Rules of The West of England & South Wales Mens Hockey League - 2008 - 2009.

1. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

2. STRUCTURE OF THE LEAGUE

3. LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION

4. FIXTURES

5. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS

6. PLAYER QUALIFICATION AND TRANSFERS

7. TEAM SELECTION AND PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

8. UMPIRES

9. CONDITIONS OF PLAY

10. POST-MATCH RESPONSIBILITIES

11. POSTPONEMENTS, ABANDONMENTS AND UNPLAYED MATCHES

12. MISCONDUCT

13. ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION

14. CLAIMING MATCHES, PROTESTS, RATIFICATION AND APPEALS PROCEDURE

15. COMMITTEE POWERS AND BINDING FORCE OF RULES

APPENDIX 1- Floodlighting Policy and match start times

APPENDIX 2- League structure for season 2008/2009

1. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

1.1 Abbreviations ASC - Appeals Sub-Committee RSC - Rules Sub-Committee SWHU - South Wales Region of the Welsh Hockey Union. SSWHUA - South Wales Region of the Welsh Hockey Umpires Association WHA - West Hockey Association. WHU - Welsh Hockey Union. WHUC - West Hockey Umpires Committee.

1.2 Definitions “The League” Shall mean the League formed by the Rules. It shall be called “The West of England & South Wales Mens Hockey League” or by such title as may be deemed appropriate by the Committee to reflect sponsorship of the League. “The National League” Shall mean the League organised by England Hockey. “The Rules” Shall mean the rules of the League. “The Committee” Shall mean the committee created by the Rules to administer the League. “The RSC” Shall mean the Rules Sub Committee created by the Rules to adjudicate on match decisions “The ASC” Shall mean the Appeals Sub Committee created by the Rules to hear appeals on RSC decisions. “The Council” Shall mean the Council of the WHA. “Participating County” Shall mean any County Hockey Association affiliated to the WHA, provided there is at least one team in the League which is affiliated to that County Association. “The League Secretary” Shall mean the Secretary of the Committee. “The Premier Division Secretary” Shall mean the person responsible for the administration of the Premier Divisions “The Area Secretary” Shall mean the Premier Division Secretary, the North, South, North East or South Wales Area Secretary as appropriate. “The Results and Distribution Administrator” Shall mean the person who is appointed by the Committee to receive results of League matches and to distribute them to the Committee, media and other appropriate persons and to maintain the results and League division tables on the League website. “District Division” Shall mean those Divisions designated as such by the Committee and shown as such in Appendix 2 of the Rules. “Lower XI” Shall mean a team which is not a 1st XI. “Club” Shall mean any club which has at least one team participating in the League, except where the context requires otherwise. Throughout the Rules, any reference to a governing body of hockey shall be taken to mean it or its successor in function.

2. STRUCTURE OF THE LEAGUE

The League is fully integrated, and providing the teams keep within the Rules, decided on playing merit. However, clubs must remember that teams promoted to, or relegated from, the National League could have a knock-on-effect, as would unequal numbers of teams from an Area or Section promoted to and relegated from a Division fed by Areas or Sections, hence the league may place teams at its own discretion.

2.1 Membership and Affiliation requirements.

a) All teams participating in the League must be affiliated to the appropriate County, Regional and National Hockey Associations. Any team which is debarred from playing against other teams by reason of disaffiliation may be suspended from the League.

b) (i) All teams shall pay an annual subscription in respect of each team participating in the League. This shall be paid to the League Treasurer before the 31st October. Failure to pay by the 31st October shall incur a fine; failure to pay by the 1st December shall incur such additional penalties under Rule 15.1 as the Committee may decide. (ii) All clubs shall send annually to the League Administrator a completed Membership List consisting of names and initials by the 31st October. Failure to do so may incur a fine.

c) The members of the League will be: (i) All teams which were members of the League in the previous season except any team which has gained admission to the National League and any team which withdrew or has been suspended or expelled from the League; (ii) All teams whose application for admission has been accepted by the Committee; (iii) Any appropriate team which has been relegated from the National League.

d) (i) Any club affiliated to the WHA or the SWHU may apply to enter a team in the League, save any school or club whose membership is substantially composed of members of another club. No club may enter a lower XI in the League if its 1st XI is not a member of the League or the National League. (ii) Any application to enter a new team in the League must be sent to the League Secretary no later than 2 weeks after the last scheduled League date, as printed in the fixture list in the form prescribed by the League. The Committee shall determine whether to accept any such application.

e) Any club wishing to withdraw a team from the League shall notify the League Secretary in writing, or by e-mail, no later than 2 weeks after the last scheduled League date, as printed in the fixture list, otherwise it shall be liable to pay subscriptions for the following season. Any club which withdraws a team from the League later than 2 weeks after the last scheduled League date, as printed in the fixture list will not be eligible to enter a new team into the League for two seasons (including the season in which a team has withdrawn) and may be liable to a financial penalty.

2.2 Areas, Sections, Districts and Divisions

a) The League shall be divided into two Areas, North and South. The Committee shall decide into which Area each club shall be placed and may transfer any club between Areas, with effect from the beginning of the following season. Premier Divisions shall be formed by clubs from both North and South

b) Areas may be divided into Sections and Sections into Districts as the Committee shall deem appropriate and the Committee may place or transfer any club into a Section or any team into a District, with effect from the beginning of the following season.

c) The League shall comprise Divisions as shown in Appendix 2. The Committee shall have the power to alter the divisional structure of the League and shall give not less than three months’ notice of its intention to exercise this power. The Committee shall have the power to increase or decrease the number of Divisions in Sections and/or Districts before the 1st July preceding any season and the exercise of that power shall not constitute alteration of the divisional structure within the Rules.

d) The allocation of teams to Divisions at the start of each season shall be determined by: (i) Any team which was a member of the League in the previous season will be placed in the same Division unless it was promoted or transferred or relegated in accordance with Rule 2.4; (ii) Any team admitted in accordance with Rule 2.1(c)(ii)will be placed in the appropriate lowest ranked Division in its Area; (iii) Any team relegated from the National League will be placed in Premier Division 1.

e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Rules, the Committee may in its sole discretion before the first match of the season, vary the teams in any Divisions.

f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Rules, the Committee may in its sole discretion before the first match of the season, transfer a team from one Division to another in the same Area or transfer a Club from one Section to another

g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Rules, no lower XI shall be placed in Premier Division 1 if its 1st XI is also in that Division. If a lower XI is in Premier Division 1 and its 1st XI is relegated to it from the National League, the lower XI will be relegated automatically, regardless of its final position in Premier Division 1.

2.3 Teams’ positions in Divisions

a) Points shall be awarded for each completed League match, with teams scoring three points for each match won and one point for each match drawn.

b) The position of teams in each Division shall be determined by: Points, then Goal Difference, then Goals Scored : in descending order of priority. If two or more teams are equal and it is necessary to distinguish between them for promotion or relegation, the Area Secretary shall arrange a play-off.

c) Not less than three times each season, the League Secretary shall circulate to all members of the League tables of the current position in all Divisions. This shall include the circulation of a table of the final positions in all Divisions at the end of the season. This Rule shall be deemed fulfilled by the display of the divisional tables on the League website.

2.4 Promotion and Relegation

a) At the end of each season, the winners of Premier 1 shall be promoted to the National League, providing the team can prove compliance with the National League regulations in respect of overseas players. The National League organisers reserve the right to make full enquiries to the Premier 1 winners to ensure compliance.

b) At the end of each season the winner and 2nd-placed team in each Division will be promoted to the next higher Division:

c) At the end of each season, the two bottom placed sides of each Division shall be relegated to the appropriate lower Division, with the exception of Premier 3, North 2, South 2, Avon and Severn where the four bottom placed sides shall be relegated subject to ratification by the Committee. Clubs must remember that teams relegated from the National League could have a knock-on-effect, as would unequal numbers of teams from an Area or Section relegated from a Division fed by Areas or Sections.

3. League Administration

3.1 Committee

a) The control of the League shall be vested in the Council and the SWHU subject to the delegation of their powers to the Committee. Should any disagreement arise between these two bodies, it should be referred to England Hockey and the WHU.

b) All changes to the Rules must be approved by the Council and the SWHU.

c) The Committee shall consist of one member appointed by each English Participating County, two members appointed by the SWHU, one member appointed by WHUC, one member appointed by SWHUA, the Area Secretaries and any appointees under Rule 3.1(d). The Committee may co-opt up to three additional members.

d) The Committee shall meet in April or May, prior to the Annual General Meeting of the WHA, and shall elect a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Press Officer, Results and Distribution Administrator and Premier Division Secretary from among its members at that meeting or, in default of members of the Committee willing or able to fulfil the posts, shall appoint such persons as it deems appropriate to the posts of Secretary Treasurer, Press Officer, Results and Distribution Administrator and Premier Division Secretary. The Committee may also meet at other times as may be necessary. At least fourteen days’ notice shall be given to members of the Committee.

e) All votes in Committee shall be decided by simple majority but, if voting is equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second and casting vote. The quorum at a Committee meeting shall be five members.

f) The Committee shall have the power to set up sub-committees. The Chairman of any such sub-committee shall be a member of the Committee.

g) Clubs wishing to have any general matters brought before the Committee should contact their County Representatives of the League Committee.

3.2 Area Meetings

a) Area Meetings shall be held in the North, South and South Wales in April or May prior to the Committee meeting detailed in Rule 3.1(d). The Area Meeting shall elect the Area Secretary or Secretaries from among its members. Area Meetings may also be held at other times as necessary. At least fourteen days’ notice of Area Meetings shall be given to clubs. Should an Area Secretary become unable to fulfil their duties through incapacitation or, the League Secretary, in consultation with the League Chairman, deems they are not properly acting in accordance with Rule 13.1 - then the Committee may vote by simple majority to transfer their powers to the Premier Area Secretary until the next area meeting when a replacement shall be elected.

b) (i) Area Meetings shall be composed of one person appointed by each club together with a Chairman who shall be appointed by the Committee from among its members. (ii) Clubs which fail to attend their Area Meeting will be liable to a fine. (iii) Teams which have won their Division shall attend their Area Meeting to collect their trophy. Failure to do so will attract a fine and the trophy shall be collected at that team’s club’s expense.

c) Any votes in the Area Meeting shall be decided by simple majority but if voting is equal on any matter, the Chairman shall have a second and casting vote. The quorum at Area Meetings shall be ten members.

d) Decisions made by any Area Meeting, except for the election of the Area Secretary, shall have no binding force unless and until ratified by the Committee.

e) The South Wales Area Secretary shall be elected annually by the clubs which have at least one team in the South Wales Section.

3.3 Finance

a) All clubs shall pay an annual subscription in respect of each of its teams which is participating in the League. Payment shall be made in accordance with Rule 2.1(b). The amount of the subscription shall be determined by the Committee.

b) The accounts of the League shall be verified as directed by the Council and the SWHU.

4. FIXTURES.

4.1 Each team shall play all other teams in its Division at least once.

4.2 All League matches shall be arranged to take place on such dates, which may include Sundays, as shall be determined by the Committee. The League Secretary shall send to each club details of its opponents for its League matches by the 1st July in each year.

4.3 All fixtures must be completed no later than 3 weeks after the last scheduled League date, as printed in the fixture list, unless with the express permission of the appropriate Area Secretary, only after consultation with the League Chairman.

5. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS.

5.1 Notifying opposition and umpires

a) The home club shall notify its opponents of the location and type of pitch; start time; umpiring arrangements; any special requirements (eg security, clash of playing colours) at least 10 days in advance of the match date. Failure to do so may incur penalties. If it fails to do so in time for the away side to make their arrangements, the away team should contact the home side and their Area Secretary.

b) The home club shall notify any umpires appointed from outside its club of the match details at least 10 days in advance of the match date. Failure to do so may incur penalties.

5.2 Start times and playing under floodlights

a) Start times of matches shall be as specified in Appendix 1 to the Rules, with the proviso that no match may start before 12.00 noon or after 17.00 without the prior approval of the Area Secretary AND the travelling team must be given at least three weeks notice in writing, or by e-mail. Failure to comply with either of these requirements may incur penalties.

b) Matches played under floodlights must comply with Appendix 1 to the Rules. Failure to do so may incur penalties.

c) If a match is scheduled to finish after the time for ringing in the result under Rule 10.1(a), the home club must inform the Results Service of this in advance of the day of the match or a penalty may be incurred.

5.3 Pitch surface requirements

a) All matches shall be played on artificial turf pitches except for those in District Divisions which may be played on hard surface pitches (except tarmac or concrete) and all players must be prepared to play on such surfaces. .

b) All matches in Premier Division 1 shall be played on artificial turf pitches approved by the Committee

5.4 Pitch restrictions

a) Studded astro-turf boots have been banned from some pitches. Visiting teams must comply with these restrictions and will not be allowed to postpone a game if some of their players do not have allowable boots.

b) Some clubs play on pitches within military establishments and visiting teams will have to comply with security requirements. Failure to comply with security requirements will not be accepted as a reason for postponing a game. In both instances, the home club should contact the visiting club at least 10 days in advance to advise what the restrictions and/or requirements will be.

6. PLAYER QUALIFICATION AND TRANSFERS

6.1 Qualification

a) Only bona fide male members of a club may play for that club in League matches.

b) Any player who has already played for another club in the League, the National League or another outdoor regional hockey league in the current season may not play for a club in the current League season unless he has transferred in accordance with Rule 6.2

6.2 Transfer

a) A player may transfer to a new club subject to the following conditions: (i) Written request is made to the Area Secretary by his new club in the form prescribed by the League. (ii) The player shall have paid up to date any subscriptions or fees properly due to his former and new clubs for the season and both clubs shall confirm the same in writing, or by e-mail, to the Area Secretary within 7 days of being requested so to do. (iii) The player shall not play in a League match for his former or new club until four League weekends have elapsed from the transfer request in (i) being received by the Area Secretary.

b) The Area Secretary shall have the power to reduce or waive the four week waiting period.

c) A player registered with the National League must de-register before the transfer can be agreed.

7. TEAM SELECTION AND PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

7.1 Suspended players

No team shall contain a player who is suspended in accordance with the disciplinary code of England Hockey or WHU.

7.2 Selection

a) All clubs must select their teams so that the strongest available team is put out at each level, commencing with the 1st team.

b) If any of a club’s teams (including National League teams) is not involved in a match, the club shall select its League teams as if that team were playing, save as provided in Rule 7.4

c) Clubs shall not strengthen a lower team with players from a higher team to gain an advantage at any time.

d) If a club has a deficiency of players, it shall cancel its lowest team(s)’s match(es) first.

e) Where a game has been rearranged following a proper postponement request, there must be a minimum of 7 regular players from that team participating in the rearranged fixture. If a club has difficulties with this they must seek clearance from their Area Secretary to reduce this number prior to the match taking place. Some clubs run squad systems for some of their teams. The League do not want to restrict clubs from making the best use of their players within the context of "strongest 1st team downwards", but have to ensure that the rules are followed. If a squad is being reduced in size as a policy decision, the club should notify the appropriate Area Secretary in advance. This is especially important as the season progresses and promotion/relegation issues become clearer. If two or more players from a higher team appear for just one lower team match and then return to the higher team, it will be taken as evidence of "loading" a side for that match. Area Secretaries will need a lot of persuading otherwise. If a club has a crisis of player numbers, necessitating reduction of squads to fulfil fixtures, it should notify the appropriate Area Secretary in advance if it is only expected to last a week and might otherwise look like "loading”.

7.3 Playing for more than one team

No player may play for more than one team in scheduled League matches in the same weekend. However, it is accepted that when a re-arranged game is scheduled for a Sunday one or more regular players may not be available. In such instances, gaps can be filled with players from a lower ranked team. If it is the clubs lowest team with the rearranged game the players may be drawn from the team ranked immediately above them. Any proposed selection falling outside this criteria must be agreed beforehand with the appropriate Area Secretary. A player who was an unused substitute in one match shall be deemed not to have played in that match for the purposes of this rule.

7.4 Clubs with teams playing in the National League

A club having a squad in the National League must nominate before the first Saturday of the League season eleven of their National League players (one of which must be a goalkeeper) who will not be eligible to play in subsequent League matches. This list must be sent to the League Secretary and the appropriate Area Secretary i.e. the Area in which the Club's 2nd XI plays its matches. Clubs may change the lists of nominated players twice in a season if they wish to do so, in November and January and revised lists must be sent to the League Secretary and the appropriate Area Secretary i.e. the Area in which the Club's 2nd XI plays its matches, before the end of those months. Changes to the list of nominated players can only be made once in each of those months. However, if a player is de-registered from the National League or transferred to another club during the season, he MUST be replaced within 7 days. Players who belong to a National League club but do not appear on the nominated list may play for the club's 2nd XI in the League in the same weekend as they play in the National League for the 1st XI. If a nominated player is returning from injury, then the appropriate Area Secretary, only after consultation with the League Chairman, may consider a request for that player to appear for a club's 2nd XI. Nominated players must be regular first team players and must appear regularly on a National League team sheet. A copy of every National League team sheet must be sent by the Wednesday following the match to the Area Secretary who has responsibility for their 2nd XI in order that compliance with this rule can be checked. Failure to do so will be treated as if it were a breach of Rule 10.3(b).

7.5 Premier Division 1 registration

All clubs with a team in Premier Division 1 are required to submit a list of the players who will be playing in that team during the current season. This is to be in the format required by the League and will specify the name and date of birth for each player and a box to tick to indicate that they conform to the eligibility requirements of the National League. No more than one player ineligible on these criteria may be registered at any stage during the season. The form must be sent to the Premier League Secretary at least seven days prior to a club's first league game of the season. Additions to the original submitted list, which must be in the same format as the original form, can be made at any time during the season by hard copy or email but they must be received, and receipt acknowledged, by the Premier Area Secretary prior to the player(s) participating in a Premier Division 1 game. Deletions from the list can be advised by email at any time. Failure to do so will be deemed to be a breach of the Rules and will be penalised, as will the provision of incorrect information.

8. UMPIRES

The League is not responsible for appointing umpires to League games. Umpires are appointed to League games wherever possible by umpires' associations, but for other games, particularly in the lower divisions, clubs have to provide their own. No authority exists for umpires to make any decision upon the Rules of the League.

8.1 Qualified umpires

a) No League match shall be played without two qualified umpires, save as provided in Rule 8.1(b).

b) Umpires must be members of an appropriate Regional Umpires' Association and be qualified to at least Level 1, however, in the District Divisions, one umpire is allowed to be in the process of obtaining his/her Level 1 qualification.

8.2 Appointed umpires

a) An “appointed” umpire is an umpire appointed to a League match by the WHUC, the SWHUA or a County HUA who may require a qualification above Level 1.

b) It is the responsibility of clubs to request appointments of the appropriate body, notify appointed umpires of the match arrangements under Rule 5.1(b) and make payment of any fees for appointed umpires.

8.3 Where not both umpires are appointed, the following shall apply:

a) 1 appointed umpire: Home club provides the other qualified umpire.

b) No appointed umpire: Home club provides two qualified umpires unless, at least 7 days’ prior to the match, agreement has been reached with the away side that they will provide one or both qualified umpires. The away club may also elect to provide one qualified umpire provided it gives the Home side at least 3 days notice

8.4 If an appointed or club umpire fails to arrive by the start time or a club umpire is not provided under Rule 8.3 the following shall apply:

a) Appointed umpire is absent Start may be delayed by 15 minutes; if still absent, a “temporary” umpire qualified to at least Level 1 may take his place with the agreement of the other umpire and the two captains. If no such agreement is possible or no suitably qualified person available, the match shall not count as a League match. If a “temporary” umpire is a player from one of the teams, which thereby reduces the number of players available to it on the pitch, the other team shall withdraw one of its own players from the pitch, otherwise the player shall withdraw from the squad. Both the “temporary” umpire and withdrawn player may resume playing at the same time as soon as the absent umpire arrives and takes over from the “temporary” umpire.

b) Club umpire is absent The absent umpire’s club’s team shall withdraw a player who is qualified within Rule 8.1 to act as “temporary” umpire. The opposing team shall not have to withdraw a player. The “temporary” umpire may resume playing as soon as the absent umpire arrives and takes over from him.

c) A “temporary” umpire must not be part of rolling substitutions with players and must not be replaced at half-time by a player who has participated in the first half of the game.

8.5 Penalties for breach of Rule 8

a) The lack of an appointed, or club, umpire is not grounds for postponement. Clubs are expected to have sufficient umpires to support their teams. If appointed umpires are withdrawn at short notice, then the Area Secretary MUST be consulted immediately if this causes a problem.

b) If a match is not played for lack of an appointed or club umpire and either club is found to be at fault, the Area Secretary may, inter alia, impose a fine, award the match, deduct points or order the match replayed under such conditions as he/she may deem appropriate.

c) If a match is played with a “temporary” umpire and either club is found at fault for the absence of an appointed or club umpire, the Area Secretary may impose a fine on the offending club.

9. CONDITIONS OF PLAY

9.1 Rules of Hockey

All League matches shall be played in accordance with the Rules of Hockey. The introduction of any experimental rule shall be subject to the agreement of England Hockey and WHU.

9.2 Numbered shirts In any League match, all players shall wear shirts bearing numbers of at least 9” in height in the centre of the back of the shirt and of contrasting colour from the shirt.

9.3 Clash of playing colours If two teams have the same or similar playing colours, the away team shall change its playing strip to a contrasting colour.

9.4 Pitch and equipment The home team captain shall be responsible for ensuring:

a) An adequate supply of match balls

b) The goals and nets are in good repair and the pitch clear of debris before the start of the match.

9.5 Match cards Both captains shall fill in the names and the shirt numbers of all their players, including substitutes. Failure to do so may incur a penalty (see Rule 10.3(b)).

9.6 Late starts and uncompleted matches

a) Both teams must be ready to start at the time notified by the Home club in compliance with Rule 5.1(a). If a full match cannot be completed because of the lateness of one or other team, the Area Secretary may impose a fine, deduct points, award the match, reverse the result or order the match to be replayed under such conditions as he/she deems appropriate.

b) A result shall stand if at least 60 minutes’ play have taken place. If not, the Area Secretary may decide that the score at early termination of a match shall stand.

9.7 Authority of umpires

As soon as a League match commences, the captains of both teams shall be deemed to have passed all authority for completion of the match to the umpires, but no authority exists for umpires to make any decision upon the Rules of the League.

9.8 Club Sponsors

Sponsors' advertisements are allowed on clothing, shoes, tracksuits and sports bags but not on players' sticks or goalkeeper's pads other than the manufacturer's logo. Three sponsor's advertisements are allowed up to a maximum of 600 sq. cm and no individual advertisement shall exceed 450 sq. cm. In televised matches those participating will be required to comply with the requirement of the television company concerned. No club shall change its name nor incorporate any part of the name of a sponsor in its title without the prior approval of the League and the appropriate County and Regional bodies.

10. POST-MATCH RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1 Phoning results

a) The Home team captain shall, on the day of the match, telephone the result of the match to the League’s Results Service, as follows: Premier Divs North 1 & 2, South 1 & 2 All other Divs Before 4.30 p.m. Before 4.00 p.m. or between 4.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m Before 4.00 p.m. or between 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. All matches re-scheduled on Sundays: before 4.30 p.m. Any match scheduled or re-scheduled to finish outside the above times must be notified to the Results Service in advance of the day of the match.

b) The result must be phoned in stating: (i) The Division (ii) The Match Number (as shown in the handbook) (iii) The Home team name and its score (iv) The Away team name and its score

a) If a match is abandoned or not commenced for any reason, that information must be rung in to the Results Service

b) Matches cannot be claimed by ringing the Results Service – all such claims must be made to the relevant Area Secretary in writing, or by e-mail NOTES NOT FORMING PART OF THE RULES: Note 1: no information other than stated in Rule 10.1(b) is required or desired. Note 2: Multiple results are acceptable in one call, provided:

a) The call is left in the highest team’s “box”

b) The number of results being reported is stated first

c) The results are in descending order from the highest team Note3: The Service has separate “boxes” for various Divisions, which can be accessed by pressing the following numbers when the recorded message says to do so: Premier Divs 1 North, Severn and Avon Divs 2 South Divs 3 South Wales Divs 4 Wilts & NE, Bristol & NW, Hereford & Glos Divs 5 South East Divs & SEDDs 6 South West Div, & SWDDs 7 Note 4: the Results Service phone number is 01392 493367

10.2 Match Cards

The Home team captain shall ensure that:

a) Both umpires’ names are clearly printed, with their EHA or WHU number (or an “L”, if they are between passing the exam and being assessed for Level 1)

b) The score is clearly recorded

c) The card is posted to arrive with the Area Secretary by the Wednesday following the match.

10.3 Penalties for breach of Rule 10 or Rule 9.5

A first offence of:

a) not phoning in/late phoning in of result

b) incomplete/late match card may attract a fine for either. Subsequent result or match card offences will be greater than the rate of the first offence. Clubs which fail to pay their fines will find that additional administration charges will be levied. Clubs should note that persistent offenders of Rule 9.5 and/or Rule 10 may be liable to additional penalties which can include deduction of points.

11. POSTPONEMENTS, ABANDONMENTS AND UNPLAYED MATCHES

11.1 Postponements

a) Only the Area Secretary may authorise postponement of a match for any reason, save if the pitch is unplayable due to weather conditions, when the Home club has the sole right to determine if the pitch is unplayable. (and see Rule 11.2). It is the anticipation of the League that games which have been granted a postponement by the area secretary for whatever reason will be played within a timescale of no later than 22 days (which includes Sundays) from the original date of playing. The express permission of the area secretary will be requested for any times outside of this limit.

b) A club may apply to the Area Secretary for postponement of a match involving it's highest ranked team playing in the League, if it has players participating (as players or officials) on a scheduled League weekend in an event that, at the time of the request, is ranked as a priority 1 or 2 event in the England Hockey or WHU fixture list. If a club has players participating in training weekends at any level then it may apply for a postponement in respect of match(es) involving any team if it can be shown that these players are regular members of the team(s) for which a postponement is requested. Postponement under Rule 11.1(b) can only be granted by the Area Secretary after consultation with the League Chairman. Application for postponement under this Rule must be made by the club to the Area Secretary immediately its players’ involvement is known. If a club has a player shortage even after a request for postponement under 11.2(b) then they will need to make a further application for postponement under Rule 7.2(d).

c) Applications for postponement for any other reason must be made to the Area Secretary as soon as the circumstances are known. However, unless there are exceptional circumstances it is unlikely the request will be granted for any team other than the lowest within the Club as to do so would disadvantage other teams.

d) Where League fixtures are scheduled for outside the advertised start/finish date for a University/College, only a recognised University/College may request a postponement. Clubs which are merely affiliated to a University/College do not qualify. (i) A recognised University/College shall be one that is affiliated to UCAS (University and College Administration Service) Note: Postponements are unlikely to be granted for such reasons as: players on holiday, weddings, university exams, International Rugby weekends and reasons of personal choice making players unavailable. Delay in applying for postponements is likely to result in refusal.

11.2 Bad Weather Procedure

The home team should follow the following procedure.

a) The home liaison officer should ascertain from the visiting team the latest time of notification of cancellation, i.e. when the visiting ream intends to depart for the pitch venue. If it is clearly earlier than the above time that the pitch will be unfit due to weather, the visiting side and umpires should be informed immediately.

b) It is the responsibility of the home team to inspect the pitch prior to the above mentioned departure time. The liaison officer and/or a representative of the home side should do this. A realistic view must be taken at this stage. If the pitch is unfit and is likely to remain so, the game should be postponed and reported as such under Rule 11.4(a).

11.3 Abandonments

A match, once commenced, may only be abandoned by the decision of the umpires. The result will stand if at least 60 minutes’ play has taken place (subject to Rule 9.6(a), (b)), but otherwise at the discretion of the Area Secretary.

11.4 Reporting postponement, abandonment or unplayed matches

a) Unless instructed by the Area Secretary, whenever a match is postponed, abandoned or is unplayed for any reason, the Home club must immediately inform: (i) the opposition (ii) the umpires (iii) the Results Service (iv) the Area Secretary

b) In addition, if there is any dispute over the circumstances, both clubs must report the circumstances in writing, or by e-mail, to the Area Secretary within 7 days of the scheduled date of the match.

11.5 Re-scheduling postponed, abandoned or unplayed matches

If clubs cannot, within 7 days of the original scheduled date, agree a date to play a postponed, abandoned or unplayed match, the Area Secretary may dictate the date and venue for it to be played.

11.6 Slip Dates

The Saturday immediately following the end of the scheduled dates in the first half of the season and immediately preceding the start of the scheduled dates in the second half of the season shall be deemed as official League "slip dates" for games properly postponed from the first half of the season. The Saturday immediately following the end of the scheduled dates in the second half of the season shall be deemed to be the official League "slip date" for games properly postponed during the second half of the season. Slip dates are for games that were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions. They are NOT intended to be used for postponements granted under Rules 11.1 (b) and (d) unless with the express permission of the appropriate Area Secretary.

11.7 Area Secretaries’ powers

If a match which has not been properly postponed under Rule 11.1:

a) does not take place or

b) is not completed or

c) if a match is abandoned before 60 minutes’ play has been completed, The Area Secretary shall make a decision as to the outcome and, if appropriate, refer the matter to the RSC for ratification

12. MISCONDUCT

Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, officials and supporters and any conduct, on or off the pitch, which is liable to bring the League into disrepute may be penalised under Rule 15.1. This includes any written or electronic communications published in newspapers, newsletters and websites.

13. ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION

13.1 Area Secretary powers

The Committee hereby delegates to the Area Secretaries, in addition to any specific provision in the Rules, the following powers to exercise on its behalf:

a) to make decisions as to interpretation of the League Rules insofar as they relate to the playing of matches and to impose such conditions as they may deem appropriate to ensure fulfilment of fixtures within the Rules and

b) to impose penalties for breach of the Rules by way of fines, deduction of points, awarding of matches, reversal of results and ordering payment of expenses by one club to another.

13.2 Rules Sub-Committee

a) The Committee shall, each September, appoint from it's members a Rules Sub-Committee (RSC) and delegates to the RSC the following powers to exercise on its behalf: (i) to ratify, amend or reverse decisions of Area Secretaries, including the power to increase or add penalties (but not to include suspension or expulsion from the League) and (ii) to review and prepare changes to the Rules for consideration by the Committee.

b) Decisions of the RSC shall be by simple majority.

13.3 Appeals Sub-Committee

a) The Committee may, as necessary, set up an Appeals Sub-Committee of between 3 and 5 of its members (none of whom shall be the Area Secretary who made the original decision or a member of the RSC), and appoint one of them to act as Chairman, to hear appeals from decisions of the RSC. The ASC shall have the full powers of the Committee under Rule 15.1 to dispose of any appeal.

b) Decisions of the ASC shall be by simple majority but, in the event of voting being equal, the Chairman of the ASC shall have a second and casting vote.

14. CLAIMING MATCHES, PROTESTS, RATIFICATION AND APPEALS PROCEDURE

14.1 Claiming matches, protests

a) Any club seeking to claim a match must do so in writing, or by e-mail, to the relevant Area Secretary within 7 days of the scheduled or rearranged date.

b) Clubs seeking to claim a match, with or without opponent's agreement, must indicate to the Area Secretary why the match cannot be considered as a postponed fixture (rule 11).

c) All protests, complaints of breach of the Rules or questions of interpretation of the Rules shall, in the first instance, be made to the relevant Area Secretary.

d) The Area Secretary shall, after making such enquiries as he/she deems appropriate, advise the RSC of his/her recommended decision. The RSC will reach a final decision by majority vote and the Chairman of the RSC will advise the League Liaison Officer/s of the club/s involved of the decision by letter or e mail, copying the Area Secretary, League Treasurer (if a fine has been awarded) and (if a result is to be altered or a match awarded) the Results and Distribution Administrator, who will post the result and amend the tables on the League website.

e) Any club notified under Rule 14.1(c) may, within 7 days of the date of notification, send written representations to the Chairman of the RSC, who shall distribute the same to the other members of the RSC.

14.2 Appeal against RSC decisions

a) A right of appeal to the Committee exists for either of the clubs whose teams were the opposing teams in a match in respect of which a decision has been made under Rule 14.1.

b) An appeal from a decision of the RSC shall be made within 14 days of notification of the RSC decision to the clubs and shall be sent by e-mail to the League Administrator. An appeal fee of £75 must be received by the League Administrator within the same 14 days or the appeal shall be invalid.

c) Upon receipt of a valid appeal, the League Administrator shall inform the League Chairman, who shall consult with the Committee and decide if an ASC is to be set up to hear the appeal or if the matter will be dealt with by the Committee.

d) Within 21 days of the receipt of a valid appeal, the League Administrator shall advise the clubs of the date (which shall be at least 14 days thereafter) and location of the appeal hearing and whether it is to be heard by the Committee or ASC. The clubs may be represented at the hearing or send written representations via their League Liaison Officer to the League Administrator.

e) The outcome of the appeal hearing shall be confirmed in writing, or by e-mail, within 7 days of the hearing to the clubs involved in the match in question and those who made written representations under Rule 14.3(b).

f) A decision of the Committee or the ASC on its behalf shall be final and binding.

15 COMMITTEE POWERS AND BINDING FORCE OF RULES

15.1 Committee powers

The Committee shall have the power to impose such penalty for breach of the Rules as it may deem appropriate, including (but not limited to) expulsion of a club or team, suspension of a club for up to three years, relegating a team to a lower Division, deduction of points and imposition of fines.

15.2 Binding force of Rules

Each club by its entry into the League shall be deemed to have given its consent to the Rules and to any amendments which may from time to time be adopted in proper form. APPENDIX 1 Floodlighting Policy and match start times A match is deemed to be played under floodlights if they are required for half or more of the match.

1. Policy

1.1 Wherever possible, all matches should be played and completed under natural light.

1.2 The Committee understands the difficulties in every team having a booking within the hours of daylight and has therefore set the following criteria:

(a) Premier Divisions 1, 2 & 3 – October, November, February or March: start time no later than 3.00 p.m. December or January: start time no later than 2.30 p.m.

(b) North Divisions 1 & 2, South Divisions 1 & 2 – October, November, February or March: start time no later than 3.00 p.m. December or January: start time no later than 2.30 p.m., unless the floodlights have been tested and approved for that season.

(c) All other Divisions – No restrictions, but the League would prefer that matches are only played under tested and approved floodlighting.

1.3 If a club wishes to have a start time that does not allow compliance with the above, the prior approval of the Area Secretary MUST be obtained. Failure to do so may incur penalties under Rule 5.2(b).

2. Testing procedures

2.1 The Committee shall appoint a Floodlighting Co-ordinator who will be responsible for arranging the inspection of pitches and determining whether they reach the standard required. Inspection of pitches may be delegated to the Area Secretary or any other person authorised by the Co-ordinator.

2.2 Any club wishing to play matches under floodlights, particularly those in Divisions North 1 & 2 and South 1 & 2, should forward their request to the Co-ordinator as soon as possible but in any case at least 28 days before the match is scheduled to be played under floodlights. The appropriate fee must accompany the request.

2.3 Lighting measurements will be taken using one of the League’s light meters and the reading entered on a grid of points at 10-yard intervals, including side and goal lines.

2.4 The minimum light level at any point must be not less than 200 Lux and the average reading must not be less than 250 Lux.

2.5 After the test, the club concerned should be notified as soon as possible of the result. The tester shall also send to the Co-ordinator and the club concerned copies of the completed grid.

2.6 The Committee may use measurements made another body, but this is solely at the discretion of the Co-ordinator. Appendix 2 - The structure of the West of England & S Wales League