Handbook

Competition Officers for Season 2024-2025

PRESIDENT: - Alex Smailes

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS: Robert W. Anderson David Dodds Roger M Griffths
       
VICE-PRESIDENTS: David P. Smith Jack Williamson  
  Eddie Dunn Anthony Toward  
  Gordon Gibbons Ken Slater  
   Alan Wright    

CHAIRMAN:

PETER RILEY.

2 Beverley Crescent,Low Fell,Gateshead,Tyne and Wear.NE9 5UP.

Telephone: 0191 - 4878260 (Home) 07944014133 (Mobile)

E-mail: peter.riley50@blueyonder.co.uk

VICE-CHAIRMAN: APPOINTMENTS SECRETARY:

GEORGE PENMAN 

10 Vernon Place, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea.Northumberland. NE64 6ED.

Telephone: 01670 - 854278 (Home) 07910 - 213090 (Mobile):

E-mail: penners1962@outlook.com

LEAGUE SECRETARY: REGISTRATION SECRETARY: TREASURER: COMPANY SECRETARY:

WELFARE OFFICER: SAFE GUARDING OFFICER:    

DEREK BOOTH

27 Burwood Road, North Shields. Tyne and Wear. NE29 8BX.    

Telephone: 0191 - 2580236 (Home) 07758 - 666855 (Mobile):      

E-mail: secretarynfal@aol.com

MEDIA / PRESS OFFICER

EVERYTHING DIGITAL - JONNY THOMPSON

jonny@everythingdigital.group

FIXTURE SECRETARY  

SCOTT CLAYTON    

Telephone: 07985 - 162356  

Email: slycottoncat@hotmail.com

ASSISTANT APPOINTMENTS OFFICER:

MARK FERGUSON

Telephone: 07749 - 110730

Email: mfergy90@googlemail.com

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

RESULT SHEETS AUDITOR

ASSISTANT SCRETARY

RESULT SHEET AUDITOR

KEN NEWTON.  

Telephone: 07443 - 903362 (M)

E-Mail: Jkennewton@aol.com

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

FA FULL TIME CO-ORDINATOR, APPOINTMENTS ASSISTANT. 

GEOFF MASON

Telephone: 07907 - 355944

E-mail: geoffhmason@yahoo.co.uk

MEDIA ASSISITANT

RICHIE BRIANS

Telephone: 07914 027087

Email: richie060688@gmail.com 

Elected Club Members of the Management Committee 

ALAN BIRKINSHAW  PONTELAND UTD       KEVIN HASTINGS CRAMLINGTON UTD    
DAVID JONES NEWCASTLE CHEMFIC AMATEURS DAVID HOLMES SEATON DELAVAL AFC
TIM HUTCHINSON NEWCASTLE EAST END BENN BULLEY ELLINGTON
DAN HERON ROTHBURY JOHN ALLAN WILLINGTON QUAY SAINTS
CHRIS HOLT WINLATON COMMUNITY DANIEL WEBSTER NEWCASTLE INDEPENDENT
JAMES KATARAI GOSFORTH BOHEMIANS  DALE GRAHAM hEXHAM 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The above Members are elected by the Clubs to represent their interests and views at Committee Meetings throughout each season. This can be achieved most effectively if Club Secretaries in each division channel their opinions and concerns through the appropriate Representative/s so that important matters are dealt with as they arise. For immediate and more urgent matters the normal course of corresponding with the Competition Secretary should always be followed. When Vacancies occur and remain unfilled, the Competition Secretary, on behalf of the Management Committee, can co-opt a Member(s) on to the Management Committee.

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Northern Football Alliance Roll of Honour

We pay tribute to the following Gentlemen who, for many years, freely contributed their talents and efforts to the game of football in general and to the Northern Football Alliance League in particular.

C. CREGAN SECRETARY AND TREASURER 1937 O 1973
J.W.WRIGHT CHAIRMAN TO 1957
W. CRAIK CHAIRMAN FROM 1958 TO 1964
G.H.LAING VICE CHAIRMAN FROM 1960 TO 1985
J. DENMARK VICE PRESIDENT 1977
G.S.SEYMOUR PRESIDENT 1978
C.JEFFERSON VICE PRESIDENT 1978
T. JORDAN VICE PRESIDENT 1979
J.LAIDLER PRESIDENT 1980
R. CRAIK 1985
J.T.HART VIC PRESIDENT 1988
J. HARVEY VICE PRESIDENT 1989
S.SEYMOUR PRESIDENT 1992
T HATHAWAY VICE PRESIDENT 1993
J.A.FORSTER VIDE PRESIDENT 2000
J.WALKER HONARY LIFE MEMBER 2003
G.McKEAG VICE PRESIDENT 2006
J.H.McLACKLAND SECRETARY 2009
J. MITCHELL VICE PRESIDENT 2010
W. HUMBLE VICE PRESIDENT 2010
A.SAUNDERS VICE PRESIDENT 2010
G.F.DOBBINS CHIARMAN 1995 TO 2010
B.GARDNER PRESS OFFICER 2010
K. SCOTT VICE PRESIDENT 2011
G. NUGENT LIFE MEMBER 2012
J.JACKSON VICE PRESIDENT 2012
L. TODD

HONARY LIFE MEMBER 2013

W.J.DARBY (BILL) VICE CHAIRMAN 2015
R. MAUGHAN VICE PRESIDENT 2016
L. McMAHON VICE PRESIDENT 2018

G. DAVISON 

FIXTURE SECRETARY 2019    

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Dates of Monthly Meetings

ALL MEETINGS TO BE HELD AT THE BLUE FLAMES SPORTS CLUB, WHITLEY ROAD, BENTON, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. NE12 9FA
Tel: 0191 - 2700885

Tuesday, 10/12/2024, - Teams Meeting - ALL TEAMS MUST BE REPRESENTED.
Tuesday, 14/01/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 11/02/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 11/03/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 08/04/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 13/05/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 10/06/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 17/06/2025  - Annual General Meeting - ALL TEAMS MUST BE REPRESENTED
Tuesday, 15/07/2025  - Teams Pre-Season Meeting - ALL TEAMS MUST BE REPRESENTED
Tuesday, 09/09/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 07/10/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 11/11/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 02/12/2025  - League Management Committee
Tuesday, 09/12/2025  - Teams Mid Season Meeting - ALL TEAMS MUST BE REPRESENTED 

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Times of kick-off for league and cup matches

League Matches

Saturdays:

Evening:

Home Clubs using Floodlights may, after agreement with the Away Club, obtain permission from the League Secretary to Kick Off no later than 7-30 pm.
Bank Holidays:
All games to kick-off at 11.00am (Unless otherwise mutually agreed and confirmed with the League Secretary)

Cup Matches

30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED KICK OFF TIME FOR LEAGUE MATCHES

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Match Result Service for the 2024-2025 season

The new details for reporting Match results and scorers will appear here in due course.

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Regulations for the operation of the National League System and Regional NLS Feeder Leagues

NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM REGULATIONS

 1.  DEFINITIONS

In the interpretation of these Regulations: any words and expressions, unless otherwise defined herein, shall be words and expressions as defined as follows:-

“The Association” means The Football Association Limited.

“Club” means a football club for the time being in a League in membership of the NLS or Feeder Leagues (as applicable).

“Committee” in these Regulations means the relevant Committee appointed by the Association.

“Competition” in these Regulations means a League in the NLS.

“Conditional Licence” means a Licence with conditions attached to be met by a Club within a period determined by the Competition in which the Club holding the Licence is allocated by the Committee. Such period is not to exceed 1 March in the Membership Year to which the Licence relates. Save in exceptional circumstances a Conditional Licence cannot be granted to a Club for successive Membership Years in respect of the same Criterion.

“Criteria” means the Criteria for participation in Play Off Matches and Inter-Step Play Off Matches as set out in regulation 9 of these Regulations.

"Feeder Leagues" means Regional NLS Feeder Leagues from where a Club can enter the NLS.

“Inter-Step Play Off Match(es)” means matches played between Clubs at Step 4 and Step 5 who finish in an Inter-Step Play Off Position.

“Inter-Step Play Off Position” means the position of a Club at the end of a Playing Season which is provided for in Regulation 5.2 and facilitated by Standardised Rule 12 as qualifying the Club to take part in an Inter-Step Play Off Match to qualify for promotion to Step 4 (in respect of the Club in Step 5 in the current Playing Season) or retain its position in Step 4 (in respect of the Club in Step 4 in the current Playing Season) for the next Playing Season.

“League” means any competition sanctioned by The Association and/or an Affiliated Association in membership of the NLS or Feeder Leagues (as applicable).

“Licence” means an annual licence required to be held by a Club to be a member of a Competition that may be either an Unconditional Licence or Conditional Licence.

“NLS” means the National League System of competitions controlled by The Association where promotion and relegation links exist between participating Leagues.

“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the League is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the League is played. For Clubs participating in Play Off Matches this does include the period when Play Off Matches are played.

“Play Off Match(es)” means matches played between Clubs in a Play Off Position on a format to be determined by each League provided that the format is the same across each Step.

“Play Off Position” means the position of a Club at the end of each Playing Season which is provided for in Standardised Rule 12 as qualifying the Club to take part in a Play Off Match to qualify for promotion to the next Step for the next Playing Season.

“Regular Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in

the League is played each year and the date on which the last competitive fixture in the League is played, excluding Play Off Matches.

“Regulations” means these regulations.

“Rules” means The Association’s Standardised Rules or The Association’s Standard Code of Rules under which a League is administered.

“Step” means the level at which a Club participates in the NLS or Feeder League (as applicable).

“Unconditional Licence” means a Licence without any conditions attached.

1.1 Due to the impact of COVID-19, a number of regulations were temporarily amended or disapplied for the 2020/2021 season. It is intended that any temporarily amended or disapplied regulations will be reinstated for the commencement of the 2021/2022 season, save where any further amendments have been approved by FA Council. A number of existing regulations have also been amended.

2. THE NLS SHALL BE OPERATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS.

The aims and objectives of the NLS are to provide:

2.1 Clubs with a level of competitive football appropriate to their playing ability, stadium/ ground facilities and geographical location.

2.2 A framework for discussion on matters of policy and common interest to Leagues and Clubs.

2.3 The seasonal movement of Clubs.

2.4 A co-ordinated approach between Leagues regarding the final date of the Playing Season.

All Leagues are bound by the Regulations. A Club is bound by the Regulations from the date it has qualified for placement into the NLS until such time as it leaves the NLS for whatever reason.

3.  NLS LEAGUE STRUCTURE

3.1 The current structure of the NLS is set out below:

The Leagues currently at Steps 5 and 6 are set out at the end of the Regulations.

Each Step shall have the following maximum number of Clubs: Step 1 – 24, Step 2 – 48, Step 3 – 88, Step 4 – 160, Step 5 – 320, Step 6 – 340. Clubs will be placed in the most geographically appropriate division.

3.2 Any league wishing to become part of the NLS must apply to the Committee by 31st December in the relevant year in such form and/or providing such information as shall be required by the Committee from time to time. The decision as to whether or not a league should be admitted to the NLS shall be made by the Committee which will then decide on the Step at which the League will compete.

3.3 Any League wishing to propose an adjustment to its position within the NLS must apply in writing to the Committee by 31st December in any year for such proposal to be determined by the Committee in order, if approved, to have effect in the following Playing Season.

4.  RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

The Committee shall provide for the seasonal promotion, relegation or the movement of Clubs.

5.  DETAILED PROMOTION AND RELEGATION ISSUES

5.1 The criteria for entry to the NLS and the criteria for ground/stadium facilities and the Criteria for participation in Play Off Matches shall be determined by the Committee. All criteria so determined shall be published by The Association from time to time.

5.2 Subject to 5.5, at the conclusion of each Playing Season, the following procedures will apply to promotion / relegation subject to the application of the Rules:

Step 1 and Step 2

These regulations do not deal with promotion from Step 1

The Clubs finishing in the bottom three places at Step 1 at the end of the Playing Season will be relegated and placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 2 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the divisions at Step 2 together with a further two Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for promotion to the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted. The Clubs finishing in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th positions shall be eligible to take part in the Play Off Matches. The Play Off Matches shall be played so that in each Step 2 division there is a qualifying round, semi-finals and a promotion final with all ties being played over a single leg at the ground of the higher placed Club. The winner of the promotion final in each Step 2 division will be promoted. If a Club is not eligible to enter Step 1 then it shall not take part in any Play Off Matches. In that event, such Club shall not be replaced and the Play Off Matches structure and draw shall be adjusted as necessary by the Competition on the basis of the remaining Clubs’ final league positions.

Step 2 and Step 3

The Clubs in the bottom three places in each of the two divisions at Step 2 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the four divisions at Step 3 together with a further four Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches.  Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for promotion to the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in 3rd position (and so on) shall be the Club in the next eligible position to take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the Criteria for participation in Play Off Matches the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. In each division at Step 3, the Play Off Matches shall be played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. The ties will be played on a single match basis with the home Club being the Club with the best points per match ratio in the Regular Season. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to a second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will play in the further Play Off Match described above.  Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be eligible to take part in Play Off Matches.

The promoted Clubs will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 2 for the following Playing Season.

Step 3 and Step 4

The Clubs finishing in the bottom four places in each of the four divisions at Step 3 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 4 for the following Playing Season. They will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 together with a further eight Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for promotion to the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in 3rd position (and so on) shall be the Club in the next eligible position to take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play  Off Position but does not meet the Criteria for participation in Play Off Matches, the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. In each division at Step 4 the Play Off Matches shall be played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. The ties will be played on a single match basis with the home Club being the Club with the best points per game ratio in the Regular Season. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to the second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will be promoted. Clubs finishing below 7th position will not be eligible to take part in Play Off Matches.

The promoted Clubs will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 3 for the following Playing Season.

Step 4 and Step 5

The Clubs finishing in the bottom two places in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 5 for the following Playing Season. The Clubs finishing in 3rd and 4th bottom in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 at the end of the Regular Season will take part in Inter-Step Play Off Matches against the Clubs finishing in 2nd position in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5 to determine whether they remain at Step 4 or are relegated to Step 5 for the following Playing Season.

The Clubs relegated for finishing bottom and 2nd from bottom in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 will be replaced by the Clubs finishing in 1st position in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5. The Clubs finishing in 2nd position in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5 will take part in Inter-Step Play Off Matches against Clubs finishing in 3rd and 4th from bottom in each of the eight divisions at Step 4 to determine whether they remain at Step 5 or are promoted to Step 4 for the following Playing Season. Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the minimum criteria for promotion to the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in 3rd position (and so on) shall be the Club in the next eligible position to take part in the Inter-Step Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in an Inter-Step Play Off Position but does not meet the Criteria for participation in Inter-Step Play Off Matches, the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Inter-Step Play Off Matches. Clubs finishing below position 7 will not be eligible to take part in Inter-Step Play Off Matches.

Inter-Step Play Off Matches:

Each Club at Step 4 which finishes the Regular Season in an Inter-Step Play Off Position will be drawn at home against a Club from Step 5 which finishes the Regular Season in an Inter-Step Play Off Position. The conditions of Inter-Step Play Off Matches (such as the criteria of how ties are drawn, associated financial matters, extra time, and player eligibility) will be confirmed by the Committee from time to time. Ties will be a one-off match with the winner being allocated to Step 4 for the following Playing Season and the defeated Club being allocated to Step 5 for the following Playing Season.

The Clubs allocated to Step 4 will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 4 for the following Playing Season. In addition, a Club allocated to Step 4 shall comply with the Licencing System provision as set out in Appendix 1 to the Standardised Rules.

Step 5 and Step 6

The Clubs in the bottom two places in each of the sixteen divisions at Step 5 at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division of Step 6 for the following Playing Season. These Clubs will be replaced by (i) the Clubs finishing in 1st  position at the end of the Regular Season in each of the two divisions operated by the South West Peninsula League; (ii) the Clubs finishing in 1st position at the end of the Regular Season in each of the remaining fifteen divisions at Step 6; and (iii) a further fifteen Clubs determined by a series of Play Off Matches within those remaining fifteen divisions (i.e. not including the two divisions operated by the South West Peninsula League). Where a Club finishes in 1st position but does not meet the criteria for promotion to the next Step, the Club finishing in 2nd position shall be promoted and the Club finishing in 3rd position (and so on) shall be the Club in the next eligible position to take part in the Play Off Matches. Where a Club finishes in a Play Off Position but does not meet the Criteria for participation in Play Off Matches, the Club finishing in the next eligible position shall take part in the Play Off Matches. In each division at Step 6, the Play Off Matches shall be played so that the highest placed of the eligible Clubs plays against the lowest placed and the other two Clubs play each other. The ties will be played on a single match basis with the home Club being the Club with the best points per game ratio in the Regular Season. If there are only three eligible Clubs then the highest placed shall receive a bye to the second match where it will play the winner of the other Play Off Match and the winner of that match will be promoted. Clubs finishing below 7th position will not be eligible to take part in Play Off Matches.

The promoted Clubs will be placed in a feeder pool and placed in the most geographically appropriate division at Step 5 for the following Playing Season.

Step 6 and relegation

At the end of the Regular Season the Clubs in the bottom three positions of each of the seventeen Step 6 divisions will be liable to relegation. The final number of Clubs to be relegated will be confirmed once promotion candidates from Feeder Leagues and any vacancies are known. If reprieves are required the Clubs 3rd from bottom will be ranked on a points per match basis (then goal difference, then goals scored if required) - the Club(s) with the best points per match will be reprieved. If all 3rd from bottom Clubs are reprieved, and a further reprieve(s) is required, the same process will apply for Clubs 2nd from bottom (and so on).

5.3 At Steps 2-5 the Club finishing in last place in the table at the end of the Regular Season will be relegated and not reprieved.

5.4 At Steps 1 to 6, if a Club becomes eligible to take part in a Play Off Match and refuses to take part in that match or if a Club qualifies for promotion and refuses to be promoted then that Club shall be relegated from the division it last played in and shall play the following Playing Season in the division at the next Step level below. If the refusal/ineligibility applies to a Club currently operating at Step 6, the Club will be removed from the NLS and placed in the appropriate Regional NLS Feeder League, provided there is an eligible Club at Feeder League level to replace them.

5.5 Where a vacancy occurs within the NLS the following procedures will apply:

End of the Playing Season

5.5.1  (a) Where a Club notifies its decision to resign from its League at the end of the Playing Season, then a vacancy is created on the date the notification of that decision is formally recorded by that League. Such resignation can only be withdrawn by the end of that Playing Season with the consent of the Board of that League.

(b)  In all cases, that Club is treated as a relegated Club. The final table of that division is not affected.

(c) In cases where the vacancy is created after the end of the Playing Season but before the League’s AGM, the vacancy will be filled in accordance with Regulation 5.5.2 below.

5.5.2  (a) Where a vacancy occurs at Step 1 and Step 2 following the completion of a Playing Season the best ranked Club in a relegation position is reprieved.

(b)  Where a vacancy arises at Step 3 to 6 following the completion of a Playing Season it shall be dealt with at the sole discretion of the Committee.

(c) Where a vacancy occurs at Step 3 and 4 after the allocations for the following season have been published and prior to the holding of the League's AGM. The vacancy created shall be dealt with at the sole discretion of the Committee in order to minimise disruption.

(d)  Where a vacancy occurs after the date of a League AGM then a League is not able to replace the Club(s) concerned for the following Playing Season.

Prior to the end of a Playing Season

5.5.3  (a) In cases where the vacancy is created prior to the end of the Playing Season, at Steps 1 and 2 the vacancy will be filled by the best ranked Club in a relegation position at the end of the Regular Season, eligible of being reprieved in that same division. In the event of there being more vacancies than Clubs eligible to be reprieved, such vacancy or vacancies will be filled by Clubs eligible to be reprieved in the Competition’s other division(s) on a points per match ratio. At Steps 3 to 6, the vacancies shall be filled at the sole discretion of the Committee.

(b)  Where, prior to the end of the Playing Season, a Club notifies its decision to resign from its League with immediate effect or where a Club is removed from the League for any reason, then the playing record of that Club will be expunged and a vacancy is created on the date the resignation or removal is formally recorded by that League.

(c) In all such cases that Club is treated as a relegated Club and the vacancy will be filled in accordance with 5.5.3(a) above.

5.6 Only internal changes to the constitution of a League are allowed following the holding of a League’s Annual General Meeting.

5.7 Clubs are not allowed to enter into a ground share agreement in order to gain promotion or to retain membership at a particular Step where the Club has failed to attain or maintain the relevant Grade.

5.8 Ground grading requirements will be in accordance with the Rules. In order to be considered for promotion, the following requirements will apply.

Step 1 - Clubs must comply fully with the requirements of Grade A.

Step 2 - Clubs competing at Step 2 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade B. To be considered for promotion to Step 1 or to be included in the Play Off Matches, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade B together with any additional requirements by 31st March in the year in which they seek promotion. Clubs must also attain Grade A by 31st March in the year following promotion.

Step 3 - Clubs competing at Step 3 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade C. To be considered for promotion to Step 2 or to be included in the Play Off Matches, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade C and attain Grade B by 31st March in the year following promotion.

Step 4 - Clubs promoted to Step 4 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade E by 31st March in the year following promotion and comply fully with the requirements of Grade D by 31st March in the year following that. Clubs competing at Step 4 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade D. To be considered for promotion to Step 3 or to be included in the Play Off Matches, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade D and attain Grade C by 31st March in the year following promotion.

Step 5 - Clubs competing at Step 5 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade F.

Step 6 - Clubs competing at Step 6 must comply fully with the requirements of Grade G. To be considered for promotion to Step 5, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade G and attain Grade F by 31st March in the year following promotion. Clubs promoted from Feeder Leagues must install floodlights in working order by 30th September following promotion. Failure to do this will result in a sanction being imposed at the discretion of the League of which the Club is a member. If by 31st March in the year following promotion the floodlights are still not installed then the Club will be a relegated Club and be dealt with accordingly.

5.9 If a Club is relegated for not achieving the required Grade for the Step at which it is playing it will not be eligible for promotion again until it has attained the required Grade for the Step to which it wishes to be promoted. The Club must have that Grade at 31st March in the year in which it seeks promotion.

5.10 Where a Club resigns from a League that Club will not be eligible for promotion for at least one Playing Season following the Season in which it resigned.

5.11 In the event of any question arising regarding the interpretation of these Regulations it will be decided by The Association in its sole discretion.

6.  THE MOVEMENT OF CLUBS WITHIN THE NLS OTHER THAN BY PROMOTION OR RELEGATION

6.1 Movement of a Club from participation in one League to another is not permitted other than by promotion and relegation or otherwise as set out in League Rules save with the approval of the Committee.

It may be necessary from time to time to move Clubs laterally at the same Step. Each year the Committee (or sub-committee thereof) will consider whether any lateral movements may be necessary at each Step and the final decision shall rest with the Committee / sub-committee. A Club may appeal the decision of the Committee / sub-committee to an Appeal Board and such appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the Appeal Regulations.

6.2 Any Club wishing to move from one League to another must make application in writing to the Committee on or before 31st March in each year to be effective for the following Playing Season. In the event of such application being successful the League from which the Club is moving shall not levy a financial penalty on that Club.

6.3 (i) If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) is wound up, liquidated, or is removed from its League or withdraws from football competition (‘the Former Club’), and a new Club (‘the New Club’) is established which wishes to be placed within the NLS, it will be allowed to make an application only to join a League/ division at Step 5 of the NLS unless the Former Club was in either Step 4 or Step 5  when the event which caused it to cease its membership occurred in which case it must re-join the NLS at a minimum of two Steps below the level at which it was at the time the event occurred, or withdrew from football competition, whichever is lower. Where the Former Club was a member of Premier League or EFL then the Committee shall at its absolute discretion determine in which League the New Club shall be placed for the following Playing Season and will set out at its complete discretion the requirements to be met by the New Club.

In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS of the New Club in the following Playing Season, an initial application must be received by the Committee by 1st March or within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, if such date is later than 1st March.

The full application accompanied by all necessary documents including evidence of security of tenure having been granted to the New Club and affiliation to a County Football Association must be received by 31st March or within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, if such date is later than 1st March. The application shall be copied to the League of which membership is being requested. The application will be determined by the Committee.

In considering any application, the Committee will set out at its sole discretion the requirements to be met by the New Club.

In the event of more than one application being received within twenty-one days of the Former Club being wound up, liquidated, resigning or being removed from its League or withdrawing from football competition, the Committee will consider at its discretion which application will be considered in accordance with this Regulation.

(ii)  If a Club is removed from its League and wishes to remain in the NLS it shall apply to the Committee within five working days of it receiving written notification of its removal from its League. The Committee will consider such application and will place the Club in what it considers at its sole discretion to be the most appropriate League/division for the following Playing Season.

6.4 If a Club (whether a Members’ Club or a Company) ceases to be a member of its league and that Club (that is not a New Club as defined at 6.3 above) wishes to be placed within the NLS for the immediately following Playing Season, then unless otherwise determined by the Committee, it may be allowed to make an application to join a League/division below the most recent League/division of which the Club was a member.

In order for consideration to be given to the placement in the NLS by the Club in the immediately following Playing Season, an initial application must be received by the Committee in accordance with the procedures set out at 6.3 above. The application shall be copied to the League of which membership is being requested. The application will be determined by the Committee at its absolute discretion.

In considering any application, the Committee will set out at its sole discretion the requirements to be met by the Club in determining whether to approve the application.

6.5 If two or more Clubs (“the Merging Clubs”) are proposing a transaction or series of transactions that result in the merging or consolidation (“the Proposed Merger”) of those Clubs into one Club (“the Merged Club”) then a formal application to do so must be received by the Committee and the league(s) of which the Merging Clubs are members by 31st December to be valid for the following Playing Season.

A Deed of Agreement, which shall be legally binding on all parties must be submitted to The Association by 31st March in the year immediately following receipt of the application. The Committee shall determine at its absolute discretion where the Merged Club is to be included in the NLS for the following Playing Season subject to the provisions of item 6.5.5 below.

A Deed of Agreement, which shall be legally binding on all parties must be submitted to The Association by 31st March in the year immediately following receipt of the application. The Committee shall determine at its absolute discretion where the Merged Club is to be included in the NLS for the following Playing Season subject to the provisions of item 6.5.5 below.

In arriving at its decision the Committee may apply the following minimum criteria:

6.5.1 The requirements of Standardised Rule 2.9 for the current Playing Season must be met by each of the Merging Clubs. If one or more of the Merging Clubs is subject to an insolvency event then Standardised Rule 2.9.2 shall be applied to such club(s), otherwise Standardised Rule 2.9.1 shall be applied;

6.5.2 The proposed playing name of the Merged Club must be acceptable to the Committee; and

6.5.3 The Merged Club must have security of tenure to a ground that meets the relevant ground grading requirements;

6.5.4 Any other criteria that the Committee may from time to time deem to be appropriate;

6.5.5 The Merged Club will ordinarily be placed at the lower of the Steps at which the Merging Clubs ended the Playing Season in which the application is made. For the purposes of this Regulation, if one of the Merging Clubs has finished that Playing Season in a relegation place, then they will be deemed to have ended the Playing Season at the Step to which they would have been relegated without the Proposed Merger proceeding.

Any decision regarding whether a proposed transaction or series of transactions falls to be considered under this Regulation shall be determined by the Committee at its absolute discretion.

7.  PLACEMENT OF A CLUB INTO A LEAGUE

7.1 Usually a club can only enter the NLS at Step 6 via a Feeder League. However a League may seek approval from the Committee to receive a club or team not currently in membership of a League within the NLS provided that there is: (a) exceptional circumstances, (b) a vacancy within its constitution, (c) the club meets the entry criteria and (d) promotion and relegation issues have been satisfied. Such request must be received from the league by no later than 1st February. Any decision shall only be capable of Appeal to The Association by the affected League.

7.2 Reserve teams, including a team from a club or Club which is not considered by the Committee to be sufficiently separate from another club or Club, will not be permitted to compete above Step 6 in the NLS. There must be a minimum of two Steps between a first and reserve team. This does not apply at Steps 6 and Feeder League level. No two teams from the same Club can play at the same Step.

7.3 Teams from Higher Education or Further Education establishments are not permitted to compete above Step 5. This does not prevent any such establishment forming a Club which complies with all entry criteria and which is separate from the establishment itself.

7.4 Where a Club moves from one League to another, for whatever reason, the League from which it is being moved must provide the League to which the Club is being moved with a certificate confirming that the Club being moved does not owe any money or other property of any nature to the League from which it is being moved. The Club being moved cannot compete in its new League until such certification has been provided and the onus will be on the Club being moved to ensure that it has cleared all indebtedness to its previous League.

8.  PROCEDURES FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ANY MATTER, DISPUTE OR DIFFERENCE BY THE COMMITTEE

8.1 The Committee may adopt such procedures for the determination of any matter, dispute or difference as it considers appropriate and expedient, having regard to the aims and objectives set out at Regulation 2. The Committee may require the attendance at a meeting or the written observations of any League or Club, as it considers appropriate to assist its determination.

8.2 (a)  Any dispute or difference between a League and a Club relating to promotion and relegation issues, lateral movement and/or other eligibility criteria must be referred for determination to the Committee; such determination shall be final and binding subject only to Arbitration in accordance with Rule K.

(b)  Any decision of the Committee shall be subject to a right of appeal to an Appeal Board. The decision of that Appeal Board shall be final and binding on all parties.

All referrals of appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the Appeal Regulations save for appeals in relation to Ground Grading decisions where the procedures are outlined in 8.2(c) below.

(c)  Procedures for Ground Grading Appeals

(i)  The ratification of the Ground Grading decision must be sent in writing within 14 days of the final decision date, currently 31st March.

(ii) Appeals in relation to Ground Grading Appeals must be submitted to The Association’s Judicial Services Department within seven days from the date of the written decision outlining the Grounds of Appeal, with a copy to The Association’s National League System Department.

(iii) The Committee will appear before an Appeal Board with the Appellant to respond to the application and there is no requirement to make a formal response in writing.

(iv) In all cases the Committee will submit any documentation including the Ground Grading report that was considered by the Committee in relation to the Ground Grading decision, (which the appellant would already have received).

(v) Dates would be set annually in advance by the Judicial Services Department for the hearing of Ground Grading appeals and details of the dates would be notified to all Clubs in the correspondence from the Committee notifying the decision of the Ground Grading assessment.

8.3 The Committee may, at its discretion, delegate the resolution of any matter, dispute or difference arising under these Regulations to anybody it considers to be appropriate (including a sub- committee or commission which may include members of council not on the Committee or a body constituted by a County Football Association).

9.  CRITERIA FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN PLAY-OFF MATCHES

In order to qualify for Play Off Matches and Inter-Step Play Off Matches a Club must comply with:

  • Security of Tenure – see Standardised Rule 2.3.2
  • Solvency – see Standardised Rule 13.B.2
  • Ground Share requirements, i.e. not ground share in order to gain promotion – see 5.7 of these Regulations
  • Ground Grading – see 5.8 of these regulations and the relevant criteria document

10. ARBITRATION

The fact of participation in the NLS and signifying agreement to be bound by the Regulations shall constitute an agreement between each League and Club to refer to Arbitration any challenge in law arising out of, or in relation to, the Regulations in accordance with the provisions of FA Rule K.

11. LICENSING SYSTEM

A Club shall be required to hold a Licence to be a member of a Competition at Steps 1 to 4 of the NLS.

(a)  The Association shall through the appropriate Committee operate a Licensing System to apply to all Clubs competing at Steps 1 to 4 of the National League System ("NLS"). A Club is required to hold a Licence to be a member of a Competition at Steps 1 to 4 of the NLS. The Licensing System to be applied is as shown at an Appendix to the Standardised Rules.

(b)  Each Competition at Steps 1 to 4 of the NLS shall be responsible for the operation, assessment and granting of the Licence in respect of its Clubs through the Standardised Rules as approved by a Committee of The Association. A Competition at Steps 1 to 4 shall take all reasonable and practical steps to co-operate with The Association in the application of the Licence.

(c)  In the event that a Competition fails to apply the Licensing System set out in the Standardised Rules to the satisfaction of The Association, then The Association shall have the powers of the Board of that Competition as set out in the Standardised Rules to apply such Licensing System. In addition, The Association may, if necessary, bring an action against the Competition for Misconduct under the Rules of The Association.

12. PRECEDENCE

In the case of conflict between the Regulations for the Operation of the NLS and the Rules, the Regulations take precedence.

LEAGUES/DIVISIONS AT STEPS 5 AND 6 OF THE NLS (SEASON 2021-22)

STEP 5

STEP 6

Combined Counties League Premier Div North

Combined Counties League Premier Div South

Eastern Counties League Premier Div

Essex Senior League

Hellenic League Premier Div

Midland League Premier Div

North West Counties League Premier Div

Northern League Div 1

Northern Counties East League Premier Div Southern Counties East League Premier Div

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Div Southern Combination Football League Premier Div United Counties League Premier Div North

United Counties League Premier Div South

Wessex League Premier Div

Western League Premier Div

Combined Counties League Div 1

Eastern Counties League Div 1 North

Eastern Counties League Div 1 South

Hellenic League Div 1

Midland League Div 1

Northern Counties East Div 1

North West Counties League Div 1 North

North West Counties League Div 1 South

Northern League Div 2

South West Peninsula League Premier Div East

South West Peninsula League Premier Div West Spartan South Midlands League Div 1

Southern Combination Football League Div 1 Southern Counties East League Div 1

United Counties League Div 1

Wessex League Div 1

Western League Div 1

APPENDIX A

Regional NLS Feeder League Regulations

1.  League Structure

1.1 The Leagues currently operating as Feeder Leagues are set out at the end of the Appendix.

1.2 At Feeder League level the maximum number of Clubs in each division shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority taking into account all relevant factors. In any case, this shall not be more than 18 Clubs. The minimum amount of Clubs should be 14.

1.3 Any league wishing to become a Feeder League must apply to the FA Leagues Committee by 31st December in the relevant year in such form and /or providing such information as shall be required by the Committee from time to time. The decision as to whether or not a league should be admitted as a Feeder League shall be made by the Committee.

2.  Rules and Regulations for Promotion and Relegation

2.1 All Feeder League Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 must make an application using the prescribed form direct to The Association, copied to their existing League, by 31st December in the relevant year. In order to be considered for promotion Clubs must finish in 1st position in their Feeder League. If the Club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be promoted or fails to meet the entry criteria then the Club finishing in 2nd position will be eligible for promotion. If the Club in 2nd position does not seek promotion or fails to meet the entry criteria then Clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position may not be considered for promotion and only one Club may be considered for promotion from each League. Each application must be accompanied by the agreed application fee, as determined by the Committee, which is non-refundable.

2.2 Clubs competing in a Feeder League must comply fully with the minimum requirements in force. To be considered for promotion to Step 6, Clubs must meet the requirements of Grade H and attain Grade G by 31st March in the year following promotion. Clubs can be promoted from Feeder Leagues to 6 without floodlights, provided that that all other requirements of Grade H are met by 31st March in the Playing Season in which the Club wishes to gain promotion and that the Club has the following in place:-

  • Planning permission granted for floodlights.
  • That by 30th September following promotion that floodlights are installed and in working order.
  • A development / business plan
  • Quotations / estimates for the work to be carried out.
  • Funding applications submitted, if required.

Failure to install floodlights in working order by 30th September following promotion will result in a sanction being imposed at the discretion of the League of which the Club is a member. If by 31st March in the year following promotion the floodlights are still not installed then the Club will be a relegated Club and be dealt with accordingly.

3.  Placement of a Club in a League

3.1 The matter of draft placements for Clubs in Feeder Leagues is for the League in conjunction with its Sanctioning Authority. Once drafted, proposed placements are to be submitted to the Committee for ratification by and appropriate date as prescribed by the Committee from time to time. This is save for Clubs being allocated to Feeder Leagues having been relegated from Step 6, which is a matter for the Committee.

3.2 Reserve and 'A' teams may participate in Feeder Leagues. Clubs should note the provision concerning Reserve teams at Step 6 under Regulation 7.2 in the 'National League System Regulations'.

4.  Movement of a Club between Leagues

4.1 Movement of a Club from participation in one League to another is not permitted other than by promotion and relegation or otherwise as set out in League Rules save with the approval of the Committee

It may be necessary from time to time to move Clubs laterally at the same Step. Each year the Committee (or sub-committee thereof) will consider whether any lateral movements may be necessary at each Step and the final decision shall rest with the Committee/sub-committee. A Club may appeal the decision of the Committee/sub-committee to an Appeal Board and such appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the Appeal Regulations.

4.2 Any Club wishing to move from one League to another must make an application in writing to the Committee on or before 31st March in each year to be effective for the following Playing Season. In the event of such application being successful, the League from which the Club is moving shall not levy a financial penalty on that Club.

5.  Procedures for the determination of any matter, dispute or difference by the Committee

5.1 The Committee may adopt such procedures for the determination of any matter, dispute or difference as it considers appropriate and expedient, having regard to the aims and objectives set out in Regulation 2. The Committee may require the attendance at a meeting or the written observations of any League or Club, as it considers appropriate to assist its determination.

5.2 (a)  Any dispute or difference between a League and a Club relating to promotion and relegation issues, lateral movement and/or other eligibility criteria must be referred for determination to the Committee; such determination shall be final and binding subject only to Arbitration in accordance with Rule K.

(b)  Any decision of the Committee shall be subject to a right of appeal to an Appeal Board. The decision of that Appeal Board shall be final and binding on all parties.

All referrals of appeals shall be conducted in accordance with the Appeal Regulations save for appeals in relation to Ground Grading decisions where the procedures are outlined in 5.2(c) below.

(c)  Procedures for Ground Grading Appeals

(i)  The ratification of the Ground Grading decision must be sent in writing within 14 days of the final decision date, currently 31st March.

(ii) Appeals in relation to Ground Grading Appeals must be submitted to The Association’s Judicial Services Department within seven days from the date of the written decision outlining the Grounds of Appeal, with a copy to The Association’s National League System Department.

(iii) The Committee will appear before an Appeal Board with the Appellant to respond to the application and there is no requirement to make a formal response in writing.

(iv) In all cases, the Committee will submit any documentation including the Ground Grading report that was considered by the Committee in relation to the Ground Grading decision (which the appellant would already have received).

(v) Dates would be set annually in advance by the Judicial Services Department for the hearing of Ground Grading appeals and details of the dates would be notified to all Clubs in the correspondence from the Committee notifying the decision of the Ground Grading assessment.

5.3   The Committee may, at its own discretion, delegate the resolution of any matter, dispute or difference arising under these Regulations to anybody it considers to be appropriate (including a sub-committee or commission which may include members of council not on the Committee or a body constituted by a County Football Association).

 Leagues with Regional NLS Feeder League status - 2021-22 season:

LEAGUES

Anglian Combination Premier Div

Bedfordshire County League Premier Div Cambridgeshire County League premier Div

Central Midlands League Div North

Central Midlands League Div South

Cheshire League Premier Div

Devon League Premier Div East

Devon League Premier Div West

Dorset Premier League

Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Div

Essex Olympian League Premier Div

Gloucestershire County League Premier Div

Hampshire Premier League Senior Div 

Herts Senior County League Premier Div

Humber Premier League Premier Div

Kent County League Premier Div

Leicestershire Senior League Premier Div

Lincolnshire Football League Premier Div

Liverpool County Premier League Premier Div Manchester Football League Premier Div

Mid Sussex Football League Premier Div

Middlesex County League Premier Div

Midland League Div 2

Northamptonshire Combination Premier Div

Northern Football Alliance Premier Div 

North Riding Football League Premier Div

Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Div

Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Div

Peterborough & District League Premier Div

Salop Leisure Football League Premier Div

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Div

Somerset County League Premier Div

Southern Combination Div Two

Spartan South Midlands League Div 2

St Piran Football League Premier East

St Piran Football League Premier West

Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Div

Suffolk & Ipswich League Senior Div

Surrey Elite Intermediate League Intermediate Div

Thames Valley Premier League Premier Div

Wearside League

West Cheshire League Div 1

West Lancashire League Premier Div

West Midlands (Regional) League Div 1

West Yorkshire League Premier Div

Wiltshire Football League Premier Div

York Football League Premier Div

Yorkshire Football League

 

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New Clubs entering the league

We welcome you to the Northern Football Alliance League and hope that your players and officials will enjoy many successful years within our ranks.

The Northern Football Alliance League, Premier Division, and the Wearside League, 1st Division, are both part of the Football Association's Regional NLS Feeder Leagues in the National League System which provides a pathway to Step 6 in the National Leagye System.

In overseeing the League's affairs The Management Committee are determined to ensure that all Member Clubs uphold the reputation, prestige and traditions of the competition. 

As a member of a newly-admitted Club you will probably notice first of all that games have a more competitive edge. Your Club Officials should quickly realise that running and organising a Club at this level can be quite challenging in terms of administration. 

We do everything within our power to assist officials who will undoubtedly be facing an increase in responsibility and workload. 

All officials of new Clubs are advised to read through the few following extra pages in this Handbook which are aimed to be a guide for their main duties within the League.

Our aim is to ensure that you enjoy being members of this League and that you don't see your hard-earned income frittered away quite needlessly by fines imposed for errors in administration. 

Having thus pointed you hopefully in the right direction we wish you, as newcomers to our ranks, every success in the Northern Football Alliance League. 


And please remember there is always help and advice available whenever it is required.


The Management Committee

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Familiarity with the rules and the handbook

In general, the status of a League dictates the number of rules governing its operation. You will therefore probably find that there are more rules to consider than in your previous League. It's a good idea to give each Member of your Committee a copy of the League & Cup Rules so that they can all become familiar with the rules which govern their particular roles within your own Club. You are also reminded that pleading ignorance of any particular rule is no defence when a rule is broken and offers no protection against the imposing of fines.
The following details may therefore be useful in helping you to avoid some of the common pitfalls.

STUDY LEAGUE HANDBOOK on the Web Site.

When it comes to avoiding fines there is no substitute for becoming familiar with the League & Cup Rules & Regulations relating to Clubs. But some of the following reminders and tips may assist in giving your Club a successful and trouble-free start.

WILLING HELPERS ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT

Clubs which attempt to operate with only one or two people shouldering the administrative burden frequently find themselves in trouble and facing regular fines. To run a Club successfully in this League there has to be a strong Committee Structure so that fund-raising and administration can be shared. It should be each Club's aim to have at least six people as a working committee with nobody asked to take on more than one official role.

FAIR PLAY AWARDS

The League has introduced special awards in an effort to reduce cautions, dismissals and FA charges and hopefully to generally improve discipline on and off the field of play. The number of yellow and red cards as well as the number of FA charges issued and proved to a Club’s players and Management team is the basis of deciding which Clubs are rewarded at the end of the season with an award for each Division.

ADMINISTRATION AWARDS

All teams which go through the season without incurring a sanction regardig a breach of League Rules will receive an Administration Award of £100.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

*)  Send at least ONE CLUB REPRESENTATIVE to EVERY General Meeting of the League.
*)  Pay all fees and fines which are due to the League PROMPTLY and within the time limit stipulated for payment.
*)  Keep up-to-date RECORDS and ACCOUNTS for your Club. These can be inspected at any time by League Officials.
*)  Playing areas of grounds must be surrounded by a PERMANENT or TEMPORARY BARRIER according to League Rules governing the Division in which you compete.
*)  Contact Match Officials at LEAST FIVE DAYS prior to every home game giving details of the match arrangements.
*)  Contact the visiting Club to confirm the game giving details of your CLUB COLOURS and TIME OF KICK OFF at LEAST FIVE DAYS prior to every home game giving details of the match arrangements.
*)  Give the visiting Club's Secretary the NAMES OF MATCH OFFICIALS prior to kick-off in case these have been changed.
*)  The DRESSING ROOM accommodation must be clean and adequate for both teams and the Match Officials. See League Rules for further guidance.
*)  Fill in the TEAM SHEET at least fifteen minutes before the kick off. The sheet must contain FULL NAMES of all players and substitutes. Copies of the TEAM SHEET containing the FULL NAMES of players and substitutes MUST be exchanged by both TEAMS 15 minutes prior to kick-off and a copy MUST be given to the Match Referee.

*)  All matches must KICK OFF PROMPTLY. Late starts are punishable by fines levied on offending Clubs.

*)  At HALF TIME the Match Officials must be offered liquid refreshments by the home Club.
*)  At FULL TIME the home Club must TELEPHONE OR TEXT THE RESULT to the League Official named in the Handbook. The caller must give the result, FULL NAMES of goal-scorers (and times of goals). Results must be phoned in BEFORE 5-00pm - SATURDAYS and BEFORE 9-30pm - MIDWEEK. 

Within 56 hours of the end of the match both teams must complete the on line match return on the League web site.

The official MATCH RESULT SHEET, fully completed, must reach the Registration Secretary of the League WITHIN FOUR DAYS of the date of the match. This sheet must contain FULL NAMES of all players and substitutes. The KICK-OFF TIME, RESULT,GOALSCORERS, PLAYED SUBSTITUTES,CAUTIONS,DISMISSALS,MATCH OFFICIALS FEES AND EXPENSES MUST BE SHOWN. 

The ASSESSMENT MARK for the MATCH OFFICIAL must also be completed.
Referees are assessed by Clubs on a scale of 1 to 100. Clubs are expected to be as fair as possible in their marking assessment. Guides should be studied and adhered to. If a low marking is awarded (see assessment guide) then the result sheet must be accompanied by a SHORT REPORT explaining the reasons for the award of a low mark.

ADDITIONAL POINTS.

All new Clubs are on PROBATION and their conduct and attention to administration will be monitored closely. 

If, for any reason, your Club is summoned to appear before the Management Committee it must be represented by a conversant member of your Committee.
The League must be informed immediately of RESULTS, CUP DRAWS and REPLAYS involving your Club in other competitions such as COUNTY CUP COMPETITIONS since League fixtures may have to be amended.
Beware of playing SUSPENDED or UNREGISTERED players. If in any doubt check it out on the League web site. Don't rely on the player concerned! He may, for example, be already registered with another Northern Football Alliance Club.
When registering a player make sure that the on line registration form is FULLY COMPLETED. Incomplete forms will not be accepted by the player registration programme and therefore delay the registration of the player or players concerned. The Player and the Club will receive am email confirming the player's registration.

Always remember - ADVICE & ASSISTANCE are readily available Names, addresses and telephone numbers of League Officials are in the Handbook. Your first contact may be the Representative for your Division who is on the Management Committee.

DON'T BE CAUGHT OUT!

In less than four years time it is possible that some of our new Clubs could become eligible for promotion to the Premier Division. If your Club has this sort of ambition then your Officials should consider the implications AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Stepping up a division in the Northern Football Alliance League requires Clubs to satisfy some fairly strict requirements relating to facilities at their grounds. A Championship or Runners-up spot DOES NOT GUARANTEE PROMOTION. Read the League Rules carefully to find out what is required well in advance and DON'T BE CAUGHT OUT at the last minute!

PUBLICITY

The League already enjoys a fairly high profile when it comes to publicity both nationally and locally, and the hard work which has achieved this will be continuing in this and future seasons. The Press Officer ensures that results and tables are sent to various local and national newspapers as well as local radio stations. Secretaries are requested to assist in the area of publicity and items of interest (with photographs where applicable) can be posted to the League’s Press Officer who is:Peter Mann.

Tel: 07596657371

Email: petermann78@hotmail.com

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Guidance notes for club secretaries

(a) Correspondence

All correspondence, including any changes being made to Club Information is to be sent to the League Secretary. This shall assist in prompt circulation of amendments.

(b) Postponements of Published Fixtures

Requests for a vacant dates should be made to the appropriate Fixture Secretary as soon as possible but at least 56 days in advance of the date requested. The Fixture Secretary will decide on the request and the decision will be confirmed by the League Management Committee. All requests must state the reason for the request. A team can only request 2 vacant dates in the same season.

(c) Cup Competitions other than FA or County FA

Clubs must obtain permission from League prior to entering any other Competition.

(d) Procedure for Pitch Inspections

All Clubs are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that their ground is in good order throughout the season. Matches can only be postponed before the day of the game with the permission of the League Secretary. 

Where there are severe weather conditions prevailing, and forecast is to persist, a previous day pitch inspection and postponement is acceptable to avoid unnecessary travelling by opponents and match officials For Saturday Games - where play is doubtful on the morning of the preceding day, arrangements should be made for a pitch inspection to be carried out on the morning of the game - prior to 10.00am. This will ensure that a decision is made well before the opponents commence travelling. On the previous day the League Secretary should be informed, and then match officials and opponents, advising of a possible postponement. Once the pitch inspection has been completed, the League Secretary, match officials and opponents are to be informed of the decision. Decisions regarding postponements must be made in the following order: Ground owners: Affiliated Match Official if the appointed match official is nt available at the time of the inspections, the appointed Match Official. 

(e) After Match Refreshments

Home Clubs are not required to provide adequate refreshments to visitors but can do so if they so wish. The Away team, if informed5 days prior to the date of the game that after match refreshments will be avilable must confirm numbers attending with the Home team at least 3 days prior to the date of the match.

(f) Personal Accident Insurance

It is a FA Regulation that all Clubs must have Personal Accident Insurance cover. Any Club which does not insure with Bluefin Sports Insurance or a mandatory policy provided by a County FA must provide evidence, in the form of an Insurance Policy Cover note, that Personal Accident Cover is in place no later than 1st August each season. Public Liability Insurance in the sum of £10m is normally provided by the Affiliating County FA. Player to Player Insurance is also normally available from the Affiliating County FA and it is recommended that Clubs obtain this cover but cover is only provided for legal fees and not any award made by the courts.

(g) Club, Forums and Social Networking Sites

Clubs should be aware that any comments made in the public domain relating to undue criticism of the League, it's Officers and Officials, fellow Member Clubs and Match Officials will result in the Club and it's Officials being charged with bringing the League into disrepute and the Club instructed to attend the League Management Committee to explain their comments. The Management Committee may, at it's discretion, impose Fines, Suspensions or other punishments which are deemed appropriate,

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Standing Orders

Regulations for the conduct of business at meetings of the Northern Football Alliance League.

Rules of Debate:

(1) Each member on speaking shall arise and address the Chairman and his speech must be relative to the issue. The question of relevance shall be decided by the Chairman. If two or more members rise to speak at the same time, the Chairman shall decide who has priority to speak.
(2) When the Chairman arises to speak no one shall continue standing or speaking until the Chair has been resumed.
(3) A member shall not speak more than once on any motion, amendment, or point of order except by permission of the Chairman or by leave of the meeting, subject to the reply to the mover of the original motion.
(4) The mover of every original resolution or motion shall have the right to reply to objections or queries raised against the resolution or motion.
(5) Any motion or amendment once made and seconded shall not be altered or withdrawn without the consent of the Chairman or meeting without discussion.
(6) When an amendment is moved on a resolution, no further amendment shall be moved until the first is disposed of, but any number of amendments may be brought forward in succession. If an amendment is affirmed it shall form the proposition under consideration, where upon further amendments can be moved. The mover of any amendments which is affirmed shall be entitled to speak in reply in the events of further amendments being proposed.
(7) An amendment shall be either:
(a) To leave out words.
(b) To insert words.
(c) To omit words to insert others.
(8) No member shall be permitted to move or second more than two amendments on any motion.
(9) Members will be allowed up to a maximum time of five minutes to speak on any motions or amendments or points of order, except with permission of the Chairman.
(10) The decision of the Chairman upon any point of order shall be final.

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League and Cup Rules, Fines Tarriff, season 2024 2025

 

      STANDARD CODE OF RULES (SCOR) 2024 2025

This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association for open age football (the “Standard Code”).

The Standard Code is mandatory for all Competitions at Regional NLS Feeder League level and below, and Tier 7 and below of The FA Women’s Pyramid.

Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the Standard Code, using the same numbering and standard headings.

In all cases where a [  ] is shown the necessary name, address, number or wording to complete that rule must be inserted.

Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the Sanctioning Authority and

do not conflict with the mandatory rules or any relevant principles and policies established by The FA.

      NORTHERN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE LEAGUE

LEAGUE RULES. FEES AND FINE TARIFF

2024 2025 

1.  DEFINITIONS

1.A

In these Rules:

“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA.

“AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition.

“Club Portal” means the system used by Clubs to affiliate teams as determined by The FA from time to time;

“Competition” means the Northern Football Alliance League.

“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.

“Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club.

“Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition.

“Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A.

“Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches.

“Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company.

“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.

“Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment.

“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.

“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.

“Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club.

“Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time.

“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.

“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.

“Sanctioning Authority” means [The FA] [th Northumberland County Football Association Limited].

“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA rules.

“Season” means the period of time between one AGM and the next AGM

“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.

“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition.

“Team” means a team affiliated to a Club, including where a Club provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.

“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.

“Virtual Meetings” means meetings held electronically

“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.

1.B

Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and also the other way around

GOVERNANCE RULES

2. COMPETITION NAME, CONSTITUTION

2.A

The Competition will be known as the Northern Football Alliance League (or such other name as the Competition may adopt). The Clubs participating in the Competition must be members of the Competition. A Club which ceases to exist or which ceases to be entitled to play in the Competition for any reason whatsoever shall automatically cease to be a member of the Competition.

2.B

This Competition shall consist of not more than 80 Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

2.C

The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be Northumberland and County Durham.

2.D

The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The FA.

2.E

All Clubs shall adhere to the Rules. Every Club shall be deemed, as a member of the Competition to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation to them  subject to the provisions of Rule 7.

2.F

The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.

2.G

1. All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association.

2. This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions.

2.H

Inclusivity and Non-discrimination:

  1. The Competition and each Club must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (including those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
  2. This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.
  3. Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

2.I

Clubs must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, England Football Accredited and RESPECT programmes. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2.J

All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children and Regulations for Safeguarding Adults at Risk as determined by The FA from time to time.

2.K

Clubs shall not enter any of their Teams playing in the Competition in any other competitions (with the exception of FA and County FA Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. A Club must immediately inform the Competition of the details of any fixture(s) in any other competition in which the Club has entered, for which written consent of the Management Committee has been obtained.

2.L

At the AGM or an SGM called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the constitution of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary, this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 22.

2.M

Only one Team from a Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division unless there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case the Competition will obtain the prior approval of the Sanctioning Authority.  This Competition will ensure that, where permission is given, Teams from a Club operating in the same division are run as separate entities with no interchange of players other than by transfers of registration in accordance with these Rules.

3. CLUB NAME

3.A

Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority following consultation with the Competition. In the event that  permission is granted, the Club must advise the Competition Secretary. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. ENTRY FEE, SUBSCRIPTION, DEPOSIT

4.A

Applications by Clubs for admission to the Competition or the entry of an additional Team(s) from the same Club must be made in writing to the Secretary 31st March and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee  for each Team as set out in the Fees Tariff, which shall be returned in the event of non-election.

Applications , of which due notice has been given, will be received at the AGM or an SGM if confirmed by a majority of the accredited voting members present.

When Rule 22.B is applied or a Team seeks a transfer or, is compulsorily transferred to another division, no Entry Fee shall be payable

4.B

The annual subscription shall be payable, in accordance with the Fees Tariff for each Team payable  at a date agreed at the AGM or set by the Competition. Fees must be paid by 1st July, or 50% by 1st July and 50% by 30th September.

4.C

In the event of any issue concerning the membership of any Club with the Competition the Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club on such terms and for such period as it may in its entire discretion think fit. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.D

A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the entry fee, annual subscription and deposit (if required) have been paid.

4.E

Clubs must ensure that all its teams participating in the Competition are recorded as affiliated on the Club Portal for the forthcoming Playing Season by the following date, 30th June. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary in a manner prescribed by the Sanctioning Authority, or on the prescribed form, of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required by the Competition by 31st May. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

5.A

The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and 12 members who shall all be elected at the AGM.

5.B

Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination provided that the Officer notifies the Secretary in writing not later than 31st May in each year. All other candidates for election as Officers of the Competition or members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the secretaries of two Clubs, not later than 31st May in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the AGM. In the event of there being no nomination for any office by the date stated in the earlier part of this Rule , nominations may be received at the AGM.

5.C

The Management Committee shall meet a minimum of twice a season or as and when required,

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Management Committee.

5.D

Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.

5.E

All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers and sent to the Secretary. The Officers of the Member Team are those persons named on the document provided under Rule 4 E no later than 31st May. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

6.A

The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees and delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary. The decisions of all sub-committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification. The Management Committee shall have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for any matters of misconduct that are under the jurisdiction of The FA or Affiliated Association.

6.B

Subject to the permission of the Sanctioning Authority having been obtained, the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each Season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call on each Club to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the Season.

6.C

Each member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee meetings and have one vote at all such meetings, but no member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly relating  to that member or to the Club so represented or where there may be a conflict of interest. (This shall also apply to the procedure of any sub-committee)

6.D

In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.

6.E

The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition. Any action by the Competition must be taken within 28 days of the Competition being notified.

With the exception of Rules 6.J, 8.H, and 9, for all alleged breaches of a Rule the Management Committee shall issue a formal written charge to the Club concerned. The Club charged shall be given 7 days from the date of notification of the charge to reply. In such reply a Club may:

  1. Accept the charge and /or submit in writing a case of mitigation for consideration by the Management

Committee; or

2.  Accept the charge and notify the Competition that it wishes to put its case of mitigation at a hearing before  

the Management Committee; or

3.  Deny the charge and submit in writing supporting evidence for consideration by the Management Committee; or

4.  Deny the charge and notify the Competition that it wishes to have a hearing before the Management  

Committee.

Where the Club charged fails to respond within 7 days, the Management Committee shall determine the charge in such manner and upon such evidence as it considers appropriate.

Having considered the reply of the Club (whether in writing or at a hearing), the Management Committee shall make its decision and, in the event that the charge is accepted or proven , decide on the appropriate penalty (with reference to the Fines Tariff where applicable).

Where required, hearings shall take place as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of the reply of the Club as more fully set out above.

With the exception of Teams playing at Regional NLS Feeder League of the National League System, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Management Committee must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into account any mitigating circumstances.

The maximum fine permitted for a breach of a Rule by a Team playing at Regional NLS Feeder League level is £500.

No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

All breaches of the Laws of the Game, or the Rules and Regulations of The FA shall be dealt with in accordance with FA Rules by the appropriate sanctioningAssociation.

6.F

All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.

Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 7 days.

6.G

A minimum of  30% of its members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by the Management Committee or any of its sub-committees

6.H

The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in  their number.

6.I

A Club must comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee and must attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition to the satisfaction of the Management Committee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

6.J

Subject to a Club’s right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7 below, all fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision. Any Club failing to do so will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Further failure to pay the fine including the additional fine within a further 14 days will result in fixtures being withdrawn until such time as the outstanding fines are paid.

6.K

A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or Competition Match may have any reasonable expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.

6.L

The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the AGM or SGM called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Playing Season, , subject to the provisions of the National League System Regulations or Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations (which shall take precedence if applicable).

6.M

The business of the Competition as determined by the Management Committee may be transacted by electronic mail or facsimile.

7. PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

7.A

1.  All questions of eligibility, qualification of Players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee.

2. Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the referee prior to the commencement of the  Match.

7.B

Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged with the Secretary within 7 days (excluding Sundays) of the Competition Match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of their Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.

7.C

No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum in accordance with the Fees Tariff. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the inquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.

7.D

All parties to a protest or complaint must receive a copy of the submission and must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement at least 7 days before the protest or complaint being heard.

  1. All parties must have received a minimum of 7 days’ notice of the hearing should they be instructed to attend.
  2. Should a Club elect to state its case in person then it should indicate such when forwarding the written response.

7.E

The Management Committee shall also have power to compel any party to the protest to pay such expenses as the Management Committee shall direct.

7.F

Any appeal against a decision of the Management Committee must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff), which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Secretary. The procedure for the appeal shall be determined by the Sanctioning Authority, and the Sanctioning Authority may (but is not obliged to):

  1. invite submissions by the parties involved;
  2. convene a hearing to hear the appeal;
  3. permit new evidence; or
  4. impose appropriate deadlines.

Any appeal shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the Management Committee.

7.G

No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an AGM or SGM unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct

7.H

All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules and appeals arising from a Player’s contract shall be heard and determined by the Management Committee, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Management Committee. The Clubs or Players protesting, appealing, claiming or complaining must send a copy of such protest, appeal, claim or complaint and deposit a fee (as set out in the Fees Tariff) which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest, appeal, claim or complaint not being upheld, and in these circumstances may, in addition, be ordered to pay the costs at the direction of the Management Committee.

All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Secretary within 14 days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted.

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

8.A

The AGM shall be held not later than 22nd June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 2/3rds members are present and entitled to vote:-

  1. Confirmthe minutes of the  last AGM.
  2. Adopt the annual report, balance sheet and statement of accounts from the previous season or accounting period.
  3. Election of Clubs to fill vacancies.
  4. Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing Season.
  5. Election of Competition Officers and Management Committee members.
  6. Appointment of auditors/verifiers.
  7. Alteration of Rules, if any (see Rule 14).
  8. Agree the date for the beginning  of the Playing Season and kick off times applicable to the Competition.
  9. Agree the date for the end of the Playing Season (save for Regional NLS Feeder League which shall be determined by The FA).
  10. Other business of which due notice shall have been given and accepted by the Chair as being relevant to an AGM.

8.B

A copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet, statement of accounts and agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least 14 days prior to the meeting, together with any proposed Rule changes.

8.C

A signed copy of the duly audited/verified balance sheet and statement of accounts shall be sent to the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days of its adoption by the AGM.

8.D

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an AGM. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.  14 days’ notice shall be given of any AGM.

8.E

Clubs who have withdrawn their membership of the Competition during the Playing Season being concluded or who are not continuing membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the Season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 12

8.F

All voting shall be conducted by a show of hands or count of email or virtual responses (for virtual meetings), unless a ballot be demanded by at least 50% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chair so decides.

8.G

No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Club.

8.H.

1. Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

2. Any club that has submitted a valid application to join the Competition for the forthcoming season must have the opportunity to be put forward for membership and to have a vote taken on their membership application.

8.I

Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at an AGM, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 8.G)

8.J

Where a Competition is an incorporated entity, the Officers of the Competition shall ensure that the Articles of Association of the Competition are consistent with the requirements of these Rules.

9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

9.A

On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call an  SGM.

9B

The Management Committee may call an SGM at any time

9C

At least  7 days’ notice shall be given of a meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.

9D

Each Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all SGMs. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only.

9E

Any Club failing to be represented at an SGM shall be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

9F

Officers of the Competition and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend and vote at all SGMs, but cannot also cast a vote on behalf of a club (See Rule 9.D)

10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

10.

Each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition together with the application for membership for the coming Season,

“We, (A) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Chair)/(Director)and (B) (name) [ ] of (address) [ ] (Secretary)/(Director)of [ ] Football Club (Limited) have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the [ ]  Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 7.”

The agreement shall be signed:

  1. where a Club is an unincorporated association, by the Club Chair  and Secretary; or
  2. where a Club is an incorporated entity, by two directors of the Club.

Any change of Chair Secretary  or Directors of the Club as named on the above agreement must be notified to the [ ] County Football Associationto which the Club is  sanctioned and to the Secretary of this Competition.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

11.A

Any Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a Team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfilment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing of such intention by 31st March each season. This does not apply to a Club moving in accordance with Rule 22.B. Any Team continuing in membership must notify the League Secretary of their intention to do so no later than 31st March.  Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.B

The Management Committee shall have the discretion to deal with a Team being unable to start or complete its fixtures for a Playing Season, including, but not limited to, issuing a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

11.C

Notwithstanding the powers of the Management Committee pursuant to Rule 6.I, in the event of a Club failing to discharge all its financial obligations to the Competition in excess of £50, the Management Committee shall be empowered to refer the debt under The FA Football Debt Recovery provisions.

  1. 12.  EXCLUSION OF CLUBS, TEAMS. MISCONDUCT OF CLUBS, OFFICERS, PLAYERS, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

12.A

At the AGM or SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, notice of motion having been duly circulated on the agenda by direction of the Management Committee, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to:

(1)  remove a member of the Management Committee from office; (2) exclude any Club or Team from membership.  both of which, must be supported by more than two thirds (2/3) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A member of the Management Committee or Club which is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.

12.B

At the AGM, or at an SGM called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 9, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, provided this is supported by more than two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting.  Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting

12.C

Any Officer or member of a Club  found guilty of either a breach of Rule, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a Player or Players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of 12.A and/or 12.B of this Rule.

13. TROPHY

13.A

The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:

“We (A) (name) and (B) (name), the Chair and Secretary of [ ] FC (Limited), members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of cup or trophy, and the cup or trophy having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before [ ]. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”

Failure to comply will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

13.B

At the close of each Competition awards may be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.

14. ALTERATION TO RULES

14.A

Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the AGM or at an SGM specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 9. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season, except in exceptional circumstances and approved by Sanctioning Authority or The FA.

14.B

Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the AGM shall be submitted to the Secretary by 1st March in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 20th April and any amendments  to these proposals shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30th April. The proposals and proposed amendments  to these proposals shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the AGM. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and  entitled to vote and voting are in favour.

14.C

A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the AGM or SGM shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA (as applicable) at least 28 days prior to the date of the meeting.

15. FINANCE

15.A

The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.

15.B

All expenditure in excess of £ 1500 shall be approved by the Management Committee.

15.C

The financial year of the Competition will end on 31st March

15.D

The accounting records  or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be verifiedannually by a suitably qualified person(s) who shall be appointed at the AGM.

16. INSURANCE

16.A

All Clubs must have valid Public Liability Insurance cover for a minimum of ten million pounds (£10,000,000) at all times.

16.B

All Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players registered with them from time to time. The Players’ Personal Accident Insurance cover must be in place prior to the Club taking part in any Competition Match and shall be at least equal to the minimum recommended cover determined from time to time by the Sanctioning Authority. In instances where The FA is the Sanctioning Authority, the minimum recommended cover will be the cover required by the Affiliated Association to which a Club affiliates.

16.C

Failure to comply with Rule 16.A or 16.B will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

17.DISSOLUTION

17.A

Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at an SGM by a majority of three quarters (3/4) of the members present and shall take effect from the date of the relevant SGM.

17.B

In the event of the dissolution of the Competition, the members of the Management Committee are responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Competition.

17.C

The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets as follows:

  1. Any surplus assets ( save for a trophy or any other presentation), remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Competition shall be transferred only to another Competition or Affiliated Association or The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object in the locality of the Competition as determined by resolution at or before the time of winding up, and approved in writing by the Sanctioning Authority.
  2. If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.

MATCH RELATED RULES

18.QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

18.A

A Player is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:

1.  Registered through the Player Registration System of the Competition and  received approval from the Competition.  .

Any registration that is not fully and correctly completed will be returned to the Club unprocessed and the player classed as unregistered. If a Club attempts to register a player via the Player Registration System of the Competition but does not fully and correctly complete the necessary information viathe Player Registration System of the Competition the registration will not be processed.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

All players registered on the Player Registration System of the Competition must also be registered on the FA Player Registration System to be qualified to play in Competitions under the control of the FA.

18.B

1.  Contract players are not permitted in this Competition with the exception of those Players who are registered under Contract with the same Club who have a team operating at Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System.or Tiers 1-4 of the Women Pyramid System.  
2.  It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any Player registered to the Club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate. Clearance is required for any Player aged 10 and over crossing borders including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

3. Each  team must have at least  16 Players registered 15 days before the start of each Playing Season. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4. In the event of a Non Contract Player changing their status to that of a Contract Player with the same Club, or with a Club in another Competition their registration as a Non Contract Player will automatically be cancelled and declared void unless the Club conforms to the exception detailed in Rule 18.B.1.

18.C

A Player that owes a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) shall be permitted to register for a Club but will be suspended from football activities if the Player does not comply with the terms of the Football Debt Recovery Regulations in respect of that Football Debt.

18.D

A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff shall be paid by each Club/Team for each Player registered. 

18.E

The Management Committee shall decide all registration disputes.

In the event of a player signing a registration form or having a registration submitted for more than one Club in the Competition the valid registration submitted first shall take precedence. The Secretary shall notify the Club last applying to register the player of the fact of the previous registration. 

18.F

It shall be a breach of Rule for a Player to:

  1. Play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same Playing Season without first being transferred.
  2. Having registered for one Club in the Competition, register for another Club in the Competition in that Playing Season except for the purpose of a transfer, or  where the Competition adopts rule 18.P
  3. Submit a signed registration form as per  Rule 18 A.2  or submit a registration through the Player Registration System  that the Player had willfully neglected to accurately or fully complete.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

18.G

  1. The Management Committee shall accept the registration of any Player subject to the provisions of Rules 18.G.2  and 18.G.3  below.
  2. The Management Committee shall have power to refuse, cancel or suspend the registration of any Player or may fine any Player, at their discretion (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) who has been charged and found guilty of registration irregularities (subject to Rule 7).
  3. The Management Committee shall have power to make application to refuse or cancel the registration of any Player charged and found guilty of undesirable conduct (subject to Rule 7) subject to the right of appeal to the Sanctioning Authority. Application should be made to the parent County of the Club the Player is registered or intending to be registered with.

Undesirable conduct shall mean an incident of repeated proven misconduct, which may deter a Participant from being involved in this Competition.

  1.  A Player who has previously had a registration removed in accordance with Rule 18.G.3  but has a registration accepted at the expiry of exclusion will be considered to be under a probationary period of 12 months. Whilst under a probationary period, should the Player commit a further act of proven misconduct under the jurisdiction of the Competition, (excluding standard dismissals), the Competition may consider a further charge of bringing the Competition into disrepute.

(Note: Action under Rule 18.G.3 shall not be taken against a Player for misconduct until the matter has been dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority, and then only in cases of the Player bringing the Competition into disrepute and will in any event be subject to an appeal to the Sanctioning Authority or The FA. All decisions must include the period of restriction. For the purpose of this Rule, bringing the Competition into disrepute can only be considered where the Player has received in excess of 112 days’ suspension, or 10 matches in match based discipline, in any competition (and is not restricted to the Competition) in a period of two years or less from the date of the first offence.)

18.H

Subject to compliance with FA Rule C  when a Club wishes to register a player who is already registered with another club it shall submit a transfer notification to the Competition via the Player Registration System. . A fee as set out in the Fees Tariff  will be required.

Such transfer shall be referred by the Competition to the club for which the player is registered. Should this club object to the transfer it should state its objections in writing to the Competition and to the player concerned within 3 days of receipt of the notification. Upon receipt of the club’s consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within 3 days, the Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date or immediately after receipt of such transfer.

A player who transfers into a Club/Team must take part in a minimum of 4 matches under the control of the Northern Football Alliance League or be registered for the Club/Team for a period of more than 28 days prior to commencing the transfer procedure in order for that player to transfer to another Club/Team in membership of the Northern Football Alliance League.

In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.

18.I

A Player may not be registered for a Club nor transferred to another Club in the Competition after 31st March except by special permission of the Management Committee

18.J

Registrations are valid for one Playing Season only.

18.K

A Player shall not be eligible to play for a Team in any special championship, promotion or relegation deciding Competition Match (as specified in Rule (22.A) unless the Player has played 3 Competition Matches for that Team in the current Playing Season.  

18.L.

A Team shall not include more than 2 Players who has/have played in 2 or more senior Competition Matches during the current Playing Season unless a period of 21 clear days has elapsed since they last played. 21 clear days is counted by excluding the day when the relevant Player last played and the day when the Player intends to play again. For players 18years or younger at the date commencement of the season the number of matches shall be increased to 4.

For the purpose of this Rule a senior competition(s) is/are all Competitions in the National League System.

Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 

18.M

  1. Subject to Rule 18.M.2 any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff).
  2. The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points set out at Rule18.M.1  only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
  3. Where a Club is found to have played an ineligible Player in accordance with Rule 18.M.1 above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

a)  Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or

b)  Levy penalty points against the Club in default; or

c)  Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).

18.N

The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education:

  1. Priority must be given at all times to activities of schools and school organisations. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
  2. The availability of children and young people must be cleared with the Head Teachers or Principals (except for Sunday leagues competitions).
  3. To play open age football the player must have achieved the age of 16.

18.O

Not included.

18.P

Not included

19.CLUB COLOURS  

19.A

Every  team must register the colour and design of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 31st May  and the Competition Secretary shall decide as to their suitability. Teams must provide details of a 2nd strip which must be entirely different to the 1st choice strip.

19.B

Any team wishing to change the colour(s) and/or design(s) of its shirt(s) and short(s) during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Competition Secretary in advance of making that change.

19.C

Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.

19.D

No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.

19.E

Any Team not being able to play in its normal colours as registered with the Competition shall notify its opponents of the colours in which they will play (including the colours of the goalkeepers jersey) at least 5 days before the Competition Match.

19.F

If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the HomeTeam shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they will be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff. 

19.G

Shirts must all be numbered and no two shirts shall have the same number, failing which a fine will be levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff

20.PLAYING SEASON.  CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF.  POSTPONEMENTS. SUBSTITUTES

20.A

All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.

Commencement of each season will be the first Saturday in August.

The default KO time of matches scheduled / played on a Saturday throughout the season shall be 2.00 pm.

The match result must be reported through the method as agreed by the LMC, no later than 4.30 pm on the day of the match regarding a match played on a Saturday. For matches that KO within the window as below or at any other time the result must be reported by the same method within 45 minutes of the end of the match.

Home teams which hire an artificial pitch on which to play a scheduled match due to their registered home pitch being unfit for play, the KO time can be up to 1 hour earlier or 1 hour later than the above default KO time. The Competition will agree to a KO time out with this window if both teams agree. The away team must have been informed in the Fixture confirmation document sent by the home team 5 days prior to the date of the match that the match may / will be played on an artificial surface.

Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.

The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the Club concerned to play its Competition Match(es) on another ground.

Artificial Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches - https://footballfoundation.org.uk/3g-pitch-register. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register.

The home Club is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 20.C.

Within Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, all Competition Matches shall have a duration of 90 minutes. All other Competition Matches shall have duration of 90 minutes unless a shorter time (not less than sixty (60) minutes) is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves. Two matches involving the same two Teams can be played on the same day providing the total playing time is not more than 120 minutes.

The times of kick-off shall be agreed at the AGM and can only be altered by the mutual consent of the two competing Clubs and the Competition. Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.

The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs, either Mitre Ultimatch Plus or Strike Sports NFAL Ball, fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition If not provided. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff. Teams in the Premier Division should have a fixed barrier around the playing surface and have separate dug outs in place for both teams. Teams in other Divisions must have at least a rope barrier around the playing surface. Both competing teams must wear Identity Bibs when inside the pitch side barrier, only the Manager, Coach, Physio and Substitutes are allowed inside the barrier and in the dug out area. All teams must use a Substitute notification Board.

No overhead netting is allowed for 9v9 and 11v11 affiliated matches

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are removed for all affiliated matches at Regional NLS Feeder League level
For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues:  Overhead wires used to support pitch divider netting are ideally removed for affiliated matches but if they cannot be removed then discretion is given to the match official to restart the match in accordance of the laws of the game.

20.B

Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally  agreed but priority shall be given to The FA and parent County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition match with the consent of the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

In the case of a revised fixture date, the Clubs must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).

20.C

An Officer of the home Club must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground,  time of kick-off and kit colours (including goalkeeper) to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. The opposing Club must confirm receipt and give notice of its kit colours (including goalkeeper) at least 3 days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If either is not provided, the  relevant Club shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.D

In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the minimum number of Players  which will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is 7. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.E

1. Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shalldecide whether it should either:

  1. award the points from the Competition Match in question to the Club’s opponent (without the awarding of goals) 

OR

  1. order the Competition Match to be rescheduled. The Management Committee shall also have the power to order the rescheduled Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent Club’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.

In addition, the Management Committee may at its discretion order one or more of the following (if appropriate):

  1. impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff),
  2. deduct points from the defaulting Club,
  3. order the defaulting Club to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents.

2. Any Club with more than one Team in the Competition shall always fulfil its fixture, within the Competition, in the following order of precedence:- First Team, Reserve Team, A Team. 

3.Any Club unable to fulfil a fixture or  where  a  Competition Match  has  been  postponed  for  any reason must, without delay, give notice to the Competition, the secretary of the opposing Club and the Match Officials. The order in deciding if a pitch is fi for play is: (i) Owner of the picth. (ii) the Home Team (iii) The Match Official. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

4.In the event of a Competition Match not being played or being abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two Clubs and approved by the Competition Failing such agreement and notification to the (Competition within 7 days the Competition shall have the power to order the Match to be played on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition. The Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

5.The Management Committee shall review all Competition Matches abandoned in cases where it is consequent upon the conduct of either or both Teams.  Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, the Management Committee shall order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee are satisfied that a  Match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one Team or its Club member(s) they shall award the points for the Match to the opponent. In cases where a Match has been abandoned owing to the conduct of both Teams or their Club member(s), the Management Committee shall rule that neither Team will be awarded any points for that Match and it shall not be replayed. No fine(s) can be applied by the Management Committee for an abandoned Match.

The Management Committee shall review anyMatch that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The FA or Affiliated Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players in accordance with Rule 18.M above. Where both Teams were under suspension the game must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.

20.F

A Club may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match. A Club may name up to 5 substitute Players of whom not more than 5 may be used..

The referee [and a representative of the opposing Club] shall be informed of the names of the Players taking part in the Match (including the substitutes) not later than 15 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.

A Player who has been named as a substitute before the start of the Competition Match but does not actually play in that game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 18 of this Competition.

20.G

The half time interval shall be of 10 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

20.H

The Teams taking part in a Competition Match shall identify a Team captain who may wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of their teammates.  Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

20.I

Where a suspension imposed in relation to a Football Debt (as defined under the Football Debt Recovery Regulations) upon a Club by The FA or Affiliated Association is not lifted, and/or the Club does not provide confirmation from The FA or Affiliated Association that such suspension is lifted to the Competition Secretary by [Time] [1 or 2] days before a fixture, that fixture will be treated as an unfulfilled fixture and dealt with in accordance with Rule 20(E).

21.REPORTING RESULTS

21.A

The (Competition must receive within 4days, 96 hours, of the date and time played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner.  This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also the referee markings required by Rule 23, or any other information required by the Competition. Result sheets must be forwarded to the following email address: resultsheetsnfal@aol.com. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21.B

The Home team shall use telephone/SMS/email/ FA Full Time / FA Matchday / Scorestream App as directed by the Competition  to notify of each Competition Match the result and scorers by 4.30 pm for a Saturday match and 9.45 pm for a midweek match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

21.C

The match result notification, Online Match Return, must be correctly completed by an Officer of the Team, or as prescribed by the Competition within 56 hours of the end of the match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

22.DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

22.A

Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.

In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings shall be determined by the following criteria, in the order of priority in which they appear:

(NB: for Regional NLS Feeder Leagues criteria 1 & 2 are mandatory; for all other Competitions they are optional):

  1. Goal difference (where the goals scored against each Team shall be deducted from the goals scored by that Team and the Team with the most favourable goal difference shall be placed highest.
  2. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has scored the most goals during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.]
  3. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team that has won the most matches during the Playing Season shall be placed highest.
  4. In the event of two or more Teams being equal, the Team which has the better playing record against the other Team in their head to head Competition Matches during the Playing Season will be placed highest.
  5. One-off fixture or play-off games as determined by the League management committee.

22.B

Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first 2 Teams and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last 2 Teams in each division except as provided for below subject to the provisions of Rule 2.L.

  1. Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated.
  2. Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:
    1. retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or
    2. additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below; or
    3. election.
    4. The last 2 Teams in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the conditions of Rule22.B.1 above.
    5. When a senior Team is relegated to a lower division of which its reserve Team is a member, or entitled to be a member, such reserve Team must accept relegation to, or retain its position in, the next lower division; and should the senior Team be relegated to the lowest division its reserve Team automatically retires from the Competition.

  1. Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have its senior Team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next highest Team or Teams in the division concerned.

22.C

Not included

22.D

In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 22.D a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.

22.E

Where a promotion and/or relegation link exists between Competitions at Step 6 in the NLS Clubs, providing they meet the appropriate grading criteria, and are members of the Premier Division will be eligible to make application to the appropriate Competition at their AGM. Should the champion Club not wish for promotion or, alternatively, not have the necessary grading criteria, then the 2nd to 5th placed Club will be eligible under the same conditions.

REGIONAL NLS FEEDER LEAGUES ONLY: The bottom 2 Clubs in the Premier Division of the Competition will be relegated; Any Club not maintaining the ground grading set for the Competition may be relegated at the end of the Playing Season. Each relegated Club will be allocated to the highest division in either the Competition or  the Competition recommended as most appropriate by the Joint Liaison Committee.

23.MATCH OFFICIALS

23.A

Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority.

23.B

1..In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed referee the appointed senior assistant referee shall take charge and a substitute assistant referee appointed by the competing Teams.

2. In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the Clubs shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match.

23.C

Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide a Club assistant referee. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.D

Regional NLS Feeder Leagues: No Club shall postpone a Competition match on account of the apparent state of the ground. In the event that such circumstances prevail, Clubs should comply with procedures provided for in the document published by The FA “Recommended procedure for the guidance of Clubs and Referees in determining the suitability of grounds in adverse weather conditions”. Should the ground be declared unfit it is the responsibility of the home Club to immediately advise the Competition, the Appointing Authority, the visiting Club and the Match Officials.

For those leagues which are not Regional NLS Feeder Leagues:  The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.

23.E

Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of 35p per mile.

Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home Club before/immediately after the Competition Match. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.F

In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses/expenses only. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses. Failure to comply with this Rule will result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

23.G

A referee not keeping their engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which they are  registered. 

23.H

Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.

23.i

The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to . the Sanctioning Authority.

23.J

The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the (Registration) Secretary within two days of the Competition Match.

23.K

Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.

23.L

Match Officials shall comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA and/or Sanctioning Authority adopted by the Competition

      NORTHERN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE LEAGUE

  CUP COMPETITION REGULATIONS 

1.  NAMES AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.

All Cup Competitions shall be under the entire control of the Northern Football Alliance Management Committee and the General Rules of Charity

Competitions shall be applied along with the following rules. The titles of the 6 Cup Competitions are as follows together with the entry requirements.

(A) GEORGE DOBBINS LEAGUE CUP All Clubs in Membership must enter this Competition.)

(B) CHALLENGE CUP (All Premier Division Clubs must enter this Competition.)

(C) COMBINATION CUP (All First Division Clubs must enter this Competition.)

(D) AMATEUR CUP (All Second Division Clubs must enter this Competition.)

(E) NEVILLE COWEY CUP (All 3rd Division Teams must enter this Competition.)

(F) BILL GARDNER CUP

(i) Teams defeated in the 1st Round of the George Dobbins League Cup shall enter this Competition.

(ii)  Any Team requesting dispensation from entering this Competition must inform the League Secretary within 7

days of playing the 1st Round George Dobbins League Cup and pay the dispensation fee. 

  1. 2. ENTRY FEES

The entry Fees and dates for payments of these Fees shall be in accordance with Competition Rule 4 b relating to Annual Subscription in as much that entry

fee to all the above Cup Competitions, except the Bill Gardner Cup, shall be £35 per team. The entry fee for the Bill Gardner Cup shall be £25, dispensation

from entry to the Bill Gardner Cup shall be £35.

3. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS

(A) All Cup Ties including Semi-Finals will be played on the ground of the first-named Club in all pairings drawn. If the home team’s ground is not available

due to share arrangement with another team, whether a member of this Competition or not, then the home team must source a ground which is acceptable

to the Competition or play the match on the away teams ground, if available. If neither ground is available both Clubs/Teams, in conjunction, must source a

ground which is acceptable to the Competition and share the cost in order for the match to be played on the scheduled date. The match will remain the home

match of the first drawn Club/Team. The Competition will allow a scheduled Cup match to be played at a date, maximum 5 days, earlier, probably under floodlights,

if both Clubs/Teams agree to the change.

(B) In the event of a match being postponed on two occasions, for whatever reason, the home drawn Club, if their Registered Ground could  be unfit for play,

must obtain the use of an alternative ground which is acceptable to the Competition or transfer the match to their opponents ground. Match Officials Fees and

Expenses will remain the responsibility of the home drawn Club. Decisions regarding ground fitness must  be made no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled

Kick Off time.

(C) Neutral Assistant Referees will be appointed for all Semi-Final and Final Ties.

(D) The Final Tie shall be played on a ground selected by the Management Committee.

4. MATCH EXPENSES

(A) All Clubs shall be responsible for paying their own expenses. It will be the responsibility of the Home Club to pay all

match expenses, including Match Official's Fees in all ties prior to the Semi-Finals (See Regulation 4C).

(B) The visiting Club will receive no contribution from the home Club towards its travelling and other expenses.

(C) In Cup Semi-Final and Final Ties, the Competition will pay Match Official's Fees and Expenses via a credit on the \home

team’s account with the Competition.

5. PLAYERS’ QUALIFICATIONS

(A) In all matches prior to the Semi-Final Ties, any player who has been registered with the Competition Registration  

Secretary in accordance with the Competition Rule 18 shall be eligible.

(B)To be eligible to play in the Semi-Final tie a player must have played for his Club in at least 3 games prior to the Semi-

Final Tie under the control of the Northern Football Alliance. To be eligible to play in a Final tie a player must have

played for his Club in at least 3 games prior to the Final tie under the control of the Northern Football Alliance.

(C)A player can only play for one Club in each of the Cup Competitions controlled by the Northern Football Alliance.

Therefore, a player may play for a Club in the League Cup and if transferred may play for another Club in a Divisional

Cup or the Bill Gardner Cup.

(D)A player shall be considered to be a bona fide player if he is registered by his Club with the Northern Football Alliance

in accordance with the provision of the Competition Registration Regulations except in the case of an abandoned match

in which case a player must have been eligible to play in the aforesaid match. However, a player who has been

suspended may play in a postponed or abandoned match after the term of his suspension has expired

(E)A maximum of 5 substitutes may be nominated of which 5 may be used. They must be included on the Official Result

Sheet and handed to the Referee 15 minutes prior to kick-off. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match.

(F) A Club playing an ineligible player will automatically be expelled from the Competition and be fined in accordance

with the fines tariff.

6. CHANGE OF COLOURS

In the event of two teams competing in the Final Tie having strips of a similar colour, both teams must change.

7. RESULT SHEETS

(A) (i) Not less than 15 minutes prior to the appointed kick-off time, each competing Club must provide the Referee and

opponents with a fully completed Team Sheet.

   (ii)  Details of the Result sheet must be lodged by each competing team on the League web site for matches played under the control of the

     Competition as under the rules for League matches played under the control of the Competition within 56 hours of the end of the match.

   (iii)  The Competition Registration Secretary must receive within 96 hours of the end of the tie played, the Result/Team Sheet of each competing

     Club in the Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the surname and forename(s) of the team players, in block letters

      and also the Referees markings required by Rule 21, or any other information required by the Competition. It shall be the responsibility of

      each competing Club Secretary, or other Club Official, to ensure that a correct and fully completed Result/Team Sheet is forwarded to the

      Registration Secretary. Clubs that include in the completed Result/Team Sheet the name of a player who is not eligible to play but does not

take part in the match will be fined £20. Result Sheets must be emailed to: resultsheetsnfal@aol.com

 

 (B)The Home Club will report, via th digital platform, the result of each match to the League Press Officer by 4.30 p.m. for Saturday matches and by 9.15 p.m.

      for midweek matches. This Rule also applies to all Northern Football Alliance Clubs playing matches, either home or away, in  games other than those

      organised by the League Fixture Secretaries. Such matches include Football Association and County FA Cup Competitions.

8. CONDUCT OF CUP TIES

(A) The duration of the match shall normally be 90 minutes. However, in the event that normal time has to be reduced due

to insufficient light or other reasonable cause, then agreement must be made between the Referee and the participating

teams prior to the start of normal play.

(B)In all Cup Ties in all Competitions, including the Final Tie, where the scores are level at the end of normal time, the

result will be decided  by the taking of penalties. The penalty competition shall be conducted in strict accordance with

the procedure adopted by the Football  Association Board.

(C) The half time interval in any match shall be 10 minutes. This may be altered with the consent of the Referee.

9. MATCH OFFICIALS FEES

The Fees and Expenses paid to Match Officials shall be calculated at the rates in force which apply to the Home team

10. CUSTODY OF TROPHY & AWARD OF MEMENTOES

The Winners of a Cup Competition shall hold the Cup for one season. Eighteen (18) medals or suitable mementoes will be

presented to the winners and finalists.

SCHEDULE A 

FEES TARIFF

RULE NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

MAXIMUM FEE

4 A

CLUB ENTRY FEE

£ 0

 

4 B

CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

£ 200

4 C

DEPOSIT

£ 50

7 C, 7 E, 7 H

PROTEST/APPEAL FEES

£ 20

18 D

PLAYER REGISTRATION FEE

£ 1 / £ 5

18 H

TRANSFER FEE

£ 5

23 E

REFEREE FEES

£ 35 / £  30

23 E

ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES

£ 25

 

FINES TARIFF

RULE NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

MAXIMUM FINE

2 G

FAILURE TO AFFILIATE

£ 50

2 I

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FA INITIATIVES

£ 50

2 K

UNAUTHORISED ENTRY OF TEAMS INTO COMPETITIONS

£ 20

3

FAILURE TO OBTAIN CONSENT FOR A CHANGE OF CLUB NAME

£ 100

4 C

FAILURE TO PAY A DEPOSIT

£ 50

4 E

ENSURE TEAMS ARE RECORDED AS AFFILIATED IN THE CLUB PORTAL

£ 50

5 E

COMMUNICATIONS CONDUCTED BY PERSONS OTHER THAN NOMINATED OFFICERS

£ 100

6 I

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN INSTRUCTION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

£ 50

6 J

FAILURE TO PAY A FINE WITHIN REQUIRED TIMEFRAME

£ 20

8 H

FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT AGM

£ 20

9E

FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT SGM

£ 20

10

FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT OR TO NOTIFY CHANGES TO SIGNATORIES

£ 20

11 A

FAILURE TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL BEFORE DEADLINE

£ 100

11 B

FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES

£ 250

13 A

FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TROPHY

£ 20

16 C

FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED INSURANCE

£ 100

18 A

FAILURE TO CORRECTLY REGISTER A PLAYER

£ 20

18 B 3

FAILURE TO HAVE THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF REGISTERED PLAYERS PRIOR TO THE SEASON COMMENCING

£ 20

18 F

REGISTERING OR PLAYING FOR MULTIPLE CLUBS, OR INACCURATE COMPLETION OF A REGISTRATION FORM

£ 30

18 G 2

REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES

£ 30

18 L

FIELDING MORE THAN THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SENIOR COMPETITIONS MATCHES

£ 50

18 M

PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER

£ 30

18 N

FAILURE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

£ 30

19 F

DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO  NO CHANGE OF COLOURS

£ 30

19 G

FAILURE TO NUMBER SHIRTS

£ 30

19 G

 FAILURE TO HAVE  DIFFERENT NUMBER SHIRTS

£ 30

20 A

DELAYING KICK OFF DUE TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

£ 30

20 B

FAILURE TO PLAY MATCHES ON THE DATE FIXED

£ 100

20 C

FAILURE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF A FIXTURE

£ 30

20 D

PLAYING MATCH WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED NUMBER OF PLAYERS

£ 5 per player

20 E  1,3 & 4

FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE

£ 100

20 H

NO CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND

£ n/a

21 A

LATE RESULT NOTIFICATION FORM

£ 30

21 B

FAILURE TO PROVIDE RESULT

£ 30

21C

FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE MATCH RETURN

£ 30

23 C

FAILURE TO PROVIDE CLUB ASSISTANT REFEREE

£ 30

23 E

FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS’ FEES AND EXPENSES

£ 50

23 F

FAILURE TO PAY MATCH OFFICIALS WHERE A MATCH IS NOT PLAYED

£50

23 H

FAILURE TO PROVIDE REFEREE’S MARK

£ 30

SCHEDULE B – INDEX

Rule 1

Definitions

GOVERNANCE RULES

Rule 2

Name and Constitution

Rule 3

Club Name

Rule 4

Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit

Rule 5

Management, Nomination, Election

Rule 6

Powers of Management

Rule 7

Protests, Claims, Complains, Appeals

Rule 8

Annual General Meeting

Rule 9

Special General Meeting

Rule10

Agreement to be Signed

Rule11

Continuation of Membership, Withdrawal of a Club

Rule12

Exclusion of Clubs, Teams. Misconduct of Clubs, Officers, Players, Management Committee

Rule13

Trophy

Rule14

Alteration to Rules

Rule15

Finance

Rule16

Insurance

Rule17

Dissolution

MATCH RELATED RULES

Rule18

Qualification of Players

Rule19

Club Colours

Rule20

Playing Season. Conditions of Play, Times of Kick-Off. Postponements. Substitutes

Rule21

Reporting Results

Rule22

Determining Championship

Rule23

Match Officials

SCHEDULE A

Fees Tariff

Fines Tariff

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International Clearance

INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE NOTES

The Procedures for making requests

(FROM THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS)

1. FIFA Regulations governing the Status and Transfer of Players require National Associations to issue an International Transfer Certificate for any player over the age of 12 who is moving from one National Association to another including UK borders (THIS MEANS SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND AND WALES) It is absolutely essential to make exhaustive checks on the player and not to accept his / her word that they have permission. Breaches are dealt with under the provisions of FA Rule E.1 (b). Individual Players and Clubs can face disciplinary action and Leagues are empowered to take further action which can lead to fines and deduction of points.
IF A PLAYER IS UNDER THE AGE OF 18, CLEARANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO FIFA

2. The Association which a player is leaving will issue the International Transfer Certificate to the National Association to which the player is moving.

3. The receiving Association shall make a request for an International Transfer Certificate to the issuing Association. In order to identify a player correctly the request should include the player’s full name, date and place of birth and the name of the Club for which he was last registered together with written confirmation that the Club wishes to register the player. 
IT IS NOW A REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THE PLAYER'S PASSPORT AND / OR NATIONAL ID CARD.

4. An Association, having received a request from another Association, is obliged to issue an International Transfer Certificate providing the player is not under written contract to a Club, (as a non-amateur player) is not suspended from football for disciplinary reasons, (unless up to a maximum of 4 matches) and has fulfilled all obligations to the former Club.

5. Clubs and / or players, seeking International Clearance should make a request in writing to the Registrations Department of The Football Association. The request may be faxed direct to the Department on 0844 980 0663. E-mails can be sent to: registrations@thefa.com. Clubs and players may be required to complete a questionnaire. There are two versions of the application form - one for the United States and one for all other National Associations. Many hand written requests are indecipherable and, whilst it is stating the obvious, you should try to present a typed document or ensure that it is written in capitals. If we have to return the form or contact you this will delay your application.

6. The Football Association will ask the National Association concerned via fax for an International Transfer Certificate. This will be done by email in the event of a fax facility not being available. Surprising as it may seem this is simply because most National Associations conduct ITC business exclusively by fax.

7. When an International Transfer Certificate has been issued to this Association the Club and/or player will be notified by fax, telephone, e-mail or letter by the Registrations Department. Until notification has been received the player may NOT be registered or play for a Club in England at any level.

8. Such a player may NOT play in a competitive fixture at any level in England until an International Clearance Certificate has been received and registration has been accepted by a League and / or this Association. Letters from National Associations and Clubs are NOT sufficient to enable a player to play competitive football.

9. Players may train or play in ‘behind closed doors’ friendly matches without International Clearance. However, in these circumstances, the Club should have the permission of the player’s former Club and confirmation that the player is not under suspension. For friendly matches played in public the written permission of the other National Association is required.

10. Should The Football Association not receive an International Transfer Certificate, or a reply stating a reason why this is not being issued within 30 days of the request being made by the FA (note: not within 30 days of being sent/ received by the Club) then a provisional clearance can be issued.

11. FIFA Regulations governing the Status and Transfer of Players are published in The Football Association Handbook. 

The definition of amateur is now contained in the Home Office Visitor Guide which is on their website - Immigration Directorate Instructions Chapter 2.

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyand law/IDIS/idischapter2/

Section 2.8 is the relevant part that might help you. One off charity events are clearly OK for amateur players admitted as visitors. Whilst the "in front of a fee-paying crowd" aspect is not recorded the Home Office see this as one (though by no means the only) illustration of when a Club is professional in that they operate for profit gained by charging for events.

12. It must be appreciated that delays do occur when requesting International Clearance from other National Associations. When a request is made to ourselves by a Club this is faxed as soon as possible, usually the same day, to the other National Association concerned. We are then in their hands as to how quickly, or slowly, a reply is made. This Association gets as exasperated as Clubs and Players when delays occur, especially as we strive to conclude cases as quickly as possible. 
Please be aware of the following FIFA Regulation:

If the new Association does not receive a response to the ITC request within 30 days, it shall immediately register the amateur with the new Club on a provisional basis. ("provisional registration") A provisional registration shall become permanent one years after the ITC request. The Player Status Committee may withdraw a provisional registration, if, during this one year period, the former Association presents valid reasons explaining why it did not respond to the ITC request.

IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED THAT OTHER NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS ARE NOT CONTACTED DIRECTLY AS, IN OUR EXPERIENCE, THIS ONLY DELAYS THE REQUEST BEING DEALT WITH. ANY REPEAT APPLICATIONS SHOULD COME THROUGH THIS ASSOCIATION. IF YOU NEED TO TRACK THE PROGRESS OF ANY APPLICATION PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ADVISE US NOT ONLY OF THE PLAYER'S NAME BUT ALSO OF HIS FORMER COUNTRY. 
IF IN DOUBT CONTACT THE FA OR THE LEAGUE SECRETARY FOR ADVICE.

HOW TO REACH THE REGISTRATION TEAM AT THE FA

E-mail: registrations@thefa.com

Postal Address:

Registrations Department,

The FA Ltd.
Wembley Stadium,
PO BOX 1966
London.
SW1P 9EQ
FAX: 0844 980 0663

IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT THE REGISTRATION TEAM AT THE FA VIA EMAIL.

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Information for Match Officials

INFORMATION FOR MATCH OFFICIALS SEASON 2021 - 2022

1. The Management Committee of the League, in co-operation with the County Associations, shall after the AGM select Referees and Assistant Referees as required to be allocated to fixtures for the forthcoming season.

2. Any Referee or Assistant Referee who does not accept an appointment within the stipulated time will have the fixture withdrawn. The Competition Appointments Secretary and/or his Assistant shall appoint another Referee and/or Assistant Referee and report the matter to the League Management Committee who will consider the matter at their next meeting.

3. The Home Club will contact the Match Officials at least FIVE DAYS before the date of the game and failure to do so must be reported to the Competition Secretary.

4. After accepting an appointment, no Match Official shall be allowed to cancel such appointment except to take a priority appointment as laid down by the Rules of the Football Association or for such reasonable cause as is accepted by the Competition Secretary.

5. All Match Officials must be in attendance at least forty-five minutes prior to the specified kick-off. time.

6. Referees must fully complete the after match report form as provided by the Competition and forward to the Appointments Secretary within 3 days, Sundays and Bank Holidays not included, of the date of the match.

7. Dress Code: Match Officials are encouraged to wear a shirt and tie whilst in attendance at all Northern Football Alliance Fixtures. 

8. This Scale of Fees and Expenses payable to Match Officials will apply for Season 2021 - 2022

Division Referees Fees Assistant referee Fees Travel Per Mile
Premier £35 £25 35p
One and Two £30 £25 35p
All Cup Ties £35/£30 £25/£25 35p

NOTE:

In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half their fee plus expenses. When a match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee and expenses 
IT IS REQUIRED THAT WHENEVER POSSIBLE, MATCH OFFICIALS WILL TRAVEL TOGETHER IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE OVERALL COSTS TO CLUBS.

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Useful Information 2024 2025

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION:

Chief Executive.
Wembley Stadium,
PO Box 1966,
London.
SW1P 9EQ.
Tel: 0844 - 980 8200
Fax: 0844 - 980 8201

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION:

Andrew Rose-Cook, Chief Executive Officer.
Whitley Park,
Whitley Road,
Benton,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE12 9FA.
Tel: 0191 - 2700700

DURHAM COUNTY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION:

J. C. Topping. Company Secretary.
Riverside South,
Chester-le-Street.
County Durham.
DH3 3SJ.
Tel: 0191 - 3872929
Fax: 0191 - 3872919

NORTHERN LEAGUE:

K. Hewitt, Secretary.
21 Cherrytree Drive,
Langley Park,
County Durham.
DH7 9FX.
Tel: 0191 - 3733878

WEARSIDE LEAGUE:

K Harrison Secretary.
32 Killinghall Grove,
Hartburn,
Stockton on Tees.
TS18 5PT.
Tel: 01642 - 653362

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Thanking Our Sponsors

The Competition is grateful for the continuing assistance and support of the following Partners whose financial input is welcomed by all our Clubs in Membership:

Welcome to

MAIN SPONSOR OF THE NORTHERN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE LEAGUE

BAY PLASTICS LTD

and to our other Sponors & Partners

Reeves Independent   

Reeves Investment Services

Spirit Sports Equipment

Kits4All Ltd

Planet Trophies

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Season 2022-2023 Final Divisional Tables

Season 2022 2023.

Premier Division 

Position

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

 
   

1

NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR

30

26

2

2

90

18

72

80

   

2

BURRADON/NEW FORDLEY

30

23

4

3

86

30

56

73

   

3

WALLINGTON

30

17

4

9

83

52

31

55

   

4

ALNWICK TOWN

30

14

9

7

71

40

31

51

   

5

PERCY MAIN AMATEURS

30

14

7

9

59

53

6

49

   

6

NEWCASTLE CHEMFICA

30

14

4

12

56

46

10

46

   

7

NEWCASTLE INDEPENDENT

30

13

6

11

55

64

-9

45

   

8

CRAMLINGTON UTD

30

13

3

14

62

66

-4

42

   

9

KILLINGWORTH FC

30

11

7

12

53

64

-11

40

   

10

HALTWHISTLE JUBILEE

30

12

1

17

56

76

-20

37

   

11

PONTELAND UTD

30

9

9

12

58

59

-1

36

   

12

SEATON DELAVAL AFC

30

10

4

16

69

74

-5

34

   

13

AFC NEWBIGGIN

30

10

5

15

53

65

-12

32

   

14

GATESHEAD RUTHERFORD

30

8

4

18

44

65

-21

28

   

15

WINLATON COMMUNITY

30

5

5

20

40

73

-33

20

   

16

WHITLEY BAY RESERVES

30

3

2

25

37

127

-90

8

   

AFC Newbiggin and Whitley Bay Reserves 3 points deducted

1st Division 

Position

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

 
   

1

STOBSWOOD WELFARE

30

24

3

3

90

41

49

75

   

2

WEST MOOR & JESMOND

30

19

5

6

75

39

36

62

   

3

HEBBURN TOWN U23

30

18

7

5

79

41

38

61

   

4

ROTHBURY

30

18

3

9

68

41

27

57

   

5

WILLINGTON QUAY SAINTS

30

17

6

7

71

47

24

57

   

6

GOSFORTH BOHEMIANS

30

17

4

9

79

40

39

55

   

7

NEWCASTLE EAST END

30

16

2

12

79

61

18

50

   

8

N'CLE BLUE STAR RES

30

14

2

14

64

72

-8

44

   

9

BEDLINGTON

30

13

4

13

69

55

14

43

   

10

HEXHAM

30

12

5

13

63

81

-18

41

   

11

NORTH SHIELDS ATH

30

9

4

17

70

99

-29

31

   

12

WHITBURN & CLEADON

30

8

5

17

63

80

-17

29

   

13

FOREST HALL CELTIC

30

6

7

17

36

66

-30

25

   

14

SEATON BURN

30

5

5

20

36

71

-35

20

   

15

WALLSEND BOYS CLUB

30

4

7

19

40

74

-34

19

   

16

FC UTD OF NEWCASTLE

30

4

3

23

40

114

-74

15

   

2nd Division 

Position

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

 
   

1

PONTELAND UTD RESERVES

26

20

3

3

71

32

39

63

   

2

NEWCASTLE UNI A

26

16

6

4

85

31

54

54

   

3

BLAYDON COMMUNITY

26

16

2

8

81

51

30

50

   

4

WIDEOPEN

26

13

5

8

66

39

27

44

   

5

ELLINGTON

26

12

5

9

57

58

-1

41

   

6

HEATON STANNINGTON A

26

10

5

11

62

42

20

32

   

7

N'CLE INDEPENDENT CABRITO

26

8

7

11

61

74

-13

31

   

8

BLYTH TOWN U23

26

8

6

12

54

61

-7

30

   

9

MORPETH FC

26

9

3

14

50

67

-17

30

   

10

NORTH SUNDERLAND

26

9

5

12

42

63

-21

29

   

11

CULLERCOATS

26

9

1

16

41

75

-34

28

   

12

NEWCASTLE CHEMFICA AMS

26

9

1

16

32

66

-34

28

   

13

WHITLEY BAY SPORT CLUB

26

8

2

16

44

70

-26

26

   

14

WALKER CENTRAL

26

6

7

13

51

68

-17

25

   

    Heaton Stannington FC & North Sunderland deducted 3 points

3rd Division 

Position

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

 
   

1

HAZLERIGG VICTORY

26

16

5

5

72

33

39

53

   

2

BENTON FC

26

17

2

7

75

43

32

53

   

3

ALNWICK TOWN DEVELOPMENT

26

15

5

6

77

48

29

50

   

4

AMBLE AFC

26

14

4

8

90

58

32

46

   

5

BLYTH RANGERS

26

14

4

8

68

46

22

43

   

6

WHICKHAM FC U23

26

12

6

8

66

71

-5

42

   

7

WALLSEND BOYS CLUB U23

26

12

4

10

85

63

22

40

   

8

WHITLEY BAY SPORT CLUB A

26

14

1

11

57

45

12

40

   

9

GOSFORTH BOHEMIANS RES

26

9

6

11

58

57

1

32

   

10

HEDDON UNITED

26

9

2

15

65

87

-22

29

   

11

GATESHEAD REDHEUGH 1957

26

8

4

14

59

82

-23

28

   

12

CRAMLINGTON BLUE STAR INTER

26

8

4

14

41

78

-37

25

   

13

ASHINGTON FC RESERVES

26

4

9

13

56

75

-19

18

   

14

STOCKSFIELD

26

1

2

23

28

111

-83

4

   

  Blyth Rangers, Cramlington Blue Star Inter &

   Whitley Bay Sport Club A 3 Points deducted

    Gosforth Bohemians Reserves & Stocksfield 1 point deducted

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Privacy Notice

Bay Plastics Northern Football Alliance League

Privacy Notice

The Bay Plastics Northern Football Alliance League take your privacy very seriously 
This Privacy Notice sets out how we use and look after the personal information we collect from you. We are the data controller, responsible for the processing of any personal data you give us. We take reasonable care to keep your information secure and to prevent any unauthorised access to or use of it
What personal data we hold on you.

Personal data means any information about an individual from which that individual can be identified. 
We collect, use, store and transfer some personal data of our participants [and their parents or guardians], and other League members.

You provide information about yourself and your members when you register with the League, and by filling in forms at an event or online, or by corresponding with us by phone, e-mail or otherwise. 
The information you give us may include name, date of birth, address, e-mail address, phone number, gender, and the contact details of a third party in the case of emergency. We may also ask for relevant health information, which is classed as special category personal data, for the purposes of health, wellbeing, welfare and safeguarding. Where we hold this data it will be with the explicit consent of the participant or, if applicable, the participants parent or guardian.

Where we need to collect personal data to fulfil League responsibilities and you do not provide that data, we may not be able honour or administer your registration. 
Why we need your personal data

We will only use personal data for any purpose for which it has been specifically provided.
The reason we need participants’ and members’ personal data is to be able to run the football league and arrange matches; to administer registration and provide the league services you are signing up to when you register with the League as a club or participant. Our lawful basis for processing this personal data is that we have a contractual obligation to anyone as a participant or member to provide the services they are registering for.


We have set out below, in a table format, a description of all the ways we plan to use personal data, and which of the legal bases we rely on to do so. We have also identified what our legitimate interests are where appropriate. 

Purpose/ Processing Activity

Lawful Basis for processing under Article 6 of the GDPR.

processing registration forms 

Performance of a contract

organising matches 

Performance of a contract

sending out match or League information and updates 

Performance of a contract

to check compliance with our League criteria to participate in the League 

Performance of a contract and Legitimate Interests. Our Legitimate Interests are that we need to ensure that participants meet the appropriate criteria to ensure that the matches that are organised are fair.

sharing data with referees

Performance of a contract

sharing data with the club you are a member of, county football associations and the FA

Performance of a contract

sharing data with committee members to provide information about league activities, registration renewals or invitation to social events

The League has a legitimate interest to maintain participant correspondence for league community purposes.

sharing data with third party service or facility providers

The League has a legitimate interest to run the organisation efficiently and as it sees fit. Provision of some third party services is for the benefit of the League and participants.

sharing anonymised data with a funding partner as condition of grant funding e.g. Local Authority

The League has a legitimate interest to run the organisation efficiently and as it sees fit. Application for funding is a purpose that benefits the League and participants.

publishing match and league results

Consent. We will only publish personal data in a public domain, including images and names, if we have your consent for us to do so. In the case of children under the age of 13 then only with written consent of parent/guardian

sending out marketing information such as newsletters and information about promotions and offers from sponsors

Consent. We will only send direct marketing if you are an existing member, participant or other associated individual and you have not previously objected to this marketing, or, you have actively provided your consent.

to ensure we understand possible health risks

Consent. We will only process details on anyone medical history with their consent.

Who we share your personal data with


When you register with the League, your information, if you are a coach or volunteer will be or if you are another participant may be entered onto the League Registration System database, which is administered by the League. We also pass your information to the County FA / FA for affiliation purposes.
We may share personal data with selected third parties, suppliers and sub-contractors such as, coaches or match organisers. Third-party service providers will only process your personal data for specified purposes and in accordance with our instructions.


We may disclose personal information to third parties to comply with a legal obligation; or to protect the

rights, property, or safety of our participants, members or affiliates, or others. 

The League’s data processing may require personal data to be transferred outside of the UK. Where the League does transfer personal data overseas it is with the sufficient appropriate safeguards in place to

Ensure the security of that personal data

Protection of your personal data
We have put in place appropriate security measures to prevent personal data from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorised way, altered or disclosed. 
How long we hold your personal data.

We keep personal data on our participants while they continue to be a participant or are otherwise actively involved with the League. We will delete this data seven years after a participant has left or otherwise ended their registration or affiliation, or sooner if specifically requested and we are able to do so. We may need to retain some personal data for longer for legal or regulatory purposes. The personal data that is stored on League Registration System is subject to the FA’s privacy policy so we advise you review that policy together with this notice. If anyone would like their personal data to be deleted from League

Registration System then please contact the County FA


Your rights regarding your personal data

As a data subject participants may have the right at any time to request access to, rectification or erasure of their personal data; to restrict or object to certain kinds of processing of their personal data, including direct marketing; to the portability of their personal data and to complain to the UK’s data protection supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office about the processing of their personal data. 
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the League Secretary.

Derek Booth.

League Secretary

Email: defcderekb@hotmail.com

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Honours Records

COMPETITION CHAMPION'S TEN YEAR RECORD

PREMIER DIVISION

 Season  Team P W D GF GA PTS
2014/15 Blyth Town 28 24 4 104 60 76
2015/16 Blyth Town 28 22 4 95 19 70
2016/17 KIllingworth Town 28 20 4 63 27 64
2017/18 Newcastke University  30 25 2 123 31 77
2018/19 AFC Killingworth 30 26 2 122 30 80
2019/20 Not awarded Covid 19 Pandemic            
2020/21 Not awarded Covid 19 Pandemic            
2021/22 Killinworth FC 30  25  97  27  77 
2022/23 Newcastle Blue Star 30  26  90  18  80 
2023/24 Wallington 30 22   81 36   68

 DIVISION ONE

Season   Team P W D GF GA PTS
2014/15 Percy main Amateurs 28 21 2 79 34 65
2015/16 Shilbottle C W 28 21 3 88 33 66
2016/17 Gateshead FC A 30 26 2 126 28 80
2017/18 Killingworth YPC 30 27 2 144 29 83
2018/19 Blyth Town 30 26 2 95 16 80
2019/20 Not awared Covid 19 Pandemic            
2020/21 Not Awarded Covid 19 Pandemic            
2021/22 Newcastle Independent 28 25  1 105  25  76 
2022/23 Stobswood Welafer 30 24   90  41 

75 

2023/24 Gosforth Bohemians 28 23  106  36  70 

DIVISION TWO

 Season Team  P W D GF GA PTS
2014/15 Shilbottle C W 30 25 2 142 36 77
2015/16 Gateshead FC A 28 24 1 142 37 73
2016/17 Killingworth YPC * 28  21 4 108 21 61
2017/18 Blyth Spartans Reserves 28 23 4 126 33 73
2018/19 Rothbury 30 22 6  88 36 72
2019/20 Not awarded Covid 19 Pandemic            
2020/21 Not Awarded Covid 19 Pandemic            
2021/22 Stobswood Welfare  24 20   91 31  61 
2022/23 Ponteland Utd Reserves  26 20  71  32  63 
2023/24 Heaton Stannington FC A  26 20  127  37  63 

* 6 points deducted

DIVISION THREE ( DEVELOPMENT DIVISION SEASON 2019/2020)

 Season  Team   P

 D   GF  GA  P
2019/20 Not Warded Covid19 Pandemic            
2020/21 Not Awarded Covid19 Pandemic            
2021/22 Blaydon Community  29 19   4 87  40  61 
2022/23 Hazlerigg Victory  26  16   5 72  33  53 
 2023/24  Cramlington Town Independent  26 21   0 84  37  63 
               
               
               
               
               

 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

Year    Year  
1890/91 Sunderland A 1891/92 Sunderland A
1892/93 Shankhouse 1893/94 Sunderland A
1894/95 Sunderland A 1895/96 Sunderland A
1896/97 Hebburn Argyle 1897/98 Newcastle Utd A
1898/99 Jarrow 1899/00 Willington Athletic
1900/91 Newcastle Utd A 1901/02 Newcastle Utd A
1902/03 Morpeth Harriers  1903/04 Wallsend Park Villa 
1904/05 Willington Athletic 1905/06 Willington Athletic
1906/07 North Shields Athletic 1907/08 North Shields Athletic
1908/09 Blyth Spartans 1909/10 Willington Athletic
1910/11 Newburn 1911/12 Newburn
1912/13 Blyth Spartans 1913/14 Ashington
1914/15 Spen Black & Whites 1915/19 WAR YEARS
1919/20 Annfield Plains 1920/21 Chopwell Institute
1921/22 Felling Colliery  1922/23 Annfield Plains
1923/24 Birtley 1924/25 Ashington Reserves
1925/26 Chilton C.R.A. 1926/27 Consett
1927/28 Washington C. 1928/29 North Shields
1929/30 Walker Celtic  1930/31 Chopwell Institute
1931/32 Crawcrook Albion 1932/33 Eden Colliery Welfare
1933/34 Crawcrook Albion 1934/35 Newbiggin West End
1935/36 Throckley Welfare 1936/37 Stakeford Albion
1937/38 Alnwick 1938/39 Newcastle Utd A
1939/46 WAR YEARS 1946/47 Newburn
1947/48 Hexham Hearts  1948/49 Cramlington Welfare
1949/50 West Sleekburn 1950/51 Cramlington Welfare
1951/52 Newburn 1952/53 Whitley Bay Athletic 
1953/54 Whitley Bay Athletic 1954/55 Amble
1955/56 Ashingon Reserves 1956/57 Amble
1957/58 Newcastle Utd A 1958/59  Amble
1959/60 Amble 1960/61  Amble
1961/62 Newburn 1962/63  Alnwick Town
1963/64 Alnwick Town 1964/65  No Competition
1965/66 Alnwick Town 1966/67  Bedlington Colliery Wel.
1967/68 Alnwick Town 1968/69  Alnwick Town
1969/70 Alnwick Town 1970/71  Alnwick Town
1971/72 Alnwick Town 1972/73  Marine Park
1973/74 Marine Park 1974/75  South Shields Mariners
1975/76 South Shields 1976/77  Wallington
1977/78 Brandon United 1978/79  Brandon United 
1979/80 Guisborough Town 1980/81   Percy Main Amateurs
1981/82 Percy Main Amateurs 1982/83  Darlington C/land Bridge
1983/84 Morpeth Town 1984/85  Dudley Welfare
1985/86 Gateshead Tyne 1986/87  West Allotment Celtic
1987/88 Seaton Terrace 1988/89 Seaton Terrace
1989/90 Seaton Delaval Amateurs 1990/91 West Allotment Celtic
1991/92 West Allotment Celtic 1992/93  Seaton Delaval Amateurs
1993/94 Morpeth Town 1994/95  Benfield Park 
1995/96 Seaton Delaval Amateurs 1996/97  Lemington Social
1997/98 West Allotment Celtic 1998/99  West Allotment Celtic
1999/00 West Allotment Celtic 2000/01  Walker Central 
2001/02 West Allotment Celtic 2002/03 Newcastle Benfield Saints
2003/04 West Allotment Celtic 2004/05  Shankhouse

2005/06

Team Northumbria 2006/07  Harraby Catholic Club
2007/08 Walker Central 2008/09  Walker Central
2009/10 Harraby Catholic Club 2010/11  Ponteland Utd
2011/12 Heaton Stannington 2012/13  Heaton Stannington
2013/14 Blyth Town 2014/15 Blyth Town 
2015/16 Blyth Town 2016/17  Killingworth Town    
2017/18 Newcastle Uni        2018/19 AFC Killingworth   
2019/20 Not Awarded - Covid 19 Pandemic
2020/21 Not Awarded - Covid19 Pandemic      
2021/22 Killingworth FC  2022/23  Newcastle Blue Star   
2023/24 Wallington    2024/25   

The Premier Division Championship Runners-Up Trophy

Year      

Year    

 
    1958/59 Ashington Reserves  
1959/60 Alnwick Town 1960/61 Newburn
1961/62 Alnwick Town 1962/63 Gateshead Reserves
1963/64

Gateshead Reserves

1964/65 No Competition
1965/66 Morpeth Town 1966/67 Alnwick Town
1967/68 Bedlington C W 1968/69 Wallsend Athletic
1969/70 Bedlington C W 1970/71 Workington reserves
1971/72 Bedlington C W 1972/73 Alnwick Town
1973/74 Morpeth Town 1974/75 Marine Park
1975/76 Carlisle City 1976/77 Carlisle City

1977/78

Carlisle City 1978/79 Guisborough Town
1979/80 Carlisle City 1980/81 Ryhope C A
1981/82 Morpeth own 1982/83 Percy Maun Amateurs
1983/84 Dudley Welfare 1984/85 Morpeth Town
1985/86 Prudhoe East End 1986/87 Dunstan Tyne Sports
1987/88 Prudhoe east End 1988/89 West Allotment Celtic
1989/90 West Allotment Celtic 1990/91 Seaton Terrace
1991/92 Walker 1992/93 West Allotment Celtic
1993/94 Carlisle City 1994/95 West Allotment Celtic
1995/96 Carlisle City 1996/97 Ponteland United
1997/98 Lemington Social 1998/99 Ponteland United
1999/00 Shankhouse 2000/01 West Allotment Celtic
2001/02 Shankhouse 2002/03 Carlisle City
2003/04 Team Northumbria 2004/05 Ryton
2005/06 Shankhouse 2006/07 Wallsend
2007/08 Harraby C C 2008/09 Gilford Park
2009/10 Wark 2010/11 Alnwick Town
2011/12 Hebburn Reyrolle 2012/13 Blyth Town
2013/14 Carlisle City 2014/15 Carlisle City
2015/16 Whitley Bay A 2016/17 Newcastle University
2017/18 Birtley Town 2018/19 Newcastle University   
2019/20 Not awarded - Covid 19 Pandemic      
2020/21 Not Awarded - Covid19 Pandemic  
2021/22 Prudhie Y C Seniors    2022/23 Burradon & New Fordley   
2023/24 Alnwick Town      2024/25     

DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONS & RUNNERS-UP

Year Champions Runners-Up
1988/89 Ashington Premier Haltwhistle Crown Paints
1989/90 Westerhope Hillheads Walker
1990/91 Blyth Kitty Brewster Spittal Rovers
1991/92 Carlisle City

Winlaton Hallgarth

1992/93 Longbenton Newbiggin Central Welfare
1993/94 Amble Town Benfield Park
1994/95 Amble Town North Shields St Columbas
1995/96 Gosforth Bohemians  Walker Ledwood
1996/97 Ryton Hebburn Reyrolle
1997/98 Shankhouse Northbank Carlisle
1998/99 Percy Main Amateurs Coxlodge Social Club
1999/00 Coxlodge Social Club Newcastle University
2000/01 Amble Vikings Harraby Catholic Club
2001/02 Bedlington Terriers A Procter & Gamble
2002/03 Chopwell Top Club Northumbria University
2003/04 Heddon Heaton Stannington
2004/05 Alnmouth Blyth Town
2005/06 Wallsend Ashington Colliers
2006/07 Gillford Park Cramlington Town
2007/08 Wark Murton
2008/09 Killingworth YPC Sporting Stocksfield
2009/10 Gateshead Rutherford Percy Main Amateurs
2010/11 Hebburn Reyrolle Whitley Bay A
2011/12 Amble United Wallsend Town
2012/13 Wallington Red House Farm
2013/14 North Shields Athletic

Gateshead Redheugh 1957

2014/15 Percy Main Amateurs    AFC Newbiggin  
2015/16 Shilbottle CW Newcastle University
2016/17 Gateshead FC A Grainger Park

2017/18

Killingworth YPC Hazlerigg Victoria
2018/19 Blyth Town Cullercoats
2019/20 Not Awarded Covid 19  
2020/21 Not Awarded Covid 19  

2021/22

Newcastle Independent Cramlington Utd
2022/23 Stobswood Welfare West Moor & Jesmond
2023/24 Gosforth Bohemians  North Shields Ath

DIVISION TWO CHAMPIONS & RUNNERS UP

Year Champions Runners-Up
1988/89 Blyth Kitty Brewster Stobbswood United
1989/90 Heaton Comer House Longbenton
1990/91 Proctor and Gamble Wylam Home Services

1991/92

North Shields St Columbas

Percy Rovers

1992/93 Amble Town Gosforth Bohemians
1993/94 Ashington Hirst Orwin New Winning
1994/95 Walker Ledwood Shankhouse
1995/96 Walbottle Masons Heddon Institute
1996/97 Northbank Carlisle Newcastle University
1997/98 Coxlodge Social Club Morpeth Town A
1998/99 Amble Vikings Cullercoats
1999/00 Harraby Catholic Club Cowgate Sports Club
2000/01 Wallington Shankhouse Black Watch
2001/02 Haydon Bridge United Univeristy of Northumbria
2002/03 Blyth Town Newcastle East End Railway
2003/04 Alnmouth Gosforth Bohemian Garnett
2004/05 Ashington Colliers Penrith United
2005/06 Whitley Bay A Gillford Park Spartans
2006/07 Westerhope Stocksfield
2007/08 Killingworth YPC Sporting Cullercoats
2008/09 Amble United South Shields United
2009/10 North Shields Athletic Stobswood Welfare
2010/11 Newcastle Chemfica Independent Wallsend Town
2011/12 Hexham Red House Farm
2012/13 North Shields Athletic Birtley St Josephs
2013/14 Blyth Isabella AFC Newbiggin
2014/15 Shilbottle C W     Gateshead Leam Rangers
2015/16 Gateshead FC A   Grainger Park B C    
2016/17 Killingworth YPC     Forest Hall  
2017/18 Blyth Spartans Res Prudhoe Y C Seniors     
2018/19 Rothbury Whitley Bay Sporting Club 
2019/20 Not Awarded - Covid 19 Pandemic    
2020/21 Not Awarded - Civid19 Pandemic      
2021/22 Stobswood Welfare   Newcastle East End     
2022/23 Ponteland Utd Reserves    Newcastle University A   
2023/24 Heaton Stannington FC A    Hazlerigg Victory

DIVISION 3 CHAMPIONS AND RUNNERS UP

(2019/20 DEVELOPMENT DIVISION)

2019/20 Not awarded - Covid 19 Pandemic    
2020/21 Not Awarded - Covid19 Pandemic
2021/22 Blaydon Community AFC Newbiggin Central
2022/23 Hazlerigg Victory Benton FC
2023/24 Cramlington Town Independent Wallsend Boys Club U23     

LEADING GOALSCORERS 2023-2024

(In Leagues Games Only)

Premier Division

1st Jordan Nellis      Wallington 32 Goals
2nd McKenzie Sharpe Percy Main Amateurs 29 Goals
3rd Bradley Higgins AFC Newbiggin 23 Goals

1st Division

1st Adam Bains      Rothbury      27 goals
2nd Joe Hughes Gosforth Bohemians  26 Goals
3rd Ethan Smith Bedlington

21 Goals

2nd Division

1st James Harper    Heaton Stannington FC A      36 goals
2nd Andrew Tallen Heaton Stannington FC A 25 Goals
3rd Mitchell Ramset Hazlerigg Victory

2 Goals

3rd Division

1st Owen Kennedy      Wallsend Boys Club U23  30 goals
2nd Stephen Siyanbola Wallsend Boys Club U23 26 Goals
3rd Jamie Best Whitley Bay Sporting Club A

25 Goals

GOLDEN GLOVES 2023-2024

(In Leagues Games Only)(Must have played in 10 ganes)

Premier Division

1st Matthew Alexander    Alnwick town 0.81 Goals/Game
2nd Tom Shanley Burradon & New Fordley 1.14 Goals/Game
3rd Aaran Carr Wallington 1.20 Goals/Game

1st Division

1st Dan Charlton    Newcastle East End  1.15 Goals/Game
2nd Jack Shaw North Shields Ath 1.17 Goals/Game
3rd Joe Foalle Gosforth Bohemians

1.52 Goals/Game

2nd Division

1st Ben Patterson   Blyth Town Reserves 1.00 Goals/Game
2nd  Thomas Vardy    Wallsend Boys Club  1.10 Goals/Game
3rd Jordan Mallaburn Morpeth FC

1.21 Goals/Game

3rd Division

1st Sam Bexton     Blyth Rangers    1.25 Goals/Game
2nd Callum Thompson Wallsend Boys Club U23 1.50 Goals/Gane
3rd Robbie Smith Whickham FC U23

1.92 Goals/Game 

 

NORTHERN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE CUP RECORDS

THE STAN SEYMOUR LEAGUE CUP

Year Winners Finalists
1989-90 Blyth Kitty Brewster Heaton Corner House
1990-91 Seaton Terrace Blyth Kitty Brewster
1991-92 Winlaton Hallgarth Ponteland United
1992-93 West Allotment Celtic Ponteland United
1993-94 Morpeth Town Ponteland United
1994-95 Amble Town Ponteland United
1995-96 Amble Town West Allotment Celtic
1996-97 Carlisle City Ponteland United
1997-98 Carlisle City Coxlodge Social Club
1998-99 West Allotment Celtic Ponteland United
1999-00 Percy Main Amateurs Carlisle City
2000-01 Walker Central West Allotment Celtic
2001-02 West Allotment Celtic Carlisle City
2002-03 West Allotment Celtic Newcastle Benfield Saints
2003-04 Team Northumbria Shankhouse
2004-05 Shankhouse Newbiggin Central Welfare
2005-06 Carlisle City Team Northumbria
2006-07 Carlisle City Shankhouse
2007-08 Walker Central Wallington
2008-09 Cullercoats Harraby Catholic Club (Disqualified)
2009-10 Hebburn Reyrolle Heddon

THE GEORGE DOBBINS LEAGUE CUP

Years Winners Finalists
2010-11 Heaton Stannington Ashington Colliers
2011-12 Seaton Delaval Amateurs Ashington Colliers
2012-13 Heaton Stannington Wallington
2013-14 Shankhouse Newcastle Chemfica Ind
2014-15 Blyth Town Whitley Bay A
2015-16 Ponteland Utd Grainger Park B C  
2016/17 Walker Central       Birtley Town      
2017/18 Birtley Town   Newcastle Uni     
2018/19 Newcastle Uni   Cullercoats  
2019/20 Finalist          Finalist
2019/20    Willington Quay Saints     Cullercoats     
2019/20       Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic
2020/21 Competition not played due to Covid19 Pandemic   
2021/22 Stobswood Welfare      Burradon & New Fordley
2022/23 Aknwick Town      Burradon & New Fordley
2023/24 Aknwick Town      Ponteland Utd

PREMIER DIVISION CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS AND FINALISTS

Years Winners Finalists
1936/37 Chopwell Colliery Morpeth Town
1937/38 South Shields Reserves Amble
1938/39 Morpeth Town South Shields Reserves
1939/40 East Cramlington Chopwell Colliery
1940/46 WAR YEARS WAR YEARS
1946/47 Cramlington Welfare Newbiggin Central Welfare
1947/48 Ashington Reserves Hexham Hearts
1948/49 North Shields Reserves Newcastle United A
1949/50 Cramlington Welfare Hexham Hearts
1950/51 Cramlington Welfare Blyth Spartans Reserves
1951/52 Hexham Hearts Newburn
1952/53 Whitley Bay Athletic Newburn
1953/54 Whitley Bay Athletic Ashington Reserves
1954/55 Amble Whitley Bay Athletic
1955/56 Newcastle United A Newburn
1956/57 Newburn Ashington Reserves
1957/58 Bedlington Mechanics North Shields Reserves
1958/59 Amble Wallsend Rising Sun
1959/60 Newcastle United A Amble
1960/61 Amble Craghead Colliery Welfare

1961/62

Alnwick Town Craghead Colliery Welfare
1962/63  Gateshead Reserves

Morpeth Town

1963/64 Highfield Crawcrook
1964/65 No Competition No Competition 
1965/66 Alnwick Town Gateshead Reserves
1966/67 Bedlington Colliery Welfare Morrison Busty Colliery Welfare
1967/68 Alnwick Town Bedlington Colliery Welfare
1968/69 Alnwick Town Bedlington Colliery Welfare
1969/70 Bedlington Colliery Welfare Ashington
1970/71 Alnwick Town Wallsend Athletic
1971/72 Percy Main Amateurs Bedlington Colliery Welfare
1972/73 Marine Park Bedlington Colliery Welfare
1973/74 Marine Park Morpeth Town
1974/75 Marine Park Workington Reserves
1975/76 Carlisle City Sunderland Greenwells
1976/77 Marine Park Carlisle City
1977/78 Brandon United Guisborough Town 
1978/79 Guisborough Town Brandon United 
1979/80 Brandon United Percy Main Amateurs
1980/81 Ryhope C. E. Wigton 
1981/82 Bedlington Terriers  Darlington Cleveland Bridge
1982/83 Stobswood Welfare  Dudley Welfare 
1983/84 Dudley Welfare Stobswood Welfare
1984/85 West Allotment Celtic  Ponteland United 
1985/86 Morpeth Town  Prudhoe East End 
1986/87 Seaton Terrace  Percy Main Amateurs 
1987/88 Gosforth St Nicholas  West Allotment Celtic 
1988/89 Seaton Delaval Amateurs Newbiggin Central Welfare
1989/90 Heaton Stannington  Forest Hall 
1990/91 West Allotment Celtic Ponteland United 
1991/92 Seaton Terrace  Spittal Rovers 
1992/93 Seaton Delaval Amateurs  Winlaton Hallgarth 
1993/94 Carlisle City  Ponteland United 
1994/95 Benfield Park  Seaton Delaval Amateurs 
1995/96 Seaton Delaval Amateurs Benfield Park
1996/97 Carlisle City North Shields St Columbas 
1997/98 West Allotment Celtic  Ponteland United
1998/99 West Allotment Celtic  Ryton 
1999/00 Carlisle City  Shankhouse 
2000/01 Shankhouse  Coxlodge Social Club 
2001/02 Shankhouse Northbank Carlisle 
2002/03 Carlisle City West Allotment Celtic 
2003/04 Northbank Carlisle Harraby Catholic
2004/05 Team Northumbria  Walker Central 
2005/06 Carlisle City  Team Northumbria 
2006/07 Wallsend  Ponteland United 
2007/08 Harraby Catholic  Peterlee Town 
2008/09 Gillford Park  Heddon
2009/10 Ponteland United  Shankhouse 
2010/11 Seaton Delaval Amateurs  Blyth Town 
2011/12 Whitley Bay A  Heaton Stannington 
2012/13 Amble United  Carlisle City 
2013/14 Wallington  Walker Central 
2014/15 Blyth Town   Walker Central    
2015/16 Blyth Town   Carlisle City    
2016/17 Ponteland Utd   Killingworth Town  
2017/18 Seaton Delaval AFC    Ponteland Utd      
2018/19 AFC Killingworth Newcastle Chemfica     
2019/20       Finalist      Finalist
2019/20     AFC New Fordley        Alnwick Town     
2019/20 Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic.
2020/21 Whitley Bay Reserves    Burradon & New Fordley     
2021/22 Killingworth FC      Wallington
2022/23 Newcastle Blue Star      Seaton Delaval AFC
2023/24 AfC Newbiggin   Wallington

DIVISION ONE COMBINATION CUP WINNERS AND FINALISTS

Years Winners Finalists
1988/89 Northern Counties Heddon Institute
1989/90 Northern Counties Blyth Kitty Brewster
1990/91 Heaton Corner House Longbenton
1991/92 Carlisle City Winlaton Hallgarth
1992/93 Longbenton North Shields St. Columbas
1993/94 Amble Town Benfield Park
1994/95 Orwin Rosehill Gosforth Bohemians
1995/96 Walker Ledwood Orwin
1996/97 Hebburn Reyrolle Procter & Gamble
1997/98 Heaton Stannington Northbank Carlisle
1998/99 Coxlodge Social Club Heaton Stannington
1999/00 Coxlodge Social Club Club Cullercoats
2000/01 Wark Procter & Gamble 
2001/02 Procter & Gamble  Heaton Stannington
2002/03 Northumbria University Cramlington Town
2003/04 Walker Fosse Hebburn Reyrolle
2004/05 Wark Rutherford (Newcastle)
2005/06 Newcastle East End Railway Wallsend
2006/07 Gillford Park Murton
2007/08 Gosforth Bohemian Garnett Wark
2008/09 Whitley Bay A Red Row Welfare
2009/10 Percy Main Amateurs Hebburn Reyrolle
2010/11 Hebburn Reyrolle Newcastle University
2011/12 Amble United Wallsend Town (Disqualified)
2012/13 Ponteland United Red House Farm
2013/14 Newcastle Chemfica Ind Birtley St Josephs
2014/15 AFC Newbiggin   Ponteland United      
2015/16 Newcastle University   Cramlington Town
2016/17 Seaton Burn Gateshead FC A
2017/18 Forest Hall   Hazlerigg Victory  
2018/19 Cullercoats   Prudhoe Y C Seniors   
2019/20       Finalist Finalist  
2019/20       Bedlington      Cramlington Utd     
2019/20 Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic. 
2020/21 Cramlington United Prudhoe Y C Seniors   
2021/22 Hebburn Town U23 AFC Newbiggin
2022/23 Newcastle East End West Moor & Jesmond     
2023/24 Gosforth Bohemians    newcastle Benfield Reserves 

DIVISION TWO AMATEUR CUP WINNERS AND FINALISTS

Years Winners Finalists
1988/89 N.E.E.R.C. Woolsington Athletic
1989/90 Portland Arms Longbenton
1990/91 Hebburn NEI Reyrolle Ashington Hirst
1991/92 Ashington Hirst C. K. Brinkburn
1992/93 C. K. Brinkburn Swalwell Crowley
1993/94 Shankhouse Highfields United
1994/95 Newcastle University Throckley Social Club
1995/96 Newcastle University Highfields United
1996/97 Coxlodge Social Club Rutherford
1997/98 Coxlodge Social Club Newcastle British Telecom
1998/99 Amble Vikings Northern Social Club
1999/00 Harraby Catholic Club North Sunderland
2000/01 Wallsend Town Wallington
2001/02 University of Northumbria Hayden Bridge United
2002/03 Newcastle British Telecom Walker Wincomblee
2003/04 Ashington Colliers Morpeth Town ‘A’
2004/05 Ashington Colliers Whitley Bay ‘A’
2005/06 Stocksfield Whitley Bay ‘A’
2006/07 Wallsend Town Amble
2007/08 Jesmond Wallsend Town
2008/09 Forest Hall Amble United
2009/10 Stobswood Welfare North Shields Athletic
2010/11 Swalwell Wallsend Town
2011/12 Whickham Lang Jacks Willington Quay Saints
2012/13 Birtley St Josephs Blyth Isabella
2013/14 Newcastle Benfield Res Gateshead Leam Rangers
2014/15 Grainger Park B C     Gateshead Leam Rangers 
2015/16 Gateshead FC A Grainger Park B C      
2016/17 Hazlerigg Victory       Cramlington United      
2017/18 Prudhoe Y C Seniors    Blyth Spartans Res     
2018/19 Blyth FC       Stobswood Welfare   
 2019/20       Finalist            Finalist  
2019/20      AFC Newbiggin       Newcastle East End
2019/20      Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic   
2020/21 Newcasle Independent    Cramlington Town     
2021/22 Newcastle University A Newcastle Blue Star Reserves
2022/23 North Sunderaland  Blyth Town U23
2023/24 Hazlerigg Victory      Heaton Stanningto FC A 

NEVILLE COWEY CUP WINNERS AND FINALISTS

 2019/20 Finalist       Finalist
2019/20    Heaton Stannington A    West Jesmond   
2019/20       Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic 
2020/21 Heaton Stannington FC A  Cullercoats Reserves 
2021/22 Whickham U23 AFC Newbiggin Central 
2022/23 Hazlerigg Victory    Ashington AFC Reserves
2023/24 Cramlington Town Independent Gosforth Bohemians Res

SUBSIDIARY CUP WINNERS AND FINALISTS

(Replaced by Northern Football Alliance Charity Cup in 2006-2007)

(Replaced by the Bill Gardner Memorial Cup in 2011-2012)

Years Winners Finalists
1988/89 Ashington Premier Gosforth Bohemians
1989/90 Newbiggin Central Welfare Haltwhistle Crown Paints
1990/91 Newbiggin Central Welfare Morpeth Town
1991/92 Seaton Delaval Amateurs Amble Town
1992/93 Swalwell NEI Reyrolle
1993/94 North Shields St Columbas Blyth Kitty Brewster
1994/95 West Allotment Celtic Walker Central
1995/96 NO COMPETITION NO COMPETITION
1996/97 Newbiggin Central Welfare Gosforth Bohemians
1997/98 Walker Ledwood Fosse Amble Town
1998/99 Winlaton Hallgarth North Shields St Columbas
1999/00 Heaton Stannington Walker Ledwood
2000/01  NO COMPETITION  NO COMPETITION
2001/02 Cullercoats Hebburn Reyrolle
2002/03  NO COMPETITION NO COMPETITION
2003/04 Blyth Town Ashington Colliers
2004/05 NO COMPETITION NO COMPETITION
2005/06 NO COMPETITION NO COMPETITION
2006/07 Wark Chopwell Top Club
2007/08 Peterlee Town Jesmond
2008/09 Alnwick Town Newcastle East End
2009/10 COMPETITION SUSPENDED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS  
2010/11 Stocksfield South Shields Utd

BILL GARDNER MEMORIAL TROPHY

Year Winners     Finalists
2011-12 Wallsend Town Bedlington Terriers Reserves
2012-13 Wallsend Town Walker Central
2013-14 Seaton Delaval Amateurs  Alnwick Town Reserves    
2014-15 Lindisfarne Custom Planet Ponteland United
2015/16 Carlisle City Percy Main Ams      
2016/17 Seaton Delaval AFC       Whitley Bay A  
2017/18 Killingworth YPC Winlaton Vulcans     
2018/19 AFC Killingworth Gosforth Bohemians     
2019/20      Finalist       Finalist
2019/20     Newcastle Chemfica    Winlaton Vulcans     
2019/20 Final not played due to Covid 19 pandemic 
2020/21 Compeition not played due to Covid19 Pandemic
2021/22 Wideopen       Hexham
2022/23 Morpeth FC     Wallsend Boys Club U23 
2023/24 Newcastle Independent  Newcastle Chemfica   

SUBSIDIARY CUP 1ST DIVISION

Year Winner Finalist
2011-12 Amble United Newcastle University

DIVISIONAL FAIR PLAY AWARDS FOR SEASON 2023 - 2024

Premier Division

1st 26 points Wallington
2nd 27 points Cramlington United
3rd 39 points AFC Newbiggin

1st Division

1st 24 points Whitley Bay Res
2nd 26 points Winlaton community
3rd 29 points Newcastle University A

2nd Division

1st 252 points Heaton Stannington FC A
2nd 27 points Blyth Town Reserves
3rd 28 points Newcastle Chamfica Amateurs

3rd Division

1st 12 points Wideopen FC Reserves
2nd 15 points Westerhope United
3rd 21 points North Shields Ath Res

 Administration Awards 2023 2024

The following Clubs have not had any sanctions

imposed in Season 2023 2024

Anlwick Town     Rothbury

Burradon & new Fordley   Wideopen FC

Cramlington Utd   Willington Quay Saints

Percy Main Amateurs      Heaton Stannington FC A

Seaton Delaval AFC Blyth Rangers

Stobswood WelfareWallsend Boys Club U23

Gosforth Bohemians 

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