1. Definitions
1.A In these Rules: “Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA. “AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition. “Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition. “Club Portal” means the system used by Clubs to affiliate teams as determined by The FA from time to time. “Competition” means the Dorset 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 11s “Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment. “Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions. “Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time. “Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club. “Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time. “Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played. “Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered. “Sanctioning Authority” means Dorset County Football Association Limited]. “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules. “Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent AGM. “Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition. “SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition. “Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules. “The FA” means The Football Association Limited. “Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically. “written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise. “Youth Football” means those participating at ages under 11s to under 18s. 1.B Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa. |
GOVERNANCE RULES
2. Competition Name and Constitution
2.A The Competition will be known as Dorset Youth Football League. The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall thereupon automatically cease to be a member of the Competition. 2.B This Competition shall consist of not more than 85 clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority 2.C The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be 42 miles radius from the centre of Dorchester or as determined from time to time by the League Management Committee. 2.D The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA. 2.E All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7. 2.F The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition. 2.G
2.H Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
2.I Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Dorset Youth Football League is a Respect League which means that teams must prior to the match take part in the Respect Handshake, participating teams and officials shall conduct a handshake prior and after the game. The home club shall make arrangement for the provisions of a designated area for spectators. This area can be marked by an additional painted line, the use of cones, a roped off area or use of temporary spectator’s barrier. Dorset Youth Football League allows up to 3 Coaching Staff who must stand on the opposite side of the pitch to the spectators. The Team Manager is responsible for all the Coaching Staff, parents and spectators of the team. Dorset Youth Football League is an Accredited League; it requires all the competing clubs to have achieved or retained FA Accreditation. The League Management will expel any club that has failed to achieve or retain Accredited Status. New member clubs have one year to achieve the Accredited award. The League will refuse membership to a club if it fails to demonstrate commitment to achieving the Accredited Award. 2.J All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The FA from time to time. 2.K Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing at a particular age group in the Competition in any other competition (with the exception of FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club must immediately inform the Competition of the details of any fixture(s) in any other competition in which the Club has entered, for which written consent of the Management Committee has been obtained Dorset Youth Football League will not allow teams to postpone a Dorset Youth League Fixture to complete in a County Cup Fixture other than that of their parent County. 2.L At the AGM or a SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22. |
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
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 15th May and must be accompanied by an entry fee per Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election but not if the club withdraws its application.
At the discretion of the voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the AGM or a SGM or on a date agreed by the Management Committee.
4.B
The annual subscription shall be payable in accordance with the Fees Tariff for each Club/Team (where a Club has more than one Team in membership of the Competition). It shall be payable by a date set by the Management Committee.
4.C
A Deposit of £0.00 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 15th May in each year. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
4.D
A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.
The Dorset Youth Football League entry fee is £95, which includes entry fee, registration of 10 players for 5 aside, 14 players for 7 aside, 18 players for 9 aside and 20 players for 11 aside and entry to the League Cup.
4.E
Clubs must ensure that all its teams participating in the Competition are recorded as affiliated on the Club Portal for the forthcoming Playing Season by the following date 31st July. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
4.F
An all-female team can apply to the Competition to play an age group down in a mixed gender competition, subject to rule 8A(iii)&(iv) and provided the team has obtained approval from its Sanctioning Authority.
4.G
Dorset Youth Football League will hold a New Managers Meeting before the season starts, for all new teams or team managers new to an existing team of the League for the new season. Every new team must send a member of its coaching team or a delegate to the meeting – Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
5. Management, Nomination, Election
5.A
The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and a minimum of one member (but no more than 10 members), who shall all be elected at the AGM.
5.B
Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 31st May in each year.
All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than30th 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
5.C
The Management Committee shall meet as and when required, save that no more than three calendar months shall pass between each meeting.
On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.
5.D
Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.
5.E
All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League will only respond to clubs when correspondence is sent from a Club Secretary, Chairman or Welfare Officer.
6. Powers of Management
6.A
The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.
6.B
Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any club which may have withdrawn during the Season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.
6.C
Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote thereat, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any subcommittee).
In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairman of the Management Committee shall have a second or casting vote.
6.D
The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.
With the exception of Rules 6(I), 8(H) and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:-
- Accept the charge and submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
- Accept the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before the Management Committee; or
- Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee on the papers; or
- Deny the charge and notify that it wishes to put its case at a hearing before the Management Committee.
Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.
Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.
Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven, decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).
The maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £100 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.
No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.
All breaches of the Laws of the Game or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate Association.
6.E
All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.
Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.
6.F
50% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any subcommittee thereof.
6.G
The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill, in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.
6.H
A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
6.I
Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision.
Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.
6.J
A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
6.K
The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season.
6.L
The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile
6.M
The Competition shall not cancel, postpone, or withdraw an entire programme of Competition Matches (e.g. all Competition Matches, or all Competition Matches within a single age group or division, taking place over a single day/week) without prior written approval from the Sanctioning Authority, except in exceptional circumstances of a serious nature (in which event, the Competition must provide notification of cancellation, postponement or withdrawal to the Sanctioning Authority at the same time as affected Teams).
7. Protests, Claims, Complaints, Appeals
7.A
- 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.
- Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee before the commencement of the Competition Match.
7.B
Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 5 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of their Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.
7.C
No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
7.D
All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days prior to the protest or complaint being heard.
1. All parties must have received a minimum of 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.
2. Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.
7.E
The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.
7.F
An intention to appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority, with a copy sent to the Secretary, within 7 days of the Management Committee providing written notification of its decision.
A notice of appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority, with a copy sent to the Secretary, within 14 days of the Management Committee providing written notification of its decision, accompanied by the relevant fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority.
Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.
7.G
No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.
8. Annual General Meeting
8.A
The AGM shall be held not later than 31st July in each year. At this meeting the following business (in the following order) shall be transacted provided that at least 40 of members are present and entitled to vote:-
1. To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM.
2. To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts.
3. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
4. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
5. Election of Officers of the Competition and the Management Committee members.
6. Appointment of auditors.
7. Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).
8. Fix the date for the commencement of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
9. Fix the date for the end of the Playing Season.
10. Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted as being relevant to an AGM.
Clubs currently in membership of the Competition shall be entitled to vote on items 1 to 3 above.
Those clubs set to be accepted as Clubs in accordance with item 3 above shall be entitled to attend the AGM, but cannot vote
on items 1-3 above.
All Clubs (i.e. those Clubs currently in membership of the Competition and those accepted as Clubs in accordance with item 3) shall be entitled to vote on items 4 to 10 above.
8.B
A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting together with any proposed Rule changes.
8.C
A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.
8.D
Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. 14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.
8.E
Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12.
8.F
All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands, or count of email or virtual responses (for Virtual Meetings), unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair so decides.
8.G
No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.
8.H
- Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
- Any club that has submitted a valid application to join the Competition for the forthcoming season must have the opportunity to be put forward for membership and to have a vote taken on their membership application.
8.I
Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 8.G).
8.J
Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.
9. 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.
9.B
The Management Committee may call a SGM at any time.
9.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.
9.D
Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.
9.E
Any Club failing to be represented at a SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
9.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).
10. Agreement to Rules of the Competition
10.A
Membership of the Competition shall constitute an agreement between the Competition and a Club to be bound by and comply with these Rules (including any decision of the Management Committee made pursuant to these Rules).
10.B
Any change of Chair, Secretary or Directors of the Club must be notified to the parent County Football Association to which the Club is sanctioned and to the Secretary of this Competition.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League will supply Handbooks to each club for the Club Secretary and Team Managers. Clubs will be charged/fined if they are not collected before the season commences.
11. 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 14 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.
11.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.
11.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 or Team, Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee
12.A
At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to: (i) remove a member of the Management Committee from office, (ii) exclude any Club or Team from membership, both of which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
12.B
At the AGM, or at a SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or Team whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
12.C
Any Officer or member of a Club found guilty of a breach of Rule, other than field offences, 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.
Dorset Youth Football League – If Dorset County Football Association asks the Dorset Youth Football League to suspend a team’s fixtures pending an investigation of alleged misconduct at a game, those fixtures will not be re-scheduled if misconduct is proven and the match points will be awarded to the opposition. If the misconduct is not proven the suspended fixtures will be rescheduled.
The Dorset County Football Association maintains the right to temporarily or permanently remove the affiliation of any team or club. This relates to, but is not limited to concerns regarding financial matters, disciplinary or behavior matters or safeguarding matters.
13. 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.
13.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.
Dorset Youth Football League will issue 16 awards for the winners/runners up for the U12-U18 Leagues for each division.
Addition awards can be purchased. No awards are given to the non-competitive leagues.
14. Alteration of 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 1st December in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by June and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by end of 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 95% 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
15.A
The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
15.B
All expenditure in excess of £500 shall be approved by the Management Committee.
15.C
The financial year of the Competition will end on 30th April.
15.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
16. A
All Clubs must have valid public liability insurance cover of at least ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.
16.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
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.
17. B
In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.
17.C
The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:
- 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.
- 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
18.A
A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:-
- Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club Registered through the FA Player Registration System and received approval from the Competition.
For any players registered on the day of a match, a Club Officer must email the Competition with details of the registration [ ] 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 [ ] Players may be registered in this manner. For Clubs registering Players under this Rule 18.A.1, 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.
or
- signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink on a match day prior to playing which is countersigned by their parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club and witnessed by an Officer of the opposing Club, and submitted to the Competition within two days (Sundays excluded) subsequent to the Competition Match. The
Player shall not play again in a subsequent match in the Competition day until the Club has registered the player through The FA Player Registration System and is in possession of the approval from the Competition. A maximum of [ ] Players may be registered in)this manner. The registration document must incorporate emergency contact details of the Players’ parents or guardians. These details must be available at matches and training events the Player attends within the management of the Club or Competition;.
Dorset Youth Football League registration is a two-part process that includes the Dorset Youth Football League Registration form and completion of registration in the Player Registration System.
Registrations must be submitted to the Registration Secretary prior to the Player playing in a Competition Match. The registration confirms that the Player’s date of birth has been checked by the Club Secretary and is accurate.
Player registration will not be completed until the Dorset Youth Football League Registration Secretary is in receipt of the fully completed Dorset Youth Football League Registration Form and the entry on the Player Registration System is approved.
The Player’s photograph must be updated annually on the Player Registration System and should be shoulder/head shot, with plain background, no glasses, hoodies or hats. Any registration photographs of players wearing glasses will be rejected.
No player shall play in any match until the registration process has been completed and players show on the Player Registration System Team Sheet approved by the Registrations Secretary.
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.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
18.B
- Contract Players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under contract with the same Club who have a Team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, or Tiers 1-4 of the Women’s Pyramid System.
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
- 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 agegroup and below where consent has been given by the relevant Premier League or EFL (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.
- Each Team must have the following number of Players registered 15th July before the start of each Playing Season:
Dorset Youth Football; The minimum numbers of players per team must be registered by the 15th July. Rejected players do not count in the minimum numbers.
FORMAT | MINIMUM NUMBER |
3v3 | 3 |
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.
Dorset Youth Football has maximum number of players that can be registered for each team as follows:
5v5 format (Under 7/8)– 10 players
7v7 format (Under 9/10) – 14 players
9v9 format (Under 11/12) – 18 players
11v11 format (Under 13 to U18) – 20 players
If the team has their maximum number registered and a player cancels his/her registration, Dorset Youth Football League allows a maximum of 3 additional players per team to be registered. This is only available between 31st October to 31st January in any playing season. The fee for the extra registration is listed in the Fees Tariff.
If a team want to register players in order that they may be rotated during the season a maximum of 3 will only be allowed.
18.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.
children who are aged 6 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season (together with those who attain the age of 6 during the Playing Season) will be classed as Under 7 Players for that Playing Season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season will be classed as Under 8 Players for that Playing Season, and so on.
Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above their or her chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after 31 August is permitted to play only in the Under 7 age group, and may not play in the Under 8 age group, for that Playing Season. Girls in all female teams may also be permitted to play an age group down in accordance with Rule 4(F).
The age groups that children are eligible to play in are set out in the table below, subject to Rule 4(F), along with the permitted football formats for each of those age groups. For the purposes of this Rule 18(C), provisions relating to playing in specified age groups shall include participating in training as well as playing in matches. Children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the stated number of players, according to their age group:
Age on 31 August of the relevant Playing Season | Eligible Age Groups | Maximum Permitted Format | Minimum Pitch Sizes | Maximum Pitch Sizes | Recommended Goal Sizes in feet | Ball Size | ||
Yards | Metres | Yards | Metres | |||||
6 | Under 7 | 3v3 | – | 15 X 10 | – | 20 X 15 | 4 x 2.5 | 3 |
Under 8 | 5v5 | 30 x 20 | 27.45 x | 40 x | 36.3 x 27.45 | 12 x 6 | ||
7 | Under 8 | 5v5 | 30 x 20 | 18.3 27.45 x | 30 40 x | 36.3 x 27.45 | 12 x 6 | 3 |
Under 9 | 30 x 20 | 27.45 x | 40 x | 36.3 x 27.45 | 12 x 6 | |||
8 | Under 9 | 5v5 | 30 x 20 | 27.45 x | 40 x | 36.3 x 27.45 | 12 x 6 | 3 |
Under | 7v7 | 50 x 30 | 45.75 x | 60 x | 54.9 x 36.6 | 12 x 6 | ||
9 | Under | 7v7 | 50 x 30 | 45.75 x | 60 x | 54.9 x 36.6 | 12 x 6 | 3 |
Under | 50 x 30 | 45.75 x | 60 x | 54.9 x 36.6 | 12 x 6 | 3 | ||
10 | Under | 7v7 | 50 x 30 | 45.75 x | 60 x | 54.9 x 36.6 | 12 x 6 | 3 |
Under | 9v9 | 70 x 40 | 64 x 36.6 | 80 x | 73.15 x | 16 x 7 | 4 | |
11 | Under | 9v9 | 70 x 40 | 64 x 36.6 | 80 x | 73.15 x | 16 x 7 | 4 |
Under | 70 x 40 | 64 x 36.6 | 80 x | 73.15 x | 16 x 7 | |||
12 | Under | 9v9 | 70 x 40 | 64 x 36.6 | 80 x | 73.15 x | 16 x 7 | 4 |
Under | 11v11 | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 100 x | 91.44 x 54.9 | 21 x 7* | 5 | |
13 | Under | 11v11 | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 100 x | 91.44 x 54.9 | 21 x 7* | 5 |
Under | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 100 x | 91.44 x 54.9 | 24 x 8* | |||
14 | Under | 11v11 | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 100 x | 91.44 x 54.9 | 24x 8* | 5 |
Under | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 110 x | 100.58 x 64 | 24 x 8 | |||
15 | Under | 11v11 | 90 x 50 | 82.3 x | 110 x | 100.58 x 64 | 24 x 8 | 5 |
Under | 100 x 50 | 91.44 x | 130 x | 118.87 x | 24 x 8 | |||
Under | 100 x 50 | 91.44 x | 130 x | 118.87 x | 24 x 8 | |||
16 | Under | 11v11 | 100 x 50 | 91.44 x | 130 x | 118.87 x | 24 x 8 | 5 |
Under | 100 x 50 | 91.44 x | 130 x | 118.87 x | 24 x 8 | |||
Open | 100 x 50 | 91.44 x | 130 x | 118.87 | 24 x 8 | |||
* At Under 14 age group, 21×7 is recommended but 24×8 is also permitted.
* At Under 15 age group, 24×8 is recommended but 21×7 is also permitted.
18. D
A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered, if applicable.
18.E
The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes taking into account the following.
- A Player shall not be permitted to register for more than one Club subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)3. below.
- In the event of a Player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club, in the Competition the valid registration submitted first shall take precedence. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the Player of the fact of the previous registration subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 18 (E)3. below.
- A Player is only permitted to register for more than one Club provided that:
a. The Team(s) in which the Player plays in are not in the same age group; or
b. Except for the purpose of a transfer.
And the Player meets the requirements in Rule 18(C).
18.F
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 transferred.
- Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season, except if the provisions set out in Rule 18 (E)3. apply, or where the Competition adopts Rule 18.P.
- Submit a signed registration form or submit a registration through the Player Registration System for registration that the Player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League – In the event of a player, who’s registration, is incorrect or unapproved, playing anytime in a competition game. The player will then be classed as an ineligible player. All games this player has played in will be reviewed by the Management Committee. The decision of the Management Committee may result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff, and potentially a deduction of points earned in the games in question. These games will not be rescheduled.
18.G
- The Management Committee shall accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rule 18(G)2. and 3. below.
- The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player, the exercise of such power being without prejudice to the Management Committee’s ability to fine a Club at its discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) that has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).
- 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. - For a Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18(G)3. but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition would be empowered to consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.
(Note: Action under Rule 18(G)(3) shall only be taken against a Player in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)
18.H
Subject to compliance with FA Rule C, when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer form (in a format as determined by the Competition) to the Competition accompanied by a fee as set out in the Fees Tariff. Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the club for which the player is registered. Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the Club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the Registration 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.
Dorset Youth Football League – A player registered for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to be transferred in the Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities and return of kit/team strips to the previous Club or Clubs for which the player last played.
The Club, the player wishes to transfer to shall:
Give the Club Secretary that the player is currently registered with 7 days formal written ‘Notice of Approach’, copied to the Registration Secretary and then start the Transfer process in the Player Registration System.
Complete and send a DYFL Registration form to the Registration Secretary.
The Registration Secretary will instruct the Competition Treasurer to send a Transfer invoice to the applying club and administer the process in the Player Registration System.
In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.
Once the Transfer invoice has been paid and confirmed by the Competition Treasurer to the Registration Secretary the transfer process will be completed in the Player Registration System. The Registration Secretary is allowed up to 7 days to complete the transfer process once in receipt of the completed documentation.
Where a player has registered for a team that has withdrawn from the competition, he/she becomes free to sign for a new club, the transfer fee and process will be waived.
The approaching club:
May not approach the same Player a second time in the same season
May only approach 1 player at a club/team at any time
May not approach another player at the same team within 28 days of an earlier notice of approach acknowledgement.
During the current season a maximum of 2 players may be approached In the manner described above.
A player who has played for a team in the higher division 6 times or more shall not in the same season be eligible to player in a lower division except by permission of the Management Committee.
18.I
A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 28th February except by special permission of the Management Committee.
Dorset Youth Football League –Pre-season Transfers – Any player who wishes to transfer from 1 club to another, can only transfer before 15th August. A player may only transfer between 31st October – 31st January in any season, except by special permission of the Management Committee.
18.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.
Dorset Youth Football League – it is the club/managers responsibility to ensure that all the players are on the Players Registration Sheet – if they are not the player CANNOT play.
In the event a Club has more than one Team in an age group, each Team must be clearly identifiable but not designated ‘A’ or ‘B’ or 1st or 2nd. In such cases, Players will be registered for one Team only. A Player so registered will be allowed to play for their Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of Rule 18(C).
Dorset Youth Football League – Teams must register the players they would like to Dual Register to both teams, up to a maximum of 3 per team. Teams must be aware that players who are dual registered cannot play in more than 1 Competition game in a day and will be cup tied to the first team they play for in a cup game.
18.K
A register containing the names of all Players registered for each Club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the
(Registrations) Secretary and shall be open to the inspection of an Officer of the Club at all Management Committee meetings or at other times mutually arranged. Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only.
In the event of a Non Contract Player 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 their registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18(B)(1).
18.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 [ ] Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.
18.M
A Team shall not include more than [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] Players who has/have played in [ ] or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 clear days has elapsed since they last played. 21 clear days is counted by excluding the day when the relevant Player last played and the day when the Player intends to play again.
For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is /are [ ].
Where a Team fields a Player in a Competition Match or Matches in breach of this Rule, the Management Committee may determine that it has fielded an ineligible player and that the provisions of Rule 18.N shall apply.
18.N
Subject to Rule 18(N)2., any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
2. The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule 18(N)1. only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
3.
Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18(N)1. above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion, order one or more of the following:
(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; and/or
(b) Deduct points from the record of the Club in default up to a maximum of 3 points; and/or
(c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).
18.O
(The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education):-
1. Priority must be given at all times to the activities of schools and school organisations. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
2. The availability of children must be cleared with their head teacher (except for Sunday league competitions).
3. A child under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31 August in the relevant Playing Season, shall not be permitted to play in a Competition Match during that Playing Season where any other Player is older or younger than that child by two years or more.
18.P
1. If a Club wishes to cancel a Player’s registration within the Competition, it must make a request via The FA’s electronic player registration system giving the reasons for the request. The Competition may either approve or decline the request.
2. If a Player’s registration is cancelled they will not be eligible to play in the Competition from the date of cancellation. If
the player wishes to play for a new team, they must complete a transfer.
19. Club Colours
Every Team must register the colour and design of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 15th May who shall decide as to their suitability.
Any Team wishing to change the colour(s) and/or design(s) of its shirt(s) and short(s) during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee in advance of making that change.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.
No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeeper jersey) at least 7 days before the Competition Match.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the away/ home 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.
20. Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off, Postponements, Substitutes
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.
Under 9’s and under –
Deliberate Header Restart:
• Deliberately heading the ball is an offence punishable by an indirect free kick
• The indirect free kick is taken at the point where the ball was deliberately headed, except:
o Where a player deliberately heads the ball within their own penalty area, the referee will stop the game and restart with an indirect free kick to the opposition from the nearest side line of the penalty area where the offence took place
Touchline Restart:
• When the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the touchline, on the ground or in the air, instead of a throw-in, a pass-in/dribble-in is awarded
• The kicker that takes the pass-in/dribble-in may touch the ball again before it is touched by another player
• At the moment of delivering the ball:
o The ball must be stationary on the touchline at the point where it left the pitch; only the kicker may be off the pitch
o All opponents must stand at least five yards from the point on the touchline where the pass-in or /dribble-in is to be taken from
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a pass-in
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves
Dorset Youth Football League, U11 Girls matches still has the retreat rule in their matches as per the mini soccer rules – the team without the ball moves back to the half way line when the goal kicks are taken,
Dorset Youth Football League, U10 and under – Power Play will be allowed – if a team is losing by a four goal difference they can put an additional player on so 5v5 becomes 6v5 or 5v6. If the score returns to less than a four goal difference the team takes off a player. It does not have to be the last player to come on. If a team goes on to be losing by a six goal difference a further additional player can be added – so 6v5 or 5v6 becomes 7v5 or 5v7.
Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a Competition Match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Matches on another ground.
Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches- https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitch-register. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.
The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20(C).
Overhead netting is allowed for 5v5 and 7v7 mini soccer if the overhead netting height is at a minimum of 6m. No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches.
Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance of the laws of the game.
All Competition Matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the Competition Match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
Competition Matches should be played in accordance with the Laws appropriate to the relevant age group, as laid down by The FA, as detailed below.
| Age Group | Minimum Duration of play per quarter (minutes) (MiniSoccer) | Maximum Duration of play per quarter (minutes) (Mini- | Minimum duration of play per half (minutes) | Maximum duration of play per half (minutes) | Maximum playing time in one day in all organised development fixtures (minutes) | Maximum playing time in one day in all tournaments and trophy events/festivals (minutes) | Competition structure |
Under 7 Note: 3v3 matches should each last 6-10 minutes with no | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 40 | 60 | Development focussed with no trophy events. | |
Under 8 and Under 9 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 | 60 | Development focussed with a maximum o trophy events per season over 2 week periods (6 weeks) | |
Under 10 and Under 11 | 10 | 12.5 | 20 | 25 | 60 | 90 | Development focussed with a maximum o trophy events per season over 4 week periods (12 weeks) | |
Under 12 & Under 13 | N/A | N/A | 20 | 30 | 80 (if applicable) | 120 | Any varieties including one season long league table | |
Under 14 and Under 15 | N/A | N/A | 25 | 35 | 100 | 150 | Any varieties including one season long league table | |
Under 16 | N/A | N/A | 25 | 40 | 100 | 150 | Any varieties including one season long league table | |
Under 17 and Under 18 | N/A | N/A | 25 | 45 | 120 | 180 | Any varieties including one season long league table | |
Dorset Youth Football League Matches duration shall be: U8-U9 – 20 minutes each way, U10-U11 – 25 minutes each way, U12U13 – 30 minutes each way, U14-U15 – 35 minutes each way, U16 – 40 minutes each way, U17/U18 – 45 minutes each way.
Competition Matches for age groups from U8 to U11 can be played in either quarter or halves. This Competition uses 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. Dorset Youth Football League kick off times are between 10-12pm for the Girls League on Saturday and U11/U12 on Sunday and between 12pm-2pm for the U13-U16 for the Mixed League on Sunday. The home team will advise the away team, League Secretary and match officials including the Referee Appointments Coordinator the kick off time if it is not 10am for the Girls and U11/U12 Mixed and 2pm for the U13-U16 Mixed on the Sunday. Evening fixture will be 6.30pm unless mutually agreed by both managers. If the League Secretary is not informed of the change of time and attends the match and the game has already been played, the home team will be liable for the travelling expenses (a minimum of £20) of the League Secretary and any other League Official who travelled to the game. Referees must order Competition Matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition. The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Dorset Youth Football League request that the home team ensure that the pitch should have access to changing rooms for players and Match Official and access to toilet facilities. | ||||||||
20.B
Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition Match with the consent of the (Fixtures) Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League – games can be played before the fixture scheduled date if both teams agree, but not after. If the game is played before, that the League Secretary is advised before the game is played
In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the Competition Match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).
20.C
An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground time of kick-off and kit colours (including goalkeeper) to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. The opposing Club must confirm receipt and give notice of its kit colours (including goalkeeper) at least 5 days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If either is not provided, the relevant Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth League – if not the standard kick off time as per rule 20A – then the League Secretary must be informed 5 days before, when the opposition is informed. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
20.D
The minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is as follows:
FORMAT | MINIMUM NUMBER |
3v3 | 2 |
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.
Dorset Youth Football League will allow teams to give notice to postpone a match, twice in a season, but must give 21 days’ notice in writing on the postponement form which must be submitted to the League Secretary. The League Secretary will rearrange the fixture. All other postponements will be treated as a non-fulfilment of the fixture and will be dealt with by the League Committee as per the Fines Tariff.
With regard to Remembrance Sunday, teams having insufficient players through involvement in Remembrance activities will be entitled to have the game re-arranged without charge, providing 21 days’ notice is giving in writing to the League Secretary.
No new 21 day postponement forms will be accepted after the 28th February, and dates needed after the 28th February must be submitted before 28th February.
20.E
Where a Competition does not allow return substitutes:
For Under 17s and Under 18s – a Club may name up to [ ] (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) substitute Players of whom not more than [ ] (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) may be used.
Where a Competition does allow return substitutes:
For Under 11s – Under 18s – a Club may use up to 5 from 5 substitute Players. A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace any Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Laws of the Game.
For Mini-Soccer, with the exception of 3v3 – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A Player who has been replaced may return to play as a substitute for another Player. A Team must not have a match day squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.
For 3v3 – no substitutions are allowed.
In Youth Football only, the referee shall be informed of the names of the substitute Players not later than 15 minutes before the
start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.
A Player who has named as a substitute before the start of that Competition Match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.
Where a suspension imposed in relation to
- a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations); or
- The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children or Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk
upon a Club or Team by The FA or Affiliated Association is not lifted, and/or the Club does not provide confirmation from The FA or Affiliated Association that such suspension is lifted to the Competition Secretary by [Time] [1 or 2] days before a fixture, that fixture will be treated as an unfulfilled fixture and dealt with in accordance with Rule 20(E)(1).
21. 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.
21.B
The Home Club/both Clubs shall use telephone/SMS/email/FA Full Time/FA Matchday as directed by the Competition to notify the result of each Competition Match to the League Secretary by 1.30pm for the Girls League and 5.30pm for the Mixed League or within 2 hours of the match ending for the mid-week games. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League – This includes all games, League, League Cup and County Cup games.
21.C
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.
Dorset Youth Football League – The result sheet must be sent to the League Secretary within 1 days of the match being played, this can be emailed/WhatsApp. It should arrive no later than Sunday 11.59pm for the Girls League and Monday 11.59pm for the Mixed League. For midweek Fixtures within 24 hours of the game being played. The opposing team sheet must be retained by the team for 1 month, in case the league requests a copy.
21.D
The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect but NOT publish results or any grading tables for fixtures involving Under 7s,
Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, and Under 11s. Any Competition failing to abide by this Rule will be dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and any Club failing to abide by this Rule will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff). The Competition and Clubs are permitted to collect and publish results for trophy events.
Dorset Youth Football League – Results: If the score has a difference of 6 goals between the teams, the result will not been shown on the website.
22. Determining Championship
22.A
In Competitions where points are awarded, Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.
In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings may be determined by a deciding match or matches played under conditions determined by the Management Committee, or the position shared.
Dorset Youth Football League – Playoff game will be scheduled if the top teams are on the same points, to decide the League Winner, if we have 2 teams or more are on the same points for Runners-Up, the League will award Runner-Up awards to those teams.
22.B
22.C
In addition to the Team(s) automatically promoted under Rule 22(B), a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows [ ].
22.D
In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this
Rule 22 (D) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.
23. Match Officials
23.A
Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.
Dorset Youth Football League – if the Referee Appointments Coordinator appoints a referee to a competition match, the team cannot refuse the appointment.
23.B
In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any open age competition and individuals under the age of 14 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. Referees between the ages of 14 and 16 are only eligible to officiate in competitions where the Players’ age band is at least one year younger than the age of the referee, for example a 15 year old referee may only officiate in competitions where the age banding is 14 or younger.
Dorset Youth Football League – Team manager must not act as referee or assistant referee for their team’s match.
23.C
Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) being imposed on the defaulting Club.
Dorset Youth Football League – Team manger cannot act as assistant referee for their team’s match.
23.D
The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.
23.E
Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of 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. If the team would like to pay BACS, it must be paid the evening of the game .Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League – Expenses in the form of mileage shall be paid in exceptional circumstances as determined by the League Referee Coordinator.
23.F
In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to full fee only. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
Dorset Youth Football League – if the referee is not informed that the game has been cancelled and he/she attends the pitch, he/she will be entitled to the Full Match Fee in accordance with the fees tariff.
23.G
A referee not keeping their engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which they are registered.
23.H
Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
Dorset Youth Football League – this must be completed on the Result Sheet.
23.I
The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to The FA/County FA.
23.J
The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.
23.K
Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
23.L
Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The FA/County FA or the Competition.
Dorset FA / Dorset Youth League – Following the half time or final whistle, no one, will be allowed to communicate with the referee with the exception of paying the match fee.
Schedule A
| FEES TARIFF | ||
|---|---|---|
| RULE NUMBER | DESCRIPTION | MAXIMUM FEE |
| 4 (A) | CLUB ENTRY FEE | £50.00 |
| 4 (B) | CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION | £150.00 |
| 4 (C) | DEPOSIT | £100.00 |
| 7 (C), | PROTEST/APPEAL FEES | £25.00 |
| 18 (D) | PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE | £10.00 (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 (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) | ENSURE TEAMS ARE RECORDED AS AFFILIATED IN THE CLUB PORTAL | £100.00 |
| 4 (G) | FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT NEW MANAGERS MEETING | £25.00 |
| 5 (E) | COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN NOMINATED OFFICERS | £25.00 |
| 6 (H) | FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN INSTRUCTION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE | £100.00 |
| 6 (I) | FAILURE TO PAY A FINE WITHIN REQUIRED TIMEFRAME | DOUBLE THE ORIGINAL FINE UP TO £100.00 |
| 8 (H) | FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT AGM | £100.00 |
| 9 | FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT SGM | £100.00 |
| 10 | FAILURE TO NOTIFY CHANGES TO SIGNATORIES | £25.00 |
| 10 | HANDOOKS NOT COLLECTED | £25.00 |
| 11 (A) | FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL BEFORE DEADLINE | £100.00 |
| 11 (B) | FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES | £100.00 |
| 13 (A) | FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TROPHY | £25.00 |
| 13 (A) | FAILURE TO RETURN TROPHY BY 1st FEBRUARY | £100 |
| 16(A) | FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED INSURANCE | £100.00 |
| 16(B) | FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED INSURANCE | £100.00 |
| 18 (A) | FAILURE TO CORRECTLY REGISTER A PLAYER | £40.00 |
| 18 (B)3 | FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF REGISTERED PLAYERS PRIOR TO THE PLAYING SEASON COMMENCING | £25.00 |
| 18 (F) | REGISTERING OR PLAYING FOR MULTIPLE CLUBS OR INACCURATE COMPLETION OF A REGISTRATION FORM | £25.00 |
| 18 (G)2 | REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES | £100.00 |
| 18 (N)(1 | PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER | £100.00 |
| 18 (O)1 | FAILURE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES | £50.00 |
| 19 | FAILURE TO NUMBER SHIRTS | £10.00 (per shirt, up to an aggregate maximum of £30) |
| 19 | DELAYING KICK OFF TO DUE TO NO CHANGE OF COLOURS | £30 |
| 19 | YOUTH PLAYERS NAMES APPEARING ON SHIRTS | £10.00 (per shirt, up to an aggregate maximum of £30) |
| 20(A) | DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT | £30.00 |
| 20 (B) | FAILURE TO PLAY MATCHES ON THE DATE FIXED | £100.00 |
| 20 (C) | FAILURE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF A FIXTURE | £50.00 |
| 20 (D) | PLAYING MATCH WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED NUMBER OF PLAYERS | £100.00 |
| 20 (E) 1 & 3 | FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE | £100.00 |
| 20 (E) 6 | FAILURE TO NOTIFY OF ABANDONMENT OF MATCH | |
| 20 (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 U7S, U8S, U9S, U10S OR U11S | £50.00 |
| 23 (C) | FAILURE TO PROVIDE CLUB ASSISTANT REFEREE | £25.00 |
| 23 (E) | FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS’ FEES AND EXPENSES | £25.00 |
| 23 (F) | FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS WHERE A MATCH IS NOT PLAYED | £25.00 |
| 23 (H) | FAILURE TO PROVIDE REFEREE’S MARK | £25.00 |
Note – If teams receive multiply charges, the league will call the team for a meeting.