COMPETITION RULES. Junior and Senior Competitions

COMPETITION RULES Junior and Senior Competitions Eastern Suburbs Football Association Inc. Suite 407, Level 3, Office Tower, Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens, NSW 2036 T 02 8347 8800 F 02 9344 6128 E info@esfa.com.au www.esfa.com.au ABN: 92 759 968 542

Contents 1. Committees and structures 2. Nominations, grading and competition structure 3. Registration and player eligibility 4. Fixtures, amendments and rescheduling 5. Referees 6. Ground preparation 7. Match Card, RTO s and Playing Teams 8. Playing rules 9. Discipline and misconduct 10. Results, Competition points and Forfeits 11. Regrading Process 12. Final Series and Trophies Page 2 of 27

Definitions Association means the Eastern Suburbs Football Association Incorporated. Board means the board of directors comprising the persons elected in accordance with the ESFA Constitution. Championship Competition means the highest grade of any competition organised by ESFA for a League. Club means a club as described in the ESFA constitution Club Referee means a Referee appointed by a home club, in accordance with Rule 7.8 Competitions Coordinator means an employee of ESFA or other person appointed by the Board, to manage league competitions in accordance with the Rules. Eastern Suburbs refers to the area controlled by ESFA as directed and approved by FNSW. ESFA means the Eastern Suburbs Football Association Incorporated. ESFA Disciplinary Policy (EDP) refers to the ESFA document that outlines all disciplinary actions imposed within the association. FIFA refers to Federation Internationale De Football Association (FIFA). FMC refers to the Junior Football Committee and/or the Senior Football Committee. FNSW means Football New South Wales, which is the governing body for football in the state. Girls Club means a Member participating in Girls League competitions. Girls League Council (GLC) refers to the Girls Council as defined in Schedule B, Girls League means the Members participating in competitions for girls who are between the ages of 12 and 18 years as organised and structured by the JFMC. JFMC means the Junior Football Management Committee, constituted to administer and control the Junior Leagues Competitions. Judiciary Committee means the Judiciary Committee as defined in Schedule D, Junior Club means a Member participating in Junior League competitions. Junior League Council (JLC) refers to the Junior Council as defined in Schedule B. Junior League means the Members participating in competitions for boys and girls who are between the ages of 12 and 18 years as organised and structured by the JFMC. Laws of the Game the Laws of the Game as issued by FIFA. League means any of Small Sided Football, Junior League, Girls League, Men s and Women s League. Men s Club means a Member participating in Men s League Competitions. Men s League Council (MLC) refers to the Men s Council as defined in Schedule B. Men s League means the Members participating in competitions for men who are 18 years or over as organised and structured by the SFMC. Page 3 of 27

Official Fixture List means the ESFA notification of a competition draw as described in Rules. Referee means a Referee either appointed by ESFA in accordance with Rule 7 or a Club Referee in accordance with Rule 7.8 Referees Fees means the fees payable to Referees and assistant Referees as determined in accordance with Rule to Schedule of fees. Round refers to a full cycle of fixtures where each team plays each other once. There may be one, two, three or four rounds as determined by the FMC. RTO means an individual from a Club who has been nominated to represent a team and has been registered by ESFA as such representative. Sanctioned refer to fixtures approved by or under the direct control of the FMC. SFMC means the Senior Football Management Committee, constituted to administer and control the Senior Leagues Competitions. Team or Teams refer to a team or teams under the control of and which is the responsibility of their Club, and therefore any sanctions or penalties applied to a team or teams may also be applied against their Club. Small Sided Football Club means a Member participating in Small Sided Football League competitions. Small Sided Football League Council (SSFLC) refers to the Small Sided Football Council as defined in Schedule B. Small Sided Football League (SSF) the Members participating in competitions for boys and girls who are up to the age of 11 as organised and structured by the JFMC. Women s Club means a Member participating in Women s League Competitions. Women s League Council (WLC) refers to the Committee and Club participants at the Women s Council Meetings. Women s League means the Members participating in competitions for women who are 18 years or over, as organised and structured by the SFMC. Page 4 of 27

1. COMMITTEES AND STRUCTURES 1.1 FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (G) (H) The day-to-day administration of the League competitions shall be vested in the Competitions Coordinator who will be responsible to the General Manager of ESFA to ensure that Clubs are complying with ESFA s Constitution, the by-laws and these Competition rules and regulations. The operation of all Junior and Senior Leagues shall be overseen by the JFMC and SFMC, respectively. The JFMC and SFMC, as appropriate, may be referred to in these rules as the FMC. The FMC shall meet on a minimum of three occasions during the ESFA season. The FMC shall have the authority to refer matters to be judged within the ESFA Disciplinary Policy, on all matters that require fines, other sanctions, or suspensions. League Councils shall be created for Men s, Women s, Junior, Girls and Small-sided football (SSF). Each council shall have a chair elected at the end of each season and serving for the subsequent season. Each FMC shall consist of the chairs of the relevant councils together with the relevant ESFA Director. Each League Council shall be an advisory body and meet on at least three occasions each season. Page 5 of 27

2. COMPETITIONS, NOMINATIONS AND GRADING 2.1 NOMINATIONS Prior to the commencement of each League season the FMC shall call for nominations from Clubs for teams to compete in such age groups and divisions as it sees fit and shall also set the closing date for these nominations. All nominations shall be made upon the official nomination form, which shall include:: i). ii) iii) Age group and division for which the nomination is being submitted; The division in which the majority of the nominated team played in the previous season. Where more than 2 teams are nominated in a division, the clubs internal ranking of the teams. The FMC shall establish a season calendar which sets the following: i) Closing date for final nominations ii) Publishing date for proposed gradings iii) League Council meetings at which gradings and league structures will be discussed. iv) Release of final gradings. v) Final date for appeal of gradings The FMC shall have the power to seek additional information regarding a team s composition and previous history and this should be provided by clubs at least 24 hours prior to the publishing date for proposed gradings. Nominations received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the FMC and placed into Leagues as determined by the FMC. The FMC shall have the power to amend final gradings at any point prior to the commencement of the season where a previously nominated team withdraws. 2.2 COMPETITION STRUCTURES AND GRADING (G) The FMC reserves the right to determine the appropriate League and division of each nomination, by taking into account the previous season s results, playing strength of the Club, opinions of the respective Councils and the formation of the division. All Age Men s Sunday competitions shall be graded consecutively from Division 1 onwards. All Age Men s Saturday competitions shall be graded at a level equivalent to an All Age Men s Sunday competition or as determined by the Senior FMC. The FMC shall conduct competitions of various age groups and divisions of an appropriate number of teams. Competitions will attempt to be structured as follows: i) Six team competitions will play three (3) rounds totalling 15 games ii) Eight team competitions will play two (2) rounds totalling 14 games iii) Ten team competitions will play two (2) rounds totalling 18 games, or one full round and a split round totalling 15 games The FMC may at its discretion schedule additional games within a competition provided that all teams shall be scheduled to play the same number of games. If a five, seven or nine team competition is created each round will have a bye. The FMC may combine two divisions or age groups or choose to split a single division into multiple divisions at a later point in the season. 2.3 PLAYING SEASON ESFA will use its best endeavours to ensure that each team will play a minimum of 14 matches. Page 6 of 27

The Easter weekend and the middle weekend of both the April and July School holidays will not have any junior fixtures. Page 7 of 27

3. REGISTRATION AND PLAYER ELIGIBILITY 3.1 REGISTRATION AND PLAYER ELIGIBILITY (G) (H) (I) (J) (K) (L) A qualified or bona-fide player is one who is registered as per these Rules and Regulations, using the procedures advised by ESFA and who can produce ESFA-issued player identification. All new players in age denominated competitions must provide proof of age to their club, that being a photocopy of birth certificate, passport or drivers licence and this shall be available to the Association on request. The eligibility of Players shall be defined by ESFA from time to time Registration and transfer of players will end on the 30th June in the current season. Every team must register a minimum of players equivalent to the maximum number of players permitted on the field at one time. Teams with less than this number of players will be asked to show cause as to why they should remain in the competition. Players registered after the completion of round 1 will be invoiced following the closure of registrations on 30 June. Players deregistered by close of business on the Monday after the start of the season shall have their ESFA registration fee refunded in full. Players deregistered after the date in (G) but prior to the start of Round 4 (as notified by ESFA) shall be eligible for a 50% refund, to be applied in the invoice received after close of registrations at 30 June. A player may never play in a team graded lower than that to which they are registered except when granted special exemption from this rule by the FMC. No dual registration is allowed under any circumstances. Players are not allowed to register with more than 1 club or more than 1 team within a club, within or outside ESFA s boundaries. A player s first registration will be deemed valid. A player may transfer between clubs prior to the 30 June deadline provided that the player completes a de-registration form with the first club and does not have outstanding registration fees. Players registered prior to round 1 will be invoiced following that date in accordance with the ESFA Constitution and By-Laws. 3.2 JUNIOR PLAYER ELIGIBILITY No team may register more than 16 players without permission from the JFMC, who must be satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances that require the registration of extra players. Once a player is nominated for a particular team, they shall be considered a permanent member of that team. SSF players aged 11 shall be eligible to play in the Under 12 s competition except by permission of the JFMC. In all junior competitions players may play for a team within their Club of not more than two (2) years above the age group for which they are eligible unless obtaining permission of the JFMC. For all junior competitions, once players have registered in a particular age group (e.g. A 13 year old in the 14 year old age group) they are not eligible for the lower age group. For all junior competitions, once players have registered in a particular age group they are not allowed to play up more than two (2) years above their own age group (e.g.: a 13 year old in the 14 year old age group cannot play up in the 16 year old age group) except by permission of the JFMC. (G) Players in the Junior Leagues are permitted to participate in higher age groups or grades, on three (3) occasions. On the 4th occasion the club will have to return their ESFA-issued player identification to the ESFA office for re-registration to the lowest age group or division played. Example; i). Club F has teams in Div 1, 2 & 4. ii). Player Y from Div 4 plays 4 games for his Clubs Div 1 and 2 teams. Page 8 of 27

(H) (I) (J) (K) iii). The said player would be re-graded to Div 2. Players in the Girls Leagues are permitted to participate in higher age groups or grade, on four (4) occasions. On the 5th occasion the player will have to return their ESFA-issued player identification to the administration office for re-registration to the lowest age group or division played. Only female players are eligible to participate in the Girls League competitions. Girls may compete in the Junior League Competition up to and including 12 s as per standard Football NSW Rules and Regulations. In 13s and 14s local ESFA Policy allows females to play within these age groups in the Junior League. Girls wishing to play in the 15s and 16s age group in the Junior League must apply in writing for individual approval of the JFMC. Girls 17+ must play in Girls or Women s League. A player may only play for one team in a specific competition in one season. No exceptions may be granted for this rule which covers league and cup competitions. 3.3 SENIOR PLAYER ELIGIBILITY Once a player is registered for a particular team, they shall be considered a permanent member of that team. A Men s Championship Player may never play down in an All Age Men, Over 35 or Over 45 Competition. An Over 35 Competition is considered lower than the All Age Competition and the Over 45 lower than the Over 35 Competition. For over-age competitions all players must be turning the age specified for their competition in the calendar year of the competition. All players must be sixteen (16) years of age or older to participate in the Senior competitions. A Club may only submit a registration for a player on or after the players sixteenth birthday. Under exceptional circumstances individual players may apply to the SFMC if they are under the age of 16 for special dispensation to rule. (G) Any registration for a player up to the age of eighteen (18) must be authorised by the player s parent or guardian to compete in senior competition. (H) Players registered for a junior or girls team shall be eligible to play for any all age team on a maximum of 3 occasions. (I) Players in the Men s Leagues are permitted to participate in higher age groups or grades on 3 occasions. On the 4th occasion the player will have to return their ID card to the administration office for re-registration to the lowest age group or division played in those 4 occasions. Re-grading shall be assessed using the same criteria by the SFMC after each subsequent match played in a higher division taking into account matches played prior to previous re-registrations. (J) A player registered in a Men's All Age Saturday competition cannot play at the same division in the Men's Sunday All Age competition. A player registered in the Men's All Age Sunday competition cannot play at the same division in the Men's Saturday All Age competition. Players may play in a higher division on different days subject to rule (L) above. (K) Over 45 players are permitted to play an unlimited number of matches in a higher division and remain registered in the Over 45 competition, however, any player who plays more games for a higher division team than an Over 45 team may not play for the Over 45 team in finals fixtures. (L) Players in the Women s Leagues are permitted to participate in higher age groups or grade, on 4 occasions. On the 5th occasion, the player will have to return their ID card to the ESFA office for re-registration to the lowest age group or division played in those 5 occasions. Re-grading shall be assessed using the same criteria by the SFMC after each subsequent match played in a higher division taking into account matches played prior to previous re-registrations. (M) In the Over 45 Men s competition each team may register up to 4 players aged 40-45. Until they turn 45, these players will be subject to regrading under rule above. A player re-graded under this rule may not be replaced by another player aged 40-45. Page 9 of 27

(N) (O) (P) (Q) (R) (S) Any player that has played three or less games for their registered team may apply in writing to the SFMC to be regraded downwards. A player regraded downwards shall not play up a grade on any further occasions during that season. A player is deemed to have played a game if their name is included in a match card and a shirt number has been placed against their name. A player may only play for one team in a specific competition in one season. No exceptions may be granted for this rule which covers league and cup competitions. (i.e. where a clubs has two teams in a division, a player from a lower division may not play up for both teams in the same season). The player shall be deemed ineligible for the second team that they play for. Only female players are eligible to participate in the Women s competitions. A Women's All Age team can play a maximum of four players registered in a Junior competition in any one game. Page 10 of 27

4 FIXTURES AMENDMENTS AND RESCHEDULING 4.1 FIXTURES (G) All league fixtures to be played between Clubs in each season shall be prepared and arranged as soon as practicable and advised to Clubs. Notification of fixtures shall hereafter be called the Official Fixture List. All special requests for fixture dates must be submitted by the date specified in the season calendar At no time may Clubs organise and agree between themselves to change fixtures, unless ESFA is notified and approves. A fixture may be played wholly or in part under floodlights, provided that: i) Any alteration to starting times shall have been given due approval. ii) The standard of lighting shall meet the requirements of the FMC. Notwithstanding any other regulation on the same subject matter, the FMC reserves the right to alter or amend any fixture after it has been specified in the Official Fixture List. The alterations could be to the date, or venue or kick-off times, or a combination of all providing the Clubs involved are given seven (7) days prior notice. Clubs may agree to waive the seven (7) days notice. The FMC has the right to agree to any special request in whole or part or reject any requests at its discretion and no further correspondence will be entered into. All games shall be played within the boundaries of ESFA unless agreed to by both participating clubs. 4.2 MATCH COMMENCEMENT Matches shall commence at the appointed time, or in the event of a match whose commencement is dependent upon the completion of the previous match, within ten (10) minutes of the conclusion of the previous match. Kick off times of all official matches shall be as determined by the Competitions Coordinator or the FMC and shall be detailed in the Official Fixture List. ESFA, in setting down kick off times, may start matches after 8:30am for any daytime fixture which may include Saturday, Sunday or any Public Holiday. 4.3 DEFERRED MATCHES AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATION Any unilateral request to change a fixture must be made in accordance with the Association s Special Considerations Policy Any Special Time Request, relating to specific fields and kick off times must be submitted with the FINAL TEAM NOMINATIONS which will be set by the FMC each year Junior clubs have until a date specified in the ESFA season calendar to request rescheduling of matches scheduled for the first weekend of the July public school holidays. These rescheduled matches must be reorganised before the originally scheduled date and ESFA will be responsible for the new details. For Junior competitions; once a draw has been released, clubs will have 14 days to advise ESFA if a team or entire club cannot play assigned matches. A Game Amendment Request for Special Consideration form needs to be completed and submitted to the Competitions Coordinator. If the form is not completed and/or not submitted on time, the Club will be given no alternative but to participate in the scheduled matches or forfeit the match and no further discussion will be entered into. The FMC reserves the right to agree to the special request in whole or part or reject any requests at its discretion and no further correspondence will be entered into. Request for deferred matches during the season MUST be submitted to the ESFA Competitions Coordinator by midday (12pm) on the Monday prior to the scheduled match. The request will need to be submitted on the appropriate form (http://www.esfa.com.au/library.aspx). The Competitions Coordinator will have the authority to decide if the request is reasonable. Page 11 of 27

(G) Teams involved in Football NSW or other sanctioned events will be entitled to have their match deferred with prior approval of ESFA Competitions Coordinator. 4.4 POSTPONED AND DEFERRED MATCHES Where a match is postponed or deferred, the home club secretary must within 7 days propose an alternative date, time and venue agreed to by the opposition. If ESFA deems this to be appropriate, the match shall be scheduled. If the home team fails to notify the competition manager or opposing club secretary of a proposed date within 7 days, the away team has a further 7 days to propose a reschedule of the match. If agreement cannot be reached within 14 days of the date of postponement or deferral, the ESFA Competitions Coordinator will take responsibility for rescheduling. For juniors, a match may be played as a double game. Each half of the match will be considered as an entire match and the points allocated accordingly. At least 10 days notice will be provided to clubs (except at the end of the season) and it will be expected that any reasonable re-arrangement be accepted. If a club does not accept, they may be deemed to have forfeited the match. Fixtures shall be played on the date and times as nominated in the Official Fixture List or as instructed by the Competitions Coordinator and these dates could include any weekday evening or night fixtures, any daytime, evening or night fixtures on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays. Page 12 of 27

5 REFEREES 5.1 APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES ESFA Referees Branch shall endeavour to appoint referees and assistant referees to all competitive fixtures within ESFA. Payment for referees shall be in accordance with a schedule advised by Football NSW and as amended by the Board from time to time. Each club shall be invoiced 50% of the fees paid to match officials by the Association. Where no referee is appointed to a fixture, the home club shall arrange an appropriate person to referee. A player may not referee and subsequently play in the same fixture. 5.2 ARRIVAL TIMES AND PRESENTATION OF MATCH OFFICIALS The officiating Referee and their assistant shall present themselves at the centre of the field not later than five (5) minutes prior to the commencement of the match. Where this does not occur, Club officials shall report this occurrence to the ESFA office within 72 hours of the completion of the match. 5.3 ASSISTANT REFEREES Where possible there shall be two Assistant Referees. If no officially appointed Assistant Referees are available, and if asked by the Referee, each Club must appoint one person to act as an assistant Referee. If one assistant Referee only is present the Home Club, if directed by the Referee, shall appoint a second person to act as an assistant Referee. Club assistants shall act strictly in accordance with the directions of the Referee. 5.4 NON ARRIVAL OF REFEREES In the event of the non-arrival of an appointed Referee the most senior assistant Referee present shall Referee the match unless the Referee is not qualified to Referee that level of match. The match must be played or the result will be recorded as a forfeit against the Home Club If the officially appointed Referee arrives after the match has commenced, the Club appointed referee may elect to continue, or otherwise deem themselves unfit to continue and be replaced by the officially appointed Referee. If no official Referee is present at the match, the home team is responsible for returning the match card to the ESFA office by Tuesday 5pm. 5.5 CLUB APPOINTED REFEREE A Club Referee will have the full powers of the referee in accordance with the Laws of the Game, including the ability to issues cautions and send-off players. Should a Club Referee not have any cards available, the Referee should inform any player where they have been issued a yellow or red card as well as that player s team captain and RTO. In the event of a send-off the club appointed Referee is required to complete a send-off report (available on the ESFA web site) and submit to ESFA office by 5pm on the Tuesday following the match. In the event of a Club Referee presiding over a game, barring extenuating circumstances, the same Referee must officiate the entire match. A club appointed referee may be paid for their services if they referee the match in uniform, and if they are a member of the ESFA Referees Branch. Page 13 of 27

6 GROUND PREPARATION 6.1 DRESSING THE GROUND The HOME team (that being the team listed first on the draw) must dress the field with: two (2) nets, four (4) corner posts (minimum height 1.5m 5ft above the ground) and one (1) crowd control rope from penalty area to penalty area minimum on each side of the field where spectators re expected to congregate. Referees should report any field which is not properly dressed on the match card. Where any Club fails to properly dress the field or causes any delay to the commencement, or abandonment of any match due to the late dressing of the field, the Club shall be subject to a penalty under the Schedule of Penalties 6.2 ASSESMENT OF PLAYING SURFACE Where there is doubt as to the suitability of the playing surface, the following parties shall each have the power to determine whether a match shall proceed or the ground shall be closed (in order). i) The ground owner (e.g. Council, Centennial Park Trust) ii) The ground hirer (e.g. Home club, ESFA). iii) The referee Once a ground is closed on a particular date, it shall not be re-opened again on that day 6.3 DAMAGE TO PROPERTY Any Club found guilty of causing damage to property at any ground shall be required to pay the total cost of repairing such damage or the total cost of replacement of such property and shall be reported for further action in accordance with the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. 6.4 CLEANING UP/ COLLECTION OF RUBBISH Each Club must collect litter and leave grounds, spectator areas, dressing rooms, toilets and pavilions in a satisfactory condition or shall pay the cleaning costs as demanded by any competent authority. Offending clubs shall also be liable for penalty under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. Page 14 of 27

7 MATCH CARDS, RTO S AND PLAYING TEAMS 7.1 REGISTERED TEAM OFFICIALS (RTO) (G) (H) At any fixture both Clubs must have an RTO, who is readily identifiable by wearing an RTO card and these RTOs must report to the match referees five (5) minutes prior to the kick off time of the matches. All RTOs must have their name correctly entered on the match card. All RTOs must carry their RTO card allocated to them at all times. For senior games, in the absence of an official RTO, the team captain shall be designated as the RTO. In the event of any penalties against a non-registered RTO from the judiciary, the offending club shall incur an additional fine as determined by the judiciary. For junior games, in the absence of an official RTO, another parent or spectator aged over 18 must be selected and identified as the RTO All RTOs shall be responsible for: i). ii) Checking the opposition s player ESFA-issued player identification in the centre of the field FIVE (5) minutes before kick-off. If there is any doubt as to a player s identity or eligibility the RTO must mark this clearly on the match card and submit a written report to the ESFA Office within 48 hours. If an RTO is found to have not checked the opposition s player ESFA-issued player identifications in any age group the offending Club may be subject to penalty in accordance with the Schedule of penalties. The safety of the referee against the conduct of their team s players and supporters. The RTO should also assist the referee and opposition RTO in managing the conduct of neutral and opposition supporters and players from both teams. Referees shall report any Club which fails to identify an RTO as required by this Rule No RTO shall enter the field of play to perform their duties (except as players or where requested by the Referee) unless there is an immediate threat to the physical safety of the referee. The referee shall be responsible for controlling the conduct of players towards each other on the field of play in normal circumstances. 7.2 MATCH CARDS AND PLAYING TEAM (G) (H) (I) RTOs shall prepare a match card for all fixtures listing all players participating in the match, their registration ID and shirt number. The match card shall be in a format issued by ESFA. Where an ESFA approved match card is not available, any piece of paper shall suffice for the match to proceed, however the club shall be liable for a penalty in accordance with the Schedule of Penalties. Where there are equal to or less than 16 names listed on a card for juniors or 18 for seniors, each player named shall be deemed to be a participant in the match. Where there are more than the maximum permitted number of players listed on the card, the RTO should cross out the names of players not participating in the match prior to match commencement. If this does not occur, then the shirt numbers listed on the match card shall designate the nominated team list for the match. Those players without a shirt number listed on the card shall be considered ineligible players. If there are still more than the maximum permitted players listed on the card after match commencement (i.e. more than the maximum number with shirt numbers), the team shall be deemed to have used ineligible players. The RTO should add the name, registration number and registered team of any players registered in another team and playing up in a designated area on the card. A player who will be participating in the game but who has not arrived or does not yet have a shirt number must be clearly marked on the card prior to the commencement of play. Once play has commenced no further changes may be made to the player list on the match card. A player not recorded on the match card at the start of play may not participate in the match. A Page 15 of 27

(J) player s shirt number and/or registration ID number may be added to the match card at half-time, or when the player first enters the field of play where this information was not available at the start of the game. If a team has less than 11 players in attendance at a fixture, it may add players from lower division teams to the nominated team list at any time after the match commencement until the number of players reaches 11 provided that the total number of named players does not exceed the maximum. 7.3 PLAYER IDENTIFICATION CARDS All clubs shall be provided a player identification card for each player registered listing the player s registered team, name and photo. ESFA shall also issue an A4 sheet(s) with all registered players in a team which may be used in the absence of individual player cards. Where a team is unable to provide player ID cards prior to match commencement, the opposing RTO must request that the referee notes this on the match card. Play shall commence as scheduled. If player identification cards are not presented prior to the commencement of the second half, the match shall be declared a forfeit. Play may continue at the discretion of both teams and the referee and disciplinary proceedings may still be instigated however the result shall not stand. Where an individual player is unable to provide a player card, that player shall be deemed ineligible and not permitted to take the field until the card arrives. If a team has less than 11 players with ID cards available, then players without ID cards may take the field and the match shall proceed in accordance with Rule 7.3 above. Page 16 of 27

8 PLAYING RULES 8.1 NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND INTERCHANGE The following team sizes apply per age group: i). ii). iii) Under 12 to Under 18 years 11 Players on the field. 5 players may be included as interchange players, with no limit on the number of interchanges. Senior divisions; Over 18 years 11 players on the field, 7 players may be included as interchange players, with no limit on the number of interchanges. This rule does not apply to Men s Championship. Men s Championship 11 players on the field, 5 players and a substitute goalkeeper to be named, but only 5 substitutes are permitted. An interchange is only permitted from the half way line, when the ball is out of play and when the Referee has indicated that a change can be made. 8.2 MATCH BALLS 1) All Size 5 match ball dimensions and pressure are in accordance with FIFA Laws of the game. i). ii). iii) Each home team shall provide 1 ESFA approved match ball. Each away team shall provide 1 ESFA approved match ball. In Men s Championship the home team shall provide 3 balls. 2) The following ball sizes will be used per age group: i) 6 9 year olds Size 3: not less than 560mm (22 ) nor more than 585mm (23 ) in circumference. ii). 10 13 year olds Size 4: not less than 635mm (25 ) nor more than 660mm (26 ) in circumference. iii). 14 year olds and above Size 5: not less than 685mm (27 ) nor more than 710mm (28 ) in circumference. 8.3 DURATION OF FIXTURES The duration of Matches shall be as follows i). ii). iii). iv). v). For matches played under Small Sided Football, please refer to the relevant sections for each age group from 6 to 11 years of age. 12 years old, two (2) equal periods of twenty five (25) minutes and half time break of 5 minutes 13 and 14 years old, two (2) equal periods of thirty (30) minutes and half time break of 5 minutes 15 and 16 years old, two (2) equal periods of thirty five (35) minutes and half time break of 5 minutes 17 years and above, two (2) equal periods of forty five (45) minutes and half time break of 10 minutes Any match that is abandoned after reaching at least 75% of the normal time set out in Rule 8.3 shall be deemed to have been completed unless ordered to be replayed by the FMC. Where a match starts late, the Referee must shorten the total match time to avoid delaying the start of subsequent matches. The match must be played as two equal halves and at least 75% of the normal playing time must be played. The Referee shall advise both team captains of the time to be played in each reduced half prior to commencing play. No injury or stoppage time shall be allowed. Page 17 of 27

8.4 SPECIAL RULES FOR U12/G12 Corner kicks shall be taken on the goal line seven (7) metres (approximately 8 yards) from the edge of the penalty area. 8.5 PROVISION OF PLAYING STRIPS Each team must play in colours as approved by ESFA. In the event of a Club fielding a team in colours similar to those of the opposing team or Referee, and the referee is of the opinion that confusion may arise, the Referee may order that the visiting Club change its colours and refuse to allow the match to commence until a satisfactory change is made. 8.5 GOALPOSTS Combination goals posts are permitted in ESFA competition matches. Where the ball strikes part of the goal post that does not form the soccer goal, the ball shall be deemed to be out and play shall restart with a goal kick or corner depending on the last player to touch the ball. Page 18 of 27

9 DISCIPLINE AND MISCONDUCT 9.1 CAUTIONS The referee shall record all yellow and red cards on the match card in the appropriate section. A player who receives 5 yellow cards during a season in all competitions shall be suspended for 1 match. A player who receives 8 yellow cards during a season in all competitions shall be suspended for 2 matches. For each subsequent 2 yellow cards a player shall be suspended for 1 match. A yellow card for dissent shall count as two yellow cards for the purposes of this section. 9.2 SENT-OFF PLAYERS A player sent-off during a match will have their penalty determined in accordance with the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. The referee shall submit a send-off report within two working days of the date of the match. 9.3 MISCONDUCT The referee shall report all misconduct in the form of a match report received no later than 2 working days after the day of the match. Misconduct shall be defined to include the following: i) Breaches of the FFA Code of Conduct by spectators or match participants ii) Violent behaviour by multiple players where the referee is unable to identify and sanction all acts of violent conduct. (i.e a brawl or melee). iii) Behaviour of RTO s, officials, or spectators, which if it were to occur on the field, would be the subject of a send-off report. iv) Any request to remove a person or persons from the vicinity of the playing area by the referee. v) Entry to the playing area by substitutes, officials, or spectators, during play including during any stoppages which is not authorised and which results in a verbal or physical confrontation with players or match officials. vi) Deliberate use of ineligible players vii) Any other behaviour that may bring the game or the Association into disrepute. (G) Misconduct may be reported by other attendees or participants at the game through a detailed report of the alleged incident which shall be handled in accordance with the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. All reports of misconduct shall be reviewed in accordance with the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. The RTO shall be responsible for identifying persons the referee wishes to cite for misconduct where there is a reasonable belief the person is associated with the team. In addition to persons identified, clubs shall also be liable to penalty for misconduct by its players or associated persons. Where misconduct occurs, and there isn t an official RTO with a separate ESFA registration present, additional penalties shall be imposed on the club. 9.4 ABANDONMENT OF MATCHES Where a match is abandoned due to the misconduct of players, officials or spectators of one team, and the offence is proven under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy, that team shall be deemed to have forfeited the match. Page 19 of 27

Where a match is abandoned due to the misconduct of both teams, as determined under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy, the outcome of the match shall be determined by the FMC, with guidance from the Judiciary, using the following options: i) The result at the time of the incident stands provided at least 75% of the match time had elapsed. ii) The match is replayed. iii) The match is annulled and no points are awarded. Where a match is abandoned but the judiciary finds no guilt for either team, as determined under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy, the outcome of the match shall be determined by the FMC, with guidance from the Judiciary, using the following options: i) The result at the time of the incident stands provided at least 75% of the match time had elapsed. ii) The match is replayed. 9.5 MANIPULATION OF RESULTS Clubs shall endeavour to complete all fixtures including rescheduled fixtures. Clubs shall use all reasonable endeavours to field the best possible team in the last three weeks of the season where the outcome of the match will affect the final placing of teams qualifying for the finals series. A team forfeiting a match at this stage of the season shall be liable to additional penalties under the ESFA Disciplinary Procedures including a points penalty where the forfeit directly results in a team losing the Premiers position or qualification for the Finals. 9.6 CONTROL OF SPECTATORS It shall be the duty of Clubs to maintain control of spectators, to prevent any disturbance amongst its spectators. Failure to do so may result in the imposition of penalties as per the ESFA Disciplinary Policy All spectator related reports shall be lodged with ESFA in writing no later than 5.00pm on Tuesday following the day of the match and shall only be considered if made by the Referee or a Club Secretary from teams participating in such match. No spectators are to be allowed behind either goal while a match is in progress. Page 20 of 27

10 RESULTS, COMPETITION POINTS AND FOREFITS 10.1 NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS Clubs shall ensure their teams match results are recorded in the online competition management system no later than 10:00am on the following working day after the fixture. For all Junior Competitions, the Competitions Coordinator will adjust results with a goal difference of greater than 6 goals so as to cap the margin at 6 goals. For example, i) If a team wins 10-0, the result shall be recorded as 6-0. ii) If a team wins 9-2, the result shall be recorded as 8-2 Should there be a result in dispute, this should be notified to the Competitions Coordinator by no later than Wednesday 12pm following the weekend fixtures and within 48 hours of mid-week fixtures. The dispute should be submitted on the Results Discrepancy Form, found at the ESFA library: http://www.esfa.com.au/library.aspx). 10.2 COMPETITION POINTS Points shall be allocated as follows for all League Competition matches: I. Win - Three (3) points II. Draw - One (1) point each team III. Bye - No points IV. Loss - No points 10.3 DETERMINATION OF POSITIONS FOR FINAL SERIES AND PREMIERS The team with the most competition points at the completion of all scheduled rounds shall be deemed to be the Premiers. Should two (2) or more teams in the same competition, having completed their competition, possess the same number of points that team with the better goal difference shall be considered to be the higher placed team. In all cases where goal differences are taken into account the following will be used: I. Number of goals against subtracted from the number of goals for. II. The highest resultant figure from such subtraction shall be deemed to be the best goal difference. (G) Where goal differences are equal, the team having scored the greater number of goals shall be considered the higher placed team. If two (2) or more teams in the same competition, have the same goal difference, and have scored the same number of goals, then the team which has the better head to head aggregate results during the regular season will be considered the higher. If the above is still equal, then for a tie for 1 st place, and a tie for the last position in a finals series, a play off game will be played with the winner determined to be higher ranked. For all other ties, the higher ranked team shall be determined by the drawing of lots. 10.4 CLUBS REMOVED OR WITHDRAWING FROM COMPETITIONS In the event of any Club withdrawing or being removed from ESFA s competitions, the following procedure will take effect to allow the altered competitions to proceed to a conclusion. i) Removed or withdrawing during first round of fixtures: Page 21 of 27

For all opposing teams that have played the removed or withdrawn teams (for the complete first round), points and goals will be deleted from their records and they shall be credited with a bye result. Teams that have not played the removed or withdrawn team will obtain a bye result. ii) Removed or withdrawing during the second or subsequent rounds: For all complete rounds of fixtures, all points and goals acquired will be retained by opposing teams. For the second or later rounds, points and goals acquired against such disaffiliated team shall be lost and bye results shall be credited for these parts of the competition. Where a postponed or deferred match from an earlier round of fixtures remains unplayed at the time of withdrawal, the result shall be deemed to be a forfeit.. The FMC may refer a club that withdraws a team after the commencement of the season for further sanction under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. 10.5 MATCHES AFFECTING FINAL SERIES Any rescheduled match affecting the final series positions must be played prior to the final scheduled competition round unless there is provision for a wet weather weekend subsequent to that date. If a rescheduled match is not played prior to the commencement of the finals series, it will be deemed a no result and no points will be allocated. In the event of the postponement of a match in the final round, the FMC shall determine if the match is to be replayed. 10.6 FORFEITS & WALK OFFS (G) Teams must field at least seven (7) eligible players at the start of any match. If a team fails to enter the field of play or has insufficient players for the match to commence ten (10) minutes after the scheduled starting time, the Referee shall inform both RTO s (if present) that the game has been abandoned and that the match will be dealt with as specified below. Any Club that fails to fulfil an engagement to play a fixture at the appointed date, time or venue without acceptable explanation shall be deemed to have forfeited that fixture. If no prior explanation has been provided, the offending Club must provide to ESFA, within 48 hours, an explanation as to why they were unable to fulfil the fixture. Where a club has been found to play an ineligible player under these rules, the result of the match shall be deemed a forfeit in all circumstances. Whether a forfeit has occurred shall be determined by the procedures set-out in the ESFA Disciplinary Policy. In addition to fines that may be issued under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy, the forfeiting club may also be liable for any reasonable expenses incurred by its opponents relative to that fixture or fixtures including referees fees and ground hire. In the event of a walk-off by one Club prior to the completion of a match the team will be deemed to have forfeited the match. The offending Club must provide to ESFA, within 48 hours, an explanation of their actions which may also constitute misconduct. This will be dealt with under the ESFA Disciplinary Procedures. 10.7 PENALTIES FOR FORFEITS In the event of a team being deemed to have forfeited a match in accordance with the ESFA Disciplinary Procedures, the following result shall be recorded: Page 22 of 27

(i) (ii) (iii) For Juniors, the result shall be deemed a 6-0 win to the opposition club and full points shall be allocated for the fixture. For Seniors, the result shall be deemed a 3-0 win to the opposition club and full points shall be allocated for the fixture. Where a match commenced and a team was subsequently deemed to forfeit due to insufficient players or the use of ineligible players, the result at the completion of the match may stand if it is more advantageous to the opposition club. Clubs who advise ESFA through the completion of the prescribed forfeit form that they will be forfeiting a match by Thursday 5pm for all weekend matches or 48 hours prior to the scheduled kick off for all weekday matches will not be further penalised under the ESFA Disciplinary Policy Teams forfeiting on three (3) occasions without an explanation satisfactory to the FMC shall be referred to the Judiciary for the consideration of removal from the competition. Page 23 of 27

11 REGRADING PROCESS 11.1 JUNIOR REGRADING Re-grading will only occur at the end of the first round of the Championship Division competition (this includes 10 team comps). At that time all re-grading will be considered from all Divisions within that age group. Teams have the right to lodge a formal application for re-grading using an ESFA prescribed form/information. An appeal needs to be submitted by 12noon on Monday following the end of last round. The FMC will have final right to re-grade, as they believe to be in the best interest of teams and the competition as a whole. Guideline: Teams that have lost/won all games (with at most 1 draw) and a net average goal difference of greater than or equal to ±4 goals will be first considered. Other factors and circumstances including the impact on team numbers in each grade will also be considered. It is not necessary if 1 team goes up that 1 team must come down or vice versa. 11.2 SENIOR REGRADING The FMC may consider re-grading any teams on an ad hoc basis. 11.3 POINTS FOR REGRADED TEAMS Any team that is regraded, whether up or down, will be placed in equal 4th place both on points and goal difference 11.4 EQUALISING NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED Where a Re-Grading occurs into/out of a competition which has not completed a full round the principle will be to try to ensure that all teams will have played the same number of games and against the same teams by the end of the season. This will be achieved by any of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Games will be made up if possible. This may involve double headers under the deferred and postponed games procedure. Whole round(s) may be annulled For juniors, if deemed appropriate, then next time the teams play that game will be played as a double game whereby each half will be deemed a full game and points allocated accordingly. i.e. Team A wins the 1st half 2-1 then points are awarded. The 2nd half will then be played as another game commencing at 0-0 with full points allocated based upon the result at full time, or; (iv) A combination of the above. 11.5 APPEALS AGAINST RE-GRADING There will be a right to appeal for all clubs affected by re-grading. Re-grading is to occur on the Monday night following the end of Round 1. Clubs will have until Wednesday 12pm to appeal. The FMC shall meet by Thursday and rule on the appeal. Clubs will have the right to appear at the FMC meeting. Page 24 of 27