2023-2024 – Junior Premier League

STANDARD CODE OF RULES FOR MINI SOCCER AND YOUTH FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS
This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association for Mini Soccer and Youth Football Co mpetitions (the “Standard
Code”).
The Standard Code is mandatory for all Mini Soccer and Youth Football Competitions.
DEFINITIONS
1. (A) In these Rules:
“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA.
“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.
“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.
“Competition” means the Junior Premier 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 into a written
contract of employment.
“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day
decisions.
“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.
“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.
“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the dat e on
which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.
“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
“Sanctioning Authority” means The FA [the [ ] 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.
“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.
(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 ‘’The Ellevate Junior Premier 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 enti tled to play in the Competition for any
reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.
(B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 500 Clubs and/or 4999 Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
(C) The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be Nationwide.
(D) The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned
herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.
(E) All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to
abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.
(F) The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules 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.
(G) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the a ppointed date in a manner
prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result
in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be gro uped in divisions, each
not exceeding 12 in number.
(H) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and
adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
(ii) This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that
inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective
of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or
disability or otherwise.
(iii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.
(I) Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England
Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(J) All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The FA from time to time.
(K) Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing 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.
(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.

CLUB NAME
3. Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Failure to comply
with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
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 1st of June 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.
(B) The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Club/Team (where a Club has more than one Team in membership of the
Competition) and shall be payable on or before 31 st July in each year.
(C) A Deposit of £100 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 31 st May in each year. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines
Tariff.
(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
(E) If requested by the Competition, Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 15th of August of its Sanctioning Authority affiliation number
for the forthcoming Playing Season. Clubs must advise the Secretary in writing, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and
any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(F) An all-female team can apply to the Competition to play an age group down in a mixed gender competition, subject to rule 8A(iii)&(iv) 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 up to 5 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.
(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 1st of June in each year.
All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in
writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 1 st of June in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the
notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the AGM.
(C) The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between eac h 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.
(D) Except where otherwise mentioned, all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition
and keep a record of its proceedings.
(E) All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
POWERS OF MANAGEMENT
6. (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-
committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters
within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.
(B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played
each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any club which may have
withdrawn during the Season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.
(C) Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote
thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represe nted or where there
may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote.
(D) The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the
Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.
With the exception of Rules 6(I), 8(H) and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a forma l written charge to the
Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:-
(i) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
(ii) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or
(iii) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
(iv) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case 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 mor e 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.
(E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.
(F) 66% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof.
(G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill, in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their
number.
(H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the
Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(I) Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of th e
decision.
Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14
days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.
(J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses
incurred refunded by the Competition.
(K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM
called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season.
(L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.
PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS
7. (A) (i) All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-
committee duly appointed by the Management Committee.
(ii) Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management
Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the Competition Match.
(B) Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full
particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match
or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A member of
the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of their Club) when such
protest or complaint is being determined.
(C) No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a
sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or prot esting 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 pa y the expenses of the
inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
(D) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at le ast 7 days
 prior to the protest or complaint being heard.
(i) All parties must have received 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.
(ii) Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should forward a deposit of £75 and indicate such when forwarding the written response.
(E) The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
(F) Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written
notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal
not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning
Authority, in such respect the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):
(i) invite submissions by the parties involved; or
(ii) convene a hearing to hear the appeal; or
(iii) permit new evidence; or
(iv) impose deadlines as are appropriate.
Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.
(G) No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
8. (A) The AGM shall be held not later than 31st July in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 150 members
are present and entitled to vote:-
(i) To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.
(ii) To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.
(iii) Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
(iv) Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
(v) Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.
(vi) Appointment of auditors.
(vii) Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).
(viii) Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
(ix) Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season.
(x) Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.
(B) A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the
meeting together with any proposed Rule changes.
(C) A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its
adoption by the AGM.
(D) Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any
AGM.
(E) Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership
shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in
accordance with Rule 12.
(F) All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman
so decides.
(G) No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.
(H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(I) Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf
of a club (See Rule 8.G).
(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.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
9. (A). Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM.
(B). The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time.
(C). At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such
meeting.
(D). Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.
(E). Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(F). Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs. but cannot also cast a vote
on behalf of a club (see Rule 9.D).

AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED
10. Each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the application for membership
for the coming Season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete.
“We, (A), (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Chairman)/Director and (B) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Secretary/Director) of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been
provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the [ ] Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said C lub, if elected or accepted
into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of
the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.”
The agreement shall be signed by:
(i) Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or
(ii) Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club.
 Any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football A ssociation(s) to which
the Club is affiliated and to the Secretary.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB
11. (A) Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition must do so at least 7 days before the AGM. This does
not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22(B). Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(B) The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including
but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(C) Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6(I), in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations
to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.
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 s upported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those
present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote
being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(B) At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to
exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club 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 subj ect of the
vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
(C) Any Officer or member of a Club proved guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or
Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or Man agement 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.

TROPHY
13. (A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:-
“We A [name] and B [name], the Chairman and Secretary of [ ] FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of [
] cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or
trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before [ ]. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition
the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”
Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
(C) The Junior Premier League cup competitions are invitational, the format of such cup competitions shall be decided by the management
committee, ties will be drawn by the league , please refer to registration/qualification of players for eligibility, a player may play for 1 team
only (within the same age group)in the cup competitions, to be eligible for semi finals /finals a player must of played in 3 previous
league/cup fixtures. Penalties will determine championship if cup games are drawn at full time. if a club/team are unable to fulfil a cup
fixture the tie will be awarded to the opposing team and a fine will be issued for non fulfilment as per rule 20E (ii)

ALTERATION TO RULES
14. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at a SGM specially convened
for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following
Playing Season. except in exceptional circumstances and approved by Sanctioning Authority and The FA.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 1 st April in each year. The proposals, together with
any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 1 st May and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the
Secretary by 1st June . The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change
a Rule shall be carried if 66% [a majority] of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable)
at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting.
FINANCE
15. (A) The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
(B) All expenditure in excess of £1000 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by
the Management Committee.
(C) The financial year of the Competition will end on 30 th April.
(D) The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by a suitably qualified person(s) who
shall be appointed at the AGM.

INSURANCE
16. (A) All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.
(B) All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover
must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined
from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the
cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.
Failure to comply with Rule 16(A) or 16(B) will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
DISSOLUTION
17. (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take
effect from the date of the relevant SGM.
(B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are neutral for the winding up of the assets and liabilities
of the Competition.
(C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:
(i) Any surplus assets, save for a trophy or any other presentation, remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition
shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other
charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved
in writing by the Sanctioning Authority.
(ii) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to
it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.
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 the JPL Player Registration System and has 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 1 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 5
Players may be registered in this manner
Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts
to register a player via the Player Registration System but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information via the Player Registration
System, the registration will not be processed.
For Clubs registering Players under Rule 18 (A) 2 registration forms will be provided in a format to be determined by the Competition. For Clubs registering
Players 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.

(B) (i) Contract Players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under contract with the same
Club who have a Team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System.
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required Int ernational Transfer
Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland a nd Ireland.

(ii) 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.

(iii) Each Team must have the following number of Players registered 14 days before the start of each Playing Season:
FORMAT MINIMUM NUMBER
5v5 5
7v7 7
9v9 9
11v11 11

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(C) 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. c hildren 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 per mitted 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:

Age on Minimum Maximum

Eligible Maximum Recommended
31 August of Pitch Sizes Pitch Sizes Ball
Age Permitted Goal Sizes
the relevant Size
Groups Format Yards Metres Yards Metres in feet
Playing Season

Under 7 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6

6 5v5 3
Under 8 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6
Under 8 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6
7 3
Under 9 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6
Under 9 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
8 7v7
Under 10 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
Under 10 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
9
Under 11 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
Under 11 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7
 Under 12 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7
10 9v9 4
Under 12 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7
11 4
Under 13 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7
Under 13 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7
12 11v11 4
Under 14 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7
Under 14 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
13 11v11
Under 15 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
Under 15 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8
14 11v11 5
Under 16 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8
Under 16 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8

15 Under 17 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5

Under 18 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8
Under 17 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8

16 Under 18 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5

Open Age 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8

(D) A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered, if applicable.
(E) The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes taking into account the following.
(i) A Player shall not be permitted to register for more than one Club subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)(iii) below.
(ii) In the event of a Player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club priority of registration shall
decide for which Club the Player shall be registered. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the Player of the fact of the
previous registration subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)(iii) below.
(iii) 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).
(F) It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Player to:-
Play for more than one Team in the same age group in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferr ed.
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)(iii) apply, or where the Competition adopts rule 18.P
Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through the Player Registration System for registration that the Player had willfully
neglected to accurately or fully complete.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(G) (i) The Management Committee shall have the power to accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rule 18(G)(ii) and (iii)
below.
(ii) The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player, the exercise of such p ower 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).
(iii) 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.
(iv) For a Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18(G)(iii) but has a registration accepted at the expiry of
exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a
further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be
empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.
(Note: Action under Rule 18(G)(iii) shall 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.)
(H) Subject to compliance with FA Rule C when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it s hall submit a transfer form
(via FA Club Portal) 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
7 days after receipt of such transfer.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.
(I) A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31 st of March except by special permission of the
Management Committee.
(J) A Club shall keep a list of the Players it registers and a record of all matches in which those Players have played for the Club, and shall produce such
records upon demand by the Management Committee.
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 young er or older age group within
the provisions of Rule 18(C).
(K) A register containing the names of all Players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the (Registrations) Secretary and
shall be open to the inspection of an Officer of the Club at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arr anged. 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)(i).
(L) A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule
22(A)) unless the Player has played 2 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.
(M) A Team shall not include more than 0 Players who has/have taken part in 1 or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season
unless a period of 21 days has elapsed since they last played.
For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is /are not applicable.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(N) (i) Subject to Rule 18(N)(ii), any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall
have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine in
accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(ii) The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(N)(i) only in circumstances where
the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
(iii) Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(N)(i) above, the Management Committee may also, at its
discretion:
(a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being
ordered to be replayed;
(b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; and/or
(c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).
(The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education):-
(O) (i) 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.
Should 3+ players be called up to represent their District or County squad for the same match, the team has the ability to request a reschedule
of the match with 7+ days written notice, and evidence of the player call-ups to the league.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with their head teacher (except for Sunday league competitions).
(iii) 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 C ompetition Match
during that Playing Season where any other Player is older or younger than that child by two years or more.
(P) If a Club wishes to cancel a Player’s registration within the Competition, it must make a request via The FA’s electronic player registration
system giving the reasons for the request. The Competition may either approve or decline the request.

If a Player’s registration is cancelled they will not be eligible to play in the Competition for a period of 0 days from the date of cancellation.
CLUB COLOURS

19. Every team must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 16 th August who shall decide as to their suitability.
Any team wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.
No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the colours in which they will play
(including the colours of the goalkeeper jersey) at least 5 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.

Team coaches participating in any game should be recognisable by wearing club apparel with club logo on. Evidence of non-compliance will see teams
disciplined in line with the league 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 d eemed
suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a Competition Match has to be replayed, the Manag ement
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 an d 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 a nd 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 f or 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 F A, as detailed below.

Age Group Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Maximum Maximum Competition

Duration of play Duration of play duration of play duration of play playing time playing time in structure
per quarter per quarter per half per half in one day in one day in all
(minutes) (minutes) (minutes) (minutes) all organised tournaments
development and trophy
(Mini-Soccer (Mini-Soccer
fixtures events/festivals
only)
(minutes) (minutes)

Under 7 and 5 10 10 20 40 60 Development

Under 8 focussed with a
maximum of 3
trophy events
per season over
2 week periods
(6 weeks)

Under 9 and 10 12.5 20 25 60 90 Development

Under 10 focussed with a
maximum of 3
trophy events
per season over
4 week periods
(12 weeks)

Under 11 N/A N/A 20 30 80 120 Development

focussed with a
maximum of 3
trophy events
per season over
6 week periods
(18 weeks)

Under 12 N/A N/A 20 30 80 (if applicable) 120 Any varieties

including one
season long
league table

Under 13 and N/A N/A 25 35 100 150 Any varieties

Under 14 including one
season long
league table

Under 15 and N/A N/A 25 40 100 150 Any varieties

Under 16 including one
season long
league table

Under 17 and N/A N/A 25 45 120 180 Any varieties

Under 18 including one
season long
league table

Competition Matches for age groups from U7 to U10 can be played in either thirds, quarters or halves. All players MUST play 5 0% of the game where
appropriate. Age groups U11s- u15s play over 4x 20 min periods , u16s play over 2x 40 min halves unless both teams agree to play over 4x20 min periods
, u17/18s play 2x 45 min halves. 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 5 days prior. The competition kick off window will be from 9.30am- 2pm, if a club is travelling over 90 minutes from their clubs
main ground( postcode of main ground will determine ) the earliest kick off permitted will be 10am , any kick off times outsi de of the above listed times
must be agreed between both clubs and confirmed in writing to the competition
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.
In accordance with the second year of The FA trial into heading in youth football, deliberate heading will not be permitted a t all matches at U7 – U10.
Evidence of non-compliance will see teams disciplined in line with the league fines tariff.
All players in a matchday squad should play a minimum of approximately 50% (mitigating considerations such as management of i njury, illness, other
football game-time, participation in other sports etc could impact). Evidence of non-compliance could see teams disciplined in line with the league fines
tariff.
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 5 days prior.
For home/away fixtures, appropriate warm-up times for the age group should be afforded to, where possible, the travelling opposition. A minimum 15
minutes could be accepted in extreme circumstances. Evidence of non-compliance will see teams disciplined in line with the league fines tariff.
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 C ompetition if the
footballs are unsuitable. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(B) Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to
The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward
a Competition Match with the consent of the (Fixtures) Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the Competition Match (unless otherwise
mutually agreed).
All teams with permission of the league management committee can request one ‘free week’ per season, with a minimum of 21 days notice in writing
to the league secretary.
 (C) An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials
and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match (Monday 9pm for a Saturday Match). If not so
provided, the away Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. An Officer of the away Club must give notice of
intention to fulfill the match to the opposing Club at least 4 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match (Tuesday 9pm for a Saturday
Match). If not so provided, the home Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure t o comply with this Rule will
result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(D) The minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is as follows:
FORMAT MINIMUM NUMBER
5v5 4
7v7 5
9v9 6
11v11 7

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(E) (i) In competitions where points are awarded, home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its e ngagement the
Management Committee shall have the power to impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), deduct points from the defaulting Club,
award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred
by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the
Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they
are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.
(ii) Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without dela y, give notice to
the (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials at least
prior to them beginning travel to the game.
(iii) In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played
in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and
notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 7 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be
played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the Clubs involved agree, the
Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(iv) 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 s hall 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 p oints for
the Competition Match to the opponent. In cases where a Competition Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Tea ms 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.
(v) The Management Committee shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a susp ension
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 wer e under suspension
the Competition Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.
(F) A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match.
Where a Competition does not allow return substitutes:
For Under 11s - Under 18s – a Club may use up to 7 from 7 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 Association Football.
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 onl y 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 of starting and the substitute Players not later than 30 minutes before the start of
the Competition Match using the JPL game management system printable/digital team sheet for that game only. A copy must be av ailable for the
opposition and be presented upon request. Player I.D. cards in a printed / digital format must be made available upon request at every match. 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 R ule 18 of this
Competition.
(G) The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of
the referee.
(H) The Teams taking part in Under 7s to Under 11 or Youth Football shall identify a Team captain who may/shall 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.
REPORTING RESULTS
21. (A) The (Registration/Fixtures) Secretary must receive within 1 day 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.
The Home Club/both Clubs shall use the JPL game management system as directed by the Competition to notify the result of each Competition Match
to the league within 1 day. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff
(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.
(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 r esults 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.
(B) In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings will be determined by head – to – head points record
(goals will not be considered). Should there still be a tie, a deciding match or matches played under conditions determined by the Management Committee
may be ordered, or the position shared.
(C) 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 f ixture 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 a ppointed in a manner approved
by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.
(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 i n competitions where the age banding
is 14 or younger.
(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.
(D) The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to
the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance
with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of 0p 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.
(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. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match
Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(G) A referee not keeping their engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated
Association with which they are registered.
(H) Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the
referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be
liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submi t a summary to The
FA/County FA.
(J) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and
the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.
(K) Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
(L) Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition.
SCHEDULE A

FEES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM FEE
4 (A) CLUB ENTRY FEE £0.00

4 (B) CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION £300- Mini Soccer

£350 U13-U18

4 (C) DEPOSIT £100.00

7 (C), 7(E) PROTEST/APPEAL FEES £25.00
18 (D) PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE £5.00 (per player)
18 (H) TRANSFER FEE £10.00
23 (E) REFEREE FEES As agreed with
Sanctioning Authority
23 (E) ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES As agreed with
Sanctioning Authority

FINES TARIFF
RULE NUMBER DESCRIPTION MAXIMUM FINE
2 (G) FAILURE TO AFFILIATE £100.00
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 CLUB NAME £30.00

4 (C) FAILURE TO PAY A DEPOSIT £100.00

4(E) FAILURE TO PROVIDE AFFILIATION NUMBER/DETAILS FORM £100.00
5 (E) COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN £25.00
NOMINATED OFFICERS
6 (H) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN INSTRUCTION OF THE £100.00
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
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 £25.00
NOTIFY CHANGES TO SIGNATORIES
11 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL BEFORE £100.00
DEADLINE
11 (B) FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES £100.00
13 (A) FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT £25.00
REGARDING THE TROPHY
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)(iii) FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF REGISTERED £25.00
PLAYERS PRIOR TO THE PLAYING SEASON COMMENCING
18 (F) REGISTERING OR PLAYING FOR MULTIPLE CLUBS OR £25.00
INACCURATE COMPLETION OF A REGISTRATION FORM
18 (G)(ii) REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES £100.00
18(M) FIELDING MORE THAN THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PLAYERS £100
WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SENIOR COMPETITIONS MATCHES
18 (N)(i) PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER £100.00
18 (O)(i) 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 DELAYING KICK OFF TO DUE TO NO CHANGE OF COLOURS £30
19 FAILURE OF COACHES WEARING CLUB APPAREL £20.00

20(A) DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED £30.00

EQUIPMENT
20 (A) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE FA TRIAL INTO £20.00
HEADING
20 (A) FAILURE TO PLAY AN INDIVIDUAL PLAYER FOR 50% £20.00
OR MORE IN MATCHDAY SQUAD
20 (A) FAILURE TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 15 MINUTES £20.00
WARM UP
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 £100.00
PLAYERS
20 (E) (i) & (iii) FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE £100.00
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(D) PUBLISHING RESULTS/GRADING TABLES FOR FIXTURES INVOLVING £50.00
U7S, U8S, U9S, U10S OR U11S

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 £25.00

PLAYED
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 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