Rules 2010/11

MJPL Competition Rules 2010/11 (u12-u18)

1 Nomenclature and Constitution

1	A		This Competition shall be designated the Midland Junior Premier League and known as the Midland Junior Premier League and shall consist of not more than 60 Clubs who shall be Full Member Clubs.All such Member Clubs must be affiliated to an affiliated County Football Association and their names and particulars shall be returned annually by the appointed date on the Form “D” to The Football Association. The area covered by the Competition Membership shall be Midland & County FA Areas.This Competition shall apply annually for sanction to The Football Association and the constituent teams of Member Clubs may be grouped by age in divisions, each division not exceeding 14 in number.Member Clubs shall not enter any of their teams playing in the Competition in any other Competitions (with the exception of F.A. and County F.A. Competitions) except with the written consent of the Management Committee of the Competition.The competition will provide 11-a-side football for players who have attained the age of 10 as at midnight 31st August in a playing season.
1	B		At the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, a majority of the delegates present shall have power to decide or adjust the compilation of the divisions at their discretion. When necessary this Rule shall take precedence over Rule 12.
1	AA		This competition supports the FA Child Protection Policy Statement. Every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.
1	BB		The Football Association recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that those clubs and organisations providing football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care. (Appendix 1. the Football Association Regulation)
1	CC	i	Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
1	CC	ii	In these Regulations the expression ‘Offence’ shall mean any one or more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes The Association to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children.
1	CC	iii	Upon receipt by the Association of: - notification that an individual has been charged with an offence; or - notification that an individual is the subject of an investigation by the Police, Social Services or any other authority relating to an Offence; or - any other information which causes The Association reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children The Association shall have the power to order that the individual be suspended from all or any specific football activity for such period and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
1	CC	iv	In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 3 should be made The Association shall give consideration, inter alia, to the following factors: - whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm - whether the matters are of a serious nature - whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any investigation by The Association or any other authority or body to proceed unimpeded
1	CC	v	The period of an order referred to in 3 above shall not be capable of lasting beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of the Association or any Offence is decided or brought to an end
1	CC	vi	Where an order is imposed on an individual under Regulation 3 as above, The Association, shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of the Association against the person relating to matters as soon as reasonably practicable.
1	CC	vii	Where a person is convicted, or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an Offence, that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of the Association and The Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all or specific football activity for such a period (including indefinitely) and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
1	CC	viii	For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through its Council or any Committee or Sub-Committee thereof, including the Board.
1	CC	ix	Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the person concerned and/or any Club with which they are associated as soon as reasonably practicable.

2 Entry Fee, Subscription, Deposit

2	A	Applications by Clubs for admission to this Competition or the entry of an additional team(s) must be made in writing to the General Secretary by 1st April in each year and must be accompanied by an Entry Fee of £250 per age group of each team + Subscription of £100.00 per Club which shall be returned in the event of non-election.At the discretion of a majority of the accredited voting members present applications, of which due notice has been given, may be received at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting. The Entry Fees + Subscription and Deposit shall apply.When Rule 12(B) is applied and a team seeks a transfer or is compulsorily transferred to another division no Entry Fee shall be payable.
2	B	The Annual Subscription shall be £100 per Club playing 11-a-side football, £250 per age team payable on or before 30th April in each year.
2	C	Each Club shall, within 30 days/on the day of election, pay a Deposit of £200 which shall be returnable to Clubs on leaving the Competition provided they have fulfilled their fixtures and complied with all orders of the Management Committee.
2	D	A Club shall not participate in this Competition until the Entry Fee, Annual Subscription and Deposit have been paid.
2	E	Clubs must advise annually to the General Secretary in writing by 31st July of its County Football Association and affiliation number for the forthcoming Season, failing which they shall be fined £100. Clubs must advise the Secretary via the online system, on the prescribed form, of details of its Headquarters, Officers and any other information required by the Competition.Existing member Clubs re-applying to participate within the league for the following season must do so on the appropriate application form via the online system by 31st March, together with the entry fee and Club subscription to the General Secretary, Newtown Post Office, Lichfield Avenue, Worcester, WR5 2SF Cheque must be made payable to the Midland Junior Premier League. A receipt will be issued for all fees paid. Any club failing to pay the team entry fee(s) within seven days of the 31st March will become a new member entry into the League. Applications returned and received by the League after the May meeting would place that club on a reserve list pending any vacancies that may occur. No new Clubs will be accepted after the August meeting. Teams will be placed in the appropriate division at the League Committee discretion.Where the League Management Committee feels that any new or existing Club or team (s) past record is not acceptable they will recommend to the League members that the Club/teams application be rejected. The recommendation by the League Management Committee shall stand pending a vote by all the members of the League.Any Club/team whose application has been suspended will have the right to speak in their defence at a Special Meeting convened for that purpose, called in conformity with League Rule No 18. Any decision taken by the League members will be absolute; there will be no appeal.Any team withdrawing from the League after the August meeting must inform the League Secretary via the online system. All League fees paid by the Club will be forfeited.Any Club having overdue unpaid fines with this league or Parent County Association will not be allowed (unless appealing as in Rule 16) (a)to register for the following season (b)to commence playing fixtures until such fines have been paid
2	F	All clubs are to ensure that they partake fully with any programme negotiated by the Management Committee designed to benefit all of the members and promote the competition.

3 Officers

The Officers of the Competition shall be the President, Vice-Presidents, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, Discipline Officer, Registration Secretary, Fixture Secretary, Referees Officer, Child Welfare Officer and 2 club representative members to be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. (N.B. Auditors are not Officers).

4 Management, Nomination, Election

4	A	The Competition shall be governed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association by a Management Committee comprised of the Officers and committee members who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
4	B	Retiring Officers shall be eligible to become candidates for re-election without nomination. All other candidates for election as Officers or Members of the Management Committee shall be nominated to the Secretary in writing, signed by the Secretaries of two Member Clubs, not later than the May League meeting in each year. Names of the candidates for election shall be circulated with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. In the event of there being no nomination in accordance with the foregoing for any office, nominations may be received at the Annual General Meeting
4	C	The Management Committee shall meet as often as is necessary to deal with business as it arises. On receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Members of the Management Committee the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee.
4	D	Except where otherwise mentioned all communications shall be addressed to the General Secretary who shall conduct the correspondence of the Competition and keep a record of its proceedings.
4	E	All communications received from Clubs must be conducted through their Club Secretary unless otherwise requested.

5 Powers of Management

5	A	The Management Committee may appoint such other sub-committees as they may consider necessary and may delegate such of their powers as they deem necessary to such committees.The decisions of all such committees shall be reported to the Management Committee for ratification.
5	B	Subject to the permission of the Football Association having been obtained the Management Committee may order a match or matches to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the Competition and, if necessary, may call upon each Club (including any Club which may have withdrawn during the season) to contribute equally such sums as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season. (See Rule 6(E)).
5	C	Each Member of the Management Committee shall have the right to attend and vote at all Management Committee Meetings and have one vote thereat, but no Member shall be allowed to vote on any matters directly appertaining to such Member or to the Club so represented. (This shall apply to the procedure of any sub-committee). In the event of the voting being equal on any matter, the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote.
5	D	The Management Committee shall have powers to apply, act upon and enforce the Rules of the Competition and shall also have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Competition, including any not provided for in the Rules, except where these Rules provide for the imposition of a set penalty.Any Club, Official or Player alleged to be in breach of a Competition Rule must be formally charged in writing and given the opportunity to present their case before the Management Committee. With the exception of Clubs playing at Step 7 of the Football Pyramid and the FA Women’s Premier League, the maximum fine permitted for any breach of a Competition Rule is £250 and, when setting any fine, the Competition must ensure that the penalty is proportional to the offence, taking into any account any mitigating circumstances. All breaches of the Laws of the Game, Rules and Regulations of The Football Association shall be dealt with in accordance with F.A. Rules.
5	E	All decisions of the Management Committee shall be binding subject to the right of appeal to the Board of Appeal in accordance with Rule 16.Decisions of the Management Committee must be notified in writing to those concerned within 14 days.
5	F	Four members of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the Management Committee and three Members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business by any sub-committee of the Competition.
5	G	The Management Committee, as it may deem necessary, shall have power to fill in an acting capacity, any vacancies that may occur amongst their number.
5	H	A Club having failed to comply with an order or instruction of the Management Committee, or failing to satisfactorily attend to the business and/or the correspondence of the Competition shall be liable to be fined or otherwise penalised at the discretion of the Management Committee.
5	I	All fines and charges shall be paid within 14 days of the date of posting of the written notification or Fines will be doubled. Clubs, Officials or individuals committing a breach of this Rule will incur such penalties as the Management Committee may impose.
5	J	A member of the Management Committee appointed by the Competition to attend a meeting or match may have any expenses incurred refunded by the Competition.
5	K	The Management Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancy that may occur in the membership of the Competition between the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called to decide the constitution and the commencement of the Competition season.

6 Annual General Meeting

6	A	"The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than 30 June in each year. At this meeting the following business shall be transacted provided that at least 50% of the Member Clubs are present and entitled to vote:- To receive and confirm the Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting.To consider any business arising there from.To receive and adopt the Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts.Election of Clubs to fill vacancies (as recommended by the Management Committee).Constitution of the Competition for, forthcoming season.Election of Officers and Management Committee.Appointment of Auditors.
6	B	A copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet, Statement of Accounts and Agenda shall be forwarded to each Club at least twenty eight days prior to the meeting, and to the Football Association.
6	C	A signed copy of the duly audited/verified Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts shall be sent to the Football Association within fourteen days of its adoption by the Annual General Meeting.
6	D	Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to an Annual General Meeting. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 14 days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.
6	E	Clubs who have withdrawn their Membership of the Competition during the season being concluded or who are not continuing Membership shall be entitled to attend but shall vote only on matters relating to the season being concluded. This provision will not apply to Clubs expelled in accordance with Rule 17.
6	F	All voting shall be conducted by a show of voting cards unless a ballot be demanded by at least 90% of the delegates qualified to vote or the Chairman so decides.
6	G	No individual shall be entitled to vote on behalf of more than one Full Member Club.
6	H	Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at the Annual General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined £75.
6	I	Officers and Management Committee members shall be entitled to attend.

7 Agreement to be Signed

The Director and the Youth Team Secretary of each Club shall complete and sign the following agreement which shall be deposited with the Competition General Secretary together with the Application for Membership for the coming season, or upon indicating that the Club intends to compete. We, A,_____ _____________of _________________________(Director) and B________________________ of _________________________(Youth Team Secretary) of the _________________________________Football Club have been provided with a copy of the Rules and Regulations along with a copy of the entry criteria for the Midland Junior Premier League Competition and do hereby agree for and on behalf of the said Club, if elected or accepted into Membership, to conform to those Rules and Regulations and entry criteria to accept, abide by and implement the decisions of the Management Committee of the Competition, subject to the right of appeal in accordance with Rule 16. Any alteration of the Chairperson and /or Secretary on the above Agreement must be notified to the appropriate County Football Association(s) to which the Club is affiliated and via the online system to the General Secretary of the Competition.Note: The spaces above are intended for the inclusion of the signatures and addresses of officers and members.

8 Qualification of Players

8	A		Contract players, as defined in Football Association Rules, are not permitted in this Competition.A player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy or a Centre of Excellence may only play in this Competition subject to production of a written letter of approval from the Academy or Centre of Excellence Director.
8	A	i	This letter of approval before the player plays in any league or cup competition must be lodged with the league secretary and with the individual team registration document for production and inspection by the opponent before the player plays in any league or cup competition. It is the duty of the player’s manager to bring to the attention of the opponent’s manager that the player is a permitted contract player. Failing to do so will be charged in accordance with rule 8o
8	A	ii	A player registered with a F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy or a Centre of Excellence who signs to play in a team in the league or cup competition and who’s letter of approval has not been lodged with the team secretary by midnight 31st March in each year will not be eligible to play in any league or cup competition matches and will be charged in accordance with rule 8o.
8	A	iii	Any player registered with the Midland Junior Premier League then subsequently registers with an Academy during the playing season must be de-registered via the online system from the MJPFL with immediate effect. The MJPFL club who held the players registration prior to his registration with an Academy will have first option on or before March 31st to secure his registration following any official de-registration from an Academy
8	B		A registered youth playing member of a Club is one who, being in all other respects eligible, has:- Signed a fully and correctly completed Competition registration form in ink,countersigned by his/her parent or guardian and by an Officer of the Club, and whose completed registration document is available to opposing teams prior to playing. In complete registration forms will be charged in accordance with Rule 8o (i).The registration document must incorporate any known serious medical conditions of the player and emergency contact details of the player’s parents or guardians.Team managers must give registration forms to opposing team managers before the commencement of each match. Team managers will be entitled to hold the registration forms for the duration of the match if they so desire, but must return the registration forms after the game. The details must also be available at training events the player attends within the management of the Club or Competition.The registration document must incorporate a current passport-size photograph of the player seeking registration together with proof of the player’s date of birth.In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player in the following age ranges must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.Youth Football Under 11 – the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be under the age of 11 by midnight 31st August in the playing season.Under 12 – the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.Under 13 – the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.Under 14 – the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.Under 15 – the player must be under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.Under 16 – the player must be under the age of 16 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.Under 18 – the player must be under the age of 18 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.In accordance with the foregoing qualifications a player under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.The above qualification dates are subject to the provisions contained in FA Rule C.4 (a) (vi)).
8	C		A player is not eligible to play in this Competition who receives any form or payment for playing, other than expenses as per Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of Article 2 of the FIFA Regulations Governing the Status and Transfer of Players. Clubs upon election must sign a declaration that they will conform to the said clauses and players of such Clubs are required to sign a declaration upon Registration that they are eligible under, and will abide by, the FIFA clauses, which are as follows:-Players who have never received any remuneration other than for the actual expenses incurred during the course of their participation in or for any activity connected with association football shall be regarded as amateur.-Travel and hotel expenses incurred through involvement in a match and the costs of a player's equipment, insurance and training may be reimbursed without jeopardising a player's amateur status.-Any player who has ever received remuneration in excess of the amount stated under clause 2 in respect of participation in or an activity connected with association football shall be regarded as non-amateur unless he has reacquired amateur status under the terms of Art. 10.1".
8	D		A team shall not include any player who has taken part in any senior competition matches during the current season unless a period of 7 days has elapsed since they played.For the purpose of this Competition a senior competition is open age adult football.
8	E		A player having taken part in matches for any Club affiliated to any County Football Association shall not be allowed to join, be transferred to, or sign for a Club in the Competition without first proving to the officials of the intended Club that the player has discharged all reasonable financial liabilities to the previous Club or Clubs, and a Club official may not accept such player's signature without first ascertaining whether such claims have been discharged to the satisfaction of the Club, or Clubs, for which the player last played.
8	F		Player registration fee shall be £5.00, the team league fees cover the first 20 registration fees. Registration forms to be completed online at www.jp-admin.co.uk. All teams must register a minimum of 11 players online by August 1st in each year. A surcharge will be made of £5.00 per player below this minimum requirement. Any team failing to register ANY players by the August meeting in each year without providing a valid explanation will be expelled from the league and all fees will be forfeited.Teams can register unlimited number of players
8	G		Subject to the Football Association Rules dealing with players without a written contract when a player desires a transfer, the Club the player wishes to transfer to shall submit a transfer form via the online process to the General Secretary, a fee of £5.00 will be invoiced to the appropriate club secretary. Such transfer shall be referred by the General Secretary to the club for which the player is registered. Should this Club object to the transfer within 7 days of the notice it should state its objections via the online process to the General Secretary and to the player concerned within the seven days of receipt of the transfer form. Upon receipt of the Club's consent, or upon its failure to give written objection within seven days, the General Secretary may, on behalf of the Management Committee, confirm and transfer the player who shall be deemed eligible to play for the new Club from such date after receipt of such transfer. In the event of an objection to a transfer the matter shall be referred to the Management Committee for a decision.Only 3 players per month can be transferred to a team or from a team. Clubs who need to transfer more players will need the approval of the league committee.
8	H		A Club shall keep a list of the players it registers and a record of the games in which they have played, and shall produce such records upon demand by the Management Committee. In the event a club has more than one team in an age group, each team must be clearly designated “A” or “B”. In such cases players will be registered for one team only. A player so registered will be allowed to play for his Club in a younger or older age group within the provisions of rule 8b
8	I	i	Any team playing an unregistered, incorrectly registered F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy or a Centre of Excellence player or otherwise ineligible player or players in a League or Cup game shall have the points gained in the match deducted from its total and shall be fined £50 for every player or players and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
8	I	ii	In addition the team shall have 3 points deducted from its total at the discretion of the Management Committee and may be dealt with in any further manner which is thought to be fit.
8	I	iii	The Management Committee in exceptional circumstances may, at its discretion, award any points deducted from a Club under this Rule to the opponents in the match in question, subject to the match not being ordered to be replayed.(The following Clause applies to Competitions involving players in full-time secondary education):-
8	I	iv	Any team playing an unregistered, incorrectly registered F.A. Premier League or Football League Academy or a Centre of Excellence player or otherwise ineligible player or players in a cup competition shall forfeit the match and shall be fined £50 for every player or players and otherwise dealt with at the discretion of the Management Committee.
8	I	v	The Management Committee in exceptional circumstances may, at its discretion, order the cup match to be replayed
8	J	i	Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. A team not fulfilling a fixture caused by school activities must give 8 clear days notice via the online system to the fixture secretary. Any team failing to comply will be deducted 3 points.
8	J	ii	The availability of children must be cleared with the Head Teachers (except for Sunday competitions).
8	J	iii	Children under 14 shall not play in a team involving players who are more than 2 years older.(Note: For players under the age of 18 the provisions contained in Football Association Rules will apply.)

9 Club Colours, Club Name

9	A		Every Club must register the colour of its home and away shirts and shorts with the General Secretary via the online system by 1st July who shall decide as to their suitability. Any club/team failing to submit their team colours will incur a fine of £20.00 per offence.Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from other players and the referee. No player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts, without the approval of the league committee before the August meeting of each year. The Secretary of the Competition may request shirts to be submitted if complaints are received as to lack of distinguishing colours, and the Management Committee may refuse to permit any shirts or shorts as they think fit.Any team not being able to play in its normal colour as registered with the Competition shall notify the colours in which they will play to its opponents at least 7 days before the match.If, in the opinion of the referee, two Clubs have the same or similar colours, the away team shall make the change of shirt which will be numbered. Any team not having a change of colours or delaying the kick-off by not having a change shall be fined £30. Failure to produce an alternative kit will not be sufficient reason to postpone the fixture. Bibs or another alternative will suffice the match to go ahead.All Shirts must be numbered. Failure will incur a fine of £10.00 per shirt not numbered
9	B		Any Club wishing to change its name or colours must obtain permission from its affiliated County Football Association and from the Management Committee

10 Playing Season, Conditions of Play, Times of Kick Off, Postponements, Substitutes

10	A		The Annual General Meeting shall determine the commencing and concluding dates for the ensuing season which shall be in accordance with Football Association Rules.No Club shall be compelled to play after the concluding date. Original fixtures will be arranged by the Fixtures Secretary.be played on the days arranged and applying the agreed criteria of the league unless otherwise decided by the management committee.
10	A	i	Postponement,It is the home teams responsibility to inspect the home pitch by 5pm the day before the fixture and verbally notify (voicemail message is not acceptable) the away team manager and/or officials of the pitch condition.
10	A	i 1.1	If the pitch is unplayable the away team may offer to reverse the fixture (the original hosts will not be allowed to refuse to play, failure will incur a £50 fine) and the original home team will bear the cost of the pitch, match day official (s) and food up to a maximum of £150 on production of receipts. Third generation 3g or 4g pitch facility are acceptable alternatives to play the game (Any other astro surface is not acceptable)
10	A	i 1.2	In the event of a reverse fixture pitch being unplayable on the match day, the original away will pay the original home team travel costs of 20p per mile to a maximum of £75 per team. Third generation 3g or 4g pitch facility are acceptable alternatives to play the game. (Any other astro surface is not acceptable)
10	A	i 1.3	If after the original inspection the pitch is playable and there is risk of overnight bad weather or frost, the home team will make direct verbal contact (voicemail is not acceptable) with the away team manager to ascertain their time of departure and prior to that time will inspect and confirm the pitch is playable. Failure to do so and in the event the match is postponed will result in the home team paying the away team travelling costs of 20p per mile to a maximum of £75.
10	A	ii	In the event of all possible fixtures being postponed and 10 (A) (i) has not applied The club will notify the Fixture via the online system by midnight of the fixture taking place of the postponement. Failure to do so will incur a £30.00 fine Fixtures agreed between Clubs can not take precedence over the Fixture Secretary’s schedule of fixtures during the season
10	A	iii	Any Club failing to be represented at a fixture meeting or otherwise infringing this Rule shall be liable for a fine of £40 and the Management Committee or the Fixtures Secretary shall arrange that Club’s fixtures.
10	B		All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board.Clubs must take all reasonable precautions to keep their grounds in a playable condition. All matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee who will view all venues prior to the season commencing. If through any fault of the home team a match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for matches in the Competition and to order the Club concerned to play its fixtures on another ground.All matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time (not less than 30 minutes) is mutually arranged by the two captains in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.For Youth football – The duration of play shall be as follows unless it is mutually agreed by all parties to reduce the time.For under 11 and under 12,30 minutes each half;For under 13 and under 14,35 minutes each half, For under 15 and under 16,40 minutes each half.For Youth, 45 minutes each half.The minimum time for any game will not be less than 20 minutes each half for players in the under 14 age group and below and 25 minutes each half for all other age groups.No player under the age of 17 as at midnight on 31st August in any season shall be permitted to play more than one game or, in the event the competition allows the playing of a double-header, ie: two separate matches, 100 minutes per day in this Competition.The times of kick-off shall be fixed by the Management Committee which will be 10.30 am. Any team wishing to change there kick off time must give 8 days notice of intent via the online system, the league will inform the referee secretary of the change. Any team failing to observe this rule will incur a fine £30.00 plus the referee/s fee.Any Club failing to commence at the appointed time shall be fined a sum not exceeding £30 plus the referee/s fees or be otherwise dealt with as the Management Committee may determine.Referees must order matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the League.The home team must provide at least two official league match footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if any unofficial footballs are provided or used during the game. The recommended size of football to be used: For youth football – size 4 for those playing under 12, 13, 14, - size 5 for all other age groups. - Properly secured goal nets must be used for all matches.Failure by the home team to provide at least 2 official league match balls or use any unofficial or unsuitable footballs reported by the referee will incur a not exceeding £25 fine.
10	C		Except by permission of the Management Committee all matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The Football Association and all relevant County Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Clubs may mutually agree to bring forward a match with the consent of the Fixtures Secretary.
10	D		The Secretary of the home Club must give notice via the online system of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing Club at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt via the online system such particulars. Any Club failing to comply with this Rule shall be fined £10.
10	E		Every Club shall play its best available qualified team or teams in all matches in the Competition.(Note: The intention of this Rule is not to interfere with normal team selection by Clubs, but to prevent Clubs deliberately fielding a weakened team in order to unreasonably reserve players for another game or to boost the strength of another or lower team. It is NOT intended that Clubs MUST field higher team players in lower teams when the higher team has no engagement. If, in the opinion of the Management Committee, the substance or spirit of the Rule is obviously being disregarded, the Club or Clubs concerned may be called to account for its/their actions and shall be subject to such decisions as the Management Committee may determine, despite the fact that Rule 8 has not been infringed.) In the event of a Club playing in any match with less than 11 players they shall be fined £20 for each missing player.A minimum of 7 players will constitute a team for a Competition match.
10	F		Home and away matches shall be played. In the event of a Club failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee (and rule 10a I 1.1/1.2/1.3 does not apply) shall apply a £50.00 fine and award the defaulting team to pay any costs upon production of receipts to a maximum of £150.00 or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Not withstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent's ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.Any team wishing to have a match cancelled or postponed for any reason must give the Fixture Secretary at least 28 days notice via the online system. Failure to do so will result in a fine of £25.00 fine being imposed and 3 points will be deducted from the offending team.3 cancellations are allowed per team per season. Any subsequent cancellations after this will result in an automatic fine of 50.00 and the deduction of 3 points from the offending team. The last date for using a 28 day notice postponement throughout the season is 1st April in each year.No postponement regarding Cup Final dates. Failure to be available to play the Cup final date will result in the opponents that met in the semi final to automatically go through to the Cup final.In the event of a match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither Club has control, it shall be played in its entirety on a date to be determined by the Fixture Secretary.The home club concerned shall inform their opponents and Fixtures Secretary and Referee and forward a competition postponed ticket via the online system within 24 hours of the postponed or abandoned game to the Fixture Secretary. Failing such agreement and notification to the Fixture Secretary the Management Committee shall have power to order the match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date.The Management Committee shall review all postponed and abandoned matches and in a case where it is to the advantage of the Competition and does no injustice to either Club, shall be empowered to order the score at the time of the abandonment to stand. In all cases where the Management Committee is satisfied that a match was abandoned owing to the conduct of one team or its Club member(s) they shall award the points for the match to the opponents and take what other action they may deem necessary. In cases where a match is abandoned owing to the conduct of both teams and their Club members, the Management Committee shall take such action as they consider appropriate. Such action is subject to any disciplinary action taken by the appropriate County Football Association.
10	G		For all age groups, a player who has been substituted himself becomes a substitute and may replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.The referee and the opposing team officials shall be informed of the names of the players and officials of both teams with the use of the leagues prescribed registration system not later than 30 minutes before the start of the match. Failing to comply with this requirement shall be dealt with by the Management committee who shall inflict a fine £20.00 for each offence.A player who has been selected, appointed or named as a substitute before the start of the match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a player in that game within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
10	H		The half time interval shall be of a minimum of10 minute’s duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.

11 Reporting Results

11	A		The Fixtures Secretary must be able to have received and registered via the online website by midnight of the fixture taking place the result of each Competition match in the prescribed manner.This must include the correct forename(s) and surname of the team players .and also the Referee markings required by Rule 13, or any other information required by the Competition. Failure to provide correct detail (duplication of names and incorrect detail) will incur a fine £10 per error and the Club being dealt with as the Management Committee decide.Match report forms via the online system showing players names and officials signatures must be given to the referee and opposing manager for their inspection prior to the commencement of the match. Officials are authorised not to commence the match until teams have adhered to this requirement
11	B		The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by a responsible official of the Club. The Management Committee shall have power to take such action as they deem suitable against a Club which submits an incomplete Competition form or incorrect Competition information.

12 Determining Championship

12	A		Team rankings within the Competition will be decided by points with 3 points to be awarded for a win and 1 points for a drawn match. The teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective Divisions at the conclusion shall be adjudged the winners.Matches must not be played for double points.In the event of two or more teams being equal on points team rankings may be decided in any one or more of the following ways:-goal difference-goals scored-the most points obtained between the two clubs within its league fixtures-deciding match(s) played under conditions determined by the Management Committee.If this procedure fails to separate the teams then the Championship will be shared.For deciding matches, in the event of the scores in a special championship match played under conditions determined by the management committee being level at the end of the games 20 minutes extra time shall be played in two equal periods of 10 minutes. If no goal is scored during extra time, the winners will be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the International Board Decision contained in the Laws of Association Football.
12	B		In the event of a team not completing all of its fixtures for the season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting team shall be expunged from the Competition table.

13 Cup Competition Rules

13	A	Name of Cup Competition – Midland Junior Premier Cup Competition - Entry in to the Cup Competition will be included in the League fees.- In all rounds of the of the Cup competitions if the teams are drawing at the end of normal time, extra time will be played as appropriate to that Division - under 12, 13, 14, ten minutes each way [10 minutes],under 15, 16,fifthteen minutes each way [15 minutes]-Youth fifthteen minutes each way [15 minutes] - any team failing to play extra time will forfeit the tie to their opponents. -In Cup matches (including Cup Finals) if the teams are drawing after extra time then penalties shall decide the winners. If there is still no result after 5 penalties taken alternately by each side, then penalties will continue in the same order until after both teams have taken an equal number of penalties, one team has scored a goal more than the other.Only the players on the pitch at the end of extra time may take the penalties. Each penalty kick must be taken by a different player and not until all the eligible players including goalkeepers have taken a kick may a player of the same team take a second.Any Team failing to play on the Leagues decided Cup Final date shall forfeit there place to there semi final opponents.
13	B	The Management Committee will decide Cup Semi and Final venues and kick off times there will be no alteration except where weather conditions intervene.
13	C	All cup matches there will be one match official, except the semi-final and finals where 3 officials will be sort or organised, the referee and 2 assistant referees. For non-semi or Final matches no official will be related to a player of any competing teams. Failing to comply will result in the defaulting team to forfeit the match and award the defaulting team to pay any costs upon production of receipts to a maximum of £150.00 or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals.
13	D	In all Cup matches except the Finals the two teams will split the costs for the official/s and the cost of the ground. Home team will provide hospitality food and drink.In Cup matches any club team offending as in Rule 10 (F) will be fined £50.00 and forfeit the match
13	E	A player shall not eligible to play for a team in any Cup Competition Semi-Final or Final match, unless the player has played 3 League games or in an earlier round of the Cup Competition for the team they represent in the Cup match
13	F	A player having played in the Cup Competition for one team then transfers to another team within this League will be Cup Tied and not permitted to play for the Club Team in the Cup Competition

14 Referees

14	A	For all U18 fixtures registered referees and assistant referees shall be appointed, for all U16 fixtures registered referees shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee via the online system at least 5 clear days prior to the playing of the match and by the sanctioning Association(s).Appointed Referees and Assistant Referees to the League and Cup fixtures shall arrive at the ground 60 minutes prior to kick off
14	B	In the event of the non-appearance of the appointed Referee for U18 and U16 fixtures, or where the competition has been unable to appoint a Referee, the Clubs must agree upon a Referee. A Referee thus agreed upon shall, for that game, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee.
14	C	The Committee will not recommend any relations who are appointed as registered referees and registered assistant referees are organised for home fixtures playing in the following age groups U12/13/14/15/16.
14	D	The appointed Referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and the decision shall be final subject to either in the case of a ground of a Local Authority the representative of that body is the sole arbiter and whose decision must be accepted unless the ground is declared fit for play.
14	E	Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be entitled to the following match fees:-Registered referee £30 : Registered Referees appointed by the Management Committee as Assistant Referees £20, subject to any limits laid down by the sanctioning Association(s).The Home Club shall pay the Officials their fees and expenses immediately after the match. Failure will incur a £30 fine plus the referee and/or assistant referee fees
14	F	In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to 50% of match fees only. Where a match is not played owing to one Club being in default, that Club shall be ordered to pay the Officials, if they attend the ground, their full fee.
14	G	A referee not keeping his or her engagement and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Association with which he or she is registered.
14	H	Each Club shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The Football Association, award marks to the Referee for each match and the name of the Referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the League on the prescribed Form provided.Clubs failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine. The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each season, shall submit a summary to The Football Association/County Football Association.
14	I	The Referee shall submit a Match Report Form, available via the online system, giving the result of the match, the number of players in each team and the time of kick-off to the home team secretary at the end of the match.
14	J	Referees and Assistant Referees shall be supplied, each Season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.

15 Continuation of Membership or Withdrawl of a Club

15	A	After 31st December in the current Season a Club intending, or having a provisional intention, to withdraw a team from the Competition on completion of its fixtures and fulfillment of all other obligations to the Competition must notify the Secretary in writing by 31st January of each Season or be liable to a fine not exceeding £250.All Clubs wishing to remain in membership of the Competition for the following season must confirm there intention to do so, in writing with the deposit to the General League Secretary by the February meeting
15	B	A Club shall not be allowed to withdraw any or all of its teams from the Competition after the Annual General Meeting for the following Season. Any Club infringing this Rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £250 per team and shall also be liable for its share of any call which may be made under Rule 5(B).
15	C	The Membership for the coming season having been decided at a Special General Meeting held for that purpose not earlier than 1st June nor later than 31st August or at the Annual General Meeting held not later than 31st July the Competition shall have the right, irrespective of other provisions in this Rule, to refuse to permit a Club to withdraw its team(s) in order to join another League and may hold the Club to its engagements
15	D	In the event of a Member Club which is an un-incorporated association withdrawing and/or disbanding it shall be immediately liable to discharge all its financial and other obligations to the League.In the event that any such obligation remains undischarged after a period of twenty-one (21) days then such obligation shall be met by the then current Club Members, excluding those under the statutory school leaving age. Until a Member’s pro rata obligation is discharged in full the Member shall not be allowed to participate in the Competition, which may apply to the Club’s Parent County Association for a suspension order.

16 Protests and Complaints

16	A	i	All questions of eligibility, qualifications of players or interpretations of the Rules shall be referred to the Management Committee
16	A	ii	Objections relevant to the dimensions of the pitch, goals, flag posts or other facilities of the venue will not be entertained by the Management Committee unless a protest is lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the match. Any Club lodging such protest and not proceeding with it shall be deemed guilty of a breach of this Rule and shall be dealt with by the Management Committee.
16	B		Except in cases where the Management Committee decide that there are special circumstances, protests and complaints (which must contain full particulars of the grounds upon which they are founded) must be lodged in duplicate with the Secretary within 5 days (excluding Sundays) of the match or occurrence to which they refer. A protest or complaint shall not be withdrawn except by permission of the Management Committee. A Member of the Management Committee who is a member of any Club involved shall not be present (except as a witness or representative of his Club) when such protest or complaint is being determined.
16	C		Any dispute occurring between Clubs in the Competition shall be referred for determination by the Management Committee whose decision shall be binding upon all parties subject to Rule 17.
16	D		No protest of whatever kind shall be considered by the Management Committee unless the complaining Club shall have deposited with the Secretary a sum of £30. This may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of the complaining or protesting Club losing its case. The Competition shall have power to order the defaulting Club or the Club making a losing or frivolous protest or complaint to pay the expenses of the enquiry or to order that the costs to be shared by the parties.
16	E		All parties to a protest or complaint must be afforded an opportunity to make a statement when the protest or complaint is being heard and must have received at least 7 days notice of the hearing, together with a copy of the submission. When dealing with a protest or complaint the Management Committee shall take into consideration the possession by the protesting or complaining Club of any information which, if properly used, might have avoided the protest or complaint

17 Board of Appeal

Within 14 days of the posting of written notification of any decision of the Management Committee or the Competition, a Club, Official or Player against whom action is taken may appeal against such decision by lodging particulars in duplicate with the Secretary of the Football Association, including a fee of £100, for adjudication of a Board of Appeal.The grounds of appeal shall be in accordance with FA Rules. The Board of Appeal may order the appeal fee to be forfeited and shall decide by whom the costs of the appeal shall be borne. The decision of the Board of Appeal is final and binding on all parties concerned.No appeal can be lodged against a decision taken at an Annual or Special General Meeting unless this is on the ground of unconstitutional conduct.An appeal to an Appeals Board of The Football Association shall be made and be conducted only in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association that relate to appeals to an Appeals Board as are in force at any time* see Appendix - http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesAndRegulations - scroll to the bottom of page and click on – The FA Handbook – download and refer to pages 190-162- Also a PDF file is available through the Leagues General Secretary

18 Exclusion of Clubs or Teams Misconduct, Clubs, Officilas, Players

18	A	At the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, Notice of Motion having been duly circulated on the Agenda, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude any Club or Team from further membership which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (⅔) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot.
18	B	At the Annual General Meeting, or at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 19, the accredited delegates present shall have the power to exclude from further participation in the Competition any Club or team of a Club whose conduct has, in their opinion, been undesirable, which must be supported by (more than) two-thirds (2/3rds) of those present and voting. Voting on this point shall be conducted by ballot. A Club whose conduct is the subject of the vote being taken shall be excluded from voting.
18	C	Any official or member of a Club proved guilty of either misconduct, other than field offences, or of inducing or attempting to induce a player or players of another Club in the Competition to join them shall be liable to expulsion or such penalty as a General Meeting or Management Committee may decide, and their Club shall also be liable to expulsion in accordance with the provisions of Clauses (A) and (B) of this Rule.
18	D	Any Club or Team failing to complete all of its fixtures in any season (unless the conditions are beyond their control, or the accredited delegates present at the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting decide otherwise by a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast) shall be debarred from membership the following season.

19 Trophy:- Legal Owners, Conditions of Taking Over, Agreement to be Signed, Awards

If a Competition be discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the Donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the sanctioning Association may decide. At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the Cup or Trophy:- “We A_________________and B______________________, the Chairman and Secretary of ________________________FC, members of and representing the Club, having been declared winners of _____________________Cup or Trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the Club jointly and severally agree to return the Cup or Trophy to the Competition General Secretary on or before 1st March. Failure to do so will resulting a fine of 50.00 being imposed on the offending club and a further fine of 5.00 per week that the trophy remains outstanding. If the Cup or Trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.” 16 trophies will be supplied by the League for Divisional Champions and Runners up and all Cup Finalists. Any extra trophies required must be ordered through the General Secretary or the trophy supplier and paid for in advance.

20 Special General Meetings

Upon receiving a requisition signed by two-thirds of the Clubs in membership the Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting.The Management Committee may call a Special General Meeting at any time.At least 14 days notice shall be given of either meeting under this Rule, together with an agenda of the business to be transacted at such meeting.Each Full Member Club shall be empowered to send two delegates to all Special General Meetings. Each Club shall be entitled to one vote only. Not less than 4 days’ notice shall be given of any Meeting.Any continuing Member Club failing to be represented at a Special General Meeting without satisfactory reason being given shall be fined a sum £40.Officers and Management Committee members shall be expected to attend at all Special General Meetings.

21 Alterations to Rules

Alterations shall be made to these Rules only at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting specially convened for the purpose called in accordance with Rule 19. Any alteration made during the playing season to the Rule relating to the qualification of players shall not take effect until the following season.Notice of proposed alterations to be considered at the Annual General Meeting shall be submitted to the Secretary by 30th March in each year.The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the Clubs by 14th April and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by 28th April.The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to Clubs with the notice of the Annual General Meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if a majority of those present and entitled to vote are in favour.A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting shall be submitted to the sanctioning Football Association 14 days prior to the date of the meeting.Any alterations or additions decided upon at any meeting shall not become operative until the approval of the Association issuing sanction shall have been obtained.

22 Rules Binding on Clubs

Each Member Club shall be deemed to have given its assent to the foregoing Rules and agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee subject to Rule 16. Each Member Club must abide by any issued Football Association Code of Conduct (Appendix A).

23 Finance

23	A	The Management Committee shall determine with which bank or other financial institution the funds of the Competition will be lodged.
23	B	All expenditure in excess of £100 shall be approved by the Management Committee. Cheques shall be signed by at least two Officers nominated by the Management Committee.
23	C	The financial year of the Competition will end on May 30th each year
23	D	The books, or a certified balance sheet, of a Competition shall be prepared and shall be audited/verified annually by some suitable person(s) who shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting.

25 League Membership Criteria

25	i	Senior clubs down to level 5 in the National League Structure system can apply each season and County FA approved clubs.-Boys only-Age groups under 12,13,14,15,16,18-Called Midland Junior Premier League-Start season September conclude finish April every year-Rules based on the FA Youth League guide-Ideal number of teams per age group 12 - Regional Leagues could apply if more teams enter-League cup competition with final played at a Club Level 6 or above in the National League structure
25	ii	Minimum standard size pitches (No three quarter pitches or goalposts)- Exclusive use of changing room for Home, Away & Officials during duration of the visit- Exclusive showers for the Home, Away & Officials- Hospitality drinks provided on arrival/half time & full time both hot and cold- A meal for visiting players, coaches, referees and league representativesprovided by home team- Roped or taped off area one side of pitch for spectators (cones are not permitted)- Players and coaches in designated technical area other side of pitch (the technical area will marked out in paint or with cones if a permanent dugout area is not available)- Play Saturdays unless by mutual consent- Kick off time home team will be 10.30am. Home team will be allowed to change with seven days notice and approval of the fixture secretary- Home team to provide an official qualified referee who is at least two years older than the age group they are refereeing- Home team and Away team to provide one club named linesperson wearing uniform (designated by the League) who has completed FA child welfare course- Home team to provide ice and access to phone in case of emergency- Team sheet completed and handed to all officials by both teams thirty minutes before kick off- Sub cards to be used when players on off pitch at half way line unless agreed with referee prior to the match that they may not be used- All weather pitches 3G or 4G maybe used as long as they are to UEFA standard (No other astro is acceptable)- Failing to facilities and game criteria will result in a fine £20.00 for each standard not provided
25	iii	Minimum of 2 maximum of 3 qualified club officials in designated technical area at each game- All coaches & managers to have provided current FA CRB disclosure by August 31st- All coaches & managers to have successfully completed each season a minimum FA level one coaching qualification/FA Child welfare course & Emergency 1st aid certificate. All FA level one certificates should be successfully completed within 3 years of current playing season- All coaches & managers to have provided copy of valid certificates to league registration secretary by September 1st each season- One coach per side must have started FA level two coaching qualification by 30th April of each season- All club officials including registered linesperson must be dressed wearing club branded clothing or shirt & club tie- All coaches and managers to complete coaches code of conduct based on FA guidelines- Complete registration card and copy sent to league registration secretary- One named physio on matchday who has completed valid FA First aid and child welfare course other than manager & coach- Named coaches and physio names to appear on team sheets- One coach per team is to attend a training day- No person on the coaching staff or players within the technical area shall smoke or drink alcohol during the game- Failing to fulfil coaches criteria will result in all of the club teams being suspended from play until standard met and rule 10 F applied.
25	iv	All selected players must bring with them their boots (properly studded), shin guards and a clean towel. When a 3G or 4G generation pitch is provided, only moulded studded boots, trainers or astro turf trainers may be worn- Players are reminded that this is an official representative day for their club and will be dressed- white shirt, club tie and smart casual trousers or smart club tracksuit- The after match reception at which all players will be expected to attend where a buffet will be served for players, team officials, referees and league representatives- Within school age groups as per FA guide book- Maximum 16 players per age group named on team matchday sheet with rolling substitute for all divisional age groups- Priority must be given at all times to schools and school organisation activities, rule 8p- No upper limit of players that can be registered in a season per age group- Players are registered online by clubs before kick off- Transfer system available online under FA guidelines.
25	v	Comes complete with full board approval letter signed by a full board director of main club or County FA approval- Minimum of two teams out of six unless invited by the committe for a season- Play in approved Club colours which are registered at the start of the season- Entry cost for club based on £100.00 per club paid April 30th each year- Entry cost per team based on £50.00 per age group paid April 30th each year- Online development cost per age group £150.00 paid April 30th each year- Entry cost for the cup competition £50.00 per age group paid April 30th each year- Club to sign code of conduct based on FA guidelines- Club to provide a registered & named qualified child welfare officer by July 31st in each year- Club to provide registered & named club secretary by July 31st in each year- Club to provide registered & named qualified parent representative, steward, matchday secretary, for each team match by July 31st in each year- Online details to be completed by July 31st in each year- One registered and qualified team photographer- Failing to fulfil clubs and teams criteria will result in the club application going before the committee and each offence will incur a fine of £20.00.
25	vi	One game per team per club per season to be played on main pitch- Clubs to have achieved FA charter standard by end of season- Complimentary tickets for 1st team matches to be given to players and coaches and concession price tickets to spectators if game is played in the morning of the senior team- Venue to provide seating for the substitutes and officials.