The Bridgwater & District Sunday League General Rules

1. NOMENCLATURE AND CONSTITUTION

1.1 This combination of clubs shall be called the Bridgwater & District Sunday League and shall be affiliated to the Somerset Football Association Limited. the aims of the competition shall be to foster and promote the development of competitive football encompassing the priorities of sportsmanship and fair play.
1.2 All such members clubs must be affiliated to the County association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually to the Somerset Football Association Limited by the appointed date on form ‘D’
1.3 The competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Somerset Football Association Limited
1.4 The league shall comprise of no more than forty two clubs, divided into divisions determined by the member clubs at the Annual General Meeting.
1.5 In addition to the above, the league shall be responsible for the organisation and running of the following competitions:-

The Geoff Harvey knock-out cup
The Danny Markell knock-out cup
The Bill Brown knock-out cup
The Dave Hobbs knock-out cup
together with any other competitions that may be found necessary to provide competitive football for all, or some of, the member clubs

1.6 At the Annual General Meeting, or a special general meeting called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present (one vote per team) shall have the power to decide or adjust the compilation of divisions at their discretion.

2. ENTRY FEE AND SUBSCRIPTION

2.1 All existing clubs must notify the league secretary by the nominated date prior to the Annual General Meeting each year, of its intention to continue in, or withdraw from, the league its team and/ or teams for the following season. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £20
2.2 New clubs shall apply for election to the league on the prescribed form, available from the secretary. These forms must be returned to the secretary at least seven days prior to the annual general meeting.
2.2.1 All new teams elected in to the league to pay a deposit to the league of £100.00, this will be used towards outstanding costs at the end of the first season and remaining monies refunded to the team.
2.3 The annual subsciption shall be £60 per team. in addition the cup entry fees are £20 per competition each team enters, payable before August 1st each year.
2.4 No team shall participate in this competition until the annual subscription has been paid
2.5 Each club must be affiliated to the Somerset Football Association Limited, and must forward its affiliation number to the league secretary by 30th June. Failure to do so will result in a £5 fine.
(a new affiliation number must be applied for at the start of each new playing season)
2.6 Clubs must advise the league secretary on the prescribed form, details of its headquarters, officers and team colours etc. by the nominated date. Any subsequent changes must be notified to the league and county secretary’s immediately in writing. Failure to do so will result in a £5 fine

3. OFFICERS

3.1 The officers of the competition shall be the management committee, comprising chairman, vice-chairman, league secretary, treasurer, fixtures secretary, referees appointment secretary, registration secretary, press officer, referees representative, FA advisor, general assistant, representative team managers, and executive committee members comprising of club representatives.(no fewer than six members covering all divisions)

4. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

4.1 The competitions shall be governed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Football Association by the management committee
4.2 Officers shall be elected annually at the annual general meeting
4.3 Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. all other candidates for election as officers shall be nominated to the league secretary in writing no later than fourteen days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting in each year
4.4 Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
4.5 In the event of there being no nominations in accordance with the foregoing for any office nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting.
4.6 The management committee shall normally meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm. (no December meeting). Unless otherwise notified by the league secretary. the executive committee shall normally meet to deal with business as it arises as notified by the league secretary.
4.6.1 No smoking or mobile phones will be permitted at the management meetings and AGM.
4.7 Clubs not represented at the management meetings shall be fined £25. This fine will increase by £10 for each subsequent non-representation during the season. Apologies for non-attendance will be recorded but the fine will be imposed
4.8 On receiving a request signed by the representatives of not less than nine members of the management committee, the league secretary shall convene a special general meeting of the league
4.9 Non-attendance at a special general meeting or the Annual General Meeting shall result in the defaulting club being fined £25
4.10 Except where otherwise mentioned, all communications must be addressed to the league secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the league and its associated competitions and keep a record of its proceedings.
4.11 All club correspondence, including protests and complaints (see rule) must originate from the club secretary or, in his or her absence through another nominated officer, and be addressed to the league secretary.

5. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

5.1 The management committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider necessary and may delegate powers as they deem necessary to such committees
5.2 The decisions of such sub-committees shall be reported to the management committee for ratification
5.3 Each member of the management committee and non-club representatives on the executive committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all management committee meetings and have one vote there at, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such members or to the club so represented. (this procedure shall apply to any sub or executive committees.
5.4 In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the chairman shall have the casting vote
5.5 The executive committee shall have the powers to apply, act upon and enforce the rules of the competitions and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the competitions, including any not provided for in the rules
5.6 Except where these rules provide for the imposition of a set penalty, any club, official or player alleged to be in breach of a competition rule must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the executive committee.
5.7 All breaches of the laws of the game, rules and regulations of the football association shall be dealt with in accordance with FA rules
5.8 All decisions of the executive committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the board of appeal in accordance with rule 16
5.9 Decisions of the executive committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within fourteen days from the date of the meeting.
5.10 One-third of members of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the executive committee and one-third members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business by any sub-committee of the competitions or full members meetings
5.11 The executive committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have the power to fill in an active capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number
5.12 Any club failing to comply with an order or instruction of the league, to answer correspondence from the league or to pay fines within fourteen days, shall be fined £20. With a further £20 for each subsequent seven days. After the third fine the club shall be ordered to appear before the executive committee
5.13 The treasurer shall report all such outstanding invoices at each monthly meeting
5.14 A member of the executive committee, appointed by the competition to attend any seminar, meeting or match, shall have any expenses incurred refunded by the league
5.15 The executive committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the competition between the annual general meeting or special general meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the competition season
5.16 All decisions made by the executive committee shall be reported to the management committee

6. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

6.1 The Annual General Meeting shall normally be held no later than fourteen days after the Somerset Football Association Annual General Meeting. In most years actually held before the county FA AGM. At this meeting, the following business shall be transacted, provided that at least one-third of the members present and entitled to vote
6.1.1 To receive and confirm the minutes of the preceding annual general meeting
6.1.2 To consider any business arising there from
6.1.3 To receive and adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts
6.1.4 Election of clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the executive committee)
6.1.5 Constitution of the competition for ensuing season
6.1.6 Election of officers and executive committee
6.1.7 Appointment of auditors
6.1.8 Alterations of rules, if any (of which notice has been given)
6.1.9 To fix the date of the start and finish of the playing season
6.1.10 Any other business of which notice has been given and accepted as being relevant to the annual general meeting
6.2 A copy of the agenda, duly audited balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be forwarded to each club at least seven days prior to the meeting and to the Somerset Football Association Limited
6.3 A signed copy of the agenda, duly audited balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Somerset football association limited within fourteen days of its adoption by the annual general meeting
6.4 Each member team shall be empowered to send more than one delegate to an annual general meeting, each team shall entitled to one vote only
6.5 Not less than seven days notice to be given of any meeting
6.6 Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing in membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded
6.7 All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the chairman so decides
6.8 No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one member club
6.9 Officers of the executive committee shall be entitled to vote at an annual general meeting. Elected representatives shall be entitled to one vote only as their club representative. Should a club representative be unable to attend, another representative will be entitled to vote in their absence
6.10 Any continuing member club failing to be represented at the annual general meeting shall be fined £25. Apologies will be recorded but the fine imposed.

7. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

7.1 The chairman and secretary of each club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the competition together with the application for membership for the coming season or upon indicating that the club intends to compete

“we -------------------- of ----------------- (chairman) and--------------------
of------------------------- (secretary) of the----------------------------------
football club have been provided with a copy of the rules and regulations of the Bridgwater & District Sunday League and its associated competitions and do hereby agree for and behalf of the said club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those rules and regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the management/ executive committee of the competitions, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with rule 16

( note the spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the names and addresses
plus signatures of the club officers mentioned)
7.2 Any alteration of the chairman and/or secretary in the above agreement must be notified to the Somerset Football Association Limited to which the club is affiliated and to the general secretary of the competition
7.3 In addition to the above, the following information must be complied with:
7.3.1 Elected officials of all new clubs and newly elected officials of existing clubs will be required to undertake induction training on each of their duties and responsibilities
7.3.2 Clubs have a “duty of care” and must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of injury to their players and to the players of the opposition. this fact must be clearly explained to everyone involved with the club. more especially, a club must ensure that nothing is omitted to be done, or is done, which is likely to cause bodily injury to the public, club members or others, and extends to the preparation of any pitches for which it is responsible. Clubs must also take great care that any obligations under pitch hire agreements are complied with
7.3.3 Clubs must support the FA code of conduct (reproduced in these rules at appendix --) and prepare their own code of conduct particularly highlighting what internal action the club propose to take in dealing with any players or supporters indiscipline and/or misconduct
7.3.4 Team managers, coaches and/or officials will coach and encourage their players in a constructive and non-aggressive manner. They will not be permitted to shout at the match officials or make comments on decisions during the match, or shout at the opposition
7.3.5 Foul and/or abusive language, aggressive and/or oppressive conduct toward anyone, by any person will not be tolerated under any circumstances. if any club, ( officers, players or supporters), is found guilty of any charge under this rule seven a fine of up to £50 will be levied.
7.3.6 A copy of each club’s code of conduct must be lodged with the general secretary. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £10

8. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYER

8.1 Contract players, as defined in football association rules, are not permitted in this league’s competition
8.2A registered playing member of a club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has;
8.2.1 Signed a fully and correctly completed competition registration form in ink, countersigned by the club secretary or, in his/her absence, an approved nominated officer, and who has been registered with the registration secretary by 10 am on the day of the match complete with an up to date passport sized photograph. prior to such player being allowed to play in a league match, the ID card must be in the possession of the club.
8.2.2 Clubs must forward to the registration secretary, registration forms and up to date passport sized photographs for each player, for sufficient players to form a team fourteen days before the league is due to start. Failure to do so will result in a £10 fine
8.2.3 Forms will be acknowledged by the Registration Secretary. Incomplete or ineligible forms will be returned to clubs unregistered for which a £2 administrative charge per form will be levied.
8.2.4 All players to be registered with the registration secretary only.
8.3 A player having played more than five senior matches will cease to be eligible for junior football but shall be allowed to apply for reinstatement. such applications forms must be with the registration secretary seven days before the match. no team shall be allowed more than three such players including substitutes in any one match. a player having played more than seven games in a clubs first team will cease to be eligible for any lower division in the league, but shall be allowed to apply to the management committee for re-instatement. No clubs second team shall have more than three such players including substitutes.
8.5 No reinstatements shall be granted after the last day of February in each season
8.6 A registration fee of £2 will be levied for each reinstatement request. Monies to be forwarded with reinstatement form.
8.7 Applications must be signed by the club secretary, or in his/her absence, a nominated officer and shall be acknowledged by the registration secretary
8.8 A player having taken part in matches for any club affiliated to any county football association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a club in the competition without first proving to the officials of the intended club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous club, or clubs, and a club official may not accept such players signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the club, or clubs, for which the player last played
8.9 Registration forms shall be obtained from the registration secretary
8.10 The executive committee shall decide on all registration disputes
8.11 In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one club, priority of registration by the league shall decide for which club the player shall be registered. The registration secretary shall notify the club last applying to register the player of the facts of the previous registration
8.12 It shall be deemed misconduct for a player to:-
8.12.1 Play for more than one club in the league competition in the same season without first being transferred
8.12.2 Having signed for one club in the competition, sign for another club in the competition in that season except for the purpose of a transfer
8.12.3 Submit a signed registration form for registration that the player had wilfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.
8.13 The management committee shall have the power to accept, refuse cancel or suspend the registration of any player or may fine any player at their discretion proved guilty of registration irregularities
8.14 The management committee shall have the power to fine, refuse and/or cancel the registration of any player found guilty of undesirable conduct and to disqualify the player in question from participating in all matches in all competitions (subject to rule 16)
8.15 Subject to the football association rules, dealing with players without a written contract when a player desires a transfer, the club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form with an up to date passport sized photograph and ID Card from transferred club, to the registration secretary together with a registration form duly completed in accordance with rule 8.2.1. (having first referred such transfer to the club for which the player is registered). Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the registration secretary and to the player concerned within seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the clubs consent the registration secretary will, on behalf of the management committee transfer the player. Who will be deemed eligible to play for his new club once receipt of such a transfer has been authorised and ID card has been received by the new club.7 days notice required for the transfer of a player, this does not include the Sunday they have played. A registration fee of £10 is payable at the time of each transfer
8.16 In the event of an objection to a transfer, the matter shall be referred to the executive committee for a decision
8.17 A player may not be transferred to another club in the competition after the last day of December in each season
8.18 A club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played and shall produce such records upon demand by the management committee. Failure to produce such records shall result in a fine of £10
8.18.1 A club shall keep and produce ID cards on request by referee and committee members and will be available at all matches. Failure to produce ID card for player/players, the player/players will be ineligible to play and the club will be dealt with as rule 8.21
8.18.2 ID Cards – Before a match begins, the two opposing sides must swap their ID Cards via a nominated member from the team, ID Cards are to be returned at the end of the match. Failure to do so will result in the club appearing before the executive committee.
8.19 A register containing the names of all players registered for each club, with the date of registration, shall be kept by the registration secretary and shall be open for inspection by appointed member club representative at times mutually agreed with the registration secretary
8.20 A player shall not be eligible to play for more than one team in any of the competitions organised by the league other than in the league championships
8.21 Any team playing an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player or players shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and the game shall be declared null and void with three points awarded to the opposition. in addition the offending club and player shall be dealt with by the executive committee
8.22 The executive committee in exceptional circumstances may at its discretion, award the match to the opponents, subject to the match not being played, or ordered to be replayed.
8.23 No player who is in full-time compulsory secondary education to be registered

9. CLUB COLOURS, CLUB NAME

9.1.1 Every club must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the general secretary on its application form who shall decide as to their suitability.
9.2 Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee.
9.3 No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
9.4 Any team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the competition shall notify the colours in which they play to its opponents at least five days before the match.
9.5 In the event of a clash of colours, the home team shall change into non-conflicting colours. Teams must wear colours as described in the league handbook under their name unless a change has previously been notified to the general secretary.
9.6 The general secretary may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours and the management committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit. shirts must be numbered 1-17
9.7 Any club wishing to change its name and/or its colours must seek permission from the management committee and advise its affiliated county association.

10.PLAYING SEASON, CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF, POSTPONEMENTS, AND SUBSTITUTES.

10.1 The annual general meetings shall determine the commencing and concluding
dates for the ensuing season, which shall be in accordance with football association rules.
10.2.1 Fixtures, including reserved dates for cup matches, will be prepared by the fixtures secretary and issued to all clubs. All fixtures should normally be completed by the last day in April in each season which commence on the first Sunday in September, subject to fixtures being prepared at the discretion of the fixtures secretary prior to this date.
10.2.2 No friendly, Charity or any other football match other than a Sunday league or cup fixture to be arranged on a Sunday during our season without prior consent from the league. Permission to be applied for in writing to the League Secretary giving 2 months notice. Permission if granted will be given in writing by the league Secretary.
10.3 Fixtures may be amended at the discretion of the fixtures secretary to ensure the playing of as many matches as possible on any given date. League matches must be given preference over friendly games.
10.4 Notification of a change to a published fixture will be by an official notification issued by the fixtures secretary
10.5 all matches shall be played in accordance with the laws of the game as determined by the international football association board
10.6 Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the management committee
10.6.1 Postponements made due to unfit pitches, the home club is responsible for informing the opposition, referees fixtures secretary, press officer. Fixtures secretary and league secretary at the earliest date.
10.7 The management committee shall have the power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the competition and to order the club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground
10.8 All matches shall have a duration of 90minutes unless a shorter time (not less than 70 minutes) is mutually agreed by the two captains in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match and in any event have equal halves. All such matches shall be considered to be league matches. Shorter time must be reported to the league secretary stating reasons why and the team/teams may be dealt with by the executive committee.
10.9 In the event of a match not being finished, or being ordered to be replayed owing to circumstances over which neither team has any control, the fixtures secretary shall arrange the replay
10.10 In the event of a short time match of seventy minutes or over, in which a full half has been played, the result at the end of play will stand unless any outstanding circumstances warrant the management committee ordering a replay. any such replay shall be arranged by the fixtures secretary
10.11 All Sunday matches will kick-off at 10.30am for league and cup matches. Evening matches will start no later than 6.30pm (kick-off times for Somerset FA cup matches may differ from these times ). In some circumstances an afternoon kick off may be required.
10.12 Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts for which the offending club shall be fined £5 to take effect five minutes after the due start time
10.13 The home team must provide at least two match balls fit for play. Goal nets must be used
10.14 Except by permission of the management committee all matches must be played on the original dates but priority shall be given to the FA and all relevant county association cup competitions. all other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the fixtures secretary
10.15 The secretary of the home club must give notice, if necessary, of full particulars of the location of, and access to the ground. to the secretary of the opposing club at least four days prior to playing the match. Remembering to also contact the appointed match official giving the same details.
10.16 Any club failing to comply with rule 10.15 shall be liable to a fine of £5
10.17 Every club shall play its best available qualified team or teams- but see definition below- in all matches in the competition.
note; the intention of this rule is not to interfere with normal team selection by clubs, but to prevent clubs deliberately fielding a weakened team in order to unreasonably reserve players for another game or to boost the strength of another or lower team. it is not intended that clubs must field higher team players in lower teams when the higher team has no engagement.
if in the opinion of the management committee, the substance or spirit of the rule is obviously being disregarded the club or clubs concerned may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject to such decisions as the management committee may determine, despite the fact that rule 8 has not been infringed
10.18 In the event of a club playing any match with less than ten players they shall be fined £10. a minimum of seven players will constitute a team for a competitive match
10.19 Any club wishing to postpone a fixture must do so through the League secretary, in writing giving at least one months notice. Who will notify the opposing team and the referees secretary. clubs must not deal direct with the other team
10.20 Teams will be allowed to close two dates between the second Sunday in September and the last Sunday in April. any postponement not in accordance with the above will result in the team forfeiting three points and being fined £25. for the second offence, a further three points will be deducted and the fine doubled to £50. Clubs postponing an evening fixture will be dealt with by the executive committee
10.21 Postponements made by telephone will not be accepted except those relating to unfit pitches. All postponements must be confirmed immediately in writing to the League secretary, to be received within 5 days. All postponed matches will be arranged by the fixtures secretary.
10.22 Any club failing to arrive for a fixture shall forfeit three points and be fined £25, and shall also pay such reasonable out of pocket expenses to their opponents
10.23 Where a club is forced to vacate their home ground before the end of the season and still have outstanding home fixtures to play, these will be played either on their opponents ground if both teams agree or on a neutral ground which will be arranged by the fixtures secretary. The home club will be responsible for any expenses incurred for the ground along with normal match expenses.
10.24 Where a visiting club has caused a game, which should have been played when the home sides ground was available to become outstanding because of the cancelling of the fixture on their part, then the visiting side will be held responsible for any expenses of the home side having to travel to a neutral ground. Also reimburse all reasonable ground and match expenses incurred by the home team
10.25 In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be notified by the fixtures secretary.
10.26 The management committee shall have the power to order a match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date
10.27 The management committee shall review all abandoned matches and in a case where it is to the advantage of the competition and does no injustice to either club, shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. in all cases where the management committee are satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to conduct of one team or its club members they shall be empowered to award the points for the match to the opponents and/or take action they may deem necessary. in cases where a match is abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams of their club members, the management committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. such action is subject to any disciplinary action taken by the Somerset Football Association Limited
10.28 If a clubs first team and second team have fixtures and there are insufficient players available to field two sides, then the first team fixture must take priority. (a first team league match, will take priority over a second team cup fixture.)
10.29 A club may at its discretion, and in accordance with the laws of the game, use three substitute players in any match in the leagues competitions who may be selected from five players
10.30 The referee shall be informed of the names of the substitutes before the start of the match
10.31 A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but who does not actually play in the match shall not be considered to have been a player in the match within the meaning of rule 8 of this competition
10.32 The half time interval shall be of ten minutes duration but it shall not exceed fifteen. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
10.32.1 A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery, including wedding rings), therefore all items of jewellery must be removed. Tape cannot be used to tape over any form of jewellery.

11 REPORTING RESULTS

11.1 The registration secretary must receive a team sheet from both teams within five days of the date of the match played. this must include the match result, forenames and surnames of the team players in block letters alphabetically and also the referees and sportsmanship marks and any other information required by the competition. failure to do so will incur a fine of £5. team sheets not produced within seven days of the deadline will incur an additional £10 fine.
11.2 Home teams shall be responsible for telephoning match results for both league and cup matches to the press officer. no later than 3pm on Sundays or 9pm on evening fixtures. Failure to do so will result in a £5 fine, increasing by £5 for each subsequent offence
11.3 A team sheet showing a referees mark of five or less must be accompanied with a written explanation or the team shall be fined £5
11.4 The match result notification (team sheet), correctly completed shall be signed by a responsible member of the club. a club could be punished which submits an incomplete form or incorrect information.

12 DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

12.1 Team ranking within the league competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn match. the team gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners. Matches must not be played for double points
12.2 In the event of two or more teams being equal on points, team rankings shall be decided on goal difference
12.3 Should two or more teams tie on points and goal differences, then the team scoring the most goals shall decide a championship or relegation issue and also determine other positions within a division
12.4 Automatic promotion and relegation in normal circumstances shall be applied for the first two and last two in each division except as provided for hereunder
12.5 Should one or more team withdraw from any one division after the fixtures have commenced, an equal number of teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be relegated
12.6 Champions in each division shall be awarded fifteen mementoes which will be engraved at the leagues expense
12.7 Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the season may be filled in any of the following ways:-
12.7.1 Retention of otherwise relegated teams
12.7.2 The bottom two teams of the lowest division in the league applying for re-election
12.7.3 Additional promotion of the next ranked teams from the division below
12.7.4 Election of new clubs
12.8 When a senior team is relegated to a lower division of which its reserve team is a member, of entitled to be a member, such reserve teams must accept relegation to, or retain its position in, the next lower division; and should the senior team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve team automatically retires from the competition
12.9 Should either or both of the leading teams in any of the divisions have its senior team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the general meeting, to the next highest team or teams in the division concerned
12.10 In the event of a team not completing its fixtures for the season (unless through no fault of its own) all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the league table.

13 REFEREES/ ASSISTANT REFEREES

13.1 Registered referees and assistants referees, where appropriate for all league and other associated competitions matches shall be appointed and notified by the referees secretary
13.2 In the event of a non-appearance of the referee, the clubs shall agree upon a referee. a referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee
13.3 Each team must provide a club assistant referee for each match failure to do so will result in a fine of £10
13.4 The appointed match official shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision be final. in the case of a ground of a local authority or the owners of a ground where the representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision on the grounds fitness must be accepted
13.5 Match officials appointed shall be entitled to charge expenses in accordance with the current Somerset Football Association Limited’s County junior cup rate which is 25p per mile
13.6 The home club shall pay the official(s) their fees and expenses immediately after the match at the current rate, which is £15
13.7 In the event of a match not taking place, and the official is present, they are entitled to half a match fee plus expenses
13.7.1 Where a match is not played owing to one club being in default, that club shall be ordered to pay the match officials if they attend the ground, their full fees plus expenses to be paid.
13.8 The league will present a trophy to the referee gaining the highest average mark in each season subject to having refereed for a minimum of 12 (twelve) games under the jurisdiction of the league.
13.9 Referees shall be supplied each season with a copy of the competition rules free of charge
13.10 A registered referee shall be eligible for registration as a player of any club in membership of the league. a club registering any such referee as a player shall disclose it to the registration secretary. Any referee so registered shall be barred from refereeing in any division in which his club is competing
13.11 The league will present a trophy to the club obtaining the highest average mark in each season for the performance of their assistant referee
13.12 Any club failing to supply an assistant referee will be fined £10 and marked nil.

14 CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

14.1 After 31st December in the current season, a club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the competition must notify the general secretary in writing by the first of may
14.2 All clubs wishing to remain in membership of the competition for the following season must complete and return the application form to the general secretary no later than may 20th
14.3 A club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams after the annual general meeting. Any club doing so will be fined £100.00
14.4 Should a club withdraw during the season they shall be fined £100.00 and all results deleted from the records
14.5 A club with two or more teams in the league wishing to withdraw one of their teams, must withdraw the team playing in the lowest division
14.6 When a club folds owing monies to the league, county or local authority all members of that club have to pay their share of all debts before being allowed to re-register in our league.

15 PROTESTS AND APPEALS

15.1 All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretation of domestic issues shall be referred to the management committee
15.2 If the management committee deem that a complaint, protest or appeal is outside their remit, the matter shall, in the first instance be reported to the Somerset FA limited and interested parties advised accordingly by the general secretary
15.3 Depending upon the result of the Somerset FA, deliberations, further action may be taken by the management committee
15.4 A member of the management committee who is a member of any club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his club) when such a protest or complaint is being determined
15.5 No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the management committee unless the complaint is in duplicate and within seven days of the match or occurrence to which they refer. they should be accompanied by a deposit of £5. refundable if successful. The competition shall have the power to order the defaulting club to pay the expenses of the enquiry
15.6 All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received fourteen days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest of complaint the management committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint.

16 BOARD OF APPEAL

16.1Within fourteen days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the management committee or the competition, a club official or player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the secretary of the Somerset Football Association Limited including a fee of £25 for adjudication of a board of appeal. the grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA rules. The board of appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the board of appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.

17 EXCLUSION OF CLUBS OR TEAMS. MISCONDUCT; CLUBS, OFFICIALS, PLAYERS

17.1 At the annual general meeting, or special general meeting called for the purpose, notice of motion having duly circulated on the agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any club or team from further membership upon a majority of two-thirds of the vote cast. Voting on this point shall be conducted by a show of hands
17.2 At the annual general meeting, or at a special annual general meeting delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the competition any club whose conduct has in their opinion, been undesirable upon a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast. a club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting
17.3 Any official or member of a club proved guilty of either misconduct, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another club in the competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such a penalty a general meeting may decide
17.4.1 Any player cautioned for dissent will have their registration withdrawn for two matches when notified by the registration secretary.If a player is appealing to the Somerset FA the withdrawl of registration will be withheld until SFA has dealt with the appeal. the registration of any player dismissed for use of offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures at a match official (including club assistant referees) will be withdrawn immediately for four matches. Which will render them ineligible for Sunday league and cup matches. if it is deemed necessary further action may be taken.
17.4.2 The club will be fined £5.00 for a 2 match dissent and £10.00 for a 4 match dissent. Failure to pay will be in breach of rule 5.12.
17.4.2 Bookings for dissent will have a points system per player. Each player will be given 1 point for a 2 match withdraw of registration and 2 points for a 4 match withdraw of registration. Once a player has reached 3 points, he will be asked to appear in front of the disciplinary committee. Once a player has reached 5 points his registration will be withheld for the rest of the playing season.
17.5 Any team reaching a total of twenty points allocated under the Somerset Football Association Limited’s penalty points system, shall be brought before the executive committee.

18 TROPHY (TROPHIES): LEGAL OWNERS, CONDITIONS OF TAKING OVER AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED. AWARDS

18.1 A competition cup or trophy shall be vested in the association sanctioning the competition as trustees
18.2 If a competition be discontinued for ant cause, the cup or trophy shall be returned to the donor, if the conditions attached to it so provide, or otherwise be dealt as the association may decide
18.3 At the close of each competition awards may be provided to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the competition provide
18.4 Cup/ trophies to be engraved at the holders expense
18.5 The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winner of a cup and/or trophy
we------------------------and--------------- the chairman and secretary of---------------------------FC, members of and representing the club, having been declared the winners of the --------------------------cup/trophy and it having been delivered to us by the competition, do hereby on behalf of the club jointly and severally agree to return the cup/trophy in a clean condition to the competition secretary on or before march meeting, or in default be fined £30. If the cup /trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund the competition the amount of its current value or the cost of repair

19 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

19.1 Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the clubs in membership the general secretary shall call a special general meeting
19.2 The management committee may call a special general meeting at any time
19.3 At least seven days notice shall be given of either meeting under the rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such a meeting. Each full member club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all special general meetings. Each club shall be entitled to one vote only.

20 ALTERATIONS TO RULES

20.1 Alterations shall be made to these rules only at the annual general meeting or special general meeting convened for the purpose called in accordance with rule 19. Any alteration made during the playing season to the rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take place until the following season
20.2 Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the annual general meeting shall be submitted to the secretary twenty-eight days prior to the annual general meeting
20.3 The proposals, together with any proposals by the executive committee, shall be circulated fourteen days prior to the AGM to all clubs
20.4 A proposal to change a rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour
20.5 A copy of the proposed alterations to rules to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to Somerset Football Association Limited seven days prior to the date of the meeting
20.6 Any alterations or additions decided upon shall not become operative until sanctioning by Somerset Football Association Limited has been obtained

21 RULES BINDING ON CLUBS

21.1 Each member club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the management committee subject to rule 16.
21.2 Any matter not covered by these rules is subject to standard rules governing junior competitions as issued by the football association
21.3 Each member club must abide by any issued football association code of conduct

22 FINANCE

22.1 The management committee shall determine which bank or other financial institution the funds of the competition will be lodged
22.2 All expenditure in excess of £500, shall be approved by the management committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two officers nominated by the management committee
22.3 The financial year of the competition will end on 30th April
22.4 The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a competition shall be prepared and shall be audited annually by some suitable person who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting

THE BRIDGWATER SUNDAY LEAGUE (1966) KNOCK-OUT CUP COMPETITION

RULES
1.Name
1.1The competition shall be called “ the Bridgwater & District Sunday League knock- out competition.” the cup shall be called the “Dave Hobbs cup” and shall be the property of the Sunday league
2Competition
2.1The cup must be competed for each season and shall not become the property of any club. Every team in membership of the Sunday league shall enter
3. Management
3.1 The management of the competition shall be vested in the officers and committee who will be elected annually at the AGM.
4.Entrance fee
4.1 The entrance fee shall be £20 per team pay able on or before the 1st August in each year
5 Conditions of play
5.1 The duration of all cup ties, including the semi-final and final, shall be a minimum of ninety minutes, forty-five minutes each half. if at the end of ninety minutes the scores are level then thirty minutes extra time, fifteen minutes each half, shall be played
5.2 If in any cup tie, the scores are still level after extra time, the match will be decided by the taking of penalty kicks, which shall not be considered part of the match, subject to the conditions set out as appendix ( ) to these rules
5.3 Any club failing to play the tie on the date fixed by the fixtures secretary shall be ruled out of the competition, unless such a fixture is caused by their ground being declared unfit for play because of weather conditions, or by the club participating in another competition which may have precedence (e.g. county cup competitions or replays in another cup competition). any club so ruled out shall be fined £25
5.4 Any cancelled game shall be rearranged by the fixtures secretary
5.5 When adverse conditions prevail on the morning of the games, referee’s and clubs must wait until 11am before deciding that a game is unplayable.
5.6 In such instances as above the clubs need to inform the press officer, fixtures secretary and general secretary and is the responsibility of the home club to do so. failure to do so could result in a fine
5.7 Any club failing to turn up for a game be it home or away side, as well match expenses for the officials, they could incur travelling expenses from their opponents
5.8 Should a club find it does not have a ground available to play a match on a fixed date, the committee shall have the power to select an alternative venue. the club in question shall be responsible for any expenses incurred for the ground together with normal match expenses
6 Semi-finals and final
6.1 Semi-final ties will be played at the first club drawn out
6.2 The final is to be played on a date and ground to be selected by the general secretary
6.3 At this game the gate money will be taken by the executive committee. all monies will defray all match expenses
6.4 Each team shall cover its own traveling expenses for this match. Match expenses shall cover match officials, ground charge and advertising
6.5 The winners and runners-up to be awarded 15 mementoes, which shall be engraved at the leagues expense
6.6 No club or team shall be permitted to purchase additional mementoes for any of its players unless they have played in at least two rounds including the semi-final of the competition
7. Cups
7.1 The club who is the holder of the cup shall be held responsible for the cup and shall replace same should it become lost, stolen or damaged to the like value
7.2 Cups will be suitably engraved by the holder and returned to the general secretary on or before March meeting of each year. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £30
7.3 Cups or trophies for all competitions shall be held in trust by the league
8. Registration of players
8.1 Players registered on a Bridgwater Sunday League form will be deemed registered provided the form is with the registration secretary by 10.00am on the morning of the game, duly signed, witnessed and signed by the club secretary.
8.2 Any club found guilty by the management committee of playing an ineligible player shall be ruled out of the competition and may be fined
8.3 Only players eligible in the last qualifying round shall be allowed to play in the semi-final and final
8.4 Contract players will not be eligible to play in this competition
8.5 A player having been transferred from one club to another club in the league and having played for his former club in this competition shall not be allowed to play for his second or any subsequent club in the competition in the same season
8.6 In the case of a club entering more than one team in this competition, no player shall be permitted to play for more than one of its teams in any one season
8.7 No more than three senior/reinstated players (including substitutes) shall be allowed to play for a team in any one match
8.8 A player having played more than five senior games shall cease to be eligible but shall be allowed to apply to the management committee for re-instatement. such applications on the right forms must be with the registration secretary not less than four days before the date of the match
9. Referees
9.1 Referees to be appointed by the league’s referee’s secretary. (this includes assistants for semi-finals and finals)
9.2 In the final the referee and assistants shall be awarded mementoes
9.3 Fees and travelling expenses of match officials up to the semi-final will be at the current county junior cup rates. the home club is responsible for the match fee
9.4 Fees and travelling expenses for the match officials for the semi-final shall be shared equally between both teams
10. Match results
10.1 The secretary of each club must forward their team sheet and result including referee’s and sportsmanship marks to the registration secretary no later than five days after the match. including the final, or in default be fined £5. team sheets not produced within seven days of the deadline will incur an additional £10 fine
10.2 Team sheets showing a referee’s mark of 5 or less must be accompanied by a letter of explanation or in default be fined £5
11. In all cup ties, excluding the final, the home team shall change into non- conflicting colours in the event of a clash. in the final both teams shall change into non-conflicting colours in the event of a clash unless otherwise mutually agreed
12.Any matter not covered by these rules is subject to the standard rules governing junior competitions as issued by the football association

PRESIDENTS SHIELD

A charity competition to be held at the beginning of the season between the League winners and league cup winners, if the same club win both competitions a league 11/Mavis Tate side will compete.

The monies shall be divided between the two teams for a charity of their choice.

No individual trophies shall be awarded.

A shield will be presented to the winning team

The Tom Bell trophy will be given as runners up to the Presidents cup.

THE BRIDGWATER SUNDAY (1965)
DIVISION ONE KNOCK-OUT CUP COMPETITION
BILL BROWN

RULES

As per knockout cup rules with all first division clubs taking part.

THE BRIDGWATER SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE, 1966
DIVISION TWO K.O. CUP COMPETITION
THE DANNY MARKALL MEMORIAL BRIDGWATER REFEREES CUP

RULES

As per knockout cup rules with all second division clubs taking part.
In the event of the league having two divisions the Danny Markall cup will adopt the Geoff Harvey Cup rules.

THE BRIDGWATER SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE (1966)DIVISION THREE KNOCK-OUT CUP COMPETITION
GEOFF HARVEY RULES

As per knockout cup rules with all third division clubs taking part.
With the exception of the Eligibility of players:
No player who has played Senior football or has played for the clubs first team shall be allowed in this competition.