Constitution
Yorkshire Junior Constitution 2013
1 PURPOSE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE LEAGUE
The purpose of the Yorkshire Junior Amateur Rugby League ("the League") is to provide opportunities for people to play rugby league by organising and administering matches and competitions on behalf of the member clubs.
1.2 A Board of Management ("the Board") shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and shall have the responsibility of organising the League and interpreting and enforcing its rules.
1.3 The Board shall consist of the following roles:
(a) Honorary President,
(b) Chairperson,
(c) General Secretary,
(d) League Treasurer,
(e) Publicity Officer,
(f) Fixture Secretary Co-ordinator.
1.4 Election for all roles shall be for a period of two years.
1.5 The Board shall seek applications each year to form a Management Committee to assist the Board in the administration of the League.
1.6 The Management Committee shall comprise the following roles:
(a) Fixture secretaries,
(b) Welfare Officers,
(c) Discipline Panel members,
(d) Additional Secretarial positions if required.
1.7 The Board shall have the right to co-opt members of the Management Committee onto the Board if required.
1.8 Any member of the Management Committee who fails to attend three successive meetings shall be deemed to have resigned from the Management Committee, unless the Board shall decide otherwise.
1.9 All profits from all League activities shall be retained within the League funds and used solely for the League's running costs. The income of the League shall be applied solely towards promoting the League's objectives and no portion shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly to Member Clubs other than the League's running costs.
1.10 If the League ever closes down, the assets of the League will be put into the hands of 3 Trustees for them to distribute for the development of junior rugby league. The Board will nominate the Trustees.
1.11 To ensure that half the Board of Management stands for re-election each year, the positions of General Secretary, Honorary President and Fixture Secretary Co-Ordinator shall be elected for a period of one year and the following year the Chairperson, General Treasurer and League PRO shall be up for re-election.
2.1 A club shall be considered to be a member of the League ("Member Club") if it has paid its league fees in full for the current season, has submitted a completed Club Registration Form (CRF1) paid any outstanding monies from the previous season and is not suspended from the League. (See rule 10.1).
2.2 The Management Committee, at their discretion and in consultation with the members, shall have the right to refuse membership to any club or player.
2.3 Any club seeking membership of the League must demonstrate that it meets the following minimum criteria:
(a) Adequate changing facilities which include showers.
(b) A committee of at least 3 members which shall be Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer.
(c) A constitution.
2.4 Rugby League is an inclusive sport. Member Clubs must take all reasonable steps to prevent discriminatory practices at their clubs and League activities they are associated with.
2.5 New clubs joining the League that have not been Clubmark accredited must work towards achieving Clubmark and will be allowed 12 months from admission to the League to achieve the Clubmark award. Clubs without the award must still work to the guidelines of Clubmark until the award is achieved.
2.6 Any Member Club that fails to achieve the Clubmark award in the required timescale will be refused membership to the League the following season.
2.7 The Board may suspend/cancel insurance for Member Clubs in default with payments to the League.
2.8 Nominations for Life Members are to be approved by the Board prior to the AGM. Life Members shall have no voting rights.
3.1 Clubs and players registered with the League shall accept the current rules of the League as set out in the League's constitution and shall accept the decisions of the Board and Management Committee on all matters.
3.2 The Rugby Football League shall be deemed as the League's governing body and shall deliberate and oversee all issues as requested by the Board.
4.1 The constitution may be changed at the League AGM or at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the League.
4.2 If the change of constitution is proposed by the Management Committee, written notice of such proposed change shall be given to each Member Club not less than 21 days before the AGM or the EGM.
4.3 If the change of constitution is proposed by a Member Club, written notice of such proposed change shall be given to the General Secretary not less than 42 days before the AGM or 21 days before the EGM and must be accompanied by written support for the proposal by 3 other Member Clubs.
4.4 The required majority for a rule change shall be two thirds of those entitled to vote.
4.5 The required majority for a new rule shall be a simple majority of those entitled to vote.
4.6 All Member Clubs shall be required to vote on changes to the constitution either by sending a representative to the AGM/EGM or by proxy vote via the General Secretary. Abstentions shall not be permitted.
4.7 On a vote to change the constitution, the Chairperson of the meeting shall cast the vote, as they in their absolute discretion decide, on behalf of any Member Clubs who do not vote.
5 PROCEDURES FOR ANNUAL/EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
5.1 The AGM shall be held in January (or such times as the Board shall decide). The purpose of which shall be:
(a) to receive the General Secretary's report.
(b) to receive and approve the audited accounts.
(c) to deal with changes to the constitution.
(d) to elect the Board.
5.2 The General Secretary shall give at least 49 days notice of the time, date and venue for the AGM.
5.3 An EGM may be held at any time and may be convened by the Board acting on its own initiative or following a specific request from a Member Club made with the written support of at least one third of all Member Clubs.
5.4 The General Secretary shall give at least 14 days notice of the time, date and venue for an EGM.
5.5 The notice convening the EGM shall specify:
(a) the purpose of the meeting,
(b) an agenda,
(c) any proposed change of rules.
5.6 The Board shall elect the Chairperson of the meeting.
5.7 If a Member Club fails to send a representative to the AGM or an EGM it shall be fined £50 unless it shall have sent a proxy vote in the case of a meeting to change the constitution.
6 PROCEDURES FOR OTHER MEETINGS
6.1 Delegate meetings will normally be held the first Monday of April, June, August, October, December, February or as otherwise decided by the Board. If a Member Club fails to send a representative to a Delegate meeting it will be fined £20. Sending of apologies does not prevent a fine.
6.2 At Delegate meetings only one representative may speak on behalf of any Member Club on any issues their club wishes to be raised or any issues debated on at that particular meeting.
6.3 Any Member Club failing to attend two successive Delegate meetings will be asked to appear before the Board. Failure to attend upon request will result in all the club's fixtures being suspended and a score of 18-0 to the opposition until an appearance has been made by the Member Club.
6.4 All Delegate, Board and Committee Meetings will finish no later than 10pm.
7.1 The decisions of all meetings, except changes to the constitution, shall be by a simple majority of all those attending and entitled to vote.
7.2 Voting by proxy shall only be allowed in the case of a proposed change to the constitution. A proxy vote will only be valid if given in writing to the General Secretary at least 3 days before the meeting.
7.3 All other votes other than proxy votes shall be by a show of hands unless the meeting shall decide otherwise.
7.4 Proxy votes shall be added to the votes for and against as the case may be before deciding whether or not a proposal is passed or defeated.
7.5 Each Member Club shall be entitled to one vote only.
8.1 For the meeting of the Board or Management Committee, three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
8.2 For an AGM or EGM, those actually present shall form a quorum.
8.3 At all discipline meetings 3 members, one of whom will act as Chairperson, shall form a quorum.
8.4 The Board shall have the power to deal with any matter not covered by these rules as they may decide.
9.1 All notices and correspondence to be served on the League shall be served posted or e-mailed to the General Secretary on official club headed paper.
9.2 Discipline reports must be sent to the General Secretary.
9.3 All notices and correspondence to be served by the League on a player, club or official shall be served either by post, e-mailed or personally.
9.4 If notice is served on a Member Club by post it shall be sent to the last known address of the Secretary or Chairperson of that club.
9.5 Member Clubs shall notify the General Secretary of every change of officer or contact details.
10 REGISTRATION OF CLUBS, TEAMS AND LEAGUE FEES
10.1 The following fees ("League Fees") apply:
(a) £20 per team at U11s (Year 6) and below.
(b) £30 per team at U12s (Year 7) and above.
(c) £15 per team entered into any cup competition organised by the League.
(d) £25 per Member Club for the Christmas draw.
(e) Insurance premium as specified by the Board.
(f) Any outstanding monies from the previous season.
10.2 The deadline for payment of the League Fees and completion of the Club Registration Form (CRF1) each year will be determined by the Board.
10.3 Any Member Club that does not pay the League Fees and submit a completed CRF1 by the published deadline shall be deemed to have resigned from the League and will need to re-apply for membership and will be fined £50 if they are accepted back into the League.
10.4 Every Member Club must complete a CRF1 giving details of:
(a) A Club Secretary.
(b) A Nominated Club Person.
(c) A list of teams registering for the forthcoming season.
(d) Name of coach of each age group with the coach's appropriate qualification, and expiry date.
(e) Contact details and two e-mail addresses for at least two different individuals for correspondence.
(f) All Registered Touchline Managers.
(g) ClubMark status
(h) Club Welfare Officer
10.5 It is the responsibility of the Club Secretary or Nominated Club Person to ensure that all sections of the CRF1 are completed and verify that the details are true and correct.
10.6 The CRF1 must be returned to the General Secretary by the deadline and any changes notified in writing within 14 days.
10.7 League Fees must be submitted by the deadline to the League Treasurer. Failure to comply will result in the teams not being entered into the league competition.
10.8 Each Member Club shall take out the compulsory insurance as specified by the Board.
10.9 Any club joining the League or registering additional teams after the start of the season will normally be required to pay the League Fees in full. The Board has discretion to reduce the amount payable if it so decides.
10.10 Any team joining the League after one quarter of the season has passed will be allocated friendly games only and will not be entered into any League cup competitions.
10.11 A Member Club may enter teams in each age group organised by the League.
11 REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS / COACHES
11.1 Each team shall consist of not more than 25 registered players per team.
11.2 Every team entered into the League must have an appropriately qualified coach or person registered on a coaching course.
11.3 A new player is defined as a player who has not been registered with another Yorkshire Junior team for 1 full playing season.
11.4 Any new player joining a Member Club must not take part in training until a registration form has been completed by the Member Club, parent and player.
11.5 Once the registration form has been completed the new player may take part in training for a maximum period of 3 weeks. After this time the player must either be registered with the League or must stop training with the club.
11.6 No player may take part in matches until they have been registered with the League and the team is in possession of the players ID card.
11.7 A player can register for any Member Club irrespective of their geographical location.
11.8 Players can only be registered with one Member Club at a time. Insurance is only valid with the Member Club/Team a player is registered with.
11.9 All coaches must wear their coaching ID Card whilst officiating at games.
11.10 A player may only play in the age group for which they are registered, and this can only be 1 year above the current age group. For example an U10 can only register to play for the U10s (Year 5) or for the U11s (Year 6).
12 PROCEDURE TO REGISTER A NEW PLAYER
12.1 All new registrations must be on an official registration form.
12.2 It is the responsibility of the Club Secretary or Nominated Club Person to ensure all sections of the registration form are complete and then to sign to verify that all details are true and correct.
12.3 It is the responsibility of the Member Club to take reasonable steps to ensure that any new player is a free agent.
12.4 Players must not have been registered with a Yorkshire Junior team for 1 full playing season before they are deemed to be a free agent (except when the team has disbanded, see Section 16).
12.5 To register a new player, the Member Club should forward the following to Community Game Services:
(a) the completed official registration form.
(b) copy of an official proof of birth document showing the player’s name and date of birth. The copy document must be of a good quality and signed as a true copy of the original document by the Club Secretary or Nominated Club Person.
(c) a new up to date photo of passport standard.
13 PROCEDURE FOR RE-REGISTERING EXISTING PLAYERS
13.1 Each team will be supplied with a list of players registered from the previous season. This list (the "Re-registration sheet") must be signed by both the Club Secretary or Nominated Club Person and the Parent/Guardian to confirm ALL the details are correct and if not make any alterations necessary.
13.2 The completed Re-registration sheet must be forwarded to the RFL and must include updated photos for all players at all even age groups, with the player's name and ID number on the back of the photo.
13.3 Only players re-registering to play at an even age group need to supply a new photo, which must be of passport standard. Failure to do so will mean the player is not re-registered until the photo is received by the RFL.
13.4 No player registered from the previous season may play after the second week of the season unless they have been re-registered with the Member Club for the current season. Any player in default will be classed as an unregistered player and the Member Club will be fined accordingly.
14.1 The closing date for transfers for U12s (Year 7) and above shall be 31 January for teams whose season begins in September and 31 July for those beginning in March.
14.2 Transfer forms received closed season will be processed after all CRF1 forms have been submitted and monies received for the coming season from the team involved in the movement of a player. When forms and monies have been received the transfer will be processed.
14.3 Any Player, Parent or Guardian owing monies or garments to the club they are leaving will void the transfer until an agreement by both parties is achieved.
14.4 Transfers will be processed throughout the playing season for ‘in-house’ transfers, players returning to their former clubs within the playing season and free agents from disbanded teams.
14.5 Transfers will be processed throughout the playing season for ‘in-house’ transfers, players returning to their former clubs within the playing season and free agents from disbanded teams.
15 TRANSFER PROCEDURE & RESTRCITIONS
15.1 The transfer procedure shall be as follows:
(a) The Secretary or Nominated Club Person of the new club must start the transfer process and complete the new club details on the official transfer form.
(b) The player's parent/guardian must fill in all their details required and sign the form to confirm they are correct.
(c) The current club must complete the form, sign it and release the player's ID card once they are satisfied the details on the transfer form are correct.
(d) The transfer form, the player's ID card and a newly completed player registration form is then forwarded to the Transfer Secretary by the new club.
(e) The Transfer Secretary will then record the transfer and send on to the RFL for a new card to be distributed back to the club.
15.2 All players once registered with a team may only transfer to another team on obtaining written permission of the club and the League. No player may register for more than one team in a season unless agreed by the Board.
15.3 No player can transfer to a club unless there is a registered team at an age group that the player would be eligible to play in. For example an U12 (Year 7) can only transfer to a club that has either an U12s (Year 7) or U13s (Year 8).
15.4 Teams from U12 (Year 7) and above may register up to 3 players on transfer in a season, the start and closing date of which shall be as rule14.1.
15.5 After transferring, a player will have the option to return to the team from which they transferred within that playing season but will be cup tied to any cup competitions they have taken part in with the team they are leaving. This will not count on the transfer quota.
15.6 Should a player transfer to a club and then transfer again in that season, the original transfer will not count towards the quota of the original club. This will be monitored and processed by the Transfer Secretary.
15.7 Teams at Primary League Mini Mod (up to Year 6) may register 3 players on transfer in a season.
15.8 Mini League players shall have freedom of movement and may use the transfer procedure to play for a maximum of 3 clubs in any one season.
15.9 Players that transfer to a club and the following season wish to INHOUSE TRANSFER to another team within that club can do so but will count as part of the quota of transfers allowed.
15.10 Any player who re-registers within a club at a different age group does not have to be transferred but must remain with that age group for the rest of the season. If the player then wishes to move in season to the previous age group at the same club, then they will need to follow the transfer procedure.
15.11 Transfers will be monitored closely from season to season. Should 'super team building' be identified then the Board will reserve the right to refuse a transfer. This includes players from disbanded teams.
15.12 On refusal of a transfer, if a player does not return to their original club then the League's insurance will not be valid.
15.13 Transferring players found guilty of falsifying the transfer document will have the transfer refused and could be expelled from the League.
15.14 Any club, player or official found guilty of inducing (poaching) a player of a club to join another shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and will be dealt with as the Board decide.
16.1 If a team is disbanded the points that have been played for will be adjusted from the relevant teams as per rule 26.9.
16.2 Notice of the disbanded team must be put in writing to the General Secretary. This MUST be signed by the Club Secretary or Nominated Club Person.
16.3 If there is a team within the club with 20 registered players or less in which the players of the disbanded team are eligible to play (see rule 11.7) then they may use the transfer procedure to move to that other team within the club without counting on the quota.
16.4 If a player from a disbanded team wishes to move to another club:
(a) If there is no team within the club with 20 registered players or less in which the players are eligible to play (see rule 11.7) then they shall become free agents and may use the transfer procedure to move to another club without counting on the quota.
(b) If there is a team within the club with 20 registered players or less in which the players are eligible to play (see rule 11.7) then they may use the transfer procedure to move to another club but will count on the quota.
17.1 Clubs will be encouraged to provide opportunities for females to play rugby league.
17.2 Teams at U11s (Year 6) and below will be mixed teams, open to both boys and girls.
17.3 Teams at U12s (Year 7) and above will be single sex teams.
17.4 All clubs shall be encouraged to provide opportunities for girls to continue to play rugby league once they are no longer able to play in mixed teams.
18 COMPLIANCE WITH PLAYER REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
18.1 Member Clubs will be issued with a player ID Card for every registered player.
18.2 Member Clubs shall ensure that the ID Cards are available for inspection in respect of its players selected for each fixture.
18.3 Any member of the Management Committee can inspect ID Cards at any time.
18.4 Club officials from both teams shall inspect the ID Cards before a fixture and they shall both sign the match card to confirm this. A Member Club that fails to comply will be fined £5.
18.5 If a Member Club does not produce a player's ID Card for inspection then the fixture shall be forfeited to the opposing team with a score of 18 - 0 against and the offending club shall be fined £20.
18.6 If a team plays an unregistered/ineligible player, then it will forfeit that fixture to the opposing team with a score of 18 - 0 against and the offending club shall be fined £50 and disciplined.
18.7 If a Member Club plays an over-age player then they could be expelled from the League and will be fined a minimum £100, the maximum fine being without limit and entirely at the absolute discretion of the Management Committee.
19 CONTROLLING THE PLAYING AREA
19.1 It is the responsibility of the home side to ensure that before a game commences there is in place a " Physical Barrier" around the full perimeter of the playing area.
19.2 The minimum standard for a "Physical Barrier" is roping off. Failure to provide a barrier will result in a £20 fine.
19.3 The "Physical Barrier" should be such that no point is less than 600mm above the floor and no greater than 1500mm.
20.1 A Member Club may register 4 matchday officials on the team sheet (one should be a qualified first aider) and apart from the TLM only those 4 named officials are allowed within the confines of the "Physical Barrier" at any point during the match, this includes the half time interval.
20.2 The 4 matchday officials on the team sheet within the "Physical Barrier" must wear official League yellow hi-visibility jackets.
20.3 The 4 matchday officials on the team sheet are only allowed to patrol the touchline within 10 metres either side of the half way line (Technical Area) whilst the game is in progress.
20.4 If any of the 4 matchday officials on the team sheet are requested to run the touchline for a referee they must not coach from the touchline.
21.1 All Touchline Managers must be registered with the RFL and it is their responsibility to ensure that anyone connected with their own club conducts themselves in accordance with the RFL Code of Conduct and the League Roles and Responsibilities document.
21.2 Touchline Managers must be within the "Physical Barrier" so they are pro active with their spectators and technical area officials and can be easily contacted by the match official.
21.3 Touchline Managers must wear an official League orange hi-visibility jacket.
21.4 Matchday officials (people registered on the team sheet) are not allowed to become a Touchline Manager whilst on duty in the technical area.
21.5 Touchline Managers should be familiar with and conduct their duties in accordance with the League's Roles and Responsibilities document whilst on the touchline this to include any officials in the technical area (wearing Hi Vis garments).
22.1 In the event of an injury a spectator/parent may only enter the field of play upon invitation from the referee.
22.2 All spectators, club officials and other persons except the 4 matchday officials on the team sheet must remain on the outside of the "Physical Barrier" at all times. In the event of any person(s) entering the field of play whilst a game is in progress the following procedure must be followed.
(a) the incident must be reported on the Discipline Report Form.
(b) the person(s) must be reported on the Discipline Report Form.
(c) both clubs must provide a full report.
(d) the offending club must provide the name of the person(s) involved.
(e) the League's Discipline Procedure must be followed.
22.3 Failure to report an incident (as in rule 22.2) will be dealt with by the Discipline Committee.
23.1 All fixtures will be arranged and published by the League and the season will usually begin in either September or March unless otherwise decided by the Board.
23.2 Clubs may enter teams in either the September to April, or March to November season.
23.3 Fixtures for U11s (Year 6) and below will only be organised for the March to November season unless agreed by the Board.
23.4 The Board will decide how to manage the movement of teams and players from one season to the other.
23.5 Teams and players will not be allowed to repeatedly move from one season to the other to play year round rugby.
23.6 Once Leagues have been finalised all results between teams still remaining in the same Division will stand as league points. A fixture must be played to receive points unless decided otherwise by the Management Committee.
23.7 No fixture shall be arranged without first having been approved by the Fixture Secretary. Any Member Club taking part in such a fixture will be fined £50.
23.8 In competitive leagues, fixtures will not be issued to teams with less than 10 players registered for that playing season.
23.9 The maximum score to be published by the League will be 50 points. Points for and against will not be used to decide final league positions.
23.10 If at the end of the season the league has joint winners then the teams will play off to decide the winner.
24 FIXTURES-CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES
24.1 It will be the responsibility of the HOME club to confirm the fixture and the kick off times for the coming week not later than 9pm on the Tuesday preceding the fixture, failure to do so will result in a fine of £5.
24.2 It will be the responsibility of BOTH teams to notify the Fixture Secretary of all match results, postponements and abandoned games, including BARLA or local cup games, by TEXT MESSAGE not later than 6pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Failure to comply will result in the Member Club being fined £5.
24.3 Any discrepancies regarding results must be made to the Fixture Secretary concerned with 72 hours of the result being published on the website.
24.4 Mini League scores must not be published. Failure to comply will result in a £20 fine.
24.5 The home team shall ensure the Fixture Secretary receives the completed team sheet within 5 days of the match. This can be done electronically (scanned document e mail). Failure to comply will result in the Member Club being fined £5.
24.6 Kick-off times for matches and duration of the various age groups will be as follows.
Kick off day/ times Duration Age Groups
Sunday 10.30am 30 minutes in a day Under 7s (Year 2)
Sunday 10.30am 30 minutes in a day Under 8s (Year 3)
Sunday 11.00am 30 minutes in a day Under 9s (Year 4)
Saturday 10.30am 40 minutes in a day Under 10s (Year 5)
Saturday 11.30am 40 minutes in a day Under 11s (Year 6)
Saturday 12.30pm 50 minutes Under 12s (Year 7)
Saturday 12.30pm 60 minutes Under 13s (Year 8)
Sunday 10.30am 60 minutes Under 14s (Year 9)
Sunday 10.30am 60 minutes Under 15s (Year 10)
24.7 Where kick off times are at the same time the highest age group will take priority. These kick off times may be varied if both clubs agree.
24.8 If clubs cannot agree on the fitness/state of the ground then the referee will decide and BOTH CLUBS MUST accept the decision.
24.9 Clubs shall ask the local Referees' Society to appoint a referee for home fixtures. Home clubs failing to inform the opposition of not having an officially appointed referee will be fined £20.
24.10 If for any reason, there is no officially appointed referee for a particular match, then the AWAY club shall appoint the referee, but if it does not wish to do so then both sides will jointly appoint the referee.
24.11 If a team has been refused referees from the Referees' Society, then they will forfeit their rights to Appoint the referee.
25.1 Teams will be allowed to postpone 2 league fixtures (1 in each half of the season) and this must not be against the same team.
25.2 If a postponement is not used in the first half of the season it cannot be carried over to the second half.
25.3 Any team wishing to postpone a league fixture or other organised game shall make the application on the correct Official Request Form not later than 9pm on Tuesday preceding the fixture. The form must be with the Fixture Secretary and Fixture Co-ordinator to count (this can be done electronically). If it fails to do so then it shall be fined £10 and forfeit the match to the opposing team with a score of 18-0 against.
26.1 Where a Member Club fails to fulfil a fixture on the scheduled date, such Member Club will, at the discretion of the Management Committee be responsible for food, this will be to a maximum of £10.
26.2 Where the offending club is the visiting club, that club shall forfeit home advantage for the return fixture, or where such fixture has taken place, will reimburse the non offending club up to half the travelling costs of the previously fulfilled fixture.
26.3 The game will be awarded to the non offending club 18-0 and the offending club will be fined £20.
26.4 The offending club will pay the referee's fees.
26.5 Teams not fulfilling away fixtures will not be allocated a home game against the relevant club the following season. Both fixtures will be played away.
26.6 If for whatever reason a fixture has to be cancelled after confirming it, then both the opposing team/club and fixture secretary of that age group must be contacted and informed verbally. Leaving a message on a phone will not be classed as making contact.
26.7 If a club wishes to make a complaint, it shall inform both the Fixture Secretary and the other club of that complaint
26.8 Member Clubs must make every effort to complete their fixtures. At the discretion of the Management Committee, Member Clubs will be fined £10 for each unfulfilled fixture.
26.9 If a team is unable to complete the season before half of the league fixtures have been played the points that have been played for will be deducted from the relevant teams, if over half then a score of 18-0 will be given for the remaining fixtures.
26.10 Fixture Secretaries shall have the right to locate a venue for any league or cup game that is postponed, unless postponed in accordance with rule 26.1.
26.11 If a match is abandoned, both clubs must inform the Fixture Secretary and the Board will decide whether the result will stand or otherwise.
27.1 Participation in the cup competitions will be optional and the fee must be paid when registering teams at the start of the season, any team playing in the BARLA Cups MUST ENTER the Yorkshire Junior Cups.
27.2 Any team who withdraws from the cup competition will be fined £20 and the game awarded to the opposing team. This will be at the discretion of the Board.
27.3 There shall be competitions for age groups 12/13/14/15 or as agreed by the Management Committee.
27.4 A player is only cup tied to the competition they have played in.
27.5 There will be no cancellation of cup fixtures unless agreed by the Management Committee or rule 24.8.
27.6 Whenever possible, cup games for all age groups will be played on the same weekend, except for any prelim rounds which will be played on a date given at the time of the draw whenever possible.
27.7 No cup games will be played on the weekend after a school half term break unless agreed by the Board.
27.8 The cup draw will be made based on the league positions as decided by the Board.
27.9 All cup draws will be made prior to Management Meetings which Delegates may attend if they so wish.
27.10 The two cup draws will be made up wherever possible of two even halves of the respective leagues. If there is an odd number, then the higher number will take part in the Challenge Cup. Where there is an even number of divisions, they will be divided by equal divisions regardless of number of teams.
27.11 The draw for each round of all cup competitions shall be on the basis that the first named club shall be the home club and the second named club shall be the away club.
27.12 In all cup games if scores are level then 5 minutes each way extra time will be played. If the scores are still level at the end of this period then the teams will change ends and the GOLDEN POINT (first to score) will decide the game.
27.13 A player must play in at least 2 league or cup games to be eligible to play in a cup semi-final or final.
27.14 Grounds for semi-finals and finals for all competitions should be properly roped off so as to keep spectators from the field of play. Home advantage for semi-finals is given to the first team drawn. The club must provide a full size pitch. Should the club be unable to meet this criteria then the Management Committee will locate a suitable venue.
27.15 Once dates have been confirmed for cup finals those dates shall not be changed.
27.16 The General Secretary shall appoint the referees and confirm kick off times for Challenge and Continuation cup finals.
27.17 If there is any clash between the shirt colours, then the home team shall be required to change its colours. This should be ascertained when confirming fixtures.
27.18 The League will provide up to 17 trophies per team for league winners and cup finalists.
27.19 All cup trophies must be returned to the General Secretary by the April Delegates' meeting and league by the October delegates. Non return will result in a £20 fine per trophy. Cups/trophies/shields must be returned to the League in their original condition. Failure to do so will result in the Member Club incurring the full cost of cleaning, repair or replacement.
28 DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE-COMPOSITION AND PURPOSE
28.1 The Disciplinary Committee shall be appointed by the Board and shall consist of a panel of not less than 6 members.
28.2 The Disciplinary Committee shall deal with:
(a) All allegations of breaches of rules including charges of bringing the game into disrepute against players and/or club officials.
(b) All allegations of misconduct and dismissal against players.
(c) All allegations of misconduct against clubs & supporters.
28.3 The Disciplinary Committee shall have full powers to suspend and/or fine and/or expel from the league any player, Member Club, or official of any Member Club found guilty of any matter investigated under rule 29.3.
28.4 At all hearings of the Disciplinary Committee the Discipline Secretary will act as a minute taker only.
29 DISCIPLINE POINTS
29.1 The League discipline system works on the basis of discipline points being applied when a guilty verdict is reached. The number of points depends upon the nature and severity of the offence.
29.2 Any team that reaches 50 discipline points will forfeit 4 competition points at the end of the season.
29.3 A further 2 competition points will be deducted for each further 25 discipline points received.
29.4 The deduction of competition points for discipline reasons will not be taken into account when determining a team's league position for the cup draw.
29.5 Only points given to players / teams / officials will count towards the loss of competition points. All other offences will carry a minimum £200 fine plus £100 suspended.
29.6 Once an age group (this includes anyone concerned at the respective age group) reaches 50 discipline points the Member Club concerned will be fined £50 and for each 50 discipline points thereafter a further £50.
29.7 The discipline points system will end the first Monday in April or November, depending upon playing season.
29.8 Any discipline points accrued after this date:
(a) will be carried forward to the next season with the age group concerned for team at U12s (Year 7) and above.
(b) for Mini/Mod or if the Member Club does not re-register the team at the appropriate age group the following season, it will be £s for points as per discipline procedure eg if a player gets a 4 match ban, instead of receiving 15 points, they will receive a £15 fine.
30 IMMEDIATE ACTION FOLLOWING A BREACH OF DISCIPLINE
30.1 Every Club is required to take all necessary precautions to prevent assaults or threats on players or officials in connection with games. All allegations of a breach of discipline, including all offences, players / coaches / club officials / spectators, sending-offs, brawls, abandoned games etc must be reported on the League discipline form and emailed by the clubs involved to the Discipline Secretary by the third day at midnight after the match took place (eg match played on Saturday, deadline is midnight Tuesday and Sunday deadline is midnight Wednesday). The form must be completed in full. Failure to do so will result in a £20 fine.
30.2 At the end of each match, both Touchline Managers must approach the referee in the correct manner. They must:
(a) establish whether the referee will be submitting a report for any breach of discipline.
(b) clarify the nature of the incident the referee will be reporting.
(c) confirm the name and number of any player sent-off.
(d) confirm the names of any other person(s) to be reported and the reasons for them being reported.
(e) ensure the team sheet clearly shows whether the referee will be making a report or not.
30.3 If they are not in agreement with the referee this must be cleared up before the referee leaves.
30.4 Every club must ensure that the referee is given the full name of any dismissed player and give every assistance to any match official to identify any club official, spectator or other person about whom they have cause to enquire.
30.5 A club to be reported by the referee has until the third day at midnight after the match took place (eg match played on Sunday, deadline midnight Wednesday) to submit the following:
(a) any paperwork regarding the complaint supported by a letter on official headed paper signed by the Secretary or Nominated Club Person
(b) the Yorkshire Junior Discipline Report.
(c) after this date no further evidence will be accepted.
30.6 The Discipline Secretary will then liaise with the referees' society to ensure reports are submitted.
30.7 If one club wishes to report another club it must inform the Club being reported on the day of the fixture and inform the Discipline Secretary by E- Mail on the correct forms within 24 hours of the incident.
30.8 The reported club then has until the third day at midnight from receiving the complaint by E mail (eg complaint received Tuesday, deadline midnight Friday) to submit the following:
(a) any paperwork regarding the complaint supported by a letter on official headed paper signed by the Secretary or Nominated Club Person
(b) the Yorkshire Junior Discipline Report.
(c) copies of all paperwork to the club who reported them in the same timescale.
30.9 After the timescales in 30.5 / 7 / 8 no further evidence will be accepted.
30.10 A request for a personal appearance must:
(a) be submitted to the General Secretary/Discipline Secretary on official headed paper, signed by the Secretary or Nominated Club Person within 5 working days of the incident.
(b) include the Yorkshire Junior Discipline Report correctly filled in and signed.
(c) be supported by an official club cheque for £20 per case, which must be forwarded to the Discipline Secretary within 10 days of the incident. Failure to submit a cheque on time will void a personal appearance before the Disciplinary Committee.
31 SENDING OFF
31.1 If a player is sent off, then each Member Club involved in the fixture shall notify the fixture secretary by TEXT MESSAGE, NOT LATER THAN 6pm SATURDAY, 2pm SUNDAY and 9pm MIDWEEK GAMES. Failure to do so will result in a £20 fine being imposed. They must provide:
(a) the player's name, shirt number and club.
(b) the name of the referee and their society.
31.2 A referee may at their discretion send a player from the field of play to the sin bin for a maximum of 5 minutes. A sin-bin does not need to be notified to the fixture secretary.
31.3 Fixture Secretaries must report ALL sendings off to the Discipline Secretary and fill in the weekly report sheet forwarded to him each week.
32 ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT
32.1 Any claims of assault by a club official, spectator, coach or player must be reported to the police. The General and Discipline Secretary must be notified within 12 hours of the incident. Written statements must follow within 7 days with a copy to the offending club. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the League not taking action.
32.2 All cases of assault reported in accordance with the rules will be dealt with by the Yorkshire Junior League Welfare Officers.
33 PROCEDURE FOLLOWING AN ALLEGED BREACH OF DISCIPLINE OR A SENDING OFF
33.1 The Disciplinary Committee shall consider the written report of any referee, touch judge, club or officer of the league concerning any matter under 29.3.
33.2 If the Disciplinary Committee shall resolve that there may have been an offence committed and it wishes to investigate the matter further then it shall give written notice to the player, club or other person concerned, specifying the matter under investigation.
33.3 If a personal hearing is requested under 31.10 (or in the absolute discretion of the Disciplinary Committee granted pursuant to a later request), the Discipline Secretary shall notify:
(a) the player,
(b) the match officials, if all allegations arise as a result of the fixture,
(c) the club with which the player is registered or which the club official represents or the supporter is known or considered to support.
33.4 The hearing of the Disciplinary Committee shall be informal and:
(a) only 4 persons concerned, including witnesses shall be entitled to be present.
(b) anyone charged with a breach of the rules shall be entitled to be represented by a friend and shall be entitled to call witnesses and question witnesses.
33.5 The Disciplinary Committee shall deliberate in private and whenever possible shall reach its decision immediately following the hearing. All persons concerned shall be notified of the decision as soon as practicable after the hearing.
33.6 Clubs must provide a representative to sit on the Disciplinary Committee as and when required by the Discipline Secretary.
33.7 In all cases of discipline or disputes, claims of non receipt of relevant correspondence, shall not prevent any matter from being dealt with.
34 VIDEO / DVD EVIDENCE
34.1 Video/DVD evidence will only be accepted for use if the teams partaking have agreed to the recording of the game. (MRF1) Evidence of this must be produced. Should any claims or allegations be made under the Child Protection Act then the Club submitting the evidence will be liable. The League WILL NOT accept any liability or responsibility.
34.2 The unedited Video/DVD must be in the hands of a member of the Management Committee within 48 hours of the incident in question.
34.3 The Discipline Secretary must be informed that a Video/DVD is being submitted prior to the date of the Discipline hearing. The Video/DVD must to be set at the incident in question, and only the incident reported by the referee or club will be dealt with.
34.4 All Videos/DVD's must be clearly labelled i.e. Club, date of game, age group and opponents.
34.5 The League cannot be held responsible for the loss of any Video/ DVD.
34.6 The offending club has the right to view the Video/DVD at the Discipline hearing.
35 DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND FINES
35.1 The Disciplinary Committee (and on appeal the Management Committee also) may on finding an allegation proved:
(a) Fine any player, club, official or spectator.
(b) Suspend any player, club, official or spectator.
(c) Expel any player, club, official from the League.
(d) Require a written apology.
(e) Require a written promise as to future good conduct.
35.2 If the Disciplinary Committee shall be satisfied that a player from a particular Member Club has committed an offence but the player concerned cannot be identified the Disciplinary Committee shall be entitled to deal with the Member Club concerned by imposing any of the punishments specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) inclusive on the Member Club.
35.3 If a fine is not paid by a player or any other person associated with a Member Club (eg a supporter) the Member Club shall be responsible for the payment of the fine.
35.4 All fines must be paid by the last Monday of the following month from the date of the fixture or discipline meeting, otherwise it will automatically be doubled and ALL fixtures for that Member Club shall be suspended for the next coming weekend's fixtures and awarded to the opposing teams with a score of 18 - 0 against. This will continue until any outstanding fines are paid.
35.5 All fines must be made payable to the Yorkshire Junior League and must be sent direct to the League Treasurer payments to any Management Members will not be accepted as paid.
35.6 Where a club receives a Fixture Secretary fine they will have 7 days from the decision to appeal to the relevant Fixture Secretary and General Secretary otherwise the fine will stand.
36 PLAYER SUSPENSIONS
36.1 Once a player has been suspended the ID card must be in the hands of the Discipline Secretary prior to the suspension commencing, failure to do so will result in a £20 fine.
36.2 The official suspension form must be correctly completed for each match of the ban to confirm that the player did not take part in matches during the suspension.
36.3 Once a player has fulfilled the suspension, the official form correctly filled in must be sent to the Discipline Secretary no later than 7 days after the ban ends. Failure to do so will result in the Member Club being fined £5 per week until the form is received.
36.4 Suspension commences on the 2nd Saturday following the meeting when the ban was imposed except in the cases of Sine Die or 6 or more matches when the ban is immediate. Players who appeal will be allowed to play until the appeal is heard if the ban is less than 6 matches.
36.5 If a player is suspended by the Disciplinary Committee, then only games arranged prior to a player's suspension or subsequent League/Cup games will count towards the suspension.
36.6 If a player is suspended having transferred to another club and a cup tie is due to be played, should the player have played in a previous cup round then he is cup tied to his previous club and would therefore not have been able to play in the cup fixture. That game will not count as one of the match bans.
37 HOW TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
37.1 All appeals must be made in writing within 7 days of the General Secretary giving notice of the verdict, to the RFL with the required deposit.
38 PLAYING RULES
38.1 The RFL Mini/Mod/Mod Transition rules are a modified version of rugby league that will be played for enjoyment where basic skills will be taught to all players. No competitions will be played (cups, shields etc) by any Member Club / team but at festivals a momentum of the day may be given out to all players.
38.2 ALL Mini/Mod/Mod Transition teams will abide by and play to all the RFL Mini/Mod/Mod Transition rules.
38.3 The international rules of the game will apply to all matches played at U12s (year 7) and above, with the following alterations:
(a) There shall be unlimited substitutions.
(b) The 40/20 rule shall not apply.
38.4 Ball sizes are as follows:
(a) U9s and below size 3
(b) U10s - U13s size 4
(c) U14s and above size 5
38.5 Where the duration of a match is less than 80 minutes, a sin bin shall last for 5 minutes.
38.6 Post protectors shall be compulsory.
38.7 Corner flags shall be compulsory and shall be 54 inches above the ground level with a coloured flag on top and of a flexible construction so that they will bend at the base.
