Constitution and Rules
Advice to Club Secretaries1. Submit Affiliation Forms to League Secretary as soon as possible after Annual General Meeting.
2. Notify League Secretary in writing of any change of Club Officials, their addresses or any change of player’s addresses.
3. Pay Annual Subscription, S.A.F.A. Affiliations, League Levy, and Cup Entry Fees etc, at the appropriate time.
4. Attend Council of Management meeting when requested. Remember to sign register.
5. Answer promptly all correspondence when communicating with League Secretary. If a reply is required, send a stamped addressed envelope.
6. Notice of Motion regarding proposed alterations to Constitution and Rules must be lodged with League Secretary before 1 May in the then current year.
7. Check Fixture List and kick-off times in Dumfries Standard,Courier and League Website (
www.ddafl.co.uk/fixtures).
8. In a National Cup Tie, advise League Secretary of result by 5 p.m. or if the Tie is postponed.
9. Clubs are entitled to Two free Saturdays. Request Free Date from League Secretary at least 14 days beforehand. No free Saturdays are allowed on dates that apply for National Competitions if the club is participating in such competitions.
10. If arranging a Friendly Fixture, apply for permission from the League Secretary, if the club you are playing is not in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
11. If a match is cancelled, Home Secretary to inform Match Secretary then the away club and referee immediately. Away club must check with Match Secretary in order to confirm the postponement.
12. If Home Club, remember to (1) book ground in good time, (2) make sure all ground markings, nets, corner flags etc. are in order, (3) pay referee, (4) recover half fee and half referee’s expenses from Away Club.
13. Remind all Club players, members, officials and spectators that the club will be held responsible for their conduct, ensure that the referee is given protection at all times.
14. If referee fails to appear, attempt to reach agreement with other Club regarding a deputy. If a deputy is appointed make sure that the Team Lines are endorsed to this effect and signed by both Captains.
15. Make sure that players have been registered and the Registration Form is in the hands of the League Secretary/Registration Secretary before kick-off in League matches. For Cup Ties the forms must be with the League Secretary 48 hours before qualifying rounds, and 14 days for semi-finals and finals.
16. If playing trialists in League Matches, mark “T” opposite name of player. Only three trialists allowed per match. A Trialist is allowed to play two games per club before signing. If a trialist is named as a substitute and does not play in the match, it is not counted as a trial.
17. Make sure that Team Lines are properly completed in duplicate. Hand over Team Lines to Referee before start of Match.
18. Receive copy of opposition Team Lines from Referee.
19. Provide suitable Match Ball for all games Home and Away.
20. Home Club to check Official Club colours of visiting club. Home Club to change if similar colours.
21. Home Club to telephone result and goalscorers to Match Secretary before 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9.30 p.m. for evening matches.
22. Remember no Registration of players after 1st March.
23. Do not approach a registered player with another Club before obtaining the permission of his club. Do not play a player released by another club until seven days have elapsed from the date of his release. Check with League Secretary if player has been released.
24. Protests stating clearly the nature of the protest to be lodged in writing to League Secretary by Registered Post or Recorded Delivery not later than 72 hours after match accompanied by deposit of £5.00. Send copy of protest in similar fashion to Secretary of Club protested against with the same time. Protests relative to Ground etc., to be intimated in writing to Referee and Captain of opposing Team before match commences and a receipt obtained.
25. Appeals against decisions of Council of Management and Referee’s Committee by Recorded Delivery or Registered Post in duplicate to S.A.F.A. with £50.00 deposit within seven days of receiving decision, with copy to League Secretary.
Constitution and Rules
Membership
Rule 1
This Association of Clubs shall be called “Dumfries and District Amateur Football League” and shall be affiliated to the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
Rule 2
The object of the League shall be to foster and develop the game of Association Football as played by Amateurs. (a) Amateur Clubs in Dumfries and District shall be eligible for membership subject to the approval of the Council of Management.
(b) All Clubs must be members of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
(c) A List of Club Officials shall be sent to the League’s General Secretary before the Annual General Meeting. Changes in Club Officials during the Season must be intimated in writing to the General Secretary.
Rule 3
New clubs may be admitted to the League at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting by a majority of those voting. The Fee shall be as determined at the Annual General Meeting.
Rule 4
The Annual Subscription of each Club in membership shall be as determined at the Annual General Meeting, payable within 14 days from the Annual General Meeting. Any Club failing to meet its financial obligations to the League may be excluded from the ensuing year’s competitions.
Additionally, if any club falls into arrears of payment, the Council of Management, at their discretion, may require that club to make payment by seven days from a specified date of all monies due. Failure to meet such payments to result in suspension of that club and its officials until all monies are recovered.
Rule 5
Any club failing to be represented at the monthly Council of Management Meeting shall be fined the sum of £3 for the first non-attendance in any one season, £10 for the second, £15 for the third, £20 for the fourth, and £20 for the fifth and subsequent non-attendances unless extenuating circumstances for non-attendance can be proved. In addition, the provisions of Rule 55 may also be applied.
Rule 6
Communications to the General Secretary, or other official, where a reply is required, should be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. All communications from the General Secretary or other official must be given immediate attention. Any notice from the General Secretary on behalf of the League to any member or individual shall be deemed validly given if posted to the Secretary of the Club or individual concerned at their registered address.
Office Bearers and Managenment
Rule 7
The Office Bearers shall be President, two Vice-Presidents, General Secretary and an Honorary Treasurer. They shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Council of Management shall fill any vacancy.
(a) The holder of any office shall give notice in writing to the General Secretary not later than 30th April prior to the Annual General Meeting of his intention not to seek re-election.
(b) New candidates for any office shall be intimated in writing to the General Secretary not later than 31st May in each year prior to the Annual General Meeting, proposed by one and seconded by another member. In the event of no nominations being received for any particular office, the retiring holder shall be formally re-elected unless giving notice as in (a) above, in which case the Annual General Meeting shall have power to fill such office without previous nomination.
Rule 8
The Council of Management, consisting of the Office Bearers and one representative from each Club in Membership, shall meet bi-monthly with a news letter every other month during the playing season. The Chairman at each Meeting shall have both a deliberate and casting vote. Nine shall form a quorum. Each Office Bearer and each Club representative shall have one vote. In the event of a Club being only represented by an Office Bearer such representative shall have only one vote. Each club shall have equal voting powers. Meetings of the Council of Management shall begin promptly at the agreed time and shall have a duration of not more than 90 minutes. Office Bearers and the official Club representatives shall sign the register and only Office Bearers and the Club representatives will be allowed to speak and vote during the Council of Management meeting. A member’s speaking time on any one subject shall be limited to five minutes.
Rule 9
The Council of Management shall have power to convene a Special Meeting at any time. Such a meeting shall also be convened on receipt of a requisition signed by half of the Clubs in membership of the League and stating the business to be discussed. Fourteen days’ notice of such Meeting shall be sent to each Club Secretary stating the business to be discussed, and no other business, other than of a formal nature, shall be dealt with at such a Meeting.
Rule 10
The Council of Management shall have power as occasion may require to appoint from its own members such Sub-Committees as it may deem expedient, and to depute or refer to them such of its powers and duties as it may determine.
Rule 11
The Council of Management shall have power to call upon Clubs in the League to play a match or matches for the benefit of League Funds. It shall also have power to arrange representative matches with other Associations or Leagues.
Rule 12
The Council of Management may recommend to the Annual General Meeting that Life Membership be granted to any person considered to have rendered valuable service to the League or in the cause of Amateur Football. Life Members shall have the right of attending Meetings of the League and shall be able to exercise their right of voting at the Annual General Meeting and Management Meetings.
The Executive, Finance and General Committees
Rule 13
The Executive, Finance and General Purposes Committee shall consist of the President (ex-officio), the Hon. Treasurer and Chairman of the Disciplinary and Selection Committee and the General Secretary. Three shall form a quorum and the Committee shall meet as occasion demands. The duties of this Committee shall be
(a) to advise the Council of Management on all matters involving the general policy of the League;
(b) to review all notices of motions and advise as to their competency;
(c) to deal with routine business, etc., which does not come within the scope of any other Committee; and
(d) to consider all matters remitted to it by the Council of Management of other Committee.
Rule 14
The Finance Committee shall consist of the President (ex-officio), Honorary Treasurer (who shall be Chairman), four representatives to be elected annually. Three shall form a quorum and the Committee shall meet as occasion demands. The duties of the Committee shall be to deal with all matters relating to the League’s finances, including supervision of all expenditure by other Committees.
Rule 15
The President, Vice Presidents, General Secretary and Treasurer for the time being shall be Trustees ex-officio for the League. They shall hold all property of the League and all investments shall be made in their names and sucessors in office as Trustees on behalf of the League. The accounts for the year shall be made up to 30th April annually and shall be audited by two representatives appointed at the Annual General Meeting. The Treasurer shall submit a financial statement of the league accounts at the monthly Council of Management Meeting. The funds of the League shall be lodged in a Bank or Banks approved by the Finance Committee.
The Disciplinary Committee
Rule 16
The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of the President (ex-officio), one Vice-President (who shall be Chairman), four other representatives to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting who should include one club representative from each division, the General Secretary, and a non-active representative from the Referees’ Association, the latter in a non-voting advisory capacity. Four shall form a quorum, and the Committee shall meet as occasion demands. The duties of the committee shall be to deal with all reports in connection with field offences, misconduct, or breach of rules committed by players, officials, Clubs and spectators, and to decide the eligibility of any player to play in the League. The Committee shall, in conjunction with the Referees’ Association, compile a list of Referees and review their performance periodically, having power to make any recommendations to the Referees’ Association which it may think necessary.
Rule 17
Any club found guilty of a repeated breach of any League Rule or of conduct prejudicial to Amateur Football may be expelled from the League by the Council of Management on the recommendation of the Referee Committee.
Rule 18
A member of the Committee shall retire from the Meeting while decision is being taken in any case involving his Club or officials or players connected with the Club.
Selection Committee
Rule 19
The Selection Committee shall consist of the President (ex-officio), one Vice-President (who shall be Chairman), four representatives to be elected annually and the General Secretary. Three shall form a quorum, and the Committee shall meet as occasion demands. The Committee will elect a Team Manager and he shall be responsible for the control and organisation of any representative team chosen by the Committee. All matters connected with the playing of representative matches will be under the control of this Committee.
Power of Committees
Rule 20
The Executive, Disciplinary and Selection Committees shall have full power in their own respective spheres, subject to an over-riding supervision by the Finance Committee on expenditure and approval of their minutes by the Council of Management.
Annual General Meeting
Rule 21
The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held in June each year. Fourteen days’ notice of such Meeting shall be sent to each Club Secretary. The Office-Bearers and one representative from each club in membership shall be eligible to attend. Notices of motion regarding proposed alterations in the Constitution and Rules must be lodged with the General Secretary, in writing, before 1st May in the then current year. The order of business at all Annual General Meetings shall be as follows:
(1) Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;
(2) Chairman’s Address;
(3) General Secretary’s Report;
(4) Hon. Treasurer’s Report;
(5) Referee Supervisor’s Report;
(6) Alterations to the Constitution and Rules;
(7) Determination of Fees, Subscriptions, etc.;
(8) Election of Office-Bearers;
(9) Appointment of Auditors;
(10) Election of Delegate of the S.A.F.A..;
(11) Admission of New Clubs;
(12) Presentation of Trophies;
(13) Any other competent business.
Rule 22
These rules may be added to, repealed or amended by the Resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting duly convened for the purpose and for the passing of which Resolution at least three quarters of those present and entitled to vote have voted.
Rule 23
The Council of Management shall have powers in terms of Rule 10 to appoint a sub-committee to consider and make recommendations to the Council of Management on the revision of rules. The Council of Management thereafter shall submit any of the recommendations as they think fit to the Annual General Meeting.
Playing Season
Rule 24
The playing season of the League shall conform to the Season as laid down by the S.A.F.A. Permission to extend the playing season must be granted by the S.A.F.A.
Rule 25
Clubs in membership of the League shall be divided into League Divisions, the number and constitution of which shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting. Promotion and relegation shall take place at the end of each Season. Two teams shall be relegated from the First Division and two teams promoted from the Second Division. A club withdrawing from the League and not due for relegation shall not be taken into consideration in this respect and in such case an additional club shall be promoted to make up the numbers in the First Division. In the case of there being more than one lower division, promotion or relegation shall be as decided at the Annual General Meeting. New Clubs shall enter the lowest Division.
Rule 26
Each Club shall play Home and Away matches with every other Club in the relative Divisions. Three points shall be awarded for a win and one point for a draw. Goal differences shall determine the Divisional position where clubs are equal in points. In the event of goal difference being equal, a deciding game shall be played, the League retaining all receipts and bearing all normal expenses. In the event of this match resulting in a draw after normal time an extra half-hour shall be played, and if at expiry of extra time no result is forthcoming penalty kicks as laid down from time to time by the International Football Association Board shall decide the winning team.
Rule 27
Clubs must fulfil fixtures on specified dates Match Secretary has the right to change the venue if the first venue is unplayable. Priority over League games shall apply to Scottish, West and South of Scotland Cup-Ties. Clubs must inform the General Secretary when they are playing in a national Cup-Tie and must inform him of the result by 5.00 p.m. on the day of the match. The General Secretary must also be informed if such ties are postponed.
Rule 28
Clubs shall be entitled to have one free Saturday during the season provided their request in writing is received by the General Secretary at least 14 days beforehand and at the discretion of the Executive Committee whose permission will not be unreasonably withheld. Clubs with free fixture dates who intend playing friendly matches must inform the General Secretary as early as possible so that pitches can be allocated. Additionally, any friendly fixtures arranged with clubs who are not in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association must receive permission from the Dumfries District A.F.L. who will apply for permission to the Scottish Amateur Football Association on their behalf.
Rule 29
When a match is cancelled the Home Club must inform the Match Secretary immediately and then the away club and the referee. The away club must then confirm the postponement with the Match Secretary. The reason for non-fulfilment of any fixture, or the circumstances attending any unfinished match shall be investigated by the Disciplinary Committee, and if the reason is deemed to be unsatisfactory that Committee shall have power to decide the official status of the match and, if necessary, award points or tie to the aggrieved club. In addition, the disciplinary committee shall have the power to fine a maximum of £50, a levy of up to £50 or disqualify etc.
Rule 30
In the event of a Club being suspended and subsequently resuming play that Club shall be deemed to have lost all fixtures due to be played during its term of suspension. If a Club remains under suspension until the end of the season, or resigns or is expelled from the League during the suspension the status of fixtures already fulfilled will be decided in accordance with the provisions of Rule 31.
Rule 31
Any Club withdrawing from the League for any reason must notify the General Secretary immediately. Any expense involved through oversight in this connection shall be borne by the defaulting club. In the event of a club resigning or being expelled from the League all games played by that club will be void and deleted from the League table.
Referees
Rule 32
A paid Referee shall not be eligible to play as an Amateur player or serve on an Amateur Committee during the same season in which he acted as a paid Referee.
Rule 32a
The referee shall receive the fixture and instructions from the General/Match Secretary. If the original venue is changed, the home club must inform the General/Match Secretary, away team and referee ASAP.
Rule 33
The home club should pay the match referee before the match and recover ½ from their opponents after the match, except in Cup Finals. All fees are to be as determined from time to time by the Council of Management. Travelling expenses and fees for official linesmen shall be similarly determined.
Rule 34
Appointed Referees shall have full authority over matches under their direction and must report to the General Secretary the late start of any match, any field offence and any other point which they may consider detrimental to the League. Club officials will be held responsible for the conduct of their players and spectators and must at all times give their protection to the officiating Referee.
Rule 35
Should the official Referee fail to appear, the Clubs may, by mutual agreement, appoint a deputy. Such an agreement must be in writing on the Team Lines and signed by both Team Captains. The official or other qualified Referee shall take over if he arrives after the match has begun but the time played, the score, and any field offence reports shall stand. Should a ground be declared unplayable, after inspection, the Referee shall receive half-fee, shared equally by each Club. If a fixture is not fulfilled by reason of failure of a team to appear, the full fee is payable by the defaulting club. In the event of a Referee being requested by a club to carry out a ground inspection, a fee as determined by the Council of Management, is payable.
Team Lines
Rule 36
In all League and Cup matches, the referee shall receive from the respective Club Secretaries or representatives before the commencement of play the official team lines, in duplicate, containing the full names and home addresses and post codes of the players in their respective teams. The Captain of the team must be stated in the space provided. All clubs must have umbers on shirts to correspond with team lines (except in exceptional circumstances).
Rule 37
The Referee shall, after signature, exchange one copy of the Team Lines with the respective officials and forward the remaining copies with a report and result of the match to the General Secretary to reach him not later than 48 hours after the match. Any club failing to produce the necessary Team Lines or failing to complete them properly shall be considered guilty of a breach of the Rules and may be fined.
Drawings
Rule 38
Home Clubs shall retain gate receipts or collections.
Duration of play, etc.
Rule 39
All matches shall be governed by the S.F.A. Laws of the Game with the following exception: Prior to the start of a league match, when occasion necessitates, captains may mutually agree to play two equal periods of not less than 35 minutes, such agreement to be in writing on each Team Line and signed by the Referee and respective Captains.
Rule 40
The Home Club must provide a match ball to commence the match and the visiting club must also have a match ball available at the ground. When two clubs meet and have similar registered colours, the Home Club must change unless otherwise mutually agreed.
Rule 41
Clubs will be notified of kick-off times and matches must begin promptly. In exceptional circumstances, e.g. the non-arrival of a team or Referee, the kick-off time may be delayed for not more than 20 minutes, but such cases must be reported by the Referee and will be investigated by the Disciplinary Committee.
Rule 42
The Home Club must telephone the result of the match to the General Secretary (or an other official as it may be directed) before 5 p.m. on an afternoon match or 9.30 p.m. on an evening match. Failure to do so will incur a fine of £1 for the 1st, £3 for the 2nd, £5 for the 3rd and £10 any subsequent late results.
Ground
Rule 43
The Home Club is responsible for the condition of the ground and must ensure that the Laws of the Game are complied with. In the likelihood of a ground being declared unplayable by the Match Referee, the home club must arrange for an inspection of the ground at least three hours before kick-off time by a qualified referee. If the ground is then declared unplayable the home club must advise the visiting club, General Secretary and Match Referee at least two hours before kick-off time. On points of fact connected with the game and the fitness of the ground for play, the decision of the Referee shall be final, except for clubs playing on public parks or school grounds where the decision of the Parks Department or Education Authority will prevail. The Home Club shall meet the ground expenses.
Rule 44
The use of goal nets and regulation size corner flags, minimum five feet above ground level and not pointed at the top, is compulsory and the pitch must be adequately lined.
Players
Rule 45a - Article 143.1 of Scottish Football Association Ltd.
A player who is registered by means of a Form "B" (Amateur) and who desires to play as an Amateur for another club which is in full or associate membership or in membership of an Affiliated National Association other than the Affiliated National Association under whos jurisdiction he is playing currently may apply to do so by writing to the Secretary stating the name of the club for which he wishes to play. He shall at the same time submit a certficate from the appropriate association confirming his eligibility to play for the club concerned. Thereafter, his Form "B" (Amateur) registration will be cancelled when 28 days has elapsed from the date of such application was properly lodged with the Secretary. He shall not in the interval sign or play for the club he has nominated.
Rule 45b
Amateur players alone may take part in games under the auspices of this League. No one shall be considered an Amateur who has signed a professional, Amateur B or Y form or has received for playing football either directly or indirectly remuneration or consideration of any kind beyond necessary travelling expenses, actually incurred, unless he has been re-instated as an Amateur by the Scottish Football Association Ltd. Proof of cancellation of registration with the SFA must be received from the SFA by the League Secretary, before permission can be granted from the Executive Committee, for the player to play in this league.
Rule 46
If any objection is made by a Club or a member of a Club, or other person, with regard to the status of a player, the Disciplinary Committee is empowered to call upon the protesting club, such player, or the club for which he had played, to prove his qualification. If disqualification is proved the Committee shall deal with the offending club as it may deem fit.
Rule 47
Registration of Players
The following registration procedures shall be adopted by all Associations and Leagues in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association and shall apply to all football which is played under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Amateur Football Association involving member clubs this being fully effective from 1st August 2009.
A player to be eligible must be registered on a Recreational Form for the relevant club(s) provided that such clubs are in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
A player may not register for more than one club who play on the same fixture day, this being defined by the affiliation form submitted by each Association and League.
The entire Recreational Form, fully and properly completed, must be received by the Secretary of the relevant association or League within three days of the date of signing (Sundays excluded). A player’s eligibility to play will be governed by the Constitution and Rules of the relevant Association and Leagues.
The Recreational Form as posted must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope to the sender. After being franked with the relevant association/league stamp to establish its date of receipt, the club portion of the form will be returned to the club.
Failure to complete the full postal address, including the village or town, district or postcode as required on a Recreational Form will result in the registration form being rejected.
Changes of address of registered players must be intimated in writing to the National Secretary and to the Secretary of the relevant association/league responsible, by the secretary of the club to whom such players are attached within 14 days of such change.
The registration of a player on a Recreational Form will lapse automatically at the end of the season (30th June each year) in which he signed the form, and the player will be free to sign for a club of his choice thereafter.
Note: with the exception of the summer registrations when the Recreational Forms will automatically cancel on the 30th September in each season. A player who is registered for a club by means of a Recreational Form may , from 1st May each season sign and be registered for that club for the ensuing season.
A player who is registered for a club by means of a Recreational Form may, from the 15th May each season sign and be registered for another club for the ensuing season, provided he is otherwise eligible to do so.
Before a player signs a Recreational Form, the club should ensure all the details have been fully inserted. The player at the time of signing must personally insert the date of signing. The player’s signature and that of the secretary or other accredited official of the club shall be attested by a responsible third party.
A player who is suspended (dated or games) may not sign a Recreational Form unless in the case of a games suspension his registration has automatically ended in accordance with the terms of this rule.
Should a player have his registration cancelled prior to the commencement of a game(s) suspension he shall be eligible to register for another club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association and thereafter must complete his suspension prior to playing for that club.
Players who play without having being registered in accordance with this rule will be grounds for a protest in the season in which the offence took place.
Failure to adhere to the registration procedure will result in the responsible parties being dealt with by the relevant committee.
No transfer or cancellation of registration will be sanctioned after 31st March each season to allow a player to register for another club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association with the exception of that of a goalkeeper with such registration form to be clearly marked that it is applied to the position of goalkeeper only.
Players registered with a club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association which operate more than one team shall have freedom of movement within that club subject to the Constitution and Cup Competition Rules of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
A player may have his registration cancelled by submitting the appropriate cancellation form in the correct manner to the relevant Association or League.
A club desiring to have a player’s registration cancelled must forward the club portion of the Recreational Form to the Secretary of the relevant Association or League complete with a stamped addressed envelope for its return.
The cancellation of a player’s registration will be effective from the date on which proper notice of the cancellation is received by the Secretary of the relevant Association or League. When a request to have a registration cancelled has been lodged, the player shall neither play or sign for another club until his registration has been cancelled by the Secretary of the relevant association or League. It is not permissible to levy a registration cancellation fee on a player.
Where an Association or League adopt a registration cancellation fee this must be paid by the club in membership of that Association or League.
Players of clubs who fold or cease to exist during the currency of a player’s match suspension shall be eligible to register for a new club. The club for which the player registers should send the Recreational Form to the Secretary of the relevant Association or League accompanied by a letter from the player indicating the number of matches his suspension he has still to serve. The matches played by that new club from the date of receipt will be counted towards serving the suspension.
When a player and the club to which he is registered are unable to agree to the cancellation of his registration, the player may apply to the Secretary of the relevant association or League to have his registration cancelled. The Secretary of the relevant association or League shall refer the matter to the executive committee who shall than have the authority to sanction the cancellation of the player’s registration provided that the player met all his commitments to the club for which he is currently registered. The player will only be eligible to participate again in football after receiving written notification from the Secretary of the Association or League.
The Secretary of the Association or League shall have the authority to cancel registration of players in cases of clubs for which they are registered becoming defunct, debt suspended for a period of one month or longer or where reasons satisfactory to the Secretary are adduced as to why the registration should be cancelled.
Players of a defunct club will be permitted to register for another club subject to the registration rules.
Players must be registered for a club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association on a Recreational Form in order to be eligible to participate in all cup ties played under the jurisdiction of that body.
Trialists who are eligible to play will be permitted subject to the registration rules of each relevant Association or League.
Rule 48 (Rule 40 in SAFA Handbook)
A player registered as an Amateur with the Scottish Footbal Association Ltd (SFA) by means of a Recreational Form through another Affiliated National Association may not play for for any club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association while so registered with the exception of Scottish Football Association Member Clubs and Futsal Clubs, 5-a-side and 6-a-side, who are also in membership the Scottish Amateur Football Association and under 21 age limit clubs in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
Before playing for a club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association the player's recreational form registered through another Affilitated National Association must be cancelled either by the registering club or by personal application of the player under the terms of registration procedure 12.6 (iii) of the Scottish Football Association Ltd.
A player playing within the jurisdiction of the Scottish Amateur Football Association and registered with the Scottish Football association by means of a recreational form may only play for his registered club or any other club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association provided he is eligible to do so and does not infringe the requirements of rule 44 of the Scottish Amateur Football Association (registration rules under age football).
Rule 49
Any Club proved to have played a player
(1) under an assumed name; (2) unregistered, and (3) who is in any way ineligible, and who is subject to a protest lodged in accordance with Rule 56, will lose the points for every League game that player has played in and may also be fined. In the case of a cup-tie, if the guilty club has won the tie, they shall be disqualified from the competition. Where no formal protest has been lodged but the ineligibility of a player has been brought to the attention of the General Secretary, the matter will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee who shall impose such penalties as they may so decide. The player/players in question shall be dealt with at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
Representative Games
Rule 50
In all representative games, or games for the benefit of the Association funds, the Committee shall have power to select any number of players from any club and any players who may decline to play or travel shall not be eligible to play for their own club on that date if their club has a competitive fixture on that date or on the first date following when their club has a competitive fixture, without permission from the Executive Committee or, in an emergency, the Secretary. In the event of a club having two or more players selected to play in, or to be in attendance at, any representative match, that club shall be entitled to postponement of its fixture on that date.
Cautions
Rule 51
Any player ordered off the field of play or reported for misconduct may resume playing until he has been dealt with by the Referee Committee. Any player being cautioned FIVE times will be automatically suspended for a maximum of 1 games. Should that player be cautioned a further FIVE times during the season will be automatically suspended for a maximum of 3 games. Should that player be cautioned a further FIVE times during the season will be automatically suspended for a maximum of 6 games There is no right to appeal cautions or fixed penalties except if there is a case of mistaken identity.
Rule 52
If any player or official is called to appear before the Disciplinary Committee for alleged offence and found guilty, their club shall be levied £2.00 on each occasion. In addition the provisions of Rule 54 may also apply.
Rule 53
The General Secretary shall notify the charge against offending players and club secretary when to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. If any player fails to attend the Meeting or send a written defence the Committee shall proceed with the case and reach a decision on the evidence available. If a player chooses not to attend in person at the meeting the responsibility is on that player and his club to check if he is suspended prior to playing in a match due before the written decision is sent to the player and his club.
The following principles will be applied in relation to the penalties imposed for misconduct at matches:
The list of offences included in rule 53 is not exhaustive.
A. STANDARD OFFENCES – Player does not require to be cited to attend a meeting.
Suspensions for a number of matches (match suspensions) will be imposed based on the association’s fixed penalties as detailed. There is no right of appeal against a Fixed Penalty suspension.
These suspensions will apply only to the team with which the player committed the misconduct (i.e. Saturday club or Sunday club) and will apply until such times as that team has completed the requisite number of matches played in competitions which are scheduled by the relevant national, regional, district, association or league match secretary/secretary. A match which is abandoned does not count as a completed match in terms of a player serving a suspension.
B. SERIOUS OFFENCES OF EXCEPTIONAL MISCONDUCT
1. Referee assault.
2. Physically threatening a referee.
3. Verbally threatening a referee.
4. Physical assault on or by club officials.
5. Headbutting.
6. Spitting.
Suspensions would be for a period of time (dated suspensions) and would be imposed based on the association’s guidelines for serious offences as detailed. These suspensions will be forwarded to the Scottish Football Association for confirmation to all football. All misconduct reports relating to offences of the above nature must be forwarded to the Secretary of the Scottish Amateur Football Association by the appropriate authority in order that they can be dealt with by the relevant national disciplinary committee appointed by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
C. SERIOUS OFFENCES
1. Headbutting.
2. Spitting.
Suspensions would be for a period of time (dated suspensions) and would be imposed based on the associations guidelines for serious offences as detailed. These suspensions will be forwarded to the Scottish Football Association for confirmation to all football. All misconduct reports relating to offences of the above nature will be dealt with by the appropriate association, league or district committee of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
For all offences misconduct report forms will be forwarded by the relevant match official(s) in the first instance to the appropriate authority which shall be determined by the competition in order that the appropriate suspensions can be determined. A report of all suspensions for a number of matches (match suspensions) and suspensions for a period of time (dated suspensions) will be forwarded to the National Secretary of the Scottish Amateur Football Association who will then refer such relevant suspensions to the Scottish Football Association for confirmation and effect to all football.
Serving of Suspensions
The relevant football authority will confirm in writing to the player or official and their registered club the details of any suspension which has been imposed on the player or official.
A player while serving a fixed penalty suspension cannot play for any team within his club until the team with which he committed the offence has played the requisite number of games unless he is transferred to a new club in which case the suspension will be served when his new club has played and completed the required number of games.
(1) Any player receiving a games suspension as a result of an offence committed while playing for a Saturday club would be uspended from all Saturday football within the jurisdiction of the Scottish Amateur FA until his Saturday club had completed the requisite number of games.
The same criteria as (1) would apply to suspensions imposed as a result of offences committed while playing for a Sunday club with the player being suspended from all Sunday football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Amateur FA until his Sunday club has completed the requisite number of games.
Any match suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season or any extension thereof must be served at the commencement of the following season regardless of which club the player joins with the same principle being applied should a player be transferred to another club prior to the suspension commencing.
Any match suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding when a player joins a new club at the start of the season or who is transferred during the season must be served with the new players club and the player is ineligible to play for his new club until that club has played the requisite number of games.
A player can only serve a match suspension if he is registered with a club in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association and will only be able to serve his suspension from the date his registration is accepted by the relevant authority.
All fixed penalty suspensions will commence on the Friday which is at least 14 days after the date of the postmark on the written notification of the suspension to the player or official and their club.
All dated suspensions which are imposed for a period of one year or longer must be dated to commence from the day after which the meeting at which the suspension was applied. All suspensions which are imposed for a period of of time which is less than one year must be dated to commence seven days after the date of the meeting at which the suspension applied.
A player of official suspended for a period of time (dated suspensions) shall be eligible to participate from 12 noon on the last date of his suspension.
Should a player play for a club who is not in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association during the period of a game(s) suspension he will not have been considered to have served that part of his suspension and will require to serve any remaining part of his suspension on return to Amateur football.
Further Reports
If a player is further reported after having been ordered off and that report comes into the category of standard offences the appropriate fixed penalty would be added to his suspension for the first offence.
Fixed Penalties for Standard Offences
Offence
Serious Foul Play - 2 games
Violent Conduct
Stamping on an opponent - 8 games
(stampining on an opponents head is considered to be a serious offence of exceptional misconduct)
Adopting a threatening or aggressive attitude - 3 games
Attempting to punch - 3 games
Punching an opponent - 4 games
Attempting to kick an opponent- 3 games
Kicking an opponent - 4 games
Pushing an opponent - 3 games
Attempting to strike opponent - 3 games
Striking an opponent - 4 games
Elbowing opponent in face - 8 games
Elbowing opponent on body - 4 games
Kicking and punching opponent - 8 games
Grabbing opponent by throat - 6 games
Others
Denies a goal or goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball - 1 game
Denies a goal or goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by
an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick - 1 game
Offensive, insulting or abusive language - 2 games
Offensive, insulting or abusive language towards the referee - 3 games
Receiving a second caution in the same match - 1 game
Eyeball to eyeball confrontation - 3 games
Head to head confrontation - 4 games
Should a player be called to appear before a disciplinary committee that committee shall have the authority to impose a sanction in terms of a fixed penalty or dated suspension whichever is considered most appropriate to the offence to which the player has been found guilty. When a player is cited to appear before a disciplinary committee a copy of the citation and the referees's report must be issued to the clun concerned.
Note: Any player who amasses a total of 10 games or more in any one season will be cited to appear before the relevant committee for any subsequent misconduct reports, the committee shall add a 3 game penalty if a game(s) penalty has been imposed or a 3 week penalty if a dated suspension has been imposedto any sanction applied in rellation to the offence reported.
Cautions
Players cautioned do not have the right of appeal, unless in the case of mistaken identity.
In addition to the foregoing Fixed Penalties the secretaries of local leagues/ associations will record single cautions incurred by players during matches. A player will be subject to the application of the following suspensions for every set of four cautions accumulated during the course of the playing season.
Cautions accumulated in one season will not be carried forward to the following season.
Accumulation of Cautions: 5 cautions - 1 games
second set of 5 cautions - 3 games
third set of 5 cautions - 6 games
Guidelines for Serious Offences
Although these guidelines should be applied where applicable it should be appreciated that they are guidelines and cases of indiscipline should be dealt with through the discretion of the committee considering a particular case. In cases of a serious nature where an Association or League choose not to implement the guidelines they must include a letter of explanation containing the reasons why they have reached their decision with their suspension sheets and it should be noted that when submitting suspensions of one year or longer it is necessary to include a copy of the referees report relevant to the suspension and that the nature of the offence “violent conduct” must be detailed to indicate punching or kicking opponent etc.
Referee Assault
Must be a date suspension with a maximum suspension of 10 years – not “Sine Die”.
Physically threatening referee – attempting to lay hands on the referee
Maximum suspension 5 years.
Verbally threatening referee
Maximum suspension 3 years.
Physical assault on club officials
Maximum suspension 5 years.
Serious violent conduct – e.g. deliberately kicking opponent on head
Maximum suspension 5 years.
Headbutting
Maximum suspension 18 months.
Removing minimum suspension will allow committees to use their discretion after considering all evidence in such cases as Attempted Headbutted or Head to Head confrontation or Eyeball to Eyeball stance.
Spitting
Maximum suspension 5 years.
Spitting at or on a referee is considered to be serious assault.
Deliberately and knowingly playing a suspended player under an assumed name
Maximum suspension 2 years.
Deliberately playing while under suspension, using an assumed name
Maximum suspension 2 years.
Deliberately and knowingly playing a suspended player
Maximum suspension 2 years.
Deliberately playing or participating while under suspension
Maximum suspension 1 year.
Breach of Rules
Rule 54
Any club, or member thereof, whose conduct is deemed to be unsportsmanlike or not in accord with Amateur Football will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee and such penalty as that Committee may decide imposed.
Rule 55
Any club failing to send a representative when called before any League Committee and failing to furnish good cause shall be liable to be fined a sum not exceeding £20 plus expenses in calling the meeting.
Protests
Rule 56
Notice of protest must be lodged, in writing, with the General Secretary, by Registered Post or Recorded Delivery, not later than 72 hours after the match in question. Postmark or proof of posting will be accepted as time of lodgement. A deposit of £5 must accompany the written protest and shall be forfeited if the protesting club fails to win its case. A copy of the protest must in all cases be intimated by Registered Post or Recorded Delivery and be lodged with the Secretary of the club protested against within the time stated above. If any claim or protest is considered to be trivial or groundless, the deposit shall be forfeited and the protesting club may also be liable for the expenses of the Meeting.
Rule 57
Protests relative to dimensions of ground, goal-posts or other appurtenances, must be intimated in writing to the Referee and captain of the opposing team before the match commences and a receipt obtained from them. Protests must also be lodged as set out in Rule 56.
SAFA
Rule 58
All suspensions, censures, etc., passed by this League on Clubs, players and officials shall be intimated to the Scottish Amateur Football Association within 7 days.
Appeals to SAFA
Rule 59
Any Club or player of a Club can appeal to the Scottish Amateur Football Association against any decision of Dumfries & District A.F.L. affecting the club or a member of the club. Such appeals to be lodged by recorded or registered delivery and in duplicate within seven days of the receipt of the notice of the decision of the Dumfries & District A.F.L. and accompanied by a deposit of £50.00, the deposit to be forfeited if the Scottish Amateur Football Association so decide. The grounds of appeal must be specifically stated and if the Scottish Amateur Football Association consider the appeal frivolous or trivial the appealing club may be held liable for the expenses of the meeting. The decision against which any appeal is made will only be set aside when the appeal is received by the Scottish Amateur Football Association and agreed to be in order and confirmation is received in writing by the parties concerned.
Rule 60
The Executive and General Purposes Committee shall have the power to legislate upon any point not provided for in these Rules.
Rule 61
Any rule not provided for in the Constitution and Rules shall be governed by the rules of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
Rule 62
Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance as purchased by the Scottish Amateur Football Association is compulsory on all associations, leagues and clubs in membership of the Scottish Amateur Football Association with each member association, league or club paying by the due date their apportioned share of the prmium with that share being determined by the Executive and Finance Committee of the Scottish Amateur Football Association. Failure of any club to comply with the requirements of rule 62 will result in the club and their officials being debt suspended.
Trophy Rules
Rule 1
The Council of Management shall be the legal owners of all Trophies, which shall not be won out-right.
Rule 2
Trophies shall be competed for on a knock-out basis, unless otherwise directed by the Council of Management.
Rule 3
An entry fee per competition as agreed at the Annual General Meeting shall be payable by Clubs wishing to participate in Trophy Competitions, such payment to be made when the Draw is made. Clubs failing to comply shall be excluded from the competition.
Rule 4
Any bona-fide registered player of a club in membership of this League shall be eligible to play for his club in Trophy competitions (played in August where trialists may be used), but no player shall play for more than one club in any trophy competition during the season. All players shall be registered 48 hours before qualifying rounds and 14 days before semi-final or final rounds.
Rule 5
In qualifying and semi-final rounds the team drawn first shall be deemed to be the Home team and shall make all arrangements for the match. The Home Club shall meet the Ground Expenses and the Referee’s Fee and expenses shall be borne equally by the competing teams.
Rule 6
Cup Finals shall be played on neutral grounds as directed by the Executive Committee, and the competing clubs shall be, by mutual agreement of the respective Secretaries, responsible for the lining of the pitch and the provision of goal nets. The ground shall be booked by the General Secretary and the League shall provide the ball.
Rule 7
Appointed Referees shall be entitled to fees and expenses as laid out in Rule 33. In Cup Finals the League shall be responsible for the Referee’s Fee and Expenses.
Rule 8
The League rules applicable to late starts, ineligible players, clash of colours, cancellation of fixtures, and any matter which is not provided for in the Trophy Rules shall be operative in Trophy competitions.
Rule 9
The League will undertake to insure all trophies subject to a £25 excess. Any club winning a trophy will be responsible for the first £25 or any loss or damage sustained.
Rule 10
All cup-ties will be played over 90 minutes except for extra time as hereafter specified. If the match is drawn an extra 30 minutes will be played. In the event of a draw after extra time, penalty kicks will follow in accordance with the rules.
IF IN THE OPINION OF THE MATCH REFEREE, EXTRA TIME AND PENALTY KICKS COULD NOT BE COMPLETED BECAUSE OF FAILING LIGHT THE MATCH WILL GO DIRECTLY TO PENALTY KICKS.
Rule 11
All trophies must be returned to the League Office by 30th April or when called for by the League Secretary.
Rule 12
No alcohol permitted at any grounds (including dressing rooms) before, during and after matches.