Leicester and District Mutual Football League

Transcription

1 Leicester and District Mutual Football League Handbook Season 2013/2014 Website:

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3 CONTENTS Officers and Committee 4 Directory of Clubs 5 Standard Code of Rules 17 Mini-Soccer: Meeting the needs of children 33 The Laws of Mini Soccer 34 Fixture Confirmations 45 Result Reporting 46 Referee Marking 47 RESPECT 48 Coach Development and Education 52 Useful Information 54 Fixture Schedule 56 The Leicester and District Mutual league recommends MDH Teamwear for all your sporting needs

4 THE LEICESTER AND DISTRICT MUTUAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEASON 2013/2014 LIFE MEMBERS Mr Peter Barnsby Mr Ray Barton Mr Ivor Finn Mr John Ward Mr Ken West OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Sean Anderson SECRETARY & TREASURER Sue Fraser REGISTRATION SECRETARY Sarah Heathcote WELFARE OFFICER Paula Grant REFEREES SECRETARY Sean Anderson FIXTURES/RESULTS SECRETARY Scott Fraser COUNTY FA COUNCIL MEMBERS Sean Anderson Sue Fraser Committees: Competitions, Referees and Representative Committees: Development, Discipline and Sanctions The league is affiliated to the Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association Holmes Park, Dog & Gun Lane, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6FA

5 LEICESTER AND DISTRICT MUTUAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEASON 2013/ DIRECTORY OF CLUBS AFC BARWELL Secretary Steve Purkiss steven.purkiss@ntlworld.com 88 Station Road, Earl Shilton, LE9 7GA CWO Paula Grant paulakgrant@aol.com Colours Grounds Blue/Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts William Bradford Community Centre, Heath Lane, Earl Shilton Dovecote Way, Barwell, LE9 8DX Please note you need to confirm which ground your game is being played at. ALLEXTON & NEW PARKS JUNIORS Secretary Jamie Roberts jamierobbo84@gmail.com 28 Dane St, West End, Leicester, LE3 5LR CWO Natalie Brennan nataliereddevil@aol.com Colours Ground Black/White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts New College Leicester, Glenfield Road, LE3 6DN Please note ALL Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 games will be played on 3G pitches. Please ensure your players have appropriate footwear. ANSTEY SWIFTS FC Secretary Valerie Hayes wines@wiland.fsnet.co.uk 37 Charles Drive, Anstey, LE7 7BF CWO Tom Garner tomg_92@hotmail.co.uk Colours White/Black Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Anstey Recreational Ground, Stadon Road, Anstey LE7 7AY ASFORDBY FC Secretary Claire Jones claire.g.jones@talktalk.net 18 Hunters Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1HE CWO Melanie Nickolls melanie@nickolls3424.freeserve.co.uk Colours Ground Asfordby Amateurs Sports Ground, Hoby Road, Asfordby, LE14 3TL AYLESTONE PARK FC Secretary Andy Evans washtech@btconnect.com 71 Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough, LE16 9DG CWO Alison Samuels alisonsamuels@btinternet.com Colours Red Shirts and Shorts Ground Aylestone Park FC Sports Ground, Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6TG BARDON HILL YOUTH Secretary Norman White cwukltd1@btconnect.com 112 Hermitage Road, Whitwick, LE67 5EG CWO Jo-Anne Wilson kw51.jmw@ntlworld.com Colours Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Bardon Close, Coalville, LE67 4BS - 5 -

6 BARLESTONE ST GILES YOUTH Secretary Dennis Edge Meadow Road, Barlestone, CV13 0JG CWO Donna Brotherhood Colours Orange Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Barton Road, Barlestone, CV13 0EP BARROW TOWN YOUTH Secretary Andy Glenn Greedon Rise, Sileby, LE12 7TE CWO Andrea Wagg Colours Red/black/black Ground The Riverside, Barrow Road, Barrow-upon-Soar, Loughborough LE12 8XJ BEAUMONT TOWN Secretary Roz False Oakwood Road, Leicester, LE4 0BD CWO Gary Lewin Colours White/Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Beaumont Park, Bennion Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester BIRSTALL UNITED JUNIORS Secretary Jim Lennon Allington Drive, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4FD CWO Colours White Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Meadow Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4FN BLABY & WHETSTONE BOYS CLUB Secretary Emma Gouldburn Harlequin Way, Whetstone, LE8 6ZD CWO Michelle McLean Colours Navy Shirts, Navy Shorts Ground Blaby & Whetstone Boys Club, Warwick Road, Whetstone, LE8 6LW BLABY BULLS Secretary Ian Bannister Lutterworth Road, Blaby, LE8 4DX CWO Helen Dalby Colours Red/Black Stripes Ground Oakfield Park, Hospital Lane, Blaby, LE8 4HR BOROUGH ALLIANCE Secretary Joanne Walters Meadowbrook Road, Kibworth, LE8 0HU CWO Jane Haddon Colours Black/White Stripes Ground Symingtons Recreation Ground, St Marys Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DS - 6 -

7 BRAUNSTONE TRINITY Secretary Paul Griebel Lubbesthorpe Road, Leicester, LE3 2XE CWO Elizabeth Griebel Colours Black/Red Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Mossdale Meadows, Kingsway, Braunstone Town, LE3 2PP CARIB SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB Secretary Molly Scotland Flat 3, 1 Yeoman Lane, Leicester, LE1 1AD CWO Rebecca Muzika Colours Yellow Shirts, Green Shorts Ground Victoria Park, London Road, LE1 7RY CASTLE DONINGTON Secretary Adrian Boyd adrian.boyd@venueseekers.com 21 Tanyard Close, Castle Donington, DE74 2TS CWO Allan Christian arxtian@yahoo.co.uk Colours White/Black Ground Spital Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2XG COALVILLE TOWN Secretary Neal Brown nealbrownc.t.f.c@live.co.uk 17 Rowan Avenue, Coalville, LE67 4SR CWO Valerie Walford walford69@btinternet.com Colours Black/White Shirts, White Shorts Ground Owen Street Sports Ground, Coalville, LE67 3DA COSBY UNITED YOUTH & JUNIOR Secretary Darrell Townsend info@cosbyutd-youth-junior-fc.co.uk 3 Malvern Crescent, Cosby, LE9 1UX CWO Darrell Townsend info@cosbyutd-youth-junior-fc.co.uk Colours Black/White Stripes, Black Shorts Ground Victory Park, Park Road, Cosby, LE9 1RN CROFT JUNIORS Secretary Gavin Lepley redvan25@googl .com 29 Candle Lane, Earl Shilton, LE9 7BL CWO Gavin Lepley redvan25@googl .com Colours Green/Black or Blue Ground Winston Avenue, Croft, LE9 3GQ CROPSTON RANGERS Secretary Dean Lewin lewin9@yahoo.com 10 Poppy Close, Coalville, LE67 4AX CWO Martin Stevenson janet.jcb522@gmail.com Colours Red Ground Cropston Drive, Coalville, LE67 4WS - 7 -

8 DESFORD YOUTH Secretary Dave Goodwin Avon Road, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 3AA CWO Jenny Hobden Colours Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts Ground Bosworth College, Leicester Road, Desford, LE9 9JL DUNTON & BROUGHTON RANGERS FC Secretary Kate Measures Cromford Way, Broughton Astley, LE9 6UT CWO Kate Measures Colours Red and Black Ground Thomas Estley Community College, Station Road, Broughton Astley, LE9 6PT EAST GOSCOTE UNITED Secretary Simon Riley Wayfarer Drive, East Goscote, LE7 3QZ CWO Natalie Scarle Colours Yellow/Black Ground Jubilee Playing Fields, Long Furrow, East Goscote, LE7 3SU Please park at the Industrial Estate or the Sports Pavillion. NO CARS TO BE PARKED ON LONG FURROW OR HUNTSMANS DALE AT ANY TIME EPWORTH FOREST JUNIORS Secretary Rob French Barons Court, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2BU CWO Kev Pole Colours Blue/Black Shirts Ground Kings Drive Playing Fields, Leicester Forest East, LE3 3JB FC BURBAGE Secretary Jason Lee De Montfort Road, Hinckley, LE10 1LW CWO Michelle Lawson Colours Red/Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Sketchley Hill Farm Park, off Featherstone Drive, Burbage, LE10 2PP FLECKNEY ATHLETIC JUNIORS Secretary Charlie McKemey Batchelor Road, Fleckney, LE8 8BE CWO Liz Martin Colours Yellow & Green Ground Recreation Ground, Leicester Road, Fleckney, LE8 8BG FOOTBALL & FITNESS ACADEMY Secretary Nadine Ledwith Saffron Lane, Leicester, LE2 6UG CWO Tom Cherry Colours Sky Blue Ground Brockington College, Blaby Rd, Enderby, LE19 4AQ - 8 -

9 GLEN VILLA JUNIORS Secretary Steven McCallister Church Road, Great Glen, LE8 9FE CWO Richard Butterworth Colours Light Blue Shirt, Claret Shorts Ground Recreation Ground, Bindleys Lane, Great Glen, Leics GLENFIELD UNITED Secretary Matthew Elliott Ledwell Drive, Glenfield, LE3 8BG CWO Adam Squires Colours Red/Black Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Glenfield Sports Ground, Gynsill Lane, Glenfield, LE7 7AG GNG Secretary Heidi Chapman Gregorys Close, Thorpe Astley, LE3 3TF CWO Kulwinder Singh Johal Colours Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Aylestone Playing Fields, Braunstone Lane East, LE3 2FD GREENTOWERS FC (Hinckley) Secretary Amanda Coffey CWO Ant Littlejohns Colours Green/Black Ground GreenTowers, Richmond Park, Richmond Road, Hinckley, LE10 0DZ GROBY JUNIORS Secretary Mark Bond Heathbrook Drive, Ratby, LE6 0XB CWO Emanda Kerr Colours Light Blue Shirts, Navy Shorts Ground Groby Community College, Ratby Road, Groby, LE6 0GG HAMILTON YOUTH Secretary Samuel Kumar Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7SJ CWO Colours Red/Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Rushey Mead School, Melton Road, Leicester LE4 7AN HARBOROUGH TOWN Secretary Sue Konteh Bowdens Park, Northampton Road, LE16 9HF CWO Elaine Pepler Colours Yellow/Black Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Bowdens Park, Northampton Road, LE16 9QP - 9 -

10 HINCKLEY UNITED JUNIORS Secretary Rob Spence Priesthills Road, Hinckley, LE10 1AH CWO Rob Spence Colours Red/Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Greene King Stadium, Leicester Road, Hinckley, LE10 3DR HOUGHTON RANGERS Secretary Clive Spencer Thurncourt Road, Leicester, LE5 2NF CWO Alan Liquorish Colours Black/Blue Striped Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Weir Lane Playing Field, Houghton, LE7 9GR HUMBERSTONE RANGERS Secretary Brian Austick Station Road, Thurnby, Leicester, LE7 9PW CWO Brian Austick Colours Claret & Blue Ground Moorfields, Netherhall Estate, Leicester, LE5 1ND IBSTOCK UNITED JUNIORS Secretary Arthur Lakin Victoria Road, Ibstock, LE67 6AA CWO Jane Read Colours Red/White Striped Shirts, Red Shorts Ground Ashby Road Playing Fields, Ibstock, LE67 6HA KEGWORTH IMPS JUNIORS Secretary Martin Hawksworth Station Road, Kegworth, DE74 2FR CWO Martin Hawksworth Colours Claret & Sky Blue Ground Kegworth Imps, Moor Lane, Normanton on Soar, LE12 5HD KIBWORTH & SMEETON JUNIORS Secretary Ivor Seabrook Springfield Crescent, Kibworth, LE8 0LH CWO Jonathan Parsons Colours Black/White Ground Fleckney Road, Kibworth, LE8 0HG KINGSWAY RANGERS Secretary Steve Hastings Mossdale Road, Braunstone Town, LE3 2US CWO Lorraine Curotto Colours Orange/Black/Black Ground Mossdale Meadows, off Kingsway, Braunstone Town, Leicester, LE3 2PN

11 KIRBY MUXLOE '88 JUNIORS Secretary John Dalton Bowmans Way, Glenfield, LE3 8QZ CWO Vanessa Little Colours Grounds Yellow Shirts, Royal Blue Shorts All U7s & U8s - Kirby Muxloe Sports Club, Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2AQ All U9s & U10s - Recreation Park, Station Road, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2EN KNIGHTON PARK RANGERS Secretary Parv Sodhi parv@gforcegroup.co.uk 8 Barton Close, Wigston, LE18 2JR CWO Gurprit Sahota gurpritsahota@yahoo.co.uk Colours Orange Shirt and Shorts Ground Knighton Park (entrance on Brighton Avenue), Knighton, LE18 1JW LEICESTER NIRVANA Secretary Zak Hajat nirvanafc@hotmail.co.uk 92 Averil Road, Leicester, LE5 2DB CWO Zak Hajat nirvanafc@hotmail.co.uk Colours Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Away - Blue Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Hamilton Park, Sandhills Avenue, Leicester, LE5 1LU LEICESTER PHOENIX Secretary Chinua Nisbett lpfc.secretary@gmail.com 123 Davenport Road, Evington, LE5 6SE CWO Brendan Davis brendan.davis@hotmail.co.uk Colours Green/Red Ground Davenport Road Playing Field, Leicester LOUGHBOROUGH DYNAMO JUNIORS Secretary Richard McNamee mcnamee86@btinternet.com 10 Byland Way, Loughborough, LE11 4FS CWO John Heathcote dugoutjohn@btopenworld.com Colours Amber Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Charnwood College, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough, LE11 4SQ LUTTERWORTH ATHLETIC YOUTH Secretary Gavin Brindley gavinb@gwi-ltd.co.uk 26 Pine Close, Lutterworth, LE17 4UT CWO Daniel Chechlacz d.chechlacz@btinternet.com Colours Green & White Hoops Ground Recreation Ground, Coventry Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4RB LUTTERWORTH TOWN JUNIORS Secretary Caroline Robinson carolinerobinson@pch.uk.com Mapletree House, Main Street, Leire, LE17 5EU CWO Kate Sandells katesandells@btinternet.com Colours Orange/Black Ground Lutterworth College, Bitteswell Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4EN

12 MARKET BOSWORTH FC Secretary John Denore Sycamore Close, Barton in the Beans, Nuneaton CV13 0PT CWO Andy Baxter Colours Red and Black Ground Market Bosworth Sports & Social Ground, Wellsborough Road, Market Bosworth, CV13 6PD MARKFIELD COLTS Secretary Raymond Lockwood Leicester Road, Markfield, LE67 9RF CWO Neal Chapman contact secretary Colours White Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground South Charnwood High School, Broad Lane, Markfield, LE67 9TB MELTON FOXES JUNIORS Secretary Carol Lewis Cranmere Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1TA CWO Graham Tarris Colours Black & Green Ground Mars Sports Ground, Saxby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1BP MOUNTSORREL JUNIORS FC Secretary Mark Forknall Loughborough Road, Rothley, LE7 7NJ CWO Tina Sherwood Colours Orange Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Halstead Road Playing Fields, Mountsorrel, LE12 7HF MOWBRAY RANGERS Secretary Simon Bailey Chadwell Close, Asfordby, LE14 3TQ CWO Denise Knipe Colours Red/White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Asfordby Hill Playing Fields, Melton Road, Asfordby Hill, LE14 3QX NARBOROUGH FOXES Secretary Richard Gillatt Canons Close, Narborough, LE19 3FL CWO Fabienne Preston Colours Red Shirts, Navy Shorts Ground The Recreation Ground, Leicester Road, (entrance under M1 flyover) Narborough, LE19 2AZ NETHERHALL DIAMONDS Secretary Michelle Jayes Colchester Road, LE5 2DJ CWO Michelle Jayes Colours Navy Blue Ground Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington, LE5 6HP

13 NORTH KILWORTH YOUTH Secretary Sue Broome Keepers Cottage, Shawell Lane, Cotesbach, LE17 4HR CWO Catheryn Coupland Colours Cherry Shirts, Black Shorts Ground South Kilworth Village Hall, Leys Crescent, South Kilworth, LE17 6DS OADBY OWLS JUNIORS Secretary Tony Stonestreet Atherstone Close, Oadby, LE2 4SP CWO Ian Scott Colours Black/White Stripes, Black Shorts Ground Coombe Park, Coombe Rise, Oadby, LE2 5TU (entrance between houses 62 & 68) QUENIBOROUGH JUNIOR FC Secretary Chris Knight Castle Rise, Groby, LE6 0YF CWO Lee Snart Colours Red and Black Ground Rearsby Road, Queniborough, LE7 3DH QUORN JUNIORS Secretary Matthew Urch Linkfield Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7DL CWO Becky Godrich Colours White Shirts, Black Shorts, Away - Red Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Rawlins Community College, Sarson Street, Quorn, LE12 8DY RATBY SPORTS JFC Secretary Steve Munn rsjfc.secretary@hotmail.co.uk 95 Main Street, Ratby, LE6 0LN CWO Mandy Shilton mandyshilton@hotmail.com Colours Red/Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Ratby Sports Club, Desford Lane, Ratby, LE6 0LE RAVENSTONE Secretary Jenna Pegg jenna_pegg@hotmail.com 19 Swithland Rd, Coalville LE67 4JH CWO Lisa Kirkland lisa.kirkland@ntlworld.com Colours Navy Shirts/Shorts Ground Ravenstone Recreation Ground, Ravenslea Est, Ravenstone, LE67 2AW RIVERSIDE UNITED JUNIORS Secretary David Ward d.f.ward@btinternet.com 11 Goodes Lane, Syston, LE7 2JL CWO Robbie Nixon robbie.nixon2@btinternet.com Colours Blue Shirts with Red trim, Blue Shorts Ground Wreake Valley Community College, Parkstone Road, Syston LE7 1LY

14 ROTHLEY IMPS JUNIORS Secretary Richard Reuben Cross Lane, Mountsorrel, LE12 7BU CWO Andy Gale Colours Red/Black Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Island Pitches, 29 Fowke Street (opp Fowke St Playing Fields), Rothley, LE7 7PJ ROYCE RANGERS Secretary Lisa Butterfill Plover Close, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6BE CWO Alison McKay Colours Red/Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts - Away - White Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground The Showground, Barleythorpe Road, (entrance in Pillings Road), Oakham, LE15 6QJ RUGBY TOWN JUNIORS Secretary Damien Carroll djcarroll@hotmail.co.uk 2 Dunsmore Avenue, Rugby, CV22 5HD CWO Ian Moore moore-ian@sky.com CWO Aileen Coburn aileenrcoburn@msn.com Colours Tangerine/White Ground Rugby Town JFC, Kilsby Lane, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4PN SAFFRON DYNAMO Secretary Bob King bobking1@talktalk.net 14 Bramley Close, Broughton Astley, LE9 6QU CWO Bob King bobking1@talktalk.net Colours Red/Black Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Cambridge Road, Whetstone, LE9 1SJ SANTANA FC Secretary Satish Sedani satishsedani@aol.com 9 Columbine Road, Leicester, LE5 1UG CWO Satish Sedani satishsedani@aol.com Colours Ground Rushey Pavillion, Harrison Road, Leicester, LE4 7AA SHEPSHED DYNAMO Secretary Mick Wattam mjw_sons@yahoo.co.uk 75 Brick Kiln Lane, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9EJ CWO Bill Vasey bill.vasey@virgin.net Colours Grounds Black/White Stripes/Black Shorts U9 - Hind Leys College, Forest Street, Shepshed LE12 9DB U8 & U10 - Newcroft Primary School, Trueway Drive, Shepshed LE12 9DU SILEBY JUNIORS Secretary Andrew Page andrewfpage@hotmail.com 8 Marshall Avenue, Sileby, LE12 7QT CWO Tracey Noon traceynoon1@hotmail.co.uk Colours Blue/White Ground Memorial Park, Seagrave Road, Sileby, LE12 7TP

15 ST ANDREWS Secretary Brett Wells CWO Barry Daniell Colours Black/White Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Canal Street, Aylestone, LE2 8LA STOKE GOLDING Secretary Martin Schaefer Hinckley Road, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton, CV13 6DU CWO Adrian Gascoigne Colours White/Blue Shirts, White Shorts Ground Stoke Golding Recreation Ground, Hall Drive, Stoke Golding, CV13 1JG STONEYGATE LIONS Secretary Ranjit Lall Fox Hollow, Oadby, LE2 4QY CWO Rafique Patel Colours Blue Ground Judgemeadow Community College, Marydene Drive, Evington, LE5 6HP STUDS FC Secretary Wayne Gale The Littlefare, Thorpe Astley, LE3 3TS CWO Tony Jackson Colours Royal Blue, - Away, Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts Ground Winstanley Community College, Kingsway North, Braunstone, LE3 3BD SYSTON TOWN JUNIORS Secretary Clive Iliffe systontownjnrs@yahoo.co.uk 11 Pine Drive, Syston, LE7 2PZ CWO Nicki Clark nicki6clark@gmail.com Colours Amber Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Memorial Playing Fields, Necton Street, Syston, LE7 1HF THRINGSTONE JUNIORS FC Secretary Tracey Piggot secretary.tmwfc@btinternet.com 128 Conway Drive, Shepshed, LE12 9PN CWO Amy Heath amy.tony@hotmail.co.uk Colours Yellow/Blue Ground Homestead Road, Thringstone, LE67 8LL THURMASTON MAGPIES JUNIORS Secretary Chris Newcombe newcombe290@btinternet.com 36 Ferndale Road CWO Colours Black/White - Away Orange Ground Elizabeth Park, Checkland Road, Thurmaston, LE4 8FH

16 WHETSTONE JUNIORS Secretary Darren Carter b Southway, Blaby, LE8 4BB CWO Sue Franks Colours Red/Black striped Shirts, Black Shorts Ground Lutterworth Road, Whetstone, LE8 6NA WIGSTON UNITED Secretary Angela Bolley Welford Road, Wigston, LE18 3SN CWO Kaye Ellul Colours Blue/Yellow Ground Welford Road Playing Fields, Welford Road, Wigston, LE18 2DW WIGSTON YOUTH Secretary Lisa Jordan Clipston Gardens, Wigston, LE18 3UN CWO Steve Clare Colours Red Shirts, Navy Shorts Ground St John Fisher Academy School, Shenley Road, Wigston, LE18 3QL TEAM DIRECTORY The TEAM DIRECTORY is located on the website at Click on LEAGUE DOCUMENTS and select. Changes to the TEAM DIRECTORY and to CLUB SECRETARY and WELFARE OFFICERS information will be updated on a weekly basis on the website. Please check the website for up to date information before making contact

17 Leicester & District Mutual League Rules 2013/2014 Season NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION 1. (A) This Competition shall be designated the Leicester and District Mutual Football League and shall consist of not more than 100 clubs approved by the sanctioning authority. The Competition will provide football in accordance with the agreed youth formats published under FA Rule C4(A). This Competition will reproduce the relevant FA Rule in its handbook and on its website to ensure clarity and compliance with Rule 8(B). (B) 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 the Form D to the Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be Leicestershire and the surrounding counties. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions. (C) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination (i) This Competition and each Member Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination (ii) This Competition and each Member Club does not and must not [by its 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, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise). (iii) This Competition and each Member Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise. (iv) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate sanctioning Association for investigation. (D) This Competition wishes to become a designated Charter Standard League. Existing Member Clubs have two years (until the end of the season) to achieve the Charter Standard club award or face expulsion from the League. New Member Clubs 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. (E) This Competition and its Clubs 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 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 Clubs will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive but not antagonistic environment

18 (F) Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT 2. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of 25 per club which shall be returned in the event of non-election. At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. The Entry Fee shall apply. (B) The Annual Subscription shall be 20 per Team playing Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 Mini-Soccer and 30 per Team playing Under 10 Mini-Soccer payable on or before the 30 th April in each year. (C) Each Club shall pay a Deposit of 0 which shall be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied with all orders of the Management Committee. (D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit have been paid. (E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1 st September of its parent County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition. OFFICERS 3. The Officers of the Competition shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting and elected thereat. (N.B. Auditors/Verifiers are not Officers). MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION 4. (A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and any sub-committee 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, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 15th 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 nomination 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 Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee. (D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings. (E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their nominated Officers. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT 5. (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub- committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for

19 ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated Association (B) Subject to the permission of the sanctioning County Football Association having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season. (See Rule 6(e)). (C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall apply to the procedure of any sub-committee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote. (D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules. With the exception of Rules 5(I), 6(H), 10(A) 11 and 19 for any breaches of Rule a formal written charge must be issued. The respondent shall be given seven days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to:- (i) (ii) (iii) Accept or deny the charge Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or Put their case before the Management Committee. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules by the appropriate Association. With the exception of Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football Pyramid and the FA Women s Premier League, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition rule is 250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances. (E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16. Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 14 days. (F) 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 Competition. (G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number. (H) A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition, shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee. (I) All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written notification. Any Club failing to do so 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. (J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition

20 (K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the Annual General or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season. (L) No participant under the age of 18 can be fined. (M) Leagues who organise Mini Soccer for teams playing U7,U8 and U9 football may not, with the exception of Rules 6, 10(A), 11(D), 14 and 19 fine clubs for breaches of League Rules. (N) For those leagues defined under Rule 5(M) when a team fails to fulfil either a festival or development fixture and pitch hire costs have been incurred, the Organising Competition will be empowered to order the defaulting club to pay these costs and charge an administration fee of up to 10. (O) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 6. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the end of June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 25 members are present and entitled to vote:- (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting. To consider any business arising therefrom. To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee). Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season. Election of Officers and Management Committee. Appointment of Auditors. Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given). Fix the date for the commencement of the season and kick off times applicable to the Competitions. Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting. (B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the sanctioning County Football Association. (C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the sanctioning County Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting. (D) Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days notice shall be given of any Meeting. (E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17. (F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 75% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides. (G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Member Club. (H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined 20. (I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting

21 AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED 7. The Chairman and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. "We, A, of (Chairman) and B of (Secretary) of the Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Competition 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 Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16." Any alteration of the Chairman and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the Competition. (Note: The spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the signatures and addresses of officers and members) QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS 8. (A)(i) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player signing a registration form for that Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 12 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland. (ii) No player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan contained within Youth Development Rules will be permitted to play in this Competition. Details of the Youth Development Rules are published on the FA web site. (iii) While serving in any branch of Her Majesty s Regular Forces, a player must first obtain the consent of his Association Secretary before signing a registration form to play for a Club. (B) A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:- (i) Provided a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form, countersigned by his /her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registrations Secretary 4 days prior to playing and whose Player Registration Card has been received by the Club prior to playing. The registration document must be accompanied by a digital photograph of the player seeking registration together with verification of the player s date of birth. (see Player Registrations Guidance) If a player s age is required for registration purposes a Competition must accept an original birth certificate or a photocopy. In cases where the birth certificate is not available a Competition is required to accept a photocopy of the player s passport or other official document issued by a Government Agency attesting to the player s date of birth. The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows: Children who have attained the age of six but are under the age of (a) seven as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2013/14 (b) eight as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2014/15 may be permitted to play in a match between sides with a maximum of five players and shall play according to the correct Laws of The Game for that format

22 Children who have attained the age of (a) seven as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2013/14 (b) eight as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2014/15 may be permitted to play in a match between sides with a maximum of seven players and shall play according to the correct Laws of the Game for that format. Children who have attained the age of nine but who are under the age of ten as at midnight on the 31 st August in the playing season may be permitted to play in a match between sides with a maximum of seven players and shall play according to the correct Laws of the Game for that format. Children who have attained the age of ten but who are under the age of (a) eleven as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2013/14 (b) twelve as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2014/15 may be permitted to play in a match between sides with a maximum of nine players and shall play according to the correct Laws of the Game for that format. Children who have attained the age of (a) eleven as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2013/14 (b) twelve as at midnight on the 31 st August in season 2014/15 may play in a match between sides with a maximum of eleven players and shall play according to the correct Laws of the Game for that format. Children who have attained the age of six as at midnight on the 31 st August in a playing season may play Futsal according to the Laws of the Game Futsal. The particular age ranges for such activity are subject to amendment by The Football Association from time to time. Notwithstanding the above qualification dates, this competition will operate on SINGLE AGE YEAR GROUPS. In season 2013/14, children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the following number of players, according to their age group: Under 7 5v5 (including Futsal) Under 8 7v7 Under 9 7v7 Under 10 7v7 Under 11 9v9 Under 12 Under 18 11v11 In season 2014/15, children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the following number of players, according to their age group: Under 7 5v5 (including Futsal) Under 8 5v5 Under 9 7v7 Under 10 7v7 Under 11 9v9 Under 12 9v9 Under 13 Under 18 11v11 Children permitted to play 11v11 but who are under the age of fifteen as at the 31 st August in a playing season shall not be permitted to play in a match where any other player is older or younger by two years or more than that person. The above qualification dates are subject to the provisions contained in FA Rule C.4(a) in its entirety. (C) Not Applicable (D) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played. (E) Registration forms shall be obtained from the Secretary

23 (F) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes. In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one club priority of registration shall decide for which Club the player shall be registered. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration. (G) It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to:- (i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being transferred. (ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for another Club in the Competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer. (iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. (H)(i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any player subject to the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) below. (ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16). (iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the relevant County Football Association. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this Competition. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the player is registered or intending to be registered with. (iv) For a player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with clause (iii) but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute. (Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the competition into disrepute can only be considered where the player has received in excess of 112 days suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence for any team playing in this Competition.) (I) Subject to FA Rule C2(a) dealing with players without a written contract when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form to the Secretary accompanied by a fee of 5. Such transfer shall be referred by the Secretary to the Club for which the player is registered. Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the 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 Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or 4 days after receipt of such transfer. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision. (J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after the last day of February except by special permission of the Management Committee

24 (K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. Player Registration Cards must be provided for inspection, on request, by an opposing Team Manager or League Official. Teams failing to comply may be fined 20 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee. Appointed Referees are NOT to be involved in the checking of registration cards. 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). (L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Registrations Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member Club representative at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Season only. (M) 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)) unless the player has played 6 games for that team in this Competition in the current season. (N) Not Applicable (O)(i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players 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. (ii) In addition the team may have up to 3 further points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit. (iii) The Management Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed. (The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):- (P) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. This is not applicable for under 17/18 football. (ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday Competitions). (iii) Children under 15 shall not play in a team involving players who are more than 2 years older. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME 9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 15 July who shall decide as to their suitability. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee. No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least SEVEN days before the match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two clubs have the same or similar colours, the AWAY team shall make the change. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined

25 The Secretary of the Competition 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. Shirts must be numbered. (B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES 10. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the date for the commencement of the season in accordance with Football Association Rules. Original fixtures arranged by the Fixtures Secretary, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later than 1 st July, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days preceding the concluding date. (B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer and 9v9 football, the Laws as set down by The Football Association. Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed. The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground. Football Turf Pitches (3G Artificial Pitches) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA s Register of Football Turf Pitches. For clubs playing at Step 7 and below from season 2014/15, all Football Turf Pitches used must be on the FA s register and must be tested (by an accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. The home Club is also responsible for advising participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 10(D). All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time (not less than 30 minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 development fixtures may be played in four quarters of 10 minutes with the agreement of both teams. For Mini-Soccer The maximum duration of play shall be two halves of 20 minutes each way. The maximum playing time in any one day for under 7 and under 8 age groups is 40 minutes and for under 9 and under 10 age groups is 60 minutes. For Youth football The duration of play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time. For under 11 and under 12, 30 minutes each half; for under 13, 14, 35 minutes each half and under 15 and under 16, 40 minutes each half; under 17 and under 18, 45 minutes each half. The minimum time for any game will not be less than 20 minutes each half for players in the under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes each half for all other age groups. No player participating in an under 17 division or lower age group shall be permitted to play more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header, ie: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition

26 The times of kick-off shall be fixed at the AGM. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time may be fined a sum not exceeding 15 or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. A size 3 ball will be used for age groups U7 to U9. A size 4 ball will be used for age groups U10 to U14. A size 5 ball will be used for all other age groups. Goal nets must be used. (C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary. In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed). (D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least seven clear days prior to the playing of the match. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine of 10. (E) In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 4 players (under 7) or 6 players (under 8, under 9 and under 10) they may be fined 5 for each missing player. A minimum of 4 players (under 7) or 6 players (under 8, under 9 and under 10) will constitute a team for a Competition match. (F) (i) (Under 10 only) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to inflict a fine, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent's ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances. (ii) Any Club with more than one team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence, where team precedence is applicable:- First Team, Reserve Team, A Team. Clubs in breach of this requirement shall be fined a sum not exceeding 20 or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee. (iii) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a fixture has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the Fixtures Secretary, the Competition Referees Secretary, the Secretary of the opposing Club and the match officials. Any Club failing to comply shall be dealt with by the Management Committee who may inflict a fine. (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 be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within SEVEN days the Management Committee shall have power to order the match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. (v) The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to

27 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 a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opponent. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match. vi) The Management Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by the Association or Affiliated Association. In each case the team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 8(O) above. Where both teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void. (G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 5 substitute players in any match (under 7) or 7 substitute players in any match (under 8, under 9 and under 10) in this Competition who may be selected from 5 (under 7) or 7 (under 8, under 9, under 10) players. For Mini-Soccer any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the Referee. 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 substitute for another player. A Team must not have a squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group. For Youth Football for teams in the under 18 age group and below, a player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football. The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 15 minutes before the start of the match. A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition. (H) The half time interval shall be of FIVE minutes duration, but it shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee. (I) The Competition shall require all players and club officials to have signed the FA s Respect Codes of Conduct and produce these if so requested by the management committee. 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. The participating clubs taking part in the fixture shall identify a team captain designated with a captain s armband who has a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her team mates. If the participating players are considered to be too young to take on this role a member of the team coaching staff should provide this support. Each home club shall make arrangements for the provision of designated areas for spectators. This area can be marked by an additional painted line, the use of cones, a roped off area or use of a temporary spectator barrier. The area for spectators should start two metres from the touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run the full length of the pitch. It is recognised, however, that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this arrangement in which case other appropriate arrangements should be made. REPORTING RESULTS 11. (A) (Under 10 only) The Fixtures Secretary must receive within TWO days of the date played, the result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename and surname of the team players (in block letters) and also the Referee markings required by Rule 13, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur a fine of 10 and/or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide

28 (B) Both Clubs shall notify the result of each match to the League via the Full-Time SMS System, by 6pm on the day of the match. Clubs in default shall be fined 5. (C) Not Applicable (D) Leagues are permitted to collect but not to publish results for fixtures they organise for U7, U8 and U9 Mini Soccer. They may require a Club to confirm that a set fixture has been played. A maximum fine of 5 may be imposed for a breach of this Rule. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP 12. (A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points. In Mini Soccer points can only be awarded for Under 10 Competitions onwards. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points team rankings may be decided by a deciding match(es) played under conditions determined by the Management Committee. (B) Not Applicable (C) (Under 10 only) In the event of a team not completing 75% of its fixtures for the season, all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table. (D) Not Applicable REFEREES 13. (A) Registered Referees (and Assistant Referees where approved by the FA or County FA) for all Under 10 matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association. (B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee. (C) Not Applicable (D) The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the owners of a ground, the Representative of that body is the sole arbitor and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play. In the event of a junior appointed referee, the decision to call a game off shall be mutually agreed between the participating teams and the referee. If no agreement can be made the game will be considered cancelled and the Management Committee will decide on action to be taken after consulting all parties. (E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the sanctioning Association Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee of 15. The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees before the match. (F) In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Official, if present, shall be entitled to half fee only. Where a match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee. (G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or she is registered

29 (H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine. (I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County Football Association. (J) Not Applicable. (K) Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge. (L) Referees and Assistant Referees shall have undertaken a Respect briefing offered by the FA/County FA or the League. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB 14. (A) After 31 st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31 st March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding 50. (B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the arrangement of fixtures for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 50 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(D). (C) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at a Special General Meeting held for that purpose or at the Annual General Meeting the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements. (D) In the event of a Member Club which is an unincorporated association withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the Competition. In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Member s pro rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which may apply to the Club s Parent County Association for a suspension order. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS 15. (A)(i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee. (ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee. (B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within SEVEN days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined

30 (C) Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all parties subject to Rule 16. (D) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum of 25. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties. (E) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being heard. (i) All parties must have received FOURTEEN days notice of the Hearing should they be instructed to attend. (ii) Should a Club elect to state its case in person then they should forward a deposit of 25 and indicate such when forwarding the written response. (F) When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint. BOARD OF APPEAL 16. Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the sanctioning Football Association, including a fee of 25, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned. No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS.OR TEAMS MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS 17. (A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or Team from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (⅔) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. (B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or team of a Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting. (C) Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule. (D) Any Club or Team failing to complete 75% of its fixtures in any season shall (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast) be debarred from membership the following season

31 TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER, AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS. 18. A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:- We A and B, the Chairman and Secretary of FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of Cup or Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before. If the Cup or Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair. Failure to comply will result in a fine as determined by the Management Committee. (B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS 19. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting. The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time. At least seven days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only, as will members of the Management Committee. Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined 20. Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings. ALTERATION TO RULES 20. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the sanctioning Association, shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until the following season. Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30 th April in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 10 th May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 20 th May. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour. A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association fourteen days prior to the date of the meeting. FINANCE 21. (A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged. (B) All expenditure shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee

32 (C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 31 st March. (D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting. INSURANCE 22. All Clubs must have public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds ( 10,000,000). 23 DISSOLUTION (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a Special General Meeting by a majority of three quarters of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant Special General Meeting. (B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition. (C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows: (i) Any surplus assets, save for a Trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the sanctioning Association. (ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a Trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the Donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the sanctioning Association may decide

33 Mini-Soccer: Meeting the needs of children The main theme throughout Mini-Soccer is to meet the needs of children. 11-a-side association football does not meet these needs. Children need a modified game that fits their needs; too often children are modified to meet the requirements of a game. Mini-Soccer modifies association football without losing the essence of the game. Mini-Soccer is the appropriate introduction to football. All available research and observation shows that children will have more fun and learn more playing a game with smaller teams and modified rules. Mini-Soccer is, therefore, a game children can actually play rather than struggling to understand a game created for adults. If children are to enjoy and take part in soccer they need to: Feel success Take an active part in the game Learn to play as a team Understand the Laws Develop soccer skills Be able to take part whatever their ability Develop their fitness Mini-Soccer sets out to meet those needs. recognizably football. It allows children to succeed and take part in something that is still Mini-Soccer recognises the fact that younger children perform better in smaller teams with simple Laws. Mini-Soccer, however, is more than another version of five-or six-a-side football for the following reasons: 1. It recognises that children do not perform as adults and therefore its Laws, researched and piloted by The Football Association, meet the needs of children. 2. It has all the features of real football to children. 3. It doesn t set unrealistic expectations. Many adults do not know what can be expected of children and so emphasize the result at the expense of performance. Mini-Soccer helps by defining the targets for children at different ages. 4. It sets a standard for behaviour on and off the pitch. 5. Mini-Soccer is for all children regardless of their ability. It is intended for girls and boys, and young footballers with disabilities and learning difficulties. In an age when so much of children s leisure time is as organised as their study, Mini-Soccer offers something special: a game that children can organise themselves! With relatively little instruction, children can play and enjoy a game which is suitable for a wide ability range and gives everyone a chance to take part. If you find this hard to believe, just set up a game with some children and WATCH! Guidance for the Laws of Mini-Soccer The Laws have been piloted and aim to be simple and as near to real football as possible. The games require only a game-leader who is urged to be as flexible as possible with the youngest children. The children will need the Laws explained to them as the game proceeds (e.g. handball, in/out of play). It will also be necessary to demonstrate in certain instances how to re-start the game (e.g. throw-ins). What can children expect from Adults? Remember that children are often easily led, anxious to please and prone to over-enthusiasm, and so plenty of praise and positive reinforcement is needed, especially with beginners. Children find it hard to understand negative instructions and easier to understand positive reinforcement and this can frequently mean playing down the result and playing up the performance. This reduces the child s anxiety and decreases their worry about failing. Remember that children do not mean to make mistakes; we should accept mistakes as a necessary part of learning

34 Make sure the players play by the Laws. The majority of children at these ages will not knowingly infringe the Laws of the game. Finally, work with other adults, not against them, and by so doing reinforce positive attitudes among the children. Interference from the Touchline Whilst the fun and friendly atmosphere created by Mini-Soccer should keep such instances to a minimum, there may be situations where comments and abuse from adults, parents and managers is made from the touch line. This could be directed at the referee, but also at the players. What can be done? Stay calm; do not get into disagreement; report the matter to relevant club or league officials; set a positive responsible example. Remember The FA s RESPECT programme. Referees Mini-Soccer Game Leaders The referee has an important role to play in Mini-Soccer. Carrying out their duties without favour, they should create a playing environment which is fun for all those taking part. The referee should encourage fair play, fun, respect for others, development of skills and team work, and understanding of the Laws of the game. The Laws of the game should be a guide for the referee in Mini-Soccer with the spirit of the Laws being more important than the letters of the law. Appreciation of the needs of the child is essential. This information is taken from the FA Mini-Soccer Handbook which may be updated following the Youth Development Review. The FA Youth Development Review The Leicester and District Mutual Football League is fully committed to the implementation of the Youth Development Review and its ethos and aims. For further information please visit Youth Leagues Their Game U7/U8 Their Game U9/U10 Their Game IMPORTANT NOTES The FA Laws for Mini-Soccer 1. LAW 15 THROW-IN U7/U8 players retain the option to roll-in rather than throw-in. It is the player s choice. 2. LAW 16 GOAL KICK now MANDATORY. The FA has issued revised laws for mini-soccer based on the 5v5 and 7v7 formats for U7/U8 and U9/U10 respectively and these are outlined below. However, for Season 2013/14, in accordance with the phased introduction of the 5v5 format from the Youth Development Review, U8 teams will still play the 7v7 format. As a result, it is necessary to clarify the following points for U8 teams, playing 7v7, for Season 2013/14: LAW 1 Please refer to the grid on page 54 LAW 3 Maximum number of players 7, minimum 6 LAW 7 Duration of game 2 halves of 20 minutes

35 The Football Association Laws for Mini-Soccer This guide provides the Laws for Under 7 and Under 8 versions of the game, with children playing a maximum of 5v5. Please remember: Under 7 s or Under 8 s are not permitted to play in leagues where results are collected or published or winner trophies are presented, this is deemed to be detrimental to the development of the player and the game and will not be sanctioned. From season 2013/14, Under 7 s and Under 8 s can play in a maximum of three trophy events during the season, lasting a maximum of two weeks each. These are short-term experiences helping children learn about winning and losing in an appropriate environment. The winners of these events can be published and trophies can be presented. Except where other provision, in these Laws are made, the Laws of Association Football apply. Each Law is numbered to correspond with the appropriate Law of the Game. These Laws are mandatory unless special permission is granted by The Football Association. Law 1 Playing Area

36 Halfway Line The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line. This is also used as the retreat line when restarting play with a goal kick. Goal Size The distance between the posts is 12ft and the distance between the lower edge of the cross bar and the ground is 6ft. Law 2 The Ball The ball should be size 3 for U7 and U8 It should be safe and made of leather or another suitable material Law 3 Number of Players Under 7 and Under 8 Maximum number per team, including goalkeeper 5v5 The above table indicates the maximum number of players per team at that age group. If the competition would like to have smaller numbers, e.g. 4v4 at U7 or U8, this is allowed within this framework. A match may not START if either team consists of fewer than four players. The minimum number of players in a team required for a match to CONTINUE is also four. Matches can begin with 5v4 but the importance and ethos of Mini-Soccer should be upheld wherever possible and the development of the children should come before the score line. Players must play with and against players only from their own age range, as per Football Association and Competition rules. Each team must not have a squad greater than double the size of the team per age. Any number of substitutes, without being named, may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player. All team members should receive equal playing time where possible, with a best practice recommendation of at least 50% per player for each game. Law 4 Playing Equipment Players must wear shin guards and goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing playing strip. Shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks. Players must wear the appropriate clothing dependant on the weather.

37 Correct footwear must be worn for the surface of the pitch e.g. no metal studs on artificial grass pitches. Law 5 Referees The Authority of the Referee Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws for Mini-Soccer in connection with the match to which they have been appointed. Furthermore, referees should also recognise their role is to facilitate learning of the players, for example, allow young children to take a second attempt at a throw-in if the first is not within the Laws. Law 6 Assistant Referee Assistant referees are not required. Law 7 Duration of the Game In any one day, no player shall play more than 40 minutes. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer or organisation to ensure the child does not exceed this. Each league/competition will determine its own playing time within the maximum time permitted however the maximum duration will be two halves of 20 minutes. It is permitted during development matches that the periods of play can be split into equal quarters. The half time interval must not exceed 5 minutes. Please refer to the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions. Law 8 Start and Restart of Play Procedure A kick-off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored. Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball and in their own half of the field. The ball must be played forward. In Mini-Soccer a goal cannot be scored directly from a start or restart of play. Special Circumstances A dropped ball to restart the match, after play has been temporarily stopped inside the penalty area, takes place on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when the play stopped. No goal can be scored direct from a dropped ball.

38 Law 9 Ball In and Out of Play Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Law 10 Method of Scoring Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Law 11 Offside There is no offside. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. However, in Mini-Soccer all free kicks are direct. A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper: Takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball from his/her hands Touches the ball again with his/her hands after it has been released from his/her possession and has not touched any other player Touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team mate Touches the ball with his/her hands after he/she has received it directly from a throw in taken by a team mate For all these offences, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence. Law 13 Free Kicks For all free kicks opponents must be 5 yards from the ball. Law 14 Penalty Kicks Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Position of the Ball and the Players All players except the defending goalkeeper and kicker must be outside the penalty area and at least 5 yards from the penalty mark. The ball must be kicked forward. Law 15

39 Throw-in Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Optional 2012/13 - In addition, U7 and U8 children are permitted to roll the ball underarm with one or both hands into the field of play. The role of the referee is to also allow young players to learn the game. This may involve letting players take throw-ins again, if incorrect technique is used. The referee should ensure the same player attempts a second time, with guidance and help from the match official. Law 16 Goal Kick Procedure A player of the defending team kicks the ball from any point within the penalty area. Optional 2012/13 - Opponents must retreat to their own half until the ball is in play. The defending team does not have to wait for the opposition to retreat and has the option to restart the game before should they choose to. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out the penalty area. Law 17 Corner Kicks The opposing players must remain at least 5yards from the ball until it is in play. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If he/she does, a free kick is awarded against them. The ball is in play immediately when it enters the field of play.

40 The Football Association Laws for Mini-Soccer This guide provides the Laws for Under 9 and Under 10 versions of the game, with children playing a maximum of 7v7. Please remember: a) From season 2013/14 Under 9 s are not permitted to play in leagues where results are collected or published or winner trophies are presented, this is deemed to be detrimental to the development of the player and the game and will not be sanctioned. b) Under 9 s can play in a maximum of three trophy events during the season, lasting a maximum of four weeks each. These are short-term experiences helping children learn about winning and losing in an appropriate environment. The winners of these events can be published and trophies can be presented. From season 2014/15 the above two paragraphs a) and b) will refer to U10 s also no league tables to be published and the option of three trophy events over a maximum of four weeks, spread during the season. Except where other provision, in these Laws are made, the Laws of Association Football apply. Each Law is numbered to correspond with the appropriate Law of the Game. These Laws are mandatory unless special permission is granted by The Football Association. Law 1 Playing Area

41 Halfway Line The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is indicated at the mid-point of the halfway line. This is also used as the retreat line when restarting play with a goal kick. Goal Size The distance between the posts is 12ft and the distance between the lower edge of the cross bar and the ground is 6ft. Law 2 The Ball The ball should be size 3 for U9 The ball should be size 4 for U10 It should be safe and made of leather or another suitable material Law 3 Number of Players Under 9 and Under 10 Maximum number per team, including goalkeeper 7v7

42 The above table indicates the maximum number of players per team at that age group. If the competition would like to have smaller numbers, e.g. 4v4 at U9 or U10, this is allowed within this framework. A match may not START if either team consists of fewer than five players. The minimum number of players in a team required for a match to CONTINUE is also five. Matches can begin with 7v6 but the importance and ethos of Mini-Soccer should be upheld wherever possible and the development of the children should come before the score line. Players must play with and against players only from their own age range, as per Football Association and Competition rules. Each team must not have a squad greater than double the size of the team per age. Any number of substitutes, without being named, may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. A player who has been replaced may return to the playing area as a substitute for another player. All team members should receive equal playing time where possible, with a best practice recommendation of at least 50% per player for each game. Law 4 Playing Equipment Players must wear shin guards and goalkeepers must wear a distinguishing playing strip. Shin guards must be covered entirely by the socks. Players must wear the appropriate clothing dependant on the weather. Correct footwear must be worn for the surface of the pitch e.g. no metal studs on artificial grass pitches. Law 5 Referees The Authority of the Referee Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws for Mini-Soccer in connection with the match to which they have been appointed. Furthermore, referees should also recognise their role is to facilitate learning of the players, for example, allow young children to take a second attempt at a throw-in if the first is not within the Laws. Law 6 Assistant Referee Assistant referees are not required. Law 7 Duration of the Game In any one day, no player shall play more than 60 minutes. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer or organisation to ensure the child does not exceed this. Each

43 league/competition will determine its own playing time within the maximum time permitted however the maximum duration will be two halves of 25 minutes. It is permitted during development matches that the periods of play can be split into equal quarters. The half time interval must not exceed 5 minutes. Please refer to the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions. Law 8 Start and Restart of Play Procedure A kick-off is taken at the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored. Opponents must be 5 yards away from the ball and in their own half of the field. The ball must be played forward. In Mini-Soccer a goal cannot be scored directly from a start or restart of play. Special Circumstances A dropped ball to restart the match, after play has been temporarily stopped inside the penalty area, takes place on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when the play stopped. No goal can be scored direct from a dropped ball. Law 9 Ball In and Out of Play Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Law 10 Method of Scoring Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Law 11 Offside There is no offside. Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. However, in Mini-Soccer all free kicks are direct. A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper: Takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball from his/her hands Touches the ball again with his/her hands after it has been released from his/her possession and has not touched any other player

44 Touches the ball with his/her hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team mate Touches the ball with his/her hands after he/she has received it directly from a throw in taken by a team mate For all these offences, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence. Law 13 Free Kicks For all free kicks opponents must be 5 yards from the ball. Law 14 Penalty Kicks Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. Position of the Ball and the Players All players except the defending goalkeeper and kicker must be outside the penalty area and at least 5 yards from the penalty mark. The ball must be kicked forward. Law 15 Throw-in Normal rules apply, as per Laws of Association Football. The role of the referee is to also allow young players to learn the game. This may involve letting players take throw-ins again, if incorrect technique is used. The referee should ensure the same player attempts a second time, with guidance and help from the match official. Law 16 Goal Kick Procedure A player of the defending team kicks the ball from any point within the penalty area. Optional 2012/13 - Opponents must retreat to their own half until the ball is in play. The defending team does not have to wait for the opposition to retreat and has the option to restart the game before should they choose to. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out the penalty area. Law 17 Corner Kicks The opposing players must remain at least 5yards from the ball until it is in play. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If he/she does, a free kick is awarded against them.

45 FIXTURE CONFIRMATION AND MATCHDAY REQUIREMENTS AT LEAST 7 DAYS PRIOR TO THE MATCH 3 OR 4 DAYS BEFORE THE MATCH The HOME club must notify the visiting club at least 7 days before the scheduled date of the match. If notification is by telephone ensure you speak directly to a responsible member of the visiting club. confirmation is acceptable and would ensure that there is a record in cases of dispute. Ensure that colours and kick off times are fully understood by the visitors and agreed between the clubs. Make sure you are communicating with the correct team if a club has more than one team entered in the League at the same age. Both clubs - contact your opponents in advance of the scheduled match to confirm the arrangements, checking on the venue, kick-off time and colours and that they are still available to play. If you or your opponents have more than one team in the age group ensure you and they are talking about the same team. UNDER 10 s HOME team to contact the appointed referee to confirm arrangements: venue, kick off time etc. by Thursday at the latest. ON THE DAY BEFORE K.O. Ensure you have available well before kick-off time :- players' kit, goals, nets, corner flags, footballs, whistle, watch, coin, note-book and pen, players' registration cards, firstaid kit. Ensure you check the pitch and goalposts and that you have a designated area for spectators. (Respect). Where there is no League appointed referee, the HOME club should provide a suitable person to officiate. Pay LEAGUE APPOINTED referee 15 - CASH Please note, all teams are required to produce a full set of player registrations cards for inspection by the opposition or a league official if requested to do so. Failure to comply may result in a fine being applied under Rule 8(k) Conduct the Respect handshake. (Optional) AFTER THE MATCH Offer three cheers to the opposing team and handshakes to the opposing team. CONFIRM THE RESULT WITH YOUR OPPOSTITION and REFEREE Text the result (including postponements) to the Full-Time website. The registered team mobile will receive a text message reminder prior to kick off. DEADLINE 6PM ON THE DAY OF THE MATCH BOTH TEAMS MUST TEXT THE RESULT INCLUDING POSTPONEMENTS UNDER 10 s - Complete the online scorecard on Full-Time DEADLINE 6PM THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MATCH Results and League tables will be updated by MONDAY evening

46 RESULT REPORTING How to Submit SMS results Teams are required to report the scores of games using the SMS message system provided by the Football Association, as part of their "Full-Time" league administration package. For each team, a mobile number has been registered in accordance with the information submitted on the Team registration form. Should you wish a different person and/or number to be used please ask your club secretary to the appropriate information to ldmflsecretary@gmail.com at least 48 hours before the next scheduled game to enable processing. Before, or during each game, the FA system will send an SMS Text Message to each registered mobile number, reminding you to send in the result of the game. After the game, both home and away clubs should report the score by replying to their message giving the score for the game, home team first, away team second, and separated by a hyphen. For example:- SYSTEM SENDS CHE1 v MNU1 K.O. SUN 21 SEP :00. Submit your result after the match as: H-A To report a 2-1 win to the home side BOTH TEAMS should simply reply: 2-1 If you are registered to send in results for more than one team, the text will include a team code, which you need to add after the result so that Full-Time can identify which team is being reported. E.G. CHE1 v MNU1 K.O. SUN 21 SEP :00. Submit your result after the match as: H-A CHE1 (note the CHE1 team code at the end) and the reply would be, 2-1 CHE1. It is important to note you should not add other information or Full-Time will not accept your result message and a fine may be incurred. The text must be sent from the registered mobile (as Full-Time identifies you by the mobile number it has been given). Full-Time allows you to report postponements (P-P) and abandonments (A-A), again with a team code as applicable. Hints and Tips If you are having problems with sending in results, please check the following:- If Full-Time asks for a team code, make sure it s included. Make sure you give the correct team code (if one is required) after the scores. Make sure you give the home score first, away score second. Tell the league if you change your mobile number! Tell the league if a fixture is incorrect on Full-Time before the game is played. Remember the SMS score is processed by a computer, so the format needs to be correct. If the text you receive does NOT have a code at the end, you do not need to add one! How to Submit Online Team Sheet Under 10s ONLY Team Administrators will receive a username and password. These will be assigned by the League Secretary and gives limited access to Full-Time. This will be restricted to the submission of your Team Sheet, the referees mark, and Respect marks. The Team Administrators guide can be found at

47 GUIDE TO MARKING REFEREES PLEASE NOTE THIS ONLY APPLIES TO REFEREES APPOINTED BY THE LEAGUE The mark awarded by a club must be based on the Referee's OVERALL performance, focusing on Control and Decision Making and Communication and Player Management. It is most important that the mark is awarded fairly and not based on isolated incidents or previous games. The Referee's performance should be determined by the table below which should act as a guide for the overall mark which should fall within the mark range for each standard of performance The referee demonstrated very accurate decision making and controlled the game very well using management and communication skills effectively to add value to the game The referee demonstrated accurate decision making and controlled the game well using management and communication skills effectively to contribute positively to the game The referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision making and despite some shortcomings generally controlled the game well 60 and below The referee demonstrated shortcomings in the accuracy of decision making and control which affected the game Notes Club Officials should use the full range of marks within each category to help distinguish between different performance levels. eg. In the category a mark of 84 indicates a better performance than a mark of 77 While some Referees may have below average performances, there will usually be some positive aspects of their performance, so extremely low marks should be very rare When club officials are marking a referee they should look at the game as a whole and not at isolated decisions. The result of the match should not influence the mark and disciplinary action should be judged objectively (although at under 10's disciplinary action would be very rare) When a mark of 60 or below is awarded a written explanation MUST be forwarded to the referees secretary within 5 days of the game being played. Reports should be factual explaining specifically why a low score has been awarded. These reports can then be used to assist in the development of the referee Final Thoughts Always try to be objective when marking. You may not obtain the most objective view by marking immediately after the game. Judge the performance of the whole game. Don't be too influenced by one particular incident. Don't mark the referee down unfairly because you team was unlucky and lost the game or some disciplinary action was taken against your players. GOALPOST SAFETY Please refer to the guideline on the FA website

48 The Leicester & District Mutual Football League is fully committed to The FA RESPECT Programme. All clubs, teams, managers, players, supporters and parents are required to adhere to the relevant RESPECT Codes of Conduct. RESPECT A Message from the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA The Leicester & District Mutual Football League has a long established history for providing an introduction to football for the youngest of players across our county. Given that this may be the first experience of playing organised football that both the adults and children involved may have, there is the need to ensure the right habits and practices are formed from the start. The Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association (LRCFA) are proud to work in partnership with the League to help clubs, coaches, players and parents to promote safe, enjoyable and child-centred approaches to the game. Both great opportunity and responsibility lie with those adults who undertake the task of introducing football to young children, particularly at an age where children are forming beliefs about themselves and the world around them that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Football has the power to provide a great environment for children to learn and develop new skills to take into other areas of their life as they grow. What children will learn from football is shaped by the environment created for them by the adults surrounding them. A relaxed atmosphere of enjoyment, support and a focus on development will allow a child to mature as a person and advance their skills in a positive manner to reach their potential. Many such examples exist at clubs across our county, and the work of those dedicated volunteers involved helps to make football a valid part of our community. Sadly however, examples do exist where children s football occurs not to serve the needs of the young people, but for the benefit of the adults involved. An emphasis on results over fun and development can often take away what attracts children to playing football, and this can often be expressed as a pressurised environment for the children involved. In such environments children can become fearful to try new things and less motivated in challenging situations, neither of which help a child to develop as a footballer, or as a person. On behalf of the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA we would like to urge all clubs, coaches, volunteers and parents to ensure that they do everything they can to create a child-centred environment for their young footballers. For those clubs who may lack the experience or the knowledge to ensure the environment they create is conducive to child development, please do not hesitate to seek the advice and support you need from the LRCFA. Please support and endorse the RESPECT programme promoted by the FA and ensure that childcentred, enjoyable environments are created for children of all ages to play football in

49 Respect Code of Conduct Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. In The FA s survey of 37,000 grassroots participants, behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline. Play your part and observe The Football Association s Respect Code of Conduct in everything you do. On and off the field, I will: Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game Promote Fair Play and high standards of behaviour Always respect the match official s decision Never enter the field of play without the referee s permission Never engage in public criticism of the match officials Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. When working with players, I will: Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me Ensure all parents/carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem Encourage each player to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the players ability level, age and maturity Co-operate fully with others in football (e.g. officials, doctors, physiotherapists, welfare officers) for each player s best interests. I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA: Required to meet with the club, league or County Welfare Officer Required to meet with the club committee Monitored by another club coach Required to attend an FA education course Suspended by the club from attending matches Suspended or fined by the County FA Required to leave or be sacked by the club. In addition: My FACA (FA Coaches Association) membership may be withdrawn. TheFA.com/Respect

50 Respect Code of Conduct Spectators and Parents/Carers We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game This club is supporting The FA s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment. Remember children s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn t everything. Play your part and observe The FA s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times. I will: Remember that children play for FUN Applaud effort and good play as well as success Always respect the match officials decisions Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators Area (where provided) Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake mistakes are part of learning Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour. I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA: I may be: Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official Required to meet with the club, league or County FA Welfare Officer Required to meet with the club committee Obliged to undertake an FA education course Obliged to leave the match venue by the club Requested by the club not to attend future games Suspended or have my club membership removed Required to leave the club along with any dependents. In addition: The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/ or suspension on the club. TheFA.com/Respect

51 Respect Code of Conduct Young Players We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you have a big part to play. That s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct. When playing football, I will: Always play to the best of my ability Play fairly I won t cheat, complain or waste time Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager Play by the rules, as directed by the referee Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game Listen and respond to what my coach/ team manager tells me Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I m unhappy about anything at my club. I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA: I may: Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee Be dropped or substituted Be suspended from training Be required to leave the club. In addition: My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club. TheFA.com/Respect

52 COACH EDUCATION and DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The League has committed to support member clubs in the provision of high quality coaching for the development of young players in their teams by offering a subsidised coaching and skills programme in collaboration with Leicestershire & Rutland County FA. During the Season 2013/14 the following courses/skills sessions are available: Discounted Cost to Clubs Places Available Venue Booking Priorities Full Cost Sat Sun Mon Thurs Sat Sun Mon Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun 23-Nov 24-Nov 25-Nov 28-Nov 30-Nov 01-Dec 02-Dec 07-Dec 08-Dec 19-Jan 26-Jan 02-Feb Youth Award Module Judgemeadow Community College, LE5 6HP U8 & U9 only to 4 October Open Booking from 5 October 9:00-4:30 9:00-4:30 9:00-4:30 9:00-4:30 FA Level 1 ACF Judgemeadow Community College, LE5 6HP U7 only to 5 October Open Booking from 5 October 6:30-9:30 6:30-9:30 8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00 6:30-9:30 8:30-5:00 FA Skills Sessions * Free na Judgemeadow Community College, LE5 6HP U8 & U9 U7 U10 Mutual League Fixtures U7 Lge U10 Lge U10 Lge U10 CC U10 U10 U10 CC PLEASE NOTE: These courses are NOT available to be booked online through the County FA website. A separate booking procedure will be notified in due course. Course Content: FA Level 1 ACF Youth Award Module 1

53 The FA Tesco Skills programme The FA Tesco Skills is a unique football coaching programme that gives 5-11s the opportunity to get active, learn new football skills and enjoy the game. We ve been providing high quality football coaching for children since 2007 and have to date provided over 3 million child places on the programme, aiming to reach 4.7 million children by FA Tesco Skills is a nationwide initiative run by The Football Association and funded by Sport England and Tesco. We provide after-school football coaching, holiday football coaching and we also work within primary schools providing specialist football coaching. Our aim is to develop better and more technically gifted football players, but also to give every child the opportunity to be the best that they can be. The FA Tesco Skills is based on a unique FA coaching model that helps children of all abilities to grow, develop their skills and to reach their potential. The FA four corner model encompasses four key attributes that are vital for any developing young footballer: Physical, Technical, Psychological and Social elements, helping children to develop more than just their football skills we ll help them to gain confidence, build self-esteem, learn to work as team and improve their decision making. Skills coaching in schools A primary part of The FA Tesco Skill is to provide primary schools with specialist football coaching and support for teachers, working with over 1,200 schools each year. Our coaches will typically work with each primary school once every week for the duration of half a term, providing specialist, age appropriate coaching which is in line with the National Curriculum and is entirely free of charge. After school and holiday Skills coaching The FA Tesco Skills provides weekly after school Skills Centres and free football coaching during the school holidays for boys and girls aged 5-11 years. We offer sessions that cater for all abilities and our coaching is age appropriate and childcentred, helping every child to develop at their own pace.