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Standard Code of Rules
RULES OF THE TESTWAY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUESTANDARD CODE OF RULES
FOR YOUTH COMPETITIONS
NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION
1. (A) This Competition shall be designated the Testway Youth Football League/Cup and known as the Testway Youth Football League and shall consist of not more than 50 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 Hampshire County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be within suitable borders of the Testway Youth Football League at the discretion of the Management Committee.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Hampshire Football Association(s) and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions.
Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.
The competition will provide 11-a-side football for players who have attained the age of 10 as at midnight 31st August in a playing season and Mini-Soccer for players who have attained the age of 6 years but not the age of 11 years as at midnight on 31st August in a playing season.
(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) The main objective of the League is to encourage teams to participate in competitive football and to develop the friendly and co-operative nature of the League’s foundations and ideals. The League will also attempt to enter as many League Representative sides in Hampshire Football Association Competitions as possible. The Management Committee will determine at which Age Groups and the make up of the Management of such Representative Teams at the beginning of each season.
(D) Kick-Off shall be during Saturday Morning (9.30am to 11.59am) unless otherwise agreed mutually between the teams and League Divisional Representative except for Cup Finals or Special Games designated by the Management Committee.
ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT
2. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition must be made in writing to the League Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of £25 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 a Special General Meeting. The Entry Fee shall apply. Applications must be received 7 days before the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.
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 £50per Team (not per Club) playing 11-a-side football and £40 per Team (not per Club) playing Mini-Soccer payable on or before 14 days after the Annual General Meeting in each year. Clubs not returning these fees with their applications shall be liable to a fine of £25 and/or any other penalties the Management Committee deem appropriate.
(C) Each Club shall, upon election, pay a Deposit of £10, which shall be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied with all orders of the Management Committee.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit have been paid.
(E) Clubs must advise annually to the League Secretary in writing by July 31st of its County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined £20. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.
(F) All Clubs must appoint a Child Protection Officer and details must be advised to the League Secretary and such information will be included in the Club Register and Team Information. All Child Protection Officers to undertake the appropriate Football Association designated course(s).
OFFICERS
3. (A) The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, League Treasurer, League Secretary, Fixture Secretary, Breach of Competition Rules Secretary, Testway Youth Football League Hampshire FA Representative Referees Committee Representative and League Divisional Representatives to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).
MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION
4. (A) The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and League Divisional Representatives 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 nominated to the League Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 7 days before the Annual General Meeting 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 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 League Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the League 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.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
5. (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their power as they deem necessary. The decision of sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. Sub-Committees will consist of a minimum of 4 Members.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Hampshire 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).
(C) Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote there at, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so represented. (This shall 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 unless they are unable to vote because the matter directly appertains to themselves or the Club they represent. The order for casting vote then is
President
Vice Chairman
League Secretary
League Treasurer
(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, Official or Player alleged to be in breach of a Competition Rule or bringing the League into disrepute must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the Management Committee. The Club shall be liable to be fined up to £250. 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.
(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 10 days.
Any correspondence sent to the Management Committee by any Club Secretary should be answered within 14 days as acknowledgement of receipt.
(F) 50% of Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and 50% of 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 and co-opt any additional Management Committee Members as they feel necessary.
(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 liable to be fined up to £10 or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(I) All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written notification.
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 Meeting or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.
(L) A Team failing to be represented at a League Meeting shall be fined £10.Teams unable to be represented at such a meeting will be deemed absent unless the League Secretary receives written communication of their absence by the day before the meeting. Not less than 7 days notice shall be given of any meeting.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
6. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 51% 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, League Divisional Representatives and Management Committee.
(vii) Appointment of Auditors.
(viii) Alteration of Rules, if any (of which notice has been given).
(ix) Fix the date for the commencement and conclusion of playing season.
(x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an Annual General Meeting.
(B) A copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the Hampshire County Football Association.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Hampshire 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 two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 7 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 voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 10 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 unless the individual is also appointed to vote as a representative of a group of Associate Member Clubs.
(H) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £10.
(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting unless under 6 (D) they are the only member of their Club in attendance.
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
7. The Chairman and the 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) of the _________________________________Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Testway Youth Football League Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into Membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16.
Any alteration of the Chairman and /or Secretary and/or Child Protection Officer and/or Team Managers on the above Agreement must be notified to the Designate County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and to the League Secretary of the Competition. Clubs failing to write to the League Secretary advising of any changes within 7 days will be subject to a fine of £10.
(Note: The spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the signatures and addresses of officers and members).
QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
8. (A) Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition. No player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy will be permitted to play in this competition. A Player registered with a Centre of Excellence may only play in this Competition subject to the Regulations of the Programme for Excellence.
(B) A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-
i Signed a fully correctly completed Registration Form in ink countersigned by his/her Parent/Guardian and by an Officer of the Club, forwarded to the League Divisional Representative with two (2) passport sized photographs (proof of date of birth may be requested at any time) 3 days prior to playing. The Competition shall retain one copy of the photograph and the completed I.D Card shall be returned to the Club Manager prior to the Player being permitted to play. The registration document must incorporate any known serious medical conditions of the player and emergency contact details of the Players Parents or Guardians. Those details must be available at matches and training events the player attends within the Management of the Club or Competition. Players registered with this Competition after September 30 will be subject to a fee of £3 which will be payable with the Registration Form by cheque.
If a Players age is required for Registration purposes the Competition must accept an original birth certificate or a photocopy. In cases where the birth certificate is not available the Competition is required to accept a photocopy of the Players passport or other official document issued by a Government Agency attesting to the player’s date of birth.
ii Club Officials will exchange I.D. Cards prior to commencement of any match. Any Player not in possession of his/her I.D Card will not be eligible to participate in the match in question.
All ID Cards are to be made available to the opposition before, after and during the match and may be fined up to £10 if this does not occur.
Any challenge to an I.D Card must be made at the match and full written details sent to the Breach of Rules Secretary by both Clubs within 4 days of the Match. This matter will be dealt with in accordance with Rule 8 (F).
iii In the 11 a side Competition the maximum number of players registered for each team at any one time is 20.
iv In the 7 a side Competition the maximum number of players registered for each team at any one time is 16.
In the 9 a side Competition the maximum number of players registered for each team at any one time is 18.
A team failing to have enough players to complete a full team registered by September 1st of the playing season will be liable to a fine of £20.
v All Teams must be aware that if they have Players selected for Schools Representative Matches, that League and Cup fixtures must be fulfilled.
Note: This may incur the need for Teams likely to be affected, to sign enough Players to cover any eventuality.
vi The qualification dates for the competition shall be as follows:
Mini-Soccer
Under 7 – the player must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season but must be under the age of 7 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 8 – the player must be under the age of 8 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 9 – the player must be under the age of 9 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 10 – the player must be under the age of 10 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 11 – the player must be under the age of 11 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 11 9 A Side played in accordance with the Laws of the Game, the player must be under the age of 11 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player in the above age ranges must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
Youth Football
Under 11 – the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be under the age of 11by midnight 31st August in the playing season.
Under 12 – the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 13 – the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 14 – the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 15 – the player must be under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 16 – the player must be under the age of 16 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season. (Continued)
Under 17 – the player must be under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 18 – the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
(The above qualification dates are subject to the provisions contained in FA Rule C.4(a)(v)).
vii See also Rule 8 (L) with regard to operating more than one team in an age group and players being eligible to take part in older or younger games.
(C) No applicable to this competition.
(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 League Divisional Representatives. With the exception of Clause B (late registration) there is no fee payable.
(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 league Divisional Representative shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.
(G) It shall be deemed misconduct 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.
(i) The Management Committee should have power to accept the registration of any player
(ii) The Management Committee will have the 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 16)
(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse or cancel the registration of any player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 16). Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeat conduct, which may deter a participant from being involved in this competition.
(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.)
(H) Subject to the Football Association Rules dealing with players without a written contract when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form in writing to the League Divisional Representative accompanied by a fee of £10. Such transfer shall be referred by the League Divisional Representative to the Club for which the player is registered. Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the League Divisional Representative and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days, the League Divisional Representative may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date after receipt of such transfer.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.
(J) A player may be registered at any time during the season. A player may not be transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st January except by special 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 and must be registered for that team in accordance with Rules 8 B a and Rule B a (iii) & (iv)
In the event a Club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be clearly designated “A” and “B” etc. In such cases, players will be registered for one team only. A players so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8 (B).
(L) A register containing the names of all players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the League Divisional Representative 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. Registrations are valid for one Season only
(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 25% of the total games for that team in this Competition in the current season.
(N) Not applicable to this Competition.
(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 may be fined up to £50 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) In addition the team may have points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit.
(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 Competitions).
(iii) 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) It is recommended that at least one qualified first aider is in attendance at each game.
CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME
9. (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by August 1 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 2 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 the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined.
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.
(B) Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must seek permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY
TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES
10. (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. No Club shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. Original fixtures arranged by the League Divisional Representative, or at a meeting specially convened for that purpose, to be held no later than 4 days prior to the commencing date, must not be arranged for a date later than seven days preceding the concluding date determined by the Annual General Meeting.
(B) All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer, the Laws of Mini-Soccer as set down by The Football Association.
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. If through any fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground.
All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time (not less than 50 minutes for Youth Soccer and 20 minutes for Mini Soccer) is mutually arranged by the two clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
For Mini-Soccer – The duration of play shall be as follows: for under 7 and under 8 age groups, 15 minutes each way and for under 9, under 10 and under 11 20 minutes each way.
For Youth football – The duration of play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time. For under 11 and under 12, 30 minutes each half; for under 13, 14, 35 minutes each half and under15 and under 16, 40 minutes each half; under 17 and under 18, 45 minutes each half.
The minimum time for any game will not be less than 20 minutes each half for players in the under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes each half for all other age groups.
No player under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in any season shall be permitted to play more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header, i.e.: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition.
The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the Home Club and in accordance with the herein after reference. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be dealt with as the Management Committee may determine and subject to a fine not exceeding £25. Kick-Off shall be during Saturday Morning (9.30am to 11.59am) unless otherwise agreed mutually between the teams and League Divisional Representative except for Cup Finals or Special Games designated by the Management Committee.
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. The size of football to be used shall be: For Mini-Soccer, size 3 for players in the under 7 and 8 age categories; size 4 for under 9, under 10s and Under 11s. For youth football – size 4 for those playing under 11, 12, 13 and 14 age groups; size 5 for all other age groups. Goal nets must be used.
(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 League Divisional Representative.
(D) The Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing 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.
Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to any penalties the Management Committee deem appropriate and liable to a fine up to £10.
(E) Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition.
In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 11 players at 11 a side, 9 Players at 9 a side or 7 players at 7 a side they may be fined up to £5. A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match at 11 a side, a minimum of 7 players for a match at 9 a side and a minimum of 6 players will constitute a team for a Competition match at 7 a side.
(F) Matches shall be played as scheduled by the League Divisional Representative. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to inflict a fine of up to £20, deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points at issue or the Cup Tie to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents which must be claimed by the opponents within 7 days of the date of the unfulfilled fixture or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals.
Any Club with more than one team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence: - First Team, Reserve Team, A Team. Clubs in breach of this requirement shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
If any match must be given without delay by the postponing Club (or notice of a Club being unable to fulfil any match must be given 48 hours prior to the match by the Club) to the League Divisional Representative, the Secretary of the opposing Club and the match officials. 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 League Divisional Representative in writing within 7 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 and the Club(s) may be liable to a fine of £5.
The Management Committee shall review all matches abandoned in a 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 stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall be empowered to take what other action they may deem necessary. In cases where a match is abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams, or their Club members, the Management Committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. Such action is subject to any disciplinary action taken by the appropriate Affiliated Football Association.
(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 7 substitute players in any match in this Competition who may be selected from 7 players.
For Mini-Soccer – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the Referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A player who has been replaced may return to the play as a substitute for another player.
For Youth Football – for teams in the under 16 age group and below, a player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.
The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes not later than 5 minutes before the start of the match.
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.
(I) As a guide the Management Committee suggest in adverse weather conditions a pitch inspection is to be made by the HOME side between 8am and 9am. If the game is to be cancelled a telephone call to the Away team Manager by 9.15am is suggested to stop the team travelling. League Divisional Representative to be phoned after to advise of situation. Both teams must send Postponement Forms by Thursday of the following week. Special consideration must be given to MINI soccer players during adverse weather conditions.
REPORTING RESULTS
11. (A) The League Divisional Representative must receive within 4 days of the date played, the result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the team players (in block letters) and also the Referee markings required by Rule 13, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to do so will incur a fine of up to £10 and/or the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide.
(B) The Home Club shall telephone the result of each match to the Call Centre between 12 noon and 6.00pm on the day of the game or to the LDR next day if a midweek game. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £10.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible member of the 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) As a guideline in awarding sportsmanship points managers should give consideration to the conduct of the opposition players, manager and spectators as well as the general hospitality shown by the opposing team at the game.
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
12. (A) Team rankings within the Competition 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. Matches must not be played for double points.
In the event of two or more teams being equal on points for any positions in any of the League Tables then Goal difference shall decide except that at the end of the season, where trophies would be awarded then positions will be decided by a deciding match played under conditions determined by the Management Committee.
For deciding matches, in the event of the scores being level at the end of the game, 20 minutes extra time shall be played in two equal periods of 10 minutes (for Mini Soccer 10 minutes extra time shall be played in two equal periods of 5 minutes). If after extra time the score still remain level, the winners will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board Decision contained in the Laws of Association Football.
REFEREES
13. (A) Registered Referees for all matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the sanctioning Association(s).
(B) In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee. In cases where there are no officially appointed Assistant Referees, or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, the Clubs shall agree upon a Referee notwithstanding this, it is the duty of the home team to supply a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
(C) Each Club must provide an Assistant Referee who must be at least 16 years of age unless a qualified referee and equip them with a suitable flag. No Assistant Referee may coach or pass remarks during the game except in relation to their duty.
(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 a ground, the Representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play. No Referee may coach or pass remarks during the game except in relation to their duty irrespective of it being an official or unofficial appointment.
(E) Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to charge a fixed Match Fee of
• £14 Referee and £8 Assistant Referee for 11 a side youth games
• £4 Refereeing mini soccer matches
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees after the match.
(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 the fixed Match Fee. 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 Match Fee.
(G) A Referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or she is registered.
(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.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the Form provided by the prescribed date each season and shall submit a summary to the Hampshire FA.
(J) Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
14. (A) After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the League Secretary in writing by 31st March each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding £10.00. Clubs in membership not having notified the League Secretary of their intentions to withdraw shall be assumed to be continuing in membership for the following season.
(B) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the date set at the Annual General Meeting for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £25 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
(C) The Membership having been decided at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for the purpose, the competition shall 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 a 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 is not discharged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the 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.
PROTESTS AND APPEALS
15. (A)(i) All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters.
(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 or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters 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 or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters.
(B) Except in cases where the Management Committee or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters 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 League Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters. A Member of the Management Committee or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters 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 or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters 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 or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the League Secretary a sum of £20. 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 be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received 7days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee or any Sub-Committee in place to deal with such matters 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.
BOARD OF APPEAL
16. 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 duplicate with the Secretary of the Football Association Designate to their Area, including the appropriate fee, 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. A copy of the appeal must be sent to the League Secretary.
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.
EXCLUSION OF CLUBS.OR TEAMS
MISCONDUCT, CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS
17. (A) At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, 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 which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (⅔) 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 debarred from voting.
(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 or team of a 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.
TROPHY:- LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER,
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS.
18. (A) A Competition Cup or Trophy is 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.
(B)The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:-
“We A_________________and B______________________, 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 or before March 1. 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.”
(C) At the close of each Competition awards may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit. Cups and trophies must be returned by March 1 following the season they were awarded. Any Clubs not adhering to this shall be liable to a fine £20 for each Cup or Trophy.
(B) The trophies cannot be won outright and shall be returned by the winning clubs to the League. Winners of the Competition Cups and Trophies where applicable shall their Clubs names etc suitably engraved upon them by the Club, and furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing agreement, Clubs will insure Cups and Trophies in their possession at all times. Any Club not engraving a Cup or Trophy with their Club name shall be liable for a fine of £20.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
19. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the League Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.
The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.
Managers Meetings can be held up to twice a season at the discretion of the Management Committee.
At least 7 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 two delegates to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 7 days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting or Managers Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £10 unless Rule 5(L) is adhered to.
Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all Special General Meetings.
ALTERATION TO RULES
20. Alterations 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.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the League Secretary by January 31in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by February 28 and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by March 14. 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 by April 1.
Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been obtained.
RULES BINDING ON CLUBS
21. 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.
FINANCE
22. (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 £250 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on April 30.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.
TESTWAY YOUTH LEAGUE CUP COMPETITIONS
23 (A) The control and management of the competitions shall be vested in the Management Committee who will decide on the organisation of such Competitions and Clubs advised accordingly during September.
The rules of the League shall apply, except as here varied or as may be inconsistent or irrelevant to these competitions and be given effect to as if here inserted.
All Teams will compete in the Testway Youth League Cup Competition. There is no entry fee applicable. The Jock McClorey Tournament will only be competed for by teams up to and including Under 11 level unless otherwise varied by the Management Committee. There is no entry fee applicable to this competition.
(B) It shall be an offence for teams to play ineligible players in the Competitions. Clubs being found guilty of such shall be:
(i) If winners of a particular tie in which the offence was committed they shall be removed from the Competition and the match awarded to the opponents and be liable to a fine up to £50 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
(ii) If losers of the particular tie in which the offence was committed they will be liable to a fine up to £50 and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
C) No player shall play for more than one team in any Competition.
D) In the event of the scores being level at the end of the game, 20 minutes extra time shall be played in 2 equal periods of 10 minutes (for Mini Soccer 10 minutes extra time shall be played in 2 equal periods of 5 minutes). If after extra time the scores still remain level the winners will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board Decision contained in the Laws of Association Football.
SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR TESTWAY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
24 The following fees apply as per the Rules of the Competition :
Schedule of Fees Rule Fee
Entry Fee for New Clubs Rule 2 (A) £25
Annual Subscription 11 A Side Rule 2 (B) £52.50
Annual Subscription 7 A Side Rule 2 (B) £42.50
Standard Deposit Per Club Rule 2 (C) £10
Players Registrations after Sept 30 Rule 8 (B) £3 per player
Transfer Fee Rule 8 (J) £10
Referees Fees 11 A Side
Under 15 & 16
Under 14
Under 13
Under 12
Under 11 Rule 13 (E)
£16
£15
£13
£12
£11
Referees Fees 7 A Side Rule 13 (E) £11
Protest Deposit Rule 15 (D) £20
SCHEDULE OF FINES FOR TESTWAY YOUTH LEAGUE
25 The following fines apply as per the rules of the Competition :-
Breach of Rule Rule Fine
Failure to pay League Fees 14 days after Annual General Meeting Rule 2 (B) £25
Failure to advise League Secretary of Affiliation Number by July 31 Rule 2 (E) £20
Bringing the League into Disrepute Rule 5 (D) £250
Failure to comply with order or Instruction of Management Committee Rule 5 (H) Up to £10
Failure to attend League Meetings Rule 5 (L) & 19 £10
Failure to attend Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting Rule 6 (H) & 19 £10
Failure to inform League Secretary of change of Chairman, Secretary, child protection Officer or team manager in writing Rule 7 £10
Failure to have 11 players registered by September 1st of the playing season Rule 8 (B) £20
Playing Unregistered or Ineligible Player
Rule 8 (P) & Rule 23 (B) Up to £50
Failure of Home Team to confirm Match Rule 10 (D) Up to £10
Late Kick Off Rule 10 (B) Up to £25
Playing a match with less than 11 players or 7 players at Mini Soccer Rule 10 (E) Up to £5
Failure to fulfil a fixture Rule 10 (F) Up to £20 plus opposition expenses
Failure to inform LDR of Postponed game and new date Rule 10 (F) £5 plus opposition expenses incurred
Failure to correctly complete team sheet in prescribed manner and/or receipt of such within 4 days by LDR. Rule 11 (A) Up to £10
Failure to telephone score by 6 pm on day of match or next day if midweek Rule 11 (B) £10
Failure to advise League Secretary of intention to withdraw a team by 31 March Rule 14 (A) £10
Withdrawal of Team after date set at AGM
Rule 14 (B) Up to £25 plus registration fees
Failure to return Cups/Trophies to League Rule 18 (B) £20
Failure to engrave Cups/Trophies Rule 18 (B) £20
Failure to exchange ID Cards at Commencement of game Rule 8 A (ii) Up to £10