Standard Code of Rule 23/24 - Metropolitan Sunday Football League

Rules Related to Governance

Rules 1 to 17 Relate to Governance / Rules 18 to 24 are Match Related Rules

1.A

In these Rules:

“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA.

“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.

“Competition” means the[ Metropolitan Sunday Football] League.

“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.

“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.

“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.

“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.

“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.

“Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.

“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.

“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.

“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.

“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.

“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.

“Sanctioning Authority” means [The FA] [the London County Football Association Limited].

“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules.

“Season” means the period of time between one AGM and the next AGM

“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.

“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.

“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.

“Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically

“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

1.B

Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and also the other way around

2.A

The Competition will be known as “Metropolitan Sunday Football League” (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

2.B

This Competition shall consist of not more than 70 Clubs or Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

2.C

The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be [SE LONDON, Northwest Kent 10 miles from Lewisham Clock Tower.

2.D

The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

2.E

All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation to them subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

2.F

The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.

2.G

1. All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, [each not exceeding 12 in number].

2.H

Inclusivity and Non-discrimination:

1. The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (including those contained in the Equality Act 2010).

2. This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognizing that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.

3. Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

2.I

Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programs. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2.J

All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by The FA from time to time.

2.K

Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2.L

At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22.

2.M

Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case the Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, Teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than by transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.

4.A

Applications by Clubs foradmission to theCompetition or theentry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary by15th June]and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee for each Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.

Applications, of which due notice has been given, will be received at the AGM or an SGM if confirmed by a majority of the accredited voting members present.

When Rule 22.B is applied or a Team seeks a transfer or, is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee shall be payable

4.B

The annual subscription shall be payable, in accordance with the Fees Tariff for each [Club/Team] payable at a date agreed at the AGM or set by the Competition.

4.C

In the eventof any issueconcerning the membership of any Clubwith the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.D

A Club shallnot participate in this Competition until the entryfee, annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid.

4.E

Clubs must advise the Secretary annually in writing by 1 ^st August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number for the forthcoming Playing Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and anyother information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5.A

The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and 16 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

5.B

Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 30 ^th April in each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 1 ^st September in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for any office by the date stated in the earlier part of this Rule , nominations may be received at the AGM.

5.C

The Management Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a season or as and when required,

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.

5.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.

5.E

All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6.A

The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.

6.B

Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority 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 on each Club to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.

6.C

Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote at all such meetings but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly relating to that member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee)

6.D

In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.

6.E

The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction overall matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.

With the exception of Rules 6.J, 8.H, and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charge shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:

1. Accept the charge and /or submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee; or

2. Accept the charge and notify the Competition General Secretary] that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or

3. Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee; or

4. Deny the charge and notify the Competition [ General Secretary ] that it wishes to have a hearing before the Management Committee.

Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.

Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or, proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).

Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.

With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

The maximum fine permitted for a breach of a Rule by a Team playing at Regional NLS Feeder League level is £500.

No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate sanctioning Association.

6.F

All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.

Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.

6.G

A minimum of 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any of its sub-committees.

6.H

The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number.

6.I

A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6.J

Subject to the Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

6.K

A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.

6.L

The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, , subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations or Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable).

6.M

The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.

7.A

1. All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee.

2. Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee prior to the commencement of the Match.

7.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 with the Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition 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.

7.C

No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. 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 Clubmaking a losingor frivolous protest or complaint to pay theexpenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

7.D

All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days before the protest or complaint being heard.

1. All parties must have received a minimum of 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.

2. Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.

7.E

The Management Committee shall also have the power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.

7.F

Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the writtennotification of the decision causing the appeal,accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to theSecretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, and the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

1. invite submissions by the parties involved.

2. convene a hearing to hear the appeal.

3. permit new evidence; or

4. impose appropriate deadlines.

Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.

7.G

No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct

7.H

All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld,and in these circumstances may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Management Committee.

All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within 14 days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted.

8.A

The AGM shallbe held notlater than 3 ^rd Thursday in June in eachyear. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 15 members are present and entitled tovote:-

1. Confirm the minutes of the last AGM.

2. Adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts from the previous season or accounting period.

3. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.

4. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.

5. Election of Competition Officers and Management Committee members.

6. Appointment of auditors/verifiers..

7. Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).

8. Agree the date for the beginning of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.

9. Agree the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Regional NLS Feeder League which shall be determined by The FA).

10. Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted by the Chair as being relevant to an AGM.

8.B

A copy of the dulyaudited/verified balance sheet,statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes.

8.C

A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.

8.D

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.

8.E

Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing 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 12

8.F

All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or count of email or virtual responses (for virtual meetings), unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair sodecides.

8.G

No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.

8.H

Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

8.I

Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 8.G)

8.J

Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.

12.A

At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to:

(1) remove a member of the Management Committee from the office; (2) exclude any Club or Team from membership. both ofwhich must be supported by more thantwo thirds (2/3)of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.

12.B

At the AGM, or at an SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, provided this is supported by more thantwo-thirds (2/3) 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

12.C

Any Officer or member of a Club found 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 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 12.A and/or 12.B of this Rule.

17.A

Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at an SGM by a majority of threequarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.

17.B

In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.

17.C

The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:

1. Any surplus assets ( save for a trophy or any other presentation), remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority.

2. If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.

Match Related Rules

Rules 1 to 17 Relate to Governance / Rules 18 to 24 are Match Related Rules

18.A

A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:

1. Registered through the Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition. except in the case of a Player who has been registered on the day of a match. For any players registered on the day of a match, a Club Officer must email the Competition with details of the registration 24 hours prior to the scheduled kick off time in order for the player to be eligible to play in that match. The Player shall not play again in any subsequent match in the Competition until the Club has registered the player through The FA Player Registration system and is in possession of the approval from the Competition. A maximum of 2 Players may be registered in this manner.

2. signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club and submitted to the Competition within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The Player shall not play again on a in a subsequent match in the Competition until the Club has registered the player through The FA Player Registration System and is in possession of the approval from the Competition. A maximum of 2 Players may be registered in this manner

Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration System, the registration will not be processed.

For Clubs registering Players under Rule 18.A.2. registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering Players by the Player Registration System, Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.B

1. Contract players are notpermitted in thisCompetition except for those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System. or Tiers 1-4 of the Women Pyramid System. A team shall not include more than 3 players who have taken part in 5 or more senior competitive matches during the current playing season unless a period of 21 days has elapsed since they last played. For this rule a senior competition is any division higher within the Metropolitan Sunday Football League or a league is at step 6 or above. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine in accordance with the fines tariff.

2. Itis the responsibility of each Clubto ensure thatany Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

3. Each team must have at least 12 Players registered by 1 ^st September before the start of each Playing Season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. In the event of a Non-Contract Player changing his status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18.B.1.

18.C

A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) shall be permitted to register for a Club but will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.

18.D

A fee as set outin the FeesTariff shallbe paid by each Club/Team for each Playerregistered.

18.E

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 Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration.

18.F

It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to:

1. Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred.

2. Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer, or where the Competition adopts rule 18.P

3. Submit a signed registration form as per Rule 18 A.2 or submit a registration through the Player Registration System that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.G

1. The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.G.2 and 18.G.3 below.

2. The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).

3. The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the rightof appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with.

Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition.

4. A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.G.3 but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Playercommit a further act of provenmisconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition may consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.

(Note: Action under Rule 18.G.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matterhas been dealtwith by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or the FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purposeof this Rule,bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matchesin match-based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

18.H

Subject to compliance with FA Rule C, when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer notification to the Competition via the Player Registration System. . A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff may not be required.

Such a transfer shall be referred by the Competition 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 Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within3 days, theSecretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or 14 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.

18.I

A Player maynot be registered for a Clubnor transferred to another Clubin the Competition after 31 ^st March except by special permission of the Management Committee

18.J

Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only.

18.K

A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule (22.A) unless the Player has played 3 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.

18.L.

A Team shall not include more than 3, Players who has/have taken part in 5 or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 days has elapsed since they last played.

For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is/are Metropolitan Sunday Football League

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.M

1. Subject to Rule 18.M.2any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

2. The Management Committee may varythe sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18.M.1 only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to thefailure to obtainan International Transfer Certificate or wherethe ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.

Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.M.1 above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or

b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default;or

c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).

18.N

The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education:

1. Priority must be given at all times to activities of schools and school organisations. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2. The availability of children and young people must be cleared with the Head Teachers or Principals (except for Sundayleagues competitions).

3. To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.

18.O

A Player who has played for a Team in the Ron Pope Premier division, 3 times or more shall not in that Playing Season be eligible to play in a lower division except by permission of the Management Committee.

18.P

If a Club wishes to cancel a Player’s registration within the Competition, it must make a request via The FA’s electronic player registration system giving the reasons for the request. The Competition may either approve or decline the request.

If a Player’s registration is cancelled, he will not be eligible to re-register in the Competition for a period of 10 days from the date of cancellation

Every team must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 1 ^st August and the Competition Secretary shall decide as to their suitability.

19.B

Any team changing its colours during the Playing Season must notify the Competition Secretary immediately.

19.C

Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.

19.D

No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.

19.E

Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents of the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeeper’s jersey) at least 7 days before the Competition Match.

19.F

If,in the opinionof the referee, two Teams have the same or similarcolours, the away Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

19.G

Shirts must all be numbered, and no two shirts shall have the same number, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff

20.A

All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.

Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition 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 Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground.

Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meetthe required performance standards and are listedon the FA’s Register of Football TurfPitches – https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitch-register. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passedto the FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.

Thehome Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20.C.

Starting this season, which was agreed at the AGM last June the Home team’s responsibility is to inform the opposition and the Referee of the game by Midnight 5 days before the match day (Tuesday). Failure to do so will mean a £10 fine as per the fines tariff. Also, the Referees Secretary must be informed of the referee’s confirmation and a fine as per the fines tariff will be imposed if this has not been complied with.

Voted in at the AGM, the Home team is responsible for the payment of the permit or pitch fee. The away team is responsible for paying the referee his fee. When assistant referees are appointed, the away team will pay the referee and one assistant referee. The home team will pay the second assistant referee.

Within Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) 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. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes.

The times of kick-off shall be agreed at the AGM, which is 10.30am and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs and the Competition. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.

The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition If not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches.

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are removed for all affiliated matches at Regional NLS Feeder League level

For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance of the laws of the game.

20.B

Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally agreed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).

20.C

An Officer 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 an Officer of the opposing Club at least 6 clear days prior to the playing of the match. If not so provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.D

In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players which will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7.

20.E

1. Home and away matches shall be played.In the event of a Club failingto keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have power to impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), deduct points from the defaulting Club, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except by the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutralground or on theopponent’s Ground if they aresatisfied that suchaction is warranted by the circumstances.

2. 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.

3. Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the the Competition Fixture Secretary, Referees Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. In the event of a Competition Match not being played or being abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs andapproved by theCompetition Failing such agreement and notification to the (Competition within 6 days the Competition shall have the power to order the Match to be played on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition.the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. Providing gate money is taken and retained the visiting Club shall receive their actual standard class rail or bus fares or the equivalent for [ ] persons, or car allowance at [ ] p per mile for transporting [ ] persons, or hire charge of a coach (receipt to be submitted). The residue (if any) to be equally divided between the two Clubs after deducting the cost of advertising, printing, posting, police and Match Officials charges. The home Club shall take the whole of the proceeds of the second Competition Match.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5. The Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club,the Management Committee shall 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 award the points for the Match to the opponent. In cases wherea Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Match.

The Management Committee shall review any Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18.M above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

20.F

A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club mayname up to, 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used..

A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace a Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.

Where a Competition does allow return substitutes, a Team may use up to 5 from 5 substitute Players in a Competition Match.

The referee [and a representative of the opposing Club] shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) not later than 10 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.

APlayer who has been namedas a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but doesnot actually playin that gameshall not be considered to have beena Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

20.G

The half time interval shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

20.H

The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who shall wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of their teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

22.A

Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teamsgaining the highestnumber of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.

In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favorable goal difference shall be placed highest).

In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.

In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.

Inthe event of two or more Teams still being equal,the Team whichhas the betterplaying record against the other Team in their head-to-head Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest.

If the records of two or more Teams are still equal and it is necessary for any reason to determine the position of each, then the Teams affected shall play a deciding match or matches under conditions as determined by the Management Committee.

22.B

Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first 2 Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last 2 Teams in each division except as provided for below subject to the provisions of Rule 2.L.

1. Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal numberof Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automaticallyrelegated.

2. Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:

a. retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or

b. additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or

c. election.

3. The last Teams in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subjectto the conditions of Rule22.B.1 above.

4. 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.

5. 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.

22.C

In addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22.B, a maximum of one further Team shallbe promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or seriesof matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows[ ].

22.D

In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.D a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.

22.E

Where a promotion and/orrelegation link existsbetween Competitions [ ] Clubs,providing they meet the appropriate grading criteria, will be eligible to make application to the [ ] Competition at their AGM. Should the champion Club not wish for promotion or, alternatively, not have the necessary grading criteria, then the [] or [ ] placed Club will be eligible under the same conditions.

At the end of each Season and depending on the geographical location of Clubs gaining promotion to or beingrelegated from the Metropolitan Sunday Football League Competition, it may be necessary for the Competition either (a) to accept a Club from the [ ] Competition, or (b) have a Club transferred to the same Competition.

The bottom 2 Clubs in the Metropolitan Sunday Football League Competition will be relegated. Each relegated Club will be allocated either to the [ ] Competition or to the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee.

REGIONAL NLS FEEDER LEAGUES ONLY: The bottom [INSERT NUMBER ] Clubs in the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition will be relegated; Any Club not maintaining the ground grading set for the Competition may be relegated at the end of the Playing Season. Each relegated Club will be allocated to the highest division in either [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition or the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee.

2 Clubs will be promoted to the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition from the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition, and the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition providing that each Club is either the Champion Club or Runner-up or [INSERT NUMBER ] placed Club and has the necessary grading criteria.

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 [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition.

If only [INSERT NUMBER ] Clubsare eligible or wish for promotion, the bottom [INSERT NUMBER ] Clubs in the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition will be relegated. If only [INSERT NUMBER ] Club is eligible or wishespromotion, only the bottom Club in the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition will be relegated.

If no Clubs are eligible, or wish for promotion, no Clubs will be relegated from the [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition.

In the event of a [INSERT LEAGUE ] Competition Club not being placed in the bottom [INSERT NUMBER ] Clubs at the end of the Playing Season, wishing to resign from the Competition at the end of the Playing Season, or having been excluded under Rule 12 only [ ] Clubs will be relegated at the end of the Playing Season.

In the event of a [ ] Competition Club opting to be relegated or being relegated under Rule [INSERT NUMBER ] such Club or Clubs will replace the Club or Clubs otherwise due for relegation.

23.A

Registered referees (and assistant referees were approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.

23.B

1. 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.

2. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status, and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match.

23.C

Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.D

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: No Club shall postpone a Competition match on account of the apparent state of the ground. In the event that such circumstances prevail, Clubs should comply with procedures provided for in the document published by The FA “Recommended procedure for the guidance of Clubs and Referees in determining the suitability of grounds in adverse weather conditions”. Should the ground be declared unfit it is the responsibility of the home Club to immediately advise the Competition, the Appointing Authority, the visiting Club and the Match Officials.

For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.

23.E

Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed underthis Rule shallbe paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff £45 and £30 Assistant Referees

Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.F

In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shallbe entitled to a full fee. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Clubshall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if theyattend the Ground, their full fee, and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.G

A referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.

23.H

Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition 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 (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.

23.i

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 Sanctioning Authority.

23.J

The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the numberof Players in each Teamand the timeof kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.

23.K

Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.

23.L

Match Officials shall comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA and/or Sanctioning Authority adopted by the Competition.

24.A

The Management committee shall control the cup competition and be empowered to deal with any matter not specifically provided for. The minimum number of teams in any knockout competition shall be eight.

24.B

The cup draws shall take place at league headquarters. Semi final ties shall be played on the ground of the first team drawn. Final Ties shall be played on neutral grounds and on dates determined by the Management Committee. The Fixtures Secretary is authorized to switch venues in earlier rounds to progress the competition.

24.C

The duration of a cup-tie must not be less than 70 minutes in two equal halves. An extra half-hour of two equal fifteen minute must be played in all drawn ties. If a match is still drawn after extra time, then a penalty shootout must decide the winner. Kick-off times shall be brought forward by fifteen minutes compared to league times or in accordance with local council arrangements where applicable. Other than through reasons for abandonment, should the match not be played to completion, including penalties, the Management Committee shall decide what action to take and may agree to exclude both teams from the competition.

24.D

A player shall only play for one team in the same competition. Having played in a senior competition he cannot then play in a junior competition. To be eligible to play in a semifinal or final tie a player must have played in three cup and/or league games for that team in MSFL competitions. A team in default shall forfeit the tie and be fined £10 for each offence. A team playing an ineligible in a previous round shall forfeit the tie and be fined £10 for each offence.

24.E

Expenses for cup ties shall be shared with away teams paying up to £70 as their share of ground costs. The fees for match officials shall be equally shared. The MSFL shall bear the cost of the final ties.

24.F

Each team shall provide a club assistant referee except for the semi final and final ties when the Referees Secretary shall appoint the match officials

24.G

In final ties if both teams colours clash then BOTH teams should change.

24.H

Teams competing in semi final or final ties must be at the ground at least 30 minutes before kicking off time or incur a £10 fine.

24.I

Clubs cancelling a match must immediately inform their opponents, the match officials, Referees’ Secretary and Fixtures Secretary. The tie shall be awarded to their opponents and a fine of £10 imposed. The club may have to refund half the cost of the ground and the match officials to their opponents