NORTH WALES COAST
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Name & Constitution
DEFINITIONS
The terms given below denote the following and shall apply to this Association:
Area Association:
any regional football association defined under the FAW Rules.
Association:
the North Wales Coast Football Association.
Association Football:
the game controlled by FIFA and organised in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
Business Day:
any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales.
Chief Executive Officer:
the senior employee of The Football Association of Wales Ltd.
Club:
any club admitted into membership or associate membership of the Association.
Council:
the supreme executive body of the Association.
Councillor:
each member of the Council.
Disciplinary Notice:
a written notice from the Association stipulating the nature of the alleged Disciplinary Offence.
Disciplinary Offence:
any breach of a Rule or any Regulation.
Disciplinary Panel:
the panel of the Association empowered to hear disciplinary matters and disputes pursuant to these Rules.
FAW:
The Football Association of Wales Limited (company number 00213349) whose registered office is at 11/12 Neptune Court,Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ.
FAW Rules:
the Rules and Regulations of the FAW as amended from time to time and all byelaws, orders, codes, policies, procedures and any other directive or instruction issued by the FAW from time to time.
FIFA:
Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
FIFA Rules:
the statutes of FIFA as amended from time to time and all rules, regulations, orders and other directives issued by FIFA from time to time.
Futsal:
a game controlled by FIFA and organised in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game.
Futsal Laws of the Game:
the laws and other rules for playing Futsal prescribed by FIFA from time to time.
IFAB:
the International Football Association Board.
Laws of the Game:
the laws and other rules for playing Association Football as prescribed by IFAB from time to time.
League:
any league admitted into membership or associate membership of the Association.
Member:
a League or Club that has been admitted into membership or associate membership of the Association.
Player:
a player of Association Football registered with the FAW, the Association, an Area Association, League, Club or any other league or club.
Playing Season:
the period in each year when Association Football may be played in Wales as determined by the FAW.
Regulations:
the regulations, byelaws, orders, codes, policies, procedures and any other directive or instruction issued by the Association from time to time.
Request Fee:
the appropriate sum pursuant to the Rules of the Association.
Request Notice:
a written notice stipulating the nature of the matter complained of and requesting that such matter be referred to the Disciplinary Panel.
Rules:
these rules of the Association as amended from time to time.
Subordinate: shall mean:-
•
any director, member, representative, official, employee, referee or other playing official or Player of a Club or League;
•
every spectator at a game of Association Football in which a team of a Club plays, or in which a representative team of the Association or League plays, and any person purporting to be a supporter or follower of such League, Club or the Association PROVIDED THAT the provisions of Rules 5, 24.1.3, 24.1.4, 24.1.4(A), 24.1.5(A), 24.1.6, 24.1.8, 24.1.10, 24.1.14, 46 and 47 shall not apply to such spectators, supporters or followers;
•
all other organisations, clubs, bodies, entities or persons who the Association exercises, or purports to exercise, control; and
UEFA:
Union des Association Européennes de Football.
UEFA Rules:
the statutes of UEFA as amended from time to time and all rules,regulations, orders and other directives issued by UEFA from time to time.
OBJECTIVES
1. throughout the North Wales Coast Football Association, to improve the game of
Association Football constantly and promote, regulate and control it in accordance
with the FAW Rules and in the light of fair play and its unifying, educational,
cultural and humanitarian values;
2. throughout the North Wales Coast Football Association, to organise competitions,
and authorise others to organise competitions, in Association Football in all its
forms at all levels under its authority, by defining precisely, as required, the
areas of authority of its various leagues and other affiliated bodies;
3. to draw up all necessary regulations to implement its rights, powers and
objectives set out under the FAW Rules and such measures and procedures as may be
necessary to ensure their enforcement;
4. to protect the interest of its Members;
5. to comply with and prevent any infringement of the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the
FAW Rules and all decisions of FIFA, UEFA and the FAW as well as the Laws of the
Game and ensure compliance with these by its Members;
6. to support, promote and enforce the Football Association of Wales’ Club
Accreditation Programme.
7. throughout the North Wales Coast Football Association, to prevent all methods or
practices which might jeopardise the integrity of football matches or competitions
or give rise to abuse of Association Football under its authority;
8. to manage the sporting relations of the North Wales Coast Football Association
connected with Association Football in all its forms;
9. to be neutral in matters of politics and religion and in discharging its
functions, the North Wales Coast Football Association will not discriminate
against a private person, or group of people, or other entity, on account of
ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics, age or any other reason and
will ensure compliance with these obligations by its Members;
10. to promote friendly relations between its Members, Subordinates and in society for
humanitarian objectives.
OBLIGATIONS
11. to comply fully with the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the FAW Rules at all times and
to ensure that these are also complied with fully by its Members and Subordinates;
12. to ensure fairness in the election of its decision-making bodies;
13. to take part in competitions and other sports activities organised by the FAW;
14. to pay its membership subscriptions to the FAW;
15. to respect the Laws of the Game and to ensure that these are also respected by its
Members and Subordinates through an appropriate provision in its own membership
rules;
16. to adopt and enforce an appropriate provision in its own membership rules
specifying that any dispute requiring resolution involving itself or one of its
Members or Subordinates and relating to its Rules and Regulations or the FAW Rules
and any decisions of the Association shall, at the appropriate stage in the
dispute, come solely under the jurisdiction of the appropriate Disciplinary Body
or the panel under FAW Rule 146, as the case may be;
17. not to make any change or any amendment of its own membership rules without the
approval of the FAW;
18. to communicate to its own Members any amendment of its own membership rules and
the FAW Rules;
19. not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities that are not
recognised by FIFA, UEFA or the FAW or with Members or Subordinates that have been
suspended or expelled by the FAW;
20. to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and good sporting behaviour as an
expression of fair play through an appropriate provision in its own membership
rules;
21. to keep and update regularly a register of its Members;
22. to comply fully with all other duties arising from the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and
the FAW Rules, including the recommendations of the 2016 Area Associations Review
Group and its Improvement Plan.
The North Wales Coast Football Association Rules - SEASON 2018/2019.
Name and Constitution
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).
1.2.1
The Association will have FIVE Junior League regional boundaries, namely, the Rhyl Junior League, the Colwyn & Aberconwy Junior League, the Anglesey Junior League, the Gwyrfai Junior League and the Llyn & Eifionydd Junior League.
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 Full 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. This to include clubs/leagues catering solely for players under the age of 18 years.
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.
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 £15 per annum to qualify as a full member.
3.4
Affiliated Members must pay a Subscription of £15 for Senior Affiliated Clubs and £10 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.
5.4
The Association shall appoint a General Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary Discipline, Assistant Secretary Referees, Assistant Secretary Competitions, Assistant Secretary Registrations and Safeguarding Officer.
Their period of office shall be 3 years and this will coincide on the last day of November in the same year as the triannual election whereby their term of office becomes vacant and therefore they must re-apply in writing if they wish to continue in the post(s) they have served.
Other persons are eligible to apply for the positions mentioned and must do so in writing to the newly elected President of the Association by the 1st November of the triannual election year.
All applicants will be interviewed by a panel consisting (where possible) of President, Deputy President, two Life Members, one Vice President and two Elected Councillors.
Successful candidates will take up their posts on the 1st day of December of the triannual election year.
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 Full Council.
8.2
The Full 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, on a form that will be supplied by the General Secretary of the Association and must be signed by both the Chairman and Secretary of any affiliated full member club and must be received by the General Secretary of the Association on or before the 31st May in any triennial election year.
8.2.1
Retiring Elected Members of the Full Council will be eligible for re-election without being nominated by any affiliated full member club. Such Councillors shall give notice of their intention if they desire to seek re-election to the General Secretary of the Association on or before the 1st April in each triennial election year.
8.2.2.
Voting papers containing the names of candidates nominated shall be issued to all fully affiliated clubs and must be returned to the General Secretary of the Association in an envelope supplied by the Association and marked ‘Ballot Paper’ no later than the 21st June in any triennial year. Each ballot paper must be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Club and will be opened by elected scrutinisers at the appropriate annual general meeting.
8.3
In addition to 8.2 above, the Full Council shall also consist of a representative from each affiliated League together with a representative from the North Wales Referees Association, all of whom shall have full voting powers.
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 Full 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 Full Council and shall have no further representation as a nominated Elected Councillor.
8.9
The 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 Full Council who fails to attend two consecutive meetings, unless a written explanation is received within 14 days after the meeting which is acceptable to the Full Council, shall deemed to have resigned from the 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 will be eligible to attend all Full Council Meetings and shall have full Voting Powers.
8.13
All members of the Full Council shall declare any club allegiance at the beginning of each season to the Hon. General Secretary. No member of the 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 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.
8.16
No Contract or Non-Contract player will be allowed to serve on the Full Council of this Association.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
8.17
At any meeting held by the Council or any sub-committee of the Council to discuss a matter relating to any club or league, Councillors having an interest in such club or league shall declare the nature and extent of that interest to the other Councillors and shall:-
8.17.1
not be counted in the quorum present at the meeting to consider the matter;
8.17.2
have no vote on such matter; and
8.17.3
leave the room and take no further part in the discussion on such matter.
8.18.
The provisions of Rule 8.17 shall not apply to a conflict of interest which arises solely because the Councillor is appointed, nominated or elected a Councillor as the representative of any league.
8.19
At any meeting held by the Council or any sub-committee of the Council at which a declaration of interest under Rule 8.17 is made, the other Councillors at that meeting may direct that the provisions of Rule 8.17 be suspended or relaxed in respect of that specific matter for any Councillor who has made the necessary declaration of a conflict of interest.
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 Full 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 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 Referees Officer, 2 Elected Members, the NWRA Representative on Full Council and up to FIVE 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 members (Elected Councillors and Vice Presidents) with a minimum of three.
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, Assistant Secretaries, Referees Officer, Safeguarding Officer 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 Full 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 Full 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 Full 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 or at the written request of the majority of the Full Council. In either instance, the written requisition or request must state the exact reason for which such meeting is to be called.
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.
17.1
The registration and transfer of players shall be in accordance with the current Rules (Section H) and Regulations of the Football Association of Wales (as amended from time to time).”
Sanction of Leagues & Competitions.
18.
Save in respect of practice matches, all leagues or competitions of any description and at any Level (including, without limitation, a charity or benefit league or competition) must be sanctioned by the FAW.
18.1.
The sanction for each league or competition must be renewed annually by the FAW.
18.2
Subject to Rule 18.5, no league or competition will be sanctioned by the FAW unless each team taking part in such league or competition fields a side consisting of eleven (11) players, from which number there shall be no deviation, unless it be occasioned through injury or some such other and proper cause during the course of any game in such league or competition.
18.3.
Application for sanction of a league or competition shall be made, and thereafter renewed
annually, with the FAW on or before 20th July immediately preceding the Playing Season during which Playing Season the league or competition is intended to be played. Such application must be made in every case on a form prescribed by the FAW from time to time. All such forms shall be supplied only by this Association. Every such application must be accompanied by two written copies of the rules of the league or competition concerned. Every such application must also be accompanied by a written list of the names of all the clubs which have consented to join and take part in the league or competition. All such leagues or competitions shall observe the Rules and Regulations of the FAW. All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
18.4.
All applications for sanction under Rule 18 shall be made direct to the FAW. All other
applications for annual renewal of the sanction under Rule 18.1 shall, in the first instance, be lodged with the Association. The Association will vet the application for renewal, and the supporting documents referred to in Rule 18.3, and will forward the application to the FAW with its recommendation for acceptance or rejection but the final decision on the application will rest solely with the FAW.
18.5.
Notwithstanding anything contained in Rule 18.2 or in any other Rule, the FAW may give
permission for small-sided leagues or competitions (including, without limitation, futsal) to be played, provided that:-
18.5.1
The league or competition has been sanctioned by the FAW in accordance with the
requirements of Rules 18.2 or 18.3. Clubs seeking affiliation to this Association in order to participate in a small side league or competition must pay the Association an affiliation fee;
18.5.2
in the case of single matches, and one-day competitions (e.g. garden fetes or work’s sports’ days), they must be sanctioned by the FAW in accordance with the requirements of Rule 18;
18.5.3
the rules governing the eligibility and conduct of the players in the sanctioned match or
competition shall be administered by the management committee of the sanctioned game or
competition subject always to the authority of the Association and shall be in conformity with the FAW Rules and Regulations;
18.5.4
the playing of non-sanctioned matches arranged by private individuals for speculative purposes shall not be permitted;
18.5.5
for small side leagues or competitions played for charitable objectives a statement of accounts of the event shall be supplied to the Association (and other Area Association(s) if the league or competition falls within the geographical area of more than one Area Association) within twenty-one days (21) of the last match in the event; and
18.5.6
the laws applicable to the playing of small-side games shall be as set by the FAW from time to time.
18.6.
No Subordinate or club under the jurisdiction of the Association, nor player, nor referee or any other body or individual in any way within the jurisdiction of this Association, shall play in or take part in any league or competition (including, without limitation, charity or benefit league or competition) within the boundaries of Wales unless such league or competition has been sanctioned by the FAW.
18.7.
No Subordinate or club under the jurisdiction of the Association, nor player, nor referee or any other body or individual in any way within the jurisdiction of this Association, shall play, or take part in any league or competition (including, without limitation, charity or benefit league or competition) outside the boundaries of Wales unless such participation shall have first been sanctioned by the FAW. The application for such sanction shall be made, and renewed annually,in writing to the FAW’s Chief Executive Officer on or before 30th April immediately preceding the Playing Season in which the said applicant wishes to participate in the said league or competition. Such application must be made in every case on a form prescribed by the FAW’s Chief Executive Officer from time to time. All such forms shall be supplied only by the FAW’s Chief Executive Officer and may not be obtained from any other source.
18.8.
Any league or competition of whatever kind within the jurisdiction of this Association shall only be played within a geographical area approved and sanctioned by the FAW.
18.9.
Any club which is within the jurisdiction of the FAW and which has received sanction from the FAW to compete in a league or competition outside the boundaries of Wales, shall carry out in full its obligations to those Welsh Association Football competitions of which it may be expected reasonably to take part, as defined by the FAW from time to time.
18.10.
The name of any sponsor or the donor of a cup or trophy or any other person may form part of the title of a league or competition subject to the prior written approval of the FAW.
18.11.
Restricted advertising will be permitted on the shirts, shorts and stockings worn by Players subject to the prior written approval of the FAW. The depth of the lettering in connection with such advertising shall not exceed 200cm2. A motif not exceeding 20cm2 of the manufacturer of the clothing may also be worn, subject to the prior written approval of the FAW. The emblem of the club, Association or other football body may be worn on the shirt. The advertising of tobacco, strong alcoholic beverages, as well as slogans of a political, religious or racial nature, or for other causes that offend common decency, are prohibited.
18.12.
Subject to Rule 18.13 and subject to any special sanction granted by the FAW, no league or
competition which has been played during the Playing Season shall be allowed extended time
outside the Playing Season to play all matches in the league or competition, including, without limitation, any league or competition played for charitable purposes. The FAW may specially sanction a match to be played after the end of the Playing Season if the match is arranged between two distinct clubs, or leagues, or Area Associations or between any two of them. In granting any such sanction, the FAW shall be entitled to stipulate to whom the whole or any part of the income generated from any such match is to be paid including, without limitation, payment to a registered charity nominated by the FAW.
18.13.
Notwithstanding anything contained in the FAW Rules:-
18.13.1
semi-final or final matches of cup competitions of the FAW or this Association may be played not later than Saturday or Sunday following the end of the Playing Season in any year;
18.13.2
small sided leagues or competitions as specified in Rule 18.5 may be played at any time,
including outside the Playing Season; and
18.13.3
matches may be played for charity, or some other object approved by the FAW, not later than the Saturday or Sunday following the end of the Playing Season and application for permission to play any such match must be made in writing and be forwarded to the FAW’s Chief Executive Officer not later than the 1st April in the year concerned.
Disciplinary Proceedings, Disputes, Appeals Panel Structure, Composition & Jurisdiction
19.1
The structure of the Association’s mechanisms for dealing with disciplinary proceedings, disputes and appeals is as follows:-
19.2
the Disciplinary Panel
For the purpose of this section of the Rules:-
It shall be a breach of the Rules for any Councillor, 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:-
19.2.1
violate the Laws of the Game or the Futsal Laws of the Game or the Rules or any Regulation or violate the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules or FAW Rules;
19.2.2
violate the rules or regulations (in whatever form) of any Member or any competition, sanctioned by a Member or sanctioned by the Association;
19.2.3
play with or against any club suspended by FIFA, UEFA, the FAW, the Association, any Area Association or 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;
19.2.4
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;
19.2.4(A)
in respect of matches involving any Member, Subordinate or the Association playing any match in a competition outside Wales, a Councillor, Member or Subordinate shall not bet in any betting activity (authorised and registered football pools excepted) or accept any bets in any way related to the said match or any other match in the competition in which the match involving the said Member or Subordinate takes place;
19.2.5
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;
19.2.5(A)
whilst participating in a match, whether as a Player or match official, for any person (for reward) to fail to perform their duties or responsibilities to the best of their ability during the match;
19.2.5(B)
fail to report to the Association immediately any approach from any person, organisation or other third party in respect of activities reasonably thought to be aimed at influencing the course and/or result of a match or competition in an unlawful or undue manner;
19.2.5(C)
fail to report to the Association immediately any information or behaviour involving any person, organisation or third party in respect of activities reasonably thought to be aimed at influencing the course and/or result of a match or competition in an unlawful or undue manner;
19.2.6
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 club;
19.2.7
sell or offer for sale, either directly or indirectly, a ticket for any football match in excess of the face value of the ticket;
19.2.8
play a match with or against a club whose ground has been closed by the Association or the FAW on any ground within a radius of twelve (12) miles of the ground closed unless such match is an away fixture for the club whose ground has been so closed and is played at the ground of the home team which is within a radius of twelve (12) miles of the closed ground;
19.2.9
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 comments made on social media), 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;
19.2.10
receive a caution or conviction for any of the offences listed in Schedule 4 Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, its revisions and amendments; or received any caution or conviction for any offences listed in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, its revisions and amendments; or received any caution or conviction for any of the offences listed in Schedule 1 Children and Young Persons Act 1933, its revisions and amendments; or is identified as a person presenting a risk or potential risk to children; or receive any caution or conviction for any offence against a vulnerable adult; or breach the FAW’s Welfare Policies and Procedures and Regulations, or any code of conduct and ethics established under any of them;
19.2.11
fail to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion or 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;
19.2.12
encroach on the pitch area, save for authorised persons or for reasons of crowd safety;
19.2.13
whilst attending a match (a) bring into the ground any firework, flare, smoke bomb or other pyrotechnic device or (b) ignite or otherwise set-off any firework, flare, smoke bomb or other pyrotechnic device or (c) throw any firework, flare, smoke bomb, other pyrotechnic device, missile, bottle or other potentially harmful or dangerous object (including, without limitation, at or on to the pitch or at any person on the pitch or elsewhere in the ground);
19.2.14
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;
19.2.15
use or provide others with information which is not publically available and which is obtained through the Councillor’s, Member’s or Subordinate’s position in football and which damages, or could damage, the integrity of a match or competition.
19.3
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.
19.4
The Disciplinary Panel will hear the following matters:-
19.4.1
any charge of an alleged Disciplinary Offence brought by the Association against any Councillor, Member or any Subordinate. The Association and the said Councillor, Member or Subordinate will be the relevant “Party” or “Parties” to the proceedings for the purpose of this section of the Rules;
19.4.2
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. The Member and the Subordinate or other third party will be the “Party” or “Parties” to the proceedings for the purpose of this section of the Rules;
19.4.3
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. The Subordinate or other third party will be the relevant “Party” or “Parties” to the proceedings for the purpose of this section of the Rules;
19.4.4
any dispute or difference between two or more Members (not being an appeal covered by Rule 19.2) which one or more of the said Members refers to the Association for resolution. The said Members will be the relevant “Party” or “Parties” to the proceedings for the purpose of this section of the Rules; and
19.4.5
any disputes or differences between a Member and any Subordinate or other third party (not being covered by Rules 19.2 or 19.3) which one or more of the Member or the Subordinate or other third party refers to the Association for resolution. The Member of the Association and the Subordinate or other third party will be the relevant “Party” or “Parties” to the proceedings for the purpose of this section of the Rules.
19.5
The composition of the Disciplinary Panel will be as follows:-
19.5.1
only the Councillors as defined in these Rules will sit on the Disciplinary Panel. Each Disciplinary Panel will consist of three (3) members, including one from a list of four (4) chairmen designate nominated by the Council from time to time. On a case by case basis, the General Secretary or the Discipline Secretary will appoint the Disciplinary Panel chairman from the said list of chairmen designate and the other two (2) members of the Disciplinary Panel;
19.6
No Member or Subordinate shall commence disciplinary proceedings under its own rules or regulations against a person, club or other entity which is under the jurisdiction of the Member or Subordinate, if (in respect of the relevant facts, circumstances or event) the Association has commenced, or indicated to the Member or Subordinate its intention to commence, disciplinary proceedings under these Rules against the person, club or other entity.
Commencement of Proceedings before a Panel – Notices, Fees & Procedure.
20.
The following will apply if a Party wishes to refer a matter to the Disciplinary Panel:-
20.1
Where the Association brings a charge of an alleged Disciplinary Offence under Rule 19.2:-
20.1.1
the Association will give a Disciplinary Notice to the other Party;
20.1.2
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;
20.1.3
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 20.1.4 to 20.1.11 inclusive shall not apply;
20.1.4
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 20.1.5 to 20.1.11 inclusive shall apply;
20.1.5
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 authorised senior representatives of the Party will attend the hearing, whether directors, officers or otherwise;
20.1.6
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;
20.1.7
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;
20.1.8
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;
20.1.9
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;
20.1.10
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:-
20.1.10.1
the Disciplinary Panel has been informed by the Association of any previous Disciplinary Offences recorded against the guilty Party; and
20.1.10.2
the guilty Party has been given the opportunity to make representations in mitigation of the Disciplinary Offence;
20.1.11
the Association and the Party charged shall be entitled to legal or other representation at the Disciplinary Panel hearing;
20.1.12
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;
20.1.13
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
20.1.14
whether or not a hearing takes place, the Association will send written confirmation of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings to the Party charged.
20.2
In the case of any other proceedings pursuant to Rule 19.4 under the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Panel:-
20.2.1
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;
20.2.2
in an appeal under Rules 19.2 and 19.3 against a decision of a Member, the Request Notice will be served on the Association 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 purposes of (b) above, the provisions of the Football Association of Wales Rule 144 (as to the services or notices etc) shall apply to the said written notification issued by the NWCFA. 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;
20.2.3
the following appropriate Request Fee must accompany the Request Notice:-
20.2.3.1
£50.00 in all cases;
20.2.4
any Request Notice which is not accompanied by the appropriate Request Fee will be rejected by the Association and any incorrect fee will be returned and, in the case of an appeal under Rules 19.4.2 or 19.4.3, time will continue to run for the service of the Request Notice within the original seven (7) Business Days period stipulated in Rule 20.2.2;
20.2.5
the Association 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 Rules 19.4.2 or 19.4.3, the Disciplinary Panel 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;
20.2.6
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;
20.2.7
the Parties involved will disclose to each other and to the Association 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;
20.2.8
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;
20.2.9
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;
20.2.10
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;
20.2.11
the Parties will be entitled to legal or other representation at the Disciplinary Panel hearing;
20.2.12
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;
20.2.13
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
20.2.14
whether or not a hearing takes place, the Association will send written confirmation of the Disciplinary Panel’s findings to the Parties.
20.3
A Party has a right of appeal to the Football Association of Wales against a decision or any part of a decision of a Disciplinary Panel made under any part of Rule 19, except that the Association will only have the right to appeal against the penalty or sanction imposed by the Disciplinary Panel made under Rule 19.4.1 and not against a finding of not guilty.
20.4
The Party wishing to commence proceedings will give a Request Notice to the Football Association of Wales and the other Party or Parties. The Request Notice must be served on the Football Association of Wales 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 by the Party appealing of the written notification of the decision. A Request Notice must be accompanied with the appropriate fee (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. A Business Day is any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales.
21 Penalties and other Powers
21.
Where:-
21.1
under any provision of Rule 19.4.1 the Disciplinary Panel finds the Party charged guilty of a Disciplinary Offence, the Disciplinary Panel shall apply the following penalties against the Party charged (or two or more concurrently):-
21.1.1
suspension from, or any involvement in Association Football either permanently or for an indefinite period or for a specific and stated period in accordance with the Football
Association of Wales’ Categories of Suspension Regulations;
21.1.2
a fine;
21.1.3
a censure;
21.1.4
the closure of a football ground either permanently or for an indefinite period or for a
specific and stated period;
21.1.5
the guilty Party, if a club, to forfeit points awarded in one or more competitions;
21.1.6
the guilty Party, if a club, to be disqualified from playing in one or more competitions;
21.1.7
such other penalty as the Disciplinary Panel shall reasonably deem fit including, without limitation, a written undertaking from the guilty Party as to their future conduct;
21.1.8
the guilty Party, if a club, to make such publication in its match day programme, website or other publication medium as the Disciplinary Panel may direct; or
21.1.9
a transfer embargo preventing the guilty Party, if a club, from signing new Players during such period as the Association shall stipulate.
21.2
under Rules 19.4.2 or 19.4.3 the Disciplinary Panel hears an appeal by a Subordinate or other third party against a decision of a Member, the Disciplinary Panel will have the power to grant or deny the appeal (in whole or in part) and the power to increase or decrease the penalty or sanction (if any) imposed by the Member or substitute such other penalty or sanction as the Disciplinary Panel shall deem fit; and
21.3
in the case of any other proceedings under the jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Panel pursuant to Rules 19.4.4 or 19.4.5, the Disciplinary Panel will have the power to make such order or ruling as it deems reasonable to resolve the dispute or difference.
21.4.
If a Party is in default for twenty-one (21) calendar days in failing to pay or carry out any penalty, sanction, order or ruling made by the Disciplinary Panel, (a) the Party will
automatically be suspended from all Association Football related activity under the
jurisdiction of the NWCFA as defined in the Football Association of Wales’ Categories of Suspension Regulations, which for the purpose of this Rule 21.4 shall be read as applying to any person or other legal entity, until the penalty, sanction, order or ruling has been paid or complied with in full and (b) the Association shall have the right to refer the non-compliance back to the Disciplinary Panel which made the relevant decision and that Panel shall have the power to impose further penalties, sanctions, orders or rulings as a result of a non-compliance. It is the responsibility of the club, to which the player or official is associated, to pay a fine and/or other financial penalty imposed by a Disciplinary Panel on the player or official.
MISCELLANEOUS
21.5
The law governing the proceedings before the Disciplinary Panel shall be the law of England and Wales. The standard of proof applied shall be the balance of probabilities, except that under Rule 19.4.5 the standard of proof applied shall be whether the Disciplinary Offence has been established to the comfortable satisfaction of the Disciplinary Panel.
21.6.
The rules of service set out in the Football Association of Wales Rule 144 shall apply to all notices and any other communications whatsoever sent in connection with the proceedings of a Disciplinary Panel.
21.7.
These Rules are sufficient to enable the Association, Members and Subordinates to resolve all Disciplinary Offences and disputes or differences. The Parties must exhaust all procedures and processes of appeal in these Rules and the FAW Rules before taking legal proceedings in a court of law and then only as a last resort.
21.8.
Notwithstanding any rule or regulation (in whatever form) of any Member or Subordinate to the contrary, it shall be a condition of the Association sanctioning any competition organised by the Member or any Subordinate that any appellant may lodge an appeal with the Disciplinary Panel (under Rules 19.4.2 or 19.4.3) against any decision of the Member or a Subordinate.
21.9.
Subject to an appeal lodged with the FAW by any of the Parties, any decision of the Disciplinary Panel shall be a decision of the Association and all Members will comply with the same and will ensure that all Subordinates comply with the same.
21.10.
The Association shall be permitted (but not obliged) to publish summaries of the decisions of its Disciplinary Panel in whatever form and forum it considers appropriate from time to time.
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
25.1.1
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
It shall be a breach of these Rules, if any referee fails to report any instance of misconduct during or relating to a match which comes to his/her notice, and if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Association that such instance of misconduct was of a nature that required reporting.
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 Senior Challenge & Senior Junior Cup;
(2) Vale of Conwy & Clwyd League and Cups, Gwynedd League & Cups;
(3) Anglesey 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.
28.5.
On the field of play, any decision by the referee in charge of any match on questions of fact or the interpretation of the Laws of the Game shall be final and conclusive. The Association’s Disciplinary Procedures Concerning Field Offences Regulations shall stipulate the penalties automatically imposed on Players in consequence of any offence committed during a match, as reported by the referee of that match. The said Regulations shall also specify any rights of appeal which may be permitted by the Association from time to time against any such automatically imposed penalty. In addition, the Association shall always have the right to bring a charge of misconduct against a Player where it receives evidence of misconduct during a match where the referee of the match confirms to the Association that he/she did not witness the said event.
28.6
When a referee is appointed for any match by the FAW, this Association or the organisers of a competition sanctioned by the FAW, the referee shall inform such appointing body in writing within three (3) days of receipt by him/her of the notice of appointment concerned whether he/she accepts or declines the appointment. Any referee failing to accept or decline such an appointment in accordance with the provisions of this Rule shall be liable to a fine of £53 for each such offence. Having accepted an appointment to referee a match, the referee shall not cancel such engagement in order to officiate in some other match.
28.7
No referee may take any part in the management of any league or other competition of whatever kind if he/she officiates as a referee within the jurisdiction of such league or competition.
28.8
No Registered Referee will be allowed to serve on the Full Council of this Association.
28.9.
The promotion and demotion of referees and assistant referees to and from leagues under the jurisdiction of the Association shall be at the discretion of the Association.
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 Full 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 Full 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 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 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.
31.7
A Junior player shall only play for a club located within a regional boundary as defined by the Area Association within which the junior player resides as per Rule 1.2.1. Any exemption is to be considered and granted by the Area Association concerned upon receipt of a written request and whose rules shall include details of their regional boundaries. Any exemption in relation to players and age groups in which they participate shall be firstly be considered by the Junior Leagues in which the player participates and shall be in accordance with the criteria set by the NWCFA and/or FAW from time to time.
31.8
Similarly, Rule 31.7 applies to any Junior player wishing to register for any club located outside the regional boundary as defined by the Area Association.
31.9
Clubs wishing to play tournaments and/or friendlies against other clubs from outside of Wales must complete and sign the appropriate form supplied and send to the General Secretary of the Association for approval who in turn must forward to the Football Association of Wales for sanction as per their rules.
Trustees
32.1
The Full 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 with the sanction of the FAW or this Association, as applicable, during the
twenty-eight (28) calendar days immediately preceding the start of the playing season but
any club scheduled to play a match in a UEFA club competition prior to the start of the
playing season may play any such practice match during the twenty-eight (28) calendar days
immediately preceding the club’s first match in that UEFA competition. Where the proposed
practice match to be played outside of Wales involves a club of the Association, the
application for sanction shall, in the first instance, be lodged with this Association and in such cases the Association will vet the application and will forward the application to the FAW with its recommendation for acceptance or rejection but the final decision on the application will rest solely with the FAW. All other applications for sanctioning practice matches shall be made to the Association.
34.2
The net receipts from a sanctioned practice match must be distributed before 15th
September in each Playing Season as follows:-
34.3
not less than 25% to the Area Association to which the club or clubs are affiliated and the balance shall be used or distributed in any such manner as the club or clubs shall decide. When English and Welsh clubs play each other in public practice matches, the 25% of the net receipts referred to shall be equally divided, 121⁄2% being given to the English County Football Association concerned and the other 121⁄2% to the relevant Area Association. When clubs from two (2) Area Associations play each other in practice matches, the 25% of the net receipts referred to shall be equally divided between the two (2) Area Associations; and
34.4
the net receipts of each match shall be calculated by deducting from the match receipts the essential ground and travelling expenses concerned with the match which shall not in any case exceed 20% of the gross receipts. A return of the monies received, the expenses, and sums paid together with the necessary receipts must be sent to the FAW or the Area Association or Area Associations from whom sanction to play the match was obtained, and each such Area Association shall by 30th September make a complete return to the FAW of the practice matches played and the monies distributed.
34.5
Practice matches between teams of different clubs must be advertised as public practice
matches and must be open to the public on payment.
34.6
Players who have not been engaged by a club for the following season may play in practice matches.
34.7.
The sanction referred to in Rule 34.1 shall not be necessary in the case of a private practice match between teams of the same club at which the public is not admitted and where no charge is made for or in lieu of admission either directly or indirectly.
34.8
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.