Rules

Matches start in September 2008.

There will be one league this season catering for players at or over the age of 40 but up to two players in the age range 35-39 will be allowed to participate in any game. Teams will be split into groups of 7 teams in the first phase of matches. These groups are based on the geographical position of each club and will be named Over 40 East and West.

Teams will play each other once either at home or away in this first phase. In order to complete the phase one fixtures by Christmas the East group will start their fixtures on 14th September and the West group on 21st September. Matches have been scheduled fortnightly but one team will have a bye in each series of games.

All teams go through to a second phase which will start in January. From the first phase of matches, the top three teams in each league and the best 4th team will be allocated to a new group to compete for the Champions Cup and the remaining teams in each league will compete for the Consolation Cup. Teams at this second league stage will play each other once either home or away as in the first phase.

The top four teams in the Champions Cup group will compete in the semi finals and the winners will play in the Champions Cup final for the title of Wales Veterans Champions. The top four teams in the Consolation group will compete in the semi finals and the winners will play in the final for the Wales Veterans Consolation Cup. These finals will take place at neutral venues to be decided at a later date.

Fixtures

First group phase played September – December.

Second group phase played January – April.

Cup Finals played April – May.

Match Rules

In view of the difficulties that were encountered last season I would like to clarify the situation regarding games not played.

On receipt of fixtures please confirm dates with your opponents. You will have until 31st August to do this. Please notify me of any changes agreed or any problems that arise.

Unless both teams reach an agreement to play again, 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 2 goals to nil.

Where a game has been postponed because of bad weather, it must be rescheduled on one of the available dates before Christmas. 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.

The home team is responsible for informing the referee of the Competition Rules appertaining to the day’s game. Both teams must provide a list of players participating in the game together with their shirt numbers. It is also a requirement to indicate to the referee who are the players in the 35-39 age group. You will receive a copy of the form to be used prior to the first games.

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 at the discretion of the home team. Every effort should be made to reach agreement on the kick off time especially where travelling is involved.

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. It is important the the referee is made aware of this rule prior to the game commencing.

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 organising committee 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 shall pay an Annual subscription of £95.

Player Eligibility

Players must have reached the age of 40 prior to the day of the match but a maximum of 2 players aged 35 - 39 are allowed in the squad and can participate in the game.

Players cannot play for more than one team in the competition.

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

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!

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