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 not wishing to renew their membership of the League for the following season shall provide written notice to the League Secretary before the first week of July.  Membership shall be formally terminated for those Clubs at the Annual General Meeting.

d.       Clubs that withdraw from membership of the League shall not be entitled to a refund of any membership and/or entry and/or guarantee fees paid.

e.       Teams wishing to withdraw from membership at any time shall forward a written request to the League Secretary which shall then be considered by the League Management Committee. The League Management Committee is required to approve any request to withdraw from membership and a team will not be deemed to have withdrawn until such approval is given. In the event that the League Management Committee approves a Team’s withdrawal and League fixtures and/or knock out competitions have commenced then all points awarded and goals scored/conceded for all matches involving that Team shall be removed and the Club shall be liable to a fine.

f.        The League Management Committee shall have the power to require such withdrawing Team to pay any non-refundable permit and pitch hire expenses incurred for a fixtured match by any opposition team as a consequence of such withdrawal.

g.       In the event of a Club and/or Team withdrawing from membership before it has completed its allocated fixtures in any given season, then the League Management Committee may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate should they seek readmission in a future season.

h.       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.

i.        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 Referees’ Officer using the online FAW Comet System.

b.       The Home Team shall not less than six (6) days before the match enter their proposed kit colours (including goalkeeper) onto the online FAW Comet System for the forthcoming match AND notify the Away Team (in writing or by telephone) of the following match details :

i.         Time and date of kick off

ii.        Venue and directions to the ground

iii.       Proposed kit colours (including goalkeeper).

c.       The Away Team shall not less than five (5) days before the match reply to the Home Team (in writing or by telephone) to provide their proposed kit colours (including goalkeeper) and enter their proposed kit colours (including goalkeeper) onto online FAW Comet System for the forthcoming match.

d.       In accordance with Rule 8, the Home Team and Away Team shall forthwith amend their playing kits (including on the online FAW Comet System) so as to ensure that a clash does not occur. 

e.       Not less than four (4) days before the match, the Home Team shall notify the Referee (in writing or by telephone) of:

i.         Time and date of kick off

ii.        Venue and directions to the ground

iii.       Proposed kit colours (including goalkeeper) of both teams.

f.        Not less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to kick off the Referee shall confirm with the Home Team:

i.         Approval of both Teams’ proposed kit colours

ii.        Their match fee (and those of any Assistant Referees and/or Fourth Official, if appointed).

g.       If the Referee believes that there may be a clash of kit colours for a Match, then if the matter cannot be resolved directly with the Teams, they shall contact the Referees’ Officer forthwith who may (after consultation with the Teams) require either the Home Team or Away Team to change their kit colours (but not necessarily the whole kit) for the Match.

h.       Teams failing to comply without reasonable explanation in the opinion of the League Management Committee shall be sanctioned. 

i.        Non-receipt of notification will not be accepted as an excuse for the Away Team or the Match Officials not turning up for a fixture. In such circumstances the Away Team and Match Officials should travel for a kick off in accordance with the Rules and the details provided by the online FAW Comet System.

j.        The Home Team, Away Team and Referee shall notify the League Secretary when a party fails to provide notification in accordance with these Rules.

k.       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 be fined and 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 non-refundable permit and pitch hire expenses incurred by its opponents as the League Management Committee shall deem appropriate. Further unless the League Management Committee orders otherwise, the offending Team shall, if they notify the Match Officials and League Secretary and/or League Fixture Secretary after 6.00 pm on the day immediately preceding the fixture that they will be unable to fulfil the fixture, pay the Match Officials half the fee should they be unable to be appointed to an alternative fixture, and should the Match Officials attend at or be on the way to the venue when notification is received also pay their travelling expenses.

c.       Where a match is postponed or cancelled less than 5 days before the scheduled date of the match, the Home Team shall notify the match officials (if appointed) of such postponement or cancellation immediately.

d.       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.

b.       Unless agreed in advance of the match date, teams shall not play any players that would be otherwise ineligible to play in the League at the commencement of the forthcoming season or, if the friendly takes place during the season, as at 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 shall not have attained the age of 18 years before 1st September of each season. A player shall have attained the age of sixteen on the day that the match is played.

c.       Before a player plays their first match for a youth team in the WWYAFL, their Club shall upload an up to date player profile picture (head and shoulders shot only) to the FAW Comet System.

d.       A team official’s or player’s displayed name on the FAW Comet System shall be the player’s registered name, and not a nickname, unless the League Management Committee has agreed in advance to any variation being displayed.

e.       A player is only eligible to play in a fixture if the player’s registration or transfer has been “CONFIRMED” on the online FAW Comet System no later than the working day prior to the fixture taking place.

f.        Players shall at all matches have access to their electronic FAW Comet ID.

g.       Approaches to players must be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the FAW.

h.       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.

i.        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 the “Additional Rules for Clubs with Two or More Teams in the League” as annexed shall be adhered to.

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 ensuring it has all necessary pitch permits, and that the pitch markings and pitch furniture conform to the Laws of the Game.

i.        Should the Home Team fail to arrange a pitch permit which leads to the match not being able to be played then the Home Team shall be deemed to have failed to fulfil the fixture in accordance with Rule 4 (a).

ii.        Goal nets are compulsory in all matches and no metal hooks may be used to secure nets to the ground. A match shall not be played without adequate goal nets being in place and in such event the Home Team shall be considered to have failed to fulfil the fixture in accordance with Rule 4 (a).

iii.       Corner flags shall be in place at each corner and accord with the Laws of the Game (be at least 1.5 m high, with a non-pointed top and a flag). A failure to have corner flags in accordance with the Laws of the Game will result in sanction being imposed.

iv        Should the pitch markings be inadequate rendering the fixture unable to be played then the League Management Committee shall determine whether the Home Team shall be considered to have failed to fulfil the fixture in accordance with Rule 4 (a), whether any other sanction shall be imposed or alternatively whether the fixture shall be played at a later date.

c.       The home team may elect to play the match on a grass or artificial 3G pitch without requiring the agreement of the away team. In the event of a fixture being reversed (irrespective of reason) then the hosting team may, as if they were the home team originally, elect to play the match on a grass or artificial 3G pitch without requiring the agreement of the opposition team. Matches may only be played on artificial 2G pitches when both clubs agree and notify the League Secretary and League Fixture Secretary accordingly prior to the match date. In all instances, artificial 2G and 3G pitches shall be approved by the FAW and/or WWFA for the playing of competitive matches.

d.       If the match is to be played on a 2G or 3G pitch then the hosting team shall inform the opposition team of the footwear requirements of the venue at the same time as providing confirmation of the match in accordance with Rule 3 (b) or, if the fixture is reversed then as soon as practicable.

e.       In the event of the home team’s match venue being unplayable due to adverse weather and/or pitch conditions, the home team shall ask the away team whether their pitch is available and playable for the purposes of playing the scheduled fixture. If it is, then the scheduled fixture shall be played on the away team's venue. If it is the first time the teams have played then any remaining fixture shall be reversed. If the teams are playing for the second time, then the fixture shall still be played on the away team's pitch. Only if both pitches are not playable and/or available will the League Management Committee agree to the match being postponed.

f.        Regarding the pitch costs for reversing the fixture, if it is the first occasion then the costs will be borne by the hosting club. If it is the second match, then the pitch costs will be borne by the non-hosting club save that if the only venue available is a 3G venue, both clubs must agree on the costs beforehand. The non-hosting club will not be sanctioned in the event that they do not agree to bear the cost of a 3G venue and the match is therefore not able to be played.

g.       Separate changing room facilities for the home and away clubs and the Match Officials 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 and Match Officials, but these need not be separate (save when a female match official is appointed).

h.       The home team and the away team shall each be responsible for providing and erecting a temporary rope barrier of at least 60 metres in length on opposite sides of the pitch in the event that the ground does not have permanent barriers. If a pitch has a permanent barrier on one side of the pitch only, then it shall be the home team’s responsibility to provide and erect a temporary rope barrier of at least 60 metres in length on the side opposite to the permanent barrier. The rope barriers shall be set not less than 3 metres back from the touchline. Only the players, substitutes and coaches listed on Comet shall be permitted to be inside either the permanent barrier or temporary rope barrier during the match.

8.       CLUB COLOURS

a.       Each Team shall record on the online FAW Comet system the colours of its playing kits (including the goalkeeper).

b.       The colours of opposing Teams must be distinctive and easily distinguishable. In the event of opposing Teams having similar coloured shirts and/or socks, the AWAY TEAM shall make a change, unless otherwise mutually agreed.

c.       Each goalkeeper shall play in a kit clearly distinguishable from the colours of the shirts and socks worn by all outfield players, match officials and the other goalkeeper. In the event of a goalkeeper having a similar coloured shirt and/or socks to the opposing team’s outfield players then the goalkeeper shall make a change, unless otherwise mutually agreed. In the event of the home team goalkeeper having a similar coloured shirt and/or socks to the away team’s goalkeeper then the away team’s goalkeeper shall make a change, unless otherwise mutually agreed.

d.       In all cases, if the referee notices upon attendance at the ground that the colours of the two teams could lead to confusion, the referee shall in their absolute discretion decide on the colours. As a general rule, in such cases it is the home team that shall change colours, for practical reasons.

e.       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, or any kit which is likely to cause confusion with the kits worn by the Match Officials.

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. 

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 (including playing kits) via the online FAW Comet System not less than 20 minutes before the allocated kick off time. 

c.       After a paper team sheet has been submitted to the referee or the team confirmed on Comet, and if the match has not yet kicked off, a team may only be amended with the permission of the Referee and in accordance with these Rules and the Laws of the Game.

d.       After a team has been confirmed on Comet (or the paper team sheet submitted to the referee) but before kick off, a team shall still be permitted to add players to its team list in order to bring its team up to a total of 16 players. If 16 players have already been confirmed on Comet (or on the paper team sheet) then players may only be replaced due to unexpected physical incapacity. A starting player may only be replaced by one of the named substitutes originally listed with the exception of the Goalkeeper, who may be replaced by a non-listed substitute. The substitute(s) in question may then only be replaced by a registered player (or players) not listed on the initial team sheet, so that the quota of substitutes is not reduced. If any of the substitutes listed on the team sheet are not able to be fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity, they may only be replaced by a registered player not listed on the initial team sheet.

d.       Once the match has kicked off, no further changes may be made; only the players and substitutes named on the paper team sheet or Comet (as appropriate) at the time of kick off may take part in the match.

e.       Where it is suspected that a Team has played, or is intending to play, an ineligible player in their team, then the Team raising the protest must notify the Referee as soon as practicable. If it is a protest regarding a player’s identity then the following procedures shall apply:

i.        If the match has not yet started then the Team Managers (one from each team) in conjunction with the Referee shall ask the player to provide his full name, address and date of birth, and to produce his electronic Comet ID which shall all forthwith (together with a photo of the player taken pitch-side by his Team Manager) be submitted to the League Secretary for investigation and/or consideration by the League Management Committee. Provided the player is able to produce his electronic Comet ID then the player shall (at the complete discretion of the Referee) be entitled to play in the match despite the protest save that the Team and the Player may upon investigation still be subject to subsequent disciplinary action and/or sanction. If the player is unable to produce his electronic Comet ID, then the player shall not be eligible to play in the match.

ii.        If the match has started then the Team managers (one from each team) in conjunction with the Referee shall as soon as practicable (whether that be at half time or full time according to the referee’s absolute discretion) ask the player to provide his full name, address and date of birth, and to produce his electronic Comet ID which shall all forthwith (together with a photo of the player taken pitch-side by his Team Manager) be submitted to the League Secretary for investigation and/or consideration by the League Management Committee. If the match has started but not yet concluded then the player shall (at the complete discretion of the Referee) be entitled to continue to play in the match but the Team and the Player may upon investigation still be subject to subsequent disciplinary action and/or sanction. 

If it is found that an ineligible player has been used, the rule regarding “Ineligible Players” shall apply. 

f.        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.

g.       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.       A maximum of five (5) substitutes may be nominated prior to the match via the online FAW Comet system (or via the paper team sheet, if used). No substitutes other than those so nominated players are allowed to take part in the match. 

b.       Five (5) substitutes may be used at any time during the match at the Team’s discretion, except to replace a player who has been sent off or suspended from the match by the Referee. A player who has been substituted may return to the field of play as a ‘return substitute’.

c.       All substitutions must be carried out in accordance with the Laws of the Game and may only be made when play has been stopped 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 or due to venue constraints) shall be detailed by the League Secretary and/or League Fixture Secretary. Any variation to kick-off times or match date (other than a variation which is at the direction of the League Management Committee) once a fixture has been scheduled must be mutually agreed by both Teams (and the Match Officials if already appointed) and notified to the League Secretary and/or League Fixture as soon as possible and in any event not 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. All matches shall be played according to the Laws of the Game and Football Association of Wales and shall be of 90 minutes duration (being two equal halves of 45 minutes). 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. The length of the half-time interval is at the discretion of the referee but shall in any event be no more than 15 minutes.

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, weather, venue constraints, 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 teams at the end of the match before changing the match status to “Played”.

12.     MATCH OFFICIALS

a.       The Match Officials in all matches (Referee, Assistant Referees and Fourth Official, as appropriate) shall be appointed by the League Management Committee. The League Management Committee has the right to appoint assistant referees and a fourth official, as appropriate, to any fixture. 

b.       The Match Officials’ Fees 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 Match Officials immediately after the match.

c.       If for any reason (other than that set out at Rule 4 (a) above) the match is not played and the Match Officials attend at or are on the way to the match before notification has been received by them that the fixture is postponed or cancelled, then the Match Officials shall be paid half the fee plus travel expenses . The Match Officials’ 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 and/or Fourth Officials have been appointed by the League Management Committee, the Assistant Referees’ and Fourth Officials’ 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.       Match Officials must confirm acceptance of appointment by use of the online FAW Comet system. The Match Officials 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.       Match Officials 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 Match Officials must accept or decline match appointments as soon as practicable.

h.       If a Match Official 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 Referees’ Officer and Home Team immediately he/she is aware of the change in circumstances.

i.        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 Referees’ Officer of the name of the substitute referee by text message immediately upon agreement being reached.

j.        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.

k.       If the substitute referee is a registered referee, then they shall be entitled to a match fee and expenses in accordance with these Rules (even if they are not wearing a recognised referee’s kit whilst refereeing the match).

l.        If a match is not played because agreement cannot be reached regarding the appointment of a single substitute referee, Rule 4 shall apply and both Teams shall be deemed to have failed to fulfil the fixture, save that no goals will be awarded to either team and each team will be deducted 3 points.

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 but shall not be one of the players named on the team sheet. 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 (along with any evidence in support) to the League Secretary within 5 days (except Sunday) of the date of the match to which it refers. 

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, then the following shall apply irrespective of whether the Team has won, lost or drawn the match:-

1. The match shall be awarded to the opposition by the score of 4-0 or if the opposition scored more than 4 goals, by the number of goals scored in the match to nil.
2. A further three points per ineligible player up to a maximum of 12 points shall be deducted from the total points of the Team.
3. The goals scored by the Team shall be disallowed.
4. A fine and sanction shall be imposed in accordance with the Schedule annexed.

b.       When a Team has been proven to have attempted to play an ineligible player, or players, but the player or players have not taken part in the match, then a fine and sanction shall be imposed in accordance with the Schedule annexed.

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 king place in each season at which attendance shall be compulsory. 

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.

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.       The scale of fines to be imposed by the League Management Committee for a failure to comply with a specified Rule shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Fines and Sanctions annexed hereto.

b.       All fines imposed by the League Management Committee under these Rules shall be paid to the WWYAFL within seven (7) days of notice being given by the Secretary (such notification to be given to the Club within seven (7) days of the fine being imposed) or the offending Club will be liable to be suspended from playing within the League (and its associated competitions) and/or struck out of the League and/or reported to the West Wales Football Association.

c.       All Correspondence from Clubs to the League Management Committee must be via email or in writing as applicable.

d.       All Correspondence from the League Management Committee must be responded to by Clubs within the deadline set out in such correspondence or (if no such deadline is set out) within 7 days.

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.

21.     DISORDERLY CONDUCT

a.       In order that the League and Cup Competitions may proceed in a fair and sportsmanlike manner, all players and Club officials shall treat the Match Officials with the utmost respect. 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 and/or sanctions as the League Management Committee may direct.

25.     MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

a.       The League Management Committee shall deal with matters (including the imposition of any fines and/or sanctions) not provided for in these Rules as shall be deemed appropriate.

 CUP AND PLATE RULES (March 2026)

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, venue constraints, 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 home team’s match venue being unplayable due to adverse weather and/or pitch conditions, the home team shall ask the away team whether their pitch is available and playable for the purposes of playing the scheduled fixture. If it is, then the scheduled fixture shall be played on the away team's venue. Only if both pitches are not playable and/or available will the League Management Committee agree to the match being postponed.

c.     Regarding the pitch costs for reversing the fixture pursuant to 3 (b), then the costs will be borne by the hosting club.

d.     On a first postponement, the match shall be rescheduled to be played at the home team’s venue (subject to 3 (b) and (c) above applying).

d.     On a second postponement, the match shall be rescheduled to be played at the away team’s venue (subject to 3 (b) and (c) above applying).

e.     On a third postponement, the League Management Committee shall determine the venue and location of the match (after consultation with the teams as appropriate). 

f.      Postponements or replays shall take place when directed by the League Management Committee.

f.      All matches are to be played on the 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.     MATCH OFFICIALS’ FEES

a.     Match Officials’ 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. Players that are ineligible include those that were suspended, not a member of the team, or were under 16 years of age at the date the fixture was originally scheduled to be played.

b.     A player may play for more than one competing team in the season, provided that they are duly qualified according to these Rules.

c.     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.

d.     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.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR CLUBS WITH TWO OR MORE TEAMS IN THE LEAGUE

1. 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).
2. Each team shall be deemed a separate entity to the other team from the same Club – there shall be no sharing of players.
3. Teams from the same Club shall not be kept separate in any draw made to determine entry into any round of any cup, plate and/or any other knockout competition.
4. Clubs shall use the roster function on Comet to ensure that on any given match day, a given team can only select players from that team’s roster.
5. Not later than the last working day before the first match of the season, the Club shall forward to the League Secretary rosters for each team entered in the League.
6. There shall be no sharing of players between Teams but players may move from one team to the other providing:
   1. not later than the last working day before the transferred player plays their first match for the new Team notice is provided to the League.
   2. A player may move between rosters a maximum of twice in any given season.
   3. A player shall not be permitted to move between rosters for a second time until no less than 28 days have passed since their first movement between rosters.
7. There are to be no movements between rosters after the deadline set by the FAW for player registrations.
8. At any time a player joins the Club (whether that be a transfer from another club or otherwise), then the Club shall notify the League of the name and registration number of the joining player, and for which team the joining player shall be rostered to play for no later than the last working day before the joining player plays their first match for the Club.
9. Any junior player turning 16 during the season shall be eligible to play Youth football. Should a junior player wish to play youth football, then the Club shall notify the League of the name and registration number of the junior player, and for which team the junior player shall be rostered to play for no later than the last working day before the junior player plays their first match for the Club.
10. On each occasion a player moves rosters or a player joins a roster, the club shall provide the League with an updated roster for each affected team.
11. Rule 60, Section H of the FAW Regulations on Registrations, Contracts and Transfers shall be read accordingly – “Players may be registered or rostered with a maximum of three (3) Teams during one (1) season but during that Season the Player shall only be eligible to play Official Matches for two (2) Teams.”