Rules for 2010/11
An application form is available from the League Secretary (tel 07986 568376) and should be returned by 31st July. The format of the leagues will be determined by the number of entries and fixtures will be compiled and despatched to clubs by 15th August 2009. 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’s league (classed as a Saturday league) and an Over 40’s league (classed as a Sunday league). Matches start in September 2010 and in the Over 40s league all matches must be played on a Sunday. Over 45 matches can be played on any day.
Registered players wishing to transfer to another club must complete a ‘transfer form’ obtainable from the League Coordinator.
Over 40s - 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’s league will cater for players at or over the age of 40 but up to two players 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.
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 once either at home or away in this first phase which will be played from September to March. The top four teams in each group will compete in the quarter finals of the Champions Cup and the remaining teams in each league will compete for the Consolation Cup. The quarter finals, semi finals and final will be played in April/May.
The Over 45’s league will cater for players at or over the age of 45 but up to two players in the age range 43 - 44 will be allowed to participate in any game. Teams will play each other once, either at home or away, in this first phase which will be played from September to March. The top four teams in the group will compete in the semi finals in April with the final played in May.
Over 40s Knockout Cup
This competition will be open to all teams, including Over 45s. Games must be played on the allocated date. No ‘under 40s’ players will be allowed to play in this competition. No player may play for more than one team. The first round games will be played before Christmas with the quarter finals in January and the semi finals in March. The Finals will be played on the same date and at the same venue as the Over 45s Cup final in May.
Friendlies
Clubs may wish to play friendly matches throughout the season. A list will be made of those clubs but for insurance purposes the League Coordinator should be made aware of any fixtures scheduled. A list of these clubs and fixtures will be made available on the website. Friendly fixtures cannot be allowed to clash with scheduled league fixtures or representative games.
Match Rules
In view of the difficulties that were encountered last season I would like to clarify the situation regarding the conduct of games but particularly where matches are not played.
On receipt of fixtures please confirm home dates with your opponents. Although they are scheduled for a particular Sunday 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 has been postponed because of bad weather, it must be rearranged on one of the available dates. Where a postponed game cannot be fitted in, the game will be declared ‘No decision’ and no points will be awarded to either side.
The home team is responsible for all match arrangements including appointing a qualified referee. If required, the league will provide a list of qualified officials who have expressed a willingness to referee ‘Vets’ matches. A fee of £20 must be paid to match officials. This will also cover any expenses. 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.
The home team is responsible for informing the referee of the Competition Rules appertaining to the day’s game. In both the Over 40’s and Over 45s 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 to 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 £95 for one team or £140 for two.
ALL new players must complete a registration form and provide a passport sized photograph before they can play in the league. A player cannot register or play for more than one club in the same age group. Any player wishing to transfer to another club must complete a transfer form obtainable from the League Coordinator.
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
June 6th 2010