Joint Handbook 2022 2023

Contents

League App

4

Ground Grading Handbook

5

UCL League Contacts

7

UCL Organisational Chart

9

UCL Constitution 22/23

10

UCL Pre - Season

11

UCL General Information

13

UCL Sponsors

18

UCL Website

19

UCL League Rules

20

UCL League KOC Rules

72

UCL Fees Tariff

75

UCL Fines Tariff

76

UCL Reserve League Rules

79

UCL Reserve KOC Rules

96

UCL Reserve Fees Tariff

99

UCL Reserve Fines Tariff

100

PDFL League Contacts

105

PDFL Organisational Chart

106

PDFL Constitution 22/23

107

PDFL Sponsors

109

Step 7 Minimum Requirements

110

PDFL League Rules

114

PDFL League KOC Rules

138

PDFL Youth Rules

142

PDFL Youth KOC Rules

151

Walking Football Rules

155

PDFL Fees Tariff

170

PDFL Fines Tariff

171

National League System Regulations

175

League APP

For Season 2022/23 we will be combining the Peterborough & District Football League and United Counties Football League APP, this guide briefly explains how to download the new app, available on iPhone and Android, please note the old versions will not be updated, please delete.

Step One:

Step Two:

Search for Robin Road and select the image as shown.

Once you have downloaded the app, open the app and you will be presented with the following screen.

Step Three:

Step Four:

Search for UCL and PDFL, then select the below option.

You will now be able to access our new app.

Ground Grading The FA, through its Ground Grading Sub - Committee, the Alliance Committee (Steps 1 to 4) and Leagues Committee (Steps 5&6 and NLS Regional Feeder Leagues), have this year merged the previous National Ground Grading Documents covering ground grading requirements at each 'Step' of the National League System in order to assist Clubs in understanding the progression of minimum facility requirements from NLS Regional Feeder League level to Step 1.

Please click on the link below to open the new 'flip book' :

https://www.thefabrochure.com/groundgrading/

The document has seen minimal substantive amendments from last years criteria, but some anomalies and inconsistencies have been rectified during the process of merging the documents.

Clubs will need to familiarise themselves with the relevant criteria as amendments are not highlighted in the document due to the significance of the merging process. In future seasons it is intended that a full list of annual amendments will be produced, along with any rationale, in order to assist Clubs in identifying any amendments quickly and clearly.

UCL League Contacts

Office Details

Nene Valley Community Centre Candy Street Peterborough PE2 9RE

Tel: 01733 342391

Email: admin@theucl.co.uk

Website: www.theucl.co.uk

admin@theucl.co.uk should be used for any queries regarding the league and to update us with any changes to your club, such as a change of manager. It should also be used to send team sheets if you require us to upload these. registrations@theucl.co.uk MUST be used for player registration queries ONLY. This email address is also monitored between 9am and 11am on a Saturday morning. The deadline for registering players for a League/League cup match is 11am on a Saturday morning.

Both email addresses are monitored Monday to Friday.

The Secretary and team are available to support and help all clubs. Please call or email anytime as we want to help offer advice, answer any questions you might have or give any guidance that is needed.

For club contact details please use our APP and website

UCL League Contacts

Chairman

Fixture Director

Alan Poulain

Roger Walker

Tel: 07852 813510

Tel: 07743 952081

Email: Chairman@theucl.co.uk

Email: Roger.Walker@theucl.co.uk

Secretary

Discipline Director

Wendy Newey

Alan Lathwell

Tel: 01733 342391 / 07890 518457

Tel: 07740 053273

Email: Wendy.Newey@theucl.co.uk

Email: Alan.Lathwell@theucl.co.uk

Assistant League Secretary

Facilities Director

Georgie Elsom

Ian Hughes

Tel: 01733 342391 / 07860 270585

Tel: 01529 415687

Email: Georgie.Elsom@theucl.co.uk

Email: Ian.Hughes@theucl.co.uk

Registrations Secretary & General Administrator

Vice Chairman / Officials Appointments Director

Katie Day

Trevor Mitchell

Tel: 01733 342391 / 07719 108079

Tel: 07912 178260

Email: Registrations@theucl.co.uk

Email: Trevor.Mitchell@theucl.co.uk

Development Director

Marketing Director Inc. Website

Jamie Shaw

Cliff Mills

Tel: 07870 271751

Tel: 07966 202889

Email: Jamieshaw20@googlemail.com

Email: Cliff.Mills@sky.com

UCL Organisational Chart

League Inclusion Advisor Ivan Liburd

Board

Chairman Alan Poulain

Facilities Director Ian Hughes

Development Director Jamie Shaw

Marketing Director Cliff Mills

Facilities, Development & Marketing Committee Alan Lathwell Alan Poulain Dave Lumley David Holmes

Eddie Slinn Ian Collins Laurence Jones Roger Walker Stephen Harris Trevor Mitchell Wendy Newey

Vice Chairman / Appointments Director Trevor Mitchell

Fixture Director Roger Walker

Discipline Director Alan Lathwell

Secretary Wendy Newey

Discipline Committee Alan Poulain Cliff Mills Jamie Shaw

Officials / Appointments Committee Alan Poulain Darrell Parkes Georgie Elsom Jim Sharp Mike Hair Russell Matthews Wendy Newey

Assistant Secretary Georgie Elsom Registrations Secretary Katie Day

Kevin Presland Laurence Jones Roger Walker Russell Matthews Stuart Coles Trevor Mitchell Wendy Newey

UCL Constitution 22/23

Premier Division North

Premier Division South Bugbrooke St. Michael FC Cogenhoe United Coventry Sphinx Coventry United Desborough Town Easington Sports Eynesbury Rovers GNG Oadby Town Godmanchester Rovers Histon Long Buckby AFC Lutterworth Town March Town United Milton Keynes Irish Newport Pagnell Town Rothwell Corinthians Rugby Town Wellingborough Town Bourne Town Bugbrooke St Michaels Cogenhoe United Daventry Town Desborough Town GNG Oadby Town Godmanchester Rovers Harborough Town Huntingdon Town Kempston Rovers Milton Keynes Irish Newport Pagnell Northampton ON Chenecks Raunds Town Rothwell Corinthians Wellingborough Town Wellingborough Whitworth Reserve Division

AFC Mansfield Anstey Nomads Belper United Boston Town

Deeping Rangers Eastwood C.F.C. Heanor Town Heather St John ’ s Kimberley M W Leicester Nirvana Loughborough Students Melton Town FC Newark & Sherwood United Pinchbeck United Quorn Selston Sherwood Colliery

Skegness Town Sleaford Town Wisbech Town

Division One

Aylestone Park Barrow Town Birstall United Social Blackstones Blidworth Welfare Bourne Town Clifton All Whites Clipstone Dunkirk

Gedling Miners Welfare Grantham Town Academy Harrowby United

Holwell Sports Hucknall Town Kirby Muxloe Newark Town Radford Rainworth M W Saffron Dynamo Southwell City St Andrews West Bridgford

UCL Pre - Season

Contract Players: Within 7 days of the first Saturday in May (or the date of the last competitive match of the first team i.e. any play off or final ’ s matches) the Club must give notice in writing to any players at the Club who have FA contracts indicating whether the Club wishes to extend their contract or to exercise any option therein and the player must acknowledge any offer within 28 days of the date of the letter. Then the FA ’ s form must be completed and returned to the FA by 1st June with the details of those players who are to be retained at the Club. There are many elements relating to these actions which can be found under Rule C ‘ Relating to Players ’ which can be found on the FA ’ s website. Affiliation to the County Football Association: All clubs must be affiliated to their local County Football Association before being allowed to play in any affiliated competition. The window for affiliation opens in mid - May and the process is undertaken via the Football Association ’ s Whole Game System. Affiliation should be carried out by the club as early as possible as problems can be encountered. The most common of these is a delay caused by not having all the youth team officials CRC Compliant. The League has to be sanctioned by the Football Association before any fixtures can take place and this can only happen if all the member clubs are properly affiliated to their local County Football Association. Registering Club Details with the League for the new season: A google form will be sent to the existing club secretary in March asking for details that the club wishes to register for the following season. This must be completed by 1st June. This will be the document upon which the League bases its Clubs ’ Directory. Any changes to the information must be immediately sent to the League Secretary throughout the season in order that the master file of club details can be kept up to date. Annual General Meeting: The Annual General Meeting takes place at Nene Valley Community Centre, Candy Street, Peterborough, PE2 9RE on 25th June at 14:00pm. All clubs must be represented at the meeting. At the AGM teams will also be able to collect 12 match balls, team sheet and misconduct pads. At the meeting all documentation for the new season will be made available. This information is also available on the League website https://theucl.co.uk/ Invoice for Annual Subscriptions The Annual Subscription is £320 per team and is payable by 1st August. Payment can either be made by cheque payable to ‘ United Counties Football league ’ or by payment directly into the League ’ s bank account, details can be found below. Sort Code: 20 - 61 - 51 Account Number: 70899968 Public Liability and Player Insurance Details: By rule a club must present evidence of its public liability and player insurance to the League at least fourteen days before the start of the season along with a receipt showing that the cover has been paid for. Public Liability Cover must be for at least £10,000,000 and Player Insurance must offer a benefit of at least £50 per week in the event of incapacity.

Registration Of Players: Clubs must have at least sixteen players registered with the League fourteen days before the start of the season. The start of the season is deemed to be the date of the club ’ s first fixture. Fixtures: Step 5 and Step 6 fixtures are issued for the whole season in July each year, as soon as practicable after fixtures for Step 3 and 4 are released which affects those Clubs that have ground shares. Once a date for a fixture is set, the only games that take priority over League Games are National Cups (FA Cup and FA Vase), First team County Cup games, and the League Cup, along with any League and Cup games for a higher League Club ground sharing with a UCL Club. Clubs may change a date by agreement with their opponents by bringing a game forward to a Friday night, or a midweek evening. Any matches postponed by a Cup fixture, or due to the weather, will be re - dated by the League Fixture Director and Clubs informed of the new date, which will normally be midweek but would be scheduled on a Saturday if both Clubs have availability. The League rules require a minimum of 5 days ’ notice to be given of a rearranged date, although in practice we normally aim to give a minimum of 10 days ’ notice. Home midweek games will be scheduled on the night that Clubs indicate is their preferred night for home games. Although UCL games take priority over other Cup competitions that Clubs may enter, we will always endeavor where possible to avoid a fixture clash so it is important to keep the Fixture Director informed of all such fixtures in outside competitions. The League Cup is played between teams at both step 5 and step 6, on a straight knock out basis, with games played over 90 minutes. If scores remain level after 90 minutes, then penalty kicks determine the winners. The final is played on a neutral ground. Postponements should be notified to the Fixture Director as soon as practicable on 07743 952081. The email address for the Fixture Director is roger.walker@theucl.co.uk Fixtures for our Reserve Division are amended on a week to week basis, as necessary, as the season progresses so that we can try to keep as many teams playing each Saturdays and so that the longest journeys are able to be played on a Saturday wherever possible. There is also a Reserve Knock Out Cup Competition. All Fixture information can be found on the FA ’ s full - time web site, namely: http://fulltime league.thefa.com/Index.do?divisionseason=828023268&league=1625657

UCL General Information

There follows a list of tasks that need to be completed before each match.

• Ensure that all players intended to participate in the match are properly registered by checking on the Full - Time website. • The home Club shall advise the visiting Club and the Match Officials of the date and time of kick - off of each match and the team colours, including the colour of the goalkeeper ’ s jersey, it will be wearing, to be received at least five days prior to the match and the visiting Club and the Match Officials must acknowledge receipt to be received at least three days before the match. • The visiting Club must include in its acknowledgement the team colours, including the colour of the goalkeeper ’ s jersey, it will be wearing. The League has not sanctioned the wearing of coloured shirts by the match officials so you need to ensure that there is no clash of colours with the match officials ’ black shirts. • Dressing rooms for match officials and the visiting team must be in a clean and tidy condition • Clubs must ensure toilet and shower facilities are in good working order • Visiting teams must leave their dressing room in a clean and tidy condition • The welfare and wellbeing of match officials is the responsibility of the home club from their arrival at the ground until their departure • Players must remove their rings (or at the discretion of the match referee, cover them with tape). • Bracelets, necklaces and ear rings must be removed. • Club Officers, Committee Members and Players must refrain from public criticism of the League, League Officers and Committee, Match Officials, and Opposition (i.e. in the media, club programmes, newsletters, internet etc). Failure to comply with this instruction will result in action being taken by the Board • Clubs must ensure that dissent by players, management and coaching staff is eliminated • Team sheets must be handed to the match referee by a senior official of each Club at the same time when match instructions, if any, may be issued and conveyed to managers and players. • It is each club ’ s responsibility to ensure that their management and playing staff are aware of the laws of the game. • Clubs must be aware of the League rules relating to fees and expenses for match officials • Clubs must comply with Rule 42 regarding the provision of refreshments to Match Officials, Players and Officials from Visiting Clubs. • Each Club shall be supplied with 10 Complimentary passes for each Club ’ s use for access to the ground, the visiting Directors ’ Box (where appropriate) and the Boardroom. Each Club must keep a record of the Officers to whom they allocate the complimentary passes. In addition, each home Club will ensure that the players/management of the visiting Club receive complimentary access to the ground. • Clubs must adhere to their licensing terms regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol during the match. If their licence allows the sale and consumption of alcohol during the game, then Clubs must ensure that no alcohol is consumed from glasses or glass bottles outside of the bar area whilst a match is in progress or during half time. In FA Competitions, no alcohol may be brought in to the ground or consumed outside the club house. Clubs who breach the code of conduct will be dealt with as the Board deem appropriate.

Programmes: As per Rule 8.14 The home Club is responsible for publishing a full match programme acceptable to the Board for each of its Competition matches, which must feature the League Logo and Competition Sponsor (s) logo on the front cover, include a full - page advertisement for the Competition sponsor(s) on the right hand full page side of any double page spread, also a whole page League advert promoting our #unitedtogether campaign and additional sponsorships for each of its Competition matches in the Premier Division. A full match programme available electronically only shall be acceptable providing that each Club has approval from the Board before the commencement of the Playing Season and must be continuous for the whole of that Playing Season. The electronic programme must be clearly displayed at the entrance and around the ground, ideally via a QR code. A leaflet providing the names of players will not be considered sufficient to comply with this Rule in the Premier Division. In Division One a programme should be produced which must feature the League Logo and Competition Sponsor(s) logo on the front cover, include a full - page advertisement for the Competition sponsor(s) on the right hand full page side of any double page spread, also a half page League advert promoting our #unitedtogether campaign for each of its Competition matches. A full match programme available electronically only shall be acceptable providing that each Club has approval from the Board before the commencement of the Playing Season and must be continuous for the whole of that Playing Season. Alternatively, a leaflet providing the names of player ’ s must be produced which must feature the League Logo, the Competition Sponsor(s) logo and a statement promoting our #unitedtogether campaign. The visiting Club must send in writing to the home Club details of the proposed team they plan to field together with their Club history and up - to - date pen pictures of their current Players registered with the competition for the season at least five days before the scheduled date of the match between the two Clubs. The home Club programme must include the details sent by the visiting Club in the match day programme and a copy of each match day programme shall be sent by the home Club to the Competition Secretary within 3 days of the match with the relevant match report form unless advised of an alternative arrangement by the Competition Secretary. Clubs will be responsible for all comments in their match day programme in respect of the Competition, the Company or other member Clubs, notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary. No part of a Club ’ s programme issued for a match in any competition shall, in the opinion of the Board, bring the Competition or the Company into disrepute. All Clubs will be responsible for their official website or similar computer related information system, which is within the public domain. Nothing shall be included on the website which in the opinion of the Board brings the Competition or the Company into disrepute. All clubs shall actively promote the United Together – United Counties League ‘ Kick it Out ‘ Campaign and will display the banners in a prominent position at their ground and also include an advert in their programmes. The League has not sanctioned the wearing of coloured shirts by the match officials so you need to ensure All Clubs must provide liquid refreshments at half time and full time for players. Such refreshments should also be made available prior to the match on request. In addition sandwiches and tea/coffee, or other similar light refreshments, must be provided for players at the end of all matches involving Premier Division and Division One teams. Post - match hospitality for players and match officials must be provided within the immediate area of the clubhouse and NOT at a separate location. In matches involving Premier Division/Division One teams, Clubs must provide sandwiches and tea/coffee, or other similar light refreshments, at half time for Club Officials. All Clubs must provide liquid that there is no clash of colours with the match officials ’ black shirts. Refreshments for Match Officials / Players / Visiting Officials:

refreshments for match officials at half time and full time, and prior to the match on request. In addition sandwiches and tea/coffee, or other similar light refreshments, must be provided at the end of all matches. Ensure that your players and staff are expecting to attend the after match hospitality provided by your hosts. If they are not then you should inform the home club immediately so that food is not prepared unnecessarily. Kick - Off Times: The standard kick - off times are: Saturdays 3pm Midweek 7.45pm Bank Holidays / Boxing day - As agreed by fixture secretary These times may be varied by agreement between the two clubs and Roger Walker. Postponements: If a match is postponed for any reason the home club must immediately notify their opponents, the ap pointed match officials and Roger Walker by telephone. No Club shall postpone a Competition match on account of the apparent state of the ground. In the event that such circumstances prevail, Clubs should comply with procedures provided for by this rule and in the document published by The FA “ Recommended procedure for the guidance of Clubs and Referees in de termining the suitability of grounds in adverse weather conditions ”. Should the ground be declared unfit it is the responsibility of the home Club to immediately advise the Competition, the Appointing Authority, the visiting Club and the Match Officials. Failure to notify the appointed Match Officials at the earliest possible moment may leave the Home Club liable for their fees and expenses. If a match is regarded as doubtful because of ground conditions, any pitch inspection undertaken other than by the appointed Match Referee must be undertaken by a Referee classified at, or above, Level 5. For Saturday matches any inspection must be made on the morning of the match at an appropriate time, which should take into account the departure time of the opposing team and the Match Official (s). For midweek games any decision to cancel a match must not be made more than 24 hours before the sched uled kick off time. The Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and his decision shall be final. On occasions when the weather is likely to make a match doubtful, Match Officials should ensure that the Home Club know how to contact them on match days and/or ensure that they contact the Home Club be fore travelling. In the event of a Match Postponement/Abandonment, the referee is required to complete a UCL Referee Postponement/Abandonment Google Form. Match Officials must be informed of match details as laid down. A welcome must be extended to match officials upon their arrival at the ground, who should be shown to their dressing room. Clubs are only permitted to used match balls in League and League Cup fixtures authorised and supplied through a supplier approved by the Board. Clubs must purchase a minimum of twelve match balls each season (to comply with Rule 14.9) prior to the season at such time and cost as the Board indicates. Three match balls proposed to be used in the match must be submitted to and approved by the Referee before the commencement of the match in his dressing room. Each game must be kicked off with a UHL Sport Match Ball. In inclement weather, they must be cleaned at half time by the home club. The home club must provide suitable flags for Assistant Referees.

The new date for any postponed fixture will be arranged by Roger Walker. If a match is postponed after the match officials arrive and for reasons outside the control of the clubs, e.g. pitch frozen, then the match officials will be entitled to the full travel expenses and half their match fee. If a match is postponed after the match officials arrive and for reasons under the control of the clubs, e.g. only six players available, then the match officials will be entitled to the full travel expenses and the full match fee. Failing to fulfil a fixture: The penalty for postponing a match without a justifiable reason within the rules is a fine of up to £500. Colours and Shirt Numbers: The colours registered by each Club shall be worn when playing at home. Shirts must be numbered 1 to 17 or such that the numbers can be clearly identified by officials and spectators. It is recommended that shirts with black backs are not registered as the match officials may be unable to distinguish a player from other match officials from behind and may require the team to change their shirts. When playing away clubs must wear colours which are clearly distinguishable from those of their opponents. Both goalkeepers in a match must wear colours different from those of any other players. Substitutes: A Club at its discretion may use five substitute Players at any time in a match, provided this is in accordance with the Laws of the Game. A substitution can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission. When a Club is making a substitution it shall use a board to show the number of the Player to be substituted and the number of the substitute Player. The substitution board used shall be branded as determined by the Competition. A maximum of five substitutes may be nominated and they must be included on the official Team Sheet handed to the Referee before the match in accordance with Rule 8.20. A substitute may not be used to replace a Player who has been suspended from the match by the Match Officials. If a Player does not take part in the match for which he is a nominated substitute he shall be deemed as not having played for the Club in that match. Bench and Technical Area: In all Competition Matches, the number of Clubs Players and officials seated on the team benches, in the designated technical area, must not exceed 8 unless the team bench facility provides more than 8 individual seats. Only one person at a time has the authority to convey tactical instructions to the Players during the match from within the technical area. All team officials and substitutes seated on the bench shall be listed on the official Team Sheet when it is submitted to the Match Officials. Only those persons listed on the official Team Sheet shall be permitted in the technical area. The occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner at all times. Misconduct by occupants of this area will be reported by the Referee to The FA, who shall have the power to impose sanctions as deemed fit. Any occupant dismissed from the technical area shall immediately go to a location within the ground from which they cannot view the remainder of the game. With the exception of the team manager, the team coach and any substitutes who are warming up or warming down, all other personnel are to remain seated on the trainer ’ s bench. The team manager or team coach is allowed to move to the edge of the technical area to issue instructions to his team. All occupants of the technical area must wear the corporate bench kit supplied to each Member Club. The

only exception would be the Team manager who will be allowed to wear suits and overcoats. Corporate bench kit supplied to each Member Club must also be worn by the players and staff in warm - ups and warm - downs, and where possible in media interviews on match days. Failure to wear the bench kit will result in a fine. Sin Bins Sin Bins will only be used for dissent by word or action and will only apply to players on the field of play. A player cannot be substituted whilst in the Sin Bin. Abandonments If a match is abandoned for any reason the home club must immediately notify Roger Walker. If a match is abandoned before half - time the home team must issue a voucher to each spectator valid for free admission for when the match is replayed. In the event of a Match Postponement/Abandonment, the referee is required to complete a UCL Referee Postponement/Abandonment Google Form. Match Management: There follows a list of tasks that need to be completed at each match. Ensure that the opponents are met upon arrival and that their committee members and officials are conducted to the hospitality area and served light refreshments. Ensure that the match officials are met upon arrival and shown to their dressing room and are conducted to the hospitality area and served light refreshments. Should a Referee Observer attend the game they should also be provided with light refreshments on their arrival and at half - time. Each Club must hand a blank Club Misconduct Form and the Team Sheet containing name(s) of Players taking part in a match (including the name(s) and number(s) of the nominated substitute(s) to the Referee and a representative of their opponents in the presence of the Referee at least forty - five minutes before the scheduled time of kick - off. The Players ’ numbers (in accordance with Rule 7) and the colours of the playing strip must be clearly stated. Any Clubs in breach may be fined. Any Club altering its team selection or numbering after Team Sheets have been exchanged may be fined. A Player who is named on the Team Sheet may be replaced without fine if he is injured warming up after exchange of the Team Sheet. Any subsequent changes must be notified to the referee and to a representative of the opponents before the actual kick - off. The match officials should be paid in their dressing room within a reasonable time after the end of the match. The fees for season 2022 - 23 are: Premier Division / Division 1 Referee £60 Assistant £45 Reserve Division Referee £45 Complimentary Ground Passes Each Club is issued with 10 ground passes: Two Executive Complimentary Passes (ORANGE) Admit to ground and stand of all UCL Clubs, for use in League and League Knock Out Cup matches, excluding finals. Eight Standard Complimentary Passes (GREEN) Admit to ground and stand of all UCL Clubs, for use only where their own team are playing in League and League Knock Out Cup matches, excluding finals. Executive Complimentary Passes are also issued to League Board Members, Assessors, League Sponsors and League associates these can be used to gain free entrance to any League and League Knock Out Cup matches.

UCL Sponsors

“ uhlsport is proud to behave independently, defying conventional thinking. We are a brand for people who are of an independent mind and who have a deep and powerful emotional attachment to football. uhlsport is a brand for the global football community. Our actions will reflect this and bring us closer than we have ever been previously to our target groups. We are proud to be of independent mind, always striving to be closest to our customers, our players and our business partners. Proximity is the roof under which all other values stand shoulder to shoulder. ”

“ Working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change, Kick It Out is at the heart of the fight against discrimination for everyone who plays, watches or works in football. ” We are proud to be awarded the KICKITOUT Equality Chartered League Status #KickItOutLeague #unitedtogether

UCL Website Please ensure you visit our website www.theucl.co.uk throughout the season for Club Information, Latest News, League Tables and much more!

UCL League Rules

United Counties Football League Rules 1. Definitions 2. Membership Requirements 3. Membership – Annual Subscription 4. Power of the Board 5. Interests in More Than One Club 6. Players 6.1 A Qualifying Player Registration 6.2 Registration Period 6.3 Player Status

39. 40.

Club Finance Records

Central Funding

41 42

Financial Reporting Initiative

Refreshments for Match Officials/Players/Visiting Officials Appendix A Regulations for Football Association Appeals Appendix B Additional Leagues sanctioned by the FA to operate the short - term loan transfer system Knock - Out Competitions 1. Title of Competitions 2. Management of the Competition 3. Requirements on Winning Clubs 4. Gate Receipts/Proceeds of Matches 5. Player Eligibility 6. Ineligible Players 7. Kick Off Times 8. Duration of Matches/Extra Time and Penalties 9. Result of Matches 10. Abandonments/Broken Fixtures 11. Match Fees and Expenses 12. Appointment of Assistant Referees 13. Mementos 14. Protests and Appeals

6.4 Registrations and Registration Procedures 6.5 Transfers 6.6 Temporary Transfers (Loans) 6.7 Club List of Players and Transfer List 6.8 Substitute Players 6.9 Playing an Ineligible Player 6.10 Financial Arrangements

7. 8. 9.

Club Colours

Playing of Matches

Registered Intermediaries

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.

Financial Records Football Creditors

Champion, Relegation Insolvency Provisions

Match Officials

Knock Out Cup Competitions Reserves & Under 21 Rules Fees Tariff Match Officials Fees and Expenses Fines Tariff

Withdrawal of Clubs Protests, Appeals

Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players

Trophy

Alterations to Rules Admission Charges

Long Service

Centenary Awards Playing Surfaces

Insurance

Medical Personnel

Player Transfers Between Clubs

Provision for Membership Form to Be Signed by Each Club Each Playing Season

Provision for Full & Associate Members

Promotion Agreements

General Meetings

The Board

Competition Officers 33 - 38 Commercial Agreements

1. DEFINITIONS 1.1 In these Rules: “ Affiliated Association ” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the Rules of The FA “ AGM ” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the Articles of the Competition “ Appointing Authority ” means the Competition “ Articles ” means the Articles of Association of the Company and reference to a number of following the word “ Article ” is a reference to an Article so numbered in the “ Articles ” “ Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company appointed in accordance with the Articles plus elected Committee members or, in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association, the Board elected to manage the running of the Competition. “ Board Directive ” means an order or instruction issued by the Board. “ Bond ” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition. “ Club ” means a club for the time being in membership of the Company (including a Club which has had a transfer of membership approved under Rule 2.9 below) “ Commercial Agreements ” means all or any Agreement or Agreements with any third party including but not limited to broadcasting, media, sponsorship, marketing, merchandising, licensing and advertising, for the general promotion of each or any of the Clubs in the Competition and the Company, and which have the object of promoting the welfare and general commercial interest and increasing the financial resources of each of the Clubs, the Company and the Competition. “ Company ” means The United Counties Football League, company registration number 8012244 which administers the Competition and shall, where the Competition is an unincorporated entity, include that entity “ Competition ” means the United Counties Football League “ Competition Match ” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Company “ Competition Office ” means the registered Offices or addresses where League business is transacted “ Competition Secretary ” means such person or persons appointed or elected by the Board to carry out the administration of the Competition, which in the case of this Competition is the General Secretary “ Contractual Disputes Tribunal ” shall be as defined in Rules of The FA. “ Contract Player ” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club “ Control ” means the power of a natural person, legal entity or any other body to exercise, or to be able to exer cise or acquire, direct or indirect control over the policies, affairs and/or management of a Club, whether that power is constituted by rights or contracts (either separately or in combination) and having regard to the considerations of fact or law involved, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Control shall be deemed to include: a) the power (whether directly or indirectly and by any means including without limitation by way of those that in the opinion of the Board are acting in concert) to appoint and/or remove all or such of the mem bers of the board of directors of the Club as are able to cast a majority of the votes capable of being cast by the members of that board; and/or b) the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares (or other equity securities) in the Club (whether directly, indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other persons) or by contract including without limitation those that in the opinion of the Board are acting in concert) which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof 30 per cent or more of the total voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club; For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a nominee or of an associate (as defined in the Rules of The FA Challenge Cup) of a person shall be attributed to that person. “ Criteria Document ” means the document entitled “ National Ground Grading Document ” issued by The FA from time to time and shall, unless stated to the contrary, mean the latest edition of the document

“ CVA ” shall mean an agreement reached by a Club under a Company Voluntary Arrangement (under the Insolvency Act 1986) or a Scheme of Arrangement (under the Companies Act 1985 or Companies Act 2006). “ Day ” means any day on which the Competition Office is open for normal business but excluding, unless the Board determines otherwise, a Saturday, a Sunday or a Bank or Public Holiday “ Embargo ” means a ban placed by the Board on a Club in respect of player registrations, as more fully defined in Appendix H. “ Embargoed Club ” means any Club subject to an Embargo. “ Fees Tariff ” means a list of fees approved by the Company at a general meeting to be levied by the Company for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules “ FIFA Quality Concept ” means the:

(a) FIFA Quality Concept Handbook of Requirements for Football Turf Surfaces (January 2012 Edition); and

(b) FIFA Quality Concept – Handbook of Test Methods for Football Turf (January 2012 Edition), and any amendment or modification thereof.

“ FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate ” means the certificate of that name awarded by FIFA following compliance with the applicable requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept. “ Fines Tariff ” means a list of fines approved by the Company at a general meeting to be levied by the Company for any breach of the Rules “ Football Creditor" means any one of the following: • The Football Association Limited • Any Club affiliated with an affiliated Association • Any League sanctioned by the Association or an affiliated Association • Any full time or part time employee of a Club, or former full time or part time employee of a Club, in respect of sums due to such person by way of arrears of remuneration or expenses. This excludes for these purposes all and any claims for redundancy, unfair or wrongful dismissal or other claims arising out of the termination of the contract or in respect of any period after the actual date of termination • The Professional Footballers ’ Association Limited “ Football Turf (3G) Pitch (FTP) ” means a field of play (as that term is defined in the Laws of the Game) that has, following installation and prior to the commencement of each subsequent Playing Season, been awarded the relevant FIFA Performance requirement (FIFA Two and One Star or Pro and Quality) and which otherwise conforms to the requirements of the Laws of the Game. “ Grass Pitch ” means a field of play (as that term is defined in the Laws of the Game) that is natural grass, predominantly natural grass or intended to be predominantly natural grass and which conforms to the requirements of the Laws of the Game. “ Ground ” means the ground on which the Club ’ s first team plays its Competition fixtures. “ Insolvency Event ” means any one of the following: a. entering into a Company Voluntary Arrangement pursuant to Part 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (“ the 1986 Act ”) or a compromise or arrangement with its creditors under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 or any compromise agreement with its creditors as a whole; or b. lodging a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator or Notice of Appointment of an Administra tor at the Court in accordance with paragraph 26 or paragraph 29 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act, an application to the Court for an Administration Order under paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act (other than paragraph 12 (1)(c)) or where an Administrator is appointed or an Administration Or der is made in respect of it (“‘ Administrator ” and “ Administration Order ” having the meanings attribut ed to them respectively by paragraphs 1 and 10 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act); or • The Football Foundation • Any affiliated Association • Any pension scheme or plan administered by or on behalf of the Competition

c. an Administrative Receiver (as defined by section 251 of the 1986 Act), a Law of Property Act Receiver (appointed under section 109 of the Law of Property Act 1925) or any Receiver appointed by the Court under the Supreme Court Act 1981 or any other Receiver is appointed over any assets which, in the opinion of the Board, are material to the Club ’ s ability to fulfill its obligations as a member of the League; or d. shareholders passing a resolution pursuant to section 84(1) of the 1986 Act to voluntarily wind up; or e. a meeting of creditors is convened pursuant to section 95 or section 98 of the 1986 Act; or f. a winding up order is made by the Court under section 122 of the 1986 Act or a provisional liquidator is appointed under section 135 of the 1986 Act; or g. ceasing or forming an intention to cease wholly or substantially to carry on business save for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation or otherwise in accordance with a scheme of proposals which have previously been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board; or h. being subject to any insolvency regime in any jurisdiction outside England and Wales which is analo gous with the insolvency regimes detailed in (a) to (g) above; and/or i. have any proceeding or step taken or any court order in any jurisdiction made which has a substantially similar effect to any of the foregoing. “ Intermediary ” means any natural or legal person who carries out or seeks to carry out Intermediary Activity and has registered with The Association in accordance with The FA Intermediaries Regulations; “ Intermediary Activity ” means acting in any way and at any time, either directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of a Player or a Club in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction. This includes, but is not limited to, entering into a Representation Contract with a Player or a Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club Official is not acting as an Intermediary when he carries out any Intermediary Activity in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction for or on behalf of that Club. Similarly, a Lawyer is not acting as an Intermediary when he solely and exclusively under takes or provides Permitted Legal Advice in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction;

“ Long Term Loan ” means a loan transfer in excess of 93 days of a Player who is a qualifying Player within the terms of the Rules

“ Match Officials ” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match

“ Membership Year ” means the period in each calendar year from the holding of one annual general meeting of the Company to the holding of the next annual general meeting

“ National League System ” means the system of competitions controlled by the FA where promotion and relegation links exist between participating Leagues “ Non Contract Player ” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment “ Officer ” means an individual who is required to make an Owners ’ and Directors ’ Declaration by the FA “ Online Player Registration System ” means the relevant online player registration system as determined by The FA from time to time. “ Option ” shall be as defined in the Rules of The FA. “ Owners ’ and Directors ’ Declaration ” means a declaration to The FA required from an Officer from time to time “ Paid in Full ” shall mean when a Club has either • paid (in cleared funds) to the supervisor of its CVA or its administrator, sufficient funds to pay all its creditors in full (100p in the £) and to cover the costs of the CVA or the administration and confirmation of this fact has been received in writing from the supervisor/administrator; or

• paid (in cleared funds) sufficient to settle in full (100p in the £) any debts owed to creditors outside a CVA

“ Participant ” shall be as defined in the Rules of The FA “ Pitch ” means a Grass Pitch or Football Turf Pitch. “ Pitch Test ” means the test(s) conducted by a FIFA accredited field test institute or UKAS accredited test institute in accordance with the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept or IATS. “ Player ” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other Player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club or is subject to any suspension from playing. “ Player Status Rules ” shall be as defined in the Rules of The FA. “ Playing Season ” means the period between the date on which the first league fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last league fixture in the Competition is played. For Clubs participating in play off matches this does include the period when play off matches are played. “ Play Off Position ” means the position of a Club in the table at the end of each Playing Season which is provided for in Rule 12 as qualifying the Club to take part in a playoff match to qualify for promotion to the next step of football for the next Playing Season “ Rules ” means these rules under which the Competition is administered “ Satisfied ” shall mean that a creditor has consented, and provided evidence of such, to accept a sum in full and final settlement of its debt from a Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a vote to approve a Company Voluntary Arrangement (‘ CVA ’) by the creditors of a Club, held in accordance with Insolvency Law in operation from time to time, shall deem those debts admitted to the CVA as being Satisfied. The Board shall determine at its absolute discretion whether an amount is Satisfied under the Rules “ Scholar ” means a player that has entered into a Scholarship Agreement. “ Scholarship Agreement ” an agreement entered into between a Club and a player pursuant to the Player Status Rules. “ Secured ” shall mean that one of the following legally recognised undertakings has been provided for the payment of the specified sum in full by the AGM at the end of the Playing Season in which the transfer of membership takes place: “ Short Term Loan ” means a loan transfer for a period of no fewer than 28 days in any one season “ Significant Interest ” means the holding and/or possession of the legal or beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares or other securities in the Club which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof ten (10) per cent or more of the total voting rights exercisable in respect of the Shares of any class of Shares of the Club. All or part of any such interest may be held directly or indirectly or by contract including, but not limited to, by way of membership of any group that in the opinion of the Board are acting in concert, and any rights or powers held by an Associate (as defined in the Rules of The FA Challenge Cup) shall be included for the purposes of determining whether an interest or interests amounts to a “ Significant Interest ” “ SSAP ” means a sporting sanctions appeal panel to be appointed to determine an appeal against a deduction of points under Rule 13 “ Team Sheet ” means a form provided by the Competition referred to in Rule 8.20 “ The FA ” means The Football Association Limited “ Transaction ” means any negotiation or other related activity, including any communication relating or pre paratory to the same, the intention or effect of which is to create, terminate or vary the terms of a player ’ s contract of employment with a Club, to facilitate or effect the registration of a player with a Club, or the transfer of the registration of a player from a club to a Club (whether on a temporary or permanent basis). A completed Transaction is one that has so achieved the creation, termination or variation of the terms of the player ’ s contract of employment with a Club, the registration of the player with a Club or the transfer of the registration from a club to a Club. “ WGS ” means the Whole Game System and the procedures for the operation thereof as determined by The FA from time to time. (i) A solicitor ’ s undertaking for the full amount outstanding; (ii) A bank guarantee is held for the full amount outstanding; In each case to be paid and satisfied in full by no later than the AGM at the end of the Playing Season in which the transfer took place. The Board shall determine at its absolute discretion whether an amount is Secured or Satisfied under the Rules