Mainland Football Regulations
Table of Contents 1. Definitions and Interpretation... 1 2. General... 1 3. Player Eligibility... 2 4. Registration... 3 5. Transfers... 3 6. Match Regulations... 4 7. Team Colours... 4 8. Defaults... 4 9. Competitions... 5 10. Duration of Matches... 6 11. Substitutions... 6 12. Trophies and Winners... 7 13. Team Cards... 7 14. Referees... 7 15. Discipline and Misconduct... 8 16. Disputes Protests and Appeals... 8 17. Masters League... 9 Schedule 1 - Fines and Fees... 10
1 1. Definitions and Interpretation 1.1 Definitions: In this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires: Board means the Mainland Football Board; Club means a paid up affiliated member of Mainland Football; Competition means the group of Leagues that make up the division; Competitions Manager means the official appointed by Mainland Football from time to time to administer all Mainland Football Competitions; Default means failure to arrive on time for, participate in, or complete a scheduled match; DMG means District Management Group; FIFA means Internationale de Football Association being the world governing body of football; Fines and Fees Schedule means the schedule attached to these Regulations; GoalNet means the NZF Player registration data base; League means a group of Clubs which play each other over the period of a defined season and forms part of the overall Competition; Masters Guest means a registered masters player who assists another Masters team; Mainland Football means the Federation governing body of football consisting of Mainland Football Christchurch and 4 (four) DMG being, Mainland Football Nelson Bays, Mainland Football Marlborough, Mainland Football Mid Canterbury and Mainland Football West Coast; NZF means New Zealand Football Incorporated being the National governing body of football; Player means a paid up registered member of a Club; Playing means taking the field of play including as a substitute. Being named on the team card and not taken the field of play does not constitute as playing; Team means an official registered team of a Club; and Youth Player means a player under the age of 15 for girls and under the age of 16 for boys. 2. General 2.1 Mainland Football Competitions shall be conducted under the current FIFA regulations unless as otherwise specified in these regulations. 2.2 The control and management of all Mainland Football Competitions shall be vested in the Competitions Manager of the respective DMG. 2.3 Where the DMG or Mainland Football is required to grant approval for procedures under these regulations, the terms "DMG" and "Mainland Football" shall include those people or groups appointed by either the Manager or the Mainland Football Board from time to time to oversee these procedures.
2 2.4 Mainland Football shall reserve the right to amend or replace these regulations from time to time, such amendments to be notified to all Mainland Football Clubs. Within the current season it is the Club's responsibility to update these regulations with any amendments. Prior to the start of each season Mainland Football shall furnish to each member Club at least one copy of the regulations for the coming season. No change to these regulations shall be implemented without a minimum notice period to Clubs of 28 days. 2.5 Final decisions on interpretations of any part of these regulations shall rest with Mainland Football. Any decision by the Competitions Manager or DMG in regard to these regulations can be appealed to the Mainland Football Board in accordance with the Disputes and Protests Procedure as laid down in these regulations. 2.6 Fines for breaches of these regulations may be laid down by the operations manager or the DMG in consultation with the Mainland Football Board. 2.7 Each Club wishing to compete in Mainland Football Competitions shall, on or before a date advised by the Competitions Manager or the DMG, confirm in writing their acceptance of an invitation to compete in such competition and the division(s) advised. 2.8 The final composition of such divisions shall be at the discretion of the Competitions Manager or the DMG. 2.9 The Competitions Manager or the DMG shall have the power to accept further entries during the season if in their opinion it is expedient to do so. 2.10 The Competitions Manager or the DMG shall have the power to increase or reduce the number of divisions and to form or discontinue sections in any divisions as and when the need arises. 3. Player Eligibility 3.1 All Clubs and players will abide by New Zealand Football Regulation 5 (Status of players, coaches, officials and transfers provisions). 3.2 All players must be registered with a participating affiliated Club and Mainland Football. It is the Clubs responsibility to ensure their players are properly registered with their team within GoalNet and with Mainland Football prior to taking the field in any match. It is the Competitions Manager or the DMG s responsibility to provide the Federation with an up to date register of players within their competitions. 3.3 It is the Clubs responsibility to sight a copy of proof of age of the player participating in an age-determined grade. Satisfactory proof of age may include a birth certificate, Passport or other internationally recognised legal document. The Club is required to produce proof of age if requested by the Competitions Manager or the DMG. 3.4 Youth players require dispensation to take part in senior matches and must have written permission from their parent or guardian. Such written permission must be provided to the Competitions Manager or the DMG prior to relevant senior match. Further to this formal approval is required to be given by the Competitions Manager or DMG prior to the Youth player participating in the proposed senior match. 3.5 After three (3) consecutive games Playing in team a Club player is deemed to be part of that team and can not play in a lower League unless: 3.5.1 The team is playing in the Club's lowest League. In this instance the team may request the DMG or the Competitions Manager to allow a maximum of three (3) players to play from the next highest team; or
3 3.5.2 The grade is designated as a specific "reserve" League; or 3.5.3 The player is playing his or her first match of the season. For the benefit of clarity a Club player may play in another Club team registered in a higher placed League. 3.6 A team playing an unregistered or ineligible player shall be fined pursuant to the Fines and Fees Schedule and shall forfeit any points arising from any match in which an ineligible player participates. All matches in which an unregistered or ineligible player has played in shall be recorded as a win to the non-offending team and the following shall apply: 3.6.1 The offending team shall forfeit any points gained. Goals scored by that team shall be forfeited and the goals against shall stand; 3.6.2 The opposing team shall be awarded the points for the match. Goals scored by that team shall stand and the goals against cancelled; 3.6.3 If both teams are found to have played such ineligible players, the match result shall be cancelled. Fines shall be imposed pursuant to the Fines and Fees Schedule and the match shall be replayed at the discretion of the DMG or Competitions Manager. 3.7 Appeals or disputes with respect to player eligibility must be filed with the Competitions Manager or the DMG. 3.8 No player is eligible to move between two club teams playing in the same League without prior approval from the Competitions Manager or the DMG. Permission to move (if granted) can only be granted once per player. The first three (3) Competition matches do not apply to this clause. 4. Registration 4.1 A player can only be registered for one (1) Club at a time and can only play for that Club unless the player is playing for: 4.1.1 A futsal club or centre for which that player is also registered; or 4.1.2 For a school team that is not a Club and not playing in the same Competition; or 4.1.3 A business house or other teams affiliated with another District Federation playing in a different Competition; or 4.1.4 Any other exceptional circumstances as approved by NZF in its absolute discretion. 5. Transfers 5.1 All players from all grades require transfers. 5.2 All Clubs and players will abide by New Zealand Football Regulation 5. 5.3 All local, district and Federation transfers must be processed by Clubs through the GoalNet system. 5.4 Transfers are not complete until authorised by Mainland Football. Completed transfers must be electronically filed and finalised through the GoalNet system prior to the start of the scheduled match that the Club intends the new player to participate in. It is responsibility of the new Club to ensure that all the GoalNet transfer documentation is correct.
4 5.5 In respect of international transfers the new Club shall complete the new Club information pursuant to New Zealand Football Regulations. Once the new Club information is completed and Mainland Football has been notified of the intended transfer then Mainland Football will liaise with New Zealand Football to complete the transfer. 5.6 The onus is with the new Club to ensure that the transferred player is eligible to play. 6. Match Regulations 6.1 Each team shall provide a minimum of one FIFA approved match ball in good playing order. 6.2 All teams are responsible for ascertaining the opponent's team colours as well as the time and scheduled venue of the match. 6.3 All teams are required to have at their disposal a second playing strip which is distinguishable from their initial playing strip. 6.4 In a situation where the respective teams playing strips clash then the visiting team shall be obliged to use their second playing strip. 6.5 All matches shall be played at the time and location decided by the Competitions Manager or the DMG. A team with at least seven (7) players present must commence the match. 6.6 Any team not ready to commence its match within ten (10) minutes of the published start time shall forfeit the match. A forfeited match shall be deemed to be a Defaulted match for the benefit of these Rules. 7. Team Colours 7.1 Each Club shall register its team colours with Mainland Football and all Club teams shall play in that Club s registered colours. 7.2 Any Club wishing to alter its registered team colours must first seek approval from Mainland Football. 7.3 No advertising of any description, other than the label or logo of the manufacturer, shall be worn on any playing strip without the prior approval of Mainland Football. 8. Defaults 8.1 Notification of a teams intended Default must be made in writing to the Competitions Manager or DMG no later than 48 hours prior to a start of the match. A team shall not be fined should they adhere to this clause. 8.2 For the sake of clarity any notification of a team's intended Default made inside 48 hours prior to the start of the match shall result in the team being fined as per the Fines and Fees Schedule. 8.3 A Defaulted match, whether or not notification was given pursuant to clause 8.1 shall be recorded as a 3 (three) - 0 (nil) win to the non-defaulting team. 8.4 A team which Defaults either two (2) matches in succession or a total of three (3) matches in the season may be disqualified from the League and Competition at the discretion of the Competitions Manager, DMG or Mainland Football. 8.5 A team which Defaults a cup match or championship match shall receive a fine pursuant to the Fines and Fees Schedule and the match shall be awarded as win to the non defaulting
5 team. The Competitions Manager and the DMG shall also have the discretion of excluding the Defaulting team from the following seasons Cup competition. 9. Competitions 9.1 The Competitions Manager or the DMG shall determine the times, dates and grounds for any match in Mainland Football Competitions and shall have the right at all times to amend, postpone or cancel any match. Naming rights to any Competitions shall in the first instance be the prerogative of the Mainland Football Board. 9.2 Any changes to advertised schedule due to unforeseen circumstances are required to be approved by the DMG or Competitions Manager. 9.3 Teams may request a change of date or time of the match with approval of the opposition team and the DMG or Competitions Manager. Any rearranged match must be played prior to last match of that Leagues season. A default with respect to any rearranged match shall be recorded as a Default pursuant to clause 8.3. 9.4 If for any reason a match cannot be completed due to any circumstances then the result of the match shall be decided by the Competitions Manager or the DMG at their complete discretion. 9.5 If for any reason a League cannot be concluded within the required time-frame the Competitions Manager or the DMG may close the League and declare final placing s at its sole discretion pursuant to the following factors: 9.5.1 The standings at the end of the first completed round; or 9.5.2 Standings at the close of the Competition. The DMG may also require a play-off between two or more teams to ascertain placing s. 9.6 During League Competitions, points shall be allocated on the basis of three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a draw and zero (0) points for a loss. 9.7 In all Competitions division 1 shall be the highest division, division 2 the next and so on and so forth. 9.8 Where two or more teams are tied at the top of the League ladder at the end of any Mainland Football Competition then goal difference will be used to separate the teams. If the teams are also tied on goal difference then the team with the most goals scored shall be declared the winner. If still tied with respect to goals scored then the team with the least goals conceded shall be declared the winner. If still tied then the League winner shall be shared however if the Competition winner is to receive promotion then the teams shall play off pursuant to a knock out match format with the winner of that match gaining promotion. 9.9 Where two or more teams are tied at the bottom of the League ladder at the end of any Mainland Football League and the bottom team is to be relegated then goal difference will be used to separate the teams. If the teams are also tied on goal difference then the team with the least goals scored shall be relegated. If still tied with respect to goals scored then the team with the least goals conceded shall be shall be declared the winner. If still tied then the teams shall play off pursuant to a knock out match format with the loser of that match being relegated. 9.10 Annual Championship Competitions: There shall be annual championship competitions conducted on a League basis. Such championship competitions may be held in divisions where there are sufficient entries.
6 9.11 With respect to senior championship competitions there shall be divisions and each division shall comprise of no more than ten (10) teams. Exceptions may be considered on application to the Competitions Manager or DMG. 9.12 Junior championship competitions shall be conducted pursuant to age groups and there shall be divisions within each age group. 9.13 Knock out Competitions: Knock out competitions may be arranged by the Competitions Manager on conditions publicised at the commencement of the season. The premier knock out competitions under the jurisdiction of NZF and Mainland Football shall have preference. The conditions for knock out competitions shall include but not be limited by the following: 9.13.1 Matches shall be played in accordance with the FIFA Laws for the Conduct of knock out competitions but eligibility of players, duration of matches and number of substitutes may be varied. 9.13.2 Clubs shall be bound by any sponsorship contract entered into by the Mainland Football Board in relation to the competition, including naming rights. 9.13.3 A player who plays for one team in a knock out competition may not play for another team in the same or any other competition. 9.14 Eligibility of Clubs to participate within the relevant championship and knock out competitions shall be dependent on the Clubs fulfilling all obligations to Mainland Football (including financial obligations as per the Mainland Football Regulations). 10. Duration of Matches 10.1 All matches shall be played in two spells of 45 minutes duration with no less than five (5) minutes rest between, except: 10.1.1 Knock out matches where extra time may be required; or 10.1.2 Where the rules of the Competition determine otherwise. 10.2 If there is a delay in the start of a match which must conclude in time to allow the start of a subsequent match then the available time shall be equally divided between the two playing halves. The available time shall include a five (5) minute rest period. 10.3 The duration of matches for junior/youth grades shall be as per the junior Competition rules. 11. Substitutions 11.1 Premier Leagues and Men Division 1 may use a maximum of three (3) of five (5) substitutions named on the team card. Substitutions shall be non rolling. 11.2 Reserve, Player Development League and Men s Divisions 2 through to Men s Division 6 may use a maximum of five (5) of seven (7) substitutions named on the team card. Substitutions shall be non rolling. 11.3 Presidents Leagues and Sunday Women may use five (5) of seven (7) substitutions named on the team card. Substitutions shall be rolling. 11.4 Masters Leagues may use unlimited rolling substitutions. 11.5 Substitutions for any youth and junior grades will be per their Competition rules.
7 12. Trophies and Winners 12.1 Trophies shall be awarded to the team declared the League winner or knock out competition winners. 12.2 Any prize money may be awarded at the discretion of Mainland Football. 12.3 Medals and/or championship certificates shall be awarded to each member of certain championship or knock out winning teams provided that the number of medals shall not exceed sixteen (16) for each team. 12.4 All trophies shall be appropriately inscribed by Mainland Football and a signature obtained from the winning team or Club at the presentation. 12.5 Trophies remain the property of Mainland Football and must be returned by 1 June in the following year. Failure to comply may result in a fine. 12.6 Clubs shall be liable for the cost of damage to or loss of trophies. 13. Team Cards 13.1 The Competitions Manager or the DMG shall supply to all Clubs and school teams with team cards or team sheets for the purposes of recording the players' names playing or intended to be played in any match. The team cards or team sheets shall have provision for the signatures of the respective team coaches' or managers together with the referee's signature and any other information as the Competitions Manager or the DMG may deem necessary. 13.2 Prior to the commencement of each match a team card shall be completed by each team and handed to the referee. At the finish of the match the team cards shall be signed by the referee and returned to the captain or coach or manager of each team. If a referee is not appointed then both coaches and/or managers shall sign each others cards for the benefit of approving the score and making any comments. 13.3 The Club or school team is responsible for maintaining team card records in good order for a period of no less than twelve (12) months. The Competitions Manager or DMG may from time to time request team cards for the purposes of investigating reported incidents or the auditing of players listed by individual teams. The Club or school team shall provide a team card requested by the Competitions Manager or DMG no later than 48 hours after receiving such a request. Any Club or school team which fails to provide a team card so requested by the Competitions Manager or DMG shall be subject to the penalties applicable to the nonreturn of team cards as set out within the Fines and Fees Schedule and points shall be deducted for each non-return of team card. 13.4 If any Club or school team completes a team card with the intention of misleading the Competitions Manager or the DMG then the club shall be fined pursuant to the Fines and Fees Schedule and the offending team may have competition points deducted at the discretion of the Competitions Manager, DMG or Mainland Football. 14. Referees 14.1 All matches shall be controlled by a referee. Only the referee can decide if grounds are unfit to play. 14.2 Should a referee not be appointed to a match or if the referee fails to arrive then it shall be the responsibility of the coach or manager of each team to agree on a suitable person to referee the match. In the event that the parties cannot agree upon a suitable person to referee then a
8 person appointed by the home team shall referee the first half and a person appointed by the visiting team shall referee the second half. 14.3 Should a referee require a linesperson, then each team shall be responsible for providing one person to act as a linesperson and that person shall report solely to the referee. 14.4 All matches shall be refereed in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Match except as amended by the rules of that Competition. 14.5 Any team refusing to take the field of play due to the fact that a referee has not arrived or contravenes clause 14.2 shall be deemed to have Defaulted the match. 14.6 Any payment owed to the referee shall be shared equally by both teams. 14.7 If a coach, manager or captain wishes to discuss any on field decisions or interpretations with the referee then they must wait a minimum of twenty (20) minutes following the conclusion of a match before approaching the Referee. However, it shall be the referee's complete discretion as to whether such a discussion occurs. 14.8 Any communication with a referee whether before, during or after a match must be conducted in a civil and reasonable manner. 15. Discipline and Misconduct 15.1 All misconduct shall be dealt with the Competitions Manager or the DMG in accordance with New Zealand Football Regulation 7 and Mainland Football Judiciary process. 15.2 It is essential that each Club insists on high standards of behaviour and discipline both on and off the field. 16. Disputes Protests and Appeals 16.1 All disputes and protests shall be dealt with by Mainland Football or its appointees in accordance with NZ Football Rules and Regulations. Protests must be in writing and endorsed by the Club Secretary, Chairman or President (on official Club letterhead) and two copies must be filed with the appropriate Mainland Football office no later than three (3) days following the day of the match or incident unless the protest relates to player eligibility. A copy of the information submitted will be sent by Mainland Football to the Secretary of the Club subject to the dispute or protest. 16.2 On receipt of the dispute or protest the Competitions Manager shall make all necessary enquiries into the matters placed before him including but not limited to discussing matters with any referee and/or officials from opposing teams. The Competitions Manager will advise all parties of his decision in writing. 16.3 Any decision of the Competitions Manager may be appealed to the Board by any of the parties involved. Such appeal must be received at the Mainland Football office in writing within 14 days of the date of the letter containing the decision and be accompanied by the filing fee pursuant to the Fines and Fees Schedule. The Board may appoint an Appeals Committee to deal with the appeal. The Board may convene a hearing or may choose at their absolute discretion to deal with the appeal on the papers. Any decision of the Board or the Appeals Committee will be communicated to the parties involved in writing. The Board or Appeals Committee may further at its sole discretion refund the filing fee. 16.4 A Club may further appeal the decision to New Zealand Football under Federation Rule 31 and New Zealand Football Rule 34.
9 17. Masters League 17.1 To be eligible as a Masters player a player must be turning 35 years or older in the playing year. 17.2 To be eligible as a Masters player in the 45 grade the player must be turning 45 years or older in the playing year. 17.3 A player must be registered as a Masters Player for both his Club and Mainland Football. 17.4 A registered Masters Player can only be a Masters Guest for another team who are short of players on any week and a Masters Player can only be a Masters Guest a maximum of three (3) times during the season. 17.5 Referees may utilise the sin bin to remove players from the field who in the opinion of the referee requires some time off the field with respect to any disciplinary matter. The sin binned player may be replaced by another member of his squad. 17.6 A player who is sin binned twice in one match cannot be replaced by another member of his squad and shall not take the field of play again for that match. 17.7 A player who is sent from the field for violent conduct (spitting, persistent swearing, persistent fighting or guilty of serious foul play) shall not be replaced and shall not take the field of play again for that match.
10 Schedule 1 - Fines and Fees 1. Transfers fees are as set out within GoalNet from time to time and as follows: (a) (b) International: $125.00 + GST; and Referee: $35.00 + $5.00 + GST per referee, assistant and assessor 2. Filing Fees are as follows: (a) (b) With respect to any appeal made to the Board pursuant to a decision made by the Operations Manger: $100.00 plus GST. With respect to any appeal made to NZF pursuant to a decision made by the Board or Appeals Committee: As published by NZF from time to time. 3. Fines for misconduct are as follows: (a) (b) Yellow card: $25.00 + $5.00 + GST processing fee; and Red card: $50.00 + $5.00 + GST processing fee. Mainland Football shall also have the discretion to sheet home to a guilty party the reasonable costs incurred with respect to convening a Judicial Hearing. 4. Fines for fielding an unregistered or ineligible player are as follows: (a) (b) Seniors: $25.00; and Juniors: Under $25.00 at the discretion of the Competitions Manager. 5. Fines with respect to team card violations are as follows: (a) The late filing of a team Card: $5.00; (b) The filing of an incomplete team card: $5.00; (c) (d) Failing to file a team card: $5.00. The fine shall double with each subsequent offence (in one season) Failing to produce a team card on request: $5.00. The fine shall double with each subsequent offence (in one season) and 3 points deducted for each non-return of team card. (e) Completing a team card with an intention to mislead: $50.00 6. Fines for Defaults are as follows: (a) Premier Football League: fine of $2,000.00; (b) (c) Senior Competition Default: fine of $100.00; and Juniors Competitions Default: under $100.00 at the operation manager s discretion Any fines with respect to a Default of a Mainland Premier League or Women s Premier League Match shall be as per the Coach s hand book from time to time.