Wales Veterans Football League

Competition Rules 2011/12

An application form is attached and the completed form and a cheque to cover league fees must be received by the League Secretary by 14th August. The format of the leagues will be determined by the number of entries and fixtures will be compiled and despatched to clubs by 21st August 2011. Clubs will then have two weeks to confirm their home fixtures with their opponents or mutually agree any changes. Please make sure that the League Coordinator is informed of any changes.

Applications must be made by all clubs, old and new, and will only be accepted from clubs who have at least 18 registered players for each age group that they are entering a team. A cheque for the relevant amount, payable to “Wales Veterans League” must be included.

There will be two leagues this season, an Over 45 league (classed as a Saturday league) and an Over 40 league (classed as a Sunday league). Matches start  in September 2011 and in the Over 40s league all matches must be played on a Sunday. Over 45 matches can be played on any day.

Over 40 - ALL players must complete a registration form and provide a passport sized photograph before they can play in the league. A player can also register and play for a ‘Saturday’ club. The Over 40 league will cater for players at or over the age of 40 but up to two players from 4 in the age range 38 - 39 will be allowed to participate in any game. Players under 38 who have already registered can be included in this group but no new players under the age of 38 will be accepted.

The Over 45 league will cater for players at or over the age of 45 but up to two players from 4 in the age range 43 - 44 will be allowed to participate in any game. . Players wishing to play in this league must complete an Over 45 registration form even though they may have also completed an Over 40 form. No photograph is required with an Over 45 registration.

The format of the leagues will depend on the number of clubs entered. It is likely that two groups will be set up to compete in the first phase of matches. These groups will to some extent be based on the geographical position of each club. Teams will play each other on a league basis in this first phase which will be played from September to March. The top two teams in each group will compete in the semi finals of the Champions Cup and the next two teams in each group will compete for the Consolation Cup. The semi finals and final will be played in April/May.

Over 40 Knockout Cup

This competition will not be played in 2011/12.

Match Rules

On receipt of fixtures please confirm home dates with your opponents. Although they are scheduled for particular Sundays in each month, these games can be played on any other agreed day. You will have until 31st August to make alterations. Please notify the League Coordinator of any changes agreed or any problems that arise.

Unless both teams reach an agreement to play on another date, any team failing to fulfil a fixture that had been agreed between the two clubs (except in the case of bad weather, which is dealt with below) will be declared the loser by 3 goals to nil and will also lose 3 points.

Where a game is postponed due to bad weather, the home secretary MUST immediately offer an alternative date to the opponents. Where a postponed game still cannot be fitted in, the game will be declared ‘No decision’ and no points will be awarded to either side.

A fee of £20 must be paid to match officials. Expenses can be claimed at 30p per mile. There will be occasions when referees will be appointed by the league. This will enable us to ensure that league rules are being followed and will provide an element of consistency to the running of matches. Where an official is appointed by the league then the match fee will be paid by the home club but the league will pay any expenses involved. This will also apply to ALL cup semi-finals. For cup finals which will be played on neutral grounds the league will cover all costs of the match officials.

The home team is responsible for informing the referee of the Competition Rules appertaining to the day’s game. In both the Over 40 and Over 45 league, each team should notify the other of the players who are in the lower age group.

Where teams have a potential colour clash, the home team must change their colours.

Kick off time will be either 11 am or 2 pm depending on the preferred time chosen at the start of the season by the home team. Other times can be agreed between the two teams. Every effort should be made to reach agreement on the kick off time especially where travelling is involved. Kick off times will be shown on the fixture list issued at the start of the season. It is not acceptable to refuse to play at a time that doesn’t suit you if this time has been agreed by the league at the start of the season.

Duration of game is 40 minutes each way, 15 minutes half time break.

Up to 5 substitutes allowed. Players are allowed to re-enter the game even if previously substituted but this must be with the permission of the referee at a stoppage in play.  It is important the the referee is made aware of this rule prior to the game commencing.

Should a player be sent from the field by the referee for any offence he cannot be replaced by another player.

In the group stages, three points are awarded for a win and one point for a draw. If points and goal difference remain equal at the end of the group fixtures, the League coordinator will decide on the final placings.

Results and scorers must be telephoned to the League Coordinator, John Herniman, home telephone 02920 311598, mobile 07986568376, immediately after game.

Each club must be an up to date member of their local Area Association. The registration number allocated to each club must be quoted on the Application Form.

Each club shall pay an Annual subscription of £120 for one team or £160 for two.

Any team wishing to raise an objection or complaint must do so in the first instance in writing within seven days to the League Coordinator.

The Rules of the Competition are binding on the clubs taking part.

The successful running of this league relies heavily on the goodwill of participating teams. Please remember that!

John Herniman, League Coordinator, August 2011