SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LEAGUE RULES SEASON. (Adopted at the Annual General Meeting Held on Saturday 30th May 2018)

Transcription

1 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LEAGUE RULES SEASON (Adopted at the Annual General Meeting Held on Saturday 30th May 2018) 1

2 SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES SEASON CONTENTS PAGES RULES TITLE MOMENTCLATURE & CONSTITUTION ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTIONS & DEPOSIT & 4 OFFICERS MANGEMENT, NOMINATION & ELECTION POWERS OF MANAGEMENT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS CLUB COLOURS & CLUB NAME PLAYING SEASON, TIMES OF KO & SUBSTITUTIONS & 12 REPORTING RESULTS & DERTERMINING THE CHAMPIONSHIP REFEREES CONTINUATIION OF MEMBERSHIP & WITHDRAWAL OF CLUB PROTESTS & COMPLAINTS BOARD OF APPEAL EXCLUSION OF CLUB OR TEAM, MICODUCT OF PCLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS TROPHIES SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS ALTERATIONS TO RULES FINANCE & 23 INSURANCE & INSOLVENCY CUP COMPETIONS ROUND ROBIN CUP COMPETITIONS KNOCK OUT CUP COMPETIONS RECEIPT FOR CUPS/TROPHIES 2

3 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE INTRODUCTION STANDARD CODE OF RULES FOR YOUTH COMPETITIONS

4 STANDARD CODE OF RULES FOR YOUTH COMPETITIONS This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association and additions, for Youth Competitions. Youth Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the sanctioning Association and do not conflict with the mandatory Rules or any relevant principles and policies established by The FA. Guidance from the sanctioning Association should be sought in advance if there is any doubt as to the acceptability of additional Rules. This Standard Code of Rules is mandatory for all Youth Competitions. Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the code putting them in the correctly numbered Rule and showing the standard heading. The mandatory element is printed in normal text and the optional elements in italics. It should be noted that in many cases Rules are so printed because they are alternatives and the procedure to apply should be retained and the others omitted. In all cases where a line is shown the necessary name, address, number or wording to complete this Rule must be inserted. 4

5 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE ONE MOMENCLATURE & CONSTITUTION 5

6 RULE ONE MOMENCLATURE & CONSTITUTION (A) This Competition shall be designated the Skelmersdale Junior Football league (hereafter referred to as the SJFL) league Cup/Cup and will incorporate additional competitions such as the No 1 & no 2 Cup and the European Cup & Europa Cup and shall consist of no more than 40 clubs and entry therein shall be by invitation only. (B) The SJFL will reproduce the relevant FA Rule in its handbook and on its website to ensure clarity and compliance with Rule 8(B) (C) All such member clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on Form D to the Liverpool and Lancashire County Football Associations. The area covered by the SJFL membership shall be Skelmersdale. This League shall apply annually for sanction to the Liverpool and Lancashire Football Associations and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding FIFTEEN in number. (D) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) The SJFL and each member Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination. The League and each member Club does not and must not (by rules or regulations or) in any manner whatsoever unlawfully discriminate against any person within the meaning and scope of the Equality Act 2010 or any law, enactment, order or regulation relating to discrimination (whether by age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise). The League and each member Club are to 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 providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise. Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation will be referred to the Liverpool or Lancashire FA (depending to which the offending person(s)/teams/clubs are affiliated) (E) The SJFL wishes to become a designated charter standard League. Existing member Clubs have until the end of the season to achieve the Charter Standard Club Award or face expulsion from the League. New member Clubs will have one year to achieve the Charter Standard Club Award. The League has the right to refuse membership to a Club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving the award. (F) The SJFL and its Member Clubs/teams shall support the FA s Respect programme. As such it recognises that everyone in football has a collective responsibility to create a fair, safe and 6

7 enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. A Respect league values the contribution of match officials, players and spectators and ensures that they are treated with courtesy and fairness by opposing players, club officials and spectators. The League and its Member Clubs/teams will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive, but not antagonistic environment. (G) Member Clubs/teams shall not enter any of their teams playing in any other competitions (with exception of the FA and Liverpool/Lancashire FA competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the SJFL. (H) At the Annual General Meeting or a special General Meeting called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates shall have the power to decide or adjust the compilation of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence of Rule 12 (Determining the Championship). 7

8 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE TWO ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION & DEPOSIT 8

9 RULE TWO ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION & DEPOSIT (A) Entry/Re-entry to the SJFL shall be by invitation only. Applications by Clubs/Teams for admission to the SJFL or for the entry of an additional team(s) must be made by registering the details on line by the date, as set by the Management Committee at the Annual General Meeting. Once accepted, Member Clubs/Teams must pay their entrance fee within 14 days of the application being accepted otherwise they face having their registration revoked. The SJFL reserve the right to refuse entry/re-entry to the league at their discretion. The formulation of the leagues i.e. age groups shall be determined by the Management Committee and announced a meeting proceeding the Annual General Meeting. (B) The Registration Fee shall be per Club/Team. Any club entering more than THREE teams will be required to pay an additional per team. (C) A club shall not participate in the SJFL until the Annual Registration Fee has been paid. (D) Clubs must advise annually, in writing to the Registrar by the 19 th of September of its Liverpool/Lancashire County FA affiliation number for the forthcoming season, failing which they shall be fined Clubs must also advise the Registrar, in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Officers, their affiliated FA and if they have achieved Standard Charter status. (E) The following rules specifically apply to the SJFL only: (i). Each team is obliged to pay 10.00* tote each week of the year, not just during the playing season, this will remain payable even if a team should leave the league. The tote is drawn at the end of the match day or Sunday 1:30 pm during the closed Season with the assistance of an independent person, the results of which shall be published the following week in the display frame in Liverpool Road. The prize money shall be retained by the Treasurer and handed to the winner or winners at the next match day or at the earliest opportunity during the close season. (ii). The prize money shall be 200 (September-May each year) then 150 (June September each year), to be awarded to the winner, or equally shared between multiple winners. Should there be no winners at the drawn, the prize money will roll over to the following week, and will continue to do so until won. (iii). No member will be automatically expulsed from the tote should they fail to pay, but will be asked to pay their back payments and should understand that should they be listed amongst the winners, monies will be deducted from their prize money to make up the debt to the league. 9

10 (iv). The Snowball shall increase by per week should it not be won, but will be capped at 500. The monies thereafter shall be used for the purpose of supporting the running costs of the league and the start of the next snowball. (v). To qualify to win the snowball, a player must match the snowball number with their single number (if boxed off) or if players have two numbers, then the bonus ball must match both the chosen numbers. (v). At the end of the year, those who have contributed to the league shall refunded 25% of their contributions which member clubs/teams may withdraw at on the date, as advised by the Management Committee or elect to have this retained by the committee to cover their Tote over the closed season. Requests to withdraw from the tote, or claim their discount must done in writing to the Secretary by the 1 st of December each year. Agents will automatically be refunded this 25%, as they pay year round. All are reminded/new clubs/teams, that the tote was introduced to assist with the upkeep of the league s financial commitments, the general running of day-to-day business and the end of season trophies to alleviate the necessity of charging an Annual subscription on top of Registration fees 10

11 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE THREE OFFICERS & RULE FOUR MANGEMENT, NOMINATION & ELECTION 11

12 RULE THREE OFFICERS 3. The Officers of the SJFL shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting and elected thereat. (N.B. Auditors/Verifiers are not officers). RULE FOUR MANGEMENT, NOMINATION & ELECTION (A) The SJFL shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee and five other members who shall be elected at the Annual General meeting. All participants shall abide by the Football Association regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The Association from time to time. (B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary, in writing, to jon@skemjfl.co.uk, signed by the Secretaries of two member Clubs, not later than the 30 th of May 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 nominations in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting. (C) The management Committee shall meet at least quarterly. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Management Committee shall convene a meeting of the Committee. (D) Except where otherwise mentioned, all communication shall be address/ ed to the Secretary jon@skemjfl.co.uk who shall conduct the correspondence of the SJFL and keep a record of its proceedings. No complaints or requests will be dealt with unless they are in writing and by the nominated Club secretary. The committee shall not deal direct with parents. (E) All communication received from Clubs must be conduced through their nominated Officers. Members of the Management or other Officers serving on the Committee do not have to be affiliated to any Club or team within the SJFL. Nor does being involved with a Club/Team bar anyone becoming a member of the Committee, however, to protect the integrity of members who have ties to a Club or Team, the following should, if possible have no such ties: Fixtures Secretary Discipline Secretary 12

13 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE FIVE POWERS OF THE MANAGEMENT 13

14 RULE FIVE POWERS OF THE MANAGEMENT (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 SJFL and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association. (B) Subject to permission of the Liverpool and Lancashire County Football Associations, 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 SJFL and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to contribute such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season (see Rule 6 (E) Annual General Meeting). (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 subcommittee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman may have a second or casting vote. (D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the SJFL and also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the league including any not provided for in the Rules. With the exception of Rules 5(I) 6(H)(AGM), 10(a)(Times of Kick-Off, Postponements and Substitutes), 11(Reporting Results) and 19 (Special General Meetings) A FORMAL WRITTEN CHARGE MUST BE RAISED. The respondent shall be given SEVEN days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to: (i) Accept or deny the charge (ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or (iii) Put their case before the management Committee The Management Committee may not deal with breaches of the laws of the Game, or Rules and Regulations of the Football Association, but must refer these to the appropriate Association to be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules. (E) Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate. (F) All decisions of the management Committee shall be binding, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16 (Board of Appeal) (G) Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within fourteen days of the decision being made. 14

15 (H) Three members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and three Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any sub-committee of the SJFL. (I) The Management Committee, as it deems necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their numbers. Acting members may be automatically elected on as a full member at the next Annual General Meeting, depending on interest in the particular post held. (J) A Club/Team having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attends to the business and/or the correspondence of the SJFL, shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee. (K) All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 (fourteen) days of the posting ( ing) of the written notification. Any Club/Team or individual failing to pay their fine by the stipulated time will be fined a maximum of 50. Further failure to pay the fine, including the additional sum within 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding payments are settled. Any fines levied against a Club/Team or individual shall be donated to a charity or worthy cause, at the discretion of the Management Committee. (L) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the SJFL to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the league. (M) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the SJFL between the annual General meeting or special General meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season. (N) NO PARTICIPANT UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS CAN BE FINED. (O) The business of the SJFL, as determined by the Management Committee may/shall be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile. 15

16 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE SIX ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS 16

17 RULE SIX ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the 30 th of June each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted, provided that at least two-thirds of the members are present and entitled to vote: (i) To receive and confirm Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting. (ii) To consider and business arising therefrom. (iii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts. (iv) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee) (v) Constitution of the SJFL for ensuing season. (vi) Election of Officers and management Committee. (vii) Appointment of Auditors. (viii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given) (ix) Fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick-off times. (x) Other business of which due notice shall be given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM. (B) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be published on the website for member Clubs/Teams to down load fourteen days prior to the meeting, and actual copies sent to the Liverpool and Lancashire County Football Associations. (C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Liverpool and Lancashire County Football associations within fourteen days of its adoption at the Annual General Meeting. (D) Each member Club is required to send at least two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled one vote only and the person charged with registering the Member Club s vote should be made known to the Secretary on arrival at the meeting. Fourteen days notice shall be given for any meetings. (E) Clubs who have withdrawn their membership from the SJFL 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 does not apply to clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17(Expulsion of Clubs or Teams etc). (F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards/show of hands unless a ballot can be demanded by at least two-thirds of the delegates qualified to vote, or if so decided by the Chairman. (G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Club. (H) Any Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given, or without submitting their apologies to the Secretary, in writing, within reasonable time, shall be fined (I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General meeting. 17

18 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE SEVEN AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED 18

19 RULE SEVEN AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED The Chairman and Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the SJFL Treasurer, together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. We, A... of...(chairman) and B...of...(Secretary) of The...Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Skelmersdale Junior Football league and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into Membership, to conform to those Rules and regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the management Committee of the SJFL, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16 (Board of Appeal). Any alteration of the chairman and/or Secretary on the above agreement must be notified to the Liverpool and Lancashire County Football Associations to which the club is affiliated and to the Secretary and the Registrar of the SJFL. NOTE: THE SPACES ABOVE ARE INTENDED FOR THE INCLUSION OF THE SIGNATURES AND ADDRESSES OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 19

20 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE EIGHT QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS 20

21 RULE EIGHT QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS A. (i) Contract players, as defined in FA Rules, are not permitting in this League, with the exception of those players who are registered under contract with the same clubs who have a team operating in 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 12 and over crossing boarders such as Wales, Scotland and Ireland. (ii) No player registered with an FA Premier League or Football League Academy will be permitted to play in the SJFL. A player registered with a Centre of Excellence may only play in this Competition subject to the Regulations of the programme for Excellence. A letter of release from the Centre Director must be produced to the League and Registration Secretaries. Players released from such establishments are eligible to join the league providing it is before the league s registration deadline (31 st of January) (iii) All clubs are to inform the League and Registration Secretaries of players who are registered with any of the above. B. A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other aspects, has: (i). Signed a fully and correctly completed SJFL Registration Form in ink, countersigned by his/her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registration s Secretary 14 days to the commencement of the Competition. (ii). During the Season signed a fully and correctly completed SJFL Form in ink, countersigned by his/her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registration s Secretary at least 3 days prior to playing and whose completed registrations counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing. The registration document must incorporate any known serious medical conditions of the player and emergency contact details of the players, parents or guardians. These details must be available on match and training events the player attends with the Management of the Club or SJFL. The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size up to date photograph of the player seeking registration, together with proof of the player s date of birth. C. A child who has not attained the age of six shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encourage to play, in a match of any kind. The relevant age for each player is determined by his, or her age, as at midnight on the 31 ST of August of the relevant playing season, together with those who attain the age of 6 during the playing season will be classed as under 7 players for that playing season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on the 31 st of August in a playing season will be classed as under 8 players for the playing season and so on. 21

22 Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above his or her chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after the 31 st of August is permitted only in the under 7 age group, and may not play in the under age group, for that playing season. The age groups that children are eligible to play in are set out in the table below, along with the permitted football formats for each of those age groups. Children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the stated number of players, according to their age group: Age on 31 August of the relevant playing season Eligible Age Groups Maximum Permitted Format 6* Under 7 5v5 Under 8 Under 8 5v5 7* Under 9 7v7 Under 9 7v7 8* Under 10 9* 10* 11* 12* Under 10 Under 11 Under 11 Under 12 Under 12 Under 13 Under 13 Under 14 Under 14 Under 15 Under 15 Under 16 Under 16 7v7 9v9 9v9 9v9 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11 11v11 Under Under Under 17 11v11 *Donates none-competitive In accordance with the foregoing qualifications, a player under the age of 14 years at midnight on the 31 st of August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older our younger by 2 years or more. D. A player is not eligible to play in the SJFL who receives any form of payment for playing E. (i). 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 SJFL 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. (ii). No manager, coach or club official is to approach any player, players or their parents/guardians with the intention of persuading that player or players to join their team/club, without first speaking to the manager of the player/players current club. 22

23 F. There shall be no fee for any player registered. Registration Forms shall be obtained from the Registration s Secretary at a cost of 5.00 per form. G. The Management Committee shall decide all registrations and all registration disputes shall be made in writing to the League and Registration s Secretary. (i). In the event of a player or players signing a Registration Form or having a Registration submitted for more than one Club, priority of registration shall decide for which club the player, or players should be registered. The registration s Secretary should notify the Club last applying the player, or players, the fact of the previous registration. H. It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to: (i). Play for more than one Club/team in the SJFL in the same season without first being correctly transferred. (ii). Having signed for one Club/team in the SJFL sign for another Club/team therein in the playing season, except for the purpose of an official transfer. (iii). Submit a signed Registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. (iv). Approaching a player or his/her parents/guardians for the purpose of seeking a transfer without in the first instance seeking permission from the current club. I. The committee shall have the power not to accept the registration from any player subject to the provisions of clauses (i) and (ii) below (i). The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player at their discretion who has been charged or found guilty of registration irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16 (Board of Appeal). (ii). The Management Committee shall have the power to make application or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16 Board of Appeal). (iii). The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16 (Board of Appeal). (iv). The Management Committee shall have the power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16 (Board of Appeal) 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 the SJFL. Application should be made to the parent County of the Football Association of the Club; the player is registered or intending to be registered with. (v). For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (v), but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probations of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the SJFL, (excluding standard 23

24 dismissals), the SJFL would be empowered to consider a further charge of bring the SJFL into disrepute. (vi). The Committee shall reserve the right to suspend or withdraw a player s registration should any person associated with that player, i.e. spectator is guilty of any offence against the league rules or the spirit of the game. (Note: Action under clause (v) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and only in cases of the player bringing the SJFL 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 SJFL in 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 the SJFL). J. Subject to RA Rule 2(c) (Entree Fee, Subscription, Deposit) dealing with players without a written contract, when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer shall submit a transfer form to the Registrations Secretary accompanied by a fee of Such transfer shall be referred by the Registrations Secretary to the Club for which the player is registered. Should this Club object to the transfer it should state is objections in writing to the Registration s Secretary and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days, the Registrations Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from 10 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. K. A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the SJFL after the 31 st of January. L. A Club shall keep a list of the players it has registered and a record of games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. In the event a Club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be clearly identifiable but not designated A or B or 1 st or 2 nd. In such cases, players will be registered for one team only. A player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8 (B) Qualification of Players. M. 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 by any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one season only. N. A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding match (as specified in Rule 12 (A) (Determining The Championship)) unless the player has been signed for the new Club for 10 days. O. (i). Any team playing an unregistered player or otherwise, shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. 24

25 (ii). In addition the team shall have 3 points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with any further manner which is thought fit. (iii). The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed. P. The following clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education: (i). Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities (except for Sunday Competitions). (ii). The availability of children must be cleared with the head Teachers (except for Sunday Competitions). (iii). A child under the age of 15 years on the 31 st of August in a playing season, shall not be permitted to play in a match during that playing season where any other player is older or younger than that child by two years or more. Q. The following rules specifically appertain to the SJFL: (i). All requests to sign a player or players after the 31 St of January, must be made in writing to the Management Committee setting out their reasons. If it is a case of a weakened side (i.e. the team has become so depleted that is unable to provide a full side and two substitutes), the club must provide evidence of this. Furthermore, the club must provide the Management Committee with a list of names currently signed for them, along with the proposed new signings/transfers. Any long term injuries or absentees must be deregistered before the new signings/transfers can be made. In such cases, new signings may be eligible to play for their new club within 72 hrs of their registration being accepted and providing that, in the case of a transferred player, his/her obligations with his/her previous club have been fully discharged. (ii). Special dispensation may be given if a club loses its goalkeeper and wishes to signed a player to fill this position. However, a player signed, or transferred for this purpose may only play in that position. If the player is played in another position, other than that for what he was signed, this will be treated as a breach of P (i) of this Rule and as such, the player s registration will be revoked and the Club/team will punished as previously described, in the aforementioned sub-paragraph. 25

26 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE NINE CLUB COLOURS & CLUB NAME RULE NINE 26

27 CLUB COLOURS & CLUB NAME A. Every Club must register the colour of its shirts by the 1 st of September to the SJFL League & Registrar Secretaries who shall decide as to their suitability. (i). Goalkeepers MUST wear colours which distinguish them from the other players and the REFEREE. (II). No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. (ii). If in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs/Teams have the same or similar colours, the AWAY* team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours, or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined (Note: It is the responsibility of the AWAY team manager to check with their opponents at least two days prior to the match being played what colours they will be in and, in the event of a potential clash, the HOME team shall make alternative arrangements to avoid a clash of colours on the day of their game). (iii). In the event of the away team not having a change of kit, the team may wear training bibs for league, but must, for safety reasons ensure that they are tucked in their shorts. Bibs may be used for preliminary rounds of cup games, but not for semi or final games The league have some spare shirts in the Treasurer s office which may be hire for 5, which will be refunded on the return of the kit B. This rule only appertains to the SJFL: (i). Team officials, i.e. Manager, Coach and Welfare Officers, must wear a HV Vest which identifies them to their opposite numbers and the referee. Any team official failing to wear their HV Vest shall be fined 15 in the first instance, 30 in the second, with a third offence, where appropriate resulting in the forfeit of the game and the points thereof being awarded to the opposing team. The wearing of arm bands will no longer be acceptable*proposed and accepted at the AGM 20 Jul 17 Clubs/Teams may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit. C. Any club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football association and the SJFL Management Committee. 27

28 Serving the Community SKELMERSDALE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULE TEN PLAYING SEASON, TIMES OF KICK OFF POSTPONEMENTS & SUBSTITUTES 28

29 RULE TEN PLAYING SEASON, TIMES OF KICK OFF POSTPONEMENTS & SUBSTITUTES PLAYING SEASON A. The Annual General shall determine the date for the commencement of the season in accordance with Football Association Rules, which in the case of the SJFL shall be the First Sunday in September of each new Season. (i). The fixtures and Registrar Secretaries, where possible, will convene a meeting at least 21 days prior to the start of the season whereupon the final formulation of the leagues (age groups) and the first set of fixtures will be announced. These will then be published on the SJFL website. (ii). Once the fixtures have been set, these will be deemed to be accepted unless objections are received, in writing by the Fixtures Secretary within FOURTEEN days of their issue. Any club failing to be represented at a fixture meeting or otherwise infringing this Rule shall be liable of a fine of and the Management Committee or the Fixtures Secretary shall arrange that Club s fixtures. CONDITIONS OF PLAY B. All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football board or, for Mini-soccer, and 9 v 9 football, the Laws as set down by the Football Association. (i). For Age Groups U14 s & U15 s games will be played at Blauguate, all other age groups shall be played at Liverpool Road. (ii). The SJFL Management Committee take all reasonable precautions, along with the Lancashire County Council, to ensure that all playing surfaces are in a playable condition. The Management Committee shall have the power to cancel any all games, should they deem the playing surfaces are not suitable for whatever reason. (iii). Over riding Rule 10 C, above, the final decision of the suitability of the playing surface is solely down to the Referee and his/her decision is final. The Referee shall also be empowered to suspend the game for minor repairs or cancel the game if in his/her opinion the surface or equipment becomes unsuitable or dangerous throughout the game. 29

30 (iv): NUMBER OF PLAYERS, BALL SIZES & DURATION OF THE GAME AGE GROUP MAX No OF PLAYERS MIN No OF PLAYERS SIZE OF BALL U7 & 8 5 V U9 & 10 7 v 7 4 U9 s 3 U10 s -4 U11 & 12 9 v U13 & v U15 & v DURATION OF THE GAME (Non-Competitive) - 20 minutes each way with a half time break of no less and no more than 3 minutes. The maximum playing time in any one day is 40 minutes (Non-Competitive) 25 minutes each way with a half time break of no less and no more than 3 minutes. The maximum playing time in any one day is 460minutes - 30 minutes each way with a half time break of no less and no more than 3 minutes. The maximum playing time in any one day is 60 minutes 35 minutes each way with a half time break of no less and no more than 3 minutes. The maximum playing time in any one day is 70 minutes 40 minutes each way with a half time break of no less and no more than 3 minutes. The maximum playing time in any one day is 80 minutes (v). The minimum time for any game will be not less than 20 minutes each half for players in the under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes for each half for all other age groups. (vi). No player participating in an under 17 division or lower age group as at midnight on the 31 st of August in any season shall be permitted to play more than one game, or in the event of the competition allows the playing of a double-header, i.e. two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this competition. (vii). No player who has played for another Club or team in another league on the same day he/she is due to play in the SJFL will not be allowed to play, irrespective if it is noncompetitive or not. Any player found doing so, the game shall be stopped and he/she along with the manager will be reported to the appropriate FA. In addition, the club shall be liable for punishment, as laid down in Rule 8 P (i) (Qualification of Players) TIMES OF KICK-OFF (vii). The times of kick-off shall be fixed at the AGM. Any club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum not exceeding 15.00, or otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine. (viii). Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Referees Appointments Secretary on their Match Report Cards at the end of the game. Any team causing a delay of 15 minutes, the referee shall abandon the game, the points of which shall be awarded to the opposing team as a win. The offending team shall receive f fine of 25.00, as deemed appropriate by the Management Committee. The offending team shall be liable for the FULL Referees fee. (x). Each HOME team must provide at least two footballs fit for play in the event the ball becomes lost or fails to conform to Law 2. The referee shall make a report to the SJFL if the footballs are unsuitable. 30

31 POSTPONEMENTS 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 Cup competi8tions. All other matches must be considered secondary. (i). Clubs are responsible of informing the Fixture s Secretary if they are entered into any competitions held by the Football Association or the Liverpool or Lancashire County Associations and the dates on which they are due to play and of further progress thereof. (ii). The SJFL will not suspend or rearrange fixtures, either league or cup, for teams who have entered any other competition or tournament outside the SJFL, which may coincide with league/cup fixtures. (iii). Once fixtures have been published teams will not be permitted to request changes for any reason D. Any club playing in a match with less players than the maximum number of players, in their particular age group, may be fined 5.00, per missing player. E. (i). In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement, the management Committee shall have the power to inflict a fine of 50.00, deduct the points from the defaulting Club and award points from the match in question to the opponents where applicable. In addition, they will order the defaulting club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents/the Leagues or otherwise deal with them except the award any goals and the FULL Referees Fees. (ii). Every Club shall play its best available team or teams in all matches in the SJFL. (iv). In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to as arranged by the Fixture s Secretary. (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 disadvantage of the SJFL, or particular competition, therein, and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that the 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 deem all points for the match as void. (vi). The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both teams were under 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. 31

32 (vii). Clubs will be allowed ONE* strike per season for extreme legitimate reasons, compassionate reasons. Applications should be made on line, and THREE WEEKs notice given, with the reason for the strike. No applications will be accepted after this time limit. Once verified, the game will be postponed and rearranged for another day. The closing date for the request of a strike shall be the 28 th of February in each playing season, after such time, not shall be granted. Strikes will not be permitted for cup competitions, if a team is unable to fulfil their fixture, they will be eliminated from the cup. *This was proposed and agreed at the AGM Thu 27 Jul 17. SUBSTITUES F. (i). Only players named on the team sheet shall be allowed to play in that match. The Referee should be informed of any player or players that may be arriving late. However, any player arriving more than 15 minutes after the commencement of the game shall not be eligible to take part in that game in any capacity i.e. as a player or substitute. And, no game shall be held up for the arrival of a late player or players. (ii). For Mini-Soccer, any number of substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the Referee, provided they are named on the team sheet. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A player who has been replaced may return to the play as a substituted for another player. A team must not have a squad greater than double the size of its team in any age group. All named substitutes must be used at some stage during the game. FA RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT G. (i). The SJFL shall require all players and club officials to have signed the FA s Respect Code of Conduct and produce these if so requested by the Management Committee. (ii). Prior to each match, the participating teams and officials shall conduct the Respect handshake and/or participating teams to offer three cheers and handshakes to the opposing team after the match. (iii). The participating Clubs taking part in the fixture shall identify a team captain designated with the captain s armband who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her team mates. If the participating players are considered too young to take on this role, a member of the coaching staff should provide this support. (v). Each Club is to ensure that all their non-playing staff and spectators only position themselves along the side line of the field of play on the side, in which their Club officials are. No substitutes, Club Officials or spectators are to stand along the goal line or behind the goal. Referees are to stop the game and remove any one standing behind the goal line or on the wrong line. 32

33 The following rules specifically appertain to the SJFL only GOALS H. Each Manager is responsible for erecting their own goals at the beginning of the match day and the onus is with them to ensure that they are secured safely to the ground and that they provide sufficient pegs to secure the net to the goals to the ground. Each Manager is to ensure they bring sufficient pegs to secure the goals/nets. I. At the end of the game, any fields not being used, each manager will receive a card from a member of the Committee instructing them that the goals and corner posts should be brought in. Any manager failing to do so shall receive a fine of J. In the case of Mini-Soccer goals, is it paramount importance that managers ensure that once their game has ended, if no instruction has been left to bring in the goals, the goals are to be laid flat on the playing field s surface to prevent children from playing in these whilst not secured to the ground. K. All Club officials, players and other users of the facilities at Liverpool Road have a duty of care for the safety of the children and all other personnel to ensure that children do not erect the Mini-Soccer goals and play in them whilst unsecured. L. Managers, and parents are solely responsible for the children in their care throughout the time they are at the playing fields both at Blauguate and Liverpool road. Children are to be discouraged from swinging or climbing over the goals and from using the corner posts as javelins. Any player found doing so will have their name taken and will be reported to his/her club. The Club shall be liable for the cost of any repair, or replacement of any league equipment which may be lost or damaged through the negligence of a player or spectator associated with the club. TEAM SHEETS M. Before the commencement of the match, each manager is to fully complete a team sheet, have the sheet signed by the referee and exchange the appropriate sheets between each other. The team sheet must contain: Forename and Surnames of all players Both home and away manager s signatures Date and time of match The Referees Signature Scores. N. At the end of the game, the manager is to take a copy of his/her team sheet and it to skemjflteamsheets@gmail.com to reach the Secretary by no later than 10 pm on the Tuesday, post-match, to which the Secretary shall send a receipt to the manager by no later on Thursday, post-match O. Failure to carry out this procedure, shall be fined 15 for the first offence and 25 for offences thereafter. However, the Secretary shall, by no later than the Friday, post-match send a reminder to the team s club along with an administrative charge of for teams who have failed to submit their teams sheets. They will be given the opportunity to send in their late teams sheets by no later than 10 pm on the Saturday post-match or receive a further fine of 15/ 20 respectively Introduced and passed at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday the 30th of June