Northumberland Women’s Football League Standard Code of Rules (Amended June 2025)

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 Northumberland Women’s Football 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, Northumberland County Football Association Limited.
“Scholarship” means a Scholarship as defined in The FA.
“Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent 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.
“Hard Copy” means a printed version on paper.

(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

(A) The Competition will be known as “Northumberland Women’s Football 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.

(B) This Competition shall consist of not more than 150 Clubs approved by the Sanctioning Authority.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(G) (i) All Clubs must be affiliated to an Affiliated Association. (ii) This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority and the constituent Teams of Clubs may be grouped in divisions, each not exceeding 16 in number.

(H) Inclusivity and Non-discrimination: (i) 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). (ii) This Competition and each Club must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognizing 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. (iii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(L) At the AGM or a 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.

(M) Only one Team from Club shall be permitted to participate in a single division there is no viable alternative because of logistical issues and/or reasons linked to participation and geographical boundaries in which case. The 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

Any Club wishing to change its name must obtain permission from the Sanctioning Authority. 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

(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 by July $1^{st}$ and must be accompanied by the Entry Fee for each team as set out in the Fees Tariff per team which shall be returned in the event of non-election. Applications 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, no Entry Fee shall be payable.

(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.

(C) The Management Committee may require a Deposit to be paid (in accordance with the Fees Tariff) by or on behalf of the Club. Failure to comply will result in a fine.

(D) A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit (if required) have been paid.

(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 $1^{st}$ August. Clubs must advise the Competition Secretary of details of its headquarters, its Officers and any other information required. Failure to comply results in a fine.

5. MANAGEMENT, NOMINATION, ELECTION

(A) The Management Committee shall comprise the Officers of the Competition and a minimum of one member (but no more than 12 members), who shall all be elected at the AGM.

(B) Retiring Officers shall be eligible for re-election without nomination if they notify the Secretary in writing not later than $1^{st}$ May. All other candidates must be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than $1^{st}$ May.

(D) All communications shall be addressed to the Secretary.

(E) All communications from Clubs must be conducted through their Officers. Failure to comply results in a fine.

6. POWERS OF MANAGEMENT

(A) The Management Committee may appoint sub-committees. They have power to deal only with matters within the Competition and not for matters of misconduct under the jurisdiction of The FA.

(D) The Chair has a second or casting vote in the event of a tie.

(E) For alleged breaches of Rules, a formal written charge must be issued. The Club has 7 days to reply. The maximum fine for any breach is £250 (or £500 for Regional NLS Feeder Leagues). No Participant under the age of 18 can be fined.

(J) All fines and charges must be paid within 14 days of notification. Failure to do so results in an additional fine and potential withdrawal of fixtures.

7. PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS

(A) Questions of eligibility or interpretations of Rules are referred to the Management Committee. Objections to pitch dimensions/facilities must be lodged with the Referee prior to the match.

(B) Complaints must be lodged with the Secretary within 5 days (excluding Sundays) of the match.

(F) Appeals against Management Committee decisions must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within 14 days.

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(A) The AGM shall be held not later than $1^{st}$ August. Business includes confirming minutes, adopting accounts, election of officers, and altering Rules.

(D) Each Club is entitled to one vote only and can send two delegates.

(H) Any continuing Club must be represented at the AGM. Failure results in a fine.

9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

An SGM can be called by the Secretary upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs. Failure to be represented results in a fine.

10. AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED

Clubs must sign an agreement to conform to the Rules and Regulations of the Pin Point Recruitment Women’s Football League Competition (as stated in document text). Any change of Chair, Secretary, or Directors must be notified to the League.

11. CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP OR WITHDRAWAL OF A CLUB

(A) A Club intending to withdraw must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st March.

13. TROPHY

Winners of a Cup or Trophy must return it to the Competition Secretary on or before $1^{st}$ February.

14. ALTERATION TO RULES

Alterations can only be made at the AGM or SGM. Proposed alterations must be submitted by $1^{st}$ May.

16. INSURANCE

(A) Clubs must have public liability insurance for a minimum of £10 million. (B) Clubs must have valid personal accident cover for all Players.

MATCH RELATED RULES

18. QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS

(A) A Player must be registered through the Player Registration System.

(B) (i) Contract players are generally not permitted unless the Club has a team at Steps 1-6 of the NLS or Tiers 1-4 of the Women’s Pyramid. (iii) Each Team must have at least 7 Players registered 7 days before the start of the season.

(F) A player cannot play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season without first being transferred.

(I) No player can be registered or transferred after 31st March without special permission.

(K) To play in a special championship, promotion, or relegation match, a Player must have played 4 Competition Matches for that Team in the current season.

(L) A Team shall not include more than 3 Players who have played in 1 or more senior Competition Matches during the current season unless 21 clear days have elapsed.

(N) To play open age football, the player must have achieved the age of 16.

(O) A Player who has played for a Premiership division team 1 time or more is ineligible for a lower division that season without committee permission.

19. CLUB COLOURS

(A) Colours must be registered by 1st August. (D) No player, including goalkeepers, may wear black or very dark shirts. (F) If colours clash, the Away Team shall change.

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

(A) Duration of matches is 90 minutes. (Can be reduced to 60 if mutually arranged with the referee prior to kick-off). Two matches on the same day can be played if total time is not more than 120 minutes. Home teams must provide goal nets and at least two footballs fit for play.

(D) The minimum number of Players for a match is 7.

(F) A Club may name up to 7 substitutes and use all 7. Return substitutions are allowed.

21. REPORTING RESULTS

(A) Result notifications must be received within 4 days. (B) Results must be notified to the League Secretary by 6:00 PM on match day via telephone/SMS/Matchday App.

22. DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP

3 points for a win, 1 for a draw. Tie-breakers: 1. Goal Difference, 2. Goals Scored, 3. Matches Won, 4. Head-to-Head, 5. Play-off.

23. MATCH OFFICIALS

(E) Match Officials are paid a match fee (see Tariff) and travel expenses of 35p per mile. Fees are paid by the Home Club before or immediately after the match. (F) If a match is not played due to default, the defaulting club pays the official’s full fee. If not played due to non-default causes, officials receive half fee plus expenses.

SCHEDULE A: FEES AND FINES TARIFF

FEES TARIFF

RULE	DESCRIPTION	FEE
4 (A)	CLUB ENTRY FEE	£0.00
4 (B)	CLUB/TEAM ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION	£175.00
7 (C)	PROTEST/APPEAL FEES	£25.00
18 (H)	TRANSFER FEE	£20.00
23 (E)	REFEREE FEES	£30.00
23 (E)	ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES	£15.00

FINES TARIFF (Highlights)

RULE	DESCRIPTION	MAX FINE
2 (K)	UNAUTHORISED ENTRY INTO OTHER COMPETITIONS	£100.00
8 (H)	FAILURE TO BE REPRESENTED AT AGM	£100.00
11 (B)	FAILURE TO COMMENCE/COMPLETE FIXTURES	£100.00
18 (N)	PLAYING AN INELIGIBLE PLAYER	£100.00
20 (E)	FAILURE TO PLAY FIXTURE	£100.00
20 (H)	NO CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND	£10.00
21 (B)	FAILURE TO PROVIDE RESULT	£10.00

LEAGUE REGULATIONS

SAFEGUARDING

The League will accept safeguarding concerns without an official protest form.

NEW CLUBS

All new clubs spend their first 24 months in a probationary period.

PRE-SEASON WORKSHOP

At least one representative from each team (manager/coach) MUST attend.

TEAM MANAGERS/COACHES

Must hold valid DBS, FA First Aid, and FA Safeguarding qualifications. Assists must have a DBS and completed FA Playmaker. Managers must be identifiable by club attire and ID badge.

REGISTRATIONS

Max 40 players per team. Max 18 players for match day squads. Detaching a player costs £20.00 admin fee and is only considered between 1st October and 1st February.

FIXTURES

The HOME team must contact the away team no less than 4 days prior to confirm kick-off, venue, strip colour, defibrillator location, and facilities. Default kick-off times are Sunday 1:30 PM and Wednesday 6:30 PM. Matches must be reversed if the home pitch is unavailable and the away pitch is within 30 minutes travel time.

MATCH DAY

Technical area on one side (max 3 coaches); spectators on the opposite side. Both teams MUST exchange a hard copy squad list prior to start. Results must be reported by 6:00 PM via Match Day App. Goal sizes must be 24×8.

CUP REGULATIONS

1. DURATION: All matches $2 \times 45$ minutes. 2. REVERSAL: Fixture Secretary may rearrange postponed cup games to either ground or a neutral venue. 3. PENALTIES: If level at full-time, scores decided by penalty kicks (5 each, then alternate). 4. ELIGIBILITY: No player can play for more than one team in the competition. A player named on a team sheet is Cup Tied. Players must be registered 14 days prior to a semi-final to be eligible for the semi or final. Players from “higher” cup competitions (e.g. Regional League Cup) are ineligible. 5. PAYMENT: Referee costs are split equally between both teams.

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