July 23 [v1.0] LEAGUE RULES 2023-24 OYFL HANDBOOK OXFORDSHIRE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
This competition is sanctioned by the Oxfordshire Football Association (OFA) www.oxfordshirefa.com Online resources www.oyfl.co.uk @OYFLeague @OYFLeague FA Full-Time Version 1.0 July 2023 Handbook Revisions 1.0 Original version July 2023
League Rules SUMMARY OF RULE CHANGES 2023-2024 SEASON 3 LEAGUE RULES 2023-2024 (SCORY-based U7-U18) 6 1. Definitions 6 2. Competition Name and Constitution 7 3. Club Name 8 4. Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit 8 5. Management, Nomination, Election 9 6. Powers of Management 9 7. Protests, Claims, Complaints, Appeals 11 8. Annual General Meeting 11 9. Special General Meetings 12 10. Agreement to be Signed 12 11. Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club 13 12. Exclusion of Clubs, Teams, Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee 13 13. Trophy 13 14. Alteration to Rules 14 15. Finance 14 16. Insurance 14 17. Dissolution 14 18. Qualification of Players 15 19. Club Colours 19 20. Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-off, Postponements, Substitutes 20 21. Reporting Results 27 22. Determining Championship 28 23. Match Officials 28 24. Tours and Outside Competitions 30 25. Constitution of Divisions in the Age Grouped Leagues 30 26. Trophy Events 30 LEAGUE RULES 2023-2024 (SCOR-based U21) 31 1. Definitions 31 2. Competition Name and Constitution 32 3. Club Name 33 4. Entry Fee, Subscriptions, Deposit 33 5. Management, Nomination, Election 34 6. Powers of Management 34 7. Protests, Claims, Complaints, Appeals 36 8. Annual General Meeting 37
9. Special General Meetings 38 10. Agreement to be Signed 38 11. Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club 38 12. Exclusion of Clubs, Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee 38 13. Trophy 39 14. Alteration to Rules 39 15. Finance 39 16. Insurance 40 17. Dissolution 40 18. Qualifications of Players 40 19. Club Colours 43 20. Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-off. Postponements. Substitutes 44 21. Reporting Results 49 22. Determining Championship 49 23. Match Officials 50 24. Tours and Outside Competitions 51 25. Constitution of Divisions in the Age Grouped Leagues 51 Fees Tariff 52 Fines Tariff 53
OYFL League Rules 3 2023-2024 SUMMARY OF RULE CHANGES 2023-2024 SEASON The following is a brief summary of the main rule changes for the new season. These will apply to both SCORY (U7 to U18) and SCOR (U21) unless noted. 1. SCOR Preamble This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association for open age football (the “Standard Code”). The Standard Code is mandatory for all Competitions at Regional NLS Feeder League level and below, and Tier 7 and below of The FA Women’s Pyramid excluding the FAWSL, FAWC and the FA Women’s National League. 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. Competitions at Tiers 5 and 6 of The FA Women’s Pyramid must also have an additions or optional rules approved by The Women’s Football Board prior to seeking approval from the Sanctioning Authority. Guidance from the Sanctioning Authority should be sought in advance if there is any doubt as to the acceptability of additional rules. 2. SCORY and SCOR throughout Amend references from “his” to “their” in order to be gender neutral. 3. SCORY 18(B)(ii) A Player registered with a Premier League or English Football League 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 Girls’ Regional Talent Club 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. 4. SCORY 18(C) para 4 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:
OYFL League Rules 4 2023-2024 5. SCORY 18(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; or (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). 6. SCOR 18.M 1. Subject to Rule 18.M.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.M.12 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.M.12 above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate): a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or b) Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee). 7. SCORY 18(O) (i) Priority must be given at all times to the activities of schools and school organisations activities. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 8. SCORY 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, and 9v9 football, the Rules The Mini-Soccer and Youth Futsal Handbook, or, for 9v9 football, as set down by The FA’s Guide to 9v9 Football. Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds and Pitches 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.
OYFL League Rules 5 2023-2024 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 9. SCOR 20 A All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board. Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed. The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground. Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches - https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitchregister. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C). Within the National League System (“NLS”) and Regional NLS Feeder Leagues all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes. The times of kick-off shall be agreed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs and the Competition. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches. Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are removed for all affiliated matches in the NLS and at Regional NLS Feeder League level. For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance of the laws of the game.
OYFL League Rules 6 2023-2024 LEAGUE RULES 2023-2024 (SCORY-based U7-U18) Note on League Rules (SCORY) This Standard Code of Rules, as developed by The Football Association, is mandatory for all Youth Competitions. Youth Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the sanctioning association and do not conflict with the mandatory Rules or any relevant principles and policies established by the FA. The mandatory element of the Standard Code of Rules is printed in normal text and those added and voted for by the members are printed in italics. Text highlighted in red is a change for this season. 1. Definitions (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 Oxfordshire 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 into a written contract of employment. “Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions. “Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time. “Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club. “Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time. “Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played. “Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
OYFL League Rules 7 2023-2024 “Sanctioning Authority” means the Oxfordshire 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. (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 2. Competition Name and Constitution (A) The Competition will be known as the Oxfordshire 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. (B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 130 Clubs and approved by the Sanctioning Authority. (C) The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. (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 appointed date in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority and must have a constitution approved by the Sanctioning Authority. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions. (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
OYFL League Rules 8 2023-2024 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. (M) As an England Football Accredited League this Competition requires all of its current member Clubs to have achieved or retained England Football Accredited Club status by the end of the season. New Member Clubs have one year to achieve the England Football Accredited Club award from the date of the AGM when they join the League. The League has the right to refuse membership to a Club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving the award. (N) This Competition and its Clubs shall support the FA’s Respect programme. As such it recognises that everyone in football has a collective responsibility to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. A Respect League values the courtesy and fairness by opposing players, club officials and spectators. The League and its Clubs will seek to play fixtures in a fair, competitive but not antagonistic environment. 3. Club Name Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority and from the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 4. Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit (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 the date of the AGM 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. New Clubs/Teams joining the League will be subject to a one-year probationary period. At the end of that period the Management Committee reserve the right to review or refuse entry into the League the following season. (B) The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff per Team and shall be payable on or before 31st August in each year. (C) Not adopted. (D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription, any outstanding fines and Deposit (if required) have been paid. (E) If requested by the Competition, Clubs must advise annually to the Secretary in writing by 31st 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.
OYFL League Rules 9 2023-2024 (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)(iii)&(iv) and provided the team has obtained approval from its Sanctioning Authority. 5. Management, Nomination, Election (A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and eight (8) members who shall all be elected at the AGM. Any member club with twenty (20) or more teams within the Competition shall nominate someone from within their membership to serve as a Club Representative on the Management Committee for a period of one season to assist the League. Member clubs with ten (10) to nineteen (19) teams in the League shall nominate someone from within their membership to serve as a Club Volunteer for a period of one season to assist with trophy events as required. Member clubs with less than ten (10) teams within the Competition may nominate a club volunteer if they wish. (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 30th April in each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 1st 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 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. (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. (F) Any member of the Management Committee failing to attend three (3) consecutive meetings without good cause shall be deemed to have resigned. (G) No telephone calls should be made to an Officer or Committee member of the League before 9.30am or after 9.00pm other than by prior arrangement. 6. Powers of Management (A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association. (B) Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any club which may have withdrawn during the Season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season. (C) Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote.
OYFL League Rules 10 2023-2024 (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:- (i) Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or (ii) Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or (iii) Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or (iv) Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee. 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. (E) All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7. Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days. (F) 50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any sub-committee thereof. (G) The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill, in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number. (H) A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. (I) Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid. (J) A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition. (K) The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season. (L) The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.
OYFL League Rules 11 2023-2024 (M) Any item of post that has to be collected from Post Office due to underpaid postage will, in addition to the PO underpayment charge, incur an administration charge of £5.00. 7. Protests, Claims, Complaints, Appeals (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 seven (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 protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties. (D) All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least seven (7) days prior to the protest or complaint being heard. (i) All parties must have received seven (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 £20.00 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. 8. Annual General Meeting (A) The AGM shall be held not later than 30th June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 55% 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.
OYFL League Rules 12 2023-2024 (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. 9. Special General Meetings Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a SGM. The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time. At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting. Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a Club (see Rule 8.G). 10. Agreement to be Signed 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 Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.” The agreement shall be signed by: (i) Where a Club is an unincorporated association, the Club chairman and secretary; or (ii) Where a Club is an incorporated entity, two directors of the Club.
OYFL League Rules 13 2023-2024 Any alteration of the chairman and /or secretary of the Club on the above agreement must be notified to the County Football Association(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. The League Code of Conduct Agreement is to be completed and signed by all club Chairpersons, Secretaries and Welfare Officers as well as by the managers/assistant managers or coaches of all the teams participating in the league in the coming season. The deadline by which it is to be completed, signed and be with the League Secretary will be 31st August. During the season any new or replacement Club Secretaries, Chairpersons, Welfare Officers and managers/ coaches appointed must complete and sign a League Code of Conduct Agreement. Any breach of the League Codes of Conduct will result in the party at fault being reported to the County FA for any action deemed necessary. 11. Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club (A) Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition must do so at least twenty-eight (28) 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. 12. Exclusion of Clubs, Teams, Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee (A) At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office, (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting. (B) At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club 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. (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. 13. Trophy (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.
OYFL League Rules 14 2023-2024 (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) Clubs winning trophies shall at their own expense engrave the name of their Club and the season on the trophy. Alternatively the Management Committee will arrange for the engraving, the cost of which will be borne by the club concerned. (D) Clubs winning League trophies or cups shall return the trophy/cup on or before 1st March of the following season, or on or before 1st December in the case of Autumn League competitions. A fine of £50 plus repair costs will be levied on all clubs returning trophies damaged. Clubs not returning a trophy will be levied a fine of £100 to cover the cost of a replacement trophy. 14. Alteration to Rules 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 where approved by Sanctioning Authority and The FA. Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 31st March in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 30th April and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30th May. 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 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. 15. Finance (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 £200.00 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 31st March. (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. 16. Insurance (A) All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times. (B) All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ personal accident insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates. Failure to comply with Rule 16(A) or 16(B) will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 17. Dissolution (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM. (B) In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition. (C) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:
OYFL League Rules 15 2023-2024 (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 18. Qualification of Players (A) A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:- (i) Registered through the FA Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition. The registration must include a photograph of the player. Photos should have been taken no more than three (3) months prior to the date when added to Player Registration System. Player photos should be replaced for a new season when registering players at Under 10, Under 13 and Under 17. For players that are registered with the League for the first time then proof of date of birth (birth certificate, passport, any official government document that has date of birth on it) must be verified and acknowledged by the Club Registration Officer in the Player Registration System and a copy should made be available to the League Registration Secretary in cases of query upon request. All players must be registered via Player Registration System and approved by the League Registration Secretary one (1) day prior to the match in which they first play. Requests for approval must be received no later than 9.00 pm on Thursday for Saturday games and no later than 9.00 pm on Friday for Sunday games. Anything received after the deadlines will remain pending until the following Monday. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff). 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 International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and 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
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