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Rules
Season 2014-15
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1. TITLE This combination of Association Football Clubs shall be called "The Welsh Football League" and being affiliated in its own right to The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is for all purposes of interpretation hereinafter referred to as "the League". 2. CONSTITUTION There shall be a Division One, Two and Three. The maximum number of Clubs in each Division is to be decided in accordance with FAW Rules. A Club already in Membership may share a Ground with another Member Club, provided both Clubs have a written agreement and the Ground has a floodlight facility. In an emergency, two Member Clubs may share a ground on a temporary basis, provided permission has been given by the Management Committee. A Reserve and Youth competition may be formed by Member Clubs, and at the discretion of the Management Committee, may include Clubs playing in another Senior League, who are former Members of the League. Clubs in current Membership of the League must apply in writing for entry into the Reserve or Youth Divisions for the following season, such applicants to be received by the date of the Annual General Meeting. When considering such applications, previous playing, and disciplinary records, will be taken into account. Clubs obtaining entry to the League, under the Pyramid system, and whose status may not be known at the date of the Annual General Meeting, may be admitted, at the discretion of the League Management Committee, whose decision will be final. Clubs shall not withdraw from membership without due notice of such an intention being given in writing before March 31st prior to the end of the season in May, at which time they will terminate membership. Clubs ignoring this requirement will be liable to a fine as defined in rule 30. Each Club shall play its full strength in all League matches. The fine for non-observance of this Rule to be at the discretion of the Management Committee. 3. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS, ENTRANCE FEES AND GUARANTEES, ETC. Each Member Club shall pay an Annual Subscription of Two Hundred Pounds (£200). The full Subscription is to be received by the League Treasurer by September 30th, each year. In addition, New Clubs shall pay an Entrance Fee of One Hundred Pounds (£100) each. Clubs in a Reserve League Competition will pay an annual subscription of One Hundred Pounds (£100). Clubs in a Youth League Competition will pay an annual subscription of One Hundred Pounds (£100). The League Treasurer shall by 31st August, send a statement to all Members Clubs detailing Annual Subscriptions/Entrance Fees due. All Entrance Fees to be received by The League Treasurer by 30th September. The Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season and the proceeds shall be devoted to the funds of The League. The Management Committee may organise any fund raising scheme as deemed desirable. Clubs failing to pay any debt owing to The League by the due date will automatically incur a fine of £10. 4. LEAGUE FUNDS The League Funds shall be banked in the name of The League and all cheques shall be signed by two of the following - President, Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer or otherwise authorised by resolution of the Management Committee. League Accounts shall be paid by cheque (signed as above). 5. PROMOTION AND RELEGATION At the end of each season's Competition, subject to the FAW Pyramid Regulations and/or any future FAW directives, the Club in each Division scoring the largest number of points shall be declared the Champion Club of that Division, three points being counted for each game won and one point for each game drawn. Should two or more Clubs be equal in points, the Club having the best goal difference shall be declared the Division Champions. The last three Clubs in each Division shall be ascertained in a similar manner. In the event of goal difference being equal, the Club scoring the most goals will gain precedence in relation to the top three and last three. The three highest Clubs in Division Two shall take the place of the three lowest Clubs in Division One. The three highest Clubs in Division Three shall take the place of the three lowest Clubs in Division Two. Three or more of the lowest Clubs in Division Three may be relegated to Feeder Leagues immediately below, within the Pyramid system, should the League be directed to reduce in numbers by a directive from the FAW. The Clubs from the Feeder Leagues will become automatic Members of the League, provided they are declared the Champions, and have obtained the required standard code of facilities. The runner-up in a Feeder League will also be eligible for consideration if the champion Clubs do not meet the standard code of facilities. No more than three Clubs to be promoted in any one season. If there are insufficient Clubs eligible for promotion into the League, the Management Committee will decide any relegation issue. The Club Winning Division One will be promoted to the Welsh Premier League provided it wishes to do so, and has the required ground standard and licensing requirements. If the Club winning Division One, declines promotion, or does not meet the required ground standard or licensing requirement, the Runner-up may be promoted, provided they meet the ground standard and licensing requirement. Depending on the geographical position, a Club, or Clubs, relegated from the Welsh Premier League will be allocated to Division One in accordance with Pyramid Regulations and/or FAW directives. 6. PROTESTS, CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS All protests, appeals, claims or complaints must be sent to the League Secretary in duplicate and accompanied with a fee of £25 for all divisions, which shall be forfeited in the event of a protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld. All matters relating to a particular match must be lodged with the League Secretary within TWO WORKING DAYS of the match in question. All questions regarding eligibility, qualification of players or interpretation of the rules of the League shall be decided by the Management Committee. No objection relative to the dimensions of the ground, goalposts, crossbars or other appurtenances of the game shall be entertained unless a written protest is lodged with the referee prior to the game Where there is evidence of a breach of the League’s rule by a club or player, the League will investigate the matter, and when considered appropriate, prefer a charge of an alleged breach of rule against the club or player(s) concerned. The League will appoint a Panel consisting of THREE persons, one of which will be appointed as Chairman of the Panel, elected from members of the Management Committee (excluding the League Secretary, Treasurer, Fixtures Secretary and Referees Secretaries) to consider all protests, appeals, claims or complaints lodged by a club or player(s) as well as charges preferred by the League of an alleged breach of rule. Where a club or player(s) elect to have a personal hearing as provided for in League Rule 14, the appointed panel will conduct its business in accordance with the provisions as set out in the Football Association of Wales memorandum on Procedure at Personal Hearings. (i) In the case of a protest, appeal, claim or complaint, the Panel shall have the power to grant or deny the protest, appeal, claim or complaint (in whole or in part) as well as the power to order any such penalty or sanction as the Panel shall reasonably deem fit. (ii) In the case of a charge for an alleged breach of a League rule being found proven, the Panel shall have the power to order any such penalty or sanction as the Panel shall reasonably deem fit. (iii) In all matters, the Panel shall have the discretion to impose a costs order against any of the parties involved. If dissatisfied with any decision given by the Management Committee or a Sub Committee or Panel appointed by the Management Committee, a club or player shall have the right of appeal to the Football Association of Wales. Any such appeal must be lodged within TEN (10) days as of the earlier of (a) the decision being announced at the time of the hearing/meeting or (b) the date of the correspondence containing the decision. All appeals must be accompanied with the appropriate fee as set out under FAW Rule 43.2.3.3 (plus vat) and be made payable to The Football Association of Wales. Please address the notice of appeal for the attention of the Chief Executive, The Football Association of Wales, 11-12, Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ. 7. MATCH RESULTS Each Club must send to The League Secretary the result of League/Cup Matches, together with the names of the players competing therein, in the online electronic format specified by the League within five days of each match, failing which, each defaulting Club will be subject to a fine. Where Clubs have players of the same name, the Christian name or initials must always be given on the result sheets. The result of matches must be telephoned as indicated in the League Directory. Clubs failing to observe this rule will be subject to a fine at the discretion of the Management Committee. 8. CLUB COLOURS AND GROUND Each Club in The League shall register its ground and colours with the Secretary. In the event of any two Clubs having similar playing colours, the visiting team shall make a change, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon. The colours of the opposing Club must be distinctive. Goalkeepers shall play in colours distinct from other members of the teams. The players of each team must wear shirts numbered 1 to 17, excluding 13, the numbers 12 to 17 to be worn by the substitutes. Numbers worn by players must correspond with the team sheet submitted to the referee. The Christian name of each player to be included on the same. 9. RULES - INFRINGEMENTS/REVISIONS (a) Any infringement of The League Rules shall be dealt with in such a manner as the Management Committee may think fit. Any appeal against the decision of the Management Committee shall be to The Football Association of Wales in accordance with FAW rule 31. (b) No alteration of or addition to existing Rules shall be made, except at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting convened on a requisition signed by not less than two thirds of the Clubs comprising The League, and then only upon such resolution being carried by a two-thirds majority of the Members present and voting thereon. Notice of alteration or addition must be sent to the Secretary not less than fourteen days before the date of such Meeting or as detailed in the Note below. The same to be printed and forwarded to the Clubs at least seven days before the Meeting. Note: Notice of alteration of Rules for the Annual Meeting must reach The League Secretary by March 5th in each year. Any rule changes submitted by a member club must be signed by the Club Secretary (as listed in the League Directory) and also by the chairman or a committee member. Any proposed rule change, whether submitted by the League Management Committee or a member club, must be supported by a short written statement giving a reason for the change. 10. ANNUAL GENERAL, EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS The Annual General Meeting shall be held in June of each year. Each Club in membership must be represented at all Annual General, Extraordinary General and Special General Meetings and shall be entitled to one vote. Clubs failing to attend, may be liable to a fine of £100 in accordance with Rule 30. 11. REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET The Annual Report and Balance Sheet, duly audited shall be forwarded to each Club at least seven days before the date of the Annual Meeting. The League Balance Sheet, after approval by The League, shall be forwarded within seven days to the Chief Executive of The Football Association of Wales. 12. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The Management Committee shall consist of a President and eight elected Members who shall be elected for a period of two years at the Annual General Meeting. At the Annual and General Meetings the Chairman shall have a casting vote. The Management Committee, at its first meeting shall elect from its members a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. All nominations must be in writing, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Club making such nominations, and forwarded to reach the Secretary of The League on or before the 15th May prior to the Annual General Meeting. A list of such nominations shall be forwarded to the Clubs at least seven days before the Annual Meeting. If a vacancy occurs on the Management Committee a by-election shall take place immediately to fill such a vacancy. The Officers and Committee shall be empowered at any time, to appoint Life Vice Presidents and Life Members to the Committee. There shall be no more than four Life Members serving at any one time who shall be persons who have served as Officers, or Members of the Management Committee for not less than 21 years. Life Vice Presidents may be appointed from Life Members or Officers who have served not less than a total period of 25 years. No Club Official, Officer, or Member of a Management Committee connected to any other Feeder League within the Pyramid will be eligible to serve on the League Management Committee. At the Annual Meeting a duly qualified Accountant whose office is convenient to The League Treasurer shall be elected. 13. APPOINTMENT, ETC. OF HON. SECRETARY AND HON. TREASURER The Secretary (and if deemed necessary an Assistant Secretary, Fixtures Secretary and Match Appointments Secretaries) shall be appointed by The League Management Committee to act in an Honorary capacity. Such Officials shall be Officers of the League, and not directly or indirectly, connected with any Club in membership with The League nor shall they be allowed to exercise voting power at any meeting held under its jurisdiction. The Hon. Treasurer shall be elected annually from the Officers and Management Committee at the first Meeting of the Management Committee and shall be an Officer of The League. Subscriptions and all other monies accruing to The League shall be properly accounted for to the Management Committee by the Hon. Treasurer. 14. JURISDICTION The Management Committee shall have jurisdiction over all matters whether specially provided for in these rules or not. They shall have power to form any Sub-Committee they may consider necessary, and may delegate all or any of their powers to any such Sub-Committee. In the event of the voting at any meeting being equal, the Chairman of such meeting shall have the casting vote, save as before mentioned. The Management Committee shall meet every month, if necessary. No resolution shall be rescinded at the meeting at which it is passed. The expenses of each member of the Management Committee attending shall be paid from The League Funds. Officials and Members of the Management Committee shall have free access to any part of the ground during the progress of all League and Cup matches. A member club, or player, ordered by the League to provide a written response to a charge preferred by the League or a protest, appeal, claim or complaint lodged with the League by a club or player must do so within ten days of the date of the letter from the League requesting the written response. Such written response must stipulate whether or not the club requires a personal hearing. Should a club or player fail to provide a written response within the stipulated ten days, they will be deemed to have denied the charge of misconduct or allegation contained in the protest, appeal, claim or complaint lodged and the League will take the required steps to convene a hearing at which the club or player will be required to attend. 15. OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT At the Annual General Meeting, or any Extraordinary General Meeting called for that purpose, it shall be competent for a majority of the Delegates present and voting thereat to exclude from membership any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been objectionable. 16. REGULATIONS RE MATCHES All matches shall be played under the rules of The Football Association of Wales, and shall be of 90 minutes duration. Clubs shall not mutually agree to play a match in lieu of a League match. If a match is played to a conclusion it must be a League match. Any match not completed may be ordered to stand as a completed match, or be replayed for the full period of 90 minutes as the Management Committee may direct. A Club may at its discretion use three substitute players from the five nominated substitute players at any time in a match for any reason (injury or otherwise), except to replace a player who has been suspended from the game by the Referee. The substitutions can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission. The substitute players shall be nominated prior to the commencement of the game. Each Club shall take its own gate receipts. The charge for admission to any match in The League shall be a minimum of £3.00. The Home Clubs shall forward the visiting Club 20 Players and 6 other Officials Free Tickets of admission. In the event of a match not being played to a finish owing to fog or other causes over which neither Club has control, the Home Club shall take its own gate of such uncompleted match, and the replayed game shall be played on cup-tie terms. In the event of a match not being started owing to causes unavoidable by either team, and no gate money being taken, the rearranged game shall be played as if it were an ordinary fixture, and no compensation is to be made to the visiting Club, other than the second visit, when unless the League Management Committee decide there are mitigating circumstances, travelling expenses of £1 per mile per team must be paid (but if gate money was taken at the first match, then out of the gate money taken at such second match the home Club shall pay the Visiting Club their travelling and other expenses as if the Clubs were engaged in a Football Association Cup-Tie). Out of the balance of the gate receipts of such second match, the Home Club shall take such a sum as with the proceeds of the abandoned match will bring the aggregate gates of the abandoned and replayed matches to the average of the three Saturday League games - Derby and holiday games excepted - both before and after the original date of the postponed game. The balance remaining shall be divided between the Clubs. Where a late start is the cause of a game being left unfinished, the Club responsible for the late start is not to be entitled to any benefit from the replayed match unless the Management Committee may determine that the delay was unavoidable. Clubs responsible for a late start, whether the match is completed or not, shall be liable to a fine. Each club in membership of the League must produce a Match Day programme which will be a minimum of eight pages, one page of which must be dedicated to the League Sponsors. All Clubs are to forward a brief history of their Club and Pen Pictures of their players to the League prior to the commencement of official fixtures. This information will be placed on the League’s web site. The Home Club will be responsible for down loading this information for inclusion in the match day programme. Clubs are required to forward to the League Secretary, within five days of any League or League Cup fixture being completed, a copy of the Match Day programme when requested to do so by the League Secretary. Clubs failing to comply with this rule will be fined in accordance with the standard scale of fines. Any club failing to keep its engagement or causing a game to be abandoned without giving a reason deemed to be satisfactory by the Management Committee shall have three points deducted, be liable for all reasonable costs, and shall be fined in accordance with League rule 30. 17. FIXTURES All matches shall be arranged on a system similar to The Football League. No fixtures shall be so arranged as to clash with the Conference date of a Welsh Cup Tie. Clubs failing to keep their engagements without rendering an explanation which is deemed to be satisfactory to the Management Committee shall be liable to a fine and points may also be deducted. The disappointed Club may be awarded such compensation as the Management Committee may deem reasonable. Clubs engaged in Cup Ties, if affecting League engagements, must give the Secretary of The League and the Clubs affected at least seven days clear notice, and the Home Club must notify the Referee and Assistant Referees of the postponement. No Club shall be allowed to postpone a fixture with another Club unless it is to play in The Welsh Cup, or The Welsh Football League Challenge Cup. Clubs affected by the selection of two or more players for International Trials or Matches may be permitted by the Management Committee to postpone their League fixture on the days of such matches. The League reserves the right to arrange matches for those clubs who do not have a scheduled fixture, Sundays excepted. No League Match shall be postponed unless the Management Committee shall consent to a mutual arrangement under exceptional circumstances. All postponed matches must be re-arranged within fourteen days, and notified to the League Secretary in writing. The Club(s) failing to reach an agreement within 14 days will be fined £50. Clubs may play a scheduled fixture at an earlier date provided that both clubs and the League are in agreement. A scheduled fixture may not be advanced to a later date. 18. TIMES FOR KICK-OFF The kick-off times for Saturday and Sunday matches shall be as set out in the following schedule:- August, September and October 2.30pm November, December, January, February 2.00pm or no later than 2.30pm provided clubs mutually agree to play under floodlights and the League is given 14 days notice. March to end of season 2.30pm No kick off times on a Saturday/Sunday later than the scheduled times will be permitted. Applications for an earlier kick off for a Saturday/Sunday match must be made in writing to the League Secretary no later than 14 days before the date of the match. Midweek and Holiday fixtures may kick off at mutually agreed times subject to League approval. All home clubs involved in Saturday/Sunday fixtures must telephone the result of their match to the designated numbers by 4.30pm maximum, although clubs are expected to telephone results as soon as the match is concluded. Clubs failing to comply with this rule will be fined in accordance with the standard scale of fines. 19. CUSTODY OF LEAGUE TROPHIES The Divisional Championship Cups will be presented at the conclusion of each season to the Clubs adjudged to have won such divisions and the League Cup and Youth Trophy (when competed for) will be presented to the Club winning the Final of the said competition. Upon receiving the said trophies the following agreements will be signed in connection with the safe keeping and eventual return of the trophies to The League. We the undersigned Officials of the ............................................... Club do on their behalf receive The Welsh League .................................. Cup and acknowledge that same has been delivered into our keeping in good and sound condition. We agree that the Club will return the said trophy to The League within 28 days of the end of the following season or upon request by The League Secretary. We further agree to indemnify The League against Loss of or Damage to the trophy while in our possession or otherwise to provide an exact replica of the Cup concerned. Date Signed Chairman Secretary Note: No inscription is allowed to be placed on the Cups by any Club. 20. MEMENTOES WINNERS, RUNNERS-UP, FINALISTS A set of 16 trophies will be presented to the Clubs adjudged Winners and Runners-up in each Division, also the Challenge Cup. Additional trophies to the set of 16 can only be obtained by special sanction of The League Management Committee. 21. GROUND AND DRESSING ROOM All clubs in membership must have a ground that conforms to the standard code of facilities set by the League. These facilities must be maintained at all times. A copy of the standard code of facilities is published on the League website. 22. REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF PLAYERS Registration forms shall be of two kinds, Contract (Professional) and Non Contract (Amateur) players. A bona fide playing member of a club is one who has signed an FAW registration form and has been registered with the League during the current season and whose registration appears on the FAW database of players. A player who has transferred from another club having correctly signed the appropriate FAW Transfer form will become a bona fide playing member of a club when the League process the transfer and the registration appears on the FAW database of players. Players may only be registered or transferred by the Club Secretary, or in the absence of the Secretary, by the alternative as listed in the League Directory. If the Secretary is unavailable, the League must receive written confirmation of his/her absence in advance from either the Secretary or Club Chairman. Non Contract players becoming contract players must be registered on the approved FAW contract forms that are available directly from the FAW. Non Contract registration forms and transfer forms (Adult and Youth) will be supplied to clubs at the start of each season and subsequently on request and will be charged at the rate of £1 and £5 each respectively. If Non Contract registration forms and transfer forms (Adult and Youth) are available through electronic means (either the FAW website or The Welsh Football League website) an administration fee of £1 and £5 respectively will be charged on processing the forms. All players must be registered on official forms and both players and secretaries must sign the original form and not a facsimile or scanned copy of it. If a form is subsequently found to be signed by a person other than the player, or by a person other than the secretary or emergency alternative, the form will be deemed to be void and the club submitting the form will be charged and dealt with as the Management Committee deem appropriate. FAW rules and FIFA articles stating that players may only be registered for one club at a time applies to football in Wales, excluding Sunday football. Players may be registered for a maximum of three clubs during the period July 1st to June 30th the following year. During this period, the player is only eligible to play in official matches for two clubs. 23. TIMESCALE FOR REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFERS OF PLAYERS (a) Normal Registrations and Transfers - Original players registration and or transfer forms must be received by the League Registration Officer by no later than 5.00pm on the day prior to an official fixture (not including Saturdays and Sundays). For Saturday and Sunday fixtures, all players’ forms must be received by 5.00pm on the preceding Friday. (b) Speedy Registrations and Transfers - If a club is unable to ensure receipt of the original registration and or transfer form by the deadline in (a), a copy of the form, duly signed by the correct parties, can be sent by electronic means deemed acceptable by the League Management Committee, prior to the stipulated deadline. An administration fee of £5 will be charged for such registrations or transfers. Any club failing to submit a form within 72 hours of a speedy registration or transfer will be fined £25. 24. PLAYERS APPEALS AND INDUCEMENTS (a) Players Appeals Players unable to arrange their transfers with the Club for which they are registered, may appeal to the Management Committee, who shall have power to adjudicate (No fee is payable in connection with such appeal). (b) Approaching Players Any Club found guilty of inducing or attempting to induce, directly or indirectly, a player or players of another League Club to join it, shall be guilty of misconduct, and be liable to expulsion or such penalty as the Committee may decide. 25. INELIGIBLE PLAYERS Any Club playing an ineligible player will have points deducted from its League Record and be liable to a fine in accordance with League rule 30. In the event of a player signing two or more forms for two or more Clubs priority of registration shall decide to which Club the players belong. A player wilfully signing more than one registration form, or a Club knowingly inducing a player to sign more than one form shall be dealt with as the Management Committee may think fit. 26. REGULATIONS AFFECTING REFEREES AND ASSISTANT REFEREES No Referee shall take part in the Management of any Welsh League Club. (a) Referees’ List, Fees and Expenses The Home Club shall pay the Referee his/her match fee of £40 (Division One), £27 (Division Two) or £24 (Division Three). Travelling expenses will be 35p per mile. The Home Club shall pay each Assistant Referee their match fee of £29 (Division One), £19 (Division Two) or £18 (Division Three). Travelling expenses will be 35p per mile. The Reserve Divisions shall only have one match Official appointed. His/her match fee will be £24. Travelling expenses will be 35p per mile. The Youth Divisions shall have three match Officials appointed. The Referee shall be paid £24 and each Assistant Referee shall be paid £18. Travelling expenses will be 35p per mile. The Home Club MUST pay the Referee and Assistant Referees their fees and expenses on the day of the match, in their dressing room, within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the match. Any Club paying the Match Officials more than the fees and travelling expenses stated above shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and shall be dealt with by The Management Committee. For League matches only, the travelling expenses of Referees and Assistant Referees shall be pooled, each Club rendering on the result sheet details of all payments made. The League Secretary shall at the conclusion of the season divide the total number of Clubs on a Divisional basis and where the total payment made by a Club is less than equal share of the Pool, the Club shall pay the difference. Where the sum paid by a Club is more than the equal share of the Pool, The League will reimburse the Club accordingly. (b) Fitness of Ground The Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of grounds in all matches, and each Club must take every precaution to keep its ground in a playing condition, and, if necessary, the Home Club may request the referee to visit the ground two hours before the advertised time of kick-off. No club shall postpone the playing of a league match on account of apparent unfitness of its ground, a League Match Official being the sole person to decide as to the fitness after inspection. Decisions in respect of ground fitness must be taken as late as possible, however due consideration must be given in respect of the distance being travelled by the visiting team and match officials. An official asked to carry out a pitch inspection by a home club prior to any match will be reimbursed his/her travelling expenses at the League rate by the club involved. An official asked to carry out a pitch inspection by a League official prior to any match will be reimbursed his/her travelling expenses by the League at the League’s current rate. In the event of a match being called off by the appointed match referee at the normal time, all match officials will be entitled to claim half their match fee plus travelling expenses, to be paid by the home club. If a match is abandoned once the match has commenced, all match officials are entitled to claim their full match fee plus travelling expenses. (c) Late Starts and Reports Match officials shall be present at their appointed match at least one hour prior to kick off time. If officials are aware of difficulties in adhering to this requirement, they must contact the League’s Referees Appointments Secretary prior to the match. Referees must report all cases where teams commence a game late, or without eleven players on the field, and also in cases of their own or assistants late arrival in any match, and notify those concerned at the time of their intention. In the event of misconduct the officiating Referee must render his report as under: (Contract and Non-Contract). The Chief Executive, FAW, 11/12 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ Such a report should be rendered in triplicate and a copy sent to The League Secretary also for information purposes. (d) Postponed Matches In the event of a match being unavoidably postponed the officials - if any have attended the ground - shall receive Half Fee and Travelling Expenses. (e) Match Report Forms Referees must post Match Report Forms, or submit in the online electronic format specified by the League, on the day of the match. Each club must hand copies of a list of names and players taking part in the game (including name(s) and number(s) of the nominated substitute(s)) to the referee, and a representative of their opponents in the presence of the referee, at least thirty minutes before the advertised time of kick off. The players numbers and the colours of the playing strip must be clearly stated. The standard League forms must be used for this purpose. (f) Appointments Referees and Assistant Referees must take advantage of travelling together when so requested or whenever possible. Referees/Assistant Referees are requested to send their replies of acceptance or otherwise within four days following receipt of the Monthly Appointments List. 27. EMERGENCY OFFICIALS Should the appointed referee fail to appear, the most senior appointed referee shall take control. The senior assistant is the one with the highest grade or if both have similar grades, the one with the longest service as a referee on the League. In the event of the Referee or Assistant Referees appointed not attending a Match, and the two Clubs agreeing to one on the ground, such Referee shall be considered to be a League Official for the time being. Referees or Assistant Referees failing to give a satisfactory reason for absence to the Management Committee shall not be appointed to any other Match during the season. No member of the Management Committee shall officiate in the League. 28. TOUR APPLICATIONS Clubs wishing to undertake a playing tour during the season must apply in writing to the League Management Committee at least three months prior to the proposed tour. An application form can be obtained from the League Secretary where the club is required to give full details of the venue and dates of proposed matches. 29. PUBLIC LIABILITY AND PLAYERS INSURANCE All clubs must have public liability insurance. The Football Association of Wales will arrange full public liability insurance for member clubs. Clubs must ensure that all their players participating in the competitions under the control of the League have insurance cover for injuries sustained. The level of cover must be known and agreed by the players concerned. Evidence of cover must be forwarded to the League at least seven days prior to the start of the League season. Clubs who arrange alternative methods of player insurance must apply in writing to the League who will consider their proposals accordingly. 30. SCALE OF FINES Failure to fulfil a fixture or causing a game to be abandoned - first offence plus deduction of points - £250 (Reserve and Youth Divisions £100) Failure to fulfil a fixture or causing a game to be abandoned - each additional offence plus deduction of points - £500 Failure to produce a programme - £25 Failure to supply team, pen pictures, colours to opponents at least seven days prior - £25 Failure to submit team sheet to referee and opponents - £10 Failure to submit team sheet to League within five days of fixture - £25 Failure to confirm match details with visiting club/match officials - £25 Late presentation of team sheet to referee and/or opponents - £10 By late arrival, causing match to be delayed - fine £1 per minute, minimum £10 Failure of club to attend AGM or any Special General Meetings - £100 Failure to reply to correspondence - £10 Playing fixture with only 10 men - £30 Playing fixture with only nine men - £40 Playing fixture with only eight men - £50 Playing in “incorrect” kit - £10 Failing to telephone match results in the prescribed manner and/or in a timely manner - £25 Playing an ineligible player - fine plus deduction of points gained (first offence) - £100 Playing an ineligible player - fine plus deduction of points gained (each additional offence) - £200 Withdrawal from the League or a division - £500 (Reserve and Youth Divisions - £250) Failure to pay match officials - £25. 31. GROUND CRITERIA AFFECTING LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP Further to Rule 21, the League Management Committee will have plenary powers to remove any club from the League if they fail to maintain the standard code of facilities as published. Clubs who fail to maintain these standards will be advised by the League in writing, and given 30 days to rectify any failures.
REGULATIONS TO GOVERN CONDUCT OF BUSINESS Adopted by the League at a Special General Meeting on July 1st, 1913 (as amended) 1. The League Management Committee shall meet monthly and a quorum of their number shall be five members. 2. The order of business at such meeting shall be: (a) Receive and confirm Minutes of previous meeting. (b) Sub‑Committee Reports (c) Report by Hon. Secretary (d) Correspondence (c) Any motions submitted with due notice and/or any special matter required to be placed on agenda by Officers or Management Committee Members. (f) Referee/Assistant Referees Appointments 3. The Management Committee shall be empowered to delegate all or part of any matter requiring consideration to a Sub-Committee appointed by them. Recommendations shall be confirmed by the Management Committee. Three members shall form a quorum of any Sub‑Committee. 4. All questions considered by the Management Committee, or Sub-Committees appointed by them, shall be decided by majority vote taken by a show of hands (unless otherwise decided to obtain a recorded division). 5. At the end of The League's Official Year (30th April each year) a properly prepared Financial Statement shall be submitted by the Hon. Treasurer to the last Management Committee Meeting for the season concluding. 6. The Annual General Meeting of The League shall be convened in June or July each year and the order of business at such meeting will be: (a) The President for past season shall preside. (b) Confirm Minutes of last Annual General Meeting. (c) Annual Report and Statement of Accounts. (d) Election of Officers and Management Committee. (c) Election of Auditors. (f) Consider Alteration to Rules of which due notice has been given. (g) Confirm relegation and promotion between the Divisions as recommended by the Management Committee. 7. The Hon. Secretary shall be given power to convene a Special General Meeting of Clubs providing a requisition stating the nature of business to be discussed has been received from not less than two‑thirds of the clubs in membership. Such a meeting can also be called at the discretion of the Management Committee. 8. The Minute and other books kept on The League's behalf shall be open for inspection by any bona‑fide Club representative, subject to the deposit of a fee of £5 as evidence of good faith.
RULES OF THE LEAGUE’S CUP COMPETITIONS 1. All Clubs in The Welsh Football League must take part. All players must be registered League players for the Clubs for whom they compete, and no player can play for more than one club in the competition in any one season. 2. All Matches shall be on a knock-out basis. The Final shall be played on a neutral ground. 3. In the event of a game being drawn after ninety (90) minutes of play it shall be decided by a further period of play of thirty (30) minutes, and if still drawn, shall be decided by penalty kicks in accordance with FAW. Rule 72. The penalty kick procedure is detailed on the League’s website. 4. The home team shall be responsible for the printing, posting, referee and Assistant Referee’s fees and travelling expenses, appropriate to the Division concerned, in accordance with League rule 26. In respect of the League Challenge Cup, Division One fees and travelling expenses shall apply. 5. Conference dates will be arranged for all rounds, up to, and including the Semi-Finals, clubs may mutually agree to play before such dates, provided a scheduled League fixture is not disturbed. 6. Results of Matches must be transmitted to The League Secretary in writing and to the Fixtures Secretary by telephone in accordance with League Rules. 7. The Management committee of The Welsh Football League will have full powers over all matters appertaining to the Challenge Cup, and their decision will be final.
As referred to in Cup Rule 3 1. The referee shall choose the goal at which all of the kicks shall be taken. 2. He shall toss a coin, and the team whose captain wins the toss shall have the option to take the first kick. 3. (a) Subject to the terms of the following paragraph (c) and (d) both teams shall take five kicks. (b) The kicks shall be taken alternatively. (c) If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could, even if it were to complete its five kicks, the taking of kicks shall cease. (d) If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, the taking of kicks shall continue, in the same order until such time both have taken an equal number of kicks (not necessarily five more kicks) and one has scored a goal more than the other. 4. The team which scores the greater number of goals whether the number of kicks taken is in accordance with the terms of the foregoing paragraph 3(a), 3(d) shall qualify for the next round of the competition, or shall be declared winner of the competition, as the case may be. 5. (a) With the exception referred to in the following paragraph (b) only the players who are on the field of play at the end of the match, which shall mean at the end of the match, which shall mean at the end of extra time is authorised is concerned, and any who having left the field temporarily, with or without the referee's permission, are not on the field of play at that time, shall take part in the taking of the kicks. (c) Provided that his team has not already made use of the maximum number of substitutes permitted by the rules of the competition under which the match was played, a goalkeeper who sustains and injury during the taking of the kicks, and who because of injury, is unable to continue as goalkeeper, may be replaced by a substitute. 6. Each kick shall be taken by a different player, and not until all eligible players of any team, including the goalkeeper or the named substitute by whom he was replaced in terms of paragraph (5) as the case may be, have each taken a kick, may a player of the same team take a second kick. 7. Subject to the terms of paragraph (5), any player who is eligible may change places with his goalkeeper at any time during the taking of the kicks. 8. (a) Other than the player taking a kick from the penalty mark, and the two goalkeepers, all players shall remain within the centre circle whilst the taking of kicks is in progress. (b) The goalkeeper who is a colleague of the kicker shall take up position within the field of play, outside the penalty area at which the kicks are being taken, behind the line which runs parallel with the goal line, and at least 10 yards from the penalty mark. 9. Unless stated to the contrary in the foregoing paragraphs 1 to 8, the Laws of the Game, and the International Board decisions relating thereto, shall in so far as they can, apply at the taking of the kicks. NB: In the event of light failing before the end of the taking of kicks from the penalty mark, the result shall be decided by the toss of a coin or the drawing of lots.
1. Only Clubs in Membership, and at the discretion of the League Management Committee, Clubs who have been previous members, may take part. 2. All matches to be played on a basis as decided by the League Management Committee. 3. All matches to be played on the registered ground of the Club unless otherwise approved by the League Management Committee. 4. Clubs not in membership will register their players on a special form issued from the League. They will not be allowed to register a player for this competition who is already registered with a Member Club which participates in this competition. 5. There shall be only one Match Official appointed, whose fees shall be in accordance with League rule 26. 6. Clubs shall pay an Annual Subscription of £100. 7. Results must be conveyed to the League Secretary in writing and to the Fixtures Secretary by telephone in accordance with League rules. 8. The Management Committee of the Welsh League shall have full jurisdiction over all matters appertaining to the Competition, and their decision will be final. 9. Fines will be at the discretion of the management committee, who, taking into account all the circumstances may refer to League Rule 30 for guidance if considered appropriate. The above rules to be read in conjunction with the remainder of the rules of The Welsh Football League.
1. Only clubs in Membership, and at the discretion of the League Management Committee, Clubs who have been previous members, may take part. 2. All matches to be played on a Sunday, or during midweek. 3. All matches to be played on the registered ground of the Club, unless otherwise approved by the League Management Committee. 4. All players can compete in the Youth Division following their 16th birthday but players must be under the age of 19 years on 31st August each year to play in that season's competition. The player’s date of birth must be recorded on the players registration form, and players may only be registered by one Club at any time, in the Competition. 5. There shall be three Match Officials appointed, whose fees shall be in accordance with League rule 26. 6. Clubs shall pay an Annual subscription fee of £100. 7. Results must be conveyed to the League Secretary in writing and to the Fixtures Secretary by telephone in accordance with League rules. 8. The League Management Committee shall have full jurisdiction over all matters appertaining to the Competition, and their decision will be final. 9. Fines will be at the discretion of the management committee, who, taking into account all the circumstances may refer to League Rule 30 for guidance if considered appropriate. The above rules to be read in conjunction with the remainder of the rules of The Welsh Football League.
The Welsh Football League - 2009 Ground Criteria Procedure for Application of Admission to The Welsh Football League
1. GROUND INSPECTION 1.1 Clubs likely to be in contention for the top two places in each of the Feeder League's who wish to be considered for membership of the league, must notify their area association and The Welsh Football League by 31st December. These clubs will then have their grounds and facilities inspected by the 1st February following, to see if they meet The Welsh League Ground criteria. The clubs must arrange for the inspection to be attended by the principal officers of the club. All the facilities must be available for inspection at the time of the visit and required documentation available for perusal. The inspection will proceed even if none of the specified representatives are present. A fee of £100 which is non returnable is payable in advance of the initial inspection to the League by each applicant club, which will cover the initial inspection and subsequent re-inspection. The decision concerning the success or otherwise of the clubs application for membership will be made by The Welsh League Management Committee and their decision shall be final. 1.2 A copy of one of the following must be available at the first inspection:- (i) The clubs title deeds showing the freehold interest of the ground, or (ii) A copy of any lease, or (iii) Any licence agreement, or (iv) A copy of any ground sharing agreement that is subject to approval, or (v) Any other such agreement acceptable to The Welsh Football League. 1.3 The League Ground Inspectors' report will be sent to the applicant club as soon as possible after the inspection. It will identify any works to be carried out to bring the facilities up to the required standard. A club will not be allowed into membership of the League unless all the works are carried out to the satisfaction of the Inspectors by the date of the second inspection, which will be by the 30th April. 1.4 The applicant club will be held responsible to ensure that the playing pitch and the ground are properly maintained. The ground must be available for the club to play at home throughout the playing season as required by and to the satisfaction of the League. 1.5 An annual subscription as per League Rules will be payable on acceptance. 1.6 The above requirements are made subject to the FAW Pyramid Regulations. 1.7 MERGER OF CLUBS The merger of two clubs, either of whom is in contention for possible admission into membership of the League, will be considered on its merits, but the new merged club will not be considered for membership of the League if the proposed merger is, in the opinion of the League management Committee, arranged especially to gain membership of the League. 1.8 GROUND CRITERIA Any club making application for promotion must play on the ground which they occupied on the 31st December prior to the season for which promotion was sought. STADIUM FACILITIES FOR ADDMISSION TO THE LEAGUE AND FOR CLUBS ALREADY IN MEMBERSHIP 2.1 ENCLOSURE OF GROUNDS Grounds must be fully and securely enclosed by permanent boundaries of a solid structure with a minimum height of 4'6'' and capable of preventing unauthorised access, with the exception of a main entrance point to allow the taking of admission prices to spectators. For enclosed grounds, the location and number of ground exits must comply with local safety requirements. It would normally be expected that there would be at least two exit points around the ground. All exits must be clearly signposted. 2.2 PLAYING AREA The minimum length of pitch is 90 metres (100 yards) and the maximum length is 120 metres (130 yards) and the minimum width is 45 metres (50 yards) and maximum width is 90 metres (100 yards), and the playing area must be maintained to an adequate standard. Goal posts and goal net supports must be of professional manufacture and meet the requirements of the Laws of the Game. They must be identical. All clubs must have the playing area of their ground enclosed by a solid barrier during the playing season. (Rope or wire is not acceptable). In certain circumstances (where cricket is played in the summer months) where it is not possible to erect a permanent barrier, it may be allowable to have one side of the ground enclosed by close mesh security type fencing fixed into the ground. The shortest distance between the touch line and pitch perimeter barriers should not be less than 1.83 metres. No other match will be allowed to take place whilst a League or Cup match is in progress where the Management Committee considers that the proximity of the second pitch will have a detrimental effect on the fixture. 2.3 DUGOUTS Clubs must provide two covered dugouts adjacent to the playing area, located near the halfway line. They must be capable of accommodating a minimum of 6 seated persons, and the floor must have a solid foundation of concrete, tarmac or paved slabs. (No other material is acceptable). A technical area, (as defined in "Laws of the Game") must be marked out in front of each dug out. 2.4 COVERED STAND All clubs must have a permanent covered stand, made from solid materials, erected close to the playing area and on or near the half way line. It must be capable of accommodating a minimum of 100 spectators. The floor of the stand must have a solid foundation of concrete, tarmac, paved slabs or steel. (No other material is acceptable). 2.5 DRESSING ROOMS & CHANGING FACILITIES Players and officials' dressing rooms must be heated, well ventilated, free from damp, secure and must be situated within the boundaries of the ground and within reasonable distance to the playing area. Players Changing Separate dressing rooms must be provided for each team, capable of accommodating a minimum of 16 people. Each team dressing room must have a separate shower area with a minimum of four shower heads. There shall be a minimum of 1 W/C and 1 urinal, with hot and cold running water for the use of the teams within the vicinity of each dressing room complex. Match Officials Dressing Room A separate room must be provided for the exclusive use of the match officials. The area must be capable of accommodating a minimum of 3 persons, and must contain a shower, WC and a wash basin with hot and cold running water. This room must not be used for storage or similar purposes. 2.6 MEDICAL All clubs must have first aid equipment, which must include a stretcher. The location of first aid equipment must be clearly marked in all dressing rooms. It is desirable that clubs provide a designated area for first aid. Currently certified/qualified first aid staff must be available at all fixtures. 2.7 HOSPITALITY All clubs must provide a room for the use of visiting club officials and guests, situated as close to the playing area as possible. Tea, or some form of liquid must be provided for players and match officials at half time and full time, and at half time for visiting club officials and guests. Refreshment facilities shall also be made available to all spectators. After match hospitality shall be on or close to the ground. 2.8 TELEPHONE A telephone, the number of which must be in the club particulars in the League handbook, must be available on all match days to make and receive calls. 2.9 TOILET FACILITIES FOR SPECTATORS Adequate toilet facilities must be provided for both male and female spectators within the complex of the ground at all times, with wash basins and hot and cold running water. 3.0 MATCH PROGRAMMES Each club must produce a match day programme complying with rule 16 of the Leagues Constitution and Rules. 3.1 MISCELLANEOUS On inspection, consideration will be taken on the general condition and state of repair of all the facilities provided. Clubs are required to affect maintenance on a continuing basis to maintain the required standards. When considering future works at grounds, clubs should take into consideration the overall impression of the ground and whether it looks, on first appearance, like a football stadium. THESE CRITERIA ARE TO BE MAINTAINED FOR THE DURATION OF LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
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