RULES OF THE ESSEX VETERANS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

1. DEFINITIONS

1.A In these Rules:

“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA.

“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.

“Club Portal” means the system used by Clubs to affiliate teams as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Competition” means the Essex Veterans Football League.

“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.

“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.

“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.

“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.

“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.

“Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.

“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.

“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.

“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.

“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.

“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.

“Sanctioning Authority” means the Essex County Football Association Limited.

“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules.

“Season” means the period of time between one AGM and the next AGM.

“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.

“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.

“Team Sheet” means a form provided by the Competition on which the names of the Players taking part in a Competition match are listed.

“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.

“Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically.

“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

1.B Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and also the other way around.

GOVERNANCE RULES

2. COMPETITION NAME, CONSTITUTION

2.A The Competition will be known as Essex Veterans Football League (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist, or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

2.B This Competition shall consist of not more than 100 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

2.C The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be the County of Essex and immediate surrounding area.

2.D The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

2.E All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation to them, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

2.F The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.

2.G 1. All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association.

2. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 16 in number.

2.H Inclusivity and Non-discrimination

The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (including those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
This Competition and each 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.
Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

2.I Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2.J All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by The FA from time to time.

2.K Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club must immediately inform the Competition of the details of any fixture(s) in any other competition in which the Club has entered, for which written consent of the Management Committee has been obtained.

2.L At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22.

2.M Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case the Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, Teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than by transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.

2.N Clubs in membership of this Competition must meet and comply with the criteria laid down in Appendix A.

3. CLUB NAME

3.A Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority. In the event that permission is granted, the Club must advise the Competition Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

4.A Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee for each Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.

Applications, of which due notice has been given, will be received at the AGM or an SGM if confirmed by a majority of the accredited voting members present.

When Rule 22.B is applied, or a Team seeks a transfer or is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee shall be payable.

4.B The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff for each Team payable at a date agreed at the AGM or set by the Competition.

Failure to comply will result in a fine.

4.C In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.D A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid.

4.E Clubs must ensure that all its teams participating in the Competition are recorded as affiliated on the Club Portal for the forthcoming Playing Season by the AGM. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5.A The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and twelve members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Vice-President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Registration Secretary, Referees Secretary, Assistant Referee Appointment Secretary, Fixture Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Disciplinary Secretary, Welfare Officer, Governance Officer and Website Officer to be elected annually at the AGM. (N.B. Auditors/Verifiers are not Officers)

5.B Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 30th April in each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 30th April in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for any office by the date stated in the earlier part of this Rule, nominations may be received at the AGM.

5.C The Management Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a season or as and when required.

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.

5.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.

5.E All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

6.A The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.

6.B Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority 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 on each Club to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.

6.C Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote at all such meetings, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly relating to that member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).

6.D In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.

6.E The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.

With the exception of Rules 6.J, 8.H, and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:

Accept the charge and/or submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee; or
Accept the charge and notify the Competition Secretary that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or
Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee; or
Deny the charge and notify the Competition Secretary that it wishes to have a hearing before the Management Committee.

Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.

Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).

Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.

With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

The maximum fine permitted for a breach of a Rule by a Team playing at Regional NLS Feeder League level is £500.

No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate sanctioning Association.

6.F All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.

Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.

6.G A minimum of 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any of its sub-committees.

6.H The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number.

6.I A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6.J Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

6.K A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.

6.L The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable).

6.M The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.

7. PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

7.A 1. All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee.

2. Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee prior to the commencement of the Match.

7.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 with the Secretary within seven days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition 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 their Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.

7.C No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. 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 inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

7.D 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 before the protest or complaint being heard.

All parties must have received a minimum of 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.
Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.

7.E The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.

7.F Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee of £35.00, which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, and the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

invite submissions by the parties involved;
convene a hearing to hear the appeal;
permit new evidence; or
impose appropriate deadlines.

Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.

7.G No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.

7.H All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld, and in these circumstances may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Management Committee.

All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within 14 days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted.

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8.A The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 20 members are present and entitled to vote:-

Confirm the minutes of the last AGM.
Adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts from the previous season or accounting period.
Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
Election of Competition Officers and Management Committee members.
Appointment of auditors/verifiers.
Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14)
Agree the date for the beginning of the Playing Season and kick-off times applicable to the Competition.
Agree the date for the end of the Playing Season
Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted by the Chair as being relevant to an AGM.

8.B A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes.

8.C A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM

8.D Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Fourteen days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.

8.E Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing 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.

8.F All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or count of email or virtual responses (for virtual meetings) unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair so decides.

8.G No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.

8.H 1. Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2. Any club that has submitted a valid application to join the Competition for the forthcoming season must have the opportunity to be put forward for membership and to have a vote taken on their membership application.

8.I Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 8.G).

8.J Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.

9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

9.A On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call an SGM.

9.B The Management Committee may call an SGM at any time.

9.C At least 7 days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.

9.D Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.

9.E Any Club failing to be represented at an SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

9.F Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 9.D).

10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

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.

“We, [name] of [address] (Chair/Director) and [name] of [address] (Secretary/Director) of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Essex Veterans Football League 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 7.”

The agreement shall be signed by the Club Chair and Secretary (where a Club is an unincorporated association) or by two directors of the Club (where a Club is an incorporated entity).

Any change of Chair, Secretary or Directors of the Club as named on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football Association to which the Club is sanctioned and to the Secretary of this Competition.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

11.A Any 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 of such intention by 31st March each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22.B. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.B The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.C Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6.I, in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.

12. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

12.A At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office; (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.

12.B At the AGM, or at an SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, provided this is supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) 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.

12.C Any Officer or member of a Club found 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 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 12.A and/or 12.B of this Rule.

13. TROPHY

13.A The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy: -

“We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chair and Secretary of FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and the cup or trophy 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 in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

13.B At the close of each Competition awards may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

The League will provide eighteen players trophies for the winners and runners-up in each division. These are to be distributed at the Clubs discretion.

14. ALTERATION TO RULES

14.A Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at an SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season except in exceptional circumstances and approved by Sanctioning Authority and The FA.

14.B Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 1st February in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 15th February and any amendments to these proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary by 28th February. The proposals and proposed amendments to these proposals shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if two-thirds or more of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.

14.C A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting.

These Rules will be automatically updated by any mandatory changes to the Standard Code of Rules.

15. FINANCE

15.A The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.

15.B All expenditure in excess of £100.00 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.

15.C The financial year of the Competition will end on 30th April.

15.D The accounting records, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.

15.E Honoraria, if paid, must be agreed at the AGM and relate to the season just concluded. The Management Committee shall recommend which Officers may receive honoraria and the level of payment. All the above to be detailed on the AGM paperwork under “Any other business” (Rule 8.A.10).

16. INSURANCE

16.A All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover for a minimum of ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.

16.B All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.

Failure to comply with Rule 16.A or 16.B will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

17. DISSOLUTION

17.A Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at an SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.

17.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.

17.C The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:

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 Essex County Football Association or the Essex County 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 Essex County Football Association.
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 Essex County Football Association may decide.

MATCH RELATED RULES

18. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18.A A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:

registered through the Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition;

signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club and submitted to the Competition within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The Player shall not play again on a subsequent match day until the Club has registered the player through The FA Player Registration System and is in possession of the approval from the Competition. A maximum of two Players may be registered in this manner.

Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration System, the registration will not be processed.

For Clubs registering Players under Rule 18.A2, registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering Players by the Player Registration System, Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

Players must be aged 35 or over to play in this Competition, players must be aged 45 or over to play in the Over 45 Competitions and players must be aged 55 or over to play in the Over 55 Competitions. 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.

18.B 1. Contract players 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.

2. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

3. Each Club must have at least 16 Players per team registered by 18th August of the current playing season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. In the event of a Non-Contract Player changing their status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non-Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18.B.1.

18.C A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) shall be permitted to register for a Club but will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.

18.D A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered.

18.E 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 in the Competition, the valid registration submitted first shall take precedence. The Registrations Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.

18.F It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to: -

Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred.
Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transferor where the Competition adopts Rule 18.P.
Submit a signed registration form as per Rule 18.A.2 or submit a registration through the Player Registration System that the Player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.G 1. The Management Committee shall accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.G.2 and 18.G.3 below.

The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).
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 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with.

Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition.

A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.G.3 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 may consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.

(Note: Action under Rule 18.G.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. 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 any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

18.H Subject to compliance with FA Rule C when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer notification to the Competition via the Player Registration System. A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff will/may be required. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition 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 Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 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 seven 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.

18.I A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after the second Saturday in March except by special permission of the Management Committee.

18.J Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only.

18.K A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule 22.A) unless the Player has played three Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.

18.L A Team shall not include more than 11 Players who have played in 1 or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 clear days has elapsed since they played. 21 clear days is counted by excluding the day when the relevant Player last played and the day when the Player intends to play again.

For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition is the EFL.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.M 1. Subject to Rule 18.M.2, any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18.M.1 only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.M.1 above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or

b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or

c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).

18.N Not in use.

18.O Any Club playing in Division One or lower shall not include in any one game more than three players who are of a higher status. A player who has played four or more games in a higher status team is deemed to be of that status. A player of higher status retains that status until he has played three consecutive games in a lower status team. When he has player four consecutive games in a lower status team he will revert to a lower status until such time as he has played a further four games in a higher status team, not necessarily consecutively.

18.P Not in use.

18.Q Registration Verification. Immediately prior to the commencement of any match all members of the Management Committee, unless the Club they represent are involved in the fixture are authorised to have any team(s) complete a Registration Sheet giving full names of all participating players and substitutes. In the presence of the Management Committee member each player will sign the sheet alongside his name. This Registration Sheet will be countersigned by the team captain or manager and the Management Committee member concerned will forward it to the Registration Secretary within 72 hours of the end of the game. The Registration Secretary will verify all players’ signatures and their eligibility to play. Any Club providing an incorrect or incomplete Registration Sheet shall be charged and dealt with as per rule 18.M.

18.R In the event of a Club or Official questioning the identity of a player or players of the opposing team listed on the team sheet and/or actually played in the match, they shall prior to or at half time or at the end of the match request that player(s) complete the date of birth, postcode and signature box on the team sheet that was completed prior to kick off and exchanged. Clubs shall be responsible for their players’ actions and refusal to carry out the request will deem the offending player and Club guilty of misconduct. This team sheet should then be submitted to the League Secretary as part of any protest (Rule 7) for adjudication by the League Management Committee. If any irregularity is found, the matter will be dealt with by the League Management Committee as provided by the Rules of this Competition on player eligibility.

19. CLUB COLOURS

19.A Every Team must register the colour and design of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 30th June and the Competition Secretary shall decide as to their suitability.

19.B Any team wishing to change the colour(s) and/or design(s) of its shirt(s) and shorts during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Competition Secretary in advance of making that change.

19.C Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.

19.D No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.

19.E Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents of the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeeper’s jersey) at least four days before the Competition Match.

19.F If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the home Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

19.G Shirts must all be numbered, and no two shirts shall have the same number, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

19.H 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.

20. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES

20.A All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.

Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition 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 Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground.

Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches - https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitch-register. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA 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 20.C.

All Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) 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. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes.

The times of kick-off shall be agreed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs and the Competition. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time may be fined 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 goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches.

Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance with the laws of the game.

20.B Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally agreed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Competition Fixtures Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

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).

20.C An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground, time of kick-off and kit colours (including goalkeeper) to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least four clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. The opposing Club must confirm receipt and give notice of its kit colours (including goalkeeper) at least [3] days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If either is not so provided, the relevant Club and Match Officials shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.D In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players which will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7.

20.E 1. Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall decide whether it should either:

a. award the points from the Competition Match in question to the Club’s opponent (without the awarding of goals)

b. order the Competition Match to be rescheduled. The Management Committee shall also have the power to order the rescheduled Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent Club’s ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.

In addition, the Management Committee may at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

a. impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff),

b. deduct points from the defaulting Club,

c. order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents.

Any Club with more than one Team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence: - First Team, Reserve Team, A Team.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the Competition Fixtures Secretary and Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. The above Officials must be notified for all postponed or cancelled MATCHES, including those due to weather conditions or the Referee’s over-ruling decision, see Rule 23(D). This MUST be given by telephone, or personal service IMMEDIATELY but not later than kick-off time, by the HOME CLUB and by the Essex Veterans League member club, whether they are ‘home’ or ‘away’, when the match is in an outside competition.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

In the event of a Competition Match not being played or being abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Competition. Failing such agreement and notification to the Fixtures Secretary within seven days the Competition shall have the power to order the Match to be played on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition, the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand.
The Management Committee shall review all Competition 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 either Club, the Management Committee shall 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 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 that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Match.
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 FA 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 18.M above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

20.F A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Team may name up to five substitute Players of whom not more than five may be used.

A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace a Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.

The referee and a representative of the opposing Club shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) not later than fifteen minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.

A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

20.G The half time interval shall be of five minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

20.H The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who may wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of their teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.I Where a suspension imposed in relation to a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) upon a Club by The FA or Affiliated Association is not lifted, and/or the Club does not provide confirmation from The FA or Affiliated Association that such suspension is lifted to the Competition Secretary by [5 pm] [1 day] before a fixture, that fixture will be treated as an unfulfilled fixture and dealt with in accordance with Rule 20.E.

20.J Clubs are required to fully complete the multi-coloured Team Sheet in block capitals showing the names of participating players and substitutes, match details and referee’s name. The form must be signed, and the top copy (white) given to the match official 10 minutes prior to kick-off, the middle copy given to the opposition. Defaulting Clubs shall be reported and shall be fined for each separate offence. The bottom copy (blue) should be retained for at least one month in case of any queries or protests. Upon request by the Competition, it must be supplied either in hard copy or by email.

21. REPORTING RESULTS

21.A The appropriate Competition Registration Secretary must receive within three days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

The prescribed manner is online via the League Website. Other information required is names of the goalscorer(s).

Clubs shall list all players and substitutes who have actually played. If no substitute actually played the word "NONE" should be written in the appropriate box.

21.B Both Clubs shall use SMS to notify the result of each Competition Match to the League website by 7pm (9 pm for evening matches). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

Results of all League, League Cup, League Management Trophy, County Cup and other Competition matches must be sent by SMS Text Message to the League Website.

Information of all cancelled or postponed matches must be telephoned to the Publicity Secretary, see Rule 20.E.

21.C The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the Team, or as prescribed by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

22. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

22.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 Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.

In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by the following criteria, in the order of priority in which they appear:

1. Goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest).

2. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.

3. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.

4. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has the better playing record against the other Team in their head-to-head Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest.

5. One-off fixture or play-off games as determined by the League Management Committee.

22.B Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first two Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last two Teams in each division except as provided for below, subject to the provisions of Rule 2.L.

Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated.
Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:

(a) retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or

(b) additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or

The last two Teams in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the conditions of Rule 22.B.1 above.
When a senior Team is relegated to a lower division of which its reserve Team is a member, or entitled to be a member, such reserve Team must accept relegation to, or retain its position in, the next lower division; and should the senior Team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve Team automatically retires from the Competition.
Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have its senior Team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next highest Team or Teams in the division concerned.
In the Over 35 Premier Division automatic relegation shall be applied for the last three teams. In the Over 35 and Over 45 Division One promotion shall be applied for the first placed team and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last two teams in each Division. Relegated teams from the Premier Division will be allocated to the appropriate Division One.

22.C In the Over 35 Division One, in addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22.B, a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs”). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows:

The second placed team in each Division One will meet in a play-off match at a venue decided by the Management Committee. If, at the end of the game, the scores are level extra time of 15 minutes each way will be played. If, at the end of extra time, the scores are still level the match will be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in a manner approved by FIFA.

22.D In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.D a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.

Where a team withdraws having completed 75% of its fixtures the points for any unplayed games shall be awarded to the defaulting team's opponents.

22.E Not in use.

23. MATCH OFFICIALS

23.A Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.

23.B 1. In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant referee appointed by the competing Teams.

2. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match.

23.C Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.D The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.

Where the fitness of the ground is in doubt, and the appointed Referee is unable to make any early inspection, clubs shall call a local Referee to inspect the ground in time (but not before 10 a.m. on the day of the match or later than 11 a.m.) to give a decision to the opposing team as to whether or not to travel. Opponents, Match Officials and League Officers as specified in Rule 20.E MUST be informed of this decision by 11.30 a.m. at the latest.

23.E Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid their fees and expenses in accordance with the Fees Tariff.

Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before the Competition Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.F In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to full fee plus expenses. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.G A referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.

23.H Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition 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 (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.

Any Club awarding 60 or less marks to the Referee must send a letter of explanation to the League Secretary which must be received within seven days of the date played. Clubs failing to comply with this rule shall be fined.

23.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 Sanctioning Authority.

23.J The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.

23.K Not in use.

23.L Not in use.

Approved ECFA 19.7.2024 Including Competition amendments June 2024.

Appendix A

Criteria for Entry and Continued Membership

Facilities

The ground shall ideally be available for the season for the period from the beginning of September until the end of May.

Preferably a Clubhouse with bar facilities should be provided, if not these facilities should be available locally for the provision of hospitality

Changing Rooms with Shower and Toilet facilities must be provided.

General

Clubs must supply the League with two email addresses as points of contact

Each team must have a First Aid Kit at every match

SCHEDULE A

FEES TARIFF

RULE	DESCRIPTION	FEE
4.A	Entry Fee	£ 0
4.B	Annual Subscription	£ 100
4.C	Deposit	£ Discret.
7.C	Protest Fee	£ 25
18.D	Player Registration Fee	£ 0
18.H	Transfer Fee	£ 0
23.E	Referee Fee (max. £45 inclusive) Referee expenses rate	£ 45 0p / mile
23.E	Assistant Referee Fee (max. £35 inclusive) Assistant Referee expenses rate	£ 35 0p / mile

FINES TARIFF

RULE	DESCRIPTION	MAX. FINE
2.G	Failure to Affiliate	£ 50
2.I	Failure to comply with FA initiatives	£ 100
2.K	Unauthorised entry of teams into other Competitions	£ 50
3.A	Failure to obtain consent for change of Club name	£ 30
4.B	Failing to pay Annual Subscription	£ 30
4.C	Failure to pay a deposit	£ 30
4.E	Failure to ensure teams are recorded as affiliated in the Club Portal	£ 30
5.E	Communications conducted by persons other than nominated officers	£ 50
6.I	Failure to comply with an instruction of the management committee	£ 250
6.J	Failure to pay a fine within the required timeframe	£ 20
8.H	Failure to be represented at AGM	£ 250
9.E	Failure to be represented at SGM	£ 250
10	Failure to submit the required written agreement or to notify changes to signatories	£ 30
11.A	Failure to provide notice of intended withdrawal before deadline	£ 100
11.B	Failure to commence/complete fixtures	£ 150
13.A	Failure to submit the required trophy agreement	£ 50
13.A	Failure to return Trophy	£ 50
16.A	Failure to have the required public liability insurance	£ 50
16.B	Failure to have the required personal accident insurance	£ 50
18.A	Failure to correctly register a player	£ 250
18.B.3	Failure to have the required number of registered players prior to the Playing Season commencing	£ 30 /team
18.F	Registering or playing for multiple clubs, or inaccurate completion of a registration form	£ 250
18.G.2	Registration irregularities	£ 250
18.L	Fielding more than the permitted number of players who have participated in Senior Competition matches	£ 10
18.M	Playing an ineligible player	£ 250
19.F	Delaying kick off by not having a change of colours	£ 10
19.G	Failure to have different numbered shirts	£ 50
20.A	Late kick off	£ 10
20.A	Failing to provide goal nets, corner flags, suitable footballs	£ 50
20.B	Failure to play matches on the date fixed	£ 250
20.C	Failure to provide details of a fixture	£ 30
20.E.1	Failure to keep engagement	£ 250
20.E.2	Failure to observe precedence	£ 25
20.E.3	Failure to notify postponement	£ 50
20.H	Failing to identify a team captain	£ 0
20.J	Failing to carry out Team Sheet procedure	£ 30
21.A	Late result sheet	£ 30
21.B	Failure to provide result	£ 30
21.C	Incorrect result sheet	£ 50
23.C	Failure to provide club assistant referee	£ 10
23.E	Failure to pay match officials’ fees and expenses	£ 30
23.F	Failure to pay match officials where a match is not played	£ 30
23.H	Failure to provide referee’s mark	£ 10
23.H	Failure to provide report on Referee	£ 30