THE
DURHAM ALLIANCE FOOTBALL
LEAGUE
1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
(A) This Competitions shall be designated the Durham Alliance
Football League and shall consist of not more than 20 clubs who
shall be Full Member Clubs.
All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County
Football Association and their names and particulars shall be
returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D” to the
Durham County Football Association Limited.
All member clubs must hold the Football Association Charter
Standard for Senior Clubs. Any club having the Football Charter
Standard removed by the Durham County Football Association
will be immediately excluded from the Durham Alliance Football
League and fined £200.00.
All member clubs must have a named and qualified First Aider.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Durham
Football Association Limited and the constituent teams of
Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 16
in number.
No team in the League or Division of the League comprising of ten
or more clubs shall be allowed to compete in more than THREE
Charity Cup Competitions during the season without the consent of
their parent Association and Management Committee.
(B) At The Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting
called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have
power to decide or adjust the compilation of the divisions at their
discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over
Rule 12.
(C) All clubs will be responsible for any comments or articles
appearing on websites, in their club name, that make reference to
either the Durham Alliance Football League, its competitions, other
member clubs and league or match officials and which are deemed
by the Management Committee to bring the League into disrepute,
whether this is recorded on official league or external websites.
All clubs shall list their clubs details and be responsible for their
page on the Leagues Official Website.
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2. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
(A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the
entry of an additional team(s) must be made in writing to the
Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of £40.00 per
team, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.
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 Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
The Entry Fee shall apply.
When Rule 12(B) is applied and a team seeks a transfer or is
compulsorily transferred to another division no Entry Fee shall be
payable.
(B) The Annual Subscription shall be £100.00 per Team payable on
th
September in each year. All clubs shall pay a
or before the 30
Guarantee fee of £27.45 at the Annual General Meeting. All clubs
shall receive six League handbooks at a cost of £30.00. All clubs
shall receive 50 result sheets at a cost of £10.00.
(C) Each New Club shall within 28 days of the day of election pay
a Deposit of £200.00, which shall be returnable to clubs on leaving
the competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and
complied with all order of the Management Committee.
(D) A Club shall be suspended and fined £50.00 if all League Fees
th
September in each year.
have not been paid by 30
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by the
date of the Annual General Meeting of or on the prescribed form
details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information
required by the Competition.
(F) All clubs shall participate in a Monthly Draw to be drawn at
each League meeting. 50% of the total income to be retained by the
League. Each club shall contribute £25.00 towards each draw. The
management of the draw shall be vested in the Management
Committee of the League.
3. OFFICERS
The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Vice-
Presidents, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary,
Assistant Secretary, Registration Secretary & Press Officer to be
elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.
4. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
(A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules
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and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management
Committee comprised of the Officers and eight members who shall
be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
(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 Management Committee shall be
Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall be
nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of
two Member Clubs, not later than May 14th in each year. Names of
the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the
Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no nomination
in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be
received at the Annual General Meeting.
(C) The Management Committee shall meet monthly/as often as is
necessary to deal with business as it arises.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of
the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting
of the Committee.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be
addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of
the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.
(E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted
through their nominated Officers.
5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
(A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees
and delegate such of their powers, as they deem necessary.
The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the
Management Committee for ratification. The Management
Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within
the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are
under the jurisdiction of the Football Association or affiliated
Association.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Durham County Football
Association having been obtained the Management Committee may
order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to
be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may
call upon each Club (including any Club which may have
withdrawn during the season) to contribute equally such sums as
may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season.
(See Rule 6(e)).
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(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the
right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings
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
so represented. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any
sub-committee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman
shall have a second or casting vote.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act
upon and enforce the Rules of the Competition and shall also have
jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including
any not provided for in the Rules. Except where these Rules
provide for the imposition of a set penalty any Club, Club Official
(limited to Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer) or Player alleged to
be in breach of a Competition Rule must be formally charged in
writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the
Management Committee. Financial penalties can only be imposed
if included within the set penatlies for breaches of Competition
Rules. 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 Association.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding
subject to the right of appeal to the Board of Appeal in accordance
with Rule 16.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in
writing to those concerned within 14 days.
(F) Five Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business of the Management
Committee and 3 Members shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business by any sub-committee of the competition.
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall
have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may
occur amongst their number.
(H) A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of
the Management Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attend to
the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition shall be
fined £20.00 or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the
Management Committee.
(I) All fines and charges shall be paid within 28 days of the date of
posting of the written notification.
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Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this rule will
incur such penalties as the Management Committee may impose.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the
Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses
incurred refunded by the Competition.
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any
vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition
between the Annual General or Special General Meeting called to
decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition
season.
(L) A member of the League having attained 20 years service shall
be eligible for nomination as a Life Member of the League at the
discretion of the League Management Committee. Any nomination
for Life Membership of the League must be made to the League
Secretary.
6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the
rd
June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall
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be transacted provided that at least two thirds of the Members are
present and entitled to vote:-
(i) To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding
Annual General Meeting.
(ii) To consider any business arising there from.
(iii) To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and
Statement of Accounts.
(iv) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the
Management Committee).
(v) Constitution of the Competition for ensuing season.
(vi) Election of Officers and Management Committee.
(vii) Appointments of Auditors.
(viii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given).
(ix) Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of the
playing season.
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(x) Other business of which due notice shall be given and
accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement
of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least
seven days prior to the meeting, and to the Durham County
Football Association.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and
Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Durham County Football
Association(s) within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual
General Meeting.
(D) Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send three
delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be
entitled to one vote only. Not less than seven days’ notice shall be
given of any Meeting.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition
during the season being concluded or who are not continuing
membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on
matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will
not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands/voting cards
unless a ballot be demanded by at least two thirds of the delegates
qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than
one Full Member Club.
(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the
Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given
shall be fined £40.00.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled
to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.
7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
The Chairman and Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign
the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition
together with the Application for Membership for the coming
season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete.
“We, A, ....................................of .....................................(Chairman) and
B ...............................................of ..............................................(Secretary)
...................................................................................... Football Club have
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been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the
.............................................................Competition and do hereby agree
for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into
Membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to
accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management
Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in
accordance with Rule 16.
Any alteration of the Chairman and/or Secretary on the above
Agreement must be notified to the County Football Association(s)
to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary of the
Competition.
(Note: The spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the
signatures and addresses of Officers and Members)
8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
(A) It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player
signing a registration form for that Club has, where necessary, the
required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required
for any Player aged 12 and over crossing borders including Wales,
Scotland and Ireland.
Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not
permitted in this Competition.
(B) A registered playing member of a Club is one who, being in all
other respects eligible, has:-
(1) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration
form in ink, countersigned by an Officer of the Club, and who has
been registered with the (Registrations) Secretary prior to playing
and whose completed registration counterfoil has been received
by the Club prior to playing. Stamped addressed envelope to be
sent with all registration forms for return of completed counterfoil
otherwise the club shall be fined £2.00.
(2) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition
Registration form in ink, on a match day, prior to playing,
countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer
of the opposing Club, and submitted to the (Registrations) Secretary
within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the match. The
player shall not again play until the Club is in possession of the
completed counterfoil. Stamped addressed envelope to be sent with
all registration forms for return of completed counterfoil otherwise
the club shall be fined £2.00.
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(3) Only 5 players are allowed to be registered on the day of the match.
(C) A Player is not eligible to play in this Competition who receives
any form or payment for playing, other than expenses as per
clauses 1,2 and 3 of article 2 of the FIFA Regulations Governing the
Status and Transfer of Players. Clubs upon election must sign a
declaration that they will conform to the said clauses and players of
such Clubs are required to sign a declaration upon Registration that
they are eligible under, and will abide by, the FIFA clauses, which
are as follows:
“(1) Players who have never received any remuneration other than
for the actual expenses incurred during the course of their
participation in or for any activity connected with association
football shall be regarded as amateur.
(2) Travel and hotel expenses incurred through involvement in a
match and the cost of a players equipment, insurance and training
may be reimbursed jeopardising a players amateur status.
(3) Any player who has ever received remuneration in excess of
the amount stated under clause 2 in respect of participation in or
an activity connected with association football shall be regarded
as non-amateur unless he has reacquired amateur status under the
terms of Art.25”
(D) A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated
to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join,
be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition 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.
(E) Registration forms shall be obtained from the (Registrations)
Secretary on prepayment of £2.00 per form. Stamped addressed
envelope to be sent with application otherwise the club shall be
fined £2.00.
(F) The Management Committee shall decide all registration
disputes.
In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a
registration submitted for more than one Club priority of registration
shall decide for which Club the player shall be registered. The
Registrations Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to
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register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be a breach of Rule for a player to:-
(i) Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same
season without first being transferred.
(ii) Having signed for one Club in the Competition, sign for
another Club in the Competition 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.
(H)(i) The Management Committee shall have power to accept the
registration of any player.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have the power to
refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player or
may fine any player, except those under 18 years of age, at
their discretion who has been charged and found guilty of
registration irregularities. (Subject to Rule 16).
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make
application to refuse or cancel the registration of any player
charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject
to Rule 16) subject to the right of appeal to the FA or the
relevant County Football Association.
Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated
conduct, which may deter a participant from being involved
in this Competition. Application should be made to the
parent County of the Club the player is registered with.
(Note: Action under Clause (iii) shall not be taken against a
player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by
the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player
bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any case be
subject to an Appeal to the Football Association. For the purpose
of this Rule, bringing the competition into disrepute can only be
considered where the player has received in excess of 112 days’
suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in a period
of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)
(I) A register containing the names of all players registered for each
Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Secretary
and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed Member
Club represenative at all Management Committee meetings or
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at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one
Season only.
In the event of a player without a written contract changing his
status to that of a contract player with the same Club, another
Club in the Competition or with a Club in another Competition
his registration as a player without a written contract will
automatically be cancelled and declared void. In order to play in
the League again either for his original Club or for another Club
it will be necessary for him to be re-registered as required by this
Rule.
(J) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to
st
March except by special
another Club in the Competition after 31
permission of the Management Committee.
(K) A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record
of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such
records upon demand by the Management Committee. All changes
of address for players registered with the club must be notified to
the league immediately.
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each
Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the Registrations
Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of any duly appointed
Member Club Representative at all Management Committee
Meetings or at other times mutually arranged.
(M) A player shall not be eligible to play for a team in any special
championship, promotion or relegation deciding match (as
specified in Rule 12 (A)) unless the player has played 5 games for
that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) A Player who has played for a team in the First Division 5 times
or more shall not in that season be eligible to play in a lower
division except by permission of the Management Committee.
(O)(i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible
player or players may have the points gained in the match
deducted from its total and shall be fined £25.00 and dealt
with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team shall have 3 points deducted from its
total at the discretion of the Management Committee and
may be dealt with in any further manner which it is thought
to be fit.
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(iii) The Management Committee in exceptional circumstances
may, at its discretion, award any points deducted from
a Club under this Rule to the opponents in the match in
question, subject to the match not being ordered to be
replayed.
(The Following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in
full-time secondary education):-
(P)(i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school
organisations activities.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head
Teachers (except for Sunday Leagues).
(iv) Children under 14 shall not play in a team involving players
who are more than 2 years older.
(Note: For players under the age of 18 the provisions contained in
Football Association Rules will apply.)
(Q) All clubs must have a minimum of 16 players registered with
the League 14 days before the start of the season. Failure to do so a
fine of £10.00 shall be imposed.
9. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
(A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with
the Secretary by the Annual General Meeting who shall decide as to
their suitability.
Goalkeepers must wear colours, which distinguish them from other
players and the referee.
No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear
black or very dark shirts.
Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered
with the Competition shall notify the colours in which they will
play to its opponents at least 4 days before the match.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar
colours, the away team shall make the change. Any team not
having a change of colours or delaying kick-off by not having a
change shall be fined £5.00.
The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be
submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing
colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any
shirts or shorts as they think fit. Shirts must be numbered.
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(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must seek
permission from its affiliated County Association and from the
Management Committee.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY
10. TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
(A) The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing
and concluding dates for the ensuing season, which shall be in
accordance with Football Association Rules.
Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless; objections are received
by the Fixtures Secretary, within 5 days of their issue.
Any Club failing to be represented at a Fixture or League Meeting
or otherwise infringing this rule shall be liable for a fine of £40.00
and the Management Committee or the Fixtures Secretary shall
arrange the Clubs fixtures.
All clubs are required to provide an active e-mail account to
the League in order to facilitate the distribution of fixtures and
appointment of match officials and communicate any changes to
published fixtures with a designated club official.
(B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of
the Game as determined by the International Football Association
Board.
Where grounds have a perimeter barrier the following shall
apply: Only the club manager, trainer/physio, first aider and five
substitutes shall be allowed in the technical area and dugout. All
other spectators and non playing members must remain behind
the barrier. Where no barriers are provided the club will be held
responsible for the conduct of its substitutes, officials and
spectators. Any club reported in accordance with this rule will
be dealt with by the League Management Committee and fined a
minimum sum of £50.00.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds
in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches
deemed suitable by the Management Committee. Including third
generation (3G) pitches. If through any fault of the home team a
match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have
the power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee reserve the right and at the discretion
of the Fixtures Secretary to request all clubs to play midweek
matches and for those clubs with floodlights to provide additional
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dates to accommodate mid-week fixtures throughout the playing
season.
All matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time
(not less than 70 minutes) is mutually arranged by the two captains
in consultation with the Referee prior to the commencement of the
match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the A.G.M. or the
Management Committee. Any club failing to commence at the
appointed time shall be fined a sum not exceeding £5.00, or
be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may
determine.
Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time
and must report all late starts to the Competition.
The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play and
the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs
are unsuitable. Goal nets & corner flags must be used.
The home club secretary and match officials must be in attendance
at the ground 30 minutes before kick off to give the match
officials access to inspect the pitch. The Management Committee
recommend that clubs/match officials should wait 30 minutes after
the scheduled kick off time for any late arrival of opponents or
match officials.
The Management Committee reserve the tight, and the discretion of
the Fixtures Secretary, to request midweek matches to be played on
grounds with floodlights.
(C) Except by permission of the Management Committee all
matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority
shall be given to The Football Association and all relevant County
Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be
considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward
a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary.
(D) The Secretary of the home Club must communicate, giving
notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground
and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of
the opposing Club at least 4 clear days prior to the playing of the
match. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such
particulars.
Any club failing to comply with this Rule shall be fined £10.00.
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(E) Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams
in all matches in the Competition.
(Note: The intention of this Rule is not to interfere with normal
team selection by Clubs, but to prevent Clubs deliberately fielding
a weakened team in order to unreasonably reserve players for
another game or to boost the strength of another or lower team.
It is NOT intended that Clubs MUST field higher team players in
lower teams when the higher team has no engagement. If, in the
opinion of the Management Committee, the substance of spirit of
the Rule is obviously being regarded, the club or clubs concerned
may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject
to such decisions as the Management Committee may determine,
despite the fact that Rule 8 has not been infringed.)
In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 9 players
they shall be fined £10.00 for each missing player. A minimum of
SEVEN players will constitute a team for a Competition Match.
(F) Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club
failing to keep its engagement the club shall be fined £50.00, have
three points deducted and pay the full match fees and expenses to
the match officials. Not withstanding the foregoing home and away
provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order
a match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s
ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the
circumstances.
Notice of postponement of any match must be given without delay
by the postponing Club. Such notice must be given 5 days by the
Club to the League Secretary, Any Club failing to comply shall be
dealt with by The Management Committee who may inflict any
penalty it may deem suitable.
In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to
causes over which neither Club has control, it shall be played in
its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two clubs and
approved by The Management Committee. Failing such agreement
and notification to the Fixtures Secretary within 5 days the
Management Committee shall have power to order the match to be
played on a named date or on or before a given date.
The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned
in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both
Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does
no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be
empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to
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stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied
that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or
its Club member(s) thay shall be empowered to award the points
for the match to the opponent. In cases where a match has been
abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club
member(s), the Management Committee shall rule all points for
the match as void. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management
Committee for an abandoned match.
Where a fixture is unable to be played due to adverse weather
conditions consideration must be given to reversing the fixture to
the away teams ground if the reverse fixture has not already been
played and the away teams ground is available and fit to host the
fixture. Should this be the case then the Fixture Secretary and match
officials should be informed at the earliest opportunity.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of
the Game use 3 substitute players in any match in this Competition
who may be selected from 5 players.
A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute
before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game
shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within
the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(H) The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes duration, but it
shall not exceed fifteen minutes. The half time interval may only
be altered with the consent of the Referee. The home club must
provide half time refreshments for all match officials. Any club in
breach of this rule shall be fined £20.00.
(S) Each club must play at least six midweek matches before the end
of September. Any club violating this rule shall be fined £10.00 for
each occurrence.
(T) No alcohol shall be allowed to be brought into any grounds
within the League during all matches including cup ties organised
by the Management Committee. Any club violating this rule shall
be dealt with by the Management Committee.
(U) In all Cup Finals the following shall apply:
Both clubs shall supply two match balls.
Where dugouts are provided a maximum of eight (5 substitutes and
3 management) are allowed with only two allowed to stand in the
technical area.
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The presentation of the trophy and medals will take place on the
field of play after the match to the Match Officials, runners up and
winners. All players must be present at the presentation. Under no
circumstances will a player who has been dismissed receive a medal
at the presentation.
11. REPORTING RESULTS
(A) The Registration Secretary must receive within 2 days (Sundays
not included) of the date played, the result of each Competition
match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s)
and surname of the team players (BLOCK LETTERS) and also the
referee markings required by Rule 13 or any other information
required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur a fine
of £10.00. And the Club being dealt with as the Management
Committee decide.
(B) The Home Club shall telephone the result of each match
(including all Charity Cup and County Cup matches home & away)
to the Press Secretary by 5 p.m. (Saturdays) & 9 p.m. (Midweek).
Failure to do so the home club shall be fined £20.00.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be
signed by a responsible member of each Club. The Management
Committee shall have power to take such action, as they deem
suitable against a Club, which submits an incomplete form or
incorrect information.
(D) The Match Result sheet, including the list of all players taking
part in the match, must be handed to the appointed Match Referee
before the commencement of every match. The Match Referee is
requested to confirm all yellow & red cards on the Match Result
Sheet and sign the sheet before returning the Match Result sheet to
the clubs at the end of the match.
(E) All clubs shall complete an online Match Return on the League
website for every league and cup competition within 24 hours of
every match, midweek included. Failure to do so will incur a fine
of £20 and the club being dealt with as the Management Committee
decide. Any false information entered by a club on the Match
Return, the club will be dealt with by the Management Committee.
12. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
(A) Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points
with THREE points to be awarded for a win and ONE point for a
drawn match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in
their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the
winners. Matches must not be played for double points.
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In the event of two or more teams being equal on points team
rankings may be decided in any one or more of the following ways:
(i) goal difference
(ii) goals scored
(iii) deciding match(es) played under conditions determined by
the Management Committee.
(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the
first two and last two teams in each Division except as provided for
hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 1(b).
(i) Should one or more teams withdraw from any one Division
after the fixtures have commenced an equal number of
teams to those withdrawing in that Division shall not be
automatically relegated.
(iv) When a senior team is relegated to a lower division of which
its reserve team is a member, or entitled to be a member,
such reserve team must accept relegation to, or reain its
position in, the lower division; and should the Senior
Team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve team
automatically retires from the Competition.
(v) Should either or both of the leading teams in any of the
divisions have its senior team in the next higher division,
promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting,
to the next highest team or teams in the division concerned.
(C) In the event of a team not completing its fixtures for the season,
the record of the matches played by such club shall be expunged
from the Competition table, if more than TWO MATCHES remain
to be played. If a club only has ONE or TWO MATCHES unplayed,
points shall be awarded as follows:
(i) If the club which was not in default lost or drew the first
match, one point shall be awarded to that club.
(ii) If the club, which was not in, default won the first match, the
points normally awarded for a win shall be awarded to that
club.
(iii) In the case where two matches against one club have not
been played, the club not in default shall be awarded the
points normally awarded for a win.
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13. REFEREES
(A) Registered Referees and Assistant Referees for all matches shall
be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee
and by the sanctioning Association(s).
All match officials must travel together wherever possible, if not a
full explanation will be required from the defaulting official and the
Management Committee will deal with the matter.
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee
the appointed senior Assistant Referee shall take charge and a
substitute Assistant Referee appointed by the competing Teams. In
cases where there are no officially appointed Assistant Referees,
the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon
shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a
registered Referee.
Referees, if available, to any match. Where Assistant Referees are
not appointed each Team shall provide a Club Assistant Referee.
Failure to do so will result in a fine of £10.00 being imposed on the
defaulting Team.
(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
subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority or the
owners of the ground, the Representative of that body is the sole
arbiter and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is
declared fit for play.
(E) Match referees fees shall be £25.00 inclusive of travelling
expenses/mileage and registered referees appointed by the
Management Committee as Assistant referees £15.00 inclusive of
travelling expenses/mileage.
The Referees and Assistant Referees full match fees and expenses
shall be shared equally between both clubs in all competition
matches.
(F) In the event of a match not being played because of
circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match
Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses.
Where a match is not played owing to one Club being in default
that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the
ground, their full fee and expenses.
(G) A Referee not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a
satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may be reported
to The Association with which he is registered.
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(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time
by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each
match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall
be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed Form provided.
Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or
dealt with, as the Management Committee shall determine.
The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the
Form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a
summary to The Football Association/County Association.
(J) Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied, each Season,
with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable,
or upon application by the two competing Clubs, appoint Assistant
(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be
filled on any of the following ways:
(a) retention of otherwise relegated teams(s)
(b) additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the
Divisions below
(c) election.
(iii) The last two teams in the lowest Division shall retire, but be
eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the
conditions of paragraph (B)(1) above.
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes prior
to the start of the match.
14. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL
OF A CLUB
st
December in the current Season a Club intending,
(A) After 31
or having provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the
Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other
obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing
st
by 31 March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding
£200.00.
All clubs wishing to remain in membership of the Competition
for the following Season must confirm their intention to do so, in
st
March.
writing to the Secretary by 31
st
March
Any club who has resigned from the competition by 31
and wishes to rescind the resignation must do so in writing to the
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League Secretary at least 28 days before the date of the Annual
General Meeting, otherwise the club must apply to join the league
as a new club.
(B) A club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams
from the Competition after the Annual General Meeting for the
following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding £200.00 per team and shall also be liable for its
share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(C) The Membership for the coming season having been decided
at a Special General Meeting held for that purpose at the Annual
th
June The Competition shall
General Meeting held not later than 14
have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse
to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another
Competition and may hold the Club to its engagements.
(D) In the event of a Member Club, which is an un-incorporated
association, withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately
liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the
Competition.
In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged after
a period of twenty one (21) days then such obligation shall be
met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under
statutory school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro rata obligation
is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate
in the Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County
Association for a suspension order.
15. PROTESTS AND APPEALS
(A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players
or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the
Management Committee.
(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag
posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained
by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged
with the Referee before the commencement of the match.
Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it
shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be
dealt with by the Management Committee.
(B) Except in the case where the Management Committee decide
that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which
must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are
founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within
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two clear days (Sundays not included) of the match or occurrence
to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn
except by permission of the Management Committee. A Member of
the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved
shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his
Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.
(C) Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall
be referred for determination by the Management Committee
whose decision shall be binding upon all parties subject to Rule 16.
(D) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the
Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have
deposited with the Secretary a sum of £20.00. This may be forfeited
in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting
Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the
defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or
complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the
costs to be shared by the parties.
(E) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of
the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a
statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being
heard.
All parties must have received 7 days’ notice of the Hearing should
they be instructed to attend.
Should a Club elect to state its case in person then they should
forward a deposit of £20 and indicate such when forwarding the
written response.
16. BOARD OF APPEAL
Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision
of the Management Committee, or the Competition, a Club, Official
or Player, against whom action is taken, may appeal against such
decision by lodging particulars in TRIPLICATE with the Secretary
of the Durham County Football Association, including a fee of
£20.00 for adjudication of a Board of Appeal. The grounds of
appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal
may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom
the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of
Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.
No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual
or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of
unconstitutional conduct.
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17. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAMS
MISCONDUCT, CLUBS OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
(A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting
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 or Team from further
membership. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
(B) At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting
called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule
19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude
from further participation in the Competition any Club whose
conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable which must be
supported by (more than) two thirds (2/3rds) of those present
and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A
Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be
excluded from voting.
(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
Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such
penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may
decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance
with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.
(D) Any Club or Team failing to complete any of its fixtures in any
season shall (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or
the accredited delegates present at the Annual General Meeting
or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of
two-thirds of the votes cast) be debarred from Membership the
following Season.
TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER
18. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS.
(A) A Competition Cup or Trophy shall be vested in the Association
sanctioning the Competition as Trustees. If a Competition be
discontinued for any cause the Cup or Trophy shall be returned to
the Donor, if the conditions attached to it so provide, or otherwise
dealt with as the Association may decide. At the close of each
Competitions awards may/shall be made to the winners and
runners up if the funds of the Competition permit.
The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of
the Cup or Trophy:-
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“We ....................................and ................................... the Chairman and
Secretary of ...................................... FC, members of and representing
the Club, having been declared winners of ............................................
Cup or Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the
Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally
agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the Competition Secretary on
st
April, fully engraved in like order and condition and in
or before 1
accordance with the conditions and rules of the competition. If the
Cup or Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree
to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the
cost of its thorough repair.”
19. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Upon receiving a requisition signed by two two-thirds of the Clubs
in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at
any time.
At least 5 days notice shall be given of either meeting under this
Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at
such meeting.
Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send three delegates
to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one
vote only.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special
General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be
fined £40.00.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to
attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
All amendment of rules can only be implemented once approved
by the appropriate sanctioning authority.
20. ALTERATION TO RULES
Alterations, for which consent has been given by the sanctioning
Association, shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual
General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially
convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any
alteration made during the playing season to the Rule relating to
the qualification of players shall not take effect until the following
season.
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Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual
General Meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary by 1st May
in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the
Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by
7th May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the
Secretary by 14th May. The proposals and proposed amendments
thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the Annual
General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a
majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at
the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be
submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 14 days prior to
the date of the meeting.
21. RULES BINDING ON CLUBS
(A) Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent
to the foregoing Rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the
Management Committee subject to Rule 16. Each Member Club
must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct.
22. FINANCE
(A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank
or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be
lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £ 200.00 shall be approved by the
Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two
Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
st
March.
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 31
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be
prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by some suitable
person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
23. CHILD PROTECTION
1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter, which harms a
child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or
children, shall constitute behaviour, which is improper and brings
the game into disrepute.
2. In these regulations the expression “Offence” shall mean any
one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children
and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which
reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person
accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or
children.
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3. Upon receipt by The Association of:
3.1 notification that an individual has been charged with an
Offence; or
3.2 notification that an individual is the subject of an investiga
tion by the Police, Social Services or any other authority
relating to an Offence; or
3.3 any other information which causes The Association
reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk
of harm to a child or children then The Association shall
have the power to order that the individual be suspended
from all or any specific football activity for such period and
on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
4. In reaching its determination as to whether an order under
Regulation 3 should be made The Association shall give
consideration, inter alia, to the following factors:
4.1 whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm;
4.2 whether the matters are of a serious nature;
4.3 whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the
conduct of any investigation by The Association or any
other authority or body to proceed unimpeded.
5. The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable
of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules
of The Association or any offence is decided or brought to an end.
6. Where an order is imposed on an individual under regulation 3
above, The Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings
under the Rules of The Association against the person relating to
the matters as soon as reasonably practicable.
7. Where a person is convicted, or is made the subject of a caution
in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules
of The Association and The Association shall have the power to
order the suspension of the person from all or any specific football
activity for such a period (including indefinitely) and on such terms
and conditions as it thinks fit.
8. For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act
through its Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof,
including the Board.
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9. Notification in writing or an order refereed to above shall be
given to the person concerned and/or any club with which he is
associated as soon as reasonably practicable.
24. PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
• The match referee is requested to indicate a Man of the Match
for both clubs on the match result sheets in all matches under
the jurisdiction of the league.
25. FAIR PLAY AWARD
• All matches under the control of the League Management
Committee to count.
• Yellow Cards – 1 disciplinary point
• Red Cards – 2 disciplinary points
• Proven cases of Misconduct and breach of League Rules – 3
disciplinary points.
• The club with the least number of points will have their
League fees paid for the following season. In the event of a
tie for the least number of points the total sum of the League
fees for the following season shall be shared between the tied
clubs.
• Clubs with 30-39 disciplinary points at the end of the season
will be fined £40.00.
• Clubs with 40 or more disciplinary points at the end of the
season will be fined £50.00.
26. REFEREE OF THE YEAR AWARD
• An award will be given to the referee with highest average
mark. A referee can only be nominated who has a minimum
of ten qualifying matches.
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