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Matters not provided for
under these regulations shall be decided by the Board
whose decision shall be final.
1. Definitions
In the Rules, the following terms shall (unless the
context otherwise requires) have the following
meanings:
"Artificial Surface"
means any playing surface which is not natural grass,
predominantly natural grass or intended to be predominantly
natural grass.
"Associated Schoolboy"
means any Player over the age of fourteen years signed
on the appropriate registration forms, such forms
having been forwarded to The Secretary.
"The Board" means the
Executive Committee.
"Clear Days" notice means
exclusive of the day on which the notice is served,
or deemed to be served, and of the day for which it
is given and, in respect of receipt of a document
by a
specified number of "clear days" prior to
a specified event, means exclusive of the day on which
the document is received and of the day of that event.
"Close Season" means
the period of the year outside the Season.
"Club" means any Association
Football Club which is, for the time being , eligible
to play in The League.
"Contract Player" means
any Association Football Player (except a Trainee)
who is playing under a written contract of employment
with a Club.
"Football Association Cup
Match" means a match in The Football Association
Cup Competition.
"The Football Association
Rules" means the Rules and Regulations for the
time being of The Football Association.
"The Football League"
means the combination of Association Football clubs
comprising the clubs known as The Football League.
"Home Club" means the
Club on whose ground any League Match should be or
should have been played or (where ground sharing is
in operation) the Club whose name first appears on
the relevant fixture.
"League Match" means
a match played under the jurisdiction of The League.
"League Office" means
the Registered Office for the time being of the Association.
"Non-Contract Player"
means any Association Football Player (except a Trainee
or Associated Schoolboy) who is not playing under
a written contract of employment with a Club.
"Official" means any
Director, Secretary, servant or duly authorised (express
or implied) representative of a Club.
"Player" means any Association
Football Player (being a Non-Contract, Contract, Trainee
or Associated Schoolboy football according to the
context) offering to play, playing or having played
for a Club.
"Registered Player" has
the meaning stated in Rule 1 of Section D of these
Rules.
"These Rules" means the
rules for the time being of The League.
"Season" means the period
of the year commencing on the date of the first League
Match and ending on the date decided by the Board.
"The Secretary" means
the Secretary of the Association.
"Trainee" means a Player
of sixteen to eighteen years of age who has signed
a Trainee Contract with a Club on the appropriate
form such document having been forwarded to The League
Office.
"Visiting Club" means
the Club named second on the fixture list.
2. Time
Wherever in these Rules the computation of time is
involved, Sunday is to be reckoned as a day.
3. Board and Chief Executive
Where a discretion, right or power is expressed in
these Rules to be executable by the Board, such discretion,
right or power may be executable by the Secretary
pursuant to, and to the extent of, authority delegated
to him pursuant to the Articles of the Association.
4. Sections and Rules
5. Headings
Headings and side-headings in these Rules are inserted
for convenience and shall not affect the construction
of these Rules.
6. Conflict
In the event of any conflict between the Articles
of the Association and these Rules, the provisions
of the Articles of the Association shall prevail,
unless specifically stated otherwise.
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1.
Name
The name of this combination of Association Football
Clubs is THE LEAGUE.
2. Membership
The Senior Men's League shall consist of Association
Football Clubs affiliated to the Association. These
Clubs are divided for the 2001-2002 season into two
zones containing an equal or nearly equal number of
teams. A Club shall only be able to field one team
in the League.
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2.1 The Senior
Women's League shall consist of Association Football
Clubs affiliated to the Association, plus additional
teams invited to participate by the Board and will
play in a single division. For further details,
please refer to the LINK LINK LINK Women's League
section in these Rules LINK LINK LINK.
- 2.2 The Junior Leagues shall consist
of Association Football Clubs affiliated to the Association,
plus additional teams invited to participate by the
Board and will play in one or more divisions or zones
as the Board may see fit. For further details, please
refer to the Junior League section
in these Rules.
3. Youth Affiliation
A Club participating in the Senior Men's League shall
endeavour to be responsible for an Under 20's side.
Clubs should submit details of such an affiliation
to the Secretary no later than
the end of November in each year. Failure to register
such a side shall require the Club to submit a report
to the Board which will determine their eligibility
to continue participating in the League. Under 20's
matches are considered as part of this League and
rules and carry the same weight in determining what
action should be taken by or against any Club.
4. Basis of Competition
- 4.6.1 If, after completing
normal playing time in the second leg match,
the aggregate scores (from both legs) of the
two teams are equal, the 2 teams will play
an extra 30 minutes (15
minutes each way) of sudden-death extra-time.
If this fails to resolve the tie a penalty
shoot-out will take place until a winner is
determined.
- 4.6.2 If, after normal
playing time in the Final Match the 2 teams
are tied, the 2 teams will play an extra 30
minutes (15 minutes each way) of sudden-death
extra time. The match will be
decided on a "Golden Goal" basis,
and will end as soon as a goal is scored.
If this fails to resolve the tie a penalty
shoot-out will take place until a winner is
determined.
- 4.6.3 If any two or more
Clubs are equal in points at the end of the
Season and their positions in The League have
a bearing on deciding the Play-Off qualification
or qualification for other competitions, then
the Clubs concerned shall be placed in positions
in the order of priority as follows:
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- 4.7.1 Points gained in
their head-to-head matches in the season just
completed.
- 4.7.2 Goal difference
in the head-to-head matches.
- 4.7.3 Goals scored in
the head-to-head matches, with away goals
counting double.
- 4.7.4 Goal difference
in all matches played in that zone in that
season.
- 4.7.5 Goals scored in
all matches played in that zone in that season.
- 4.7.6 If this does not
resolve the tie, then the 2 teams will play-off
in a single match, at a venue to be decided
on by the Board.\
- 4.8 In all other cases
the Clubs concerned will be deemed to have
finished in equal positions.
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5.1 Membership
of The League shall constitute an agreement between
the Association and each Club, and between each
of the Clubs, to be bound by and to comply with:(a)
these Rules and the Articles of the Association
(each as altered, revoked or added to from time
to time); and (b) the Laws of the Game.
- 5.2 Such agreement shall have
effect from the date of the Club's admission to The
League and terminate upon the Club ceasing to be a
member thereof (but without prejudice to any rights
or claims which may have arisen or arise in respect
of circumstances prior to such date and to any Rules
which, by their terms, establish rights and obligations
applicable after such date).
- 5.3 By virtue of this undertaking,
Clubs shall in particular be bound to provide certain
rights, facilities and services to The Association
in order to enable it to fulfil its obligations under
commercial contracts entered into in accordance with
the Memorandum and Articles of the Association.
6. Termination of Membership
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6.1 No Club shall
terminate its membership of The League unless it
shall have given provisional notice in writing to
the Secretary, by 31st December in any Season, of
its intention to do so at the end of the Season
concerned; such notice shall be confirmed or withdrawn
by 31st March in that Season.
- 6.2 Any Club which is in breach
of the provisions of this Rule 6 shall on demand indemnify
the Association, on behalf of the other Clubs in The
League, against all losses, damages. liabilities,
costs or expenses suffered or incurred by such Clubs
and/or The Association which result directly or indirectly
from such breach (including, but without prejudice
to the generality of the foregoing, any loss of income
or profits as a result of such breach from any sponsorship
or other commercial agreement or arrangement entered
into by the Association).
- 6.3 In the event of any Club giving
notice under paragraph 6.1 above, then if any representative
of any such Club shall be serving in any official
capacity at the date of such notice, he shall automatically
be disqualified and vacate such position with immediate
effect.
- 6.4 The Association may from time
to time, and upon such terms and conditions as it
may think fit, expel or accept the retirement of any
Club from The League. Any resolution to expel any
Club from The League shall not be carried unless supported
by at least three quarters of the votes of those present
and entitled to vote at a General Meeting notwithstanding
any provisions in the Articles of the Association.
7. Commitment to National
teams
Clubs shall support The Football Association in relation
to international matches by requiring all their players
to make themselves available to the National Squad
whenever called upon. Failure to do so or failure
to participate in training shall, at the request of
the technical director, require the Board to determine
the eligibility of the player concerned to continue
participating in the League.
8. The F.A. Challenge Cup Competition
Each of the Clubs shall compete in The Football Association
Cup Competition in each Season if eligible to do so.
No more than one team from each club shall participate
in this competition. The draw for each round shall
be an open draw, with no seeding.
9. The Divisional Cup Competitions
Each of the Clubs shall compete, if held, in The Divisional
Cup Competition if eligible to do so.
10. Referees Course
In each season, each club shall send one of their
members to attend each day of the designated Referees
course organised by the Board. Any Club which is in
breach of this rule will be fined $500.
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1. Arrangements of Fixtures
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1.1 All League
Matches shall be arranged as soon as practicable
prior to the commencement of the Season. The copyright
of all lists or arrangements of such fixtures shall
be vested in the
Association.
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1.2 All League
Matches shall, unless rearranged with the approval
of the Board, be played on the dates scheduled at
the commencement of the Season.
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1.3 The Board
shall not consider the rearrangement of any fixtures,
other than for international fixtures or force majeure,
unless it receives at least twenty-one (21) days
notice from the Club concerned. Clubs may apply
for a postponement of a match only under exceptional
circumstances.
The Board is not obliged to grant postponement requests,
and will reject requests if it finds the reasons
or information supporting the application are inadequate
to justify such request, in its own opinion. If
rearrangements under this provision, both as to
date and time of kick-off, proposed
by one Club, are not agreed by the other Club, then
the Board shall decide. In the case where a Club
has sent three or more of its players to national
training the Board shall consider, at the option
of the Club, the rearrangement of a fixture during
the absence of those players.
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1.4 The Association
shall advise the Referee and the Assistant Referees
the date and time of kick-off at least three (3)
days prior to the date of the League Match concerned,
and the
Referee and Assistant Referees must acknowledge
receipt at least one (1) day before such League
Match.
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1.5 All kick-offs
must adhere to the time advertised by the Association;
Clubs and Referees must report any delays to the
Board. Any Clubs causing a Kick-off to be delayed
by up to 15
minutes from the time advertised will be fined the
sum of $100 for a first offence, $200 for a second
offence and $300 for a third offence occurring within
a season. Any Club causing a
kick-off to be delayed by more than 15 minutes from
the time advertised will be guilty of misconduct
and fined $300.
2. Half-time Interval
In all League Matches the half-time interval shall
be fifteen minutes.
3. Laws of the Game
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3.1 All League
Matches shall be played in compliance with these
Rules and compliance with Laws of the Game as approved
by The International Football Association Board.
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3.2 Each fixture
shows two teams. The team shown as home team is
required to provide the match ball and the reserve
match ball. Failure to provide both match balls
will render the home club charged with a $25 fine.
4. List of
Players
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4.1 An authorised
representative of each Club must notify the names
of Players taking part in each League Match (on
the team sheet provided by the Association) to the
Referee at least
one half hour before the advertised time of kick-off.
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4.2 If any nominated
player or substitute sustains an injury after the
submission of the team sheet to the Referee and
before the kick-off, he may be replaced. The Referee
must be informed immediately.
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4.3 Any Club failing
to carry out these provisions will be fined $25
for the first offence, $50 for the second offence,
$100 for the third offence and for any subsequent
offence shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and
fined $300.
5. Substitute
Players
In all League Matches each team is permitted a maximum
of three substitutions. Seven substitutes may be nominated,
by the submission of 18 players on the team sheet
to the match referee at least 30 minutes before the
match is due to be played.
6. Player Identification
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6.1 The Players'
shirts must be clearly numbered on the back in accordance
with the list handed to the Referee before any League
Match.
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6.2 Any Club failing
to carry out these provisions will be fined a sum
of $25 for the first offence, $50 for the second
offence, $100 for the third offence and for any
subsequent offence shall be deemed guilty of misconduct
and fined $300.
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6.3 The Captain
shall wear a distinguishing armband to indicate
his status.
7. Clubs to
Register Colours
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7.1 During the
Close Season, the Secretary shall obtain from the
Clubs, in writing, details of their first and second
choice colours (shirts, and socks) and such details
shall be published in the Directory of Clubs. The
colours registered by each Club shall be worn during
the next following Season and no changes either
in the colours or the combination of colours shall
be permitted during the course of the Season except
in the circumstances set out in Rule 9 or with the
prior approval of the Board. Clubs are required
to wear their first choice colours both at home
and away where possible.
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7.2 Each Club
shall submit a sample of its registered colours
to the Secretary prior to the commencement of each
Season.
8. Clashes of Colours
When the colours of two competing Clubs are alike
or similar, the Visiting Club shall change to its
second choice colours or a combination of its first
and second choice colours provided that these do not
include any of the basic colours of the Home Club.
9. Shirt Advertising
In all Matches the Players' shirts may carry advertising
subject to:(a) the Rules relating to the clothing
of Players laid down by the Football Association,
and (b) the design having the approval of The Football
Association and the Board.
10. Ballboys Clothing
The colours of clothing worn by ball boys (when used)
must not clash with the colours of either of the competing
Clubs.
11. Dislocation
of Fixtures
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11.1 Any dispute
between two or more Clubs as to the arrangement
of League Matches shall be referred to and decided
by the Board.
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11.2 If, for whatever
reason, League Matches cannot be played on the appointed
date, this shall be immediately reported to the
Secretary by the Clubs concerned.
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11.3 In the event
of any League Match not being played owing to weather
or other causes over which neither Club has any
control or being ordered to be replayed, it shall
be played on a date to be fixed by the Board.
12. Non-fulfilment
of Fixture Obligations
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12.1 Any Club
without just cause failing to fulfil its fixture
obligations in respect of any League Match on the
appointed date or dates shall be deemed guilty of
misconduct and fined $300. A Club reporting to a
game with less than 7 registered players fifteen
minutes after the kick off time shall be deemed
to have not fulfilled its fixture obligation.
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12.2 The Club
failing to fulfil its fixture obligations shall
also be liable to pay compensation for any expenses
necessarily incurred as a direct result of the failure.
The amount of compensation will be at the discretion
of the Board who will consider every such case on
its merits based upon applicable contracts.
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12.3 Any Club
failing to fulfil its fixture obligations for a
second time during a season shall be fined $500
and expelled from the Association and shall not
be considered for re-application for a period ending
at least to the end of the following season. Its
individual members shall not be allowed to register
for another member for that same period.
13. Clubs not to arrange matches which
interfere with Fixtures
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13.1 Clubs shall
not arrange matches other than League Matches until
after dates for League Matches are settled nor improperly
interfere with other Clubs' League Matches.
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13.2 Clubs desiring
to stage Representative Matches or arrange Friendly
Matches must obtain the prior written approval of
the Board and ensure that such matches do not interfere
with Clubs League Matches.
14. Trainer's Bench Facilities
The Association shall provide separate areas adjacent
to the pitch for the sole use of team officials,
medical staff and substitutes; such designated areas
shall, have direct access to the pitch, be located
equidistant from the halfway line and capable of
seating 10 people from each Club (3 Officials and
up to 7 Substitutes). The Clubs shall be required
to submit the names of its team officials or the
team sheets which are handed to the Match Commissioner
and to the Referee before each match. No other Club
members shall be allowed to use the Bench facilities.
15. Attendance of Qualified Medical Practitioner
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15.1 It is the
responsibility of each Club in League Matches to
ensure that a qualified Medical Practitioner or
a Physiotherapist are in attendance throughout the
match.
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15.2 Only those
qualified as above should attend to Players or Officials
on the field of play unless in exceptional circumstances
when an unqualified official may assist. It will
be assumed by the Board that persons appearing to
act as medical practitioners or physiotherapists
have had their
qualifications and experience reviewed by the clubs
concerned, and that appropriate qualifications and
experience are in place. Copies of Clubs' medical
staffs' evidence of qualification shall be filed
with the Board.
16. Head injuries
All Clubs shall ensure that any player in
a League Match having left the field with a head injury
shall not be allowed to resume playing or training
without the clearance of a qualified medical practitioner.
The same provision shall apply where a head injury
is sustained in training.
17. Results of League Matches
Clubs must hand to the Match Commissioner
a team sheet with the names of the Players competing
therein at least 15 minutes before the scheduled kick
- off time. The Commissioner must send this sheet
with his report and the result of the match to the
Secretary within 24 hours of each League Match.
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18.1 If any Club
in The League ceases to operate during the Season,
its playing record in The League shall be expunged.
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18.2 If any Club
ceases to operate between the Annual General Meeting
and the commencement of the following Season, no
adjustments to The League will be made unless the
Board determines that time is available to remedy
the League (to fulfil Rule 2).
19. Championship Trophy
The Club declared the Champion Club shall be awarded
a replica of the perpetual Championship Trophy. When
the winner of Trophy has been ascertained, the original
Championship Trophy shall be handed over to the winner
who shall return the same to the Secretary on or before
the end of the following day in good order and condition.
The League shall also present to the
Championship Club 25 medals and 4 souvenir certificates,
one for Manager, one for the Physiotherapist and two
for staff other than Players. Additional souvenir
certificates may be presented by consent of the Board.
20. Additional Competitions to be approved
by the Board.
Clubs shall not play in any other Competition, unless
they have received the prior written approval of the
Board, apart from the CONCACAF Champion of Champions
Cup, the CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup, The Football Association
Cup, and The Divisional Cup Competitions.
21. Artificial Surfaces
No League Match shall be played on synthetic or artificial
grass surfaces.
22. Deposits
Provisional and Special members of the Association
shall be required to place a deposit of $500 which
will be repaid to the member when it is granted Full
membership.
23. Matches that
begin short-handed
Clubs that commence a game shorthanded (less than
eleven players on the field of play) shall be fined
$100. Should this occur a second time during the season
they shall be fined $300. Upon a third occasion it
will be deemed that the club can no longer fulfil
its fixture obligations and rule 12.3 will apply.
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1. List of Referees
Referees for League Matches shall be appointed by
the Board from a national list of referees compiled
each Season by the Referees Association.
2. List of Assistant Referees
Assistant Referees for League Matches shall by appointed
by the Board from a national list of Assistants compiled
each Season by the Referees Association.
3. Appointment of Referees
and Assistant Referees
The Referee, Assistant Referees and standby official
(if any) for League Matches shall be appointed monthly
by the Board.
4. Acknowledgment of Appointments
An acknowledgment of notification of appointment must
be given to the Association at least five days prior
to the match.
5. Acceptance of Appointments
Referees and Assistant Referees must not accept outside
appointments on dates when they
have League engagements except by consent of the Board.
6. Canvassing
Canvassing by Referees and Assistant Referees will
be regarded as a disqualification.
7. Retainers and Allowances
for Referees and Assistant Referees
The gross match fee for Referees and Assistant Referees
payable before any deductions shall be $30 and $20
respectively.
8. Postponed Matches
In the case of postponed matches, half fee will be
paid to Officials who report to the ground.
9. Match Fees
All match fees will be paid monthly directly to the
Referees Association. No fee shall be paid when a
match report has not been received.
10. Illegal Payments to
Referees and Assistant Referees
Any Club or Official or other persons acting on behalf
or in the presumed interests of a Club paying or offering
to pay a Referee or an Assistant Referee more than
his proper fee, allowances and transportation costs
shall be deemed guilty of misconduct.
11. Referee to visit Ground
early during bad weather or at request of the Association
The Referee shall visit the ground one hour before
the advertised time of kick-off. Match Officials shall
normally be present at their appointment at least
one half hour prior to the advertised time of kick-off.
The Referee shall decide as to the fitness of the
ground in all matches and the Association must take
every precaution to keep its grounds in a playing
condition and, where necessary, shall re-mark the
ground during the half-time interval. If necessary,
the Association may require the Referee to visit the
ground two hours before the advertised time of kick-off
any time during the Season.
12. Pitch Report
The Board may require the Referee to complete a report
on the condition of the playing surface.
13. Alteration of Kick-off
On the day of the match the consent of the Referee
must be obtained before the kick-off can be altered
from the advertised time. Referees must report late
starts and late arrivals of Assistant Referees or
themselves. Assistant Referees who are late must also
forward an explanation to the Secretary immediately.
14. Assistant Referee's
Flags
Assistant Referees shall be provided with distinctive
flags, of suitable size, by the League. Assistant
Referees must keep the flags unfurled when in use.
15. Referee's Uniform
In all League matches, Match Officials shall be required
to wear an outfit as determined by the Board.
16. Eligibility of Players
Pre-printed team sheet shall be supplied to the Referee
before each match. Only players listed thereon in
print or changed under Section B 4.1 or 4.2 shall
be eligible to play.
17. Processional Entry
The Match Officials shall lead both teams together
on to the field of play five minutes prior to the
kick-off time.
18. Choice of Football
to be used
The Football proposed to be used in the game must
be submitted to and approved by the Referee before
the commencement of the game.
19. Ball Selection
In addition to the first Ball, a second Ball shall
be available to the Referee.
20. Length of Use
The selected Ball must be used throughout the match
unless otherwise determined by the Referee.
21. Players Equipment
Referees must ensure that any equipment worn by a
player other than standard is of no danger to another
player. It is not good enough, for example, to simply
bandage a solid knee brace or plaster cast unless
this meets with the satisfaction of both the Referee
and the opponents. Any objection by the player's opponents
will require the Referee to ask for the relevant piece
of
equipment to be removed before the player takes the
field of play.
22. Referee to note Colour
of Goalkeeper's Shirts
It is the duty of a Referee officiating in League
Matches to take notice of the colours of the Goalkeepers'
shirts and, if they are not in accordance with Rules
12 and 13 of Section B, he must order them to change.
23. Referees and Assistant
Referees to send Reports to the Secretary
Referees must advise the Secretary of all cases where
teams commence a game late or short-handed.
24. Referee to wait before
abandoning a Match
In case of matches where it is found necessary to
stop play owing to weather or other cause, the Referee
must wait a reasonable length of time before deciding
upon abandonment.
25. Assistants who act
as Referee
Any Assistant Referee who officiates as a Referee
during the whole or part of a game must advise the
Secretary of that fact and the reason thereof.
26. Misconduct
The Referee and Assistant Referees must report to
the Football Association all cases of misconduct of
Players, Officials or Spectators within two (2) days
of the occurrence.
27. Match Reports
Referees must forward their match report to the Secretary
to be received within two days of each match. Failure
to do so will result in the Referee and the Assistant
Referees being fined an amount equal to half their
match fees.
28. Report on Match Officials
Clubs may submit a report on the match officials.
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1. Registration of
Players
2. Multiplicity of Registration
In the event of a player signing registration forms
for more than one Club, priority of registration shall
be decided by the player.
3. Transfer of Players
Players may transfer from one Club to another during
the regular season provide the following conditions
are met: (a) A request is made in writing by the manager
of the Club wishing to register the player together
with a transfer administration fee of $15. (b) A letter
is received form the manager of the Club transferring
the player approving the transfer.(c) The request
is made before February 1st of each year.(d) Any of
the Clubs have not already been associated with five
other transfers. (e) Approval is given by the Board
(no reasonable request will be withheld)(f) Two full
face passport size photographs have been supplied
for a new player registration card.
4. Only Players require
a transfer
A transfer is only required when the registered player
has taken the field of play for a Club in official
competition and now wishes to play for another Club.
Players who have not taken the field of play for a
Club may re-register with another Club subject to
a re-registration fee of $25 and approval of the Board.
5. Disciplinary Procedures
6. Registration Deadline
No registrations shall be approved for a season after
February 1st each year.
7.
Drugs
The Board will impose a system of random drug
testing amongst its players in an attempt to identify
players with a drug problem. Where players have tested
positive for specified substances,they will (a) be
suspended from participating in CIFA sanctioned football
competitions for a duration depending on the frequency
of occurrence; and (b) be encouraged to seek counselling
or other methods of assistance, to try and eliminate
the problem.
Full details will be provided in
the "Doping Control Regulations" issued
by the Board, which will be updated from time to time.
The initial issue plus all amendments will be advised
to Club Secretaries as they arise.
8. Match Commissioners
Match Commissioners will be appointed from the representatives
on the Competition Committee, and others will be required
to carry out the duties of match commissioner, which
are: (a) Complete standard form (b) Submit form to
CIFA office (c) Be an independent observer for incidents
on and around the field of play.
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