Men s Playing Committee (MPC) Policy Manual

Transcription

1 Men s Playing Committee (MPC) Policy Manual Updated at MPC meeting on 16 th September 2014 Updated at MPC meeting on 19 th May 2015 v 14 19th May

2 Contents MPC Responsibilities and operating procedures Composition National Club Competitions British National Championship (BNC) Northern Flags Festival Player Transfers Senior Lacrosse Under Age Players Disciplinary Procedures Gender Considerations Player Eligibility Representative level Juniors and Schools (N) Dispensation Procedures National Squads Recognition Financial considerations Officials (Referees) Assessment Competent Officials Rules Dispensations Goals Mouth Guards Unified Field Subscriptions (Extract from ELA Policies) v 14 19th May

3 1. Men s Playing Committee 1.1 Responsibilities and operating procedures Prime responsibility will be towards the organisation of men s Lacrosse and in this context will be to: set the policy monitor implementation of the policy co-ordinate and control the activities provide a focus for budget setting / control of spends consider discipline matters as needed approve men s Senior Tours and Visits (and advise Board) arrange competition outside of remit of League North / South review / manage rule changes implement and adhere to the ELA s Child Protection policy manage discipline matters related to national competitions for the following Committees whose key tasks are outlined: League North (North of England Men s Lacrosse Association NEMLA) Competitive Structure (all aspects) in the North of England Under 19 League (North) Schedule of major fixtures / events Player / club discipline Juniors and Schools competitive structure League South (South of England Men s Lacrosse Association SEMLA) Competitive Structure (all aspects) in the South of England Player / club discipline Juniors and Schools competitive structure Referees & Rules Provide Referees: Recruit Train Awards Policy Assessment Assign to games Rules Interpretation (as needed) Rule Changes: Recommend change Assess practicality of any proposed change National Squads (this will fall within the remit of the Performance Committee). Administer and control all matters related to National Squads Decide manner in which all National teams will be selected Appoint to Managerial, Coaching and Administrative positions Organise an annual International Programme of Games v 14 19th May

4 National Squad / Events Finances International Liaison Main contact point for FIL, ELF, FIIC & other International Bodies Appoint men s delegates to International fora as required. Event Promotion Organise major events Income generation through sponsorship Regions Promote and support within Region Co-ordinate / represent clubs within Region Provide competitive structure outside of National / Regional / League as needed Organise Representative teams (all age groups as needed) Fund Raising The Men s Playing Committee will hold an AGM to: a) provide a means of communication to its members particularly on the years activities (Committee Reports) and provide a forum for relevant matters to be discussed. b) To elect the MPC Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and such other officers that the MPC considers necessary to assist in the smooth running of men s lacrosse. c) to nominate an MPC Chair to the ELA Ltd. AGM d) to agree any other nominations to the ELA Ltd. AGM e) to agree any proposed changes to the men s Rules of play MPC Annual General Meeting This shall be held at a date and place agreed by the MPC. Notice of MPC AGM All relevant members of the ELA and the MPC shall receive 21 days notice of the AGM accompanied by the agenda and any relevant papers. Voting at MPC AGM Those entitled to vote at the AGM are: One representative from each Club or Educational Establishment in membership of the Association; with a team(s) playing in regular league competition (or equivalent as decided by the MPC), Members of the Men s Playing Committee (which includes a representative from each Region and League North / League South) Voting shall normally be by a show of hands or as otherwise directed by the person chairing the meeting. v 14 19th May

5 Quorum Quorum to be 10 people present who are entitled to vote. Proxy Voting Any person entitled to vote may do so by proxy vote by registering their intent, duly signed, with the Honorary Secretary who, after verification of the validity of the proxy, will exercise this as directed. Proxy votes must be received by the Honorary Secretary at least two clear days prior to the meeting concerned. Casting Vote The person chairing the meeting shall have the power to exercise a casting (second) vote as needed in a tie position. Postal Ballot The MPC shall have the power to call for a postal ballot, in advance of a General Meeting, on matters deemed appropriate. Rules changes These will be subject to the condition of a minimum of two thirds of the eligible votes being cast being in favour of any such resolution. 1.2 MPC Composition Officers: Chair Vice-Chair Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Hon. Minutes Secretary Elected at ELA AGM Appointed by MPC Elected at MPC AGM} roles currently combined Elected at MPC AGM} Elected at MPC AGM Committee Chairs nominated from within the Committee and confirmed at MPC AGM National Squads Appointed by MPC see note regarding Performance Committee Referees and Rules Appointed by MPC Special Events Appointed by MPC Note that with the setup of the Performance Committee (PC) the remit of National Squads will transfer to PC however the chair of NS will remain as a member of MPC to maintain communication flow. League Representatives nominated by relevant League / Region prior to and advised at MPC AGM League North Appointed / Elected by LN (NEMLA) League South Appointed / Elected by LS (SEMLA) Regional Representatives - nominated by relevant League / Region prior to and advised at MPC AGM v 14 19th May

6 North West South of England Yorkshire & North East Universities Appointed / Elected by Territory Appointed / Elected by Territory Appointed / Elected by Territory Appointed Youth representation (N&S) Appointed by NEMLA / SEMLA v 14 19th May

7 2. National Club Competitions The previous position has been retained as an appendix to this document for historic reference National Club Championship (Iroquois Cup) In January 2014 the MPC agreed to create a new competition to better meet the requirements of the sport, and to identify a National Champion Club team eligible for European competition. The National Club Championship is administered by English Lacrosse. Entry is by invitation extended to the top teams within the major English Leagues, currently BUCS, NEMLA and SEMLA. Teams will play in a preliminary round on day one (the format to be confirmed prior to the event), with a final game, played to full international rules, on day two to identify the Champion National Team who will be awarded the Iroquois Cup to hold for one year. The runners up, third and fourth places will also be recorded. The champion team will be invited to represent English Lacrosse in the men s European Club Championship (Ken Galluccio Cup)) and will receive funding towards the cost of this event. In the event that the Champion team declines the invitation then it will be offered to the other teams in order of final placing.. Manchester City Council have provided sponsorship for the staging of this event in the run up to the World Championships in 2018, and so initially the Championship Tournament will be held in Manchester. After 2018 the location of the event will be decided annually by English Lacrosse after considering available facilities, funding, and support. v 14 19th May

8 3. British National Championship The British National Championship (BNC) is administered by nominees of the English Lacrosse Association Men s Playing Committee. The BNC is the Regional Competition of the British Isles with adjustments to suit the playing strength of the different regions and sectors of lacrosse. The prime participants are: North West Region (previously Cheshire / Lancashire) Yorkshire & North East Region The counties forming the geographic entity of the South of England Universities representative teams with invitations extended to Scotland and Wales until such time as they have counties or geographic entities strong enough to participate in the competition in their own right. Similar considerations apply to the South of England in respect of county participation. The Administrators may from time to time accept sector-based teams to assist in the development of lacrosse e.g. British Universities English Universities North of England Universities South of England Universities Scottish Universities Welsh Universities National (UK) U19 Squads and other teams to assist in presenting a viable tournament e.g. Regional second teams (or two or more teams from a region of comparable standard). The Administrators may, from time to time, invite teams from outside of the British Isles to enter the event but this is on a non- challenging basis, that is they cannot be declared winners of the British National Championship. The games will be played according to the prevailing ELA Laws of Lacrosse except that the Administrators may vary squad sizes, game durations and such like to suit the needs of the specific tournament. The tournament may however be used as an environment in which to experiment with possible rule changes. The structure of the tournament (number of games, pool play, playoffs, final etc.) shall be decided by the Administrator giving due regard to the number of teams participating and the matters such as the number of fields available. v 14 19th May

9 Inevitably this will mean that the number of teams participating will be an even number. The winners of the annual British National Championship shall be awarded the Nick Kehoe Trophy to hold for one year. For the early losers there is a Plate Competition with a trophy, provided by MPC, being held by the winners for one year. The lower grouping of teams compete for the Centurion Lacrosse Club development trophy. Noting that this is a memorial event for Nick Kehoe the family wishes that the event should be played over one weekend at a single venue will be respected. 4. Northern Flags Festival - Responsibilities English Lacrosse Head Office NEMLA Rochdale Women Branding Pre Event Ticketing Marquee Hire Event Promotion Team Invitation Pre Event Information Media Coverage Online Programme Arranging Umpires and Referees Inviting the Vendors Taking Entrance Money Arranging Food and Drinks Arranging Changing Room Facilities Arranging Parking Attendees Arranging Volunteers Pitch Markings Inviting NEMLA representatives Trophies - Returning before Event Electrical Supplies Goals Balls PA System Scaffolding Note: some responsibilities are currently under review. v 14 19th May

10 5. Player Transfers The administration of transfers of players from one club to another is dealt with under local byelaws respectively by both NEMLA /League North and SEMLA / League South. The fundamental policy statements agreed at Men s Playing Committee on 17 th May 2005 is that: a) If a player owes money to one club he will not be permitted to play for another club until the debt issue is resolved. b) Decisions made by LN will be binding in the area controlled by LS and viceversa 6. Senior Lacrosse Under Age Players Background In common with most other sports in the period years ago Lacrosse had to address the issue of age limitations, this being with a concern both for the development of the younger age group and also with the increasing prevalence of litigation, particularly in respect of those responsible for control of a match, Coaches, Managers, Referees and the Governing Body. The most publicised case related to Rugby (Smolden v Whitworth) where the judge made specific mention that reference to the point that the age of the victim had affected his judgement. At this time local authorities instructed Schools to cease masters v pupils games in contact sports and National Governing Bodies began to give this area far more attention. ELA Position The recommendation from most of the relevant sporting agencies was that the lower age for senior participation should be set at 18. This has been followed in a number of contact sports and indeed was the view of our own Juniors & Schools Committee. However the view taken was that until there was an effective competitive structure for the grouping the ELA lower limit would be set at 16 years of age. If it is considered that 16 is an inappropriate age then it is a matter for the membership to decide at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. Legal Considerations Contrary to the thoughts of some people this is not currently a matter of legality. There are no known legal statutes that specify a minimum (or indeed a maximum) age for senior participation. v 14 19th May

11 Insurance All registered players, whatever age, are covered under the terms of the ELA insurance policy. The policy does not specifically restrict who can play in what games but there is an expectation that seniors would play against seniors and juniors against juniors. As part of the regular dialogue with the Insurance Brokers the ELA provides broad estimates of the number of senior players, junior players, coaches, referees etc. The general position, based on events in other sports is that if issues arise, either from the insurance brokers or in instances of litigation, then reference is made to the relevant national governing body (in our instance the ELA) to provide an interpretation of senior / junior and whether any aspect of the laws of the game / constitution / policies etc. have not been complied with. The insurance brokers would also refer to the ELA for confirmation of registration (and confirmation of this occurring before any incident) and age (as registered on the database) where this is relevant. Questions Raised Is dispensation required to play in a friendly match? The issue is that of physical contact (rather than points) and as such juniors should not play against seniors in any match. Dispensation needed Is dispensation required to train with seniors? Again the issue is that of physical contact. If there is no physical contact and the Coach / Organiser of the training session accepts full responsibility for any consequences then my opinion would be that dispensation is not required. If physical contact then yes. If there is a dispensation does this mean that the Insurers will waive specific cases? No, it means that the controlling authority (League North /NEMLA or League South /SEMLA) have taken on this responsibility. The insurers will not even be aware of any dispensation prior to any issue arising. If there is a dispensation does this mean that the ELA underwrites those cases? No, it means that the controlling authority (League North or League South) have taken on this responsibility. The ELA will ensure due diligence that the controlling authority have a listing of those with dispensation and that they have satisfied that authority s criteria in respect of skill / Physique / Stature. If the Opposition fields a team with Under 16s without dispensation v 14 19th May

12 Normal eligibility rules apply in respect of sanctions for playing an ineligible player Does the dispensation apply to all teams? No only to the players who have been authorised (skill / physique / stature) by the local controlling authority (League North or League South). This whole issue is not entirely black and white in the context of insurance / possible litigation in the event of any incident and insurance brokers will not give consideration to a range of hypothetical situations as these could easily be misinterpreted and may be prejudicial. Dispensation Dispensation procedures are currently in place for: League South with authorisation within SEMLA and notification to MPC. League North Under 19 Competition with all players registered with the U19 Competition organisation. v 14 19th May

13 7. Disciplinary Procedures The administration of disciplinary matters within the respective geographic regions is dealt with under local byelaws by both NEMLA /League North and SEMLA / League South except for national competitions which will be dealt with by MPC. The fundamental policy statements agreed at Men s Playing Committee are: 1) If a player is barred from playing lacrosse the ban should stipulate: a) the precise time period of the ban. b) the number of League / Flag matches to be covered by the ban If the number of matches (of the ban) are not covered within the time served period then at the end of this period the residual ban will only apply to league / flags matches and not other games. Implicit in this is a requirement for the relevant Disciplinary Committee to set a time period in all instances. See below for examples 2) During the period of any ban, including those for expulsion fouls, the ban will cover all Lacrosse matches within the period e.g. this will include U19 Tournament, Six a Sides, Eights Tournaments, Internationals, County, BUCS, BNC and Friendly matches etc. 3) If a player is banned from all lacrosse activity for a defined period this covers all lacrosse matters including, but not limited to coaching, refereeing, CBO etc. 4) Any ban applied by MPC or one Regional Association will have national applicability (and International in respect of games falling within the remit of the ELA or involving England) 5) Decisions made by LN will be binding in the area controlled by LS and viceversa. 6) It is noted that the relevant disciplinary committees have the authority to dictate what suspended players, coaches etc. may or may not do in a lacrosse context. 7) For matches outside of the normal league/ cup control, e.g. BNC, Bluesfest, Bath or Easter 8s, or overseas tournaments, etc. the controlling body should normally determine the discipline action to be taken. If the matter is sufficiently serious or cannot be dealt with at the specific event the organisers should refer the matter to the relevant regional disciplinary committee to take action. As needed MPC will provide direction to the regional disciplinary committee or take relevant action. v 14 19th May

14 8) Note that for University games within the British Universities and Colleges Sports structure (BUCS), BUCS will look to the relevant League committee to administer on any discipline issue. Any ban for a period of BUCS games will include a ban on any other games (including League and Flags) during that period. The reverse also applies; any League ban will also include BUCS matches during the period of the ban. Examples a) A player is banned for a three week period and 3 league / flags games 3 league / flags games occur in this period The player cannot play in any games over this three-week period b) A player is banned for a three week period and 3 league / flags games The player cannot play in any games over this three-week period 3 league / flags games occur over an 8 day period (Saturday, rearranged game on Sunday, Saturday). The ban applies for the time period which may mean that 4 league / flags games are missed. c) A player is banned for a three week period and 3 league / flags games The player cannot play in any games over this three-week period Over the period less than 3 league / flag games are played. At the end of the time period the player may take part in any game except league / flags until 3 have occurred. Note that in BUCS games an expulsion foul will result in an automatic one game ban. v 14 19th May

15 8. Gender Considerations The English Lacrosse Association has published its Equity Policy and Whole Sport Plan (WSP) and details are available on the ELA web site. Stockport Lacrosse Club, in their letter dated 23 April 2007, with a proposed motion for the ELA 2007 AGM requested a clear and definitive guideline related to the practical application of the policies and specifically related to gender and age. The current position is as below: 1. The ELA with its respective Committees and related bodies provides the framework for the opportunity for all genders to play Lacrosse where practical in terms of geography and general support (numbers wishing to play that version of the game). The variants of the game are: Men s Lacrosse for boys and men Women s Lacrosse for girls and women Mixed Lacrosse for boys / girls or men/ women wishing to play together Pop Lacrosse a development game generally played up to the age of 12 for the mixed school environment. 2. The rules of the respective games together with the interpretation of the ELA define the gender applicability and the instances where specific dispensation has been agreed by the membership. 3. Men s Lacrosse the rules governing the play of Men s Lacrosse in England are the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) document The Rules of Men s Field Lacrosse with specific variants (not related to age or gender) applicable to play in England as agreed by the membership (through the Men s Playing Committee [MPC] AGM. 4. The Rules of Men s Field Lacrosse is the official rules of men s field lacrosse. Whilst the specific rules says that Lacrosse is played by two teams of ten players each, the ELA interpretation, and indeed that of the FIL, is that this shall be played by boys / men. 5. In a like manner the rules of Women s lacrosse are the FIL Official Rules Book (was IFWLA). This refers to players on a team and the ELA interpretation, and that of the FIL, is that this shall be played by girls / women. 6. The only exception presented to and agreed by the ELA is that under defined conditions girls (aged Under 14) may play in boys Under 14 and lower age group competitions. v 14 19th May

16 The defined conditions are that any girl (Under 14) wishing to play in boy s competition must have parental approval (written) and agreement of the club that the girl plays for. Note: it is not a requirement that the opponents agree to the girl(s) playing. v 14 19th May

17 9. Player Eligibility Representative level Eligibility considerations In nationally represented matches players to be qualified to play for England must either be: a) United Kingdom subjects who are passport holders or eligible for United Kingdom passports. or b) have at least one grandparent of English nationality or a) acquired English nationality by marriage or naturalization or d) Residence in England In Regional matches the qualifications shall be either: a) place of birth or b) bona fide residence for a period of at least six months or in the case of a University, College or School three months or c) member of a club of an affiliated Regional Association No player may represent more than one Region in the same season No player may represent in the same season more than one club in any matches that form part of a National Championship or Competition under the jurisdiction of the Association unless his transfer has been approved by the Leagues North and / or South under which the clubs concerned are controlled. (Currently the only such competition is the Flags, which through the Iroquois Cup match determines the English Club Championship) 10. Juniors and Schools (N) Dispensation Procedures (this now falls within the remit of League North / NEMLA) At the MPC meeting on 17 th November 2009 it was agreed that requests for dispensation would be dealt with by a panel of three people. The panel will be formed at the beginning of each season comprising the Chair of J&S (N) and two other appointees. Further guidance may be found in the J&S Policy and Good Practice Guide. v 14 19th May

18 11. National Squads (this now falls within the remit of the Performance Committee) 11.1 Recognition Recognition (medals, certificates as appropriate, the concept of caps being notional) would be appropriate for the following: 1. World Championships 2. European Championships 3. Under 19 World Championships with the Chair of National Squads retaining a discretionary option to make other recommendations when relevant Financial considerations The following points are applicable when player / participant payments are not completed before an event commences: 1. The payment plan must be agreed prior to the scheduled event taking place 2. The plan must ensure that full payment is completed within 12 months of the event 3. Hardship considerations to be open and transparent and dealt with at NS/ EPC level rather than by individual team managers. v 14 19th May

19 12. Officials (Referees) 12.1 Assessment Some of the events and surrounding the 2007 LN Flags semi-finals and resultant actions indicated a need to ensure that a clear and transparent process is in place to deal with any issues related to a referee performance and any genuine concerns raised by member clubs. Following on from the discussion at the Men s Playing Committee on 11 th September 2007 the responsibilities have been clarified as: a) Referees Association (North) [or indeed any Referee or Umpire Association] Open to all Referees in the North of England but with, in practice, no real authority or executive powers, more a "trade union / friendly society" for referees. b) LN Referees Appointments Secretary (or may be undertaken by a nominee of the Referees Association). Responsible for the administration of referee appointments to games c) MPC / Referees and Rules Committee Responsible for (in addition to Rules matters) provision of Referees, which embraces: Recruitment Training Awards (Policy, Structure of Awards, Setting / Marking examinations for potential referees at the proscribed levels). Assessment Assignment to Games (implicitly major events, tours and visits, Championships) Within the remit of "Assessment" this must include those referees already qualified to confirm that they are still up to the standard etc. If a club (as the Member) wishes to raise a matter related to Referee ability, performance or general behaviour etc. then the first point to address any such issue would be the Referees and Rules Committee. Only after consideration by that body would there be cause to appeal to the MPC (in the sense that the MPC is the body above all of its subordinate committees etc.). v 14 19th May

20 12.2 Competent Officials The policy below has been agreed by MPC (13 th November 2012 and 22 nd January 2013) Consideration of Competent Referees It is important for the development of the sport and the safety of participants that referees and officials of games are competent to carry out their duties, having an up to date knowledge of rules and procedures. Officials holding a current Refereeing qualification, and coaches holding lacrosse accreditation at level one or higher are regarded as competent within this guidance. Clubs may also nominate individuals as competent to act as referees or officials for games in their leagues. These individuals must be notified in writing to the league and competition organisers confirming that these individuals have an operational knowledge of the rules and procedures of the game and that they are regarded as competent to act as officials for that club. It is expected that officials notified as competent by clubs will obtain a basic level qualification as soon as practically possible, and within one year of the club nominating them as an official. Failure to so may mean they will not be accepted as competent after the one year period. 13. Rules Dispensations 13.1 Goals MPC has agreed that the Rule changes, from 2010, relating to Goal Posts would not be enforced until the start of the 2015/16 season (effectively 1 st September 2015) Mouth Guards MPC has agreed that the rule change (FIL 2012, ELA 2013) relating to mouth guards (17.1) will not be implemented until September 1 st It is hoped that players will however use mouth guards in advance of that date. Earlier introduction has already been agreed as follows: National Squads 1 st September 2013 Academies 1 st September 2013 Youth North 1 st January 2014 Under 19 League 1 st September Unified Field Dimensions To be effective from 1 st September 2015 v 14 19th May

21 14. Membership Subscription Procedures We have over the years encountered a few difficulties with subscription payments and generally these are from the same clubs / universities. In order to formalise how we manage this the following procedure has been agreed by the ELA Executive Committee. At the commencement of each season the following procedure is to be followed for Membership Subscriptions for all categories excluding Individual. ELA to send out invoices to clubs by the third week of September requesting payment be made within 30 days. University invoices will be sent in mid- October, when contacts have been confirmed, with payment due within 30 days. Where possible invoices will be copied to a second contact within a club / university (this has been requested by a number of members) A reminder will be sent to those that have not paid 30 days after initial invoice despatch. (3 rd week of October, mid - November for Universities) and advising that if either payment not received or contact made with the office consideration will be given to membership suspension. If no payment or contact made by 20 th December then a further communication to be sent to the member advising that if no payment or contact by 10 th January then membership would be suspended and : - The relative Region / League organisation would be advised. - The suspension would be posted on the ELA web site - The relevant Referees / Umpires organisation would be advised. - In the case of Universities the Head of the Athletic body would be advised. As and when payment is made or contact made with the ELA to agree arrangements for payment then the membership would be re-instated and the organisations referred to above advised and the web site would be updated. To assist with the formation of new clubs the CEO has discretionary powers, in the first season of operation, to reduce the team fees by up to 50%. The club payment, currently set at 100 is not subject to discount. At the ELA 2007 AGM it was agreed that a 20% premium on subscriptions from season 2009/2010 onwards would be applicable for those clubs not achieving the basic level of accreditation by September 1 st v 14 19th May

22 Appendix Previous position retained for historic reference National Club Competitions There are currently two national club competitions these being Iroquois Cup: the English Club Championship, instituted in 1896, and contested between the respective winners of the NEMLA and SEMLA Senior Flags competitions. This has traditionally been played in the April / May period and alternates between a north of England and a south of England location. Historically in the days of the North v South fixture (replaced by the British National Championship and predecessor events) the Iroquois Cup location alternated with the North v South game. Wilkinson Sword: this is a newer competition instituted in the 1988/89 season when the Sword was made available from the Wilkinson Sword Company. It is competed for by the respective winners of the NEMLA and SEMLA Leagues (initially Division 1 but both renamed as Premier Divisions). Originally the game was scheduled for September as curtain raiser to the forthcoming season (similar to the FA Charity / Community Shield) but in recent years, to better reflect the actual teams that have won the respective leagues has been scheduled in May. In those instances where Flag winners have won the League, in both North and South a single double header (trophy) game has been arranged. The continuation or otherwise of these games was discussed at both the MPC 2007 AGM and subsequent MPC Executive meeting on 22nd May 2007 where it was agreed that both games should continue and these should be scheduled for the end of season (May) and that penalties should be imposed on defaulting teams as well as conceding the game. The penalties agreed, commencing from season 2007/08, are: Iroquois Cup Recognising that this is the culmination of the respective Flags competition then if a team defaults it would be barred from entering the relevant Flags competition in the following season. Wilkinson Sword With this being played between the respective League Winners the appropriate penalty for a defaulting team would be a points deduction with effect from the commencement of the following season. Penalty to be five (5) points. Squad Sizes the squad sizes for the Iroquois Cup and Wilkinson Sword games are up to 16 players. Note: it the same teams win both the League and the Flags in both regions then, provided both teams agree, a double header (Iroquois Cup and Wilkinson Sword may be played) v 14 19th May