North Wales Coast Football Association

NORTH WALES COAST FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

The terms given below denote the following and shall apply to this Association:

Association
North Wales Coast Football Association

League
An organisation in membership of and subordinate to the Association

Club
An organisation on membership of and subordinate to the Association

Officials
All Board members, Committee members, Coaches, Referees and attendants as
well as other people responsible for technical, medical and administrative
matters of the Association, League, Clubs or their subordinates.

Player
A football player registered with the Football Association of Wales, NWCFA or
any other League or Club.

Annual General Meeting
The Supreme body of the Association

Council
The Executive body of the Association

Member
A Councillor, League or Club that has been admitted into membership of the
Association by the Council and includes officers of the Association as
related in rule 5.1, assistant secretaries of discipline, competitions,
referees, development and welfare officer.

Subordinate
Shall mean any member, representative, official, referee or other playing
official or player of a member of the association together with every
spectator and any person purporting to be its supporter or follower together
also with all other organisations, clubs, bodies, entities or persons who are
members of, or affiliated to, or over whom the member of the association
exercises, or purports to exercise control.

Association Football
The game controlled by FIFA and organised in accordance with the Laws of the
Game.

National Level
Football played in Leagues that are in membership and directly affiliated to
the Football Association of Wales

Recreational Level
Football played in ALL Leagues that are affiliated to the North Wales Coast
Football Association.

Juridical Body
The Associations Disciplinary and Appeals Panel.

Rules 2016-2017

[b]Name and Constitution[/b]
1.1
That this Association be called ‘Cymdeithas Pel Droed Arfordir Gogledd Cymru’’/’The North Wales Coast Football Association’ and shall be Affiliated to the Football Association of Wales.

1.2
That the North Wales Coast Football Association area boundary are the Flintshire boundary to the East and the A494 road running west from the Flintshire boundary to Dolgellau and on the Western side of the A496 Dolgellau to Barmouth Road. (Note: Where the boundary roads pass through Ruthin and Bala, it is assumed that the Area within the Town’s perimeter is part of the NEWFA).

1.3
The Association has for its object, the fostering and the improvement of the Association game and its structure. The management at all levels, within its geographical area as defined in Rule 1.2 and under the Authority of the Football Association of Wales.

1.4
For purpose of Competitions in which members of this Association take part and which are outside the Association’s Area and where competition rules contemplate, or refer to ‘County Association’ it must be understood where such rule exists, to refer to the above Association.

Clubs Eligible for Membership
2.1
All Clubs/Leagues situated within the boundary as per rule 1.2 shall be eligible for membership subject to the approval of the Executive Council of this Association.

2.2
No club from the area covered as per rule 1.2 whose first team participates in a League below Level 4 of the FAW’s Pyramid Structure, shall be affiliated to the Football Association of Wales unless such club is directly affiliated to this Association.

2.3
All clubs must complete a Registration Form before they are allowed to be members of this Association, together with the appropriate fee. (See Rule 3).

2.4
All clubs must affiliate to the Association before 1st August in each year, failure to do so will incur a fine of £20.

2.5
New members must affiliate by 1st August in each year or within 14 days of being accepted into membership of a League Competition, failure to do so will incur a fine as per rule 2.4.

2.6
A full member is a Club/League from within the geographical area of the Association, whose delegate shall have full voting powers at any Annual/Extraordinary/Special General Meetings of the Association provided the Club/League has paid its full subscription to the Association.

2.7
An Affiliated member is a Club/League in this section which has affiliated with Leagues outside this Association but is based within the NWCFA boundaries. They shall be subject to the Rules of the Association but shall not have any voice in the Management of the Association, nor vote at any meeting. Similarly Clubs playing in Leagues catering solely for players under the age of 18 years shall become affiliated members of the Association but with no voting powers.

Subscriptions
3.1
The subscription fee for each club shall be decided annually at the Annual General Meeting on a recommendation by the Full Council.

3.2
(a) Leagues in the pyramid structure shall each pay a subscription of £20 per annum to qualify as a full member.

(b) Sunday Leagues shall each pay a subscription of £20 per annum to qualify as a full member.

(c) Affiliated Leagues not covered by (a) or (b) above and Junior and Girls Leagues catering for under 18 clubs shall each pay a subscription of £20 per annum to qualify as an affiliated member.

3.3
Each Club shall pay a subscription of £10 per annum to qualify as a full member.

3.4
Affiliated Members must pay a Subscription of £10 for Senior Affiliated Clubs and £5 for Junior (Under 18) Affiliated Clubs.

3.5
The above subscriptions at 3.3 (See also Rule 18), 3.4 and 3.6 must be received by the Treasurer of this Association no later than 1st August in each year together with a copy of their Player Insurance Document. Failing to pay within the time stipulated shall incur a fine of £10.00 (See also Rule 18).

3.6
Public Liability Insurance shall be arranged by the Association at a Fee to be adjusted and set annually as required.

4.1
All clubs included in this paragraph will be subject to the rules of the Association and can enjoy all the privileges of membership as associate members but shall not have any voice in the management of the Association, nor vote at the general meetings.

4.2
All Senior clubs within the Association may enter the appropriate cup competition compatible with the status of the league in which the clubs plays. Should the appropriate cup entrance fee be paid, the club will automatically be included in the relevant cup competition and the appropriate fee will have to be paid within 14 days from the commencement of the appropriate season.
Colleges with students in full time education are exempt from entering cup competitions. No club outside the Association’s Area may enter the Association’s Cup Competitions.

4.3
All fines and/or fees due to the NWCFA shall be paid within 14 days of notification. Failing to pay within the stipulated time means automatic suspension.

Officers of the Association
5.1
The Officers of the Association shall be a Patron, President, Deputy President, Hon. Treasurer, General Secretary, as the Full Council shall from time to time determine.

5.2
The President and Deputy President shall serve for a period of three years which will coincide with the triennial election and they will not be eligible for re-election. After his term of office the Deputy President shall become President for the ensuing three years.

5.3
Travelling expenses shall be paid at a rate that the Full Council has approved to all Officers and Assistant Secretaries of the Association.

General Meeting
6.1
That the Annual General Meeting be held in the month of June or July for the consideration of the Rules of the Association, Statement of Accounts and for the election of officers when such elections are due.

6.2
Any member club of the Association failing to attend the Annual General Meeting will be fined the sum of £20.00.

Alteration to Rules
7.1
No new rule shall be made or any of the foregoing altered or rescinded, unless ten days notice thereof, specifying such alterations, has been given to all affiliated clubs, and then only by the vote of not less than two thirds of the Full Council and Club/League representatives present and entitled to vote, at the Annual Meeting or meeting specially called for such purpose.

7.2
All suggested alterations must reach the Hon. General Secretary no later than the first day of April and any such proposals when made by a full member club of League must be signed by two officers of such clubs or Leagues.

7.3
Members of the Full Council of the Association may also make a proposed alteration to rule by 1st April in each year. Discussions on a proposed alteration of rule will not be allowed unless a detailed written objection to such alteration is received by the General Secretary, no later than three days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All proposed rules or alterations shall be discussed by the Rules Committee prior to submission to the Annual General Meeting/ Special or Extraordinary General Meeting.

7.4
The North Wales Coast Football Association or League (except in cup competition) shall not have a more stringent rule than any Rules of the Football Association of Wales.

Management
8.1
The Management of the Association is vested in the Executive Council.

8.2
The Executive Council shall consist of a Patron, President, Deputy President, two Vice Presidents, Life Members and eight Elected Councillors. All Elected Councillors shall be nominated triennially, by ballot.

8.3
The Full Council shall consist of 8.2 above and a representative from each affiliated League together with a representative from the North Wales Referees Association.

If no nomination is received from a League or the North Wales Referees Association, their respective seat on the Full Council shall remain vacant until such time as a nomination by the respective League or North Wales Coast Referees Association is made. In such circumstances, the nominated represented shall serve on the Council for the remainder of the period.

8.4
All Members of the Full Council who are the nominated League representative(s) shall be selected by their respective League by means of a ballot (when appropriate) of its member clubs annually. Such ballot shall take place when more candidates are proposed by the member clubs to represent the League on the Full Council. In the case of only one candidate being proposed by the League’s member clubs, that candidate shall automatically be the League’s nominated representative on the Full Council without the need for an election or ballot of its member clubs. In all circumstances, the selection process for the League’s representative on the Full Council shall take place at a general meeting of the League’s member clubs.

8.5
The Member of the Full Council representing the North Wales Coast Referees Association shall be selected by means of a ballot of its members at a general meeting. Any such representative shall not be a currently registered referee with the North Wales Coast Football Association. In the case of only one candidate being proposed by its members to represent the association on the Full Council, that candidate shall automatically be the North Wales Coast Referees Association nominated representative.

8.6
Nominations for Vice President shall be submitted and recommended for the Annual General Meeting by the Full Council for approval by full member clubs.

8.7
The Executive Council will have power to fill and to appoint sub-committees. Such powers or duties to be expressed by resolution of the Executive Council.

8.8
No club shall have more than one representative on the Full and/or Executive Council and shall have no further representation as a nominated Executive Councillor.

8.9
The Executive Council and Full Council shall meet at such times as they decide, a quorum shall be a minimum of seven (7) members. The Hon. Gen. Secretary to give not less than six days notice to each member, in writing.

8.10
Any member of the Executive Council or Full Council who fails to attend two consecutive meetings of either the Executive or Full Council, unless a written explanation is received within 14 days after the meeting which is acceptable to the Executive Council, shall deemed to have resigned from either the Executive Council or Full Council and the vacancy filled in accordance with this rules 8.4 or 8.5.

8.11
At any meeting held by the Council or any subcommittee of the Council to discuss issues relating to any Club, or League, Councillors having a financial or direct interest in such Club, League shall not:-
Vote at said meeting.
In any way influence any decision of the Council or sub-committee or
Act in any such matter or contribute to such discussions without the prior consent of the Chairman, which consent the Chairman may in his absolute discretion withdraw if he feels that a Councillor has breached this Rule.
Any Councillor who is in a breach of any of the provisions of this Rule, shall forfeit his seat on the Council if found guilty by a commission.

8.12
All Assistant Secretaries plus the Referees Officer and Safeguarding Officer may be invited to attend all Executive and Full Council Meetings, but shall have no Voting Powers.

8.13
All members of the Executive Council and Full Council shall declare any club allegiance at the beginning of each season to the Hon. General Secretary. No member of the Executive Council and Full Council shall be actively involved in ascertaining evidence against another member of the Association, with regard to any Commissions/Appeals, which may arise from any disputes between member Clubs/Leagues. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a breach of Code of Conduct.

8.14
No elected member of the Executive Council with voting rights shall officiate in any capacity as a Secretary of the Associations Committees.

8.15
All Officers, Assistant Secretaries, Councillors and all other Representatives will be required to sign the Code of Conduct. Any one failing to sign the Code of Conduct will be disqualified from taking any position.

Life Members
9.1
Officers of the Association or members of the Council who have rendered extra-meritorious service to the Association, of at least twenty years, and retiring Presidents, will be elected Life Members at the Annual General Meeting.

9.2
Nominations for Honorary Life Membership, without voting powers shall have a proposer and seconder; all such nominations should be submitted in writing to the General Secretary of the Association for consideration at a Council meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting.

9.3
Nominees must reside within the defined area of the North Wales Coast Football Association Rule 1.2), provided that noting in these rules shall affect the status of a current Honorary Life Member who may reside outside the defined area of the North Wales Coast Football Association on the date these rules are effective.

Committees/Commissions/Appeals:
10.1
The Standing Orders Committee shall be composed of up to 8 members consisting of Patron, President, Deputy President and such Life members/Vice Presidents as required. The duties will be:
(a) To scrutinise nominations for ballots
(b) To receive and consider all Notices of Motion
(c) To receive and consider all amendments to such Notices of Motion, and to issue same to
clubs, after which no further amendments shall be eligible
(d) To prepare and complete the agenda for the Annual General Meeting
(e) To deal with Disciplinary matters applicable to Officers, Assistant Secretaries and
Council Members of the Association
(f) To count votes at all meetings of the Association and declare the result

10.2
Following the triennial election, the Executive Council will deal with:

(i) All Financial matters.
(ii) Proposed Rule changes including those submitted by affiliated Leagues.
(iii) All Disciplinary matters.
(iv) All Safeguarding Issues.
(v) All General Administration and correspondence.

10.2.1
A separate Competitions and Inter Association Committee comprising of the Assistant Secretary, Assistant Competitions Secretary, 8 Elected Members plus all the Affiliated League Representatives will meet every two months to deal with all Competition matters. The Chairman of this Committee shall be from one of the Elected Members. The President, Deputy President and the General Secretary will also be invited to attend.

10.2.2
In order to comply with FAW requirements under the UEFA Convention Scheme, a separate Referees’ Committee comprising of the General Secretary, Referees Officer, 2 Elected Members, the NWRA Representative on Full Council plus TWO Independent Members (who must be former Referees) will meet every two months to deal with all Refereeing Matters.

10.3
Life Members and Vice Presidents may attend meetings as they shall determine.

10.4
A quorum for each Standing Committee shall be one-third of the elected and/or executive committee (Executive Councillors and Vice Presidents) with a minimum of three.

10.5
Commissions to consider appeals and Disciplinary matters shall consist of at least two members from the Executive Council.

Representation
11.1
Each club shall be entitled to send two representatives to the Annual General Meetings/Special General Meetings of the Association with only one allowed to vote. The Officers and Elected Councillors to be entitled to vote at the General Meeting.

11.2
No club or League shall be entitled to be represented at the Annual General Meeting unless the subscriptions or any outstanding fines or fees for the previous season have been paid in full.

11.3
New members shall be entitled to vote immediately they are accepted into membership at the Annual General Meeting.

11.4
Representation on Various Organisations:
The Executive Council at its first meeting after the Annual General Meeting shall elect members to represent the Association on all affiliated Leagues. Association/organisations (if applicable). The Executive Council shall have full powers to elect members on the above if and when appropriate.

11.5
The representative of the NWCFA on the FAW shall be elected by ballot of the Executive Council. The nominations submitted in writing to the President of the Association before 1st May in each triennial year.

Special General Meetings
12.1
A Special General Meeting of the Association shall be held within twenty eight days of the receipt of a written requisition to the Hon. General Secretary from at least the majority of full member clubs, stating the reason for which such meeting is called or at the request of the majority of the Full Council.

12.2
Not less than ten days’ notice specifying the object of such meeting shall be given to each member.

Registration of Colours and Grounds
13.1
That each club enjoining the Association shall forward to the General Secretary the name and address of its Secretary, a statement of its distinguishing colours, the location of its grounds and state whether the ground is public or private, and shall also acquaint him when any change in these matters occurs.

13.2
Next to the FA of Wales, the North Wales Coast FA shall have first claim to the use of all football grounds within its jurisdiction.

13.3
Payment for the use of such grounds by the N.W.C.F.A. shall be the sum of £50.00 plus £50.00 if floodlights are used.

13.4
In accordance with Law 4 of the Laws of the Game, which states “ all players including goalkeepers must wear a jersey with colours that distinguish them from the Referee and the Assistant Referee”, teams therefore must ensure that their teams do not wear predominately black kit, since the only person allowed to wear predominately black kit will be the Referee.

Accounts
14.1
That the funds of the Association shall be lodged in a bank approved by the Council.

14.2
All accounts shall be paid by cheque, signed by the Treasurer and any other officer as per Rule 5.1.

14.3
That the Association accounts for each year shall be audited by such qualified person or persons as appointed at the Annual General Meeting.

Proceeds of Association Matches
15.1
That all monies received at matches be counted at the conclusion of the game by the Treasurer or General Secretary or any two members of the Executive Council.

15.2
That a report of the receipts and expenses of each match be produced at the first meeting of the Executive Council thereafter and inserted in the minutes.

15.3
That the Treasurer shall pay all monies they receive into the bank within 7 days.

15.4
Each affiliated League will be required to send annually a balance sheet showing the financial records of the previous season.

15.5
A club shall, on request of the Executive Council, send full financial records of the previous season. Such records to be sent to the Hon Gen Secretary of the Association no later than the first day of August in any year. Contravention of this rule will incur a fee of £20.00.

Laws of the Game
16.1
That all clubs belonging to the Association shall play the according to laws of Association Football issued by FIFA.

16.2
Any club playing according to any other laws than those of the Association shall cease to be members of this Association.

17 Definition of Players
REGISTRATIONS, CONTRACTS AND TRANSFERS.
As per SECTION H of the current FAW Rules (Rules 55(a) to 69.8 inclusive).

18 Sanction of Leagues and Competitions

18.1
All leagues and competitions within the jurisdiction of the North Wales Coast FA must be duly approved and sanctioned annually by the Council. Application for such sanction must be made on the appropriate form obtained from the General Secretary of the Association to whom it must be returned on or before 1st August in each season.

18.2
Any League or Competition that does not return the application form provided by the 1st August in each year together with a copy of its rules may be fined a late affiliation fee not exceeding £20.00 (See also 3.1 to 4.3). Rules of all affiliated Leagues and Competitions shall be subject to ratification by the NWCFA Rules Committee. Amendments to such rules must be sent to the Hon. General Secretary by no later than the 1st August annually after which a meeting of the Rules Committee will be convened to consider such Rules and Amendments and submit a report to the full Executive Council meeting.

18.3
No contract player or Registered Referee shall be allowed to serve on the Council of this Association.

Disciplinary

19.1
The structure of the Association’s panels for dealing with disciplinary proceedings and disputes is as follows:

19.1.1
the Disciplinary Panel;

19.2
The Disciplinary Panel will hear the following matters:-

19.2.1
Any charge of an alleged Disciplinary Offence brought by the Association against any member or any subordinate.

19.2.2
Any appeal by a Subordinate or other third party against a decision of a Member, where the said decision was a decision by the Member in the first instance.

19.2.3
Any appeal by a Subordinate or other third party against a decision of a Member, where the said decision was a decision by the Member acting as an appellant body in hearing an appeal against a decision of a Subordinate.

19.2.4
Any dispute or difference between two or more Members (not being an appeal covered by Rule 19.2.2) which one or more of the said Members refers to the Association for resolution.

19.2.5
Any dispute or differences between a Member and any Subordinate or other third party (not covered by Rules 19.2.2 or 19.2.3) which one or more of the Member or the Subordinate or other third party refers to the Association for resolution.

19.3
It shall be a breach of the Rules for any Member or any Subordinate to do or permit or assist in the doing or permitting of any of the following whether in connection with the playing of Association Football or Futsal:-

19.3.1
violate the Laws of the Game or the Futsal Laws of the Game or the Rules or any Regulation or violate the FIFA Rules or UEFA Rules;

19.3.2
violate the rules or regulations (in whatever form) of any Member or any competition, sanctioned by a Member or sanctioned by the Association;

19.3.3
play with or against any club suspended by FIFA, UEFA, FAW, any Area Association or Directly Affiliated League or any other national football association recognised by FIFA or appoint or allow to remain in office a director or official who has been suspended by any such body;

19.3.4
in respect of matches taking place within the jurisdiction of the Association, bet in any betting activity (authorised and registered football pools excepted) or accept any bets in any way related to any match (FAW Rule 38.1.4 to also apply);

19.3.5
offer or attempt to offer, either directly or indirectly, any bribe or other reward whatsoever to a Member, Subordinate, any other club official, Player, Referee or any other footballing body or individual with a view to influencing the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match, or to accept any such bribe or other reward (FAW Rule 38.1.5a, 38.1.5b and 38.1.5c to also apply);

19.3.6
allow a director, official, referee, assistant referee or Player under suspension to act as a Referee or to perform any duties from the execution of which that person has been suspended, or fail to take all reasonable precautions to prevent such person from entering the ground of any Qualifying club or any other club;

19.3.7
commit any act or make any statement either verbally or in writing (including, without limitation, any racial or other discriminatory behaviour, conduct or language), or be responsible for conduct, continuing misconduct or any other matter likely to bring the game of Association Football or the Association into disrepute including, without limitation, any incident on or around the field of play (including the changing room area) that occurs before, during or after a match;

19.3.8
any act or omission constituting a Doping Offence (see also FAW Rules 38.1.11 and 38.1.12);

19.3.9
fail to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion to fail to refrain from violence, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language, whilst attending or taking part in a match including, without limitation, any racial or other discriminatory behaviour, conduct or language;

19.3.10
encroach on the pitch area, save for authorised persons or for reason of crowd safety;

19.3.11
throw missiles, bottles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects at or on the pitch or at any other person on the pitch or elsewhere in the ground;

19.3.12
fail to ensure that a private way is provided for players and officials from the playing ground to the dressing room whenever this is practicable at every ground within the jurisdiction of that Member;

19.4
Every Member will be responsible for the actions of its Subordinates and the Member will also be in breach of any Rule or any Regulation, if that Rule or Regulation is breached by its Subordinate.

Rule 20
COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS BEFORE A DISCIPLINARY PANEL – NOTICES, FEES AND PROCEDURE

The following procedure will apply where the Association brings a charge of an alleged
Disciplinary Offence:-

20.1
Where the Association brings a charge of an alleged Disciplinary Offence under Rule 19.2.1, the association will give written notice to the other party of the charge, stipulating the nature of the alleged Disciplinary Offence(s) (Disciplinary Notice).

20.2
The Party charged will have seven (7) Business Days after service of the Disciplinary Notice to reply stipulating whether (a) they admit or deny the charge and (b) whether they wish to waive their right to a private hearing before the Disciplinary Panel. If the charge is denied, the reply must state the grounds of denial and the Party charged will not be permitted to raise any other grounds of denial without the leave of the chairman of the Disciplinary Panel;

20.3
if the Party charged fails to reply to the Disciplinary Notice within seven (7) Business Days, they will be deemed to have denied the charge and to have waived their right to a private hearing before the Disciplinary Panel. In such circumstances the Association will, without further notice to the Party charged, convene a Disciplinary Panel who will consider the alleged Disciplinary Offence in the absence of the Party charged and the provisions of Rules 20.4 to 20.11 inclusive shall not apply;

20.4
if the Party charged has replied to the Disciplinary Notice and requested a private hearing the Association will give the Party charged no less than seven (7) Business Days written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing and the provisions of Rules 20.5 to 20.11 inclusive shall apply;

20.5
where the Party charged is an individual person, they will be required to attend the hearing in person. Where the Party charged is not an individual person, one or more duly authorized senior representatives of the Party will attend the hearing, whether directors, officers or otherwise;

20.6
the Association and the Party charged will disclose to each other such documents as they intend to produce in evidence at the hearing. Whenever reasonably possible, the parties will make such disclosures no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing;

20.7
the Association and the Party charged will be entitled to make opening and closing remarks at the hearing and to call witnesses who will be expected to answer questions in cross-examination. Members of the Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to ask questions of any witness during the hearing. The Party charged will not be obliged to give evidence in person but the Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to draw such inference as may be reasonably appropriate if the Party charged declines to do so. The chairman of the Disciplinary Panel will warn the Party charged of this fact;

20.8
the Disciplinary Panel hearing will proceed in the absence of the Party charged, unless the Disciplinary Panel reasonably considers that the Party charged has given an acceptable reason for such non-attendance, in which case the hearing will be adjourned;

20.9
the Disciplinary Panel will retire to consider its findings in private. A decision may be announced on the day or reserved to a later date, in which case, the decision will be delivered in writing;

20.10
if the Disciplinary Panel finds the Party charged guilty of the Disciplinary Offence at a Disciplinary Panel hearing attended by the Party charged, no penalty or sanction will be imposed until:-

20.10.1
the Disciplinary Panel has been informed by the Association of any previous Disciplinary Offences recorded against the guilty Party; and

20.10.2
the guilty Party has been given the opportunity to make representations in mitigation of the Disciplinary Offence;

20.11
the Association and the Party charged shall be entitled to legal or other representation at the Disciplinary Panel hearing;

20.12
where the Party charged has waived the right to a private hearing or is deemed to have waived such right, or where the Party charged does not attend the private hearing, the Disciplinary Panel will consider such information as it considers reasonably necessary to decide the matter including, without limitation, any written representations made for or on behalf of the Party charged and representations (whether written or verbal) made for or on behalf of the Association. The Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to seek such further information or evidence as it deems necessary. If the Disciplinary Panel finds the Party charged guilty of the Disciplinary Offence, the Association will inform the Disciplinary Panel of any other Disciplinary Offences recorded against the guilty Party but the Disciplinary Panel will not be obliged to invite the guilty Party to make further representations in mitigation of the Disciplinary Offence before imposing a penalty;

20.13
whether or not the hearing takes place, the Disciplinary Panel will have absolute discretion whether to make a cost order for or against the Party charged; and

20.14
whether or not a hearing takes place, the Association will send written confirmation of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings to the Party charged.

20.15
the appropriate disciplinary or appeal fee is £45.00 and must accompany any disciplinary or appeal request notice.

20.16
any Disciplinary or Appeals Panel Request Notice that is not accompanied by the appropriate fee will be rejected by the Association and any incorrect fee will be returned.

20.17
all Disciplinary or Appeals Panel Request Notice and fee (where applicable) are to be sent to the Disciplinary Secretary of the Association or when available, any other nominated officer of the Association (as nominated by the General Secretary of the Association).

Rule 21
Penalties, Sanctions and Other Powers.

21.1
Where under Rule 20, the Disciplinary Panel finds the Party charged guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Disciplinary Panel will have the power to order the following penalties or sanctions against the party charged (or two or more concurrently);

21.1.1
suspension from, or any involvement in football or football management either permanently or Sine die for a specific and stated period;

21.1.2
a fine;

21.1.3
a censure;

21.1.4
such other penalty or sanction as the Disciplinary panel shall reasonably deem fit including, without limitations, a written or verbal undertaking from the party charged as to their future conduct;

21.1.5
in accordance with FAW Rule 39.2, any party which is not satisfied with the decision or findings made by a Disciplinary or Appeals Panel of the NWCFA has the right of appeal against any part of the decision or the decision as a whole, and any such appeal must be served on the Football Association of Wales (the ‘FAW’) not more than SEVEN (7) Business days after the earlier of (a) the decision being announced at the time of the hearing or (b) receipt of the party appealing of the written notification of the decision. All appeals must be accompanied with the appropriate fee of £120.00 (made payable to the FAW) and be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer at the Football Association of Wales, 11/12 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ (FAW Rules 43.2.1 to 43.2.15 refer). Please note, a Business day is any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or Public Bank Holiday in Wales.

21.1.6
Any disciplinary matters must conform to procedures laid down by the FAW.

21.1.7
Any member of the Full Council who witnesses any breach of the rules must report such breach immediately to the General Secretary of the Association who will be duty bound to call such member to a Disciplinary Commission.

Appeals Procedure

21.2
In the case of any other proceedings pursuant to Rule 19.2 under the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Panel:-

21.2.1
the Party wishing to commence the proceedings will give a Request Notice to the Association (marked for the attention of the General Secretary of the Association) and the other Party or Parties;

21.2.2
in an appeal under FAW Rules 39.2.2 and 39.2.3 against a decision of a Member, the Request Notice will be served on the FAW not more than seven (7) Business Days after the earlier of (a) the Member announcing its decision at the time of its hearing (if any) or (b) receipt by the Party appealing of written notification of the Member’s decision. For the purpose of (b) above, the provisions of FAW Rule 122 (as to service of notices etc) shall apply to the said written notification issued by the Member and such provisions shall apply in place of any provision or provisions in the said Member's rules relating to the service of notice etc. Any Request Notice lodged after seven (7) Business Days will be rejected unless the Party lodging the same can demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Association that it was not reasonably practicable to lodge the Request Notice within the time limit;

21.2.3
the following appropriate FAW Request Fee must accompany the Request Notice:-

21.2.3.1
£355.00 plus VAT if the Party lodging the Request Notice is a Member playing in the FA Premiership or the Football League or any Subordinate of such Member; or
21.2.3.2
£262.00 plus VAT if the Party lodging the Request Notice is a Member playing in the League of Wales, FA Conference, Southern League or Northern League or any Subordinate of such Member; or
21.2.3.3
£183.00 plus VAT if the Party lodging the said Notice is a Member which is an Area Association or Directly Affiliated League or Qualifying Club playing in a Directly Affiliated League or any Subordinate of such Member; or
21.2.3.4
£100.00 plus VAT in any other case.

21.2.4
any Request Notice which is not accompanied by the appropriate Request Fee will be rejected by the FAW and any incorrect fee will be returned and, in the case of an appeal under FAW Rules 39.2.2 or 39.2.3, time will continue to run for the service of the Request Notice within the original seven (7) Business Days period stipulated in FAW Rule 43.2.2;

21.2.5
the FAW will have the right (but not the obligation) to carry out an investigation before referring the matter to the Disciplinary Panel and the FAW will be entitled to reject the Request Notice if it reasonably considers that the Request Notice is frivolous or vexatious;

21.2.6
subject to FAW Rule 43.2.5, the FAW will within twenty (20) Business Days of actual receipt of the Request Notice send a written notice to the Parties confirming the date, time and place of the Disciplinary Panel hearing. In the case of an appeal under FAW Rules 39.2.2 or 39.2.3, the Disciplinary Panel’s proceedings will be a re-hearing of the case and the Disciplinary Panel will decide the matter on the basis of the evidence produced to them. At any time prior to the Disciplinary Panel hearing, any Party will have the right to waive their right to a private hearing but a hearing will take place unless all Parties agree in writing to waive their right to a private hearing;

21.2.7
where the Party involved is an individual person, they will be required to attend a hearing in person. Where the Party involved is not an individual person, one or more duly authorised senior representatives of the Party will attend the hearing, whether directors, officers or otherwise;

21.2.8
the Parties involved will disclose to each other and to the FAW such documents as they intend to produce in evidence at the hearing. Whenever reasonably possible the Parties will make such disclosures no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing;

21.2.9
the Parties will be entitled to make opening and closing remarks at the hearing and to call witnesses who will be expected to answer questions in cross examination. Members of the Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to ask questions of any witnesses during the hearing. No Party will be obliged to give evidence in person but the Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to draw such inference as may be reasonably appropriate if the Party declines to do so. The chairman of the Disciplinary Panel will warn the Party concerned of this fact;

21.2.10
the Disciplinary Panel hearing will proceed in the absence of either Party, unless the Disciplinary Panel reasonably considers that the absent Party has given an acceptable reason for such non-attendance, in which case the hearing will be adjourned;

21.2.11
the Disciplinary Panel will retire to consider its findings in private. A decision may be announced on the day or reserved to a later date in which case the decision will be delivered in writing;

21.2.12
the Parties will be entitled to legal or other representation at the Disciplinary Panel hearing;

21.2.13
where the Parties to the appeal have all waived their rights to a private hearing, the Disciplinary Panel will consider such information as it considers reasonably necessary to decide the matter including, without limitation, any written representations made for or on behalf of the Parties. The Disciplinary Panel will be entitled to seek such further information or evidence as it deems necessary;

21.2.14
whether or not a hearing takes place, the Disciplinary Panel will have absolute discretion whether to make a cost order for or against a Party to the proceeding; and

21.2.15
whether or not a hearing takes place, the Association will send written confirmation of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings to the Parties.

Closure of Grounds
23.1
Should a club’s registered ground be closed as a disciplinary measure then that club will play all league matches and cup ties scheduled during the closure period on the grounds of opponents.

23.2
The guilty club shall be responsible for payment of match officials and their own travelling expenses.

Registered Association
24.1
The Council shall have power, if they think fit, to forbid any club belonging to the Association to play matches with any club not belonging to a recognised Football Association.

Representative Players
25.1
In all matches in whom the Association is represented, the players representing the Association shall be selected by the appropriate team manager. If for whatever reason the manager is unable to do so then a sub committee of the Association will select. NO player under suspension shall be selected.

Liability of Representative Players

26.1
Any player selected to attend any match arranged by this Association, who refuses to comply with the arrangements of the Council for the playing of such said match or who fails to attend such said match without good and sufficient cause, shall be guilty of misconduct. What shall or shall not constitute ‘good and sufficient cause’ in any particular case shall be determined by the Council in its absolute discretion.

26.2
Any club deemed to have encouraged or instigated such player to commit such breach of rule shall be considered guilty of a similar offence.

26.3
In the event of two or more players being chosen to play a football international or representative match, the club shall have the right to cancel their match on that day.

Responsibility of Clubs, etc.
27.1
Every League/Club is responsible to the Council for the action of its players, officials and spectators and clubs are further required to take all precautions necessary to prevent spectators threatening or assaulting officials and players during or at the conclusion of a match.

27.2
During inclement weather, the home club is responsible for having their ground inspected. Only a Level 4 Referee or above, or local authority may call a game off. The home club must inform the Competition Secretary of the postponement within 2 hours of the kick off time of the game in question. Failure to do so will result in a £10.00 fine.

27.3
Should the ground be declared unfit and the home club have failed to take this action they will be liable to pay 50% of the travelling team’s legitimate travelling expenses as approved by the appropriate committee.

27.4
All affiliated leagues and competitions must ensure that participating clubs have adequate insurance cover for their registered players, with a recommendation of a minimum of £20 per week payment.

27.5
This association may request evidence of such insurance upon giving 48 hours notice to a Club Secretary.

27.6
Every team must have first aid equipment at all matches.

27.7
A trained first aider, if possible, available at all matches.

27.8
Any player, club/club official or League who fails to adhere to the Welfare Policy of the Association shall be dealt with by a Disciplinary panel and if found guilty shall be fined a minimum of £100 and may be banned from all aspects of football related activity. This punishment may be suspended.

27.9
Any player, official or spectator may be removed from any ground, and such force used as may be necessary for the purpose of effecting such removal.

27.10
The practice of kicking off by persons other than the players competing in the match is prohibited except in charity matches. All matters relating to the above will be dealt with by a commission.

27.11
No Councillor, Area Association, League, Qualifying Club, any other club, any body, or any person whatsoever, shall be allowed to take players on tour to England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or to any foreign country under a designation, or purported or colourable designation, that such players are connected with the Association in any way. All intended tours outside Wales must first receive the written permission of the NWCFA & FA of Wales (forms available from the General Secretary).

27.12
Except in Junior matches involving players under the age of twelve years, no football match in which players of the opposite sex are involved shall be permitted to be played on any football ground within the jurisdiction of the Association, except that in those Area Associations, where there is no Junior League available for Girls (the area referred to is identified as the geographical area of the League or Area Association Girls League as appropriate), the age limit will increase to Under Sixteen. Clubs, officials, players and referees are not permitted to associate themselves in any way whatsoever with mixed football matches. Matches played between children who did not reach the age of twelve before the first day of September in the current season shall not be subject to Rule activities carried out at a recognised Coaching Centre, or Centre of Excellence, shall not be deemed to be matches for the purpose.

Referees
28.1
The Association shall appoint Referees for all Area Association Cup Competitions only.

28.2
Referees failing to forward the disciplinary reports within 4 days of the fixture will have disciplinary action taken against them.

28.3
Fees of referees and neutral linesmen, where appointed, shall be determined by Executive Council and shall be paid at a scale relative to the following order of precedence:
(1) North Wales Coast FA Challenge Cup;
(2) Vale of Conwy & Clwyd League and Cups, Gwynedd League and Cups;
(3) North Wales Premier Reserve League;
(4) Anglesey League and Cups, Caernarfon League and Cups;
(5) North Wales Coast FA Junior and Youth Cups

28.4
Travelling expenses of appointed match officials shall be paid at a rate and with a maximum decided by Council.

League/Club Minutes and Account Books
29.1
Each league/club shall keep a minutes book giving a true record of all the resolutions adopted by its members and decisions arrived at by the Committee, and shall also keep an account book showing in detail the items of income and expenditure.

29.2
The Executive Council shall have power to call at any time upon any league, competition, club or player in any way within the jurisdiction of this Association to produce before Council any books, letters, papers, documents or any other material evidence the Council may require to examine (see also rule 15).

Information and Decisions of Executive Council
30.1
The printed minutes of the Executive Council or extracts there from are issued for the information and action upon all matters contained therein and intended as a notification to the recipient of any matters applicable to the club or individuals named therein, and no further notifications will be sent. .

General
31.1
The Executive and/or Full Council shall have power to deal with any matter not provided for under these rules.

31.2
Any appeal against the decision of the Executive and/or Full Council can be made to the FA Wales, as per their rule.

31.3
Failure to reply to any correspondence may incur a fine of a minimum of £20.

31.4
All Communication by ‘E’ Mail will be accepted and a hard copy must be sent by post as confirmation.

31.5
A playing season commences in the month of August in one year (or as Council decides) and ends on a date to be determined by the Council (May of each year). No matches are permitted to be played during the remainder of the year, which period shall be known as the ‘close season’. Six-a-side and Five-a-side competitions shall be exempt from the provisions of this Rule.

31.6
Any player manager, club official, League Management Committee, Association members or any person involved in bringing the game into disrepute shall be charged and dealt with by a Disciplinary panel selected by the NWCFA.

Trustees
32.1
The Executive Council of the Association shall be for all intents and purposes the legal holders of the cup and other property in trust for the Association.

Public Practice Matches
34.1
Practice matches between teams of the same club or between teams from different clubs may be played during the 28 days immediately preceding the playing season, providing the consent of this Association has been received.

34.2
When a member club wishes to play any club outside Wales, it will be necessary for the consent of both the FAW and NWCFA to be obtained in addition.

34.3
The net receipts must be distributed before 15th September in each season concerned as follows: Not less than 25% of the net receipts to the NWCFA and the balance shall be used or distributed in any such manner as the club or clubs shall decide. The net receipts shall be calculated by deducting from each match receipts the essential ground and travelling expenses concerned with the match which shall not exceed 20% of the gross receipts and also any guarantee given in writing prior to the match to the visiting team.

34.4
All expenditure must be verified in writing to this Association.

34.5
When English and Welsh clubs play each other in public practice matches as provided for in this rule, the 25% of the gate receipts referred to shall be equally divided, 12.5% to this Association.

34.6
The net receipts of each match shall be calculated by deducting from each match receipts the essential ground and travelling expenses concerned with the match who shall not in any case exceed 20% of the gross receipts.

34.7
A return of the monies received, the expenses and sum paid, together with the necessary receipts must be sent to the NWCFA by 15th September in each season concerned.

34.8
Matches between teams of different clubs must be advertised as public practice matches and must be open to the public on payment.

34.9
Consent as referred to in the preceding paragraph is not necessary in the case of private practice matches between teams of the club at which the public are not admitted and where no charge is made for or in lieu of admission either directly or indirectly.

34.10
Any Club, League or organisation within the NWCFA Area holding a Tournament/Competition must seek the permission of the Association before doing so. Permission of the Association must also be given if registered officials of the Association are being used in the Tournament/Competition. Any club, League or organisation failing to adhere to the above shall be fined the minimum sum of £50.00 and dealt with by a disciplinary hearing.