LEAGUE RULES
1. Laws of the Game
All competitions under the League's control shall be according
to the Laws of the Game as adopted by the Scottish Football Association
Limited, except under Rule 6.
2. Playing Season
The playing season of the League shall run from the second
Saturday in August until 31st May the following year. No football shall
be played by any Club in membership after 31st May in any season unless
permission has been granted by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
3. Composition of the League
(a) The League shall be divided into Divisions, and any
division may be divided into sections, the number of Clubs in each Division or
Section not to exceed fourteen.
(b) On the completion of the League programme Divisions shall
be formed by promotion and relegation on the following basis:
Division 1 - bottom two Clubs relegated, Third bottom Club to
play off against third top Club in Division 2 for place in Division 1.
Division 2 - top two Clubs promoted, bottom two Clubs
relegated. Third bottom Club to play off against third top Club in
Division 3, or if Division 3 is divided into sections, against the winner of a
play-off between Clubs finishing second top in each Section for place in
Division 2
Division 3 - top two Clubs promoted, or if Division is divided
into sections, the winner of each section. Third top Club to play-off
against third bottom Club in Division 2 for place in Division 2, or if
Division is divided into sections, the winner of a play-off between Clubs
finishing second top in each section for a place in Division 2
(c) Each Club shall play home and away matches with every
other Club in it's relative Division or section. Three points shall be
awarded for a win, and one point for draw. Where Clubs have equal
points, goal difference shall determine the position in the League
Tables. Where promotion or relegation is involved, in the event of a tie
on goal difference, a play-off shall decide. Where any Division is
divided into sections, the top Club in each Section shall play-off for the
League Trophy.
4. Fixtures
(a) Clubs shall receive from the Match Secretary, their League
fixtures which must be played on the dates stipulated. Clubs not
complying in this respect may be fined. Fixtures listed mid-week, may by
mutual agreement of both Clubs and the Match Secretary, be played on an
alternative day within the week that the fixture is listed.
(b) Clubs must notify the Match Secretary not later than 31st
July, dates on which its home ground is available.
(c) The reason for non-fulfillment of any fixture shall be
investigated by the Executive Committee and, if the reasons are deemed to be
unsatisfactory, the defaulting Club shall forfeit the points and may be liable
to a fine not exceeding £100.00. In addition, the defaulting Club shall
be liable for Referee's fee and Ground Fee if applicable, which shall be
reimbursed to the aggrieved Club. Fines imposed under this Rule must be paid to the
Treasurer within one month of said fines being notified to Clubs concerned,
and failure to pay same may result in Club being debt Suspended.
(d) Notice of all unfinished matches shall be brought before
the Executive Committee who shall decide the official status of such matches.
(e) Any Club wishing a Free Date must apply in writing to the
Match Secretary, giving 21 days notice and stating the reason, and such
application will be decided by the Executive Committee or Match Secretary.
No Free Dates will be granted in the period prior to 30th September.
Clubs may however mutually agree to play any fixture listed during this period
on an alternative day within the week the fixture is listed, and with the
agreement of the Match Secretary. No more than two Free dates per Club
will be allowed in any one Season.
5. Cup-Ties
Cup Ties of the Scottish Football Association Ltd., or the
Scottish Amateur Football Association alone, shall have precedence over League
matches. Clubs unable to Fulfill League matches on account of such
cup-ties must notify the Match Secretary not later than the Wednesday
preceding the match affected.
6. Duration of Play
All matches shall be played in accordance to the Laws of the
game as adopted by the Scottish Football Association Ltd., but with this one
exception, that prior to the start of the match, Club officials may mutually
agree to play two equal periods of not less than 35 minutes duration, a
statement to such effect being signed on the back of the official League Form
by the respective Club officials, cup-ties excepted.
7. Ground Directions etc.
(a) The Match Secretary shall fix the latest time of kick-off
in all League matches, and matches must commence at the official kick-off
time.
(b) The Secretary of the home club must confirm with Referee
and the visiting Club not later than the Monday preceding the Saturday match
as to time of kick-off and ground directions. In the event of matches
being played mid-week, the Secretary of the Home Club must confirm with the
Referee and the visiting Club no later than four days prior to the listed
match, the time of kick-off and ground directions.
(c) All matches will be played on the registered ground of the
Home Club except where special permission has been granted by the Executive
Committee for matches to be played on a ground of similar standing, or except
where the two Clubs concerned mutually agree to play on another ground. Where
Clubs agree to play a match on the ground of the Club designated by the match
secretary as the away Club team lines must carry a statement signed by both
secretaries indicating which is to be considered the Home Club in that match.
(d) The Home Club is responsible for the condition of the
ground and Laws of the Game regarding the same being complied with, failing
which, it is liable to be disqualified. On point of fact connected with
the game and fitness of the ground for play, the decision of the Referee shall
be final except in the event of a team traveling out of an area of seven
miles, when the inspection of the ground by a local Referee may decide.
Where clubs have an appointed groundsman in charge of the ground, such
groundsman's decision shall be final. The Home Club's Secretary must
immediately notify the Referee, Secretary of the Visiting Club and League
Match Secretary if a postponement is necessary, and in default of which the
Home Club may, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, be required to
pay the Referee's half fee in whole or part of the Visiting Club. The
Home Club shall be responsible for the provision of at least two serviceable
footballs. Goal nets and corner flags must be used in all matches under
the auspices of the League.
8. Late Kick-Offs
When a late Kick-off is reported. Club or Clubs being
responsible without reasonable excuse shall be fined a maximum of £10.00.
9. Team Lines
(a) In all games or friendlies Clubs must not later than the
commencement of the game, hand to the Referee an official League Form in
duplicate, printed in ink or typewritten, containing the names and addresses
of players in the respective teams. No form other than the official
League form shall be acceptable. The Referee, after signature, shall
exchange one copy with the respective Clubs before the commencement of play,
and forward the remaining copies together with the result of the game to the
Match Secretary within 48 hours thereafter. Where teamlines are
incorrectly completed the Executive Committee shall have the right to impose a
fine not exceeding £5.00.
(b) In all matches played under the auspices of the league,
five substitutes may be listed, three of which may be used. Such
substitutes must be listed on the Official League Form in accordance with rule
9(a).
10. Colours
(a) The HOME club shall play in its registered colours, and
where there is a similarity of Club colours, the Visiting Club must change,
unless otherwise mutually agreed.
(b) Numbers must be worn on jerseys, and must correspond with
the numbers on the teamlines. Failure to comply, will result in the
defaulting club being fined £5.00.
11. Gate Receipts
Each Club shall retain its own gate receipts and pay its own
expenses in connection with all League matches. In the event of a final
or deciding tie, the receipts shall be property of the League, who shall meet
the ground expenses and referee's fees.
12. Status of Players
Players of Professional Status shall be eligible to play for
Clubs in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association, provided
they are not currently registered with the Scottish Football Association
Ltd. Players registered by means of a Recreational Form may only play
for the Club for which they are registered, and must have their registration
cancelled before being eligible to register for any other Club.
13. Transfers
(a) A player is eligible to play for another Club in the League
provided he has not played more than two League matches for any one Club
during the same season. A player may obtain a transfer from one Club to
another Club in the League. The Club to which the player desires to be
transferred, shall lodge with the League Secretary the appropriate form duly
completed.
The Secretary on receipt of the form, and provided that it is
in order, shall grant the transfer. Confirmation must be received from
the Secretary that the transfer has been granted before the player can play
for his new Club. Such application for transfer should be accompanied by
a fee of £1.00.
(b) Where Clubs fail to reach agreement on the transfer of a
player, the player shall have the right to submit to the Secretary, a letter
requesting a transfer, and the Secretary shall grant the transfer after a
period of 14 days has lapsed, providing there are no extenuating
circumstances.
(c) Serving a games suspension does not prevent a player
transferring to another Club during the term of that suspension.
14. Conduct of Spectators
Where it can be proved that spectators at a League or Cup
Match, by using obscene language or words of intimidation, or conduct
themselves in such a manner as to interfere with the players or stop a game,
the Executive Committee shall have power to order the game to be replayed on
another ground or to award the match to either Club and take such further
action as may be deemed necessary.
15. Custody of League Trophies
Challenge Trophies shall be presented to the winners of the
respective Divisions or Sections. A Document in the following terms
shall be granted on behalf of the winning Club.
We...........................................................................................
President
and............................................................................
Secretary, members of and representing
the...............................
................................................................................................
Club which has now been declared to have won
the..................
................................................................................................
Amateur Football
League.............................................Trophy, do hereby bind
ourselves jointly and severally, and on behalf of the said Club, to return the
same in good order and condition to the Secretary of the League for the time
being on or before 31st March 20...
16. Representative Games
(a) In all representative games the League shall have power to
select players from any Club connected with the League, and any players so
selected who may decline to play, shall not be eligible to play for their own
Club on that date without special permission from Executive Committee of the
League or the Secretary and Match Secretary.
(b) A Club may apply for a postponement of a League game
should two or more players be selected to play in a representative game on the
same day.
17. Disciplinary Procedures
(a) Any Player ordered off the field of play or
reported for misconduct may participate in subsequent matches until they are
advised by the secretary in writing of their suspension or in serious cases
until they are cited to appear before the Executive Committee. Players
or Club members may submit their defence in writing and if they do not appear
or submit their defence in writing, their case may be dealt with in their
absence. Notification of any decision will be given in writing, and a
copy will be sent to the Club Secretary. In all cases, the Club will be
held responsible for ensuring that all suspensions are implemented and
served. In addition the Club will be fined the sum of £5.00. All
Club Officials reported will be cited to appear before the Executive Committee
on specific charges arising from the misconduct report in question, and if
found guilty of a standard offence, the appropriate fixed penalty suspension
shall be applied. Should the Official be found guilty of a serious
offence, the Executive Committee shall have the discretion to apply any
sanction considered appropriate. In
addition, the Official's Club will be fined a sum of not less than £25.00 and
not greater than £100.00, if the Official
is found guilty of any offence.
(b) Standard Offences
Player or club member does not require to attend a
meeting. Suspensions for a number of matches (Match Suspensions) will be
imposed based on the Scottish Amateur Football Association's fixed penalties
as detailed in Appendix I of these rules. There is no right of appeal
against a fixed penalty suspension.
These suspensions will apply only to the team with which the
player or Club member has committed the misconduct (i.e. Saturday or Sunday
Club). They will apply until that team has played the requisite number
of matches in competitions that are scheduled by the League or the Scottish
Amateur Football Association.
A match that is abandoned or which has been forfeited as a
consequence of a Club being Debt Suspended, does not count as a completed match
in terms of a player or Club member serving a suspension.
Suspensions will commence on the Friday which is at least 14
days after the date of postmark on the written notification of the suspension
to the player or Club member and their Club.
(c) Serious Offence of Exceptional Misconduct
-
Referee assault.
-
Physically threatening the Referee.
-
Verbally threatening the Referee.
-
Physical assault on or by Club Officials.
All misconduct reports relating to offences of the above
nature must be forwarded to the Secretary of the Scottish Amateur Football
Association in order that they may be dealt with by the appropriate Committee.
Suspensions would be for a period of time (Date Suspensions),
and would be imposed on the guidelines of the Scottish Amateur Football
Association as detailed in Appendix II of these rules.
These suspensions when confirmed would be to all football.
(d) Serious Offences
-
Head Butting.
-
Spitting.
Suspensions would be for a period of time (Date Suspensions),
and would be imposed based on the guidelines of the Scottish Amateur Football
Association as detailed in Appendix II.
These suspensions will be forwarded to the Scottish Amateur
Football Association for confirmation to all football.
(e) Cautions
Any player or Club member reported as being cautioned, will
have the caution recorded. In addition the Club will be fined the sum of
£2.00.
(f) Clubs in membership shall have their Disciplinary Records
subject to review and Clubs exceeding the Penalty Points threshold as
determined by the Executive Committee, shall be subject to disciplinary action
as listed.
| 50 points |
Fined the sum of £25.00 |
| 75 points |
Fined the sum of £50.00 |
| 100 points |
Clubs cited to appear before the Executive Committee, and
subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate |
Penalty Points are determined as listed:
| Caution |
1 point |
| Game Suspensions |
Number of games + 1 point |
|
Example - 3 games = 4 points |
| 4 Cautions |
2 points |
| 8 Cautions |
4 points |
| 12 Cautions |
6 points |
| Dated Suspensions |
Weeks = points |
|
Example - 4 weeks = 4 points
up to a maximum of 50 points
Example - 1 year + = 50 points |
| Players/Officials severely censured |
2 points |
| Club playing an ineligible player |
5 points |
| Unfulfilled fixture - Club responsible |
5 points |
| Abandoned match - Club responsible |
10 points |
| Players/Officials bringing the game into disrepute |
5 points |
| Club bringing the game into disrepute |
10 points |
Clubs should note that any outstanding offences at the end of
the current Season and not dealt with until the start of the forthcoming
Season, the penalty points, shall be effective for the Season when the offence
is dealt with.
APPENDIX I
Fixed Penalties for Standard Offences (Players do not have to
be cited to attend a meeting)
| OFFENCE |
SUSPENSION |
| Serious Foul Play |
2 Games |
| Violent Conduct: |
|
| Adopting a threatening or aggressive attitude |
3 Games |
| Elbowing an opponent in the face |
8 Games |
| Elbowing an opponent in the body |
4 Games |
| Kicking and punching an opponent |
8 Games |
| Grabbing an opponent by the throat |
6 Games |
| Pushing an opponent |
3 Games |
| Punching an opponent |
4 Games |
| Attempting to punch an opponent |
3 Games |
| Kicking an opponent |
4 Games |
| Attempting to kick an opponent |
3 Games |
| Striking an opponent |
4 Games |
| Attempting to strike an opponent |
3 Games |
| Stamping on an opponent |
8 Games |
| Denies a goal scoring opportunity by
deliberately handling the ball |
1 Game |
| Denies a goal scoring opportunity to an
opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick or penalty kick |
1 Game |
| Offensive, insulting, or abusive language |
2 Games |
| Offensive, insulting, or abusive language
towards the Referee |
3 Games |
| Receiving a second caution in the same match |
1 Game |
| Accumulation of Cautions: |
|
| 4 Cautions |
2 Games |
| Second set of 4 Cautions |
4 Games |
| Third set of 4 Cautions |
6 Games |
Any player who reaches a total of 10 games or more in one Season will be
cited to appear before the Executive Committee for any subsequent misconduct
reports, with the Executive Committee having the authority to impose any
penalty deemed appropriate.
Game suspension or part thereof which remain outstanding at the end of a
Season, or any extension thereof, must be served at the commencement of the
following Season, regardless of which Club the players joins, with the same
principle being applied should a player be transferred to another Club prior
to the suspension commencing.
APPENDIX II
Guidelines for Serious Offenses:
Referee assault: Maximum suspension of 10 years.
Physically threatening Referee: Maximum suspension of 5 years.
Verbally threatening Referee: Maximum suspension of 3 years.
Serious violent conduct - e.g. deliberately kicking an opponent on the
head: Maximum suspension of 5 years.
Physical assault on an Official: Maximum suspension of 5 years.
Headbutting: Maximum suspension of 18 months.
Spitting: Maximum suspension of 5 years. Spitting at or on a
Referee is considered serious assault.
Deliberately and knowingly playing a suspended player under an assumed
name: Maximum suspension of 2 years.
Deliberately playing while under suspension, under an assumed name:
Maximum suspension of 2 years.
Deliberately and knowingly playing a suspended player: Maximum
suspension of 2 years.
Deliberately playing or participating while under suspension: Maximum
suspension of 1 year.
18. Clubs Called to Meeting
Clubs called by the Secretary to attend a meeting of General Executive or
other Committee must do so, or must prior to the meetings lodge with the
Secretary, an explanation for absence, together with all explanations/evidence
relating to the case for which the Club was called before the Committee.
Failure to comply with this rule will itself constitute an offence which will
be dealt with by the Committee, and the case will be dealt with in the absence
of the Club concerned.
19. Suspensions
The League will recognise and give effect to all suspensions, censures
etc., passed on players, Clubs and officials by the Scottish Football
Association Ltd, and Associations and League affiliated thereto. Players
or Officials suspended for a period of time (dated suspensions) shall be
eligible to participate from 12 noon on the last date of their suspension.
20. Debt Suspensions
In the event of a club being Debt Suspended, all matches listed whilst
under Debt Suspension will be forfeited. Debt Suspension will be
effected from the Monday after the decision is imposed, and suspension will
only be lifted on the Monday after the debt payment is cleared.
21. Protests, Claims and Complaints
(a) A Protest or Claim by any Club must be forwarded to the Secretary by
Registered Post within 3 days after the game in question, and no Protest shall
be accepted bearing a postmark later than the third day. A deposit of
£5.00 must accompany same and may be forfeited if the protesting Club fails
to prove its case. A copy of Protest or Claim must in all cases be
forwarded to the Club protested or claimed against by Registered Post.
(b) Protests, appeals or objections relative to ground, goalposts, or other
appurtenances of the game, must be formally intimated to the Referee and to
the Captain of the opposing team, before the commencement of the game.
(c) Other protests (except those concerning the alleged ineligibility of
players) must where practicable, be formally intimated to the Referee and the
captain of the opposing team, at the time the alleged violation of rules takes
place.
(d) Any complaint by one Club against another Club, outwith the scope of
protests must be lodged with the Secretary with a copy to the Club complained
against, both intimations to be by Registered Post.
(e) All Protests, Claims and Complaints shall be investigated by the
Executive Committee, who will deal with the matters and take such further
action as may be deemed appropriate. If any Protest, Claim or Complaint
is found to be trivial or frivolous or groundless, a further levy may be
imposed on the Club concerned.
22. Playing an Ineligible Player
(a) Where a Club is proved to have played a professional player in a League
match, such Club
shall have 3 points deducted for each infringement upon investigation by the
Executive Committee, together with such other penalty as such Committee may
decide, and if any League match was subject to a protest being lodged, and
protest being upheld, the points shall be awarded to their opponents.
(b) Where a Club is proved to have played a professional player in a
Cup-tie, such Club shall be dismissed from the competition upon investigation
by the Executive Committee, together with such other penalty as such Committee
may decide, and if any Cup-tie was subject to a protest being lodged, and the
protest being upheld, the Cup-tie shall be awarded to their opponents.
(c) Where a Club is proved to have played an ineligible amateur player in a
League match, such Club shall be dealt with by the Executive Committee, and
the League match may be replayed, together with such other penalty as such
Committee may decide, and if any League match was subject to a protest being
lodged, and the protest being upheld, the points may be awarded to their
opponents.
(d) Where a Club is proved to have played an ineligible amateur player in a
Cup-tie,
such Club will be dealt with by the Executive Committee, and the Cup-tie may
be replayed, together with such other penalty as such Committee may decide,
and if any Cup-tie was subject to a protest being lodged, and the protest
being upheld, the Cup-tie may be awarded to their opponents.
23. Appeals
(a) Any Club, player or Club Member may appeal to the Scottish Amateur
Football Association against any decision of this League affecting the Club,
or member of the Club. Such appeals must be lodged by recorded or
registered delivery and in duplicate within seven days of receipt of the
notice of the decision of this League and accompanied by a deposit of
£50.00. The deposit may be forfeited if the Scottish Amateur Football
Association so decide. The grounds of the appeal must be specifically
stated and if the Scottish Amateur Football Association consider the appeal
frivolous or trivial, the appellant may be liable to a levy of a sum of money
which shall be fixed annually by the Appeals Committee. The decision
against which any appeal is made will only be set aside when the appeal is
received by the Scottish Amateur Football Association and agreed to be in
order and confirmation is received in writing by the parties concerned.
24. Referees
The Match Secretary shall appoint neutral Referees for all matches who must
be on the list of Referees of the Scottish Football Association Ltd.
Should the official Referee fail to appear, the Clubs may by mutual agreement,
appoint a deputy, who must obtain the signatures of the respective Club
Officials to that effect, and must be on the list of Referees of The Scottish
Football Association Ltd. Should one or other of the Clubs fail to
appear after 30 minutes of the official kick-off time, on the park and ready
to play, the Referee shall declare the match off, and the fixture dealt with
under rule 4c. Handbooks will be supplied to Referees in membership.
25. Referee's Fee
(a) The Referee's fee shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting.
Both Clubs shall equally share the Referees fee.
(b) In the case of non-fulfillment of any fixture, except under (c) below,
the Home Club shall pay Referee his fee, which shall be recoverable from the
defaulting Club under Rule 4c.
(c) Should a ground be considered unplayable, the Referee shall, after
inspection of the same, receive half fee, which shall be shared equally by
each Club and paid by the Home Club, who shall be responsible for collecting
the Visiting Teams share.
26. Resignation from the League
(a) Where a Club wishes to resign from the League, during the Season, that Club
shall be responsible for notifying its opponents and Referees until such time
as their resignation has been accepted by the General Committee. Once
the resignation has been accepted, all matches played by that Club shall be
declared null and void.
(b) When a Club intimates it's resignation from the League after completion
of it's League programme, all League matches involving that Club shall not be
declared null and void.
27. Expulsion from League
Where a club is expelled from the league during the Season, all matches
played by that club shall be declared null and void, excepting where the Club
has completed it's League programme.
28. Results
The Secretary of the Home Club must telephone the Match Secretary the
result of each game played on a Saturday before 6.00pm. For midweek
matches the Secretary of the Home Club must telephone the Match Secretary
before 9.30pm. This procedure shall be followed by Clubs home or away,
in national or district cup competition matches. Postponement of any
fixture must be notified likewise. Any Club failing to comply with this
rule will be liable to a fine not exceeding £5.00.
29. Change of Secretary
Any club changing their Secretary, must notify the Secretary and all League
Clubs at once, and any expenses involved in doing so must be borne by the
defaulting Club.
30. Breach of Rules
For breach of any rule of the league, the General or Executive Committee
may suspend a club until the Annual General Meeting, and matches played by the
Club shall be declared null and void. The Retention of that Club in the
League shall be considered at the Annual General Meeting and any decision
arrived at under this rule shall not be the subject of a revision at a Special
General Meeting convened under the terms of Rule 5(c) of the Constitution.
31.
The General or Executive Committee shall have the power to fine, suspend or
expel any Club, Official, player or other person under it's jurisdiction who
in it's opinion, in any way brings the game into disrepute or on any other
grounds it considers sufficient and of which, subject to any right of appeal
it shall be the sole judge.
32.
(a) Any Club or person associated with any Club which publishes,
distributes, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue
or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of
any description in any media now existing or hereafter invented, shall be held
responsible for all matters contained therein.
(b) Any Club or person associated with any Club which publishes,
distributes, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue
or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of
any description in any media now existing or hereafter invented, shall ensure
that any such publications or audio/visual material shall not contain any
criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on
the part of such match official or to impinge on his/her character.
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