RED ONION CREATIVE BALLARAT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE. Operations Manual. Ballarat Football & Netball League Inc Edition

Transcription

1 Operations Manual Ballarat Football & Netball League Inc Edition Note: This edition is valid for the 2015 season, and shall continue to be current until a new edition is released by the Ballarat Football & Netball League Inc. 48

2 Special Transfer for the player - see Transfer Restrictions). RED ONION CREATIVE BALLARAT FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE Transfer Restrictions The maximum number of Transfers a Club can receive in any one season is four (4) and an unlimited number of special Transfers (see Special Transfers). Approvals The former Club has within six (6) clear business days of the submission of the online Transfer request from a player s new Club to approve a Transfer via the online competition management system. Should the former Club fail to respond, the Transfer will occur automatically, following the expiry of the six (6) clear business day timeframe (subject to Transfer restrictions). Refusals The former Club can refuse the Transfer of a player within the designated timeframe of six (6) clear business days by notifying the Competition Manager of the refusal via the online competition management system. A refusal can only occur where the Club can substantiate that the Player: Is indebted to the Club; and/or Is in possession of Club property (eg. jumper) that needs to be returned; and/or Wishes to withdraw their Transfer application. 3. RULES FOR SPECIAL TRANSFERS Special Transfer process A Special Transfer must be applied for by a Club wising to receive a player after receiving four (4) Transfers for the current season. A Special Transfer Form must be completed and submitted by the Club for each player for which a special Transfer is sought and submitted to the Competition Manager with the relevant supporting documentation. The Club wishing to be granted a player via Special Transfer must also complete the above electronic Transfer process. The player s former Club must electronically approve the Transfer before the Competition Manager will approve the Special Transfer. A Special Transfer will only be granted to Clubs after they have exceeded the maximum number of annual Transfers. Number of Special Transfers A Club can receive an unlimited number of special Transfers in any one season. Approvals A Special Transfer may be granted to a Club for a player who: Can demonstrate that the new Club is geographically the closest Club (apart from their former Club) to their permanent place of residence; or Can demonstrate that the player has a sibling or parent who is a registered and financial member of the Club seeking the Special Transfer, and that the sibling or parent is, or intends to be, playing for the Club which is seeking a Special Transfer in the current season. Refusals The Competition Manager will refuse a request of Special Transfer if: The player for which the Special Transfer is being applied has not been cleared from their former Club; or The Club fails to demonstrate that the new Club is geographically the closest Club (apart from their former Club). to the permanent place of residence of the player who applied for a special Transfer; or The Club fails to demonstrate that the player for which the Special Transfer is being applied has a sibling or parent who is a registered and financial member of the Club seeking the Special Transfer, and that the sibling parent is, or intends to be, playing for the Club which is seeking a Special Transfer in the current season. Notification The Competition Manager will notify the Club seeking a Special Transfer of the outcome within six (6) clear business days of receiving the Special Transfer Form and all relevant documentation. These new rules have been put in place to ensure registered girls at each of our clubs are given priority over borrowed players. We trust that clubs will see the reasoning for the implementation of these rules and the implementation from this weekend forward will not be an issue. etball NETBALL BY-LAWS Ballarat Football & Netball League Inc. Operational By-Laws 1. Name The name of the competition shall be the Ballarat Football League Netball Association (BFLNA). Established 18th March Controlling Body a) The controlling/administering body of the BFNL will be known as the "Management Committee" b) The Management Committee will comprise a Chairperson who will be a Director of the Ballarat Football Netball League or a person appointed by the Ballarat Football Netball League Board of Directors. c) A Secretary may be elected from within, or appointed by the Management Committee for a term of two years. d) The Management Committee will consist of one representative from every Club participating in the BFNL. Clubs that do not attend meetings, even if an apology has been accepted, will have a fine of $50 imposed. Further penalty will apply for clubs that continually fail to attend netball meetings, which will then be decided by the Board of Directors. This penalty may be increased to an amount determined by the Ballarat Football Netball League Board should a club miss two (2) or more meetings in a season. e) The Management Committee will meet in each year as often as deemed necessary by the Committee. f) The Management Committee will report directly to the Ballarat Football Netball League Board of Directors. g) The BFNL will be funded by the BFNL in a method deemed appropriate by the BFNL Board of Directors. 82

3 3. Clubs a) All Clubs intending to join the BFNL must be approved by the Management Committee and the BFNL Board of Directors. b) All players, coaches, officials and umpires are to be registered with Netball Victoria on the My Netball system. Any player failing to register with their club prior to their first game of the season shall be deemed ineligible to play. A club fielding such a player shall forfeit any championship points accumulated whilst doing so. Further fines may also apply to a level determined by the BFNL Board of Directors. c) All Clubs affiliated with the BFNL must enter and support netball teams in the BFNL as determined by the Management Committee and endorsed by the BFNL Board of Directors. d) Clubs with only one team entered in the Ballarat Football League & Netball Association are required to field that side in the A Grade competition. Any exception to this rule must be approved by the Management Committee 4. Match Rules a) All BFNL matches shall be conducted according to All Australian Netball Association Rules unless otherwise stated in these by laws, however BFNL by-laws should be referred to before any other rules. b) Starting times and match duration times will be set each season by the Management Committee. Also see By-Law 35, Commencement Times. 5. Venues a) Each Club will endeavour to play their home matches within the confines of, or as close as possible to, the ground where their Football Club is playing. b) Each home Club will be responsible for providing a court in fit condition, which must be approved by Netball Victoria & the Ballarat Football Netball League. c) All Club courts are to be situated outdoors, as the BFNL is an outdoor competition. 6. Umpires a) Each Club will be responsible for payment of umpires on match day, for all grades. b) It is not acceptable to only have one umpire per game as it is a Risk Management issue, if a club can't obtain an umpire the below is the following procedure that must be followed. i. The home team has the opportunity to supply a badged umpire in a reasonable time, if not, ii. The away team has the opportunity to supply a badged umpire in a reasonable time, if not, iii. Both teams agree on an unbadged umpire. c) If Clubs do not supply an umpire and a second umpire is supplied by the other competing team, the club who cannot supply the umpire are required to pay for the second umpire. Costs will include Netball Victoria s standard rate for umpiring plus travel costs of current Netball Victoria travel rates. d) If Clubs are unable to supply an umpire for all games in which their club competes, that Club may be asked by the Ballarat Football League & Netball Association to show due course why further action should not be taken against their Club. e) Umpires are not permitted to umpire more than 3 matches on the one day. 7. Officials The Match officials are Umpires, Scorers and Timekeepers. The Team officials are Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager, Captain and up to three (3) other personnel, one of whom must be a Primary Care Person who is qualified to diagnose and treat injured or ill players. a) All Coaches, Team Managers, Umpires must have a current VNA registration and be registered with the BFNL. b) IN addition the maximum of five players not on court at start of play, shall constitute the Team Bench c) Team Officials and Bench players MUST NOT engage in any inappropriate comments or any form of inappropriate behaviour; including moving up and down the side lines or along the goal lines, during play. d) Club Coaches and Team Officials must stay in the designated bench area during all Home & Away and Finals matches. e) The appointed specified Coach is the only member of the club that is allowed to Coach on Match Day. 8. Equipment & Match Day Paperwork a) The BFNL will supply all relevant voting cards and one netball per team for each Grade. b) Hosting Clubs are required to print out the days games scoresheets for each 11 & Under, 13 & Under, 15 & Under, 17 & Under, 19 & Under, C Grade, B Grade, A Reserve and A Grade matches from the Netball Victoria My Netball system. c) All Clubs are required to enter the results from their home game matches into the Netball Victoria My Netball system by 6pm Game day. These results include scores, best players, periods played and goal statistics. d) Finalised teams sheets must be entered into the Netball Victoria My Netball system by 10am on the Friday before match day to enable the home team to print out all game's scoresheets. e) Consistent failure to print off scoresheets and enter home games results will result in fines directed by the Management Committee. 9. Players a) Once a player has signed a registration form with a club, they are bound to that club for the remainder of the current BFNL season. If a player should require to be released from that club at any stage of the season to another BFNL club, this can only be done prior to the 1st July and the player must fill out a clearance form and submit it to the league. No clearance is required for players moving to another league. It is the club s responsibility to ensure players have paid their club membership and returned their playing uniform as there is no process in place by Netball Victoria to recover such costs. Clearances from one BFNL side to another must be approved on the MyNetball system by the player s previous club. Clearances can only be denied if the player owes their previous club money or property. Please see By-Law 13 for further information. b) Players may play more than one match in each round in different age groups to assist with low numbers. Junior players can play overage netball and 19 & Under netball on the one day. c) Junior players registered with MCJFNC shall have an open clearance to play with any Netball club upon completion of their last year in the 17 & UNDER competition. An interchange agreement will also exist for MCJFC players wishing to play senior netball in the BFNL. This agreement will allow MCJFNC 17 & UNDER players to also play senior netball with a selected BFNL club on permit. d) Any team may list up to 12 players in any one game, and there will be no limit on the number of substitutions made. All players must be listed on the team sheet prior to start of the game. Players named on the team sheet must have had court time during a game to have such a match registered as a game played. e) For A Grade, A Reserve Grade, B Grade and C grade competitions the minimum age limit set for participants must be turning 15yo in the year of competition. For 19 & Under grade competition the minimum age limit set for participants must be turning 15yo in the year of competition. 83

4 For 17 & UNDER grade competition the minimum age limit set for participants must be turning14yo in the year of competition. For 15 & UNDER grade competition the minimum age limit set for participants must be turning 12yo in the year of competition. For 13 & UNDER grade competition the minimum age limit set for participants must be turning 10yo in the year of competition. For 11 & UNDER grade competition the minimum age limit set for participants must be 9yo at the time of competition. If an underage player is found to have played outside the required limit in the current season the club will be fined $50 and forfeit match points. Any exceptions to the above age requirements must be approved by the BFNL Management Committee. f) If needed a maximum of 2 junior players of the approved age requirement (over 15 yrs age) may play in one senior team (A, A Reserve, B or C grade) during the same round. 10. Player Registrations All players must be registered with their club via Netball Victoria s My Netball System. a) All new players to the league must be registered on the Netball Victoria MyNetball System before taking the court on Match Day. b) All players continuing with their home club from a previous season must be re-registered via the My Netball System by their Club s Netball Coordinator/Administrator. All contact details must be kept up-to-date, including current postal address, mobile phone and address if applicable. The BFNL Netball Operations Coordinator will provide clubs with a form to fill out player registration details. This form is not required by the BFNL. c) Each BFNL Club is required to register each of their players on the Netball Victoria MyNetball System. As Clubs are registering their own players, they are also required to pay for each players VNA, unless it had already been payed with an external competition. d) VNA cannot be paid through the BFNL. Only when a player is playing in a Ballarat Football Netball League Representative Side can they pay through the BFNL. e) The Club Coordinator/Administrator shall be responsible for ensuring all VNA payments are made to their club to ensure that Netball Victoria payments can be made. It is not up to the BFNL to organise the collection of VNA Payments for Clubs. 11. Junior Netball Cap The Ballarat Football & Netball League introduced a cap on player per junior age group to the junior netball competition to assist clubs in spreading players across the 9 competing teams. In 2013, the cap was introduced at 20 players per age group. Any club found to have deliberately breached the cap by clearing or registering new players will be severely dealt with by the Board and the resulting punishment will be left up to the Board s discretion. The only way a club can register more than 20 players in any age group is if they have more than 20 players wanting to re-register with the club from the previous year only. Any players who are not recognised as a registered player of the club in the previous year will be subject to the cap. 12. Working with Children Check This check replaces the police check and is free for volunteers. This is applicable to all persons working with juniors up to the age of 18. It is mandatory by law as of January 2007 for coaches and volunteers to obtain this check if they undertake any of the following roles: a) Club personnel including coaches, trainers etc appointed or seeking appointment for reward. b) Volunteer personnel who will or are likely to travel away overnight with teams of players under 18 years of age and c) Persons appointed or seeking appointment to a role in which that person is likely to have individual and unsupervised contract with players Under 18 years of age. The Working with Children Check Application Guide and Form is available from all Australia Post outlets or for further information see website: All junior coaches and officials associated with the BFNL require a current working with children check, their associated clubs will need to have a photocopy of the card on file. 13. Clearances It should be noted that the intention of this By Law is not to restrict player clearances, but to enable clubs to keep records of player activity in and out of their club via the Netball Victoria s MyNetball website. All transfers will be dealt with via approval from clubs in writing. The current BFNL Clearance form must be filled out and signed by both the player and the transferring to club. a) Players requesting a clearance from one BFNL to another must fill out a BFNL clearance form and submit to the Netball Operations Coordinator of the BFNL. See APPENDIX X. b) Clearances within the BFNL will only be accepted up until July 1st of each year. c) Additions to the playing list, apart from those being cleared from another BFNL Club, can be made at any time of the season. d) No player shall be denied a clearance unless they are in possession of a club uniform or in some way owe the clearing club money, or property, or under Club or League suspension. e) The player/club applying for a clearance must present the clearance form to the Ballarat Football Netball League and apply for the clearance through the MyNetball System. The appropriate club then has 6 working days to approve or reject the clearance by return . Failure to do so will result in an automatic clearance. f) Any dispute concerning clearance shall be dealt with by the management committee whose decision shall be final. The committee will consist of the Netball Director & the Netball Operations Coordinator. 14. Uniform a) All players shall be responsible for providing their own uniform. Long sleeve tops are appropriate in the Junior Competition only, long sleeve tops may only be white. Gloves and bike pants/tracksuit pants may be permitted for a medical condition only (medical certificate required as proof) so as to reduce the risk of injury. Gloves should be cotton, with no rubber grip on fingers or palm. Any player incorrectly dressed will be asked to leave the court by the umpire, and shall not return to the court unless the player is wearing the correct uniform. b) All Netball Clubs will wear uniforms, which will be in the registered colours of their aligned Football Club. Designs should be registered with the managing committee of the BFNL and cannot be altered without their consent. c) All players must wear correct uniform whilst representing their club in the Ballarat Football League & Netball Association. The following fines shall apply to clubs who breach the By Laws surrounding the BFNL uniform policy: i. Failure to wear correct netball suit with the same registered colours as their football side Fine of 10 penalty units ii. Failure to wear a netball bib with position clearly displayed Fine of 5 penalty units iii. Failure to supply a medical certificate as proof for wearing bike pants/tracksuit pants and/or gloves Fine of 5 penalty units iv. Failure to remove jewellery when asked by the umpire Fine of 5 penalty units. If a player doesn t remove their jewellery upon request from the Umpire, that player shall not take the court. Note: 1 penalty unit = $10 84

5 15. Timekeepers/Scorers Each Club will be responsible for providing one timekeeper/scorer that is a minimum of 15 years of age on that particular game day in each match. Scorers must stand together in order to verify scores. The home team is the official scorer. If the home team doesn't supply an official scorer then the away team will then become the official scorer. a) Clubs who fail to provide a time keeper/scorer will be fined 5 penalty units for each game that they do not provide a time keeper/scorer. b) Clubs who fail to provide a suitable person capable of fulfilling the time keeper/scorer duties and of the required age will be fined 5 penalty units. c) Timekeepers need to make sure they allow at least 20 seconds from when they leave their seat to when they approach the Umpires to inform them of how long is left. Timekeepers need to ensure they inform the Umpires when there is 20 seconds remaining on the clock and again when the whistle should be blown for time. d) A Timekeeper must inform the officiating Umpires when there is 30 seconds remaining in an interval be it for an injury, blood rule or break following each quarter. This enables the Umpires to have both teams on court and in position for the recommencement of play. e) The home club shall be required to supply all the necessary paperwork for the match including printing off of all scoresheets for the day s matches from the My Netball system. f) One official scoresheet will be used for each match. This scoresheet must list the complete and full names (both Given and Sur name) of all players intending to take court. This scoresheet shall also indicate the positions played each quarter and the match score. g) AT the game conclusion, to indicate their satisfaction that the information on the official scoresheet is correct, the official score sheet is to be signed by; i. The captains of both competing teams, and ii. The scorers iii. The official on umpires only sign the score sheet to state they have officiated that game. h) If a scorer, team or Club believes the score sheet is incorrect, they must not sign it and follow the grievance procedures to protest. i) A team wishing to protest must:- i. Not sign the Official Scoresheet and notify the Committee of the intention to protest. ii. Lodge the protest in writing with the Association Secretary within 48 hours of the game being played iii. The committee will advise the result of the protest and this decision shall be final. 16. Injury Time a) The first injury called by each team in each quarter will be allowed up to two (2) minutes from when time is held to decide whether an injured or ill player is fit to continue. Any further injuries called in the same quarter will be allowed thirty (30) seconds only and the injured player must leave the court. The position can be filled within the thirty (30) seconds or the position is left vacant until a goal is scored or there is a stoppage in play. b) The decision to stop play and when to stop play shall be at the discretion of the Umpire after a call for time by an on Court player or in extreme circumstances by an Umpire if the Umpire considers that a player is unable to call time and is in need of treatment. c) Only the Primary Care person/s are permitted on the Court to treat an injured or ill player and/or assess the player's medical condition. d) During the first two minutes injury breaks: Both teams may make substitutions and/or team changes if desired, substitutions/changes must include the injured or ill player. The injured player can be removed from the court; e) If the injured or ill player cannot be removed from the court, clubs can agree to extend the injury time to five (5) minutes in an attempt to avoid having to shorten quarters and make up for lost time. If the five minute mark of injury time is exceeded, the clock must restart, even if play has not resumed, and when play finally resumes the remaining time will be played out. f) Injury time must be regulated by the umpires and in conjunction with the time keeper. g) During an injury time break, coaching may be permitted, however the players cannot leave the court and the coach cannot enter the court. 17. Blood Rule a) An Umpire is required to hold time when a player who is bleeding is noticed or an on Court player has indicated the presence of blood b) If the blood rule is called by either officiating Umpire, the stoppage shall be up to two (2) minutes from when the time is held to decide whether a bleeding player is fit to continue. i. the wound shall be adequately covered; ii. blood stained clothing shall be replaced or cleaned iii. the ball and Court shall be cleaned if necessary. c) During the stoppage for blood the bleeding player may be substituted or the position left vacant. No other substitutions or team changes are permitted by either team. d) A stoppage for blood is not regarded as a stoppage for injury or illness and is not recorded against a team. e) The umpire will restart play by signalling to the time keepers and blow the whistle for play to be resumed. 18. Game Cancelled a) If a game is cancelled before the match begins due to weather conditions, as long as both umpires agree, points shall be shared between the two competing sides. If a match is cancelled after ½ time due to weather conditions, the scores will be recorded from the point at when the match was cancelled. If umpires disagree to cancel the game, a Ballarat Football Netball League Official is to be contacted where possible, and they shall make the decision on whether the game shall continue or not. If a Ballarat Football Netball League Official can't be contacted the match must continue. b) If a team is not able to start a match due to a lack of players, the offending team shall be given until ¼ time of the match in question. If the team still does not have enough players when the second quarter is due to start, the offending team shall forfeit the game and the opposing side shall be awarded a 10-0 victory. See by-law 19 c) for forfeit penalties. If the offending team is able to field a side before the start of the second quarter, a penalty of five (5) goals shall apply and the remaining three quarters shall be played with the score starting at 5-0 in favour of the non-offending team. c) If a team wishes to forfeit, they must notify the Ballarat Football Netball League Netball Operations Coordinator or Ballarat Football League Operation Manager, opposing team, and umpires, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled starting time. The following fines for a forfeit will apply for the following grades: A Grade Netball penalty units. A Reserve Grade Netball - 50 penalty units. 85

6 B Grade Netball - 25 penalty units. C Grade - 25 penalty units 19 & Under Netball - 25 penalty units. 17 & UNDER Netball - 10 penalty units 15 & UNDER Netball - 10 penalty units 13 & UNDER Netball - 10 penalty units 11 & UNDER Netball - 10 penalty units Note: 1 penalty unit = $10 d) If a team forfeits and fails to notify authorities an additional $100 fine per team, plus all umpires costs will be imposed. e) A team may submit a team sheet on the day of a scheduled game in the case where the opposing registered team forfeits. A team can name a maximum of 12 players on a score sheet where a forfeit applies which will count as a game played for all listed players when determining finals eligibility. 19. Drawn Game In the event of a drawn game the points shall be shared, 2 points each. No extra time will be played for drawn matches during the home & away season. See By-Law 20 for rulings surrounding drawn finals. 20. Drawn Netball Finals a) During any final including the grand final where at the end of the game the scores are tied there is a two (2) minute break during which time there may be substitutions and / or team changes. At the end of the 2 minutes, there are a further 2 halves played 13 & U, 15 & U and 17 & U 2 x 5 minutes, 19 & U, C and B grade 2 x 6 minutes, A reserve and A grade 2 x 7 minutes. At the end of the first interval played there will be an interval of one (1) minute where substitutions again can be made. Teams change ends to begin the second half of time on. If at the end of the second interval the scores are still level, then play continues until one team has a two (2) goal advantage. b) During extra time, normal injury or illness procedures shall apply as per rule 7.1 of the Rule Book. However, during the entire extra time: i. the first stoppage for each team shall be up to two (2) mintues; ii. each subsequent stoppage for each team shall not exceed thirty (30) seconds. 21. Representative Games The Ballarat Football Netball League will appoint a Senior, 19 & Under, 17 & Under, 15 & Under 13 & Under and 11 & Under coach on a minimum term of one year for all representative games involving the BFNL. At the completion of their term the Ballarat Football Netball League will re-advertise coaching positions. The Netball Development Manager & Director of Netball will interview applicants, if required, and appoint the successful personnel at their discretion. a) Selection Process for interleague sides: i. The Interleague Coach and Selection Committee will nominate players they believe should be included in the Senior & Junior netball representative squads. They will be notified by letter as to their nomination. A squad will then be chosen from that list. ii. Players must be notified of training venues & dates at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the first training session. iii. Any player who makes themselves unavailable for Inter-league may incur a penalty at the BFNL s discretion. iv. If a player can't attend training they must contact someone from the match committee to inform them, failure to do so may result in suspension from club grades. v. All decisions made by the BFNL will be final. b) Training Venues i. Training venues shall be determined by the BFNL. 22. BFNL Best and Fairest Votes a) BFNL Best and Fairest votes shall be awarded in each game, as 3, 2, 1 votes, jointly by both umpires after consultation. Umpires are to print both the Christian and Surname clearly of the players receiving votes. b) BFNL Best and Fairest votes shall be forwarded immediately to the League and kept in strict secrecy. c) Should clubs fail to submit best & fairest vote cards for each match, on the first instance clubs will be warned and asked to submit the card as soon as possible, on the second instance, the club will be fined $50. d) Club Umpires failing to fill out the correct best & fairest card that corresponds to the grade they officiated in will result in a $50 fine per in discretion. 23. Reports In the event of a report being made on a player, coach or official by an umpire, the Ballarat Football League Netball Association will resolve the matter through the Ballarat Football Netball League Independent Tribunal. The umpire must notify the individual/s & club of the report being made and fill in the appropriate paper work and include in the match day paperwork that will be forwarded back to the League. Members will then be informed of the next step taken by the Ballarat Football Netball League. BFNL report forms must be filled out by the reporting umpire and submitted to the league. 24. Investigations Fees In instances where a club lodges a request for an investigation in accordance with the Ballarat Football Netball League by-laws and VCFL Rule 5.0 (Unbecoming Conduct) the required fee of $500 shall be lodged, the full amount of $500 shall be retained by the league. The following policy will be enforced by the league for investigations: a) When the Investigations/Hearing Officer determines that there is no case to answer, the club that has requested the investigation shall receive a refund of $300, and the balance of $200 will be paid to the Investigations Officer as payment for his/her services. b) In cases where the Investigations/Hearing Officer refers the matter to the BFNL Independent Tribunal, and a verdict of not guilty (or case not proven) is determined, the club that has requested the investigation shall receive a refund of $300 and the balance of $200 will be paid to the Investigations/Hearing Officer as payment for his/her services. c) In cases where the Investigations/Hearing Officer refers the matter to the BFNL Independent Tribunal and a guilty verdict is determined, the club that has requested the investigation shall receive a full refund of their $500. The club of the player/official that has the guilty verdict applied to it shall be fined $200 (In addition to any additional Tribunal fine) which shall be used by the League for payment to the Investigations/Hearing Officer for his/her services. Note: The above financial policy shall be applied in cases where the Investigations/Hearing Officer shall be paid the standard fee of $200. In extenuating circumstances (e.g. more difficult, complex or lengthy investigations) the Investigations/Hearing Officer may request an amount over & above the flat rate of $200 and which will be negotiated with the BFNL accordingly. In such instances, the BFNL will adjust the amount of $200 to the revised amount in the above case. 86

7 25. Home & Away Regulations a) Any player having played MORE THAN 50% of the total home and away season in any age group shall not be allowed to compete in any remaining home and away games in that season in competitions below the standard they have played their matches in. For example, a club may not drop an A Grade player to their B Grade side for the last three weeks of a home and away season if that player has competed in more than 50% of the season already in the A Grade team. It is only the first (1st) game played on the day that will register as a game played. b) Any player who has played LESS THAN 50% of total home and away games in a season in any age group shall be allowed to move freely between age groups (age groups criteria must be met). c) Finals matches do not count when determining whether a player has competed in more or less than 50% of matches. 26. Finals a) The BFNL shall operate under the same Final System used by the football arm of the league for the finals series. b) Teams found playing an ineligible player during the finals will be considered to have lost that match. c) All BFNL finals shall be played at a venue determined by the Ballarat Football Netball League. Court dimensions and safety regulations must be deemed acceptable as per Netball Victoria s court audit requirements. 27. Finals Eligibility BFNL NETBALL COMPETITION HIERARCHY - 1 TO 12 1 A Grade Netball (Seniors) 8 15 & Under Senior Netball (Juniors) 2 A Reserves Grade Netball (Seniors) 9 15 & Under Reserves Netball (Juniors) 3 B Grade Netball (Seniors) & Under Senior Netball (Juniors) 4 C Grade Netball (Seniors) & Under Reserves Netball (Juniors) 5 19 & Under Netball (Seniors) & Under Senior Netball (Juniors) 6 17 & Under Senior Netball (Juniors) & Under Reserves Netball (Juniors) 7 17 & Under Reserves Netball (Juniors) When reading the Finals Eligibility by-laws, the above hierarchy of competitions, with A Grade Netball at the top and 11 & Under Netball at the bottom, should be taken into consideration when trying to figure out where a player can compete during the finals. When players qualify to compete in finals they qualify for that competition and any competition that sits above them on the hierarchy (eg. If a player qualifies in the 17 & Under Reserves, that player qualifies for finals in competitions 7 up to 1, but not competitions 8 down to 13). a) A player must play in at least five (5) matches for their Club in the minor rounds (home and away) to qualify to play in the final series in specific competition or any higher competition as listed on the BFNL Netball Competition hierarchy (see by-law 27 b for exceptions). A player must take the court and take part in a match for it to count as a game played. Players who remain on the interchange bench for the entire match shall not have that game recorded as a game played. b) A player must play in at least five matches in a specific competition to be eligible to play in the finals series in that competition, excepting in the following cases i. Where an Under Age player (19 & Under down) is selected to play in an open age side (A Grade, A Reserves Grade, B Grade & C Grade) ii. If an A Reserve Grade player is selected to play in the A Grade side iii. If an B Grade player is selected to play in the A Reserve or A Grade side iv. If a C Grade player is selected to play in the B Grade, A Reserve Grade or A Grade side v. If two teams (A Grade & A Reserve Grade for example) are still in the finals series and a player is dropped for form reasons to play in the lower grade without having played the five games to qualify, this player shall be allowed to play in the A Reserve Grade as long as the A Grade side remains in the competition. Once the A Grade side drops out however, rule 27 a) shall apply. c) A player shall not be permitted to take part in the finals series of matches unless they have previously played no less than five minor round matches with their Club during the current season. Any player who changes Club mid-season shall be deemed a new player for the Club, with which they have been granted a permit to play and shall be required to therefore complete no less than five minor round matches with their new Club before being eligible to play in the final series of matches. d) Any player who, during the currency of the season, has played MORE THAN 50% of matches in the minor rounds (home and away) with a specific competition shall be ineligible to compete in a final series of any competition that sits below that competition in the BFNL Netball Competition Hierarchy. The only exception to this rule is if the side in a specific competition that the player has an allocation of more than 50% of games played in is still in the competition, competing on the same weekend and all other finals eligibility criteria is met. Only then will a player be allowed to play in the competition that sits one step lower on the BFNL competition hierarchy. If the side competing in the competition that a player has an allocation of more than 50% games played in is knocked out of the finals, that player shall not be eligible to compete in a finals series with any other side unless they have met the finals eligible criteria. A player may not be dropped to a competition considered two levels below the grade in which they are qualified for (for example 17 & Under Seniors to 15 & Under Seniors). The only exception to this rule is: i. If a 19 & Under player, normally competing in the A Grade competition, has been dropped from the A Grade side, only then if the 19 & Under s are still competing and all other finals eligibility criteria is met can this player compete in the 19 & Under competition. Note that the A Grade side must also still be in the competition. e) The first game played in any given round during the Home & Away season shall be the only game counted when determining finals eligibility. For example, if a 19 & Under player fills in and plays a 2nd game in their C Grade side, the 19 & Under game is the only one that will count when determining finals eligibility. f) Finals matches do not count towards games played when determining finals eligibility. g) Senior & Junior players are only eligible to play in one (1) final for their club in any finals round, regardless of how many sides are still competing in the finals series. However a 19 & Under player is able to play in their age group, as well as one (1) other final. This rule applies to both Senior and Junior Competitions. 28. Dispute Resolution a) The BFNL or Board will impose the prescribed penalty or any other penalty to any member that fails to adhere to these By-Laws. b) Any member of a team or Club which does not agree with a penalty or action of the BFNL made under these By-Laws, may advise the BFNL within 48 hours of the penalty or decision being made 87

8 c) The BFNL may then: i. Discuss the issue with the relevant team or club and make a decision regarding the matter. The BFNL shall inform the party/ies involved of their decision either verbally or in writing; or ii. Have an informal meeting with the relevant party/ies in order to discuss and resolve the dispute. iii. The BFNL may choose dependant on the case to involve the League s Netball Hearing Officer to resolve the dispute. d) The BFNL s decision is final. 29. Jewellery a) No item of jewellery shall be worn. If a medical bracelet is worn, it must be taped. All other jewellery/piercings must be removed. b) No adornment that may endanger player safety shall be worn. c) Fingernails shall be short and smooth. Fingernails may be taped however the taping must be from knuckle to knuckle and the tape must be thick and of excellent quality. d) Plastic or metal head bands may not be worn during any competition. Only elastic head bands are acceptable. e) Taping - appropriate sports tape is to be used (no band-aids). 30. Team Lists Clubs must submit all coaches names on the team sheet. Both a player s first name and surname must be printed clearly on the team sheet and must be easy to read. Team sheets must be submitted to the Ballarat Football Netball League with the rest of the club s match day paperwork and sent to Saxon House after the completion of the last match and no later than 7pm on the night of the match played. Clubs who breach this deadline will be warned on the first occasion and fined $50 for a second breach. Clubs who continually fail to send their paperwork in before the deadline will be asked to explain their actions and why the league should take no further action against them. 31. Record a) Teams must supply the Ballarat Football Netball League with team lists for A Grade, A Reserve Grade, B Grade, C Grade and 19 & Under sides prior to round 1 for publication in the BFNL Record. All player s names with correct spelling and the position in which they play must be supplied. b) Junior Teams must supply the Ballarat Football Netball League with team lists for 11 & Under, 13 & UNDER, 15 & UNDER and 17 & UNDER sides prior to round 1 for publication in the BFNL Junior Record. All player s names with correct spelling and the position in which they play must be supplied. c) Any changes to the three sides should be passed on to the Netball Operations Coordinator by no later than 5pm on Tuesday before the match so that the record can be changed in time for printing. 32. First Aid a) Clubs must have a first aid kit on standby for all BFNL matches. b) Clubs who fail to have a first aid kit on standby for all matches will be fined $ Fixture a) The BFNL shall run in accordance to the Ballarat Football Netball League Senior fixture. b) The BFNL Junior Competition shall run in accordance to the Ballarat Football Netball League Junior fixture. c) The Ballarat Football Netball League reserves the right to make changes to the fixture at any point throughout the season. 34. Commencement Times The BFNL shall have the following commencement times of matches: Grade Start Time Quarter Length Breakdown A Grade 2:30pm 4 x 15min ¼ s A Reserve 1:15 pm 4 x 12min ¼ s B Grade 12 noon 4 x 12min ¼ s C Grade 10:00am 4 x 12min ¼ s & UNDER 11:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 3:00pm 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 2:00pm 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 1:00pm 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 12:00pm 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 11:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 10:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 9:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 8:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s The BFNLNA shall have the following commencement times for Dual Gate matches where both senior and junior netball will be played at the same venue, C Grade 11 & Under and 13 & Under Senior and Reserves will need to be at a different venue on Dual Gate matches. Grade Start Time Quarter Length Breakdown Seniors 3:30pm 4 x 15min ¼ s A Reserve 2:20pm 4 x 12min ¼ s B Grade 1:20pm 4 x 12min ¼ s *C Grade 12 noon 4 x 12min ¼ s & UNDER 12:20pm 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 11:20am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 10:20am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Seniors 9:25am 4 x 10min ¼ s & UNDER Reserves 8:30am 4 x 10min ¼ s *13 & UNDER Seniors 11:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s *13 & UNDER Reserves 10:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s *11 & UNDER Seniors 9:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s *11 & UNDER Reserves 8:00am 4 x 10min ¼ s * Game played elsewhere 88

9 a) For finals, commencement times may vary depending on how many games are played. b) The BFNL reserve the right to change these times from season to season. c) If both teams agree, due to extreme weather conditions and where player welfare is concerned, teams and umpires may agree to shorten quarters or extend breaks. Umpires and the BFNL must be notified if quarter lengths are altered. d) If a club wishes to alter the starting time of a match during the Home and Away season then the club must notify the opposing Club's netball Delegate and Coach 72 hours prior to the match starting time. If the opposing Club agrees to a re-schedule starting time then the time shall be no later than half an hour after the scheduled starting time. All changes must be approved by the League. Written consent from both clubs required before time change is considered. 35. Scoreboards a) All clubs are required to supply one working scoreboard for each BFNL match. b) The home club is to ensure that the scoreboard is being operated by a suitable club member and must ensure that the score is kept up to date at all times. c) A fine of $50 shall apply for clubs who fail to supply a scoreboard or fail to have it operated to a suitable standard. 36. Special Circumstances / Provision Clause Where these By-Laws are silent, the BFNL will have full authority to make any decision that ensures the integrity of the Ballarat Football League Netball Association is maintained at all times. The Committee may in using its reasonable discretion and, in exceptional or extenuating circumstances, alter, vary or waive the requirements set out in the By-Laws relating to the Ballarat Football League Netball Association 37. Indemnity Clause Except where provided or required by laws and such can't be excluded, the Netball Association (Ballarat Football League Netball Association) and its respective directors, officers, members, servants or agents are absolved from all liability however arising from injury or damage, however caused, arising whilst participating as a member. BFNL Netball Match Day Policy Please see below for match day policies for every junior grade of netball in the Ballarat Football Netball League: 11 & Under Reserves Netball: 1) The 11 & Under Reserves competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 8:00am. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 8:00am and played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 11 years or under at the 1st January Therefore, they must have been born on or after the 1st January ) A full size netball will be used for all 11 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 11 & Under Reserve games 10) Generally speaking, first year players and/or players who are slow to develop in this age group will be selected in the 11 & Under Reserve side. 11 & Under Senior Netball: 1) The 11 & Under Senior competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 9:00am. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 9:00am and played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 11 years or under at the 1st January Therefore, they must have been born on or after the 1st January ) A full size netball will be used for all 11 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 11 & Under Senior games 10) Generally speaking, second year players and/or players who are faster to develop in this age group will be selected in the 11 & Under Senior side. 13 & Under Reserves Netball: 1) The 13 & Under Reserve competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 10:00am. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 10:00am and played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 13 & under at the 1st January Therefore, players cannot be turning 14 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 13 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 13 & Under Reserve games 10) Generally speaking, first year players and/or players who are slow to develop in this age group will be selected in the 13 & Under Reserve side. 13 & Under Senior Netball: 1) The 13 & Under Senior competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 11:00am. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 11:00am and may be played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 13 & under at the 1st January Therefore, players cannot be turning 14 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 13 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 13 & Under Senior games 10) Generally speaking, 2nd year players and/or players who are faster to develop in this age group will be selected in the 13 & Under Senior side. 89

10 15 & Under Reserves Netball: 1) The 15 & Under Reserve competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 12:00pm. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 8:30am and may be played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 15 & under during Therefore, players cannot be turning 16 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 15 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 15 & Under Reserve games 10) Generally speaking, first year players and/or players who are slow to develop in this age group will be selected in the 15 & Under Reserve side. 15 & Under Senior Netball: 1) The 15 & Under Senior competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 1:00pm. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 9:25am and may be played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 15 & under during Therefore, players cannot be turning 16 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 15 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 15 & Under Senior games 10) Generally speaking, 2nd year players and/or players who are faster to develop in this age group will be selected in the 15 & Under Senior side. 17 & Under Reserves Netball: 1) The 17 & Under Reserve competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 2:00pm. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 10:20am and may be played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 17 & under during Therefore, players cannot be turning 18 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 17 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 17 & Under Reserve games 10) Generally speaking, first year players and/or players who are slow to develop in this age group will be selected in the 17 & Under Reserve side. 17 & Under Senior Netball: 1) The 17 & Under Senior competition shall be a 7 player per side competition with as many players on the interchange as the club likes. 2) Games will commence at 3:00pm. 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 11:20am and played at an alternate venue. 5) Players must be 17 & under during Therefore, players cannot be turning 18 this year. 7) A full size netball will be used for all 17 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 17 & Under Senior games 10) Generally speaking, 2nd year players and/or players who are faster to develop in this age group will be selected in the 17 & Under Senior side. 19 & Under Netball: 1) The 19 & Under netball competition shall be strictly a 7 player per side competition with 5 players on the interchange bench. 2) Games will commence at 10:00am 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 12:20pm. 5) Players must be 19 & Under at the 1st January Therefore, they cannot be turning 20 this year. 6) Clubs will compete in registered club colours 7) A full size netball will be used for all 19 & Under matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all 19 & Under games 9) Gloves are not permitted in all BFNL Senior netball competitions unless a medical certificate can be supplied. C Grade Netball: 1) The C Grade netball competition shall be strictly a 7 player per side competition with 5 players on the interchange bench. 2) Games will commence at 11:00am 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 1:20pm. 4) Games will be played of 4 x 12 minute quarters 5) The C Grade competition is an open age competition and any female may compete provided all eligibility and registration criteria is fulfilled. 6) Clubs will compete in registered club colours 7) A full size netball will be used for all C Grade matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all C Grade games 9) Gloves are not permitted in all BFNL senior netball competitions unless a medical certificate can be supplied. B Grade Netball: 1) The B Grade netball competition shall be strictly a 7 player per side competition with 5 players on the interchange bench. 2) Games will commence at 12:00pm 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 2:20pm. 4) Games will be played of 4 x 12 minute quarters 5) The B Grade competition is an open age competition and any female may compete provided all eligibility and registration criteria is fulfilled. 6) Clubs will compete in registered club colours 7) A full size netball will be used for all B Grade matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all B Grade games 9) Gloves are not permitted in all BFNL senior netball competitions unless a medical certificate can be supplied. 90

11 A Reserve Grade Netball: 1) The A Reserve netball competition shall be strictly a 7 player per side competition with 5 players on the interchange bench. 2) Games will commence at 1:15pm 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 2:20pm. 4) Games will be played of 4 x 15 minute quarters 5) The A Reserve competition is an open age competition and any female may compete provided all eligibility and registration criteria is fulfilled. 6) Clubs will compete in registered club colours 7) A full size netball will be used for all A Reserve matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all A Reserve games A Grade Netball: 1) The A Grade netball competition shall be strictly a 7 player per side competition with 5 players on the interchange bench. 2) Games will commence at 2:30pm 3) When dual gate match times apply, games will commence at 3:30pm. 4) Games will be played of 4 x 15 minute quarters 5) The A Grade competition is an open age competition and any female may compete provided all eligibility and registration criteria is fulfilled. 6) Clubs will compete in registered club colours 7) A full size netball will be used for all A Grade matches 8) Each club will provide one club umpire each to officiate all A Grade games 9) Gloves are not permitted in all BFNL senior netball competitions unless a medical certificate can be supplied. 91