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STANDARD CODE OF RULES
FOR YOUTH COMPETITIONS

This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association and additions, for Youth Competitions. Youth Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, as they see fit. The mandatory element is printed in roman text and the optional elements of the Standard Code in italics.

This Standard Code of Rules is mandatory for all sanctioned Youth Competitions as from Season 2003-2004. Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the code putting them in the correctly numbered Rule and showing the standard heading.


SEASON 2004-2005 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION

1. (A) This Competition shall be designated the ROWSLEY & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE/CUP and known as the ROWSLEY & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE

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 DERBYSHIRE County Football Association. The area covered by the Competition

Membership shall be:

25 Miles of Matlock Town Square.

This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the DERBYSHIRE Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 14 in number.

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 10 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.

ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

2. (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 (See schedule A) 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.

(B) The Annual Subscription shall be (See schedule A) [per club/team] playing 11-a-side football and (See schedule A) per Club / Team playing Mini-Soccer payable on or before the 1st August in each year.

(C) Each Club shall, within 14 days/on the day of election, pay a Deposit of (See schedule A) 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 Secretary in writing by 31st AUGUST of its County Football Association affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined (See schedule A). 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.
OFFICERS

3. The Officers of the Competition shall be: the President, [vice-presidents,] Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Registration Secretary, Referees Secretary and Fixtures Secretary 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 6 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 nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than 30th May 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. All Management Committee are expected to attend a minimum of 75 % of meetings during the year of their appointment.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the General 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.

POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

5. (A) The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider necessary and may delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary to such committees. The decisions of all such committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification.

(B) Subject to the permission of the DERBYSHIRE 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.

(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 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, Official 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. 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 14 days.

(F) 4 (four) Members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and 3 (three) 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 liable to be fined 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 or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

6. (A) The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than Last Tuesday of June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 4 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 therefrom.
(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. (Or at the first available GM)
(vi) Election of Officers 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/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least fourteen days prior to the meeting, and to the County Football Association.

(C) A signed copy of the duly [audited/verified] Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the DERBYSHIRE County Football Association(s) within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.

(D) Each Full Member Club/team shall be empowered to send two 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.

[associate member clubs may be represented at an annual general meeting in the proportion of one representative for each six or part of six associate member clubs and such representatives shall exercise the powers and rights of full members at such meetings.]

(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 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 [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/may be fined (See schedule B)

(I) Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an Annual General Meeting.

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 FA Statutory Rules and Regulations for Youth Competitions of the ROWSLEY & DISTRICT YOUTH 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 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).

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: -
(1) Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink, countersigned by his /her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and who has been registered with the Registrations Secretary by the Sunday before the first game and for each game thereafter be with the Registrar by the Wednesday previous prior to playing and whose completed registration counterfoil has been received by the Club prior to playing.

The registration document must incorporate any known serious medical conditions of the player and emergency contact details of the player’s parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the player attends within the management of the Club or Competition. A stamped addressed envelope must be sent with all Registration forms. A Player shall not play for his/her said Club until that Club has received his/her ID card or acknowledgement slip unless permission is given by the League Registrar. For midweek matches Players Registration must be with the Registrar at least 72 hours prior to kick off

(1a) All Clubs submitting Registration Forms for new players (having not previously registered in the R&DYL) must also supply the following
(i) Two up to date passport type photographs of the player with his signature and name in block capitals endorsed on the back
(II) A Photocopy of the Players birth certificate or a photocopy of the front page of the Players NHS medical card or a letter on School letterhead signed by the Head Teacher of the school at which the Player attends confirming the date of birth.

Players who are entering the under U12, and U15 age levels must submit an up-to-date passport type photograph with the
Player’s signature and name in block capital letters endorsed on the back (see schedule B)

(2) Teams of under 11 and above may register up to a maximum of two players per season on a match day prior to kick-off between 15th October and the last Sunday in February providing that the Registration brings the squad on the day, to a maximum of 11 players. E.g. 9 or less players a maximum of 2 forms provided that they have not already been used. 10 players only then 1 form can be used providing that the 2 forms have not already been used. Before play commences the registering Team Manager/Official must present the completed Late Registration Form to the opposing Manager/Official for his/her signature. It is mandatory for the opposing Manager/Official to countersign a completed form. This form complete with all relevant documents must be sent to the League Registrar (and no-one else) to be received within 3 working days of the fixture. It is the opposing Team Manager/Official’s responsibility to check that all details are entered.

Any alterations on the document must be initialled by the opposing Team Manager/Official. Players so registered must have a star added by their name on the Team Sheet. Late registrations will only be accepted on the supplied yellow form, photocopies will not be accepted. Any errors or missing data on the yellow Registration Document will constitute the player being illegally signed. Teams will be fined as per schedule B (playing ineligible player).

Teams must ensure that the player’s Parent/Guardian sign the document before commencement of the fixture. Teams
must note that this Late Registration rule cannot be used to cover players whose documents are still in transit. The rule is
to assist teams that are confronted with a player shortage a day or two prior to a fixture. It is not intended for the Late.
Registration Form to supplement a team with sufficient available players.
Defaulting Clubs will be fined as per schedule B.

The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the player seeking registration together with proof of the player’s date of birth.

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.

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 11 by 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.
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 15 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)).

(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 costs of a player's equipment, insurance and training may be reimbursed without jeopardising a player's amateur status.

3. Any player who has ever received remuneration in excess of the amount stated underclause 2 in respect of participation in or an activity connected with association football shall be regarded as non-amateur unless he has re-acquired amateur status under the terms of Art. 10.1.

(D) A team shall not include any player who has/have taken part in any 2 or more senior competition matches during the
current season unless a period of 7 days has elapsed since they played. For the purpose of this Competition a senior competition(s) is/are over 18’s.

(E) 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.

(F) A fee of £2.00 (included in League Fees, up to 16 players) shall be paid for each player registered. Additional Registration forms shall be obtained from the Registrations Secretary on prepayment of £2.00 per form (RYL to invoice at the end of the season).

(G) 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 register the player of the fact of the previous registration.

(H) 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.

(J) (I) The Management Committee shall have power to accept the registration of any player. The Management
Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any player or may fine any player at
Their discretion proved guilty of registration irregularities.
(Subject to Rule 16).

(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse or cancel the registration of any player found guilty of undesirable conduct and to disqualify the player in question from participating in all games in the Competition. (Subject to Rule 16).

Note: Action under Clause (ii) shall not be taken against a player for misconduct on the field of play until the matter has been dealt with by the appropriate Association, and then only in cases of the player bringing the Competition into disrepute.)

(K) 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 and official approach letter to the Secretary of the club holding the players registration. Should this Club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Secretary of the club the player wishes to transfer to, the player concerned and the League Secretary within seven days of receipt of the transfer form/approach letter. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days, the Secretary shall forward the completed Transfer form, accompanied by a fee of (See schedule A) and a stamped addressed envelope, to the League Registrar, who will, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or 5 days after receipt of such transfer. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.

(L) A player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after last Sunday in February except by special permission of the Management Committee.

M) 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.

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 player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 8 (B).

(M) 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.

(N) 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 4 games for that team in this Competition in the current season.

(O) 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.

(P)(i) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players may/shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and may be fined and/or otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

(iii) In addition the team may/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 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): -

(R) (I) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities.
Note: For players under the age of 18 the provisions contained in Football Association Rules will apply.)

CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME

9, (A) Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 31st July 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 5 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 (See schedule A).

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.

(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.

If mutually arranged at a meeting a list of fixtures must be forwarded to the (Fixtures) Secretary within seven days of the meeting. Fixtures are deemed to be accepted unless objections are received by the Fixtures Secretary within fourteen days of their issue.

Any Club failing to be represented at a fixture meeting or otherwise infringing this Rule shall be liable for a fine of £20 and the Management Committee or the Fixtures Secretary shall arrange that Club’s fixtures.

(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.

Teams, where sufficient space exists, are advised to provide a Spectator line by the use of training cones or a line at least 1 metre from
The touchline. All Spectators to remain behind this line, however team managers & coaches may be allowed by the touchline.

Teams are to provide a Post Code of their ground or one within 100 yards.

All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time (not less than 40 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.

For Mini-Soccer – The duration of play shall be as follows: for under 7 and under 8 age groups, 10/15 minutes each way under 9 20 minutes each way and under 10, 25 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, ie: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition. am/pm kick off times must be given. Teams must adhere to these times

The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the A.G.M. or the Management Committee. (am/pm kick off times must be given) and teams must adhere to these times. Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time shall/may be fined a sum not exceeding (See schedule B) or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine. Where a Club/team wishes to change their allotted KO time they must give 14 days notice of such change, in writing, to the League Secretary. Any such change will only be granted subject to the availability of a League appointed Match Official.
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's and 10s. 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 Fixtures Secretary.

(D) The Secretary of the home Club must give 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 6 clear days prior to the playing of the match. Change to by telephone, e-mail or post any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to a fine (See schedule A)

(E) Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition. 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 or spirit of the Rule is obviously being disregarded, 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 11 players they may/shall be fined (See schedule A) for each missing player. A minimum of 8 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 Management Committee shall have power to inflict a fine, deduct points from the defaulting Club, and will award the points to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. 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.

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 fined a sum not exceeding (See schedule B) or otherwise dealt with by the Management Committee.

Notice of postponement of any match must be given without delay by the postponing Club. Such notice must be given 12/7 hours/days respectively) by the Club to the Fixtures Secretary, the Competition Referees, Appointments Secretary, 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 as soon as possible. “All Clubs/team cancelling fixtures must write in to League Secretary within 3 days of the original fixture date, giving reasons for the cancellation”. Failure to do so will result in the Club/team being charged under rule 10f.

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 3 (three) 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 abandoned matches and in a case where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases here 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 award the points for the match to the opponents and/or 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 County Football Association.

(G) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use 5 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 15 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) All ID cards Must be available at all matches. At every fixture all acknowledgements and ID cards must be checked
by an opposing team official. Fines will be imposed. Either team, in a proper manner, may ask a player’s signature on a results sheet.

RESULTS

11. (A) The (Results Secretary) must receive within 3days of the date played, the result/team sheet 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 (See schedule A) 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 Results Secretary by 6pm on the day of the match

(D) 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.

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 team rankings may be decided in any one or more of the following ways: -

(I) Goal average, (ii) goal difference, (iii) goals scored & (iv) deciding match(es) played
under conditions determined by the Management Committee.
For deciding matches, in the event of the scores in a special championship match played under conditions determined by the management committee being level at the end of the game (see rule 5.b RDYL Knockout Cup Rules).

(B) Automatic promotion and relegation shall be applied for the first 2 and last 2 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.

(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled on any of the following ways:

(a) retention of otherwise relegated team(s)
(b) additional promotion of the next ranked team(s) from the Division below
(c) election

(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 retain its position in, the next lower Division; and should the senior team be relegated to the lowest Division its reserve team automatically retires from the Competition.

(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 all of its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table.

(D) Where a promotion and/or relegation link exists between Competitions 2 (two) Clubs, providing they meet the appropriate grading criteria, will be eligible to make application to the Rowsley & District Youth League at their Annual General Meeting. Should the Champion Club not wish for promotion or, alternatively, not have the necessary grading criteria, then the 3rd or 4th place Club will be eligible under the same conditions.

(E) At the end of each season and depending on the geographical location of Clubs gaining promotion to or being relegated from the Competition, it may be necessary for the Competition either (a) to accept a Club from the lower league Competition, or (b) have a Club transferred to the same Competition.

(F) The bottom 2 (two) Clubs in the league Competition will be relegated. Each relegated Club will be allocated either to the lower league Competition or to the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee. 2 (two) Clubs will be promoted to the higher league Competition from the lower league Competition, providing that each Club is either the Champion Club or Runner-up or highest place Club and has the necessary grading criteria.

(G) In the event of there being no eligible Club wishing promotion or not having the necessary grading criteria from any of the Competitions, this will reduce the number of Clubs to be relegated from the higher league Competition.

(H) If only 2 (two) Clubs are eligible or wish for promotion, the bottom 2 (two) Clubs in the higher league Competition will be relegated. If only 1 (one) Club is eligible or wishes promotion, only the bottom Club in the higher league Competition will be relegated.

(J) If no Clubs are eligible, or wish for promotion, no Clubs will be relegated from the higher league Competition.

(K) In the event of a higher league Competition Club not being placed in the bottom 2 (two) Clubs at the end of the season, wishing to resign from the Competition at the end of the season, or having been excluded under Rule 17 only 1 (one) Club will be relegated at the end of the season.

(L) In the event of a higher league Competition Club opting to be relegated or being relegated under Rule 12 such Club or Clubs will replace the Club or Clubs otherwise due for relegation

REFEREES

13. (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).

(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, or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, 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.

(C) The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by the two competing Clubs, appoint Assistant 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 (See schedule B) being imposed on the defaulting Club.

(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 arbitor and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play.

(E) Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to (See Schedule B)
The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees and expenses before/immediately 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 (See schedule B). 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 County Football Association with which he 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.

(J) 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 Football Association.

(K) The Referee shall submit a report Form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the match.

(L) 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 Secretary in writing and by recorded delivery by 31st March or be liable to a fine not exceeding (see schedule B).

(B) A Club on withdrawing from the League must return any trophies in its possession, to the League Secretary, within twenty-one days of its resignation.
(B) (i) Any points gained against a team withdrawing from the League MAY be expunged.

(C) Any team withdrawing from the League during the playing season and not completing fixtures, shall be liable to a fine (see schedule B, max. £100-00). Providing this rule has been complied with that team’s players will be eligible to sign for another team subject to the normal signing on procedure and to a maximum of three players joining any one team.

(D) A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the Annual General Meeting/arrangement of fixtures for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding (see schedule B, max. £100-00). per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).

(E) The Membership for the coming season having been decided at a Special General Meeting held for that purpose not earlier than 1st June nor later than 15th July or at the Annual General Meeting held not later than last Tuesday of June.
(F) 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 the Club to its engagements

(G) 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.

(H) 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 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.

(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 cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within 14 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. 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 £30-00. 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 be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received 7 days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint.

BOARD OF APPEAL

16. (A) 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 Derbyshire Football Association, including a fee of £35-00, 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.

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.

(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 misconduct, 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 all 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,
AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS.

18. (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 Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

(B) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy: -

“We ……………………….. and B………………………, the Chairman and Secretary of ……………………………… FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of the ………………………………. 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 31st March. 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.”

SPECIAL/GENERAL MEETINGS

19. (A) Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.

(B) The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.

(C) At least seven 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 seven days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.

(D) Associate Member Clubs may be represented at all Special General Meetings in the proportion of one representative for
each six or part of six Associate Member Clubs and such representatives shall exercise the powers and rights of Full
Members at such meetings.

(F) Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting without satisfactory reason being
given shall/may be fined (see schedule B).

(F) 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 Secretary by 14th May in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 1st June 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 seven days prior to the date of the meeting.
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 £ 10 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 The Last Tuesday in June (AGM).

(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.

ROWSLEY & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE KNOCKOUT CUP RULES

1) Each Cup will be on a knockout basis. All Cups and Trophies will have semi-finals. All trophies to be returned to the League Secretary by 31st March each year. Failure to do so will mean a fine per trophy (see schedule B). This will be doubled 7 days after the said date. If a Club resigns from the League it must return all trophies within 21 days of its resignation to the League Secretary.

2) The entrance fee will be included in the annual subscription.

3a) No player shall play for more than one team in any one competition during the same season.

3b) Players must have played in at least 4 League and Cup games with his current team (League and Cup games qualify) to play in a semi-final or final. The number of games may be varied in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Management Committee.

3c) An ID Card check will be carried out by a League Official, the match Referee (or his assistants) every semi-final. Any player not on the list, even if they are in possession of a valid ID Card, will not be permitted to play.

4) Matches shall be played in accordance with Rowsley & District Youth League Rules and DCFA Junior Cup Rules.

5.a) All cup rounds (except the final) will be played on the choice of ground of the team being drawn first. Alternative grounds must be attempted before the game is re-scheduled. All cup games including semi-finals and finals, to be concluded on the day. At the end of normal time if scores are level then extra time will be played. If scores are still level after extra time the tie will be decided by the taking of penalty kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board recommended procedures.

5.b) Extra time in respective age groups shall be: -
U10’s 5 minutes each way, U11’s 10 minutes each way, U12’s 10 minutes each way
U13’s 10 minutes each way, U14’s 10 minutes each way, U15’s 10 minutes each way
U16’s 10 minutes each way, U18’s 15 minutes each way

6) Any team playing an unregistered player or other ineligible players in cup matches will be eliminated out of that Cup and will be fined (see schedule B).

7) Neutral assistant Referees are to be used for all semi-finals and finals. In finals, Referee and assistant Referees will receive a memento instead of a fee.

(8) SEMI-FINALS - Both sides to provide a raffle prize, the home side to organize the raffle. The proceeds of the raffle to be used to pay the Referee, the remainder being used by the home side towards the cost of the pitch. Both sides to pay the costs of the two assistant Referees equally. By mutual consent of the two teams and the agreement of the Management Committee the game may be switched to the opponents ground. ID cards must be shown or a fine will be imposed. (see schedule B).

9) FINALS – Will be played on neutral grounds. Each team must, before each final, give the
names of the players taking part to the Management Committee member in charge of that match. ID cards MUST be shown or a fine will be imposed (see schedule B). Each team must provide two match balls and a raffle prize.

10) The winners of trophies in their respective age groups will receive a trophy.
16 individual trophies will be provided by the League and awarded to winners and runners-up at the discretion of the Management Committee. The Management Committee shall determine all matters with the trophies.

11) Medal competitions may be organised at the discretion of the Management Committee and through permission of the Derbyshire County F A.

ROWSLEY & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE
SECRETARY’S “MUST DO’S” ON SUNDAYS

1, Home Side ring in result between 12-00 and 18-00 on the Results Service Answerphone: -01246
State the bare minimum Eg:-
“Under 13 Division 3 Leabrooks 1 Dronfield Town 2”
(No need for pleasantries as this uses up tape and makes subsequent calls longer waiting for the tape to wind on).

2, Complete and send in the Team Sheet and Referee’s Mark

WITHIN THREE DAYS (including cup games) to: - R&DYL Results Secretary
Rob Marsh
Email: results@rdyfl.co.uk

Ensure both teams’ squads are entered correctly. Referees’ mark, League-so-far details, Sportsmanship mark and remember to SIGN IT.

If any mark is 4 or less then a written explanation must also be enclosed.

If at HOME next week : -a) Contact Referee with ground details and K.O. time. etc
b, Contact Opponents with ground directions, K.O. time and your colours. Inform them who is the Referee or if there are problems.

If playing AWAY next week ensure someone is available to take details from home team Manager/Secretary.

After the first official games of the new season, new players’registrations to be WITH the Registrar for the Wednesday
prior to the following Sunday.

NOTE! REFEREES AT U18 LEVEL TO BE MARKED OUT OF 100