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1. Definitions
In these rules, unless otherwise expressly stated: - “Club” means a Club in full or associate membership of the League, including full member Club during its probationary membership, unless expressly stated otherwise. “League” means the Amateur Football Combination “AGM” means the Annual General Meeting “SGM” means a Special General Meeting References to the masculine shall be taken to include the feminine “Registered Referee” and “Referee” shall include any person engaged in any then current FA basic referee training course for eleven-a-side football and having successfully completed the FA’s basic written examination for referees. “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. 2. Name and Constitution 2 a: This League shall be designated the “Amateur Football Combination” and shall consist of Clubs who shall be full member Clubs or associate member Clubs. The object of the League is to foster and provide competitive football for Clubs in membership. 2 b: All such Clubs must be affiliated the Amateur Football Alliance or a County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be entered on Whole Game System. The area covered by the League Membership shall be the Home Counties. 2 c: The League shall apply annually for sanction to the Amateur Football Alliance and the constituent teams of Clubs shall be grouped in divisions. 2 d: Full member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the League in any other Saturday League Competitions except with the written consent of the Chair of the Fixtures Committee. Teams shall not be permitted to compete in more than three Saturday Cup Competitions (including any F.A. and County F.A. Cup Competitions). 2 e: A full member Club must maintain its first team in the League and shall maintain at least one team in the League to be considered a full member Club. 2 f: No more than one team from any Club shall participate in one division except for the lowest two divisions in the each of the north and the south sections of the league. 2 g: The League and each Club shall be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination. 3. Club Names Any Club wishing to change its name and/or its colours must obtain the approval of the Fixtures Committee and the AFA or other Sanctioning authority Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 4. Admission to the League, Annual Subscription and Annual Awards Ceremony 4 a: Clubs wishing to become associate members shall apply to the Secretary. The Amenities Secretary shall have the power to grant associate membership to any Club at any time. 4 b: Non-member Clubs and associate member Clubs wishing to become full member Clubs of the League must be proposed and seconded in writing by two full member Clubs or by one member club and the Executive Committee and must be approved by the Executive Committee. Election into membership will be by a majority vote at an AGM. Applications to join the League must be made in writing to the Secretary not later than 31st March each year. New Clubs shall serve a minimum of a one-year probationary period. Applications shall be accompanied by a copy of the Club rules including the election at the Club AGM of a chair, secretary, treasurer, match secretary and a qualified club welfare officer. After not less than one year their probationary membership shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee which shall decide whether to recommend to the AGM that the Club be confirmed as a full member Club of the League. If then recommended for admission a Club may be admitted to full membership of the League. A Non-member Club or associate member Club applying for membership must be represented at the AGM that considers its application. Such Clubs may not vote at that AGM. The teams of a new member Club shall be placed within divisions as determined by the AGM. 4 c: Applications by Clubs for the entry of any additional team(s) must be made in writing to the Secretary. Applications shall indicate the venue for matches of any additional teams and provide a list of friendly matches played during the current or previous season. At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present, applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the AGM or a SGM. 4 d: The Annual subscription shall include a payment for each club, for each team within each club and payment for tickets for the next end of season Annual Awards Ceremony as follows: Teams entered by the Club Tickets to be included in the League in the Annual Subscription 1 – 2 1 3 – 5 2 6 or more 3 4 e: Annual Subscriptions shall be paid by 31st October or such later date as the Executive Committee may set. A fine may be levied by the Executive Committee if payment is not made by the due date. The Executive Committee may require a deposit to be paid by or on behalf of clubs on such terms and for such period as it may think fit for the purpose of securing the payment of League fines. A Club shall not participate in the League if it is in default of its Annual Subscription or deposit. 4 f: Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 31st August of all its county affiliation numbers for the forthcoming season, failing which they shall be fined. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, details of its Grounds, chair, secretary, treasurer, match secretary and club welfare officer, and any other information required by the League. 5. Management, Nomination, Election 5 a (i) The Officers of the League shall be the President, three Vice-Presidents, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chairs, Amenities Officer, Results Secretary, League Match Secretaries, Referees’ Secretaries and Representative Team Manager. They shall be elected annually at the AGM. (ii) The League shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by an Executive Committee elected at the AGM. The Executive Committee shall comprise the President, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chairs for the Development and Communications, Finance, Fixtures, Referees, Rules Revision, Spirit of Football, Club Representatives and Club Support Committees, one Representative of full member Clubs and four Vice-Presidents or Past Presidents not including any Vice Presidents elected to other positions on the Executive Committee. (iii) Others shall be elected at the AGM including new Vice-Presidents up to ten further representatives of full member clubs and representatives of League Committees not otherwise on the Executive Committee (iv) All participants shall abide by the Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by the Association from time to time. 5 b: Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Executive Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 31st May in each year, or by nomination by the Executive Committee without a seconder. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the AGM. The President shall be nominated biennially by the outgoing President and if elected at the AGM shall normally remain in office for up to two years after election. 5 c: The Executive Committee and other League Committees shall meet as often as is necessary to deal with business as it arises. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Executive Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee. 5 d: Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the League and keep a record of its proceedings. 5 e: All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their nominated Officers. 5 f: New Vice-Presidents shall be elected at the AGM. Such election shall be based upon their contributions to the League and its predecessors over a number of years. 5 g: The Executive Committee shall elect from amongst its number League representatives to the Council of the Amateur Football Alliance. The number shall be determined by the Amateur Football Alliance. 6. Powers of Management 6 a: The Executive Committee shall appoint sub-Committees (known as Committees) that shall have the power to make decisions. The minutes of all such Committees shall be reported to the Secretary of the Executive Committee within 14 days of their meetings. The Executive Committee shall approve the size, quorums, meeting dates and terms of reference of all Committees and standardised agendas including apologies, persons present, approval of minutes of previous meetings, action points, items for discussion, date of next meeting and any other business. The designation of Committees shall normally include: Emergency, Finance, Development, Referees, Fixtures, Spirit of Football, Rules Revision, Representative Team, Club Representatives, Club Support and Awards. 6 b: Each Member of any Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Meetings of that Committee and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club(s) of which he is a Member. Should the Chair have a personal interest, or be a member of the Club under discussion, it shall be declared and a deputy shall be elected for the purpose of that agenda item. In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair or Acting Chair shall have a second or casting vote. 6 c: Each Committee shall have the powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the League and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting its terms of reference or area of operation within the League, including the power to make contact with AFC clubs and referees concerning any matter within the Committee’s terms of reference agreed by the Executive Committee and any matters not provided for in the Rules. Any action taken by the League shall be initiated within 28 days of the League being notified. Except where Rules 8h, 21b and 24e provide for the imposition of a set penalty, any Club or Official alleged to be in breach of a League Rule must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the relevant Committee. The respondent shall be given seven days from the date of notice to reply to the charge and given the opportunity to:- (i) Accept or deny the charge (ii) Submit in writing a case of mitigation, or (iii) Present their case before the relevant Committee. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of the Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules by the appropriate County Association. Any fines levied shall be in accordance with the Fines Tariff in Appendix 1 The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the penalty will be proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances. 6 d: All decisions of Committees shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the Appeals Committee under Rule 7. Decisions of Committees must be notified in writing to those concerned within 10 days. 6 e: 8 Members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Meetings of the Executive Committee may be held face to face or online 6 f: The Executive Committee and other League Committees shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur amongst their number and may co-opt additional members as necessary. Co-opted members shall have voting powers if approved by the Executive Committee. 6 g: A member of any Committee appointed by the League to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the League at a rate to be determined by the Executive Committee. Officers and Committee members of the League shall also be reimbursed expenses for attendance at Committee Meetings at a rate to be determined by the Executive Committee. 6 h: No member of the Executive Committee or member of any Committee appointed by the Executive Committee shall, or shall be entitled to, receive any remuneration or honoraria for work done or services rendered for or on behalf of the League and no other persons undertaking work on behalf of the League shall be entitled to remuneration save under a separate contract. 6 i: The Executive Committee shall have the power to
6 k: The Emergency Committee shall consist of the Chair, Secretary, Vice-Chair and the Chair of the Fixtures and Rules Revision Committees. 6 l: The Executive Committee shall have the authority to interpret these Rules. All matters not provided for by the Rules shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee as it may determine. 6 m: The business of the League as determined by the Executive Committee may be transacted by email. 6 n: No participant under the age of 18 can be fined by the League. 7. Protests, Complaints and Appeals 7 a: (i) All questions concerning the eligibility of players, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules on those matters shall be referred to the Fixtures Committee. Such questions shall be raised with the Fixtures Committee within 14 days of the last match played in the league during the season. (ii) Objections relating to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be considered by the Fixtures Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. 7 b: Except in cases where the Executive Committee decides that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints under rule 7a(ii) (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary of the League within 14 days of the match or occurrence to which they refer. 7 c: No protest or complaint shall be considered by the Executive Committee unless the Club concerned shall have deposited a sum with the Secretary of the League. The Secretary may treat the deposit paid by the Club under rule 4e to serve as the deposit for their Appeal. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the protest or complaint being dismissed. The Executive Committee shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or, if it is determined that two or more Clubs concerned were at fault, to order that the costs be shared by them, up to a maximum. 7 d: All parties to a protest or complaint shall be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and shall have received 7 days’ notice of the hearing, unless they waive their right to such notice, together with a copy of the protest or complaint. When dealing with a protest or complaint the relevant Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint. A Member of the Executive Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present, except as a witness or representative of his Club, when such protest or complaint is being determined. 7 e: The Secretary of any Club wishing to complain against a decision of a League Officer shall notify the appropriate Committee Chair within 14 days of notification of the decision requesting an informal review. The Committee Chair shall respond within 14 days confirming whether the decision has been changed. 7 f: If so requested by any two Clubs the Executive Committee may arbitrate on any disputes, protests, appeals, claims or complaints between the Clubs in which event both Clubs shall send a non-returnable fee. Such arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties to the arbitration. 7 g: Appeal against a decision of the Executive Committee to the AFA Any appeal against a decision of the Executive Committee must be lodged with the Amateur Football Alliance (‘AFA’) within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff, 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 of the League. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the AFA, which may, but is not obliged to: 1. invite submissions by the parties involved. 2. convene a hearing to hear the appeal. 3. permit new evidence; or 4. impose appropriate deadlines. Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Executive Committee. 7h: No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct. 8: Annual General Meeting 8 a: The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. Each full member Club shall have the right to send two delegates but shall have one vote only. Each associate member club shall have the right to send two delegates but not to vote. The AGM shall be held either face to face with physical attendance, or at the discretion of the Executive Committee in exceptional circumstances, online, provided that any the Clubs represented at such meeting are identified by name throughout the meeting and that any ballot to be held under rule 8(f) shall be held in secret or, if that is not possible online, shall be postponed for up to 14 days for postal voting using secret ballot papers. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted:
8 c: A copy of the duly audited Statement of Accounts, Balance Sheet and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting. 8 d: A signed copy of the duly audited Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet shall be sent to the Amateur Football Alliance within fourteen days of its adoption by the AGM. 8 e: Full member Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the League during the season being concluded or who are not continuing in 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 voting cards unless a ballot is demanded by at least one-third 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: Any Club failing to be represented throughout the AGM shall be fined. If an AGM is held online any Club representative shall be identifiable and in view on the screen throughout the meeting. 8 i: Officers shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM. Subject to rule 6b no person shall exercise a second vote on any individual item at the AGM. 9. Special General Meetings 9 a: Upon receiving a requisition signed by one-third of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM. Such a meeting must be held within 28 days. A SGM shall be held either face to face with physical attendance, or at the discretion of the Executive Committee in exceptional circumstances, online, provided that any the Clubs represented at such meeting are identified by name throughout the meeting and that any ballot shall be held in secret or, if that is not possible online, shall be postponed for up to 14 days for postal voting using secret ballot papers. 9 b: The Executive Committee may call a 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 thereat including a copy of any resolution to be placed before the meeting. Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 9 d: Any Club failing to be represented at such a Meeting may be fined by the Executive Committee. Any Club failing to be represented throughout a SGM shall be fined. If a SGM is held online any Club representative shall be identifiable and in view on the screen throughout the meeting. 9 e: Officers shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs. 10. Agreement to be Signed By completing its annual affiliation to the League each Club will be taken as having agreed to conform to the League Rules and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Executive Committee and other Committees subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7g. 11. Continuation of Membership or Withdrawal of a Club 11 a: A Club intending or having a provisional intention to withdraw from the League on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the League must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st May each Season or be liable to a fine. 11 b: Any Club wishing to withdraw a team must do so in writing, stating its reasons, to the Chair of the Fixtures Committee with a copy to the League Match Secretary. The Fixtures Committee will consider each request on its own merit, and may determine that any request made after 31st October will apply only to the lowest team of the Club making the request. 11 c: A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the League after the AGM for the following Season without the permission of the Fixtures Committee. 11 d: In the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the League in excess of £50, the Executive Committee may refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions. 12. Suspension and Exclusion of Clubs or Teams. Misconduct, Clubs, Officials, Players 12 a: At the AGM, or SGM called for the purpose, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club from further membership upon a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. 12 b: At the AGM, or 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 League any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable upon a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast. 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 official or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the League to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or the Executive Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 12 a and 12 b. Such a decision shall require a simple majority of those present and voting. 12 d: The Executive Committee shall have the power to suspend or terminate membership to or from any associate member Club at any time. 12 e: The Executive Committee may make a recommendation to the AGM concerning the future membership of any Club. 12 f: Any Club called to a hearing must be represented as a minimum by any three of its senior Officers. The Executive Committee shall have the power to specify which Officers shall attend the meeting. 12 g: Any Club that expels a player independently of action taken by the Executive Committee shall inform the Secretary of the League within 7 days of the decision. 13: Trophy: Legal Owner, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed, Awards 13 a: The trustees shall deal with the property of the League, including any assets, equipment, trophies, the funds and any Intellectual Property rights, as directed by resolution of the Executive Committee (of which an entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence) and they shall be indemnified against risk and expense out of League property. 13 b: The President, the Chair and Treasurer for the time being shall be and are hereby expressly appointed for all intents and purposes, trustees and legal owners of the Trophies and all other property or assets of the League. The trophies shall remain the property of the League and shall not be won outright by any Club. 13 c: Trophy holders must return the Trophy or Cup to the League or designated engravers by 31st March or such earlier date as may be set by the Executive Committee. Clubs who breach this Rule shall be fined an amount not less than £5 per day per trophy. 13 d: Winners of the trophy must send a representative to the Annual Awards Ceremony to collect the trophy. Clubs who breach this Rule shall be fined by the Awards Committee. Trophies not so collected will be retained by the League. 13 e: The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of each trophy: “ We, ----------------- and ---------------------, the Chair and Secretary of ------------------------ FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of the Amateur Football Combination Division ------------------- Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the League, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the trophy to the League on or before 31st March. If the Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the League the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair. Any such losses shall be notified to the Secretary of the League immediately.” 13 f: Intellectual Property rights of the League shall include the League logo or badge and any patents, trademarks, designs, copyright or rights in the nature of copyright relating to the League and its operations. Clubs may reproduce the League logo or badge upon their playing kit, letter heading or website in order to indicate membership of the League. Any such reproduction by Clubs must be in accordance with guidelines laid down from time to time by the Executive Committee for reproduction of the League logo or badge. Any Club leaving the League (for whatever reason) shall immediately remove all reproductions or references to the League logo or badge from all items. 14. Alteration to Rules and Notices of Motion 14 a: Alterations to these Rules may only be made at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. 14 b: Notice of proposed alterations to these rules or Notices of Motion to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted by clubs to the Secretary by the 30th April and shall be proposed and seconded by two Clubs at the AGM or SGM. These, together with any proposals by the Executive Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs with the notice of the AGM or SGM. A proposal to change a rule shall be carried if a two-thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour. A Motion shall be carried if more than half of those present and entitled to vote are in favour. Any request to vary or amend a proposed alteration to the Rules must be proposed and seconded by Clubs and shall be carried if a two-thirds majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour. 15. Finance 15 a: The Executive Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the League will be lodged. 15 b: The Executive Committee shall, each financial year, agree a budget for League expenditure and income. All expenditure in excess of the agreed budget shall require approval by the Executive Committee. 15 c: The financial year of the League shall end on 31st May of each year. 15 d: The books, or a certified balance sheet, of the League shall be prepared for annual audit by suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM. 16. Insurance 16 a: All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least 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 League Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the AFA. Failure to comply with Rule 16a or 16b will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 17. Dissolution 17 a: Dissolution of the League shall be by resolution approved at a General Meeting by a majority of three quarters (¾ ) of those present and entitled to vote and shall take effect from the date of the relevant General Meeting. 17 b: In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Executive Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition. 17 c: The Executive Committee shall deal with any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the League, which shall be transferred only to another competition or the AFA or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the League as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the AFA. 18. Qualification of Players 18 a: A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:- (i) Been entered on Whole Game System by the club as a club member prior to playing (ii) Been entered on Whole Game System within 48 hours subsequent to the match. Each Club shall have at least 11 players per team registered by the 1st September. A fine may be levied by the Executive Committee if a Club fails to provide its correctly completed player registration form by the due date. 18 b: A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any affiliated Association or County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the League without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played. 18 c: The Fixtures Committee shall decide all registration disputes. In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club priority of registration shall determine which Club the player shall be registered to. The Chair of the Fixtures Committee shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the previous registration. No player under 16 years of age shall participate in any League game 18 d: It shall be a breach of Rule for a player to: - (i) Play for more than one Club in the League in the same season without first being transferred. (ii) Having signed for one Club in the League, sign for another Club in the League in that season except for the purpose of a transfer. (iii) Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete. (iv) Play for a Club in the League having played for any other team participating at FA steps 1-6 earlier during that season, irrespective of whether they have had a contract with that Club except with the permission of the Fixtures Committee in accordance with a policy approved by the Executive Committee. 18 e: (i) The Fixtures Committee shall have power to accept the registration of any player subject to the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) below. (ii) The Fixtures Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player or may fine any player, at their discretion who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (Subject to Rule 7g). (iii) The Fixtures 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 AFA. Application should be made to the parent County Football Association or Affiliated Association of the Club the player is registered with. Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated conduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in the League. (Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the AFA, and then only in cases of the player bringing the League into disrepute and will in any case be subject to an Appeal to the AFA.) All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the League into disrepute can only be considered where the player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match-based discipline, in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.) 18 f: Subject to The Football Association Rules a player wishing to transfer from one Club within the League to another shall ask his current Club to cancel his registration on Whole Game System (‘WGS’). Such cancellation may be made provided the player has cleared any financial liabilities towards his current Club. Once that registration is cancelled, the player shall ask his new Club to register him as their player on WGS. No player may be registered for two Clubs within the League at the same time. 18 g: A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played must be entered on Full Time. Any Club failing to comply with the requirement shall be liable to a fine by the Fixtures Committee. 18 h: Registrations are valid for one Season only. 18 i: (i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players may have the points gained in that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points and may be fined and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Fixtures Committee. (ii) In addition the team may have points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Fixtures Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit. (iii) The Fixtures Committee may, at its discretion, award the points available in the match in question to the opponents, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed. 19. Club Colours Each Club must register the colour of its shirts, shorts and socks with the League which shall decide as to their suitability. Goalkeepers must wear colours that distinguish them from other players and the referee. No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts. Where two Clubs have similar colours the home Club shall change, unless agreement is reached to the contrary. Players’ shirts in all teams shall be uniquely numbered. Captains shall wear arm bands to distinguish them in that role Any Club failing to comply with this rule shall be liable to a fine by the Fixtures Committee. 20. Playing Season, Conditions of Play, Times of Kick Off, Postponements, Substitutes 20 a: All teams in the Premier, Senior and Intermediate Divisions must have started league games by a date to be determined by the Fixtures Committee unless otherwise involved in Cup fixtures or requesting “no fixture” (see 20 g). All other teams must have started league games by the last Saturday in September. Every Saturday in the season shall be considered as available for League matches, unless otherwise agreed by the Fixtures Committee. The League Match Secretary may require matches to be played during April and May in midweek and on Sundays to ensure completion of the League programme. No Club shall be compelled to play on a Public Holiday. All games shall kick off between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm on Saturdays unless otherwise agreed between the two clubs and pre-notified to the match official(s). In default of agreement the Fixtures Secretary shall determine the kick off time. Fixtures arranged by League Match Secretaries shall not be re-arranged by Clubs without the permission of the League Match Secretary. 20 b: All 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. The Amenities Officer shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the League and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground. If through the fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Fixtures Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed. All matches shall last two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the referee and the two participating teams, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Any agreement to alter the periods of play must be made before the start of play. No match shall last for less than 60 minutes. The half-time interval shall be of ten minutes’ maximum duration and may be altered only with the consent of the referee. The latest & earliest times of kick-off shall be set by the Fixtures Committee. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time may be fined. Referees shall order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the League. In the event of a team not being ready at the appointed time, provided 7 or more of the players are available, the referee shall order the game to proceed as soon as he sees fit. If it is not possible to commence the game within 30 minutes of the scheduled kick off time, the referee has the right to refuse to officiate and will be entitled to his fee from the home team. Any team not able to commence the game within 30 minutes of the due kick off time is liable to such action as the Fixtures Committee considers appropriate. The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the League if the footballs are unsuitable. 20 c: Except by permission of the Fixtures Committee all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and all parent County Association Cup Competitions and where relevant to matches played against the parent school/college/university of the Club. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may only change the date of a match with the consent of the League Match Secretary. 20 d: The home Club must give full particulars of, and directions to, the ground and time of kick off to the match officials and to the away Club at least 5 days prior to the playing of the match. The two Clubs should also confirm team colours. The home Club must ensure that the away Club and match officials confirm these details. It is not sufficient for the home Club to simply leave a message and assume that it will be collected. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be fined by the Fixtures Committee. 20 e: A Club shall play its strongest team as its first team, second strongest as its second team and so on. Clubs must operate selection policies that ensure there is completely free movement of players between teams throughout the Club based on playing strengths. Clubs must be able to demonstrate compliance with this rule if required to do so by the Fixtures Committee. Any Club infringing this rule may be liable to a fine, a deduction of points or to any other sanctions which the Fixtures Committee considers appropriate. Where in any season a team wins a division whilst another team from the same Club playing in the immediate division above gains less than one point per game played, the winning trophy shall be withheld, subject only to the appeal procedure under rules 6c-d and 7. 20 f: Any Club needing to cancel a fixture due to a shortage of players must: -
20 g: Subject to rule 20f, a Club may cancel the fixture of its lowest team (unless in the Premier/Senior Divisions) because of a shortage of players, as follows: - Teams entered by the Maximum cancellations Club in the League by the Club per season 1 1 2 2 3 – 5 3 6 or more 4 Excessive Cancellations: Any Club cancelling more than the maximum permitted fixtures in any season may on each occasion be fined and be further penalised by the Fixtures Committee as follows:- Further cancellation Points deductions First 2 Second 3 Third and subsequent 3 A Club cancelling any further fixtures thereafter, or any Premier or Senior Division fixture, may be further penalised by the Fixtures Committee. The Fixtures Committee may require a Club to withdraw a team from the League if the Club has been unable to make that team regularly available for League matches. 20 h: A Club may request that “no fixture” be allocated to a team where there is good cause on a particular Saturday during the season. Such requests must be made to the relevant League Match Secretary at least 14 days in advance of the date concerned, who will then decide at his discretion whether to agree to such a request. A team is limited to two such requests per season. When a team has been granted “no fixture” the Club concerned must notify the Amateur Football Alliance and any cup competitions in which that team has been entered, and must ensure that its remaining lower sides are not “over-strength”. This rule only applies to league and LOB Cup fixtures. 20 i: Notice of postponement of any match must be given without delay to the opposing club and by both Clubs to the Referees’ Secretary, the match officials and the Appropriate Results Secretary. Both Clubs must ensure that the postponement is confirmed. It is not sufficient for Clubs to simply leave a message and assume that it will be collected. Should the opposing Club Fixtures Secretary be unavailable, contact must be made with the opposing Club’s Honorary Secretary, Emergency contact, and/or any other relevant Club Officer. Both Clubs must inform the appropriate League Match Secretary of any postponed or abandoned matches no later than 6.00 pm on the day of the match, as well as reporting to the Results Secretary in the usual manner (SMS text to FT). Any Club involved in a drawn, postponed or abandoned cup tie must advise the appropriate League Match Secretary no later than 6 pm on the same day. Any Club failing to comply with these requirements shall be dealt by the Fixtures Committee who may impose any penalty deemed suitable. [Note. Clubs are advised to be aware of the requirement to confirm any notice of postponement with the opposing Club, the Referees’ Secretary, the match officials and the Appropriate Results Secretary. Non-compliance will result in financial penalties by the Fixtures Committee] In the event of a League match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be agreed by the Executive Committee Divisional Match Secretary. Where it is to the advantage of the League and the Clubs involved agree, the Executive Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Fixtures Committee is satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the misconduct of one team or its Club Member(s) it shall be empowered to award the match to the opposition and/or to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. The Fixtures Committee shall review all abandoned matches in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both teams. Where it is to the advantage of the League and does no injustice to either Club, the Fixtures Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Fixtures Committee is satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) it shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opposition and/or to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In cases where a match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club members, the Fixtures Committee shall rule all points for the match as void and may order the match to be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Fixtures Committee for an abandoned match. The Fixtures Committee shall review any match that has taken place where either or both Clubs were under a suspension imposed on them by their parent County Football Association or Affiliated Association. In each case the Club that was under suspension will be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with rule 18k. Where both Clubs were under suspension the game will be declared null and void. 20 j: The Fixtures Committee may give any Club(s) not less than 21 days written notice of a closing date by which all their games in that season are to be completed and may fine any Club which fails to complete its fixture programme by that date for each game which has not been played. 20 k: A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game nominate and use up to a maximum of 3 substitute players in any match in the League. A player who has been substituted himself 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 the Game. The referee shall be informed of the names of the players and the substitutes five minutes before the start of the match on a hard-copy team-sheet approved by the League. A player or substitute not so named shall not be allowed to take part in that game. Any Club failing to provide a team sheet may be fined by the Fixtures Committee. 20 l: In all League matches temporary dismissals (sin bins) will be imposed by referees for all cautions for dissent in accordance with the FIFA guidelines with the Laws of the Game. 20 m: In circumstances when the programme of fixtures becomes disrupted, League Match Secretaries may ask Clubs, or in exceptional circumstances, order Clubs to play games as double headers. This is to ensure the League Programme can be completed. In such circumstances two games shall be played, each game being of 60 minutes’ duration. Each game is treated entirely separately, with each side as the home team for one game. The pitch fees shall be shared equally between the clubs. Substitutes must be nominated for each match in the normal way. Matches cannot be played for double points. The referee shall be entitled to a match fee for each game, to be paid at the rate applicable for Assistant Referees, each club paying one match fee. 21. Reporting Results 21 a: Each Club must submit the correct details of results in a format prescribed by the League, including referees’ marks, hospitality marks, Spirit of Football marks and any other information required by the League, to arrive not later than 96 hours following the end of the match. 21 b: Each Club must submit the correct match results by SMS text message to the FA Full-Time system, or the Match Day App, by 6:00 pm on a Saturday, or within 2 hours of the completion of a match played on any other day. 21 c: For double headers each Club shall submit the correct results of both games by email to the League by 9:00 pm on the day of the game. Clubs failing to submit correct results within the time limits in rule 21a-c shall be fined by the Fixtures Committee. 22. Determining Championship and Promotion to the Premier Division 22 a: Team rankings within the League will be decided by points with 3 points to be awarded for a win and 1 point for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. In the event of two or more teams being equal on points team rankings will be decided by: (i) Goal Difference, or if that is equal (ii) Goals Scored. If the Goal Difference and Goals Scored are equal the Championship in that Division shall be shared. 22 b: Subject to rule 2f and changes in the Constitution of the League determined at the AGM, the lowest and second lowest teams at the end of the season in the Premier Division shall be relegated to Division Senior One North or Senior One South, and the winners of those divisions shall be promoted to the Premier Division provided they are first teams. The Fixtures Committee may offer a third promotion place into the Premier Division to the winners of a play-off match between for the 2nd placed teams in Senior 1 North and Senior 1 South provided they are first teams. In that event the team placed third lowest in the Premier Division shall be relegated. All play-off matches will be played as cup matches, with extra time and kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner of the match if neither team has won the match in normal-time. 22 c: In the event of a team not completing its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the League table as follows: • completing 75% or fewer of its fixtures – all points will be expunged • completing 76% – 99% of its fixtures – points may be expunged at the discretion of the Fixtures Committee. 22 d: In the event of a Club withdrawing a team from the League having completed 76% - 99% of its fixtures and the Fixtures Committee not expunging its points, 3 points will be awarded to all opposition teams for all fixtures that were not played. 23. Match Officials 23 a: Registered referees for all matches shall be appointed by the Referees’ Secretary in a manner approved by the Referees’ Committee and by the Amateur Football Alliance. When no official referee is appointed by the Referees’ Secretary, the home Club shall provide an appropriate person to undertake the duties of a referee. Please see guidance notes on the League website for the meaning of ‘appropriate persons.’ 23 b: In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the game must be played and shall rank as a League fixture. If it is not possible to obtain a mutually acceptable substitute referee for the whole match each side must provide a referee for one half. Any such substitute referee shall referee one whole half and not be substituted during that half. Clubs shall have a whistle available for all home games. A referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. No referee under 16 years of age shall participate either as a Referee or Assistant Referee in any League game. Note: a referee may not also play in the match whilst refereeing. 23 c: The Referees’ Committee may, if it considers it desirable or upon application by the competing clubs, appoint any available Assistant Referees to a match. In that event the away team shall pay the home team the fee for one of the Assistant Referees. 23 d: The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final, unless the authority owning or controlling the ground, whose decision must be accepted, has declared it unfit for play. 23 e: The home Club shall offer the match officials their fees before the match and if not accepted then, pay them immediately after the match. A fine may be levied by the Referees’ Committee in the event of non-compliance with this rule. The fees shall be agreed at the AGM and published on the League website. 23 f: In the event of a match not being played for any reason, the home Club shall pay the match officials their fees in full, provided that they have made the journey to the ground. If the match is not played owing to the default of the away Club the Fixtures Committee shall have the power to require the away Club to refund the home Club the fee paid to the referee. Note: Subject to enquiry by the Fixtures Committee, the away side may be called upon to meet some or all of the expenses. 23 g: A match official not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may have his name removed from the list of Referees at the annual review during the close season and the fact reported to the Association with which he is registered. 23 h: Each Club shall award a mark out of 100 for the referee for each match. Where a Club marks a referee 60 or less, a report must be submitted by the Club Secretary using the FA Marks page on Full Time in the Statistics tab. Such reports shall also be submitted by email to the Referees’ Secretary, Spirit of Football Secretary and the League Secretary. A fine may be levied by the Referees’ Committee in the event of non-compliance with this rule. The League shall keep a record of all marks awarded to Referees. [Please refer to the guidance for marking referees on the League website.] 24. Club Administration 24 a: Each Club must be governed by a set of rules and must hold an AGM that shall elect officers and a Committee to administer the affairs of the Club. Minutes of all Club meetings must be recorded and made available for inspection at the request of the Executive Committee. 24 b: Each Club must nominate members of its Committee to act as its Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Club Fixtures Secretary and must provide telephone numbers which can be used in emergency. Any change to the information declared on the website must be notified to the Secretary of the League within 7 days. Clubs in breach are liable to a fine by the Executive Committee. Where a Club receives correspondence from a League Officer which requires a reply then such reply must be sent to the Officer concerned within 14 days, unless an alternative reply date is indicated in the original letter. Failure to reply will render the Club liable to a fine by the Executive Committee. 24 c: Subject to any agreed arrangements to the contrary, Clubs must accept full responsibility for the ground, match officials and refreshments for every home game in accordance with Rule 10b. 24 d: The Executive Committee or any other League Committee shall have the power to impose a fine on a Club for administrative failure that causes serious inconvenience to another Club, to a match official or to the League and for default of the Rules. 24 e: All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of the written notification. Clubs committing a breach of this Rule will incur such penalties as the Executive Committee may impose. 24 f: Each Club shall maintain a Code of Conduct or Disciplinary Code containing details of how misconduct by players, officials or other persons associated with the Club will be handled within the club. The Code shall be submitted to the League annually and again with amendments or additions where appropriate within 7 days of any request from the League. Failure to do so shall render the club liable to a fine by the Executive Committee. 25. Representative Matches 25 a: The Representative Team Committee shall arrange and be responsible for representative matches. 25 b: It is the responsibility of the Representative Team Committee to ensure that the Club of any player selected to play for the League Representative Team has, where necessary, obtained the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any player who has since the age of 10 played football outside of England, including playing in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. 25 c: Any player selected to represent the League or the Amateur Football Alliance may not play for his Club on the date of any such match without the consent of the Representative Team Committee. Any club selecting a player for a game played on the same day as a Representative Match in which the club is aware that he has been selected shall be fined by the Representative Team Committee. When more than one player from any single Club is selected to represent the League or the Amateur Football Alliance, that Club may seek permission from the Fixtures Committee to postpone its fixture. 25 c: Players representing the League in five or more Representative matches shall be awarded a League Representative tie. 26. Standards of Amenities 26 a: All Clubs must register their grounds for approval by the Amenities Officer and must notify subsequent changes to the Amenities Officer for approval before use. The requirements from home sides for accommodation, playing facilities and hospitality are as follows: (a) Accommodation: (i) Hooks, pegs and seating accommodation must be provided. (ii) Adequate electric lighting must be provided. (iii) Adequate hot showers must be provided. (iv) Home Clubs must notify visitors of arrangements for the safe-keeping of valuables and clothing. (b) Field of Play and Match Balls: (i) Goal nets and four corner flags shall be used. Clubs may be fined by the Fixtures Committee in the event of non-compliance with this rule. (ii) All lines must be clearly marked, preferably in white. (iii) Pitches shall be of grass, 3G (Long Pile Rubber Crumb) or later generation artificial pitch. Football Turf pitches (3G) are allowed provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf pitches. Any other surface must be agreeable to the participating Clubs. (iv) The home club shall give due notice to the away club and match official(s) should the home club propose playing any game on an artificial pitch. (v) The home club must provide at least two footballs that are fit for match play. (c) Hospitality and Refreshments: (i) The Home team shall provide at least a cup of tea and a cake or biscuit without charge to the visiting players and match officials at or near to the match venue after the match. In the event of failure to comply with these requirements the Amenities Officer shall have power to impose a fine. (ii) The Home team shall welcome the visitors and match officials to the ground and show them the changing accommodation and pitch and confirm the hospitality venue. They shall act as hosts at all times whilst the visitors and match officials are at the ground and at the hospitality venue. (NB. The visiting team should respond to hospitality offered.) (iii) Where a visiting Club wishes to decline the refreshments provided by the home Club it must do so no later than two days before the day of the match. (iv) Details must be given to visiting captains and match officials on the day of the game detailing the facilities available for the provision of refreshment. (v) After accepting or not declining a home Club’s offer of refreshment the visiting team shall ensure that it honours that arrangement. Any Club failing to do so shall be liable to reimburse the home Club’s reasonable expenses. (vi) Refreshments must be offered to the match officials at half–time. (d) Emergency Treatment: (i) The home Club shall ensure that they are aware of the nearest Accident & Emergency Department. NOTE: It is recommended that every team should have at least one member trained and certified in the Emergency Aid FA Training Scheme or be in possession of a recognized up-to-date First Aid Qualification. Re-certification is required. Addenda: (i) Separate changing rooms are desirable but not essential. (ii) Match officials should be provided with separate changing accommodation. If none is available they should change with the home team. (iii) Pitches for matches in the Premier and Senior Divisions should not be shorter than 110 yards, or narrower than 66 yards. In all other Divisions the minimum dimension should be 100 yards by 60 yards. 27. London Old Boys Cup Competition (‘The LOB Cup’) 27 a: The League shall organise a Cup Competition designated as the London Old Boys Cup (‘The LOB Cup’), not subject to the FA Standard Code of Rules but otherwise subject to the League rules as varied for the LOB Cup by this rule. 27 b: The LOB Cup shall consist of all full member Clubs of the League and any Clubs not in full membership of the League who are admitted to the LOB Cup under this rule. All such clubs must be affiliated to the Amateur Football Alliance or a County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be entered on Whole Game System. 27 c: Clubs entering the LOB Cup shall have public liability insurance cover of at least 10 million pounds (£10,000,000) and be members of a Players’ personal accident scheme. The policy cover shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the AFA. 27 d: A separate record will be maintained by the Treasurer of the income and expenditure arising out of running the LOB Cup. 27 e: The Executive Committee will organise all aspects of the LOB Cup and will assign responsibility for the Competition to any of Officers or Committees. 27 f: Applications by Clubs for admission to the LOB Cup or the entry of an additional team(s) must be made in writing to the Secretary writing by 31st July and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee, which shall be returned in the event of non-admission. 27 g: A Club shall not participate in the LOB Cup until the entry fee has been paid. 27 h: Clubs entering the LOB Cup must advise the Secretary in writing by 31st October all its county affiliation numbers for the forthcoming season. 27 i: A club withdrawing any or all of its teams from the LOB Cup after 31st October shall forfeit all Entry Fees paid for the team(s) withdrawn. 27 j: Agreement to be Signed The Chair and the Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the League for the coming season or upon the Club applying for admission to the LOB Cup for the forthcoming season “We, ……(signature)…………………. Of …………(address)……………………… (Chair) and …………(signature)……………………. Of …………(address)……………………… (Secretary) of the ………… (Club name) ………………………………. Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Amateur Football Combination and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club that when participating in the LOB Cup the Club will conform to those Rules and Regulations and will accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Executive Committee and other Committees of the League subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7”. 27 k: Any alteration of the Chair and/or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the Amateur Football Alliance, any other County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the League. 27 l: Rules 18 –21 and 23 shall apply to all Clubs, teams and players in the LOB Cup whether or not the Club is affiliated to the League. Rule 20 (e) will apply so that whenever a team is playing a LOB Cup match, its Club shall play its strongest team as its first team, second strongest as its second team and so on. Clubs must operate selection policies that ensure there is completely free movement of players between teams throughout the Club based on playing strengths. Clubs must be able to demonstrate compliance with this rule if required to do so by the Fixtures Committee. Where a team competes in any LOB Cup semi-final and final, only players who have played a majority of games for that team that season, or a lower team, will be eligible for selection. 27 m: The Fixtures Committee shall make the draw for the rounds, fix the dates and kick-off times, with the first drawn Club in each tie being at home unless mutually agreed and sanctioned by the Fixtures Committee. 27 n: If the team drawn at home for a tie is affiliated to a League Competition other than the Amateur Football Combination the appointment of the referee for that tie may be made by and with the agreement of the other League Competition. 27 o: The away Club shall offer the match officials their fees before the match, and if not accepted then, pay them immediately after the match. A fine may be levied by the Referees’ Committee in the event of non-compliance with this rule. The fees shall be agreed at the AGM and published. The League shall pay the match officials’ fees for all cup finals. Trophies will be awarded to match officials in cup finals. 27 p: All matches shall be of 90 minutes duration, with 30 minutes extra-time if the score is level at the end of normal time. If the score remains level after extra-time the tie will be decided by the taking of penalty kicks from the penalty mark as set out in Law 10 of the Laws of the Game. 27 q: The referee is entitled to reduce normal time to 60 minutes, extra time to 20 minutes or to dispense with extra-time and go direct to kicks from the penalty mark if that is necessary to determine a winning team. 27 r: Commemorative plaques will be awarded to finalist Clubs and medals for the players for their retention. The captain of the winning team will be presented after the match with the LOB Cup Trophy on behalf of the League and LOB Cup Competition which shall be returned to the nominated Engravers within 7 days of the date of the Cup Final. Clubs breaching this Rule will be fined by the Awards Committee. 27 s: A player sent off for misconduct in a LOB Cup Final shall not be presented with a medal for playing in that Final. A player who wilfully refuses to attend the presentation ceremony to receive a medal will not be presented with such medal, nor being the Captain shall he be presented with the Cup or Commemorative Memento. In all such cases the Fixtures Committee shall decide subsequently whether to make any award. 27 t: The winning Club will be provided with two free tickets for the Annual Awards Ceremony and must send at least two representatives to receive the engraved Trophy. Clubs breaching this Rule will be fined by the Awards Committee. Trophies not so collected will be retained by the League. 27 u: Trophy holders must return the Trophy or Cup to the League by 31st January or such earlier date as may be set by the Awards Committee. Clubs who breach this Rule shall be fined an amount not less than £5 per day per trophy. 27 v: The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of each Trophy: “ We, ----------------- and ---------------------, the Chair and Secretary of ------------------------ FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of the LOB ------------------- Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Amateur Football Combination (‘The League’) at the AFC and LOB Awards Ceremony, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the Trophy to the League on or before 31st January. If the Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care, we agree to refund to the League the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair. Any such losses shall be notified to the Secretary of the League immediately.” 28. Spring Cup Competitions 28 a: The Fixtures Committee may at its discretion establish short competitions for teams whose League programme is likely to be completed at an early date before the end of the season. 28 b: In the event that any tie in the competition requires a result on the day, two fifteen-minute periods of extra time shall be played if the score is level at the end of normal time. If the score still remains level the tie will be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark. The referee shall have discretion to reduce extra time to two ten-minute periods or to dispense with extra-time and go straight to the penalty competition if conditions make this necessary to obtain a decision. SCHEDULE A Payments, fines and charges which may apply under League Rules (to be paid within 14 days of notification under rule 24e). Standard Fines and Charges Fees Tariff |
| Rule | Description of fee or charge | Maximum fee (£) |
| 4e | Subscription per Club | £50 |
| 4e | Subscription per team | £65 |
| 4e | Deposit | £50 |
| 7a | Protests/Appeals | £50 |
| 7f | Arbitration | £50 per team |
| 23e | Referee fees | £40 |
| 23e | Referee fees double headers | £60 |
| 23e | Assistant Referees fees | £30 |
Fines Tariff
| Rule | Details | Fine (£) | Committee or Officer |
| 4d | Failure to pay annual subscription | £50 | Executive |
| 4e | Failure to pay annual subscription after reminder and fine | £50 + susp. | Executive |
| 4f | Failure to confirm County FA affiliation number | £25 | Executive |
| 3 | Failure to obtain permission to change Club name | £50 | Secretary |
| 6c | Breach of any other League rule(s) where there is no fixed fine, including breaching the Spirit of Football Policy | ||
| · first breach | Not less than £50 | Executive | |
| · second breach proven within 12 months of a first breach | Not less than £100 | Executive | |
| · third breach proven within 24 months of a second breach | Not less than £150 | Executive | |
| · maximum of fine on any one occasion | £250 | Executive | |
| Fines under rule 5c may be suspended at the discretion of the Executive Committee | |||
| 7c | Deposit to lodge a protest/complaint | £25 | Executive |
| 7c | Costs of a frivolous protest | £200 (max.) | Executive |
| 7g | Costs of appeal to the AFA | £100 | AFA |
| 8h | Failure to attend AGM/SGM | £50 | Executive |
| 11a | Failure to notify League Secretary of Club withdrawal by due deadline | £100 | Executive |
| 13c, 27r or 27t | Failure to return League or LOB Cup trophy to the League or engravers by due date | £5/day (max £50) | Executive |
| 13d | Failure to collect trophy at League Awards Ceremony | £50 | Awards |
| 16a | Failure to obtain public liability insurance | £100 | Secretary |
| 16b | Failure to obtain personal accident insurance | £100 | Secretary |
| 18b | Late submission of player registration details | £25 | Fixtures |
| 18k | Playing ineligible players | £25 + up to 4 pts | Fixtures |
| 18i | Failing to keep a list of registered players | £25 | Fixtures |
| 19a | Team wearing un-numbered shirts | £20 | Amenities |
| 19a | Team not wearing club colours | £20 | Amenities |
| 20b | Late kick off (15-30 minutes) | £10 | Fixtures |
| 20b | Late kick off (30+ minutes) | £20 | Fixtures |
| 20d | Home clubs failing to provide details of game 5 days in advance of match | £25 | Fixtures |
| 20e | Club playing over strength side | variable | Fixtures |
| 20f | Cancellation of match after the 7.00pm Friday deadline | £30 & 3pts * | Fixtures |
| 20f | Failure to fulfil a fixture (i.e. not turning up) | £50 & 3 pts* | Fixtures |
| 20f | Failure to cancel fixture of lowest side ("packing a side") | £30 & 3 pts * | Fixtures |
| 20g | Excessive cancellation of fixtures due to lack of players (1st occasion) | 2 points ** | Fixtures |
| 20g | Excessive cancellation of fixtures due to lack of players (2nd occasion) | 3 points ** | Fixtures |
| 20g | Excessive cancellation of fixtures due to lack of players (3rd occasion) | £10 & 3 points ** | Fixtures |
| 20i | Failure to advise League officer of fixture not played or altered | £20 | Fixtures |
| 20k | Failure to submit team sheet to referee as required before the game | £15 | Fixtures |
| 20j | Failure to complete League programme (per fixture not completed) | Up to 50 | Fixtures |
| 21a | Full Time correct match data not received or received late | £20 | Fixtures |
| 21a | Full Time match data incomplete or incorrect | £10 | Fixtures |
| 21b | Failure to text correct result by the required deadline | £10 | Fixtures |
| 21c | Failure to email correct result by the required deadline | £10 | Fixtures |
| 23e | Failure to pay referee or assistant match fee | £20 | Referees |
| 23h | Failure of the Club Secretary to provide written report to explain a low mark for a referee are submitted by email to the Referees’ Secretary, Spirit of Football Secretary and the League Secretary | £20 | Referees |
| 24b | Failure to notify League Secretary of change of club details | £50 | Executive |
| 24b | Failure to respond to correspondence within 14 days | £20 | Executive |
| 24b | Failure to respond to correspondence within 14 days after reminder | £40 | Executive |
| 24d | Serious administrative failure | £50 | Executive |
| 24e | Failure to settle outstanding fines within 14 days of request | £20 | Executive |
| 24e | Failure to settle outstanding fines after initial fine and reminder | £40 | Executive |
| 24e | Failure to settle outstanding fines after two reminders | suspension | Executive |
| 24f | Failure to submit disciplinary code to League officer | £25 | Executive |
| 25b | Club selecting a player to play for a club whilst aware that he has been selected to play for the Representative Team | £50 | Representative Team |
| 26(b)(i) | Failure to provide goal nets for a game | 20 | Fixtures |
| 26(b)(i) | Failure to provide corner flags for a game | 10 | Fixtures |
| 26(c)(i) | Failure to provide hospitality to match officials | £15/20/25 | Amenities |
| 26(c)(i) | Failure to provide hospitality to opposition | £15/20/25 | Amenities |
| 27o | Away club not paying match officials’ fees | £20 | Referees |
* in addition any results gained by lower teams may be expunged and/or fines levied & points deducted
** this includes the cancellation of ANY senior fixture.
SCHEDULE B Index
RULE
1 Definitions
GOVERNANCE RULES
2 Name and Constitution
3 Club Names
4 Admission to the League. Annual Subscription and Annual Awards Ceremony
5 Management, Nomination, Election
6 Powers of Management
7 Protests, Claims, Complains, Appeals
8 Annual General Meeting
9 Special General Meeting
10 Agreement to be Signed
11 Continuation of Membership or Withdrawal of a Club
12 Suspension and Exclusion of Clubs or Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officials, Players, Management Committee
13 Trophy: Legal Owner, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed, Awards
14 Alteration to Rules and Notices of Motion
15 Finance
16 Insurance
17 Dissolution
MATCH RELATED RULES
18 Qualification of Players
19 Club Colours
20 Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off, Postponements Substitutes
21 Reporting Results
22 Determining Championship and Promotion to the Premier Division
23 Match Officials
24 Club Administration
25 Representative Matches
26 Standards of Amenities
CUP COMPETITION RULES
27 London Old Boys’ Cup Competition (‘The LOB Cup’)
28 Spring Cup Competitions
** this includes the cancellation of ANY senior fixture.
SCHEDULE B Index
RULE
1 Definitions
GOVERNANCE RULES
2 Name and Constitution
3 Club Names
4 Admission to the League. Annual Subscription and Annual Awards Ceremony
5 Management, Nomination, Election
6 Powers of Management
7 Protests, Claims, Complains, Appeals
8 Annual General Meeting
9 Special General Meeting
10 Agreement to be Signed
11 Continuation of Membership or Withdrawal of a Club
12 Suspension and Exclusion of Clubs or Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officials, Players, Management Committee
13 Trophy: Legal Owner, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed, Awards
14 Alteration to Rules and Notices of Motion
15 Finance
16 Insurance
17 Dissolution
MATCH RELATED RULES
18 Qualification of Players
19 Club Colours
20 Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off, Postponements Substitutes
21 Reporting Results
22 Determining Championship and Promotion to the Premier Division
23 Match Officials
24 Club Administration
25 Representative Matches
26 Standards of Amenities
CUP COMPETITION RULES
27 London Old Boys’ Cup Competition (‘The LOB Cup’)
28 Spring Cup Competitions