Rules and Regulations

League Rule Book

All League Rules, including the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Football, and League Rules voted in by Member Clubs.

Fees & FINES

A Summary page, showing all League Fees and Fines that are detailed in the League Rules.

LEAGUE RegulATIONS

Information on our Playing Formats, Pitch, Ball, and Goal sizes, playing Double Headers, and duration of Matches.

LAWS of the game

A link to the FA Handbook and The Laws of the Game on the theFA.com website

Below you’ll find all of the Rules that relate to the League. This includes Standard Code of Rules for Youth Football (SCORY), League Competition Rules, League Cup Rules, Trophy Event & Supplementary Cup Rules.

STANDARD CODE OF RULES FOR MINI SOCCER AND YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS (SCORY)

This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association for Mini Soccer and Youth Football Competitions (the “Standard Code”).
The Standard Code is mandatory for all Mini Soccer and Youth Football Competitions.
Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the Standard Code, using the same numbering and standard headings.
The mandatory rules are printed in normal text and the optional rules in italics.
It should be noted that in many cases rules are so printed because they are alternatives and the procedure to apply should be retained and the others omitted.
In all cases where a [ ] is shown the necessary name, address, number or wording to complete that rule must be inserted.
Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the Sanctioning Authority and do not conflict with the mandatory rules or any relevant principles and policies established by The FA. Guidance from the Sanctioning Authority should be sought in advance if there is any doubt as to the acceptability of additional rules.

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.

“Club Portal” means the system used by Clubs to affiliate teams as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Competition” means the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth 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.

“Mini Soccer” means those participating at ages under 7s to under 10s

“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 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 Birmingham County Football Association Limited.

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

“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.

“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.

“Youth Football” means those participating at ages under 11s to under 18s.

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 vice-versa.

GOVERNANCE RULES

COMPETITION NAME AND CONSTITUTION

2. (A) The Competition will be known as Coventry and Warwickshire Youth 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.

2. (B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 100 Clubs or 900 Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

2. (C) The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be 16-mile radius of the Council Offices, Coventry, CV1 2GN.

2. (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.

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 thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

2. (F) The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions (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.

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 (to include 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 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.

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 programmes. 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 as determined by The FA from time to time.

2. (K) Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing at a particular age group in the Competition in any other competition (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. A Club must immediately inform the Competition of the details of any fixture(s) in any other competition in which the Club has entered, for which written consent of the Management Committee has been obtained.

2. (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.

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 by 31st May 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 the voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the AGM or a SGM or on a date agreed by the Management Committee.

4. (B) The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Team (where a Club has more than one Team in membership of the Competition) and shall be payable on or before 14th July in each year.

4. (C) A Deposit of £25 shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team (where a Club provides more than one Team in membership of the Competition) and shall be payable on or before 14th July in each year. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

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

4. (E) Clubs must ensure that all its teams participating in the Competition are recorded as affiliated on the Club Portal for the forthcoming Playing Season by the following date 14th July. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority, 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.

4. (F) An all-female team can apply to the Competition to play an age group down in a mixed gender competition, subject to rule 8(A) 3. & 4. and provided the team has obtained approval from its Sanctioning Authority.

MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5. (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and a minimum of one member (but no more than 15 members), who shall all be elected at the AGM. _{The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and} ₁₅ _{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 31st May 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 31st May 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.

5. (C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

6. (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.

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:-

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

2. Accept the charge and notify 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 on the papers; or

4. Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case at 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.

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).

The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £100 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

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.

6. (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.

6. (F) 33% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.

6. (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.

6. (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.

6. (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.

6. (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.

6. (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.

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

PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

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 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.

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 their 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 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.

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 prior to the protest or complaint being heard.

1. All parties must have received 7 ₁₄ 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 _{forward a deposit of £10 and} indicate such when forwarding the written response.

7. (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.

7. (F) An intention to _A _ny appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority, with a copy sent to the Secretary, within 7 days of the Management Committee providing written notification of its decision.

A notice of appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority, with a copy sent to the Secretary, within 14 days of the Management Committee providing written notification of its decision, accompanied by the relevant fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority.

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.

(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.}

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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

1. To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.

2. To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.

3. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.

4. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.

5. Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.

6. Appointment of auditors.

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

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

9. Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season.

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

8. (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.

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 _{voting cards} 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 Chairman so decides.

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

8. (H)

1. 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.

2. Any club that has submitted a valid application to join the Competition for the forthcoming season must have the opportunity to be put forward for membership and to have a vote taken on their membership application.

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.

EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAM. 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.

12. (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 or Team 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.

12. (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 clauses (A) and/or (B) of this Rule.

MATCH RELATED RULES

QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18. (A) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-

1. Registered through the FA Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition.

For any players registered on the day of a match, a Club Officer must email the Competition with details of the registration 4 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 1 Player 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 their parent or guardian and 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 in a subsequent match in the Competition Day 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 1 Players may be registered in) this manner. The registration document must incorporate emergency contact details of the Players’ parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the Player attends within the management of the Club or Competition;

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 via the Player Registration System Clubs must access the Player Registration System in order to complete the registration process. The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the Player seeking registration together with confirmation that the Player’s proof of date of birth has been checked by the Club and is accurate.

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

18. (B)

1. 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, or Tiers 1-4 of the Women’s Pyramid 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.

2. A Player registered with a Premier League or EFL Academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan contained within Youth Development Rules will not be permitted to play in this Competition, except for those in the under 11 age-group and below where consent has been given by the relevant Premier League or EFL Academy (such consent can be withdrawn at any time). Trial players are not considered to be registered with a Premier League or EFL Academy for these purposes and therefore the prohibition on playing in the Competition does not apply to them. The relevant Premier League/EFL Academy remains responsible for managing the frequency of the player’s playing time. Details of the Youth Development Rules are published on The FA website. A Player registered with an FA Emerging Talent Centre or an FA Professional Game Academy may play in this Competition subject to the FA Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre Operating Criteria and Professional Game Academy Youth Development Rules.

3. Each Team must have the following number of 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.

18. (C) _(B)A child who has not attained the age of 6 shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match of any kind.

The relevant age for each Player is determined by their age as at midnight on 31 August of the relevant Playing Season i.e. children who are aged 6 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season (together with those who attain the age of 6 during the Playing Season) will be classed as Under 7 Players for that Playing Season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season will be classed as Under 8 Players for that Playing Season, and so on.

Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above their chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after 31 August is permitted to play only in the Under 7 age group, and may not play in the Under 8 age group, for that Playing Season. Girls in all female teams may also be permitted to play an age group down in accordance with Rule 4(F).

The age groups that children are eligible to play in are set out in the table below, subject to Rule 4(F), along with the permitted football formats for each of those age groups. For the purposes of this Rule 18(C), provisions relating to playing in specified age groups shall include participating in training as well as playing in matches. Children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the stated number of players, according to their age group:

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

18. (E) _(D) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes taking into account the following.

1. A Player shall not be permitted to register for more than one Club subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18(E) 3. below.

2. In the event of a Player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club in the Competition the valid registration submitted first shall take precedence. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the Player of the fact of the previous registration subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)3. below.

3. A Player is only permitted to register for more than one Club provided that:

a. The Team(s) in which the Player plays in are not in the same age group; or

b. Except for the purpose of a transfer.

And the Player meets the requirements in Rule 18(C).

18. (F) _(E) It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Player to:-

1. Play for more than one Team in the same age group 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 if the provisions set out in Rule 18(E)3. apply, or where the Competition adopts rule 18(P).

3. Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through the Player Registration System for registration that the Player had wilfully 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) _(F)

1. The Management Committee shall accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rule 18(G) 2. and 3. below.

2. The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player, the exercise of such power being without prejudice to the Management Committee’s ability to fine a Club at its discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) that has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).

3. The Management Committee shall have the power 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 or The FA. Where the Management Committee does not have enough information to enable it to make a decision pursuant to the above power, it may apply, in its absolute discretion, to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA for further information.

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

4. For 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 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)3. shall only be taken against a Player 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.)

18. (H) _(G)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 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 [to be updated] 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) _(H) A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st March except by special permission of the Management Committee.

18. (J) _(I) 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.

In the event a Club has more than one Team in an age group, each Team must be clearly identifiable but not designated ‘A’ or ‘B’ or 1st or 2nd. In such cases, Players will be registered for one Team only. A Player so registered will be allowed to play for their Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 18(C).

18. (K) _(J)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 changing their 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)1.

18. (L) _(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 [ 1] Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season. NOT APPLICABLE

18. (M) _(L)A Team shall not include more than [11 ] Players who has/have played in [ not recognised] or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 clear days has elapsed since they last played. 21 clear days is counted by excluding the day when the relevant Player last played and the day when the Player intends to play again.

For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is/are [not recognised ]. NOT APPLICABLE

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

18. (N) _(M)

1. Subject to Rule 18(N)2., 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.

2. The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(N)1. 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.

3. Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(N)1. above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion:

(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;

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

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

18. (O) _(N)

1. Priority must be given at all times to the 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 must be cleared with their head teacher (except for Sunday league competitions).

3. A child under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31 August in the relevant Playing Season, shall not be permitted to play in a Competition Match during that Playing Season where any other Player is older or younger than that child by two years or more.

18. (P)

1. 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.

2. If a Player’s registration is cancelled they will not be eligible to play in the Competition for a period of 7 days from the date of cancellation.

CLUB COLOURS

19. (A) Every team must register the colour and design of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 31st July who shall decide as to their suitability.

19. (B) Any team wishing to change the colour(s) and/or design(s) of its shirt(s) and short(s) during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee in advance of making that change.

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 goalkeeper jersey) at least 4 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 all be numbered differently, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

Names of Youth Players shall not appear on the shirts, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

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 or, for Mini-Soccer, The Mini-Soccer and Youth Futsal Handbook, or, for 9v9 football, The FA’s Guide to 9v9 Football.

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 Competition 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 Matches on another ground.

Artificial 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 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 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).

Overhead netting is allowed for 5v5 and 7v7 mini soccer if the overhead netting height is at a minimum of 6m. No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches.

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.

All Competition Matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the Competition Match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.

Competition Matches should be played in accordance with the Laws appropriate to the relevant age group, as laid down by The FA, as detailed below.

Competition Matches for age groups from U7 to U10 can be played in either quarters or halves. This Competition uses quarters/halves (delete as appropriate).

For round robin/trophy events, the maximum duration of play per half cannot be exceeded, but the minimum duration of play per half may be adjusted.

For trophy events, the Competition may award mementos.

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 Competition 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.

20. (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 appropriate Age Group 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 Competition 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 time of kick-off and kit colours (including goalkeeper) to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 4 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. The opposing Club must confirm receipt and give notice of its kit colours (including goalkeeper) at least 4 days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If either is not provided, the relevant 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) The minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is as follows:

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

20. (E)

1. In competitions where points are awarded, home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall decide whether it should either:

a. award the points from the Competition Match in question to the Club’s opponent (without the awarding of goals)

b. order the Competition Match to be rescheduled. The Management Committee shall also have the power to order the rescheduled Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent Club’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.

In addition, the Management Committee may at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

a. impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff),

b. deduct points from the defaulting Club,

c. order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents.

2. 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.

3. 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 appropriate Age Group Secretary within 5 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.

4. 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.

5. 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)(i) above. Where both Teams were under suspension the Competition Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

6. Where a Competition Match has been abandoned for any reason both Clubs must, within 24 hours, give notice to the Competition League Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20. (F) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match.

Where a Competition does not allow return substitutes:

For Under 17s and Under 18s – a Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used.

Where a Competition does allow return substitutes:

For Under 11s – Under 18s – a Club may use up to 5 from 5 substitute Players. A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace any Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the Game.

For Mini-Soccer – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A Player who has been replaced may return to play as a substitute for another Player. A Team must not have a match day squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.

In Youth Football only, the referee shall be informed of the names and the substitute Players 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.

A Player who has named as a substitute before the start of that Competition Match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

20. (G) 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.

20. (H) The Teams taking part in Under 7s to Under 11 or Youth Football shall identify a Team captain who may wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20. (I) Where a suspension imposed in relation to a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) upon a Club by The FA or Affiliated Association is not lifted, and/or the Club does not provide confirmation from The FA or Affiliated Association that such suspension is lifted to the Competition Secretary by [Time] [1 or 2] [to be advised] days before a fixture, that fixture will be treated as an unfulfilled fixture and dealt with in accordance with Rule 20(E)1.

REPORTING RESULTS

21. (A) The appropriate Age Group Secretary must receive within 4 days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also the referee markings required by Rule 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.

21. (B) Both Clubs shall use telephone/SMS/email/FA Full Time as directed by the Competition to notify the result of each Competition Match to the the FA Full-Time SMS results service by the day of the fixture. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21. (C) _(B) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the Club, or as prescribed by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21. (D) _(C) The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect but NOT publish results or any grading tables for fixtures involving Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, and Under 11s. Any Competition failing to abide by this Rule will be dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and any Club failing to abide by this Rule will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect and publish results for trophy events.

DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

22. (A) In Competitions where points are awarded, 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 may be determined by a deciding match or matches played under conditions determined by the Management Committee, or the position shared.

22. (B) _(C) 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).

1. 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.

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 subject to the conditions of Rule 22(B)1. above. NOT APPLICABLE to this League

4. Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have a 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. NOT APPLICABLE to this League

5. Should either or both of the relegated Teams in any of the divisions have a Team in the next lower division, relegation shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next lowest Team or Teams in the division concerned. NOT APPLICABLE to this League

22. (C) _(D) In addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22(B), a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows [ ]. NOT APPLICABLE to this League

22. (D) _(E)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.

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.

23. (B) 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 open age competition and individuals under the age of 14 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. Referees between the ages of 14 and 16 are only eligible to officiate in competitions where the Players’ age band is at least one year younger than the age of the referee, for example a 15-year-old referee may only officiate in competitions where the age banding is 14 or younger.

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) being imposed on the defaulting Club.

23. (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.

23. (E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of £0 per mile / or inclusive of travel expenses.

Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match, unless otherwise ordered by the Management Committee. 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, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses. 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.

23. (G) A referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their nonappearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which they are 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 FA/County FA.

23. (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 (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 have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition.

SCORY Fees Tariff

Schedule of Fee for Rules in SCORY

Rule Number	Description	Maximum Fee
4 (A)	Club Entry Free	£50.00
4 (B)	Club / Team Annual Subscription	£150.00
4 (C)	Deposit	£100.00
7 (C), 7 (E), 7 (F)	Protest / Appeal Fees	£25.00
18 (D)	Player Registration Fee	£10.00 (per player)
18 (H)	Transfer Fee	£10.00
23 (E)	REFEREE FEES Under 7 to Under 8 (Mini Soccer) Under 9 to Under 11 (Mini Soccer) Under 12 to Under 14 (Youth Football) Under 15 to Under 18 (Youth Football)	£10.00 £15.00 £35.00 £40.00
23 (E)	ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES Under 7 to Under 8 (Mini Soccer) Under 9 to Under 11 (Mini Soccer) Under 12 to Under 14 (Youth Football) Under 15 to Under 18 (Youth Football)	£10.00 £10.00 £20.00 £25.00

SCORY Fines Tariff

Schedule of Fines for Rules in SCORY

RULE NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	MAXIMUM FINE
2 (I)	Failure To Comply With FA Initiatives	£100.00
2 (K)	Unauthorised Entry Of Teams Into Competitions	£100.00
3	Failure To Obtain Consent For A Change Of Colours	£30.00
4 (C)	Failure To Pay A Deposit	£100.00
4 (E)	Ensure Teams Are Recorded As Affiliated In The Club Portal	£100.00
5 (E)	Communications Conducted By Persons Other Than Nominated Officers	£25.00
6 (H)	Failure to comply with an instruction of the management committee	£100.00
6 (I)	Failure to pay a fine within required timeframe	Double The Original Fine Up To £100.00
8 (H)	Failure to be represented at AGM	£100.00
9	Failure to be represented at SGM	£100.00
10	Failure to submit the required written Agreement or to notify changes to Signatories	£25.00
11 (A)	Failure to provide notice of withdrawal before deadline	£100.00
11 (B)	Failure to commence/complete fixtures	£100.00
13 (A)	Failure to submit the required written Agreement regarding the trophy	£25.00
16 (A)	Failure to have the required insurance	£100.00
16 (B)	Failure to have the required insurance	£100.00
18 (A)	Failure to correctly register a player	£40.00
18 (B) 3.	Failure to have the required number of Registered players prior to the playing season Commencing	£25.00
18 (F)	Registering or playing for multiple clubs or inaccurate completion of a registration form	£25.00
18 (G) 2.	Registration irregularities	£100.00
18 (M)	Fielding more than the permitted number of Players who have participated in senior Competitions matches	£100.00
18 (N) 1.	Playing an ineligible player	£100.00
18 (O) 1.	Failure to give priority to school activities	£50.00
19	Failure to number shirts	£10.00 (per shirt, up to an aggregate maximum of £30)
19	Failure to comply with no players names on shirts	£10.00 (per shirt, up to an aggregate maximum of £50)
19	Delaying kick off to due to no change of colours	£30.00
20 (A)	Delaying kick off due to failure to provide required equipment	£30.00
20 (B)	Failure to play matches on the date fixed	£100.00
20 (C)	Failure to provide details of a fixture	£50.00
20 (D)	Playing match with less than required number of players	£100.00
20 (E) 1. & 3.	Failure to play fixture	£100.00
20 (E) 6.	Failure to notify of abandonment of match	£20.00
20 (H)	No captain’s armband	£10.00
21 (A) & 21 (C)	Late result notification form	£20.00
21 (B)	Failure to provide result	£20.00
21 (C)	Publishing results/grading tables for fixtures involving U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s or U11s	£50.00
23 (C)	Failure to provide club assistant referee	£25.00
23 (E)	Failure to pay match officials fees and expenses	£25.00
23 (F)	Failure to pay match officials where a match is not played	£25.00
23 (H)	Failure to provide referee’s mark	£25.00

SCHEDULE B – INDEX

Rule 1 – Definitions

GOVERNANCE RULES

Rule 2 – Name and Constitution

Rule 3 – Club Name

Rule 4 – Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit

Rule 5 – Management, Nomination, Election

Rule 6 – Powers of Management

Rule 7 – Protests, Claims, Complains, Appeals Rule

Rule 8 – Annual General Meeting

Rule 9 – Special General Meeting

Rule 10 – Agreement to be Signed

Rule 11 – Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club

Rule 12 – Exclusion of Clubs, Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee

Rule 13 – Trophy

Rule 14 – Alteration to Rules

Rule 15 – Finance

Rule 16 – Insurance

Rule 17 – Dissolution

MATCH RELATED RULES

Rule 18 – Qualification of Players

Rule 19 – Club Colours

Rule 20 – Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off Postponements. Substitutes

Rule 21 – Reporting Results

Rule 22 – Determining Championship

Rule 23 – Match Officials

SCHEDULE A

Fees Tariff

Fines Tariff

LEAGUE COMPETITION RULES

1. NAME AND CONSTITUTION

1.1 Clubs applying for membership from outside of the Competition’s boundaries radius will only be considered by the Management Committee provided there are extenuating circumstances for the Club’s application and permission is given from the Sanctioning Authority.

1.2 The Competition is a registered FA Respect League and requires all Clubs to have achieved England Football Accredited Club status. The Management Committee may expel any Club that has failed to achieve England Football Accredited Club status. New Clubs have one year following their initial membership of the League to achieve England Football Accredited Club status. The Competition has the right to refuse membership to a Club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving this award.

1.3 Clubs must be represented at all monthly League meetings shown in Rule 2.4. Failure to attend without apologies will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff). Two apologies per Club will be allowed each Playing Season.

1.4 The League meetings are on the second Tuesday of each of the following Months June, August, September, October, May, at the Unicorn Social Club at 8pm, November, February, March, by zoom video at 7:30pm

1.5 Teams due to play in a division totalling 7 or fewer Teams before the ensuing Playing Season commences shall play a third League fixture against each other. The Age Group Secretaries shall be the sole arbiter in deciding where the third fixture will be played. In the third fixture all expenses shall be shared equally.

1.6 Notwithstanding League Rule 20.6, Teams in the under 7 and under 8 age groups will play matches on Saturdays, and Teams in the under 9 to under 18 age groups will play matches on Sundays, In the Girls Divisions all age group teams will play matches on Saturdays.

1.7 The League fully supports tin he provisions of Birmingham County FA’s sustainability efforts and its ‘Save Today, Play Tomorrow’ initiative and recommends that all Clubs sign BCFA’s sustainability pledge for a cleaner, plastic-free, low carbon and environmentally friendly national game. The League, in adopting this initiative, requires Clubs/Teams to clear all waste and rubbish from their pitch(es) after each match and either use any litter bins provided on site and/or take rubbish home and recycle as much as possible. Any Club/Team using a local authority site/facility which leaves any litter/waste and where it is evidenced that any Club/Team has NOT cleaned up after their match shall be subject to a charge under Rule 2(I). Any Club/Team found to have been in breach of this Rule shall have a fine levied upon it in accordance with Fines Tariff.

Further information can be found via this link: https://www.birminghamfa.com/about/save-today-play-tomorrow

4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

4.1 Annual subscriptions for this League & Girls Division for the ensuing season will be as follows:

FORMAT | FEE

5v5 Mini-Soccer | £30 / team

7v7 & 9v9 Mini- Soccer | £45 / team

Youth Football | £50 / team

4.2 Clubs that fail to pay the annual subscriptions in accordance with SCORY Rule 4 (B) shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) and will be advised that if payment is still outstanding on the 31st July they shall be deemed as having resigned from the Competition.

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5.1 The Management Committee shall meet monthly at 7:30pm on the first Monday of each month.

5.2 No more than two individuals who are Officials from any one Club shall be permitted to serve on the Management Committee.

5.3 Any member of the Management Committee who fails to attend 3 consecutive Management Committee meetings without giving an adequate apology shall be deemed to have resigned their position and the Management Committee may co-opt from the membership if it deems necessary, a member to fill the vacancy, until an appointment is made by means of a Special General Meeting called for that purpose and advised to the membership prior to the next applicable general meeting.

6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

6.1 The Competition shall require all Clubs to provide their Parents/Carers and also Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials with the League’s Code of Conduct (see Appendix 2), and ensure that they adhered to at all times.

6.2 Clubs considered being guilty of breaches of the League’s Codes of Conduct (see Appendix 2), and thus bringing the League into disrepute, shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.

6.3 Telephone calls are not to be made to Management Committee Officers after 8pm.

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8.1 An attendance register is positioned at the front of the room at all meetings and is to be signed by a representative of each Club in attendance. The representative shall:

8.1.1 Print only their name in the space provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) and the Club representative will not be issued with their Club’s voting card and will forfeit their Club’s right to any vote taken at the meeting.

8.1.2 Be issued with their voting card, which must be returned after the meeting. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

13. TROPHY

13.1 The League Division Cups not returned by Clubs by March 31st of the current Playing Season shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) with a further fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) imposed for each week or part week that the Cup is not returned to the Competition.

13.2 Clubs who have won cups as winners in the previous season and return them Dirty or Damaged they shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff). the offending Club will be responsible for the cost of cleaning and/or repair. (In the event cups are lost, the Club is responsible for the cost of the full replacement cost).

13.3 Clubs or Teams who intend to withdraw from the Competition who have won cups in their concluding season, the cup(s) are to be returned to the League by 30th September of the ensuing Playing Season.

18. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18.1 Players photographs for the team’s squad list are required to be uploaded through the FA Player Registration system, with the players squad list photographs being retaken every three years.

18.2 All photographs must have the Player’s face fully visible, this includes members of the teams Coaching Staff, the only exceptions for the wearing of headgear are on religious or medical grounds only.

18.3 Clubs are responsible for printing and updating the teams Squad List through the FA Player Registration system, with their full squad of registered Players including all the teams Coaching Staff permitted to stand in the technical area during a match. new players added to the team during the current playing season or any de-registrations player(s) from the squad, it’s the responsibility of the team to ensure they update the squad list and reprint the Squad List.

18.4 Teams shall be permitted to sign the maximum number of Players to their squad as shown in the table below. Exceptions to the maximum squad size shall be considered at the discretion of the Management Committee.

AGE GROUP | MAX SQUAD SIZE | MAX MATCHDAY SQUAD SIZE

Under 7 & 8 | 10 | 10

Under 9 to 12 | 14 | 14

Under 13 to 15 | 16 | 16

Under 16 to 18 | 20 | 16

18.5 Team Officials shall upload a current photograph of their head/shoulders to their FAN record through the FA Registration system.

19. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME

19.1 Advertising on Players clothing must be in accordance with Football Association Rule J2. Clubs must advise the Competition of the name or logo they propose advertising and receive the Competition’s written permission before proceeding.

20. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY. TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES

20.1 The commencement and concluding dates for the Playing Season shall be: –

AGE GROUP | COMMENCE | CONCLUDE

Under 7 & 8 | 6th Sep 2025 | 31st May 2026

Under 9 to 18 | 7th Sep 2025 | 31st May 2026

Girls’ Divs 7 to 10 | 6th Sep 2025 | 31st May 2026

20.1.1 Scheduled fixtures shall not be issued on a Saturday / Sunday immediately preceding the Bank Holiday Monday. of Easter and Whitsun including May Day, or during the Sundays of the Christmas and New year Holiday period.

20.1.2 Scheduled fixtures shall not be issued on the Saturday or Sundays of school half term holidays of October and February. The kick-off times for the Playing Season are between10am and 2pm, and are set by the home Team when confirming the fixture in accordance with SCORY Rule 20 (C). issued on FA Full Time, and cannot be amended after midnight on Tuesday prior to the fixture, unless it’s mutually agreed by both Teams. Any changes made to the kick-off time after midnight ofTuesday shall revert back to the kick-off time printed and issued on FA Full Time. Failure to confirm the fixture by the home Team in accordance with SCORY Rule 20C shall result in fine being issued (in accordance with the Fines Tariff Teams are permitted to play scheduled fixtures under floodlights, with the agreement of both Team’s Officials.

20.2 With the exception of conditions detailed in clause 20.4.5, postponements shall be permitted provided where a Closed Date is requested by the Club Secretary 7 days minimum notice is given by logging into the League Admin area. https://www.cwyl.helpwithit.co.uk/procedures/admin/

20.2.1 Each Team shall be permitted two Closed Dates to use any time during the playing season 7 days’ prior notice is required for all closed dates and must be submitted by the League Admin area https://www.cwyl.helpwithit.co.uk/procedures/admin/

20.2.2 Teams shall be permitted Two Emergency closed dates during the playing season for Sunday League Division fixtures only, (excluding the internal cup fixtures or the Trophy Events) provided notice is given to the age groups secretary of those age groups requesting the Emergency Closed Date no later than 12- midnight the Friday evening prior to the Sunday fixture a n d 12 midnight Thursday prior to the Saturday Teams fixture by login into The League Admin area https://www.cwyl.helpwithit.co.uk/procedures/admin/

20.2.3 Teams requesting emergencies, close date for their Saturday or Sunday League Division fixtures. A fee of £10 shall be required from the Team requesting the emergency Closed Date. In the event it is the away Team requesting the Closed Date and the home Team was required to pay for the use of their venue the away Team shall be required to pay the whole amount of the home Team’s venue fee, provided the home team submit a copy of their pitch fee paid invoice payment to submit to the League secretary of proof of their payment for the venue for that day.

20.2.4 With the exception of Closed Dates for emergencies as detailed in clause 20.3.3 no Closed Date shall be sanctioned after 31st March in the Playing Season. Any Closed Date required for fixtures after 31st March must be applied for by 31st March, giving 7 days’ notice and will be awarded at the discretion of the Management Committee.

20.3 In the event that it is known on, or before, the day before a scheduled fixture, including League cup fixtures, that the home Team’s pitch is unfit for play, the home Team may nominate an alternative venue; if this is not available the fixture must be switched to the away Team’s Ground, if available and fit for play. The same kick-off time will apply, unless both Team Officials agree to a new kick-off time. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), and at the discretion of the Management Committee the Competition Match can either be awarded to the opponents of any Team failing to comply with this Rule or to declare the fixture void (not to be played).

20.3.1 In the event that the match is a league division fixture and the home team has played the opponents away in the current playing season the home team is required to contribute a maximum of £25 towards the hire of the away team’s venue should the away team wish to claim the contribution.

20.4 The Age Group Secretary shall have the power to instruct Teams in the under 12’s to Youth age groups to play midweek fixtures when circumstances require it. The under 16’s and Youth age groups shall be issued scheduled fixture during the month of September; in all midweek fixtures the onus will be on both. Team Officials to agree the date and kick off time within that week to play the fixture. In the event that agreement cannot be reached, the Age Group Secretary shall stipulate the date on which the fixture shall be played, and may take subsequent action against either or both teams should they fail to honour the fixture, and may be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.5 Team Officials shall give their Squad List to the opposing Team Officials before the commencement of each game. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.6 Team Officials shall be entitled to keep the opposition’s Squad List for the duration of the Competition Match, if so desired, but must return it at the end of the game. Clubs who fail to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.7 (A) Team Official(s) who hold their team players squad list on their personal mobile phones are required to ensure they have a hard copy of their squad list of players at the fixture to comply with this clause, should the opponents insist on having the oppositions squad list for the duration of the match. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff)

20.8 Failure to produce the players Squad List shall not be any reason to postpone a fixture. Failure to produce a Squad List to the opposition Team Official, shall entitle the opposition Team Official to request the signature(s) of the Player(s) next to their name(s) on the Team Sheet and their date of birth next to their name. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.9 Any Management Committee Officer has the power to impose any check necessary to determine the qualification of Players under Rule 8, including the inspection of the Squad List. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall incur a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.10 The League recommends that Teams play the maximum duration of play in all age groups, as detailed in SCORY Rule 20(A).

20.11 Double Header fixtures shall be issued, when necessary, by the Age Group Secretary of each of the under 12’s to under 18’s age groups, each of the two games shall require two separate team sheets with two separate results states being completed, the Referees must be informed when their fixture is being confirmed or the volunteer Referee before the first match of the Double Header kicks off, the two matches in the Double Header shall be required to have a half-time interval of a minimum of 5 minutes’ duration.

Double Header Durations of Play

Under 12

1st match – two equal halves of 20 minutes – period of play = 40 mins

2nd match – two equal halves of 20 minutes – period of play = 40 mins

Under 13 to Under 18

1st match – two equal halves of 25 minutes – period of play = 50 mins

2nd match – two equal halves of 25 minutes – period of play = 50 mins

Any double header matches not played to the required period of play listed above without this being fully implemented will be declared void and re-played.

20.12 Each home Club shall make arrangements for the provision of the designated areas for spectators with all supporters on the same sideline of the pitch. The other sideline will be reserved for Team Officials and the Teams’ substitutes. The spectator’s area can be marked by the additional painted line, cones, a roped off area, or use of a temporary spectator barrier. The area for spectators should start 2 metres from the touchline of the pitch. The area should run the full length of the pitch. Not always possible to achieve at some public pitches. Spectators must also be on the opposite side to the Team Officials. All areas behind goals should also be free from any interference by spectators. Failure to comply with this clause will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

20.13 All Teams must have a first aid kit at pitch-side at all Competition Matches; and must always take the first aid kit onto the pitch when attending to Player(s) injuries, any Team failing to comply with this clause shall be liable to a fine (in accordance with the Fine Tariff).

21. REPORTING RESULTS

21.1 The match sheets supplied by the League to all Clubs shall together represent the only official record of the Players and substitutes participating in either a League Division; fixture or the League Internal cup, and shall be fully completed.

In all age groups the fully completed match sheet shall be submitted to the appointed Referee not later than 10 minutes before start of the game.

In all age groups the top copies of the match sheets shall be exchanged after the Competition of the game, with the home Team retaining the away Team’s match sheet and the away Team retaining the home Team’s match sheet.

All match sheets thus exchanged (with the carbon copies remaining in the match sheet duplicate books) must be retained during the Season by each Team, until the League’s AGM, and must be available for inspection by the League when requested.

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

21.2 Players appearing on the match sheet, but not entering the field of play during a Competition Match, must have their name(s) crossed out and initialled by a Club Official.

21.3 Substitutes who play in the Competition Match must have their names ticked in the box provided for on the match sheet by the Match Official or Club Official.

21.4 Within 4 days of the scheduled fixture played the names of all players and substitutes, participating in the Match shall be entered into the FA Full-time Administration website by the home and away Team Officials. Clubs in default shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

21.5 In the under 12 to 18 age groups, the result must be reported for all outside cup competitions, including the Birmingham County Cup competitions and Bedworth Nursing Cup, to the teams age group secretary in accordance with SCORY Rule 21 (B). This will allow the Age Group Secretary to reschedule any Competition Match where outside cup Competition Matches take precedence over scheduled Competition Matches. Clubs in default shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

21.6 A postponement of any outside cup Competition fixture must be reported in the same manner to the Age Group Secretary.

23. MATCH OFFICIALS

23.1 Each Club shall pay 50% of the Match Official’s fee. The home Team shall be held responsible for ensuring the fee has been paid in full immediately after the Competition Match and shall have collected the away Team’s contributions.

23.2 Teams awarding marks to the referee of 60 or less shall detail in writing to the League Referee Officer their reasons for the low assessment within 7 days of the fixture. Teams failing to comply with this clause shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

23.3 The League Management Committee suggests that SCORY Rule 23(B) can be complied with by the two Clubs tossing a coin to decide which Club appoints the volunteer Match Official. Other methods of complying with this rule agreed by the Clubs are also acceptable.

23.4 Only Match Official appointed in a manner approved by their Sanctioning Authority in accordance with SCORY Rule 23(B) and appointed by the Competition, shall be entitled to receive payment of the Match fee in accordance with the fees tariff.

(i) Club volunteer Referees are not entitled to receive a Match fee in accordance with the fees tariff, and it will be entirely at each club’s discretion as to whether or not to make a gesture payment.

League Competition - Fines Tariff

The full wording of the following rules can be found in the League Competition Rules document; this wording is indicative only, and simply for the illustration of the fine amounts.

Rule Number	Description	Maximum
2.3	Failure To Attend a League Meeting Without Apologies	£10.00
4.2	Failure To Pay Annual Subscriptions in Time	£25.00
6.2	Being In Breach of the League's Code of Conduct	£25.00
8.1.1	Failure To Sign In at an AGM	£5.00
8.1.2	Failure To Return a Voting Card	£5.00
13.1	Failure To Return a Cup or Trophy by 31st March (Additional Fine Per Each Week Outstanding)	£10.00 per week
13.1	Failure To Return a Cup or Trophy by 31st March	£20.00
13.2	Failure to Exchange Match Sheets	£20.00
20.5	Failure To Switch Fixture to an Alternative Venue	£10.00
20.5.1	Failure To Contact the League for Alternative Pitch	£10.00
20.6	Failure To Fulfil a Midweek Fixture	£30.00
20.7	Failure To Give Squad List To The Opposing Team Manager Before the Start of Game	£20.00
20.7 (A)	Failure To Give the hard copy of The Squad List To The Opposing Manager Before the Start of Game	£20.00
20.8	Failure To Allow a Team To Keep The Squad List for the Duration of a Match	£10.00
20.9	Failure To Supply Signatures of Each Player Playing on The Team Sheet if Required	£10.00
20.10	Failure To Allow a Player ID Inspection	£10.00
20.14	Failure To Provide Designated Spectator Area	£20.00
20.15	Failure To Have a First Aid Kit at Pitch-Side	£20.00
20.15	Failure To Take First Aid Kit onto the Field of Play When Attending To An Injured Player	£20.00
21.1	Failure To Submit Team Sheet to Referee in Time	£20.00
21.4 & 21.5	Failure To Provide Results & Fully Complete Result States	£20.00
23.2	Failure To Submit Report for Referees Low Mark	£10.00

KNOCK-OUT CUP COMPETITION RULES

These competitions shall be run under the jurisdiction of the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Football League and played in accordance with the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Football League, League Rules with the following additions:

NOTE: The Cup Final will be played on a 3G pitch, unless unavailable at the time required.

(A) All teams from under 12 to under 18 age groups automatically qualify to compete in the internal Knockout Cup Competition, prior to the first round a preliminary round for each of the age groups may be required, the Management Committee shall be the sole arbiter to calculate the number of teams, required in each of the age groups. draws. It shall not be mandatory for teams in all the age groups below Division B to compete in the Knock-Out Cup Competition. Should they wish not to compete in the current playing season they are permitted to opt out. Teams that opt out must inform their Age Group Secretary by the 1st September of their intention not to compete in the cup Competition.

The names of the Clubs qualifying for round one shall be drawn in couples and compete separately until four Clubs are left in each age group, in each age group these teams shall compete as semi- finalists. When the finals are played, the winning team shall hold the trophy for the current season.

(B) In the Under 12 to Under 18 Cup Competitions, in the event that scores are equal at the end of normal time in all rounds, including the Cup Final, extra time shall not be played, penalties shall be taken in accordance with F.I.F.A. Rules and Regulations to decide the winner. Clubs not complying with this Rule will be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

(a) In the event that the cup game has not been played in accordance with Competition Rule 24(B), the cup game shall be replayed on the venue of the opposing Club, or as stipulated by the Management Committee.

(C) In the event that Teams contesting the Cup Finals have the same kit colours, the team drawn out first from the FA Full Time cup draws shall have the right to play in their first-choice Colours, with the opponents having to play in alternative kit colours.

(a) All participating teams shall provide two suitable match balls, and to exchange Club pennants at the Cup Final.

(D) Match officials shall be appointed for all Semi-Finals and Finals. The Semi-Finals will be played on the pitch of the Team drawn out first. Finals will be played on venues determined by the Management Committee.

(E) The League shall appoint assistant referees for Semi-Finals, for age groups under 12 to under 18, if available.

(F) In Semi-Finals expenses for the venue and the appointed Match Officials shall be equally shared by both teams.

(G) In order for a player to be eligible to play in a Semi-Final the player must have played in four of the League’s Competitions scheduled fixture programs in the current playing season for that team (non=playing substitute shall not count). having qualified by playing the required number of Competition matches for that team the player is then automatically eligible to play in the Cup Final.

(H) A Player can only play for one age group in the current seasons Cup Competition. If the player is transferred or registers for another Team during the season having played in any of the League’s age group Cup Competitions the player cannot play for the new team in the current playing season the player is ‘Cup Tied’.

(a) Clubs shall be held responsible to ensure that player(s) transferred into their Club during the season have not represented their pervious club in any of our internal age groups Knockout Cup Competition during the current playing season.

(b) The team sheet supplied shall represent the only official record of the Players and substitutes participating in the Cup fixture and must be fully completed by both Teams and submitted to the referee not later than ten minutes before the start of the match. Substitutes who play in the match must have their names ticked off in the box provided for on the Team sheet by the Match Official.

(c) A Player named as a substitute but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that cup game.

(I) Any Team playing an unregistered Player or ineligible Player shall be removed from the Cup Competition and fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff). In the event that the next round of the Competition has not been played, the Team eliminated by that Team which played an unregistered or ineligible Player, shall be reinstated, taking the offending Teams place in the next round of the Competition. In the event that the next round had been played the offending Team shall be eliminated from the Cup Competition, had the opponents lost the Cup fixture they shall be reinstated and placed in the next stage of the Cup Competition.

(J) Any League Cup fixtures not played on the date originally scheduled, due to adverse weather conditions or the pitch being unfit, shall be played on the next League conference cup date, or as determined by the Age Group Secretary. This is subject to commitments Teams may have in F.A. and B.C.F.A. Cup Competitions.

Any first-time postponed League Cup fixture shall be played within 7 days of the original date. In the event of a second postponement the League Cup fixture shall be rescheduled by the Age Group Secretary, to be played on the next monthly League Cup conference date, at the venue of the second drawn team provided their venue is fit for play.

In the event it is known the day before the date of the scheduled League Cup fixture that the Team’s pitch is unfit for play the Team hosting the match may nominate an alternative venue. Should an alternative venue not be available the League Cup fixture must be switched to the opponents ground if available and fit for play.

The Referee’s match fee shall be paid immediately at the conclusion of the match by the home Team who is responsible for collecting the away Team’s part payment of the Referee’s match fee. Failure by the away Team to pay their contribution shall result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

(K) Internal League Cup fixtures shall have priority over League fixtures in the event that teams share a pitch.

(L) The Management Committee will consider any request for a change of venue, if both teams mutually agree to any change and both teams agree to share the expenses equally.

(M) Cup Semi-Finals or Cup Finals that are played on a ground that has a surrounding barrier, or is roped off, only the Coaching Staff, Substitutes, shall be allowed in the technical area. The Coaching Staff, and Substitutes must remain within the confines of the Technical Area, only one person at a time is permitted to convey tactical instructions.

(N) Two stewards must be nominated by each of the competing teams to supervise their supporters at the Cup Finals their names to be forwarded to the League Secretary prior to the Cup Final date.

(O) All participating Teams in the Cup Finals shall, on arrival, should present their Team’s Squad List to the League Committee member on duty at the dressing rooms, the squad list include the teams Coaching Staff allowed in the technical area, any member of the Coaching staff not identified on the teams squad list shall not be permitted in the technical area, The Squad List shall be held by the League for the duration of the match. Failure to produce the Squad List shall result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

(P) Clubs will be held responsible for the conduct of their spectators at Cup Finals. Spectators shall not bring any alcoholic drinks or Flares into the ground. This Rule applies to all Cup fixtures. Any Club whose officials or supporters are found guilty of this offence shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) and/or dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.

(Q) Player(s) dismissed from the field of play for violent conduct or serious foul play shall not be permitted to be part of their Team’s presentation party to receive the Team’s medals.

(R) The Management Committee shall have the power to deal with any matter affecting the conduct of the internal age groups Cup Competition not provided for in these rules.

(S) At the Cup Finals, dressing rooms will be checked on the Teams entry and then after each Cup Final in the presence of a Team Official prior to leaving. Any damage found will be recorded and the responsible Club will be liable for the cost required to make good any repairs.

Knock-Out Cup - Fines Tariff

The full wording of the following rules can be found in the Competition Rules document; this wording is indicative only, and simply for the illustration of the fine amounts.

Rule Number	Description	Maximum Fine
B	Failure to play the correct match format	£25.00
I	Playing an ineligible player	£100.00
O	Failure to produce the squad list	£20.00
P	Bringing any alcoholic drinks or flares into the ground	£100.00

TROPHY EVENT & SUPPLEMENTARY CUP COMPETITION RULES

These competitions shall be shall be run under the jurisdiction of the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Football League and played in accordance with the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Football League, League Rules with the following additions:

(A) The format of the competition will be decided by the Management Committee based on the number of Teams entering, and will contain a combination of group stages and knock-out rounds where possible.

(B) In any group stages teams will be in groups formulated by the Management Committee.

(C) In any knock-out stages of the Competition, if scores are equal at the end of normal time, no extra time shall be played. Penalties shall be taken in accordance with F.I.F.A. to decide the winner.

(D) In the Under 7 to 11 age groups only, if scores in the Finals are equal at the end of normal time, the Teams will be declared joint winners.

(E) All Competition Matches will be played at a venue to be decided by the Management Committee.

(F) A Player can only play for one age group in the current season in this competition; should a player be transferred or registers for another Team during the competition having played in the competition for another club, the Player is cup tied.

(G) In Trophy Event matches Teams shall not be permitted to use Closed Dates as described in League Rule 20.4.

(H) In the group stages, any scheduled Trophy Event match not played on or before the date scheduled shall be void (not to be played). In the event of a Team’s failure to honour the fixture on or before the date given, the Competition Match will be awarded against the defaulting Team, or if both teams fail to honour the fixture the Competition Match shall be void (not to be played).

(J) Prior to kick-off In the group stages teams shall take 5 penalty kicks, teams that then finish on equal points at the conclusion of the group stages their league table position shall be determined by the number of penalties recorded in the group stages. In the event that teams still have equal points including the same penalty kicks recorded the table position shall be determined by the FA Full Time cup draw system, the team drawn out first shall determine the top table position.

In the event that a team fails to participate in the taking of the penalty kicks the opponents shall record five penalties for their team, the league shall have the penalties recorded by the teams by the link to be submitted to all non-competitive age groups teams the penalty results shall be submitted separately from the match results states. In the group stages, the final league table position of teams finishing on level points shall be decided by the drawing of lots by the Management Committee.

(K) In the knock-out stages, where any scheduled Trophy Event match is not played on or before the date scheduled, lots shall be drawn by the Management Committee to determine the Team progressing to the next round. In the event of a Team’s failure to honour the fixture on or before the date given, the Competition Match will be awarded against the defaulting Team, or if both Teams fail to honour the fixture lots shall be drawn by the Management Committee to determine the Team progressing to the next round.

(L) Any Team playing an ineligible player prior to the knock-out stage and won the game, the points shall be awarded to the opponents and a further 3 points shall be deducted from their total. In the event the player played in the knock-out stage and the team won the match team, the match will be awarded to the opponents.

(M) Clubs shall be held responsible for the conduct of their spectators at the Final. Spectators under FA Rules must not bring any alcoholic drinks in to the ground or to the pitch-side; clubs found guilty of this offence shall be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).

(N) The Management Committee shall have the power to deal with any matter affecting the Trophy Event Competition not provided within these rules.

APPENDIX 1 – FA RULE C

Players Without Written Contracts

2 (a) Regulations Concerning Approaches

Players who are not under written contract to a Club may be registered with a number of Clubs at any time, subject to the following provisions and those of the Competitions in which they play:

(i) Competitions sanctioned by The Association under Regulation 3 of the “Regulations for the Sanction and Control of Competitions” may make their own regulations for the approach of Players between Clubs of the Competition.

(ii) During the current season* any Club wishing to approach a Player known to be registered with or having played for any other Club must give to the Secretary of each such Club seven days’ formal written notice of the intention to approach the Player. Formal written notice of approach need be given by: (A) a Saturday Club only to all Saturday Clubs (B) a Sunday Club only to all Sunday Clubs (C) a midweek Club only to all midweek Clubs.

(iii) The written notice must be sent by Special Delivery or Recorded Post, or a written acknowledgment otherwise obtained from the Secretary or Chairman of the Club approached. Facsimile or e-mail transmission may be used provided a receipt of acknowledgment is also obtained.

(iv) Following the date of posting of the written notice of approach, or receipt of an acknowledgment: (A) the Player may be registered on or after the eighth day; (B) the Player must have been registered on or before the 21st day.

(v) The approaching Club: (A) may not approach the same Player a second time in the same season; (B) may approach only one (1) Player at a Club at any time subject to (ix) below; (C) may not approach another Player at the same Club within 28 days of an earlier notice of approach or acknowledgment.

(vi) If an approach is made by a Player to another Club during the current season*, that Club shall give the Club(s), for which the Player is known to be registered or has played, seven days’ notice of approach as set out in (i) to (iv) above before registering the Player.

(vii) A Club which is the subject of a complaint alleging failure to give notice in accordance with this Rule may be subject to a charge of misconduct under FA Rule E1(b).

(viii) A Club proved to have breached the provisions of this Rule may have its current registration of the Player cancelled and be subject to such other penalty as The Association or Affiliated Association deems appropriate, in accordance with Regulation 8.1 of the Regulations for FA Disciplinary Action.

(ix) During the current season* a maximum of two Players may be approached in the manner described above if invited to trial at a licensed Football Association / FA Premier League / Football League Academy or Centre of Excellence.

*a current season runs from 1st July to the following 31st May

League Rule Book

Fees & FINES

LEAGUE RegulATIONS

LAWS of the game

STANDARD CODE OF RULES FOR MINI SOCCER AND YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS (SCORY)

DEFINITIONS

GOVERNANCE RULES

COMPETITION NAME AND CONSTITUTION

CLUB NAME

ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAM. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

TROPHY

ALTERATION TO RULES

FINANCE

INSURANCE

DISSOLUTION

MATCH RELATED RULES

QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

CLUB COLOURS

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

REPORTING RESULTS

DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

MATCH OFFICIALS

SCORY Fees Tariff

SCORY Fines Tariff

SCHEDULE B – INDEX

LEAGUE COMPETITION RULES

1. NAME AND CONSTITUTION

4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

13. TROPHY

18. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

19. CLUB COLOURS. CLUB NAME

20. PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY. TIMES OF KICK-OFF. POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES

21. REPORTING RESULTS

23. MATCH OFFICIALS

League Competition - Fines Tariff

KNOCK-OUT CUP COMPETITION RULES

Knock-Out Cup - Fines Tariff

TROPHY EVENT & SUPPLEMENTARY CUP COMPETITION RULES

APPENDIX 1 – FA RULE C

Players Without Written Contracts

2 (a) Regulations Concerning Approaches

APPENDIX 2 – POWER PLAY (Mini-Soccer Only)