purpose, however, it may not be withdrawn except on evidence of conduct prejudicial to the interests or objects of the League. NO CLAIM 5. A club whose membership in the League is withdrawn shall have no claim to any property or assets of the League. AFFILIATION 6. The League shall be affiliated with the AFL Central Victoria Football Commission as a district league within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations of AFL Victoria Country. 6a. All clubs affiliated with the HDFL shall be required to field, as a minimum, one senior team, one reserves team and one under age team. This condition is mandatory for affiliation unless a majority of not less than two thirds of the eligible votes of administrators approve a clubs written application for special consideration.

2 OFFICE BEARERS 7. The Office Bearers of the League shall consist of a President, three Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The election of a President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer shall take place at the Annual Meeting of the League. If in any year one person be nominated as Secretary and Treasurer he shall be able to hold the position as Secretary-Treasurer and carry out the duties concurrently. Three Vice Presidents who shall be administrators shall be elected at the Annual Meeting. SECRETARY 8. The Secretary shall perform such duties as the League may from time to time direct and define as attached to that office, and generally attend to all such matters attached to registrations, clearances and permits. TREASURER 9. The Treasurer shall perform such duties as the League may direct and define and attend to the matters as attached to the office of Treasurer. The Treasurer shall present to each meeting of the League detailed accounts to be passed for payment and make a report on the League s financial situation. The Treasurer must forward to each club a detailed balance sheet fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Meeting. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 10. The Executive Committee shall consist of President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be empowered to determine all matters arising between meetings, provided they are not inconsistent with the Rules and Regulations of the HDFL. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE 11 a: The League shall apply all monies derived from any source whatever, in such a manner as may be directed by a majority of the League at any meeting of the League. 11b: All associated clubs shall pay to the League an annual affiliation fee of $ at the AGM 11c: All gate receipts for the major premiership series shall be paid to the league and the league shall pay all expenses incurred in the staging of such major premiership series, excepting catering expenses for all finals not including the Grand Final. 11d: The League shall pay to the club that hosts the Grand Final, an amount determined by the executive which shall be not less than 10% of the total gate takings for the Grand Final. The League shall pay the appointed independent gate keepers for each final an amount determined by the executive that is not less than 5% of the total gate takings for the final to which they have been appointed. 11e: The League at the AGM shall pay a minor dividend to each club. This dividend shall be an amount for appearance of all open age teams in the major premiership series. 11f: The major dividend to be paid to each club shall be defined at the pre-annual meeting 11g: All fines imposed by the League and any outstanding funds owed to the League shall be deducted from the major dividend. If a club receives a dividend which is less than the total amount owed to the league by the club, then the club shall pay the outstanding balance to general League funds. 11h: Club membership tickets will not admit any person to any game in the major premiership series. 11i: Club fee instalments are to be paid on or before the third Wednesday of each nominated month.

3 11j: A club which has not paid the required instalment within fourteen (14) days after the due date will be subject to 0.5 penalty points unless arrangements have been made with the league treasurer prior to that due date. 11k: Clubs which are in arrears by one calendar month will have voting rights suspended until such arrears are paid in full. 11l: All clubs participating in Final series matches must be financial with The Heathcote District Football Netball League before the conclusion of the home and away matches. In the event that a participating club is not financial, the Heathcote District Football League may, at its discretion, remove all or any of its teams from their position in the Final Series matches and promote the next entitled financial teams in their place to participate in the Final Series. AUDITOR 12. The League shall appoint an auditor at the Annual Meeting, he/she shall audit the balance sheet as presented by the Treasurer, he shall examine all accounts and receipts and be satisfied to their correctness, and they are submitted to him. PRE-ANNUAL MEETING 13. The Pre-Annual Meeting shall be held at least one month before the Annual Meeting. Notice to the administrators and the affiliated clubs must be no less than fourteen (14) days. Any club or administrator may forward to this meeting in writing notice of any alterations or additions or otherwise to the Rules and Regulations. Such notices shall be presented to the League at this meeting, and any recommendations made forwarded to the standing committee for final determination at the Annual Meeting. It will then deal with application for admission of other clubs provided all necessary decisions have been finalised. ANNUAL MEETING 14. The Annual Meeting shall be held in November, the date to be decided by the President and Secretary of the League and at least seven (7) days notice of such meeting be given to administrators and affiliated club secretaries of the date, time and place. PROCEDURE 15. The meeting shall proceed to deal with the minutes of the last ordinary meeting and the reception and adoption of the audited statement of accounts. The President will then announce the administrators for the ensuing year. Such meeting will deal with the minutes of the last annual meeting and will proceed with the election of officers, elect standing committee and the general business for the ensuing year. ORDINARY, SPECIAL or EMERGENCY MEETINGS 16. During the year the League may meet such times as the Executive may deem necessary, or by the request of nine (9) administrators or by the request of five (5) affiliated clubs. Sufficient notice must be given to each administrator or club as the business may deem necessary. 16a. A fine of 0.5 penalty points will be imposed on clubs not represented at any meetings of the League. CHAIRMAN 17. At all meetings the President shall take the chair and shall have a casting vote only. In the absence of the President a Chairman shall be elected from the administrators present and shall have a casting vote in addition to his vote as an administrator. QUORUM

4 18. A quorum at any meeting of the League shall consist of at least two thirds of the administrators of the clubs registered in the League. The starting times of all meetings shall be 8 p.m. sharp, unless otherwise notified. VOTING 19. The consensus of each meeting called by the League shall be determined by a show of hands, unless a ballot be demanded. Each administrator shall be entitled to one vote on each question. COMMITTEES 20. At any meeting the League may appoint such committees as it deems fit. These committees must carry out their duties without conflicting with the rules of the HDFL. STANDING COMMITTEE 21. The League shall at each Annual Meeting elect a standing committee comprising of the President or his Deputy and a number of administrators equal to the number of affiliated clubs. This committee shall be empowered to interpret and formulate the rules of the HDFL and make any final decisions on the additions or alterations from time to time of such rules or as requested by the League from recommendations received from clubs at the Pre-Annual Meeting. INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL 22. An independent tribunal to consist of no less than three persons not connected with the League as previously constituted shall be elected annually and the decisions and penalties imposed by such independent tribunal shall be final. The League may from time to time appoint a tribunal officer to act on behalf of the League Secretary, to represent the League and present charges to the Independent Tribunal and such person shall arrange all tribunal hearings, nominate three tribunal members and notify all clubs and umpires concerned re date and time. 22a. Any reported player who fails or refuses to attend a tribunal hearing shall be suspended by the Independent Tribunal until such time as he appears before the Independent Tribunal. If the tribunal is unable to hear the charge before the Saturday following the game in which the player is reported, the player may play in any match prior to the hearing of his charge by the Independent Tribunal. 22b. Police be advocates to appeals and tribunals if they hold a football committee position. 22c. The League be empowered to place a fine on clubs who fail to attend tribunals to the minimum of one penalty point. 22d. That all tribunals for the HDFL be held no later than Wednesday of the week. Following the match the reportable incident occurred. INVESTIGATION OFFICER 23. The League shall appoint an approved Investigation Officer at each Annual Meeting to investigate any matter referred to him pursuant to Unbecoming Conduct. Clubs may lodge with the League the notice under this paragraph, which must be lodged with League within five days after the date of the act setting out in writing particulars of the allegation. A deposit of $ must accompany the notice. The League shall determine in its absolute discretion the amount refunded to the club after costs of the Investigation Officer are determined. Should the allegation be regarded frivolous by the Investigation Officer, then no refund will be returned to the club requesting the investigation. CLUB COACHES

5 24. The names, contact details and accreditation details of each club s Senior, Assistant, Reserves and underage coaches to be forwarded to the League prior to the 1 st April each year. Infringement: one penalty point. CLUB EXECUTIVE AND COMMITTEE 25. All clubs are to submit to the League annually the names of their Executive and Committee members prior to the March meeting of the League. Infringement one penalty point. CLUB REQUIREMENTS 26. Each associated club shall register its colours with the Secretary of the League and no player shall take part in any match of the League unless he is wearing these colours. Infringement 0.05 penalty points per player. 26a Sponsors logos on playing apparel must be approved by the board. On the back of the jumper, logos are to be located underneath the number and no larger than 300mm x 100mm (l x w). On the front of the jumper logos are to be located on the upper chest area only and no larger than 100mm x 100mm. On the shorts, logos are to be located on the front left leg only and no larger than 100mm x 50mm (l x w) 26b Clubs are required to adhere to all conditions contained in any league sponsorship agreements as entered into by the league from time to time. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS AND CLEARANCES 27. Registration of players and clearances are governed by the rules of AFL Victoria Country. 27a. Prior to playing with a club entering the League, all players on the certified list forwarded to the League Secretary by the Secretary of the League from which the club is transferring, must re-register with the Club/League on AFL Victoria Country Players Registration Form for registration of players. The form must be completed in full with all questions being answered. 27b. All registrations shall become effective on confirmation by letter or facsimile of his clearance being granted prior to player s first match in the club concerned. 27c. The registration of players as set out above shall be on a current AFL Victoria Country Clearance/Registration Form and shall close the same day as clearances. 27d. Permit applications lodged with the League Secretary on or before the 30th June in any season must be dealt with by him no later than the 21st July following and must be forwarded to reach the Secretary of the club with which the person desires to play not later than 31st July following. Permits so lodged but not dealt with as set out above will lapse. 27e. Provided nevertheless that any player who has been transferred in the course of his employment to the area of any club at any time after the 30th June in any season and who has served in his employment for six consecutive preceding months shall be eligible to receive a clearance and permit at any time provided that such permit is dealt with in sufficient time to enable the player to play at least one minor premiership match with the club to which he is being transferred prior to the first final match of the body to which the club is associated. 27f. Any player registered with an associated club in the League shall not be eligible to play with any other associated club unless he has first obtained a clearance from the club with which he is registered. In the event of a registered player with a club in the HDFL desiring a clearance to another League Club, then applying to be cleared back to the club from which he was cleared, the return clearance will not be dealt with until fourteen (14) clear days from when he first applied.

6 under age players 28. Players in underage competition must be Under 17 years on the 1st January of the year of playing, verification of age shall be by birth certificate to the League. 28a. All underage players must be registered prior to their first game and the registration form signed by a parent or guardian to be valid. An under age player may, upon request of the league, be asked to provide proof of age. 28b. Any player who is registered with a junior club and or league shall not be eligible to play with the HDFL unless a clearance or permit has been obtained in accordance with AFL Victoria Country rules. EXCHANGE OF PLAYERS LIST 29. Before any match arranged by the League, opposing clubs are to exchange lists of names and numbers of players and also the name of registered runner and signed as a true and correct record by the Club Secretary or Team Manager. A list must be handed to the Central Umpire. The clubs shall ensure that each player shall wear a number and that the player s name shall correspond with the number in the lists supplied (including the lists in the Yabba). Infringement after round 4 (or after four games played): 0.1 penalty points for senior team list and 0.02 penalty points for reserves team list. No penalty to be applied in this case to any underage player listed on the senior or reserve team sheet during the home and away season. For all team lists during the final series this infringement shall be 0.1 penalty points (includes seniors, reserves & under age lists) NUMBER OF PLAYERS 30. The Senior side shall consist of eighteen players and four interchange players. The Reserve side shall consist of eighteen players and four interchange players. To be eligible to play for Premiership points the underage team must consist of a minimum of fourteen players with a maximum of eighteen, with four interchange. Both teams are to be equal in numbers on the field with the use of day permits. Any player who is on a permit from a Junior League that has an agreement with the HDFL is to be treated as a registered player of the club on that day for the purpose of having the compulsory fourteen (14) players to constitute a legal match. Both teams must be equal in numbers on the field but not less than fourteen (14) for the game to commence. The number of interchange players may be sufficient to total 22 players on the team sheet. If, after the commencement of the game, the number of players falls below 14 due to injury, then the game is not forfeited until the number of players is less than 12. (This applies to Home and Away matches only). If a team withdraws prior to the end of round 9 (half way through the season) then all games played against that team shall be deemed unofficial. All individual league awards for these games shall not be counted. If a team withdraws from a competition after round 9 then the games up to and including round 9 shall be deemed official. Any games played after round 9 shall be deemed unofficial and individual league awards for these games will not be counted. The opposition team must make all reasonable effort to ensure that each team has at least 14 players on the field at the commencement of the game. Finals Series: All teams are eligible to play a maximum of eighteen and four interchange players. GROUND INSPECTION FOR MINOR PREMIERSHIP 31. The league shall appoint two Risk Management Officers to inspect the condition of each playing oval in the League and report to the League. Administration to report on condition of ground and surroundings at each League meeting and it shall

7 be the responsibility of the home club to advise if there is a problem or likely to be a problem with the ground or surroundings as soon as possible. If dispute arises the Risk Management Officers and one representative from the home club to meet and endeavour to resolve any problems. Any club not reporting problem or likelihood of a problem or giving misleading information as soon as possible to the League could be fined a maximum of 5 penalty points. PREMIERSHIP CONDITIONS 32. In all matches four points shall be counted for a win, two points for a draw and zero points for a bye. 32a. At the end of the last round the five (5) leading club teams shall engage in the major premiership series under League administration. The major premiership series shall consist of a Elimination Final (4 th v 5 th ), Qualifying Final (2 nd v 3 rd ), First Semi Final (loser of Qualifying Final v winner of Elimination Final), Second Semi Final (1 st v winner of Qualifying Final), Preliminary Final (loser of second semi final v winner of first semi final) and the Grand Final (winner of 2 nd semi final v winner of preliminary final). 32b. Final grounds for the major premiership series shall be selected on a neutral rotation system. The Grand Final of the League to be held on a suitable neutral ground to be decided by the League Executive after consultation with the executive of the Heathcote and District Netball Association (HDNA) It shall be the responsibility of the selected ground club to advise if there is a problem or likely to be a problem with the playing surface or surroundings. The Risk Management Officers shall have the power to decide if the playing surface of the selected ground is suitable to play on. It shall be the responsibility of the selected ground club to provide reliable score board attendants. Interchange Stewards for the major premiership matches shall be the responsibility of the League. 32c. In the event of a Senior, Reserves or Underage match ending in a draw in the Finals Series, a period of five minutes plus time on per quarter be played for two quarters with teams reversing ends in an immediate change over between quarters. In the event of scores still being tied after additional time played, another five minute quarter each end plus time on played, then if scores still tied, Captains to toss for ends and first score wins. 32d. On Grand Final day the Best on Ground Player in Seniors, Reserves and Underage be presented with a medallion. DAYS OF PLAY 33. All matches are to be played on a Saturday unless otherwise sanctioned by the League. MATCH CONDITIONS 34. The Senior matches will commence no later than 2.15 p.m. and play four twenty (20) minute quarters plus time on. 34a. Reserves matches will commence no later than p.m. and play four quarters of twenty two (22) minutes, no time on. 34b. Underage matches will commence at a.m. and play four (4) quarters of eighteen (18) minutes, no time on. 34c. Senior matches will have maximum breaks as follows: Seven (7) minutes between 1st and 2nd quarters, twenty (20) minutes between 2nd and 3rd quarters and Seven (7) minutes between 3rd and 4th quarters. Reserves and underage matches will have maximum breaks as follows: Five (5) minutes between 1st and 2nd

8 quarters, fifteen (15) minutes between 2nd and 3rd quarters and five (5) minutes between 3rd and 4th quarters. 34d. Time Keepers are instructed to report any teams who are not ready to start at any time of the above given times. Infringement fines 0.4 penalty points for Seniors and Reserves and 0.1 penalty points for Underage. 34e. Not including trainers, water boys or the runner, a maximum of three (3) club officials may be inside the fence whilst the game is in progress. All of these club officials are to remain behind a line 1.5 metres from the boundary line. Infringement: 0.1 penalty points. The minimum space between the fence and the boundary line shall be three metres. 34f. No football ground in the HDFL to be marked with Limil. 34g. HDFL employ Gate Keepers for all finals games. 34h. For the major premiership series the starting times will be 9.45am for the under age competition, 11.50pm for the Reserves and 2.15pm for the Seniors. The Under Age matches in the major premiership series will consist of two (2) quarters of eighteen (18) minutes followed by two (2) quarters of eighteen (18) minutes plus time on. The Reserves matches in the major premiership series will consist of two (2) quarters of twenty two (22) minutes followed by two (2) quarters of twenty (20) minutes plus time on. For the Grand Final only the underage game will commence no later than 9.30am and the senior game no later than 2.30pm. 34i Where a League has approved a night game, the following match times shall apply: Under age shall commence not later than 2.30 pm Reserves shall commence not later than 4.15 pm Seniors shall commence not later than 6.15 pm Match duration shall be determined by the current by laws, 34, 34a, 34b & 34c. 34j Any variation to the match starting times and match duration must be requested in writing by the Wednesday prior to the match in question and approved by the League executive. 34k The times listed in by law 34h may be adjusted as required at the discretion of the executive. UMPIRES 35. The League shall appoint Central Umpires Associations affiliated with AFL Victoria annually to officiate at all minor and major premiership matches. Where more than one Umpire Association is officiating they shall umpire in games as determined by the league during the home and away series and on a merit based system, as determined by each association in liaison with the league, during the Finals series. 35a. Central Umpires shall have the power to report players as set out under the Australian National Football Council s Rules of the Game. The umpire must make such reports to the League Secretary or his representative, being the Secretary of the club on whose ground the match was conducted, within 48 hours of the match and the reported player will be dealt with by the League Tribunal if the reported player and the umpiring body so desires, otherwise the player may accept the set penalties as laid down by the Rules of AFL Victoria Country.

9 35b. The League shall appoint Goal and Boundary Umpires for minor premiership matches of the Seniors and Boundary Umpires for the minor premiership matches of the Reserves and all umpires for major premiership matches. 35c. Clubs are to appoint Goal Umpires for minor premiership matches of the Reserve and Underage competitions. 35d. Boundary umpires will NOT be supplied for the underage competition. In this competition ONLY, if the ball goes out of bounds by foot, whether on the full or not, a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. A player CANNOT score directly from this free kick. If the ball goes out of bounds but NOT off a players foot, a ball up shall occur 5 metres inside the boundary at the point where the ball went out. 35e. Scores of all matches shall be kept on League Score cards and the Central Umpire and Goal Umpires are to sign the same as correct and hand them to the home club Secretary who shall forward them to the League Secretary by the first available mail. Each affiliated club will register with the League an Official Scorer, he shall keep the score at home club minor premiership games and in the event of a dispute between the two Goal Umpires, the Official Scorer s card will be taken as final and signed by the umpire. 35f. Umpires are responsible for their own transport to all minor and major premiership matches in which they are officiating. 35g. In the event of an Umpiring Association being unable to supply sufficient umpires to officiate at minor premiership matches it shall be the responsibility of the clubs to appoint club umpires to officiate under the authority of the Umpiring Association and the League. All club umpires officiating as Central, Goal and Boundary must endeavour to have complete knowledge of all rules of umpiring as per AFL Victoria Country Handbook (Rule 8) that gives officiating umpires full power of control. The rules of umpiring shall be supplied by the HDFL and adhered to at all times. In the event of any umpires nominated to officiate at any major premiership match not being present at the time for the match to commence, President and Secretary of League to have power to appoint a substitute. 35h. All clubs to register Runners name on players sheet. 35i. All Goal and Boundary Umpires, Runners, Trainers and Water carriers to be clad in the correct attire. Goal Umpire: White coat and/or high visibility vest as approved by the league. Boundary Umpire: All White Runners: Must wear a top approved by the league and either black tracksuit pants or black shorts. Top to have HDFL Runner plus the club name printed on the back. Water carriers: May be a maximum of four (4) and they must wear a top approved by the league with the club name printed on the back and individually numbered. Whenever possible, they must be fourteen (14) years of age or older. Trainer: Must wear a top approved by the league and black (or white) tracksuit pants or black shorts. Top must have the club name printed on the back and individually numbered. All of the above officials must wear approved and appropriate footwear

10 The runner, trainers and water carriers names must be listed on the club s team sheet. Any infringement 0.05 penalty points each. TIME KEEPERS 36. Both Time Keepers must fill League Time Keepers cards correctly and report on cards any infringements for late starting. 36a. Time Keepers for minor premiership series to be appointed by the clubs, and for major premiership series by the League. 36b. The runner or the team manager shall report to the timekeeper when a player from their team is sent off under the order off rule. 36c: Only officially sanctioned persons are permitted in the time keepers box during any official game between clubs affiliated with the League. PROTESTS 37. All clubs referring protests, charges or disputes in connection with League matches shall lodge two copies of particulars of same in writing with Secretary of the League by 5.00 p.m. on the Wednesday following the match in question. The Secretary of the protesting club shall also forward a deposit of $ which shall be returned to the club after the hearing of the protest if the protest is not deemed frivolous. If the protest is deemed frivolous by the League then the deposit shall be forfeited. The Secretary shall immediately on receipt of such particulars forward a copy thereof to the Secretary of the protesting club and shall convene a meeting of the Tribunal to deal with the subject as soon as possible. 37a. The Secretary of the League shall give two days clear notice to the Secretaries of the two clubs concerned in the dispute, of the time and place of the meeting of the League or such committee as it may appoint to consider the dispute. The clubs concerned may present such evidence concerning the dispute as they are able to collect and which is considered by the body deciding the dispute to be relevant. 37b. If any club knowing that any player of an opposing club is ineligible to play does not prior to the match notify the Captain of the club with which the player intends to play of the fact, a protest by such first mentioned club in respect of such player will not be entertained. 37c. Any player knowing that he is ineligible to play and does not notify the Captain of his own club shall be liable to be disqualified or otherwise dealt with as the Tribunal may think fit. ELIGIBILITY FOR MATCHES IN ANY ONE SEASON 38. A player must have played in at least five minor premiership games recorded as played to be eligible to play in the major premiership series. 38a. Any player who has played more than eleven games recorded as played with the Seniors shall not be eligible to play in the Reserves (in finals series only). 38b. A player must play five minor premiership Reserves matches recorded as played to be eligible to play in the major premiership series of the Reserves.. 38c. In the event of a player being away at a boarding school, the eligibility shall be three minor premiership Reserve matches recorded as played. 38d. In the event of any club having Seniors and Reserves playing on the same weekend, players can become interchangeable provided they have played at least five (5) games recorded as played with the club during the home and away season.

11 Reserves players who are named as a senior emergency and play in the reserves final on Saturday can play with the seniors on the following day in the event of a late withdrawal by a senior player. In the event of both seniors and reserves playing on the same day during the finals series, then a player named as a senior emergency and not having played more than forty (40) minutes of playing time in the reserves final, can be withdrawn from the reserves match and play in the seniors final because of a late withdrawal of a senior player due to injury or illness on the day. A maximum of three (3) emergencies can be named for the senior team. All other players can only play one match per weekend. 38e. If any Underage player plays more than eleven games recorded as played with the Seniors in any one season, he becomes ineligible to play Underage Football for the rest of that season. Players must play five minor premiership matches recorded as played to qualify for Underage major premiership matches. 38f. If a player plays on a day permit with the opposition, that game will be counted as one of the five needed to qualify for the finals. 38g: Any player listed on a team sheet must be at the ground, dressed in football playing attire and ready to take the field if called upon. 38 h) Long term injury: If a player is seriously injured while training or playing for his HDFL affiliated club (practice matches and interleague included), then a club may apply in writing to the League executive for special consideration to allow that player to compete in a final series without obtaining the minimum eligibility criteria. This application must be made at least five (5) weeks prior to the commencement of the finals series. The League executive may require evidence as to the nature of the long term injury before ruling on a club s application. 38i Any player on local interchange to a VFL Club must play a minimum of five (5) games for his HDFL Club. Notwithstanding this criterion, if he plays more than eleven (11) games for his VFL club then he becomes ineligible to play finals in any grade of the HDFL. LIFE MEMBERS 39. The League shall on a majority of these present at any meeting have the power to elect Honourary Life Members, but shall not elect more than two such Life Members annually. Life Membership shall be awarded only to those who have rendered special service to the League or to the game for a period of not less than ten years. A nomination for Life Membership may be made by an administrator or any member of the League executive and shall be lodged with the League. Person or persons nominated shall not be present in the room during the course of discussion or election. No life member nominated shall have a vote as such. MINOR PREMIERSHIP MATCHES OR HOME AND AWAY GAMES 40. Gate receipts from these matches become the property of the club on whose ground the match is played. It shall be the club s responsibility to meet all expenses in relation to the match and to supply approved balls of the following standard:- Seniors - two new first grade balls for selection Reserves - One new first grade ball or one good used ball Underage - One new first grade ball or one good used ball

12 The home club will provide such amenities that will increase the patronage and standard of the HDFL. Scoreboards are to be responsibly manned for all matches. Goal posts are to be padded. PLAYER EXPELLED OR SUSPENDED 41. Any club expelling or suspending a player from its ranks shall forward within one week of such expulsion or suspension the name of such player, together with particulars of the offense, and with reasons of such expulsion or suspension, to the League. The player shall have the right to appeal to the League, provided notice of intention to exercise such right is given to the Secretary of the League within fourteen (14) days from the date such player receives notification of such expulsion or disqualification. No player whilst so suspended or disqualified shall be permitted to play in any League match. No club shall be allowed to play any player who has been so suspended or disqualified until his case has been finally decided by the League. 41a. Any player who makes himself unavailable without valid reason, for an Inter League game shall be disqualified from the next home and away match. INTERPRETATION OF RULES 42. These Rules shall be interpreted and construed by reference to the Rules of the Australian National Football Council and the Rules of the AFL Victoria Country and shall be read in conjunction with and subject to those rules. 42a. In the case of any questions arising and to the interpretation of the Rules and Regulations of the HDFL the standing committee appointed by the League for that purpose shall act upon as conclusive. PENALTIES 43. In any case where no penalty is hereinbefore expressly provided for, the infringement of the Rules by By-Laws shall be dealt with as the League may think fit. 43a. In the event of a suspected breach of AFL Victoria Country or HDFL regulations, the League Secretary, in consultation with the League President, shall serve on the club concerned a Show Cause Notice. This notice will require the club to respond, in writing, explaining the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach. The league secretary must receive this response within three (3) days of the date on the notice. The League executive will then determine the penalty, if any, and make its recommendation to the League Administrators. 43b. The penalty imposed on a club for a breach of AFL Victoria Country or HDFL regulations will be either the reversal of a match result, a fine, a censure or referral to an approved investigations officer as the league shall deem appropriate. 43c. If a team plays an unregistered player during the season, or an ineligible finals player, then that team s club will be subject to AFL Victoria Country regulation 1.3 and HDFL by-law 43a.. BEST AND FAIREST VOTES 44. League Best and Fairest voting to be by Umpires votes on proper ballot papers supplied by the League. Any player who has been found guilty during the season shall be ineligible to receive the trophy. 44a. All Best and Fairest voting on the Seniors, Reserves and Underage be selected from the official players sheets on the day of playing. 44b. In the event of players polling level points in the League of the Senior, Reserves and Underage Best and Fairest awards, there shall be no count back and each player shall be credited with an award. 44c. Any player playing in the HDFL on a permit from another league shall be ineligible to receive any votes in a HDFL best and fairest award.

13 44d. Any player transferred to a HDFL club after 30 th June of the current season under a current area agreement shall be ineligible to receive any votes in a HDFL best and fairest award. HDFL 200 CLUB AWARD MERIT 45. That the HDFL Award Merit be granted to players who have played 200 Senior games with their respective clubs within the League. These players to receive medallion and Life Membership. MATCH RETURNS 46. An appointed official of the home club must electronically forward to the League Secretary the official scores, goal kickers, best players and any reports for the senior, reserve and under age competitions by not later than 5.45pm on the day of the match. Infringement: 0.2 penalty points. 46a. The home club Secretary shall forward the following documents to be received by the League Secretary by the second available mail after the game: a. Two goal umpires score cards for Seniors, Reserves and Underage. b. Two players lists for Seniors, Reserves and Underage Teams. c. Interchange sheets of the day. d. Two Time Keepers cards for Seniors, Reserves and Underage. e. Two Goal Kicking cards for Seniors, Reserves and Underage. f. One Best and Fairest sealed vote for each of the Seniors, Reserves and Underage. g. The Public Vote for Seniors from each of the two competing teams. h. Any other documents directed by the League. Failure to do so will incur 0.5 penalty points. POWER AND AUTHORITY 47. The League shall have full power and authority to make all such appointments, enter into all such contracts or engagements as it may consider advisable or necessary for the purpose of carrying out its objects for the advancement of the League and the game. It may revoke all or any of such appointments and withdraw from, vary and rescind any or all of such contracts and/or engagements as it may from time to time think no.