Community League 2016 Competition Rules and Procedures Abstract: Football South Coast is a member of Football NSW and is responsible for the administration of the game of Association football for the Illawarra region. File Reference: 2016 Community League Competition Regulations Last Saved: 5/02/16 Version: 1.1 Football South Coast Ltd 2009. Copyright in the material contained herein is owned by Football South Coast. No portion may be reproduced, stored or transmitted without the prior written consent of Football South Coast. All rights reserved.
Community League Competition Rules and Procedures 2016 Document Control Version: 1.1 DOCUMENT CONTROL TABLE OF REVISIONS Version Date Revision By Revision Details 1.1 4 th February 2016 Competition Coordinator Original Document Football South Coast Page 2 of 41
Community League Competition Rules and Procedures 2016 Document Control Version: 1.1 TABLE OF AUTHORITIES Date Name Company Role 4 th February 2016 Ann-Marie Balliana Football South Coast CEO 4 th February 2016 MFC Football South Coast Men s Football Council DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR THIS VERSION Date Name Company Role February 2016 Ann-Marie Balliana Football South Coast CEO February 2016 Claude Cuda Football South Coast Head Men s Football Council February 2016 Bobby Mazevski Football South Coast Competition Coordinator February 2016 David Ware Football South Coast Competition Coordinator February 2016 Community League Teams Football South Coast Football South Coast Page 3 of 41
Community League Competition Rules and Procedures 2016 Table of Contents Version: 1.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO COMMUNITY LEAGUE COMPETITIONS... 6 1.1 APPLICATION... 6 1.2 CONSEQUENCE OF A BREACH... 6 1.3 REFERENCE... 6 1.4 CAPTILISED TERMS... 6 1.5 CONFIRMATIONS OF LEAGUES / COMPETITIONS... 6 1.6 ADMISSION / APPLICATION TO COMMUNITY LEAGUE COMPETITIONS... 7 1.7 LIGHTING STANDARDS... 7 1.8 FSC INVOICES... 8 1.9 ALTERATION... 8 1.10 SPECIAL CONSIDERATION... 8 1.11 PROTECTION OF IMPORTANT FIXTURES... 8 1.12 DISCIPLINARY... 9 1.13 MEDIA COMMENT... 9 1.14 SOCIAL MEDIA... 9 1.15 CLUB MEETINGS... 9 1.16 RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION CODE... 10 2 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS LEAGUE COMPETITION...11 2.1 MATCHES PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE GAME... 11 2.2 VENUES / GROUNDS... 11 2.3 GOAL POSTS... 11 2.4 NETS, CORNER FLAGS, LINE MARKINGS... 12 2.5 PLAYING EQUIPMENT... 12 2.6 TECHNICAL AREA (INTERCHANGE ZONE)... 12 2.7 MATCH BALLS... 13 2.8 MATCH COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION OF A MATCH... 13 2.9 MATCH SCHEDULE AND KICK-OFF TIMES... 14 2.10 CHANGE OF FIXTURES... 15 2.11 WET WEATHER AFFECTED FIXTURES... 15 2.12 DISRUPTION TO FIXTURE DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS... 16 2.13 POSTPONED MATCHES... 16 2.14 ABANDONED MATCHES... 16 2.15 FORFEITS / WALK OFFS... 17 2.16 MATCHES CONDUCTED UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHT... 18 2.17 COMPETITION POINTS... 18 2.18 COMMUNITY LEAGUE DIVISIONAL RANKING... 18 2.19 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION... 19 2.20 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND INTERCHANGE... 19 2.21 CLUBS REMOVED OR WITHDRAWN FROM COMPETITIONS... 20 2.22 LIQUIDS DURING PLAY... 20 2.23 PROTESTS, DISPUTES AND MISCONDUCT... 21 2.24 TRIAL / SOCIAL MATCHES... 21 2.25 FNSW COMPETITIONS STATE CUP & CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS... 21 3 MATCH OFFICIALS...22 3.1 MATCH OFFICIALS APPOINTMENTS... 22 3.2 MATCH OFFICIAL FEES... 23 3.3 DECISIONS OF THE MATCH OFFICIAL... 23 3.4 DUTIES OF A MATCH OFFICIAL... 23 3.5 MATCH RECORDS... 23 Football South Coast Page 4 of 41
Community League Competition Rules and Procedures 2016 Table of Contents Version: 1.1 3.6 PLAYER SAFETY AND BLOOD RULE... 24 3.7 PLAYER OF THE YEAR MATCH POINTS (DIVISION 1 ONLY)... 24 4 ELIGIBILITY...25 4.1 AGE ELIGIBILITY... 25 4.2 ELIGIBILITY AND INELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS GENERAL... 25 4.3 BORROWING... 25 4.4 PLAYER IDENTIFICATION CARDS (OR SHEETS)... 26 5 REGISTRATION...28 5.1 PLAYER STATUS... 28 5.2 PROCESS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF AN AMATEUR... 28 5.3 APPLICATION PROCESS FOR REGISTRATION OF TEAM OFFICIALS... 28 5.4 SUBMISSION OF REGISTRATIONS... 28 5.5 REGISTRATION PERIODS... 29 5.6 PLAYER DEREGISTRATION... 29 5.7 INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER CERTIFICATE (ITC)... 29 6 TEAM SHEETS...30 6.2 RESULT OF MATCH... 31 6.3 MATCH RESULT REPORTING... 31 7 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR FINAL SERIES...32 7.1 FORMAT, QUALIFICATION FOR FINAL SERIES... 32 7.2 MATCH TIME... 32 7.3 EXTRA TIME... 33 7.4 FORFEIT... 33 7.5 PLAYER QUALIFICATION FOR FINAL SERIES... 33 8 CODES OF BEHAVIOUR...34 8.1 GENERAL... 34 8.2 BEHAVIOUR OF PLAYERS, COACHES, CLUB OFFICIALS, TEAM OFFICIALS AND SUPPORTERS... 34 8.3 SPECTATORS CODE OF BEHAVIOUR... 34 8.4 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED... 35 9 SCHEDULES...36 9.1 SCHEDULE 1 - DEFINITIONS... 36 9.2 SCHEDULE 2 FINES AND PENALTIES... 39 9.3 SCHEDULE 3 - LIGHTING CRITERIA... 40 9.4 SCHEDULE 4 - CAUTION AND SEND OFF CODES... 41 Football South Coast Page 5 of 41
General Matters Relating To Community League Competitions 1 GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO COMMUNITY LEAGUE COMPETITIONS 1.1 APPLICATION 1.1.1 These Competition Rules and Procedures shall apply to all divisions of the Men's Community League Competition administered under the auspices of FSC. 1.1.2 Where these Competition Rules and Procedures are silent on any particular aspect, then all Clubs, shall first have regard to the FSC Constitution, FSC By-Laws, FSC Men s Premiership regulations, FNSW regulations, FFA rules and regulations. 1.1.3 If any part of these Competition Rules and Procedures is void, that part shall be severable and will not affect the enforceability of the remaining sections of these Competition Rules and Procedures. 1.1.4 FSC will interpret and apply all articles of these Competition Rules and Procedures and any such interpretation or application will be final and binding on all parties. 1.2 CONSEQUENCE OF A BREACH 1.2.1 Any breach of these Competition Rules and Procedures or failure to comply with any direction therein may result in a sanction pursuant to these Competition Rules and Procedures or may be subject to the provisions of the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations 1.3 REFERENCE 1.3.1 Where these Competition Rules and Procedures refer to a Club that reference is to either the Club and/or team that has been accepted into the Community League Competition. 1.4 CAPTILISED TERMS 1.4.1 Any capitalised terms used in these Competition Rules and Procedures will have the meaning given to them in Schedule 1 - Definitions. 1.5 CONFIRMATIONS OF LEAGUES / COMPETITIONS 1.5.1 FSC under the Men s Football Council (MFC) will conduct Competitions for the Community League as follows: League Grades Age Group Community League All Age Division 1 First, Second 19 and over Community League All Age Division 2 4 One grade as per name of division 19 and over Community League O35 Division 1 3 One grade as per name of division 36 and over Football South Coast Page 6 of 41
General Matters Relating To Community League Competitions 1.5.2 Composition of the Leagues, including maximum number of teams per division will be determined and approved by the MFC in consultation with the Community League Management Committee. 1.6 ADMISSION / APPLICATION TO COMMUNITY LEAGUE COMPETITIONS 1.6.1 Participation in the competitions is on an annual basis unless otherwise specified. 1.6.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the club agrees that it has no right to any renewal or extension to participate in any future competition(s), and FSC has the right to determine in its discretion whether any right to participate in any competition(s) is renewed or extended. 1.6.3 Applications to participate in all competitions administered within these Competition Rules and Procedures are to be made to FSC on the prescribed FSC documents, and submitted by the date on the documents. 1.6.4 FSC will distribute the prescribed documents in the year preceding each season. 1.6.5 Competition admission fees shall be set annually by FSC/MFC and included in the application forms. 1.6.6 Clubs / players who are un-financial from the previous season will not have their team nomination accepted. Approved nomination forms shall include but not limited to the following information: (c) (d) Division for which the nomination is being submitted; Preferred home ground and training ground; Colours of the playing strip (shirt, shorts & socks) and Club Officials and/or Team Official contacts. 1.6.7 All nominations shall be inspected and assessed by the Competition Coordinator initially for completeness and then by the MFC. Clubs that have provided inadequate information or information not in accordance with these competition regulations on the official nomination form shall be informed of such irregularities and shall be given five (5) working days in which to resubmit their nomination in full compliance. Where irregularities have not been duly addressed within the allocated timeframe on the resubmitted documentation, FSC through the MFC, shall determine the validity of the application at its sole discretion. 1.6.8 The MFC reserves the rights to determine the appropriate league of each nomination, by taking into account the previous season s results, playing strength of the club and the formation of the division. 1.6.9 The MFC reserve the right to reject team nominations at its sole discretion. 1.6.10 Nominations received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the MFC and placed into Leagues as determined by the MFC. 1.7 LIGHTING STANDARDS 1.7.1 Clubs wishing to play competition fixtures under lights must ensure that lighting complies with the guidelines prepared by FSC. Refer to Schedule 3 - Lighting Criteria. 1.7.2 All scheduled competition night matches shall be subject of approval by FSC through the Competition Coordinator, in line with the FNSW guidelines along with the provision of a lighting Football South Coast Page 7 of 41
General Matters Relating To Community League Competitions certificate supplied to FSC annually to verify compliance by an authorised company / individual to meet guideline criteria. 1.8 FSC INVOICES 1.8.1 Subject to these competition regulations, all outstanding accounts due and payable to FSC, as well as annual application fees or portion thereof, as authorised and determined by FSC, must be paid by a club within 30 days of invoicing unless alternative arrangements have been provided and approved. 1.8.2 Clubs that are 61-90 days in arrears to FSC may result in ineligibility for competition points while the debt remains unpaid, and that those points will not be reinstated once the debt is cleared. This shall apply to all competition and final matches conducted by FSC or its governing body. 1.8.3 Notwithstanding articles 1.8.1 and 1.8.2 - FSC Invoices, FSC may in its absolute discretion expel a club and/or team if it does not comply with these Competition Rules and procedures. 1.8.4 Clubs are required to pay in full, all outstanding accounts owing to FSC on or before 31st August each year, excluding application fees for the following playing season that must be paid as per nomination form. 1.9 ALTERATION 1.9.1 FSC through its Councils will have the power from time to time to make, alter or rescind the Regulations. 1.10 SPECIAL CONSIDERATION 1.10.1 FSC though its councils will have the power to consider special circumstances outside the prescribed limits of the competition rules and procedures should it be clear that those special considerations, are in the overall interests of the game. 1.10.2 The decision by the FSC though its councils to review and consider special circumstances under this section is not subject to appeal or review. 1.11 PROTECTION OF IMPORTANT FIXTURES 1.11.1 No club, agent or any entrepreneur may stage any tournament in the region governed by FSC except with the written consent of FSC through its delegated council representatives. 1.11.2 Where an International or an Intra-State match is scheduled for the region, FSC may direct that no FSC Competitions matches shall take place on that day including Community League matches. 1.11.3 Changes to FSC/MFC shall limit the match day scheduling at their discretion when the South Coast Wolves are playing a home match on the same day. Football South Coast Page 8 of 41
General Matters Relating To Community League Competitions 1.12 DISCIPLINARY 1.12.1 All Clubs, Players, Players Agents, Team Officials, Match Officials, Spectators or any person participating in any manner at a FSC Fixture, Match, or event will submit exclusively to the jurisdiction of the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations. 1.12.2 Any player sent from the field or technical area in a match must leave the area immediately, get changed from their playing strip and change into normal street attire. Under no circumstances should the player return onto the field, return to the technical area or approach the Match Officials. 1.12.3 Each team will be subject to the team points system as defined in the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations. 1.13 MEDIA COMMENT 1.13.1 Clubs and/or club officials must not make derogatory or detrimental comment(s) to the media about FSC or the performance of match officials. Any such complaints in the first instance should be made in writing to FSC. 1.13.2 Clubs and/or Club officials must not give cause to write a column for publication (electronic or print media) without first obtaining the approval of FSC through its councils where it could be determined as bringing the game in to disrepute, provided that such approval shall not, at any time, be unreasonably withheld and shall be deemed to continue until withdrawn by FSC. 1.13.3 Match officials are prohibited from making any comment to the media in regard to any fixture of FSC at any time. 1.14 SOCIAL MEDIA 1.14.1 Players, Officials and Club/Team Associates must adhere to the FNSW Social Media Policy. 1.15 CLUB MEETINGS 1.15.1 Clubs not sending a representative to club meetings called by the MFC may be sanctioned as outlined in Schedule 2 Fines and Penalties Football South Coast Page 9 of 41
General Matters Relating To Community League Competitions 1.16 RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION CODE 1.16.1 FSC has endorsed a Racial and Religious Vilification Code for all Clubs and their players (referred to in these competition regulations as Racial and Religious Vilification Code) which forms part of these Competition Regulations and is subject to charges being laid as per FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations 1.16.2 Racial and Religious Vilification includes any act, otherwise than in private, which; Is reasonably likely, in all circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate another person or a group of people; and; Is done because of the race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the other person or of some or all of the people in the group. 1.16.3 The Racial and Religious Vilification Code requires clubs to: Ensure that players and club associates do not engage in Racial and Religious Vilification against any person, Use their best endeavours to educate their players and club associates about Racial and Religious Vilification, (c) Publish information on the subject of racial and religious vilification to players and Club Associates; and (d) Use their best endeavours to ensure that all club associates act in a manner which is consistent with the objectives of the Racial Vilification Law in NSW. (e) Adopt an action plan, which is contained in the Racial Vilification Law in NSW 1.16.4 Any person wishing to lodge a letter of complaint under the Racial and Religious Vilification Code, must address their correspondence to the FSC Competition Coordinator within seven (7) days of the date of the alleged offence. 1.16.5 If conciliation is not achieved, then FSC may at its sole discretion, lay charges of misconduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute against those alleged to be responsible and refer the matter to the Tribunal after consultation with the FSC Disciplinary Commissioner / Competition Coordinator. Football South Coast Page 10 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS LEAGUE COMPETITION 2.1 MATCHES PLAYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE GAME 2.1.1 All FSC Fixtures are played under the FIFA Laws of the Game, unless otherwise specified in these Competition Rules and Procedures, and will be played in compliance with FFA, FNSW and the FSC Regulations and other specified conditions and policies. 2.2 VENUES / GROUNDS 2.2.1 Clubs will need to book any Local Government Area Council Ground through FSC for training or Home Games unless otherwise advised. 2.2.2 Grounds booked by FSC for Clubs will be invoiced directly from FSC for any fees associated with the use of the ground. 2.2.3 Any game which is transferred to a Local Government Area Council Ground, the Home Club will be invoiced directly from FSC for any fees associated with the use of the ground. 2.2.4 Clubs who use a private / leased field for training or Home matches will be required to book the ground with the relevant controlling organisation and pay any scheduled fees for hiring purposes. 2.2.5 Both Clubs are responsible for leaving the grounds in a neat and tidy state. All tape, orange peels, cans, rubbish are to be placed in bins or taken away. Under no circumstances should glass bottles be brought onto grounds. 2.3 GOAL POSTS 2.3.1 It is the responsibility of all Clubs to ensure they provide a safe environment for their members. To minimise risk and to prevent injury, football goals are to be constructed and installed to the correct safety standards. The main areas of concern are: Construction of goal frames for either fixed or portable use; Securing and stability of the goal frame; (c) Net fixings to the frame of the goal; (d) The net itself. 2.3.2 All football goal posts that are installed as a permanent structure on a football field must be properly secured, installed at the regulation width and height, as per the FIFA Laws of the Game, and should have no sharp edges protruding that may cause injury. 2.3.3 Where a club uses portable goal posts for training or competition, it must ensure that these goal posts conform to the current Standards Australia Handbook Portable Football Goalposts Manufacture, use and storage. The manufacturer of portable goals should provide the club with a certificate of conformity. Football South Coast Page 11 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2.4 NETS, CORNER FLAGS, LINE MARKINGS 2.4.1 It is the responsibility of the Home Club to provide goal nets and corner flags. Note: Since there are usually two (2) games on the same pitch (1:00pm and 3:00pm), both games should use the same nets and corner flags for convenience purposes 2.4.2 Line Markings Line marking products such as agricultural limestone, or water based spray paint or other similar material which will not endanger ground users or damage turf grasses, are the substances that should only be used for line marking. Ground markings must be clear and accurate and within the dimensions specified in the Laws of the Game. In all matches sanctioned by the Competition Coordinator, the home club shall ensure adequate line-marking and such equipment shall remain in place for all matches being played on that ground on that day. Note: Where Community League Clubs share grounds with Junior, Women s or Men s Premiership Clubs the Community League Club should establish arrangements with the other Club members for activities on match day. 2.5 PLAYING EQUIPMENT 2.5.1 Players in all matches must appear in correct uniform, comprising shirt, shorts, shin-pads, socks and approved enclosed footwear. Players must strictly adhere to club colours at all times. Players may have extra equipment as per the Laws of FIFA (Law 4 and its interpretation) providing it poses no danger to the player or other players. (A Copy of the FIFA Laws of the Game are available on the FSC Website) 2.5.2 Under no circumstance can jewellery be worn by players. This means earrings; studs and piercings must be removed before playing. Taping is not allowed. Laws of FIFA Law 4 Jewellery. 2.5.3 Under no circumstances can hair clips, bobby pins or headbands of plastic, metal or hard materials be worn on the field of play. Laws of FIFA Law 4 Safety. 2.5.4 Where colours clash, in the opinion of the match official, the Away Team must change. 2.5.5 The goalkeepers colours shall be distinguishable from the colours worn by all the other players and the match officials. A clash of colour, shall require the visiting club goal keeper to change to a non-clashing colour, as determined by the Match Official on the day before taking the field. 2.5.6 Any player in competition not having the correct equipment shall not be permitted on the field. 2.5.7 Players will need to abide by the FSC and/or FNSW Equipment Policy. 2.6 TECHNICAL AREA (INTERCHANGE ZONE) 2.6.1 Only currently registered and eligible Players participating in the match, Coaches and Team Officials are allowed in the technical area (interchange zone) during Matches. 2.6.2 Should the playing field/ground be so marked with a technical area/s in accordance with FIFA regulations then this is to be utilized otherwise, all coaches and Team Officials must remain within Football South Coast Page 12 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition a distance of ten (10) metres on either side of the halfway line (interchange zone) on the same side of the field or in the marked technical area during the course of a game. 2.6.3 The match official may expel any person from the bench (Interchange zone) at any time as they deem necessary. The game will not recommence until that person has left the playing field to the match official s satisfaction and is at least fifty (50) meters from the technical area (interchange zone). 2.7 MATCH BALLS 2.7.1 The home club shall provide the appointed match official with two (2) FSC approved size 5 match prior to the start of the scheduled fixture. 2.7.2 At the conclusion of the game, the match balls will be returned to the home club by the match officials. 2.7.3 All clubs must use a licensed match ball from one of FSC s licensed ball manufacturers as advised by FSC from time to time. 2.8 MATCH COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION OF A MATCH 2.8.1 Match Commencement (c) (d) Kick off times of all fixtures shall be determined by the Competition Coordinator and shall be detailed in the official fixture list. Where a team fails to enter the field of play, or has insufficient players for the match to proceed, after fifteen (15) minutes of the programmed starting time, the Match Official shall inform both Clubs that the game has been called off, and notify the FSC Competition Coordinator in writing. Should the commencement of a match be delayed by ten (10) minutes or more from the scheduled starting time then the Match Official may reduce both halves of the match accordingly for the late start to ensure the game finishes on time and the next game starts on time. Both teams are to be informed prior to the match commencing. The Match Official may cut short any match if in the match official s opinion playing conditions compromise player safety or otherwise only if: (i) (ii) It is line with FIFA rules; and The Match Official has consulted with the coaches of each participating team 2.8.2 Period of Play Subject to this regulation and Article 2.8.1 - Match Commencement, all League fixtures will be played over two (2) equal periods of forty five minutes, unless agreed otherwise between the match official, prior to commencement. 2.8.3 Half Time Interval The Half time interval must be a minimum of five (5) minutes and no longer than ten (10) minutes in duration. 2.8.4 Allowance for time lost League Competition Should a delay be experienced in League Competition (other than that covered in Article 2.8.5 - Allowance for Serious Injury or Article 2.1 Matches Played in Accordance with the Laws of the Football South Coast Page 13 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition Game) the Match Official will continue to keep the official time of the match and blow full time when the match duration has expired. (e.g. no added time) 2.8.5 Allowance for Serious Injury If a player has sustained a serious injury and cannot be removed from the field of play then: - The first priority shall be the safety and well-being of the player. In League Matches, play will be stopped and suspended until the player is treated and removed. (c) The Match Official in consultation with an Official from both Clubs will decide if the match can continue and be completed. (d) If the duration of any game is reduced in total time by 25% or more due to a serious injury, then the MFC shall determine if the match result stands at the time of the injury or if the match is replayed. 2.9 MATCH SCHEDULE AND KICK-OFF TIMES 2.9.1 FSC will communicate the official match schedule for all Competitions. 2.9.2 FSC will determine the venue and kick-off times of all Community League and Finals matches. FSC reserve the right to manage and control competition fixtures and normal playing matches through the calendar year. 2.9.3 All matches must be conducted on the scheduled day and should commence by the stipulated kickoff time. 2.9.4 FSC, in setting down kick-off times, may start matches at 9:00 am for any daytime fixture which may include Saturday, Sunday or any Public Holiday. 2.9.5 FSC may also schedule midweek evening matches to accommodate Community League washed out matches or deferred Fixtures. 2.9.6 Should serious delays be experienced in matches scheduled then Article 2.8 Match Commencement and Duration of a Match should be applied. Any reduction in time must retain the principle of equal halves. 2.9.7 Clubs will not arrange other matches or fixtures until after the official matches and fixtures are settled, nor improperly interfere with other Club s Home Competition matches or fixtures. 2.9.8 Any disputes between two (2) or more Clubs as to the arrangement of fixtures will be referred to FSC and decided by the MFC. Football South Coast Page 14 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2.10 CHANGE OF FIXTURES 2.10.1 No match shall be deferred without the approval of the Competition Coordinator. A Club guilty of such a deferral shall be deemed to forfeit the match. Where both Clubs are guilty, the match will be null and void and will not be rescheduled. It this case the game will be recorded as No Result with no points or goals awarded. 2.10.2 Any game played without the approval of the Competition Coordinator may be declared null and void. 2.10.3 Notwithstanding any other Competition Rules and Procedures on the same subject matter, FSC though its councils reserve the right to alter or amend any fixture after it has been nominated in the official match schedule. The alterations could be to the date, venue, kick-off times or a combination of all providing the Clubs involved are given adequate notice 2.10.4 Clubs requesting a fixture change must submit such a request to FSC on the appropriate form and be signed by the appropriate club officer, from both clubs, fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled date of the match for consideration. Requests regarding weddings, baptisms, confirmations or other social events will only be considered if the proposed date of the match is brought forward to the scheduled date. Should the request be granted and the match is not played then the match will revert back to the original schedule. 2.10.5 The Competition Coordinator and/or MFC upon consideration of the request will communicate its decision in writing. If the request is granted, the Competition Coordinator shall confirm to both parties the change of date, time, venue and any conditions. 2.10.6 FSC's decision in regards to rescheduling of league fixtures will be final and binding on all parties and shall not be subject to appeal or review. 2.11 WET WEATHER AFFECTED FIXTURES 2.11.1 In all instances, where rain preceding a fixture raised fair and reasonable doubt as to the possibility of play taking place, the following regulations are to apply, so that Clubs, Players and Match Officials can be given correct notice of intentions: Upon advice from the relevant Local Government Area (LGA) that the ground is closed, Football South Coast will post the cancellation or rescheduled time of the game on the FSC Web Page (Notice Board) as soon as advised. It is the responsibility of the clubs to check the FSC and Council website to determine the status of grounds. Note Wollongong City Council grounds are updated as inspections occur throughout the weekend. For any private, leased grounds or where LGA grounds are declared open but potentially unsafe, the Match Official and/or authorised groundsmen will inspect the ground at least one and a half hours to kick off. The Home team(s) will notify the Away team(s) and advise the Competition Coordinator who will update the FSC Web page (Notice Board) if time permits depending on time of inspection. 2.11.2 If on the day of the scheduled match, a ground is closed, clubs may seek to reverse the fixture. In the event of fixture reversals on Match Day, the two (2) clubs are required to come to an agreement and advise the Competition Coordinator and the Referee Appointments Officer. Football South Coast Page 15 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2.12 DISRUPTION TO FIXTURE DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS 2.12.1 When the Match Official finds it necessary to stop play, owing to adverse weather, s/he will wait a reasonable length of time before deciding to abandon or postpone the match. 2.13 POSTPONED MATCHES 2.13.1 Matches may only be postponed by the Match Official, the Competition Coordinator, MFC or as outlined in Article 2.11 - Wet Weather Affected Fixtures. 2.13.2 Where all matches in a round are lost to inclement weather, then that round will be rescheduled to the first available wet weather day as in the playing calendar, otherwise Article 2.13.3 shall apply in all other cases. 2.13.3 Clubs shall be given five (5) working days to confirm a new date, time and venue for the match to be replayed from the date of the postponement. The match must be played no later than three (3) weeks from fixture postponement date and prior to the final round of the regular season unless an exemption is given by FSC. Should a postponement occur in the last three (3) weeks of the Community League Competition, then Article 2.13.5 shall apply. 2.13.4 Failure to comply with Article 2.13.3, the Competition Coordinator shall determine the new time and date for playing of a postponed match. Such decision for the new arrangements is not subject to correspondence being received, considered or appealed and no costs shall be accepted by FSC for the rescheduled fixture. 2.13.5 Should a postponed match occur in the last three (3) scheduled rounds, the Competition Coordinator will reschedule matches provided it has a bearing on the Final series or Community League Divisional Championship. Such decision for the new arrangements is not subject to correspondence being received, and FSC through its councils will have sole discretion on any decisions made for postponed matches or fixtures. 2.13.6 Clubs are obliged to fulfil outstanding fixtures as determined by FSC and any club which fails to do so shall automatically forfeit the match, have a 3-0 score line recorded against it to the opposing team and associated fines for a forfeit. (Schedule 2 Fines) Division 1 - Eligible Players for Postponed Games/Split Rounds In the event that a second grade match is postponed and/or subsequently played at a date later than the first grade match of that particular fixture in Division 1, only three (3) players who have played for their club in the first grade game shall be eligible to play in second Grade match for that fixture as per Article 4.3 Borrowing 2.14 ABANDONED MATCHES 2.14.1 It is the responsibility of Clubs to ensure that all matches are played within the timeframes of the normal playing calendar for all competition. FSC through the MFC, shall ensure where practical that any abandoned matches, are duly considered and any rescheduling shall take place in line with all other policies. 2.14.2 Matches in any Community League fixtures may only be abandoned by a decision of the Match Official. Football South Coast Page 16 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2.14.3 The match shall be abandoned if: Any club has its playing numbers reduced for any reason below the minimum FIFA requirement of seven (7) players; The lighting at the venue fails such that in the opinion of the match official, it is impossible or unsafe to continue to play; (c) The match official determines that playing conditions have become unsafe or untenable for any reason; or (d) The match official, in consultation with Club and ground officials, determines that the conditions for players, coaches, match officials or supporters have become unsafe or untenable for any reason. (e) A serious injury has occurred and the match cannot be completed in the time remaining. 2.14.4 In cases where a Fixture / Match is abandoned by the match official a Tribunal may investigate the circumstances of the abandonment and impose penalties as it deems fit on Clubs, Club Officials, Players and/or Spectators adjudged to be associated with the abandonment in accordance with the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations. If the Tribunal determines that one (or both) of the competing Clubs, or Club Officials were directly responsible for the abandonment, then any or all of the following outcomes regarding the result of the match may be imposed: (c) (d) (e) Match to be awarded as a No Result. In this situation, no points will be awarded to either team for that fixture. Award Match result as 0-0 draw. Award a 3-0 result or an average score (whichever is greater) to the non-offending club unless the score at the time of abandonment was greater and in favour of the non-offending club. Match result to stand. Match is replayed. 2.14.5 Where a match is not played or abandoned for any reason over which neither Club was responsible then when 75% or more of normal time of a match has been played then the score at the time of abandonment will stand; when less than 75% of normal time has been played, the MFC shall determine if the score at the time of abandonment will stand or if the match is replayed. 2.15 FORFEITS / WALK OFFS 2.15.1 Teams will be deemed to have forfeited a Match when; (c) (d) (e) (f) They fail to fulfil an engagement to play a Match on the appointed date, time or venue; or They refuse or fail to begin a match within fifteen (15) minutes or the stipulated kick-off time; or They field less than seven (7) of their registered Players at the start of the Match; or At any point during the Match they cannot at least seven (7) or their registered Players; or They field an Ineligible Player; or are not able to provide identification cards prior to the match commencing for those players taking the field Any other scenario within these Competition Rules and Procedures or the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations that stipulates. 2.15.2 In the event of any team forfeiting its match, then full points allocated for the match shall be forfeited to its opponents and the goals recorded according to three (3) goals scored by the Team getting the points to nil (0) by the team who has infringed the competition rule unless the goal difference Football South Coast Page 17 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition for the Team receiving the forfeit is greater than three (3), in which case they will receive then the number of goals for scored and the forfeiting Team nil goals. 2.15.3 A team who forfeits a match will be fined as per Schedule 2 Fines. 2.15.4 A Club who does not give at least one (1) working days notice in writing to the Competition Coordinator that they are forfeiting will be responsible for all appropriate Match Official fees and ground hire costs. Clubs who provide FSC at least two (2) working days notice in writing that they will be forfeiting a match will be fined, of these Competition Regulations. 2.15.5 In First Division if a Club does not have sufficient players to field both grades then the First grade side shall take precedence. Failure to field a team in First grade whilst competing in Second grade during the same fixture will result in forfeiture for both the first and second grade. 2.15.6 Teams forfeiting on a second occasion will in addition to any penalties imposed under Schedule 2 Fines will be deducted one (1) competition point. 2.15.7 Clubs or Teams forfeiting on three (3) occasions will be required to appear before a Tribunal to show cause as to why they should not be expelled from the Competition, and the Team in addition to any penalties imposed under Schedule 2 Fines 2.15.8 A Club or Team who forfeits a match in the last round in addition to any additional penalties imposed under Schedule 2 Fines shall be deducted a further three (3) competition points. 2.15.9 In the event of a walk-off by one (1) club prior to the completion of a match, the team will be considered to have forfeited the match, and the Club shall be liable to additional penalties and/or sanctions as per the FSC Disciplinary and Disputes Regulations. 2.16 MATCHES CONDUCTED UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHT 2.16.1 A Fixture may be played wholly or in part under floodlights, provided that any alteration to starting times will have been given due approval and that the standard of lighting meets the requirements under Schedule 3 - Lighting Criteria. 2.17 COMPETITION POINTS 2.17.1 Points will be allocated as follows for all League matches: Win three (3) points Draw one (1) point Loss no points Bye no points (unless otherwise determined by FSC for a particular division) Forfeit Three (3) points to the Team receiving the Forfeit 2.18 COMMUNITY LEAGUE DIVISIONAL RANKING 2.18.1 FSC will use the following process when determining the ranking of Teams within each division / grade: Greatest number of points obtained in all competition league matches; If two (2) teams are equal on basis of above, then their place will be determined as follows: i. Greatest number of points obtained in competition league matches between the teams concerned; ii. Greater number of goals scored in competition league matches between the teams concerned; Football South Coast Page 18 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition iii. Greatest goal difference from all competition league matches; iv. Greatest number of goals scored in all competition league matches; (c) (d) If three (3) or more teams are equal on basis of above, then their place will be determined as follows: i. Greatest goal difference from all competition league matches; ii. Greatest number of goals scored in all competition league matches. A play-off match between the Teams concerned if required otherwise declared joint ranking. 2.18.2 The Club who is ranked first in their Grade / Division shall be declared as the Community League Champion. 2.19 PROMOTION AND RELEGATION 2.19.1 Division 1: Eligibility for promotion to District League will be determined by League Ranking for First Grade Teams and the criteria deemed appropriate by MFC. 2.19.2 Division 2 4. New Structure in 2017. 2.19.3 Masters Over 35 s The teams ranked in the top two (2) positions of the League competition will be promoted in the following season unless the Club concerned can provide the MFC with acceptable written reasons as to why they should not be promoted. Additional promotions and relegations will be at the discretion to the MFC after team nominations for the following year have been submitted and accepted. 2.20 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND INTERCHANGE 2.20.1 In all competition matches five (5) players may be used as substitutes, this allows for a maximum of sixteen players which can participate in any competition match. 2.20.2 Unlimited interchanging of players is permissible at any time during the game. 2.20.3 The referee must be notified before interchanging a player(s). The interchange procedures shall be as follows: - "Interchange zone" will be an area one (1) metre either side of the halfway line. An interchange is one, which is made when the ball is out of play and for which the following conditions shall be observed: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) The player leaving the field shall do so from sideline, crossing over at the section called the interchange zone. The player entering the field shall also do so from the Interchange zone, but not until the player leaving the field has passed completely over the sideline and is acknowledged by the match official to enter the field of play. A Player nominated for interchange shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the match official whether called upon or not. The interchange is complete when the player who was off the field hands the bib s/he was wearing to the player leaving the field, who then wears the bib until s/he goes back onto the field. Football South Coast Page 19 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition (c) (d) (e) The number of interchanges made during a match is unlimited. A player who has been replaced may return to the field of play. If during an interchange, an interchange player enters the field before the replaced player has completely left it, the match official shall ensure the replaced player leaves the field, then caution the interchange player and then restart the game. If during an interchange, an interchange player enters the field or a replaced player leaves it from a place other than the interchange zone, the match official shall caution the offending player. The interchanging of players will cease, at the completion of normal and extra time. If at this time penalty kicks are required to obtain a result, then the players on the field at the end of extra time are the only players to be involved in taking penalty kicks. 2.21 CLUBS REMOVED OR WITHDRAWN FROM COMPETITIONS 2.21.1 In the event of any participating club withdrawing or being removed from a Competition, the following procedure will take effect to allow the altered Competitions to proceed. All matches involving a team that has been removed or withdrawn before the competition has started will be treated as a Bye; unless the Competition is redrawn. (c) (d) All matches involving a team that has been removed or withdrawn during the first stage of a competition will be treated as a Bye with all points and goals (for and against) awarded in such matches that were played prior to the removal or withdrawal deleted from the records and a Bye result recorded. All matches involving a team that has been removed or withdrawn during the second or subsequent stage of a competition will be treated as a Bye in that stage of the competition with all points and goals awarded in such matches played during that stage but prior to the removal or withdrawal deleted from the records and a Bye result recorded. All points and goals awarded in matches involving the removed or withdrawn team in prior competition stages, will be stricken from the records and null and void. The nomination fee will be forfeited by the team withdrawing. Any outstanding fees will be expected to be paid. 2.22 LIQUIDS DURING PLAY 2.22.1 Liquids may only be drunk during stoppages in play. 2.22.2 Drinks must be contained in plastic bottles and handed to the Players on the side lines. 2.22.3 It is forbidden to throw bottles or other receptacles on to the field of play. 2.22.4 The goalkeeper may keep a plastic bottle in the corner of his/her goal. 2.22.5 Plastic bottles may be placed around the pitch at least one (1) metre away from the side lines and goal lines, but only as long as they do not obstruct the Match Officials in the course of their duty. Football South Coast Page 20 of 41
Technical Regulations League Competition 2.23 PROTESTS, DISPUTES AND MISCONDUCT 2.23.1 FSC may investigate any complaint of: (c) (d) Any breach of these Competition Rules and Procedures; Unsportsmanlike or unbecoming conduct against any club, member or official thereof, player or coach of FSC officials/ representatives; Violence or threats of violence or intimidation or; Conduct that brings or may bring the game into disrepute. 2.23.2 If, prior to the kick-off of a match, a team believes their opponent may be in breach of these Competition Rules and Procedures they must play the match under protest. Teams wishing to play under protest must inform the match official and the opposing team official prior to the start of the match. The protest must be noted on back of the Team sheet. Failure to act in accordance with the above may lead to the dismissal of any such protest. 2.23.3 Such protests duly noted in Article 2.23.2 must be confirmed in writing to FSC by the protesting Club within two (2) working days of the match. FSC will then, and only then, consider the merits of the protest and decide what action is to be taken. 2.23.4 If a person wishes to report an incident or disputes information on the team sheet or a protest an issue during the match, then this needs to be submitted on the FSC Incident Report Form within two (2) working days of the match. A copy of the report will be sent club Secretary of the person s Club. A Club will have two (2) working days to inform FSC if they wish for the matter to be pursued. FSC may dismiss such report if these timelines are not adhered to. 2.23.5 A Club who wishes to report an incident or disputes information on the team sheet or a protest an issue during the match then this needs to be submitted on the FSC Incident Report Form within two (2) working days of the match. 2.23.6 FSC will review any reports it receives and decide on any action that may be taken. 2.23.7 No protests as to the result of a Match will be considered in relation to disciplinary decisions of the Match Officials or decisions of facts relating to play. 2.24 TRIAL / SOCIAL MATCHES 2.24.1 Clubs who wish to participate in trial / social matches must follow the FSC Trial Match Policy 2.24.2 Competition fixtures shall take precedence over any trial / social match. 2.25 FNSW COMPETITIONS STATE CUP & CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2.25.1 The MFC may invite teams to participate in FNSW Competitions. 2.25.2 Clubs who participate will be responsible for completing administration requirements, payment of any entry fees and payment of any fines. 2.25.3 FNSW fixtures in these competitions shall have precedence over FSC fixtures should there be a clash on the same day. Football South Coast Page 21 of 41
Match Officials 3 MATCH OFFICIALS 3.1 MATCH OFFICIALS APPOINTMENTS 3.1.1 FSC through its Councils shall initially make appointments of available registered Match Officials to officiate Community League Competition fixtures. An appointed Match Official from FSC takes precedence over any Club / Duty Team appointment. 3.1.2 Where appointments are not made by FSC or in the case the Match Official does not arrive at a fixture or is unavailable, then the Duty Team must provide a match official as per guidelines issued from FSC from time to time. A copy is on the FSC website Resources/Library 3.1.3 The Duty Team is to provide two (2) Assistant match officials. 3.1.4 Where there are no match officials appointed by FSC and the Duty Team fails to provide match officials, then the Home Club shall be responsible to appoint a match official and both teams are to Football South Coast Page 22 of 41
Match Officials provide one (1) Assistant match official each as per guidelines issued from FSC from time to time. A copy is on the FSC Website - Resources/Library. 3.1.5 A club appointed match official will have the power to sanction players in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game, as would an appointed match official. 3.1.6 Should a match not proceed due to the unavailability of any match officials (appointed or club), then the game will be declared null and void. 3.2 MATCH OFFICIAL FEES 3.2.1 Match official fees are structured and aligned to FNSW fee structure that are subject to review and change on an annual basis. FSC through its Councils shall communicate the fee structure in writing to Clubs, prior to the commencement of the playing season. 3.2.2 Payment of Match Official fees shall be as per FSC policy. 3.3 DECISIONS OF THE MATCH OFFICIAL 3.3.1 The decisions of the Match Official or Assistant Match Official about any fact connected with the play, are final and are not subject to dispute by any party. The Match Official may change a decision if s/he realises that a decision is incorrect, provided play has not re-started. 3.4 DUTIES OF A MATCH OFFICIAL 3.4.1 Prior to the commencement of each match, the Match Official must complete a field and facility inspection and then ensure that any abnormalities are reported to FSC within two (2) working days. 3.4.2 The Match Official, shall report to FSC any instance or instances of misconduct or foul play during the progress of the match which has led to the dismissal of a player or players from the field of play. 3.4.3 The Match official shall also report any instance of misconduct or incidents irrespective of whether such misconduct or incidents occurred before, during or after such match, and whether it shall have led to the player(s) being ordered from the field or not. 3.4.4 The match official shall report any misconduct during the match by that club s team official and/or spectator(s). e.g. Coach being removed from the technical area. (Interchange zone) 3.5 MATCH RECORDS 3.5.1 At the conclusion of each match, the Match Official shall consult with his or her Assistant Match Officials and confirm the correctness of all match information, before completing both match records. The Match official must complete the following: (c) (d) (e) Names of the Match Officials Result of match Names of goal scorers Cautions and send offs and any other match related reports Player of the year match points for first division, first grade only. Football South Coast Page 23 of 41