Constitution 2008-2009
Contents
| 1 | NAME | 2 | MANAGEMENT |
| 3 | MEMBERSHIP | 4 | MEETINGS |
| 5 | REGISTRATIONS | 6 | FIXTURES |
| 7 | PLAYING PROVISIONS | 8 | TEAM SHEETS |
| 9 | DIVISIONS | 10 | CUP RULES |
| 11 | REFEREES | 12 | DISCIPLINE |
| 13 | SUSPENSIONS | 14 | TRANSFERS |
| 15 | FINES | 16 | EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES |
| 17 | RACIAL ABUSE | 18 | OTHER ISSUES |
| 19 | TROPHIES | 20 | PLAYER COMPENSATION |
| 21 | MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE | 22 | FINE RATES 2007/2008 |
| 23 | AIMS AND OBJECTIVES |
1. Name
1.01
The League shall be known as the North West Counties 13-15 Amateur Rugby League Sponsored by Kukri (The League)
2. Management
2.01
A management committee comprising a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Fixture Secretary (ies), Registration Secretary (ies), Referee Appointments Officer, Discipline Chair, Transfer Chair and a BARLA Representative shall control The League.
2.02
The League may, at its discretion, co-opt as and when necessary any other person to assist the committee
2.03
The management committee will be subject to re-election at each Annual General Meeting. Co-opted members may have their term extended.
3. Membership
3.01
All clubs who accept the constitution of this league and BARLA, and who are also members of a district league will be eligible to apply for membership of this league
3.02
The committee shall, at its discretion, reserve the right to refuse membership to any club.
3.03
Membership shall be for one season only and is subject to re-application by the first Wednesday in July each year. Applications must be accompanied by each teams’ Code of Conduct. Failure to provide this information may result in membership being refused.
3.04
The annual subscription for membership, including administration and cup entry fees, will be decided each year by the committee. These fees must be paid by 31st August each season.
4. Meetings
4.01
All member clubs shall attend all monthly, special and annual meetings. Irrespective of the number of representatives from each club, only one vote per club is allowed. In the event of a tied vote the Chair shall hold the casting vote. Apologies for absence will not be accepted and any club failing to attend a meeting shall be fined accordingly.
4.03
League meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at Golborne Parkside Sports & Community Club (GPSCC). Additional meetings may be called by the secretary as necessary provided at least 7 days notice has been given.
4.04
The Management Committee shall meet before each meeting.
4.05
The date of the Annual General Meeting shall be determined by the committee for the consideration of rules, presentation of accounts and election of officers. Details of the formal notice convening the Annual General Meeting must be released to clubs at least seven days prior to the meeting.
4.06
Amendments or additions to the rules must be given in writing, be proposed and seconded by clubs who have been league members for at least one season and be received by the league secretary on or before 1st May each year. The management committee may also place proposals before the Annual General Meeting. A two thirds majority of the clubs present and holding voting rights is required to carry proposals and/or amendments to the Constitution.
4.07
A Special General Meeting shall be called by the management committee or on request of any club. A request from a club must be signed by at least 30% of member clubs and give the reason for calling such a meeting. The Special General Meeting must be held within thirty days of being called with no other business being discussed. A two-thirds majority of those members’ present and holding voting rights will be required to carry the motion.
4.08
All correspondence, communications and business shall be directed to the League Secretary at GPSCC.
5. Registrations
5.01
The registration secretary (ies) shall keep a register of players. All queries regarding the register shall be directed in writing to The League.
5.02
All players must have registration cards, colour coded to show the age group in which they are playing. For registration purposes, the season will end on the Saturday before the Spring Bank holiday and start again on the Saturday following the August Bank Holiday.
5.03
Registrations should be received by the first Wednesday in August. Any registrations received after this date may not be guaranteed cards by the start of the season. Any team unable to complete a fixture due to lack of registration cards who have failed to meet this deadline will forfeit the points for any unfulfilled fixture.
5.04
Clubs are not permitted to register more than 25 players per team. Fixtures will not be issued to teams with less than 15 players registered. Any request for variation in this number must be placed in writing to The League for consideration by the Management Committee.
5.05
Any club official or agent who is found to have induced any player registered with one club to transfer to any other club shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and be dealt with by the management committee accordingly.
5.06
Players may only play for the team with which they are registered. Any team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player may be fined and will lose any points accrued for games in which the player has taken part.
5.07
If written notice of a disbandoning of a team at youth/junior age groups is received from the Club Secretary, players from the disbanded team will be deemed to be free agents.
5.08
Teams must complete a de-registration form if they wish to de-register a player. These will be reviewed by the League Transfer Committee and, if approved, be given a de-registration date.
5.09
A player failing to re-register with his current team will not automatically be deemed de-registered.
5.10
De-registrations will not be allowed after the last day in February each year until the first Monday in June.
5.11
De-registered players shall become free agents similar to players from disbanded teams, but will not be allowed to move to another club within six months of their de-registration without the completion of a Transfer Request Form. This transfer will count towards the clubs possible three possible transfers per season.
5.12
Players after a period greater than six months from their de-registration date (or who have become a free agent due to their previous team disbanding) can freely join another team but must register as a new player.
5.13
De-registered players/free agents are uninsured and subsequently will not be permitted to train with ANY club until such time as a transfer has been approved or a new registration request received.
5.14
Any club found guilty of permitting a player to train whilst de-registered will face the risk of suspension and further disciplinary action.
6 Fixtures
6.01
Teams will be entitled to apply for one ‘free’ week per season. 28 days notice, in writing (email or letter) from the appropriate team official, must be given to the appropriate fixture secretary.
6.02
The league will endeavour to complete all fixtures by 30th April each year. This may be reviewed by the management committee.
6.03
Any club wishing to take part in any friendly game must ask for and receive permission in writing (email or letter) from the appropriate fixture secretary.
6.04a
Clubs must accept fixtures given at five days notice by the appropriate fixture secretary.
6.04b
The failure of a team to complete a fixture for whatever reason will result in the loss of the points for the fixture. The reverse fixture, if not already played, will be made to take place at the ground of the opponents. The team will also be responsible for the settlement of costs namely referees fees and up to £15 towards the cost of refreshments.
6.04c
Any team failing to fulfil any three fixtures may be subject to a fine of £20 and the suspension of competitive fixtures.
6.05
Where the playing of a match is doubtful because of inclement weather or condition of the pitch then the home club must contact the fixture secretary immediately. Matches may not be postponed without prior agreement of the fixture secretary or, in their absence, another league official. Contact must be made, preferably before travelling, with the referee and the club's match day opponents. Should the visiting team travel and doubt remains as to the suitability of the pitch with both clubs unable to agree upon its fitness then the referee’s decision will be final.
6.06
Results must be notified to the appropriate Fixture Secretary within 2 hours of the final whistle. Any club failing to do so will be fined.
6.07
League Cup competitions will be arranged as and when appropriate.
6.08
Visiting teams should ensure that they return to the host club for after match refreshments. Failure to do so without 48 hours notice to the host club will result in any costs incurred being met by the visiting team.
7 Playing Provisions
7.01
All games under the jurisdiction of the North West Counties 13-15 ARL should be played on pitches that comply fully with the Rugby Football League’s minimum criteria of 88 metres – Goal-Line to Goal-Line – 55 metres Touch to Touch – and to a depth of 6 metres between the intersection of the Goal and Dead Ball lines.
7.02
Clubs should ensure that goal posts are padded and that corner flags are erected at the inter-section of each goal line.
7.03
Teams must ensure that all spectators are positioned behind a barrier – temporary or permanent. Only players and coaching staff wearing hi-visibility jackets will be allowed pitch side. Individual clubs are responsible at all times for the behaviour of spectators.
7.04a
It is the responsibility of the home club to contact its match day opponents as early in the week as possible to confirm arrangements and to provide travel directions. This should be repeated by the club later in the week if the weather or pitch conditions should deteriorate.
7.04b
The decision of a local authority or its designated agent shall over-ride any other decision.
7.05
It is the responsibility of the home club to contact the referee no later than 48 hours before the scheduled kick off.
7.06
All games will normally be scheduled for Sundays throughout the season. The playing time in respect of each age group is as follows: -
Under 13's 25 minutes each way kick off 10 30am
Under 14's 25 minutes each way kick off 10 30am
Under 15's 30 minutes each way kick off 10 30am
Kick off times may vary to allow for referees to officiate at more than one match.
7.07
In the event of a game being abandoned for whatever reason then the League management Committee may, at its sole discretion, order a replay if less than two-thirds of the scheduled playing time has elapsed. If more than two-thirds of the scheduled playing time has elapsed then the result at the time of abandonment shall stand.
7.08
The non-production of registration cards by either team on the match day will invalidate all player insurance and so deem the game void should the game go ahead. A fine determined by the management committee shall be imposed on both teams responsible.
8.01
An official team sheet should be completed by each team. After the checking of cards and the endorsing of the sheet by the opposition representative, this should then be handed to the referee and collected at the end of the match.
8.02
Referees shall exercise complete control of the adding of names to the official team sheet of players arriving late who a coach wishes to play.
8.03
Team sheets for all games, including friendlies, must be returned to the Referee Appointments Officer within 5 working days of the completion of each game. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
9.01a
Teams shall be split in to workable divisions based on final league positions from the previous season.
9.01b
Promotion and Relegation will be based on two-up, two-down each season unless otherwise directed by the Management Committee at the start of the season.
9.02
If two or more teams from a division finish level on points at the end of a season, a play off will take place between the teams concerned to determine the Winners.
9.03
If a team withdraws from the League having completed less than 50% of its scheduled games, then that team's record shall be expunged. If a team completed 50% or more of its scheduled games, then the points shall be awarded to the opponents for the un-played games.
9.04
If a team is either expelled or suspended from competition, its record shall be expunged irrespective of the number of games played.
10. Cup Rules
10.01a
All matches will be played for the duration set out in 7.06. If at the end of normal playing time the scores are level then an extra period of time will be played as follows;
U13 5 minutes each way
U14 5 minutes each way
U15 7 minutes each way
10.01b
If no result is achieved after this time then a Sudden Death tiebreaker will apply. In such a circumstance the referee will toss a coin, the team calling correctly having the choice of ends with the opposition assembling in position to receive play at the kick off.
10.02
Any protest arising from a cup fixture or result of it must be lodged in writing by the club making the protest with the league secretary within 3 working days of the game ending.
10.03
All receipts generated from finals after expenses, will be devoted to the League’s funds.
10.04
Any player appearing in a semi-final or final must have appeared in at least three League and/or cup games for that team (not club) in that season.
11.01
Referees shall be paid in accordance with the BARLA Constitution
12 Discipline
12.01
The Management Committee will appoint a Disciplinary Committee to adjudicate upon all clubs players, officials or other persons reported by referees or touch judges for any reason or incident arising during a game played under the jurisdiction of the League.
12.02
The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to expel, suspend and/or fine any club, player or official or other person found guilty of misconduct and/or breach of the rules and to order them to meet the costs incurred.
12.03
Referee and/or touch judge reports of sendings off or brawls must be submitted within 5 working days of the end of the match to both the offending club(s) and the discipline secretary.
12.05
Where an incident has occurred during a game requiring a report, the referee shall take and verify the relevant information from the Official Team Sheet before returning it to the team concerned
12.06
Clubs must contact the referee concerned if any report of misconduct has not been received within 5 working days of the end of a match.
12.07a
Where possible all discipline matters shall be dealt with within 31 days of the incident occurring.
12.07b
Where a case cannot be dealt with inside the stipulated time it will be deemed to be opened and adjourned.
12.08
Any person or club requesting a personal hearing must do so in writing to the discipline secretary within 7 days of the hearing notification being issued. The appropriate fee, as documented on the Hearing Notification Form, must be paid for each Disciplinary Hearing requested.
12.09
Any club player or official, or any other person cited for misconduct contained in a written report and who wishes to dispute the content may provide:
i) an unedited recording which, in the event of serious misconduct having been reported by whatever source, must be retained for a period of 14 days from the game date or for an unspecified period as demanded by committee
ii) a letter of mitigation against the citing of guilt.
iii) a notice requesting a personal hearing to which they may bring witnesses in their own defence. See 12.08
12.10
Any player/club/official choosing not to make a personal appearance will waiver their right to make any subsequent appeal to BARLA.
12.11
In the event of an official report having been submitted and received by the discipline committee citing inappropriate or abusive match day conduct by a club coach, player or club official who decides not to defend the allegation, the discipline committee reserves the right in a particularly serious case to instruct the appearance at a hearing, having given notice in writing, of the coach, player, club official and/or their representative. A standard fee of £10 may be levied to meet the cost of general administration.
12.12
In all cases where a personal appearance has been made and a verdict of “Not Guilty” delivered the appellant/club may request a refund of the fee paid.
12.13
Referees may be requested to attend disciplinary hearings. The league may agree to the payment of out of pocket expenditure in these cases.
12.14
Disciplinary meetings will be held at a time designated by committee. These meetings will be held at GPSCC. Clubs seeking representation will receive notification in writing within seven days of the scheduled hearing date.
12.15
Decisions of the discipline committee are final. Any appeal to BARLA must be sent within 7 days of receipt of notification of the original decision along with a fee of £40. A copy must also be sent to the discipline secretary.
13. Suspensions
13.01
A player's suspension will commence on the Saturday following the meeting at which the suspension was notified. Sentences of six matches or more shall commence with immediate effect.
13.02
The following games shall count towards a player's suspension; all league or cup games, representative games in which the suspended player had been selected and games for which the points have been awarded by default.
13.03
A suspended player is not permitted to play in any other game of rugby league until his suspension is served. Any player or club violating this rule will be fined not less than £100 and the offending player shall be suspended for a further six matches.
14.01
The League Transfer Committee will, at all times, continue the promotion of development strategies across the League
14.02
In the first instance, all transfers will be dealt with by the League Transfer Secretary. The Transfer Committee will meet when necessary during the playing season.
14.03
A transfer request form must be completed and endorsed with all the relevant signatures. Requests should be posted to the Transfer Secretary or handed in at a monthly meeting.
14.04
The transfer of players between clubs will not be allowed between the last day of February and the first Monday in June each year.
14.05
Youth/Junior players, once registered with a club, may only transfer to a club in their domiciled area after it has been established that the player does not owe any money or equipment to the club they wish to leave.
14.06
Any player/club at youth and junior level has a right of appeal to the Transfer Appeals Committee whose decision will be binding.
14.07
Only one transfer per player per season will be allowed.
14.08
A youth/junior team may only transfer three players into their team per season. These transfer MUST be from three different clubs. NB Under the ‘Gemini Rule’ twins are allowed to transfer as one.
14.09
Additional player transfers may be sanctioned providing mutual agreement between the clubs is confirmed in writing to the League Transfer Committee.
14.10
Should club personnel from the leaving club refuse to sign the transfer form, the appropriate Registration Secretary should initially communicate with the leaving club’s Secretary in order to ascertain accurate details. The form may then be processed within four weeks by the League Transfer Committee, acting as surrogate and so validating the transaction.
14.11
Random checks will be carried out by members of the League Management Committee at clubs’ training sessions to ensure that clubs are complying with these rules.
15.01
Any fines issued must be paid within 28 days. Any fine not paid within this time will be doubled. Failure to pay within a further 14 days will result in all fixtures for that team being forfeited until the fine is paid.
15.02
Any club with fines outstanding after 42 days will not be entitled to vote at any Ordinary, Special or Annual General Meeting.
16. Equal Opportunities
16.01
The League will act in accordance with BARLA's Equal Opportunities policy.
17. Racial Abuse
17.01
BARLA as the governing body and The League as a subsidiary organisation are jointly committed to eradicating all forms of racial discrimination and racism, a commitment that will enhance equality of opportunity in all aspects of the game.
17.02
All cases of alleged racial discrimination or an issues regarding child protection received by The League will be referred directly to the appropriate authority.
18. Other Issues
18.01
All other rules covered under Section E (Standard Amateur Rules) as contained in the current handbook of BARLA will be adopted.
19. Trophies
19.01
All trophies must be returned to the league by 1st Wednesday in April each year. Any damage must be corrected or paid for.
20. Player Compensation
20.01
Compensation from professional clubs in respect of players shall be dealt with by the district league to which the player belongs.
21. Management Procedures
21.01
The management committee shall have the power to deal with any matter not provided for in these rules.
21.02
All decisions of The League Management Committee are final. Any appeal, accompanied by a deposit of £40, must be lodged with BARLA for receipt within seven days of either a) the original decision should it have been communicated verbally at the original discipline hearing or b) the date on which the communication was written and not that received by post.
21.03
Where a written complaint for whatever reason is lodged with the League by one club against another the plaintiff must ensure a copy is forwarded to the club against whom the complaint is levelled. Conversely it is the duty of the club against whom a complaint is lodged to acknowledge notice of it. All correspondence must be copied to all parties concerned and The League.
June 2008
APPENDIX TO CONSTITUTION
FINES SEASON 2007-08
Failure to attend monthly meeting £30
Failure to attend AGM £50
Missing team sheet £20
Non reporting of result £20
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Management
EACH club shall work towards:
- operating its activities with a Chair, Secretary and Media Press/Officer
- holding a bank account with a minimum of two signatories from the elected officers
- accepting responsibility for a club development policy and implementation plan
- accessing a first point of contact to liaise with visiting teams and referees
- holding Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance cover i.e. the BARLA National Mandatory Personal Accident and Death by Natural Causes Insurance.
- operating with a community liaison officer to work with and alongside external sports bodies and Rugby League agencies
- interaction between club and schools in the catchment area and with the local sports community development unit
- supporting and embracing Service Area initiatives including attendance at all Service Area club forums and seminars
- having a specific membership category and pricing policy for children and young people
- facilitating contribution by all sections to the decision-making process through representation on the major
management committee
Facilities
EACH club must provide as minimum unless otherwise notified to The League
- access to clean toilets
- access to clean and heated changes facilities for both the visiting team and referee to include hot and running cold water and a shower
- access to and well-maintained safe/playing and training area/s
- access to facilities: provision of after match refreshments for both players and referees
- encouragement to the local community groups schools and Service Area management for the use where practicable of facilities
Equipment
EACH club should aim to provide
- 6 (six) balls (appropriate sizes) per playing squad
- 6 (six) appropriate contact shields owned solely by the club
- 6 (six) tackle bags owned solely by the club
- 1 (one) set of training cones per playing squad
- essential equipment with which to wherever possible rope off playing areas so preventing encroachment on to the field of spectators in attendance
- post protectors and padding
Sports Equity and Ethics
EACH club should aim towards:
- implementing a club equal opportunities policy programme in tandem with and supported by clear workable grievance procedures
- producing a constitution easily discernible that promotes non-discriminatory practices in both its values and principles
- disseminating promoting and practising by example a Parental Code of Conduct which emphasises clearly without equivocation or deviation touchline behavioural standards and the penalties to be imposed in respect of those persons who break the code.
Duty of Care and Child Protection
EACH club should strive towards:
- evaluating and embracing without equivocation the Rugby League’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures and work towards its implementation
- drafting propagating and enforcing an obligatory Risk Management Policy
- qualifying at least two persons to the level of sports aid medic who will be in attendance at all training/playing sessions
- accrediting at least two persons to Club Mark child protection training
- disseminating information on emergency proceedings for accidents
- disseminating to players and parents information on known medical conditions and diet.
Playing
EACH club should provide
- coaching as a regular and structured coaching programme during the season
- coaches appropriately qualified to the level at which they coach via the Rugby League Coach Education Programme
- resources to enhance training and/or the ability to evaluate juniors through professional coaching manuals and RLCEP materials
- access to match play opportunities available to all members of the club to include entry into local/national group competitions
- observance of and a strict adherence to a Code of Conduct towards match officials
July 2007