League Rules

All the rules relating to governance, league and cup matches can be found in this section as well as the League Handbook. It's split into three sections

General Administrative Rules
Match Rules
Other Information

Each section has multiple categories to make it simple to find any specific rule or guidance. If you have any further questions or queries, please contact a member of the League Committee. These rules are for guidance only. Please use the current handbook for full details.

General Administrative Rules

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1. Definitions

2. Constitution

3. Club Name

4. Subscriptions

5. Management

6. Powers of Management

7. Complaints & Appeals

8. Annual General Meeting

9. Special General Meetings

10. Agreements

11. Membership

12. Misconduct

13. Trophy

14. Alteration to Rules

15. Finance

16. Insurance

17. Dissolution

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All the rules relating to the league constitution, administration and governance. Click the tabs to find out more.

1. Definitions

DEFINITIONS

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 Maidstone and Mid Kent 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.

“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 Kent County Football Association Limited. “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C 3 (a) (i) of the rules of The FA. “Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent 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.

“WGS” means the Whole Game System and the procedures for the operation thereof as determined by The FA from time to time.

“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.

(B) Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa.

(C) 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.

(D) 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 thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 16.

(E) The Competition will be known as Maidstone and Mid Kent 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 thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

(F) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

2. Constitution

GOVERNANCE RULES, COMPETITION NAME, CONSTITUTION

2. (A) The Competition will be known as “Maidstone and Mid Kent 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 thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

(B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 60 Clubs or 72 Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

(D) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

(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 thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

(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.

(G) 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. 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 14 in number.

(H) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination;

(i) 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 (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).

(ii) This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising 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.

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

(I) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, Charter Standard and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(J) All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The FA from time to time.

(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.

(L) At the AGM or a 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.

(M) Only one Team shall be permitted from any Club to participate in the same division as another Team from the same Club unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries. The Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority in the event of a division comprising of more than one Team from the same Club. This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, Teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities.

3. Club Name

CLUB NAME

3. Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. Subscriptions

ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

4. (A) Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee per Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, 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 AGM or an SGM. 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.

(B) The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team payable on or before the AGM of the Competition in each year.

(C) In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with 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. Each club within 7 days of election pay a deposit of £200-00 per team 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. The following are the minimum requirements of the League for new clubs seeking admission, or existing clubs as a condition of continuing membership.

1) A pitch which meets F.A. recommended dimensions

2) Separate changing facilities and hot showers for both teams

3) Match officials to have separate changing facilities

(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid.

(E) Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 1st 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 any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5. Management

MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5. (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and 7 members who shall all be elected at the AGM. The Management Committee may recommend to the A.G.M, or at a specially convened General Meeting that Life Membership be bestowed on any person deserving of that honour. Life Members shall have full voting powers at Council and General Meetings. Life Members should be limited in proportion to the size of the Management Committee. With the consent of the chairman and with the approval of the Management Committee a post/email ballot may be held to conduct the business of the League.

(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 May 31st 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 May 31st 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 in accordance with the foregoing for any office,nominations may be received at the AGM.

(C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting. No information is to be given to the Press by a member of the Management Committee without the prior consent of the Chairman OR, in his absence, the Vice Chairman. Any member of the management Committee absenting themselves from 2 consecutive meetings without valid reason may have their election annulled and the vacancy filled by the Management Committee. Any member removed under this rule will not be permitted to seek re-election for at least 2 years from the date of the Annual General Meeting following the removal. 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.

(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 Officers and sent to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6. Powers of Management

POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

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.

(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 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 or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote.

(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified. Charges brought outside this period will only be allowed under exceptional circumstances as decided by the management committee. With the exception of Rules 6(I), 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 charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:

(i) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or

(ii) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or

(iii) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or

(iv) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee.

A club may be charged under rule 6(H) for non-attendance at a hearing.

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. 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.

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. 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). With the exception of Teams playing at Step 7 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 Step 7 of the National League System 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 Association.

(E) 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.

(F) 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.

(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 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.

(I) Subject to a 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.

(J) 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.

(K) 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.

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

7. Complaints & Appeals

PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

7. (A) (i) 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.

(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 Competition Match.

(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.

(C) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have 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 Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

(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 prior to the protest or complaint being heard.

(i) All parties must have received 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.

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

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

(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 written notification 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 the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

(i) invite submissions by the parties involved;

(ii) convene a hearing to hear the appeal;

(iii) permit new evidence; or

(iv) impose deadlines as are appropriate

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

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

(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 the party not succeeding 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. Annual General Meeting

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8. (A) The AGM shall be held not later than 31st July in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 50% members are present and entitled to vote:-

(i) To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.

(ii) To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.

(iii) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.

(iv) Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.

(v) Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.

(vi) Appointment of auditors.

(vii) Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14)

(viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.

(ix) Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Step 7 which shall be determined by The FA).

(x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.

(B) A copy of the duly audited/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.

(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

(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.

(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.

(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides. In the event of the voting being equal on any matter the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

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

(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.

(I) Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM.

(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.

9. Special General Meetings

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

9. Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM. The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time. At least seven 7 days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs.

10. Agreements

AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

10. 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, ___________________________________ of __________________________________ (Chairman/Director)

and ___________________________________ of ____________________________________ (Secretary/Director)

_________________________________________________ Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Maidstone and District Football League Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.”

The agreement shall be signed by:

(i) Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or

(ii) Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club.

Any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the Kent County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11. Membership

CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWL OF A CLUB

11. (A) Any 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 by 31st March each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22(B). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. The membership for the coming season having been decided at a Special General Meeting held for that purpose not earlier than 1st June or later than 30th June or at the Annual General Meeting held not later than 31st July, 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.

(B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6(I), in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.

12. Misconduct

EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

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: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office; (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two 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.

(B) At the AGM, or at a 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, which must be supported by more than two-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.

(C) Any Officer or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to 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 clause (A) and/or (B) of this Rule.

(D) Any club or Team failing to complete 75% of its fixtures in any season (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(2/3) of the votes cast)be debarred from membership the following season.

(E) In exceptional circumstances the Management Committee may consider recommending the expulsion of any club to an A.G.M / S.G.M called for such purpose, if the said club has been found guilty by the Kent Football Association of serious misconduct which is deemed to bring the League into disrepute.

13. Trophy

TROPHY

13. (A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:- “We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chairman and Secretary of FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before 31st March each year. 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.” Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

14. Alteration to Rules

ALTERATION TO RULES

14. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season. Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by [30th April] in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by [ May 14th] and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by [ May 21st]. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if [ 50%] [a majority] of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.

A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting. Notwithstanding the above, the management committee is hereby empowered to make or vary any rule relating to cup competitions it may deem expedient or necessary.

15. Finance

FINANCE

15. (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 £500 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.

(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.

(E) Any cheque payment made to the league from clubs that are returned unpaid shall be subject to a fine in accordance with the fines tariff (£10).

16. Insurance

INSURANCE

16. (A) All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.

(B) All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.

Failure to comply with Rule 16(A) or 16(B) will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

17. Dissolution

DISSOLUTION

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

(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.

(i) 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.

(ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions

Match Rules

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18. Qualification of Players

19 Club Colours

20 Playing Season

21. Reporting Results

22. Champtionship

23. Match Officials

Cup Rules

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All the rules relating to players, league and cup matches. Click the tabs to find out more.

18. Qualification of Players

QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18. (A) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible has registered through WGS. Any registration form which is sent by either of the means set out at Rules 18(A) above that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed. If a Club attempts to register a player via WGS but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via WGS, the registration will not be processed. For Clubs registering Players via WGS (under Rule 18 (A)), Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process.

Players must be registered through WGS by 9.00pm, 2 days prior to fixture (9pm Friday for Sunday fixture). Any registration form which is sent by either of the means set out at Rules 8(B) (i) or (ii) above that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed. If a Club attempts to register a player via WGS but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via WGS, the registration will not be processed. For Clubs registering players via WGS (under Rule 8 (B) (iii)) Clubs must access WGS in order to complete the registration process.

B) (i) Contract players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of 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. It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any 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. (ii) Each Club must have at least 13 Players registered 10 days before the start of each Playing Season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(C) A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) to any club(s) shall be permitted to register and play for a Club in Competition Matches, save that the Player may be liable to be suspended from playing for that Club should the Player fail to comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.

(D) A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered.

(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.

(F) It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to:

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

(ii) 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.

(iii) Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through WGS for registration 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.

(G) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18(G) (ii) and (iii) below.

(ii) 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).

(iii) The Management Committee shall have power to make an application to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of 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.

(iv) For a Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18(G)(iii) but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.

(Note: Action under Rule 18(G) (iii) shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with 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 purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

(H) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C2(a) when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer form (in a format as determined by the Competition) to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such 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 within 3 days, the Secretary 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 [4 ] 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.

(I) A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after April 1st except by special permission of the Management Committee.

(J) A Club shall keep a list of the Players it registers and a record of all matches in which those Players have played for the Club , and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee.

(K) 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 an Officer of the Club at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only. In the event of a Non Contract Player without a written contract changing his status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, another Club in the Competition or with a club in another competition his registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18(B)(i). All Member Clubs shall have with them at pitch side for every League and Cup Competition Match a folder containing all the registration slips and photographs of the players. The Member Clubs must offer the opposing team the opportunity to view the folder in the presence of a Club Member 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and for 5 minutes after the match has concluded. A League Officer may view the folder at any time. A fine as set out in the fines tariff will be imposed for failure to comply with any of these conditions. Member Clubs must report to the Disciplinary Secretary within 3 days any opposing Member Club that fails to produce their folder. In the event of a player without a written contract changing his status to that of a contract player with the same club, another club in the Competition or with a club in another Competition his registration as a player without a written contract will automatically be cancelled and declared void. In order to play in the League again either his original Club or for another club it will be necessary for him to be re-registered as required by this rule.

(L) 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.

(M) A Team shall not include more than 2 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) are all League and Cup matches hosted by the League and County FA. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A recognized first team player is one who has played in 50% or more first team matches since he became eligible for the club, or has played in 3 consecutive first team matches in the current season. Not more than 2 recognized first team players shall be allowed to play in the reserve side in any one match.

(N) (i) Subject to Rule 18(N)(ii), any 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).

(ii) The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(N)(i) only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.

(iii) Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(N)(i) above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion:

a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject tothe 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).

d) Any team playing a player or players with a falsified match form(s) will be fined as set out in the fines tariff, and the match awarded to the opponents. Any player found guilty of playing under a false name will have his registration withdrawn immediately.

(O) The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education:- Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday leagues competitions).

(iii) To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.

(P) A Player who has played for a Team in the 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.

19 Club Colours

CLUB COLOURS

19 Every Club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 30th July who shall decide as to their suitability. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials. 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 its opponents the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 3 days before the Competition Match. If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, 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. Shirts must be numbered, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Any Club wishing to change its name and/or colours must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Any Club wishing to change its colours during the playing season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.

20 Playing Season

PLAYING SEASON, CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF, POSTPONEMENTS, SUBSTITUTES

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. All teams must play on the pitch they have nominated to the League, and which is printed in the handbook, except with the League’s prior knowledge and approval. In addition any club wishing to change its home pitch during the current season must get permission from the Management Committee first and have the new location inspected before the proposed move to confirm its suitability Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C). Within the National League System (“NLS”) all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes.

All Competition Matches outside of the NLS 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 fixed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs prior to the scheduled date of the Competition Match with written notification given to the Competition at least 7 days prior.

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 the footballs are unsuitable. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A suitable First Aid Kit MUST be present at all matches and MUST be maintained to an acceptable standard by the clubs. Random inspections will be made by the Management Committee and any club not complying will be fined as set out in the fine tariff

(B) Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed 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 (Fixtures) Secretary. 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).

(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 5 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.

(D) In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is [ 7]. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(E) (i) 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 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 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 neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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 (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials.

Any club wishing not to have a fixture on a certain date may apply to the Fixture Secretary in writing/email at least 35 days prior to the date in question giving reasons. Clubs will only be allowed to have 2 dates free of a match in any one season. This permission however does NOT apply to matches outside the jurisdiction of this League. On the publication of the League’s fixtures, from the Fixture Secretary, or on the League website, if a club does not have a fixture on a certain date, they shall have 7 days from the date of publication in which to inform the Fixture Secretary that they wish to remain free on that date. The Fixture Secretary can arrange mid week matches when clubs have a backlog of fixtures at the end of the season. All clubs are expected to comply with the arrangements of the Fixture Secretary and any matches not played will be reviewed by the Management Committee and the defaulting club dealt with accordingly. The Fixture Secretary shall have the power to arrange / rearrange a fixture by telephone/email at a minimum of 5 days notice to be confirmed in writing to both Club Secretaries.

(iv) In the event of a Competition Match not being played or 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 and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the Fixtures Secretary within 7 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, 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.

(v) 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 be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a Competition 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 Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition 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 Competition Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Competition Match.

(vi) The Management Committee shall review any Competition 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(N) above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

(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 may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used. A player who has been substituted himself 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 Club may use up to 5 from 5 substitute Players in a Competition Match. The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitute Players not later than 15 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match. A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition. All team sheets MUST be completed in ink and MUST be handed to the opposing club’s official for inspection and countersignature prior to the commencement of the match The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

(G) 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 his teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Prior to the start of the match the participating teams and officials shall conduct the “Respect” handshake.

21. Reporting Results

REPORTING RESULTS

21. (A) The Registration Secretary must receive by 6pm on the date played, or 6pm the following day in any evening fixture the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players and also the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. For all matches played a club must enter the following match details on to Full Time.

Starting Players
Substitutes Used
Yellow Cards
Sin Bins
Red Cards
Goal Scorers Referee Mark

Clubs failing to comply shall be fined in line with the fines tariff. The hard copies of both the home and away team sheets shall be retained for the entire season by the teams unless requested for submission. A Club falsifying any detail on either their team sheet shall be fined in line with the fines tariff, for full time entries they shall be fined £10 for each false entry to a maximum of £40 and be otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

(B) Both Clubs shall SMS the result of each Competition Match to the FA Full Time Website by 2.30pm. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. For evening fixtures the submission time if 10.30pm

22. Champtionship

DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

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 Teams gaining the highest number 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 favourable 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. In the event of two or more Teams still being equal, the Team which has the better playing 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.

(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 hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(L).

(i) Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has 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 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.

(iii) Rule not adopted.

(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.

(D) (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.

(E) Rule not adopted.

23. Match Officials

MATCH OFFICIALS

23. (A) Registered referees (and assistant referees where 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. No referee registered with or officiating in the Maidstone and Mid Kent Football League shall be allowed to register as a player for a club in the League (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 Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs must 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.

(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. The Management Committee may, if they consider it desirable, or upon application by both competing clubs, appoint Assistant Referees if available to any match. The cost of these extra officials will be met equally between both teams.

(D) 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.

(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee of £40 inclusive of travel expenses. All match official’s fees to be split equally between the two teams in the fixture. If a match is a double header the referee’s fees are capped at £60 and the assistant referees at £30. In all fixtures under the jurisdiction of this league it is the responsibility of the HOME club to pay the officials and seek reimbursement from their opponents on the day.

(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, shall be entitled to full fee plus expenses/half fee plus expenses/expenses only. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

(G) A referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their nonappearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.

(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. 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. The mark awarded by a club must be based on the referee’s overall performance. It is most important that the mark is awarded fairly and not based upon isolated incidents or previous games. The referee’s performance should be determined by the notes shown at the end of section (L) of this rule. When a mark of 60 or less is awarded, an explanation must be provided to the League Secretary in the form of a letter or email which should be sent within 4 days of the match. Even when a referee has shortcomings there will have been some positive aspects which should be given credit, extremely low marks (below 20) should be very rare. Failure to send in such a letter will be regarded as failing to attend to the business of the League (rule 6H) and dealt with accordingly

(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 Their County FA.

(J) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the Referees /assistant referees Secretary within two days of the Competition Match. The report should also include any other information requested by the league which is shown on the form.

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

(L) Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The County FA or the Competition.

Cup Rules

MAIDSTONE & MID KENT LEAGUE CUP RULES

(A) The clubs taking part in the League shall also be deemed to have formed the Challenge Trophy, Presidents Cup and Invitation Cup competitions, the games to be played on cup-tie principles. An appropriate entrance fee shall be paid in respect of each team for each competition, payable with the League fees in each season.

(B) Additional Cup trophies maybe played for at the discretion of the League Council, as and when necessary.

(C) In a postponed or replayed match, or a match re-arranged for another date owing to abandonment, only those players who were eligible on the date originally fixed for the match shall be allowed to play. A suspended player may play in a postponed or replayed match after his term of suspension has expired, provided he was otherwise eligible to play on the date of the original match.

(D) A player shall not be eligible to represent his club in the Semi-Final or Final unless he shall have been registered through the Whole Game System on or before January 31st in the current season. Players must also have played in TWO matches for their club under this League’s jurisdiction (Kent Cup matches do NOT count) in the current season, unless the Management Committee agree to make an exception in special circumstances, which can ONLY apply if the club’s regular goalkeeper becomes injured and there unavailable to play in a semi-final or final, subject to documentary evidence confirming the facts being provided to the League Secretary. Special circumstances cannot be claimed for any outfield player.

(E) In addition to the Trophies presented, the League may present souvenirs to the players taking part in the final tie. If a player taking part in a final is ordered to leave the field of play for misconduct, the souvenir for which he may be entitled may be withheld at the discretion of the Management Committee.

(F) A Cup Tie shall wherever possible take priority over a League Fixture

(G) The net profits of finals shall be devoted to the support of the League funds.

(H) ALL matches resulting in a draw after 90 minutes play shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark as defined in the Referees’ Chart (International Board Decision, 26th June 1970).

(I) If after 75 minutes the match is abandoned due to no fault of either club, the result will stand. If less than 75 minutes the match will be replayed at a venue and time arranged by the Management Committee. The referee will be the SOLE timekeeper. The management committee shall review all matches abandoned, in cases where it results from the conduct of either or both teams. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied the match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its club member(s) they shall be empowered to award the match to the opposition. In cases where the match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams or their Club member(s) the Management Committee shall rule the match null and void and expel both teams. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned match.

(J) Distinctive numbered shirts must be worn by all players in Cup Finals, the numbers to correspond with numbers on the programme.

(K) All team sheets MUST be completed in ink prior to the commencement of the match and MUST be handed to the opposing club’s official for inspection and signature prior to the commencement of the match.

(L) Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player shall be disqualified from the competition and may be fined a sum not exceeding £100-00. The match shall be awarded to the non-offending team. Similarly unless exceptional circumstances are proven an unfulfilled cup match will also be awarded to the nonoffending team, and a fine imposed of not more than £100-00 to the defaulting club. Any player who has already played for one club in a cup competition is ineligible to play for another club in the same competition in that season.

(M) The first named team will be at home in any semi final draw. The home club are responsible for arranging the tie and for the pitch costs. The League will appoint a member in charge. The League will appoint and pay the cost of the match officials. Both clubs are to bring a suitable match ball.

Final Tie - The League will arrange the Final Ties, The first named team will be designated as the home team. The cost of staging the Final will be borne by the League. The League will appoint a member in charge. The League will appoint the match officials. Both clubs are to bring 2 suitable match balls.

(N) The Management Committee or Sub-Committee designated for this purpose shall have the power to add to or alter and have powers to deal with any matters not catered for specifically in the foregoing rules, its decision being final and binding.

(O) CHALLENGE CUP - Competition entrants made at the discretion of the management committee During the same season the following will apply in all Cup Matches

a) A Reserve Team may play in the same cup as their First Team.

b) A player can only play for one team in one cup and cannot play in the same cup competition for any other team.

(P) PRESIDENT’S CUPS - The clubs shall be divided at the sole discretion of the League Committee into groups based on their League positions and achievements.

(Q) INVITATION CUP - Competition entrants made at the discretion of the management committee During the same season the following will apply in all Cup Matches

a ) A Reserve Team may play in the same cup as their First Team.

b ) A player can only play for one team in one cup and cannot play in the same cup competition for any other team.

(R) A cup fixture postponed by weather after two attempts to be played, will be re-scheduled at a venue determined by the League Council, with all pitch costs to be met by the home club.

Other Information

Info

Deciding a Referees Mark

FA Code of Conduct

Sportsmanship Marks

Fees Tariff

Fines Tariff

Info

Guidance on marking clubs, match officials and the league fees and fines tariff. Click the tabs below to find out more.

Deciding a Referees Mark

DECIDING A REFEREES MARK

The following questions focus on the key areas of a referee’s performance. They are intended as an “aide memoire”, and are not necessarily comprehensive and need not be answered individually. It is, however, worth considering them before committing yourself to a mark for the referee.

CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING

• How well did the referee control the game?

• Were the players' actions recognized correctly?

• Were the Laws applied correctly?

• Were all incidents dealt with efficiently/effectively?

• Was the referee well positioned to make critical decisions, especially in and around the penalty area?

• Did the referee understand the players' positional intentions and keep out of the way accordingly?

• Did the referee demonstrate alertness and concentration throughout the game?

• Did the referee apply the use of the advantage to suit the mood and temperature of the game?

• Was the referee aware of the players' attitude to advantage?

• Did the referee use the assistants effectively?

• Did the officials work as a team, and did the referee lead and manage them to the benefit of the game?

COMMUNICATION AND PLAYER MANAGEMENT

• How well did the referee control the game?

• Did the referee’s level of involvement/profile suit this particular game?

• Did the referee understand the players’ problems on the day – e.g. difficult ground/weather conditions?

• Did the referee respond to the changing pattern of play/mood of players?

• Did the referee demonstrate empathy for the game, allowing it to develop in accordance with the tempo of the game?

• Was the referee pro-active in controlling the match?

• Was the referee’s authority asserted firmly without being officious?

• Was the referee confident and quick thinking?

• Did the referee appear unflustered and unhurried when making critical decisions?

• Did the referee permit undue questioning of decisions?

• Did the referee deal effectively with players crowding after decisions/incidents?

• Was effective player management in evidence?

• Was the referee’s body language confident and open at all times?

• Did the pace of the game, the crowd or player pressure affect the referee negatively?

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Always try to be objective when marking. You may not obtain the most objective view by marking immediately after the game

• Judge the performance over the whole game. Don’t be too influenced by one particular incident.

• Don’t mark the referee down unfairly because your team was unlucky and lost the game or some disciplinary action was taken against your players.

Mark Range Comment

100-86 The Referee demonstrated very accurate decision-making and controlled the game very well using management and communication skills effectively to add value to the game.
85-76 The Referee demonstrated accurate decision-making and controlled the game well using management and communication skills to contribute positively to the game.
75-61 The Referee demonstrated reasonably accurate decision-making and despite some shortcomings generally controlled the game well.
60 and below The Referee demonstrated shortcomings in the accuracy of decision-making and control which affected the game.

Notes

• Club officials should use the full range of marks within each category to help distinguish between different performance levels, e.g. within the 85-76 category a mark of 84 indicates a better performance than a mark of 77.

• While some Referees may have below average performances, there will usually have been some positive aspects of their performance, so extremely low marks should be very rare.

• When club officials are marking a Referee, they should always look at the game as a whole and not isolated decisions.The result of the match should not influence the mark and disciplinary action should be judged objectively.

FA Code of Conduct

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION - A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FOOTBALL

Football is the national game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, owner or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association. Community – Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality – Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants – Football recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters.

Young People – Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety – Football acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

Trust & Respect – Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence – Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness – Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game. Integrity and Fair Play – Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play. By order of the Council November 1998.

Sportsmanship Marks

GUIDE TO SPORTSMANSHIP MARKING

91-100 The opposition were very courteous at all times to players, referee, officials and supporters. They welcomed all to their ground and ensured all facilities were readily available.

81-90 The opposition were courteous at all times to players, referee, officials and supporters.

71-80 The opposition were courteous to players, referee, officials and supporters prior to and after the match. Their behaviour on the pitch while not incurring any RED or YELLOW cards could be improved.

61-70 The opposition were courteous to players, referee, officials and supporters prior to and after the match. Their behaviour on the pitch while not incurring any RED cards could be improved.

51-60 he opposition were courteous to players, referee, officials and supporters prior to and after the match. Their behaviour towards their opponents, on the pitch requires definite improvements.

0-50 The behaviour of the opposition to players, referee, officials and spectators requires definite improvement based on their League positions and achievements

Fees Tariff

FEES TARIFF

RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAX FEE

4 (B) CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £144

4 (C) DEPOSIT £200

7 (C), 7 (E), 7(G) PROTEST/APPEAL FEES £25

18 (D) PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE £0

18 (H) TRANSFER FEE £15

23 (E) REFEREE FEES £40

23 (E) ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES £20

Fines Tariff

FINES TARIFF

RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM FINE

2 (G) FAILURE TO AFFILIATE £50

2 (I) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FA INITIATIVES £50

2 (K) UNAUTHORISED ENTRY OF TEAMS INTO COMPETITIONS £50

3 FAILURE TO OBTAIN CONSENT FOR A CHANGE OF CLUB NAME £50

4(E) FAILURE TO PROVIDE AFFILIATION NUMBER/DETAILS FORM £50

5(E) COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN NOMINATED OFFICERS £50

6 (H) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN INSTRUCTION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE £50

6 (I) FAILURE TO PAY A FINE WITHIN REQUIRED TIMEFRAME £5 per day

8 (H) FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT AGM £75

9 FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT SGM £75

10 FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR TO NOTIFY CHANGES TO SIGNATORIES £10

11 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL BEFORE DEADLINE £50

11 (B) FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES £50

13 (A) FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TROPHY £20

15 (E) RETURNED CHEQUE FOR LACK OF FUNDS £10 each occasion

16(A) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE £50

16(B) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED PERSONAL INSURANCE £50

18 (A) FAILURE TO CORRECTLY REGISTER A PLAYER £10

18 (B) (ii) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF REGISTERED PLAYERS PRIOR TO THE SEASON COMMENCING £5 per player max of £20

18 (F) REGISTERING OR PLAYING FOR MULTIPLE CLUBS, OR INACCURATE COMPLETION OF A REGISTRATION FORM £50

18 (G)(ii) REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES £25

18 (M) FIELDING MORE THAN THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SENIOR COMPETITIONS MATCHES £100

18 (N) PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER £100 + possible points deduction

19 DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO NO CHANGE OF COLOURS £20

19 FAILURE TO NUMBER SHIRTS £20

20 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED FIRST AID KIT WHEN REQUESTED £20

20 (B) FAILURE TO PLAY MATCHES ON THE DATE FIXED £45

20 (C) FAILURE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF A FIXTURE £20

20 (D) PLAYING MATCH WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED NUMBER OF PLAYERS £5 per player

20 (E) (i) & (iv) FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE Up to £100 + possible points deduction

7 Days £20

6 Days £25

5 Days £30

4 Days £35

3 Days £40

2 Days £45

1 Day £50

Morning of Game £100 + point deduction

20 (H) NO CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND £10

21 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE ONLINE MATCH DATA AS REQUESTED £20

21 (B) FAILURE TO PROVIDE SMS MATCH RESULT IN TIME £20

23 (C) FAILURE TO PROVIDE CLUB ASSISTANT REFEREE £20

23 (E) FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS’ FEES AND EXPENSES £20

23 (F) FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS WHERE A MATCH IS NOT PLAYED £20

23 (H) FAILURE TO PROVIDE REFEREE’S MARK £20

CUP RULES

D NOT SUPPLYING LIST OF PLAYERS FOR SEMI FINAL OR FINAL TO REGISTRATION SECRETARY WITHIN THE

STIPULATED TIME FRAME £25

L PLAYING AN UNREGISTERED OR INELIGIBLE PLAYER £100 + match awarded

POSTPONEMENT OF CUP MATCH £100 + match awarded

LEAGUE RULES

Maidstone & Mid Kent Sunday Football League