Constitution and Rules
1. Name – The Association of clubs shall be called “The Perthshire Amateur Football Association”, and shall be affiliated to the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
2. Object – The object of the league shall be to foster and develop the game of Amateur Association football.
3. Membership – Amateur clubs shall alone be members of the Association and League. An Amateur club is one of which all the members and players are amateurs, as defined from time to time by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
4. Admission to League – Clubs shall be admitted to the Association and League at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose. The Admission to membership shall be by a majority of those voting at such meeting. (All clubs must be members of the Scottish Amateur Football Association or must become members immediately after admittance to the League).
5. Annual Subscription and Deposit –
(a) The Annual Subscription of each club to the Association and League shall be £.
(b) Subscription and deposit shall be paid no later than 30 days after the date of the Annual General Meeting or of being admitted to the League. Any club failing to do so may be excluded from the ensuing season’s competition.
6. Office Bearers –
(a) The Office bearers of the Association and League shall be President, Vice-President, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary (and Match Secretary if necessary), who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and must be connected with a club in membership of the League, excepting Secretary and Match Secretary who may be neutral.
(b) When a vacancy occurs the General Committee shall have power to fill such vacancy. All retiring Office bearers shall be eligible for re-election.
7. Management – the Management of the Association and League shall be vested in a General Committee consisting of the Office bearers and one representative from each club in the League (except where a club is represented by an Office bearer). No paid Referee shall sit on Committee except as delegate.
8. The Management Committee shall have power, as occasion shall arise, to appoint from its members such subcommittees as it may deem expedient and to depute of refer to them such of its powers and duties as it may from time to time determine.
9. Meetings –
(a) Meetings shall be held each month, but the Secretary shall have the power to convene Meetings when necessary.
(b) Each club shall be entitled to send one representative to all General meetings. Seven shall form a quorum.
(c) Any clubs failing to attend a meeting or send a written, telephoned or verbal apology, shall be liable to a £5.00 levy.
(d) All clubs in membership for the season will attend a minimum of 6 out of 9 scheduled monthly meetings. Failure to do so may result in a review of the club’s membership of the association.
10. Executive Committee – An Executive Committee shall be appointed which shall be responsible to the General Committee, and shall consist of the Office bearers and five members representing different clubs in the League (or Association). A quorum being four in number.
11. The Executive committee shall have power to deal with business affecting or pertaining to the Association and League, except in so far as specially provided for by any of these rules. All such findings and/or decisions of the Executive committee shall be submitted to the General committee for confirmation.
12. Chair – At all meetings of the Association and League, the President or Vice-President shall preside. In the event of neither of these officials being present, the chair shall be taken by any member appointed by a majority of the representatives present. The Chairman shall have both a deliberate and casting vote at all meetings, and his ruling shall be final.
13. Special Meeting – On a requisition signed by half the clubs of the Association and League and stating the business to be considered, the Secretary shall convene a Special General meeting.
14. Annual General Meeting – The Annual General Meeting of the Association and League shall be held in June, when the order of business shall be as follows (a) Secretary’s Annual Report; (b) Treasurer’s Annual Report; (c) Alteration of Constitution; (d) Admission of clubs; (e) Election of patrons; (f) Election of Office bearers; (g) Election of Executive committee; (h) Appointment of Auditors; (i) Formation of League; (j) Any other competent business; (k) All clubs in membership and intending to compete in the following season’s competitions must attend the A.G.M. (save in exceptional circumstances which will be determined and considered by all clubs in membership). Failure to attend may result in those clubs being denied participation in all competitions for following season. Hence re-admission would be considered under the same conditions as that of a new club applying for membership.
15. At the Annual General meeting a majority of the representatives of the clubs present and qualified to vote shall have power to exclude from the following season’s competition any club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been objectionable.
16. Any club or member thereof whose conduct may be deemed, by not less than three-fourths of the committee present at a duly convened meeting, to have been unsportsmanlike or not in accord with the objects of Amateur football, may be expelled from this League (or Association).
17. Breach of Rules – For repeated breach of any rule of the Association and League the General committee may suspend a club until the Annual General Meeting, when the retention of the club in the Association and League shall be considered.
18. Appeal – Clubs may, on deposit of £10, appeal to the Scottish Amateur Football Association against any decision of the General or Executive committee. Appeals against decisions relating to the suspensions of players for field offences require a deposit of £10. Such appeal (in duplicate) must be lodged within seven days of receipt of written notice of decision , and a verbatim copy of such appeal must also be sent to the Secretary of the Association and League under registered or recorded delivery within 48 hours of its lodgement. If the Association consider the appeal to be frivolous or trivial, the club appealing may be liable for the expense of the meeting. All appeals must be lodged by registered or recorded delivery. Should the Scottish Amateur Football Association consider the appeal trivial or groundless, deposit may be forfeited.
19. Representative Games –
(a) The general committee shall have power to call upon clubs in the Association and League to play a match or matches for the benefit of the Association and Leagues funds. In all representative games the Association and League shall have power to select two players from any club connected to the league, and any players so selected who may decline to play shall not be eligible to play for their own club on that date without special permission from the Executive committee of the Association and League or the Secretary.
A club may apply for a postponement of a League game should three or more players be selected to play in a representative game on the same day.
(b) Sunday Football – The Association and League may arrange and play representative and trial matches on Sunday, but cannot compel any official or player to assist or take part. Clubs may also play competitive football on Sunday in accordance with the provision of article 126 of the Scottish Amateur Football Association Limited.
20. Suspensions – The Association and League shall recognise and give effect to all suspensions, censures, etc; passed on players, clubs and officials by the Scottish Football Association Ltd; and Associations and Leagues affiliated thereto. All suspensions, censures etc; passed by the Association and League on players, club and officials shall be immediately intimated to the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
21. Playing Season – The playing season of the League shall run from 15th August until 31st May in the following year. No football shall be played by any club in membership after 31st May in any season unless permission has been granted by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
22. Finance – The Honorary Treasurer shall effect all money transactions and shall submit at each monthly meeting a financial statement of the Association and League accounts for payment, and at the Annual General Meeting a statement of accounts, duly audited by the two members appointed as auditors, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
23. Alteration of Constitution – No alteration shall be made in the Constitution of the Association and League except at the Annual General Meeting or special meeting called for that purpose. Fourteen days notice must be given to the Secretary in writing of any proposed alteration in the Constitution, a copy of which shall be sent to clubs seven days before the Annual or special general meeting for the consideration thereof. No alteration shall be made in the Constitution unless three-fourths of those present and qualified to vote shall have voted, ant a two-thirds majority of the football members voting shall be necessary to carry a motion. Such alterations must be subsequently confirmed at a special general meeting duly convened for the purpose. Any proposed alteration of the Constitution shall, before coming into force, be submitted to and approved by the Council of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
24. Composition of League – The composition of the League shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting or special general meeting , the number of clubs in anyone division not to exceed sixteen.
(a) The bottom two clubs of each division shall always be relegated to the division below for the following season. If there is no division below, the club shall remain in the division they played in for the following season.
(b) The top two clubs of each league division shall always be promoted to the division above for the following season. If there is no division above, the clubs shall remain the division they played in for the following season.
(c) If it is decided to restructure the league division at the A.G.M., rules 24a and 24b shall still be enforced, unless the number of league divisions are altered, then where possible promotion and relegation shall still be enforced.
25. Each club shall play home and away matches with every other club in its relative division. Three points shall be awarded for a win, and one point for a draw. In determining League position where clubs have equal points, the clubs with the greater points total for the league or league cup fixtures played against each other shall progress. If the points totals are still equal a play off or play offs shall be arranged to decide promotion /relegation issues.
(a) A document in the following terms shall be granted on behalf of the winning club –
We.............................................................President, ..................................................................Secretary,
and......................................................members of, and representing the................................................
club, which has now declared to have won the ............................................................ Amateur football trophies, which trophies we have received, do hereby on behalf of the said club, and individually and collectively engage to return the same in good order and condition to the Secretary for the time being on or before 31st March, 20....
27. Fixtures –
(a) Each home team to contact the match referee prior to the game or by Thursday at the latest, to confirm that he is aware of his appointment which will be in the local press. Failure to do so will result in a £10.00 fine for all defaulters. The referee to append to his team lines confirmation if no contact was made.
(b) Clubs shall receive from the League Secretary (or Match Secretary) a list of their League fixtures, which shall be played on the dates stipulated. If a club wishes to be excused from playing a game on any particular Saturday throughout the season, such club must make the application, in writing, to the League Secretary in time to enable him to bring the matter before the general committee for their approval.
(c) Home clubs to inform Match Secretary of result on day of fixture. Failure to do so will result in a fine for all defaulters. The sum of the fine shall be determined at the A.G.M., prior to the commencement of the season.
(d) Clubs participating in national competitions to contact competition Match Secretary and Perthshire Match Secretary on day of fixture with result, whether playing home or away. Failure to do so will result in a fine for all defaulters. The sum of the fine shall be determined at the A.G. M., prior to the commencement of the season. When two Perthshire clubs are competing against each other in a national competition, the home club is responsible for contacting the Perthshire Match Secretary with result on day of fixture.
28. Cup Ties –
(a) Cup ties of the Scottish Amateur Football Association, or the bodies affiliated to the Scottish Football Association Ltd., alone shall have precedence over League matches. Clubs unable to fulfil League fixtures on account of such cup ties must notify the League Secretary (or Match Secretary) and opponents, in writing, not later than noon on Wednesday preceding League game so affected.
(b) All cup fees must be paid previous to the cup competition starting, non-payment rendering a club liable to their tie being awarded to their opponents, should the general or Executive committee so decide. No player can play for two clubs in anyone cup competition during current season.
29. Unfulfilled Fixtures – The reason for non-fulfilment of any fixture shall be investigated by the General or Executive committee, and if the reasons are deemed to be unsatisfactory the defaulting club shall be liable to loss of points. A levy not exceeding £25 may be imposed, the whole or part of which may be awarded to the aggrieved club. In addition expenses incurred by aggrieved club may be awarded to them.
30. Resignation from Association and League –
(a) When a club intimates its resignation from the Association and League, such club must notify their opponents, and when they are the home club, the referee also, until such time as their resignation has been accepted by the General committee, and failing which they will be treated as a defaulting club.
(b) In the event of a club withdrawing from the League during the season, the record of their matches affecting the League table shall be determined by the General committee, but where such club has not completed two-thirds of the fixtures all matches shall be declared null and void.
31. Referees – The Secretary (or Match Secretary) shall appoint neutral referees for all matches, from list of referees approved by the General Committee. Should the official referee fail to appear the clubs may, by mutual agreement, appoint a deputy referee provided that referee is a member of the Scottish Football Association. If a deputy referee cannot be obtained then the fixture shall be treated as an unfulfilled fixture 1/a/w rule 29.
32. Team Lines –
(a) In all League matches the captains of the respective teams shall, not later than the commencement of the game, hand to the referee an official league form in duplicate containing the names (Christian names in full) and home addresses including post code, of the players and five substitutes in their respective teams. The referee shall, after signature, exchange one copy with the respective captains and forward the remaining copies, together with the result of the game, to the Secretary (or Match Secretary) within 60 hours thereafter.
(a1) Team lines to correspond with player’s shirt numbers and to be completed in block capitals.
(b) In the event of a club using an unofficial team-line or violating any part of Rule 32 it may be liable to a levy of £10.00.
(a) All matches shall be played according to the laws of the game as adopted by the Scottish Football Association Ltd., but with this one exception, that, prior to the start of the match, captains may mutually agree to play two equal periods of not less than 35 minutes duration, a statement to such effect being signed on the back of the official League form by the respective captains.
(b) In all cup ties. Cup semi-finals and cup finals, should the game be drawn extra time will be played. Should no result be reached after extra time the penalty kick rule will be introduced under which each club will nominate five players all of whom have participated in the game without having been substituted, and the names of the players handed to the referee who shall decide which club starts. Each penalty kick will be taken alternatively by the competing clubs. If still no decision is reached each additional player comprising the team will be nominated until one club scores against a miss by the opposing team at which point the referee will declare the club scoring the most goals the winner of the tie.
34. Time Of Kick Off – The Match Secretary shall fix the latest time of kick-off in all League and cup games. Games must be commenced at the official time. Defaulting clubs, or club, shall be dealt with by the General or Executive committee.
35. Unfinished Games – Notice of all unfinished games shall be brought before the Executive committee, who shall decide the official status of such games.
36. Colours – Where there is similarity of club colours, the visiting team shall play in registered colours and home team shall change unless otherwise mutually arranged. Where a clash of colours still exists the defaulting team, in the eyes of the Executive committee, shall bear the expenses of the innocent party in providing suitable colours.
37. Gate Receipts –
(a) Gate drawings or collections in respect of League games shall be the property of the home club. Home club shall be responsible for payment of referee’s fee and expenses. In cup games only drawings to be shared, and where the said drawings or collection do not cover referee’s fee and expenses such deficit shall be shared equally by each club.
(b)In the event of a deciding or final tie the receipts shall be the property of the League, who shall meet ground expenses and referee’s tariff.
38. Referee’s Tariff –
(a) The referees tariff shall be £25.00 or such fee as may be determined by member clubs at the A.G.M. or specially convened meeting, and travelling expenses by public service vehicle. Should a ground be considered unplayable the referee shall, after inspection, receive half fee plus expenses.
(b) In the event of a referee being unable to return to his place of residence by 6pm due to distance covered, or travelling difficulties, a claim of £1.00 for team may be made. This allowance will also be made to referees who have to leave work, or place of residence, without tea for evening matches.
(c) No other claim in respect of refreshment or travelling expenses will be entertained.
39. Status of Players –
(a) No player shall play for any club in the League who is not an Amateur, as defined from time to time by the Scottish Amateur Football Association (and who has not signed a League Registration form in accordance with rule 40).
(b) Any player who has signed the following registration forms:
‘B’ – Amateur ‘A’ – Professional 1 year ‘Y’ – Amateur Full professional,
‘Y’ – Professional School Boy
40. Registration of Players –
(a) Club Secretaries shall send list of players with full names and addresses to Association and League Match Secretary prior to said players taking part in third League Match for a club, and said registration shall be made on official form obtainable from the Association and League Secretary.
(b) In cup ties all players must be registered 24 hours prior to commencement of the game. In an emergency post-mark date on registration form envelope may be accepted as date of registration.
(c) The Association and League Match Secretary shall keep a register of all the players taking part in the competition, and the registration book shall be open for inspection to any club in membership on payment of search fee £1.00, and to any club in a recognised Association on payment of search fee £3.00. The registration book shall be open at all times to the Scottish Amateur Football Association without charge.
(d) Registration forms must carry current seasons date, players can be registered for ensuing season any time after A.G.M.
(e) It is the responsibility of clubs to retain registration confirmation slips throughout the season to confirm registration of players.
41. Should a player wish to have his registration cancelled he must notify his club, and make an application to the Association with a view to have this done. Both notifications must be in writing, and confirmation must be obtained from the Association, before the player is eligible to play for another club.
No player can be registered for more than two clubs in anyone season.
No cancellation of registration to be granted after 1st March of current season, unless a decision has been deferred to the monthly meeting in April.
42. Players reported –
(a) Any player, or players ordered off the field may resume playing until they have been dealt with by the General committee, or Executive committee. Any player, or players, booked, or cautioned four times, will be dealt with by the General or Executive committee. The Association and League Secretary will notify such offending player when to appear before committee. Players failing to attend the appointed meeting or to forward a defence in writing shall be dealt with in their absence. The non-receipt of a notice for any meeting of above committees shall not invalidate the proceedings at such meeting.
(b) Any club amassing a total of 40 penalty points to pay the sum of £10.00 to the Association. This to be doubled each time 40 points is reached. The penalty points to be calculated as follows:
(A) Players cautioned - 1 point
(B) Players Ordered Off - 5 points
(C) Club Officials reported - 10 points
43. Playing Ineligible Player –
(a) Where a club is proved to have played an ineligible player in accordance with the procedure laid down in rule 44(b), points or tie will be awarded to their opponents and committee may deduct points from clubs total for each occasion which he has played.
(b) Where a club is proved to have played an ineligible player after investigation by the general or Executive committee, such club may have points deducted for each infringement together with such other penalty as such committee may decide.
(c) Protests regarding the ineligibility of players must be intimated to the Association and League Secretary within five days after match (Sunday included), and a verbatim copy of the protest sent at the same time by the club protesting to the club protested against also within five days after match (Sunday included). Both intimations to be by registered or recorded delivery.
44. Protests –
(a) Protests and appeals (except infringements of rules 32, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43) must be formally intimated to the referee and to the captain of the opposing team by the captain of the team protesting at the time violation of rule takes place, and must be lodged in writing by registered or recorded delivery with the Association and League Secretary within five days thereafter (Sunday included) and a verbatim copy of the protest sent by the club protesting to the club protested against by registered or recorded delivery also within five days (Sunday included).
(b) Any objections relative to ground, goal posts, or other appurtenances to the game must be lodged with the referee before the commencement of the game. The home club is responsible for the condition of the ground and laws of the game regarding same being complied with, failing which it is liable to be disqualified. On points of fact connected with the game and fitness of the ground for play, the decision of the referee shall be final. (Goal nets and corner flags are compulsory).
(c) It is the responsibility of the home club to provide suitable changing facilities for visiting club and referee within a reasonable distance of playing area.
(d) All protests and appeals must be accompanied by a deposit of £10.00. This may be forfeited should the General or Executive committee consider protest or appeal trivial or frivolous. Should the appeal or protest be upheld the offending club will be liable to pay £10.00 to cover Associations expenses.
45. Spectators – Where it can be proved that the spectators at a League match conduct themselves in such a manner as to interfere with the players or stop the game the General committee shall have power to order the game to be replayed on another ground or to award the match to either club and take such further action as may be deemed necessary.
46. Retiral from Meeting – A member of Committee shall retire from the meeting during the consideration and while decision is being taken of any case involving his club or officials or players connected with his club. This also applies to a member whose club was playing the foregoing club when the offence took place.
47. All communications must be addressed to the Association and League Secretary, who shall conduct the correspondence of the Association and League, and keep minutes of all meetings.
48. Clubs can, before the A.G.M., recommend as a patron or life member anyone who, in their opinion, has given outstanding service for help to Amateur football in Perthshire.
49. Any omission from the foregoing rules shall be governed by the rules of the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
50. The Management committee shall be the authority for the interpretation of these rules, and its decisions upon any question of interpretation and also upon any matter affecting this League (or Association) not provided for by these rules shall de final, except as provided for in Rule 18.