Joint Handbook 2023 2024

Reserve & U21 Knock - Out Competitions

1 Title of Competitions The Competitions shall be called the United Counties Football League Reserve and U21 KO Cup and will be competed for by all reserve and U21 teams. 2 Management of the Competition The entire management and control of the Competitions shall be vested in the Board, who shall have the pow er to deal with any matter for which no specific provision is made. Any other matter not provided for in these Rules shall be determined by the Board. The Board may divide the competing Clubs into convenient geographical divisions up to the Final. The matches shall be arranged by the Fixture Director. Clubs shall be drawn in couples, first Club drawn to have choice of ground, with byes where necessary. The first team to receive a bye will be the winners of the competition from the previous season, the second team to receive a bye will be the runners - up of the competition from the previous season. Final Ties will be played on a neutral venue to be determined by the Board. All arrangements for the Final Ties shall be made by the Board. The Competitions shall observe the Rules, Regulations and Byelaws of the Football Association, and all match es shall be played according to the Laws of the Game, as settled by the international Football Association Board. Where the Competition is arranged into geographical divisions the Board will determine which Clubs shall pro gress to the knockout stage of the competition, and Clubs will be informed of the rules that will operate prior to the start of the Competition. 3 Requirements on Winning Clubs The winning Clubs shall comply with League Reserve Rule 13. 4 Gate Receipts/Proceeds of Matches A gate MUST be taken at all KO Cup matches. The proceeds of all matches (except replayed matches in consequences of a breach of Rule, matches played during the geographical division ’ s stage of the competition and Final Ties) shall be equally divided between the competing Clubs after the expenses have been deducted. The only charge to be allowed on the gate shall be Match Officials Fees and Expenses and, if applicable, flood lighting to a maximum cost of up to £40. Should the receipts not be sufficient to cover the expenses then the Home Club will be responsible for meeting these expenses. All cash must be paid within 14 days of the match and a copy of the statement forwarded to the Competition Secretary and the visiting Club. Failure to do so will result in an automatic fine in accordance with the Fees Tariff There is no requirement to send financial statements to the Competition Secretary or the visiting Club for matches played during the geographical division ’ s stage of the competition. The League shall take the proceeds of the Final Ties and shall be responsible for meeting the expenses of the ties. Home Clubs must provide hospitality in accordance with Rule 20K. The cost of hospitality is not a charge al lowable against the proceeds of the gate. 5 Player Eligibility All players must be registered with the Registration Secretary as per Rule 18 of the League Reserve rules. If the Competition (s) are arranged on a knockout basis, then no player shall play for more than one Club in the

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