Rules of the Amateur Football League 2006-7
Rule 1
The Divisional League competitions shall be under the control of the
Management Committee. The division or league competitions shall be open to all
Clubs who have been duly elected to membership of the League.
Rule 2
Players must be registered on League Registration Forms obtainable
from the League. A bona-fide player of a club is one who has signed a properly
completed registration form and paid the appropriate registration fee, duly
witnessed by the Club Secretary and lodged with the League forty eight (48)
hours before kick-off. The League date stamp will be the official date of registration.
A player is eligible for a League match if his Registration Form has been examined
and considered to be properly completed and stamped by the League. In Cup competitions
the player must be signed and registered at least fourteen days for his club.
In the event of a player signing for different clubs, within or outside of the
League, the date of League registration stamp shall decide as to which club
the player belongs. League registration forms accepted only during the period
from the date of the first management meeting to the following 30th April.
Rule 3
Any bona-fide player shall be allowed to play in matches provided
he has not played more than five senior games in the current season, unless
he has been re-instated by the Amateur Football League Executive Committee on
a re-instatement form. Re-instated players and the date of their approval or
otherwise will be announced at the following management meeting. Senior matches
are those played in the National League of Ireland, including their subsidiary
competitions, National League of Ireland Reserve Divisions, Football Association
of Ireland Senior Cup, Intermediate Cups, Divisional Associations Senior Cups,
(unless as a player on a Junior League or Cup winning team invited to take part
in the competition), Intermediate Grade Football competitions of similar status
in the four provinces or other countries. A player may play another five (5)
games in the above competitions before again becoming ineligible. No more than
three (3) applications for re-instatement by any club can be submitted each
month. No application for re-instatement can be made after the last day in February.
Rule 4
When a player has been regraded or re-instated at an Executive or
Management Meeting, the re-instatement or Regrading shall not take effect until
the Monday following the meeting.
Rule 5
Regrading of players for Division 3 or lower divisions must be made
on regrading forms. Any player who has played more than five (5) games in the
Major, Premier, 1st and 2nd Division of our League (Saturday or Sunday Football)
or any other League of similar status in the current season, must be regraded
by the Amateur Football League Executive Committee. Re-graded players and the
date of approval or otherwise will be announced at the following management
meeting. A player may play another five (5) games in the above divisions before
again becoming ineligible. No more than three (3) applications for re-grading
by any club can be submitted each month. No application for re-grading of any
player can be made after the last day of February.
Rule 6
Clubs having players re-instated to play in the Amateur Football League
must first receive the approval of the Executive Committee, before signing the
player and registering with the League. Likewise, re-grading must be passed
before a player is eligible to play.
Rule 7
The Executive Committee may regrade a player who has not played any
football for a minimum period of four weeks (i.e. injured) after the last day
of February in any season.
Rule 8
Clubs wilfully including players, who are ineligible, may be expelled
from membership of the League. Clubs shall be fined for every offence, and fine
to be paid within seven days or the club shall stand suspended.
Rule 9
All matches, venues and times of kick off shall be the responsibility
of the Divisional Managers on behalf of the Honorary Secretary and the Management
Committee.
Rule 10
The Divisional Managers shall make fixtures for submission to the
League Honorary Secretary and his assistant Hon. Secretaries. They shall keep
a record of all matches played and compile League tables for publication. When
a charge is made for admission to a match, the home team shall retain the gate
receipts after paying the match official(s)
Rule 11
All games must be played on the days and times appointed. A club failing
to comply with this rule shall, unless the Executive Committee is satisfied
that the default occurred through unavoidable circumstances, be fined as the
Executive Committee deems fit and forfeit points. If the Executive Committee
is satisfied the default occurred through unavoidable circumstances, the match
shall be re-fixed. The Club, which failed to appear, shall be liable for the
full referee's and assistant referee's fees and expenses. A Club failing to
pay the fine and/or the referee's fee and assistant referee's expenses within
seven days of being notified by the League shall stand suspended until such
fees and expenses are paid. Teams playing on grounds which are deemed unplayable
due to weather or ground conditions, must make arrangements as early as possible
in the week to play on the opposing team's ground (if available). This shall
be deemed to be the home fixture of the team hosting the match. Should the ground
be still unplayable for the second fixture, the second match will have to be
played as an away fixture. In the event of a team refusing to switch grounds,
without sufficient justification, the Executive Committee will deal with the
matter as they deem fit, having heard the views of both parties and the Divisional
Manager and the Hon. Secretary.
Rule 12
No Club shall have the power to break or postpone a League/Cup fixture
without first receiving the consent of the Divisional Manager/Honorary Secretary.
A Club making application for postponement of fixtures must do so in writing
on or before the Thursday before the fixtures is published. Once fixtures are
published no postponements will be allowed. Failure to comply with this rule
will result in the forfeiture of match/s and the Executive Committee may impose
a fine.
Rule 13
A Club wishing to change the venue or time of a home fixture must
make application in writing to the Divisional Manager at least three days before
the date of the fixture and upon receiving consent must immediately notify their
opponents and the referee(s) of the change in venue. The Ground on which the
match takes place shall be regarded as the home ground of the club who shall
be responsible for all the arrangements.
Rule 14
Protests and claims must be received by the League at the registered
home address of the Honorary Secretary per registered letter bearing postmark
(see addendum) within 4 days of match, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays excluded,
accompanied by a protest fee (decided annually at the A.G.M. and displayed in
League offices) which shall be forfeited if the protest is not sustained, except
the Committee in view of special circumstances decide otherwise. A duplicate
copy of the protest or claim must be sent by registered post to the club being
protested against, bearing postmark within 4 days, as aforesaid after the match.
If the protest/claim is upheld, the Committee may award the match to the protesting
club or may impose a fine on the club protested against, and/or refix the match
according to the circumstances of the case. A period of 4 days after the receipt
of protest shall be afforded the club protested against to lodge a cross protest.
Clubs not prosecuting protest, making a frivolous protest/claim or making a
further protest shall be dealt with, as the Committee deems fit. The Honorary
Officers or Executive Committee shall deal with all protests or claims. The
onus of proof rests with the protesting club who must provide independent witnesses
to substantiate their claim, (if needs be). Any Club in membership of the League
has the right in the first instance to appeal any decision of the Executive
Committee or any of the sub-committees of the League to the Trustees of the
League, within four days. They may also appeal the decision to the Leinster
Football Association and then to the Football Association of Ireland in accordance
with the rules of the respective bodies, if considered necessary. Clubs should
avoid making frivolous appeals.
Rule 15
In the event of a match being unfinished owing to darkness, accident
or any other cause, the Executive Committee shall have the power to allot the
points according to the goals scored at the time of the abandonment, or refix
the match.
Rule 16
A Club may request Assistant Referees in a match on giving three day's
notice to the League. The club so requesting must pay their fees and expenses.
Rule 17
Should a club or team fail to complete its arranged fixtures, it shall
have its complete record expunged.
Rule 18
All clubs shall register two sets of Colours. Jerseys to be numbered
from 1 to 16.
Rule 19
In the event of two Clubs playing in the same colours, the Home club
shall change colours. Goalkeepers must wear colours, which distinguish them
from other players and the referee. In the event of two Clubs whose registered
colours are the same, playing a test or other match on neutral ground, choice
of colours shall rest with the team having the oldest claim on the colours in
the League. Clubs changing colour must have a complete change. The Executive
Committee may fine teams playing in odd gear.
Rule 20
The Home team must provide correct equipment, i.e.; two FIFA approved
footballs, in match condition, for every game. The ball is of a circumference
of not more than 70cm/28inches and not less than 68cm/27 inches. The ball is
not more than 450g/16 ounces in weight and not less than 410g/14 ounces at the
start of the match. The ball is of a pressure equal to 0.6 - 1.1 atmosphere
(600 - 1100 g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 lbs./sq. in 15.6 lbs./sq. in). They must
have a proper first-aid kit and a competent person to administer first aid.
Failure to do so may result in a fine from the Executive Committee.
Rule 21
The Secretary or other responsible people of each contesting teams
shall at the beginning of the match, fill in the referee's card showing the
first name and Surname of the players and substitutes participating in the match.
In all matches the names of the substitutes must be given to the Referee prior
to the start of the match. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the
match. Failing to complete the Referee's card in accordance with this rule,
the defaulting team may be fined by the Executive Committee. A club may at its
discretion nominate five substitutes (5) to the referee before the match commences.
They may use any three (3) substitute players at any time during a match and
any period of extra time, except to replace a player who has been suspended
from the game by the referee.
Rule 22
Goal nets and corner flag posts (not less than 1.5m/5ft. high with
a non-pointed top) must be used in all matches and should be supplied by the
home club. Grounds must be marked in accordance with the Laws of Association
Football with white lines not more than 12cm/5inches wide. The corner arc is
a quarter circle with a radius of 1m/1yard from each corner flag post drawn
inside the field of play. Failure to have ground properly marked in accordance
with the Laws of Association Football shall leave the home team liable to a
fine by the Executive Committee. The minimum length of a pitch is 90 m/100yards
and the maximum is 120m/130 yards. The minimum width is 45m/50 yards and the
maximum width is 90m/100 yards.
Rule 23
Registration forms and fees lodged with the League must have the League
date stamp as the official proof of registration. No forms will be accepted
if stamped by a business-franking machine. A player wilfully signing registration
forms for more than one club, unless transferred in accordance with the Rules
of Football, or a club knowingly inducing a player to sign a Registration Form
for more than one Club shall be dealt with as the Executive Committee may deem
fit.
Rule 24
A player shall not play for more than one club during a season unless
his transfer has been obtained from his previous club. A player must not be
signed on a Registration Form until a transfer form, where necessary. has been
signed by both clubs, the League and the player concerned. The latest date for
the receipt of completed transfer forms shall be 31st January in each season.
A player being transferred from his first club must have his registration cancelled
by his club Secretary with the League he is leaving and pay the appropriate
fee to the League he is leaving, (if necessary).
Rule 25
A club in membership of the League, which withholds a player's transfer
without having a valid claim against such player when a transfer has been applied
for by the player or, on his behalf, by a club, the club withholding the transfer
can be reported to the Executive Committee. After investigating the matter,
the Executive Committee may make an order for the transfer of the player. The
order must be complied within three days of being notified to the withholding
club. A club found guilty of unreasonably withholding a player's transfer would
be dealt with, as the Executive Committee may deem fit.
Rule 26
Registered players of a club, which has been removed from membership
or cease to be to be members of the League for any reason, cannot be registered
as a player for any other club in membership without firstly receiving the sanction
of the Executive Committee.
Rule 27
The Registrar of the League shall keep a full record of all matches,
players' registration forms, transfer, re-instatement or regrading forms. Clubs
shall have access to these forms provided they nominate in advance, the names
of the registered forms they wish to examine. A search fee to cover three forms
and/or subsequent forms will be charges at a rate to be decided at the Annual
General Meeting in any year and displayed in the League offices.
Rule 28
The League shall appoint referees to the various matches under their
control. Fixtures are published each Monday with alterations appearing on Tuesday
and Friday, together with the referee's name and if applicable, the names of
the assistant referees. It is the responsibility of the home team to confirm
the fixture with the opposing team, the referee and his assistants early in
the week to allow for last minute changes. In the event of the appointed Referee
not attending the match and the two clubs agreeing to one on the ground, such
agreed referee shall be considered a League official for the time being and
shall have full powers as if he had been the appointed referee.
Rule 29
In the event of a player(s) or officials sent off by the referee before,
during or after a match, they shall attend at the Sports Centre on the Thursday
evening following the match to appear before the Executive Committee, accompanied
by the Honorary Secretary of the Club. Suspensions shall commence on the date
and for the period specified on the written notice. Fines imposed must be paid
and the official League receipt obtained before Clubs or players can play again.
Suspended players cannot play for any other club team during the period of suspension.
Rule 30
In the case of alleged assault of a referee or assistant referees,
the player(s) or official(s) shall stand suspended from the time the alleged
offence was committed. They shall not play, train or take part in any football
activity until the case is finally dealt with by the Executive Committee of
the League and/or any subsequent appeal to football authorities.
Rule 31
In all matches, with the exception of Cup finals, the Referee's and
Assistant Referees fees and expenses must be borne equally by each club. The
Football Association of Ireland Referee's Committee shall fix referee's fees
and expenses.
Rule 32
Any objection to ground markings, goal-nets, goal posts, corner flag
posts or size of the ground must be made in writing to the referee before the
game is started. The referee shall have the power to have such objection corrected.
The referee shall also have the power to decide on the fitness of the ground
for play. In the event of a ground being unmarked for a match, the referee must
report the club responsible for the non-marking of the ground and the club shall
be fined, as the Executive Committee deems fit. The referee's decision on the
day shall be final and shall not be the grounds for any protest or claim.
Rule 33
If a member of the Executive Committee has any doubt as to the qualification
of a player taking part in any match, he must make the complaint in writing
within 48 hours after the playing the match, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
excepted. The Executive Committee shall call upon such a player, or the club
for which he played, to prove that he is qualified according to the Rules. Failing
satisfactory proof, the Executive Committee may deduct points from the offending
club. No points shall be awarded to the opposing club unless a registered protest
has been lodged and upheld. The member questioning the qualification must give
his reason for doing so.
Rule 34
In all league matches, three points shall be awarded for a win and
one point for a drawn match. At the end of each divisional competition, the
club scoring the highest number of points shall be declared the winners of that
division and shall receive the Championship Cup and sixteen trophies. The club
scoring the second highest numbers of points shall be deemed runners-up and
shall receive sixteen trophies. Goal difference shall be taken into account
in determining the last two places in the division. In the event of a test match
for winners or runners-up been necessary, where teams finish on equal points,
test matches will be played out to a finish on the day. Where more than two
teams finish on equal points, the Executive Committee will decide on the play-off
system. Their decision will be final and binding on the clubs. If a gate is
taken, the net receipts, after paying the expenses of the match, shall be divided
equally between the competing clubs and the League. In all divisions, a system
of promotion and relegation shall apply wherever possible but no club shall
have two teams in the same division except in special competition. Cup winners
shall sign an agreement to hand back the cup in good order and condition before
the 1st March in the following season to the League. Should the cup be damaged
during the season, the League will have the damaged cup repaired (if possible)
and the club will have to bear the cost of repair or replacement? The signed
agreement must be forthcoming, before the Cup is presented. A club failing to
return the winners trophy by March 1st may be fined for each week overdue. The
amount to be decided at A.G.M. in any year and shall be displayed in League
offices.
Rule 35
The Honorary Officers and Executive Committee shall have the power
to decide on any matter not provided for in these Rules, however they must submit
their decision to the next Annual General Meeting for possible insertion into
the Divisional Rules of the League.
Rule 36
The League accepts no responsibility for the non-possession of rule
books by member clubs, nor can the non-possession be pleaded as ignorance of
the rules of the League.