League Rules

RULES (Updated March 2023)

1. SUBORDINATION TO CONSTITUTION

a. The definitions within these Rules shall be the definitions given to such terms in accordance with the Constitution.
b. These Rules are in addition to and supplementary to the Constitution.
c. In the event of a conflict between the Constitution and these Rules then the Constitution shall take precedence.

2. AFFILIATION & SUBSCRIPTION

a. All Clubs must be affiliated to the West Wales Football Association (“WWFA”) by 1st July immediately preceding each Season.
b. The annual league subscription shall be determined annually by the League Management Committee and paid via the FAW Comet system.
c. Clubs shall not withdraw from membership of the League without due notice of such intention being given in writing to the League Secretary before the first week of July prior to the Annual General Meeting at which time the membership shall be formally terminated.
d. Clubs and players registered with this League shall not be permitted to take part in competitions other than those arranged by the Football Association of Wales or the WWFA except for small-sided tournaments, unless approval has first been given by the FAW and/or WWFA as appropriate. Individual tour matches may be sanctioned if approved by the WWFA.
e. All Managers and Coaches running teams in this League must have a valid and current DBS certificate. At least one Manager/Coach (who shall attend all of that Club’s matches) must also possess a valid and current First Aid qualification approved by the FAW.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MATCHES

a. A schedule of match fixtures for Teams in the League shall be prepared by the League Fixture Secretary using the online FAW Comet System. Match officials shall be appointed by the League’s Referee Officer using the online FAW Comet System.
b. Whilst the principal source of match information for both the Home and Away Teams is the online FAW Comet system, the Home Team shall notify the Away Team and the Referee (in writing or by telephone) of all match details at least six days before the match. Directions to the ground, kit colours and time of kick-off must be provided.
Teams failing to comply without reasonable explanation in the opinion of the League Management Committee will incur the following sanctions:

i. 1st occasion – Warning;
ii. 2nd occasion - £30 fine;
iii. 3rd occasion - £80 fine;
iv. 4th occasion –expulsion from the League.

c. Non-receipt of notification will not be accepted as an excuse for the Away Team not turning up for a fixture. In such circumstances the Away Team should travel for a kick off in accordance with the Rules and the details provided by the online FAW Comet System.
d. The Away Team and Referee shall notify the League Secretary when the Home Team fails to provide notification in accordance with these Rules.
e. The Home Team must provide 2 footballs in match condition and present them to the Referee before the match.

4. FIXTURES AND POSTPONEMENTS

a. Teams may not postpone a fixture without the prior agreement of the League Secretary and/or League Fixture Secretary. Any Team failing to fulfil a League Fixture must notify the League Secretary and League Fixture Secretary by text message immediately and by email within 24 hours of the scheduled match time and date. For Teams failing to supply a satisfactory reason, the offending Team shall forfeit the match by the score of four-nil. This score and the three points will be awarded to the opponents. On the 4th occasion the offending Team shall be struck out of the League (and all competitions under the jurisdiction of the League) should the offending Team be unable to provide the League Management Committee with a satisfactory explanation.
b. Any offending Team which fails to fulfil a fixture must pay any permit and expenses incurred by its opponents and pay the referee half the fee plus travelling expenses should the referee attend at or be on the way to the venue.
c. Teams requesting an open date must make an application to the League Secretary and/or League Fixture Secretary, including the reason, at least 21 days prior to the requested date. A maximum of two open dates per Team will be allowed in any one season.

5. FRIENDLY MATCHES

a. No such match is to be played without the permission of the League. If the request is for a match (or matches) outside the Association area, a written request must also be
made to the West Wales Football Association with a copy to the League Secretary at least 7 days prior to the date of the match.

6. REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF PLAYERS

a. Registrations and Transfers are to be carried out in accordance with the rules and procedures set down by the FAW. b. A player is only eligible to play in a fixture if the player’s registration or transfer has been confirmed and/or approved on the online FAW Comet System no later than the working day prior to the fixture taking place. c. Approaches to players must be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the FAW. d. In the event of a Club becoming defunct then each player is only allowed to transfer to another Club if they have first satisfied the League that they have met all their obligations to the League and Club.

7. GROUND

a. Each Team shall register its ground at which it will play matches on the online FAW Comet System. In the event of a Team wishing to alter the venue at which it will play matches (either on a temporary or permanent basis) then the League Secretary and League Fixture Secretary shall be informed forthwith, and in the event that the change of venue is for a fixture that has already been scheduled and is to take place within the next 10 days then the Team shall also directly inform their opponents and the referee of the change of venue.
b. The Home Team is responsible for the pitch markings which must conform to the Laws of the Game. Goal nets are compulsory in all matches and no metal hooks can be used to secure nets. Corner flags must not be less than 5 feet out of the ground. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a fine of £10 for each offence.
c. Games may only to be played on artificial (non-grass) pitches when both clubs agree and notify the League Secretary and League Fixture Secretary accordingly prior to the match date.
d. Separate changing room facilities for the home and away clubs shall be available at all venues where matches are played and open for use by both clubs not less than 45 minutes before the appointed kick off time. Toilet and shower facilities must be available for use by both clubs, but these need not be separate.

8. CLUB COLOURS

a. Each Team shall record on the online FAW Comet system the colours of its playing kits.
b. The colours of opposing Teams must be distinctive and easily distinguishable. In the event of opposing Teams having similar colours, the HOME TEAM shall make a change, unless otherwise mutually agreed.
c. Kits shall be in accordance with the FAW Kit Regulations. Shirts must be numbered and the numbers worn by the players must correspond with those recorded on the online FAW Comet system. No Team is allowed to play in a predominantly Black or Navy Blue Kit.

9. TEAM SHEETS

a. Hardcopy/paper team sheets are only to be used in the event that the online FAW Comet System is unavailable and/or not able to be accessed. In such an event, each Team is responsible for supplying a completed FAW approved Team Sheet to the Referee not less than 20 minutes before the allotted kick off time. In the event of hardcopy/paper team sheets being used then the HOME Team (or first Team listed in the fixture in the case of the match being played at a neutral venue) is responsible for notifying the result of the fixture, by text or telephone, to the League Fixture Secretary within 90 minutes of the conclusion of the game by either the Club's Secretary or Club Fixture Secretary or another nominated person. Failure to supply a completed Team Sheet or notify the result within times as set out above will result in a fine of £5 for each offence.
b. Save as set out above, all Teams must submit their team to play using the online FAW Comet System and in accordance with its rules. Teams shall have finalised and confirmed their team via the online FAW Comet System not less than 20 minutes before the allocated kick off time. After this time, the team may only be amended with the permission of the Referee and in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
c. Where it is suspected that a Team has played, or is intending to play, an ineligible player in their team, then the club raising the protest must notify the appointed match referee forthwith. The Referee shall then ask the player in question to provide his full name, address, date of birth and signature, as witnessed by the referee. This will then be investigated by the League Management Committee on receipt of notification from the Referee. This shall not constitute a protest. If it is found that an ineligible player has been used, the rule regarding “Ineligible Players” shall apply.
d. The League appointed referee shall close the match on the online FAW Comet System as soon as possible after full time having checked, verified and/or amended as necessary the information entered during the match by the Teams.
e. In the absence of a League appointed referee, the Home Team and Away Team shall collectively check, verify and/or amend as necessary the information entered during the match by the Teams and both Teams shall thereafter immediately email or message the League Fixture Secretary to confirm the details entered who will change the status of the match to “Played” on the online FAW Comet system.

10. SUBSTITUTES

a. In accordance with current FIFA/FAW directives five substitutes may be used at any time during the match at the Team’s discretion, except to replace a player who has been suspended from the match by the Referee. A player who has been substituted may return to the field of play as a ‘return substitute’.
b. A maximum of five substitutes may be nominated prior to the match via the online FAW Comet system. No substitutes other than the nominated players will be allowed to take part in the match.
c. All substitutions must be carried out in accordance with the Laws of the Game and with the permission of the Referee.

11. TIME OF KICK OFF AND DURATION OF MATCH

a. The kick off time (normally Sunday 14:00, except semi-finals and finals) shall be detailed by the League Secretary and/or League Fixture Secretary. Any variation to kick-off times or Match Days must be mutually agreed by both Teams and notified to the League Secretary and/or League Fixture as soon as possible and in any event no less than 7 days prior to the scheduled fixture date.
b. Whether the match is completed or not, Teams causing a late start to a match shall be liable to a fine of £15. All matches shall be played according to the Laws of the Game and Football Association of Wales, and shall be of 90 minutes duration. Any match not completed (for whatever reason) may be ordered to stand as a completed match or replayed for a full period of 90 minutes as the League Management Committee and/or WWFA may direct.
c. Any match played on a knock-out basis, save as set out in advance by the League Management Committee, if the result after normal time is a draw, an extra 10,20 or 30 minutes of equal halves (i.e. 5,10,15 mins each way) shall be played at the discretion of the referee on the day dependent on light factors, etc. If the Teams are level after
extra time the match shall be decided by the use of the penalty kick system. If Penalty Kicks cannot be taken the result shall be decided by the toss of a coin.
d. Save for when the League Management Committee has notified the Teams in advance of a match, each Team is required to add match events (goals, cards and substitutions) for a match in real time. The referee shall review and verify the entries made by the home team at the end of the match before changing the match status to “Played”.

12. REFEREES

a. The Referee in all matches shall be appointed by the League Management Committee. The Referee’s Fee shall be set annually at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose and this must be equally split between the two Teams and paid to the referee immediately after the match.

b. If for any reason the match is not played and the Referee attends at or is on the way Referee has not received adequate advance notification of the postponement. In this instance the Referees’ fees shall be paid by the Home Team unless the Away Team is judged by the League Management Committee to be in default for the match not taking place and the Away Team shall then be liable for all fees.
c. In all games where Assistant Referees have been appointed by the League Management Committee, the Assistant Referees’ Fee shall be set annually at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose and this must be equally split between the two Teams and paid to the Assistant Referees immediately after the match.
d. Referees (and Assistant Referees) must confirm acceptance of appointment by use of the online FAW Comet system. The Referee (and Assistant Referees) shall be at the ground no less than 30 minutes before the kick off.
e. In cases where the groundsman has the deciding power as to fitness of the ground, his decision shall suffice unless the League Management Committee deems it necessary to have a Referee’s report. In such cases the matter shall be reported to the League Management Committee.
f. For all grounds, except those under the control of a groundsman, the Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of grounds in all matches and each Team must take every precaution to keep its ground in a good playing condition. If necessary, the Home Team may request the Referee, or a suitably qualified Referee, to visit the ground two hours before the advertised time of kick off to assess and adjudicate upon its fitness. The referee’s decision shall be final.
g. Any Referee (or Assistant Referee) causing a late start shall be fined the sum of £5.
h. Referees (and Assistant Referees) must accept or decline match appointments within three days of notification by the online FAW Comet system save when the match appointment is for a fixture scheduled to be played in less than 8 days when the Referee (and Assistant Referees) must accept or decline match appointments as soon as practicable.
i. If a referee (or Assistant Referee) accepts an appointment and is subsequently unable to fulfil the fixture, he shall notify the League via the online FAW Comet System as soon as possible and directly inform the Referee’s Officer and Home Team immediately he/she is aware of the change in circumstances.
j. In the event of the appointed referee being unavailable (or where the League has been unable to appoint a referee), the representatives of the two Teams shall agree before the game begins on ONE suitable person to act as substitute referee who shall have the same powers as a League appointed Referee. The Teams shall both notify the Referee’s Officer of the name of the substitute referee by text message immediately upon agreement being reached.
k. The initial onus rests with the home Team to supply a suitable substitute referee. When choosing a substitute referee, referees registered with the FAW/WWFA, followed by qualified referees (but registered with a different area association), take precedence.
l. If the substitute referee is a registered referee, then they shall be entitled to a match fee and expenses in accordance with these Rules.
m. If a match is not played because agreement cannot be reached regarding the appointment of a single substitute referee, Rule 4 shall apply to both Teams.

13. ASSISTANT REFEREES

a. Save when appointed by the League Management Committee, each Team MUST supply an Assistant Referee who shall report to the Referee 20 minutes before the start of the match. An Assistant Referee does not have to be a qualified or registered referee. The League Management Committee is entitled to bring appropriate disciplinary action against Teams failing to supply an Assistant Referee. Team Assistant Referees shall act as directed by the Referee.

14. PROTESTS AND APPEALS

a. All questions of eligibility (other than those lodged with the Referee before, after or during the game), or interpretations of these Rules, shall be referred in writing to the League Secretary within 5 days (except Sunday) of the date of the match to which it refers. All such applications must be accompanied by a fee of £20 which may be refunded if the Protest / Appeal is considered by the League Management Committee to be proved.
b. Any Club, Team, player or Official not satisfied and/or content with a decision of the League Management Committee may appeal to the West Wales Football Association in accordance with its rules. The Club, Team, player or Official shall have the right of a further appeal to the Football Association of Wales.

15. INELIGIBLE PLAYERS

a. When a Team has been proven to have played an ineligible player, or players, the following action will be taken:-

i) If the Team has won the match:

(1) Three points will be deducted from the total points.
(2) The goals scored by the Team shall be disallowed.
(3) Three points may be awarded to the opponents at the discretion of the League Management Committee.

ii) If the Team has lost the match:

(1) The goals scored by the Team shall be disallowed.

iii) If the Team has drawn the match:

(1) One point will be deducted from the total.
(2) The goals scored by the Team shall be disallowed.
(3) An additional two points may be awarded to the opponents at the discretion of the League Management Committee. b. In each case the Club shall be fined £10 for each ineligible player found to have played. Players found to have played when ineligible may be fined up to a maximum of £50 at the League Management Committee’s discretion. For a second or subsequent offence the fine shall be doubled and the Club liable to expulsion.

16. MEETINGS

a. League Management Committee meetings will be convened by the League Secretary as necessary. A meeting of all Clubs will be held prior to the first match taking place in each season. Clubs failing to attend such meetings shall be fined the sum of £10.

17. PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

a. Before the commencement of each season the League Management Committee shall formulate the league structure depending on the number of Teams entering the league and gain approval for the proposed structure at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.
b. In the event of the league being decided by a Play-Off semi-final and final then in order to take part in the Play Off final or semi-final, a player must have played in a minimum of four games for that team in the West Wales Youth League (or its associated competitions) in the current season or alternatively a minimum of four games for the Club’s under 16s team in their respective under 16s league or a combination thereof. This may be varied by the League Management Committee in its absolute discretion.
c. Clubs shall be permitted to enter more than one team into the League (and any related cup, plate and/or knockout competitions run by the League). In the event that a Club does enter more than one team then each team shall be deemed a separate entity to the other team or teams from the same Club – there shall be no sharing of players. Players may only move from one team to another team within the same Club in the same way that they would transfer from one Club to another Club within the League and pursuant to the rules set down by the FAW. Clubs with more than one team shall use the roster function on the online FAW Comet system to ensure that their teams are kept separate. Teams from the same Club shall not be kept separate in any draw made to determine entry into a division or in any round of any cup, plate and/or any other knockout competition.

18. CUSTODY OF CUPS

a. The secretaries of the Clubs which are the winners of the League Championship Cup and/or any other cup or plate winners are responsible for the safe return of any trophy presented to the Club upon winning the League Championship Cup and/or any other cup or plate. In the event of such trophy not being returned within 7 days of a demand for its return being made then the Club in default shall be liable for the full cost of purchasing a replacement trophy including the cost of any engraving required.

19. FINES

a. All fines shall be paid within seven days after receiving notification from the League Secretary/Treasurer (such notification to be given within ten days of the fine being imposed) or the offending Club will be liable to be struck out of the League and/or reported to the West Wales Football Association.
b. All Correspondence from Clubs to the League Management Committee must be via email or in writing as applicable.
c. All Correspondence from the League Management Committee must be responded to or clubs will be fined £10 one each occasion and this may result in clubs being suspended from the League until payment is received.

20. MISCONDUCT

a. The League Management Committee shall have the power to deal with an offending Club or Official for breach of League Rules as they deem fit. All cases of misconduct of players, Officials or supporters shall be reported to the West Wales Football Association.
b. If any club website, or any other social media networking services, is deemed to be offensive towards opponents, officials, the league or members of the League Management Committee then the offending club will be required to appear before the League Management Committee. If a club is unable to provide a satisfactory explanation of its conduct the incident will be referred to The West Wales Football Association.

21. DISORDERLY CONDUCT

a. In order that the League and Cup Competitions may proceed in a fair and sportsmanlike manner, Referees are empowered in all matches to stop the slightest attempt at rough play or intimidation. They also have the power to stop the match at any time for the same reason or where the interference and/or behaviour of supporters incites a display of unreasonable conduct, in which case the supporters at any match stopped on this account cannot claim any return of the admission money.
b. Smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol is prohibited around the playing area of all football grounds and Clubs must also comply with any current legal legislation and FAW Directives regarding smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol.

22. HIRE OF GROUNDS AND ADMISSION

a. Any member of the Football Association of Wales, the West Wales Football Association or the League Management Committee shall have free access to any ground during the progress of a match upon production of his identity card of authority.

23. HANDBOOKS

a. The League may produce its own Handbook which inter alia may include the names and addresses of League officials, referees and participating clubs. However, Referee and Club particulars will be detailed on the League Website or the WWFA Website and changes that occur through the season will be highlighted on the News Tab as appropriate.

24. NON-ATTENDANCE AT HEARINGS

a. Clubs failing to attend disciplinary hearings for any breach of the League Rules when called upon to do so shall be liable to fines as the League Management Committee may direct.

25. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

a. The League Management Committee shall deal with matters not provided for in these Rules.

CUP AND PLATE RULES (March 2023)

1. ENTRY INTO COMPETITION

a. All Teams must participate in the League Cup competition. The name of the Cup will be The West Wales Youth League Cup. Each Team shall pay the entrance fee as set by the League Management Committee via the online FAW Comet system. The League Rules shall apply equally to the League Cup (and Plate) competitions unless otherwise varied by the following Rules.

2. MATCH FORMAT

a. Each match is to be played on a knock-out basis.
b. If the result after normal time is a draw, then subject to any rules set down by the League Management Committee for that round and/or the competition generally, then an extra 10, 20 or 30 minutes of equal halves (i.e. 5, 10 or 15 minutes each way) may be played at the discretion of the referee, dependent upon light factors, weather conditions etc.
c. If the scores are level after extra time, the match will be decided by the use of penalty kicks.
d. If for any reason penalty kicks cannot be taken, the result shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

3. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS

a. The Team which is first drawn in the ballot shall play on their home ground.
b. In the event of the ground of the first drawn Team not being available on the conference date and no other pitch is available; the fixture shall be played on the opponent’s ground. A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to transfer the fixture.
c. In the event of such a re-arranged fixture not being played due to bad weather, the match reverts to the ground of the original Home Team.
d. Postponements or replays shall take place when directed by the League Management Committee.
e. Should a match be postponed on two occasions the fixture shall be reversed, with home advantage being awarded to the opponent. This process shall continue until the fixture is played.
f. All matches are to be played on the conference dates set by the League Management Committee unless both Teams and the League Management Committee agree to vary the date the match is to be played.
g. Finals shall be played on a neutral ground selected by the League Management Committee. The League Management Committee shall have the authority to require semi-final matches to be played on neutral grounds and select such ground or grounds for the matches to take place.

4. REFEREES’ FEES

a. Referee and Assistant Referee fees will be as for League matches save where the League Management Committee directs otherwise.

5. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

a. All players shall have their registration confirmed by the online FAW Comet system no later than the last working day before the match date. In the case of postponed matches, only those who were eligible on the date originally scheduled shall be allowed to play.
b. For Semi-Final and Final ties players shall have played at least 4 matches for that team in this League (and associated competitions) during the current Season or alternatively a minimum of four games for the Club’s under 16s team in their respective under 16s league or a combination thereof. This may be varied by the League Management Committee in its absolute discretion.
c. In the case of any player being found ineligible, then the team playing him shall be adjudged to have lost the match. Any team leaving the field of play before the expiration of the match shall be adjudged to have lost the match. The League Management Committee shall deal with any Club and players guilty of the above offences as it deems fit.

6. FAILURE TO FULFIL A FIXTURE

a. Any club or team failing to fulfil a cup fixture may result in that club or team being suspended from the current competition and future cup competitions.

7. PLATE COMPETITION

a. If time permits, the League Management Committee may arrange a secondary cup competition. This will be called the “West Wales Youth League Plate”. Entry to and the rules of the West Wales Youth League Plate competition shall be determined by the League Management Committee and approved at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.