THE NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED

 
The Companies Act 2006, Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital, Articles of Association of the Northern Amateur Football League Limited.

THE BOARD

S. J. CARLISLE
C.W. KIRKWOOD
R.M.S. MARTIN
D.J. MARTIN
A. GRAY
M. MEZZA
D.J.W. MORROW
S. MURPHY
P. McCULLOUGH
DR. R.L. CAUL, OBE*

*Independent Member

OFFICE-BEARERS AND COMMITTEES

President:
S. J. SHAW
Vice-Presidents:
G. GILLESPIE
G. HAMILTON
Miss S. JOHNSTONE
P. J. LUNN

Chairman:
S. J. CARLISLE

Vice-Chairman
C. W. KIRKWOOD

Hon Treasurer:
D. J. MARTIN
29 Dromore Road
Hillsborough
BT26 6HS
Telephone: 07730 951 933

Hon Secretary:
R. M. S. MARTIN
36 Todd’s Hill, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, BT24 7FB

Management Committee:

T.E. Pateman  B. Byrne  R.R. Doherty  W. Irvine  A. McCune 

J. McKeown  M. Mezza  J.M. Preston  G. Reynolds  M. Sloan  R. Stewart  B. White

 

Steel & Sons Cup Committee Delegates:
A. GRAY  D. HERON  C.W. KIRKWOOD  P. McCULLOUGH  D.W. MORROW

S. MURPHY  J.M. PRESTON  S.J. SHAW  B. WHITE

 

Junior Shield Committee Delegates:
R.R. DOHERTY  A. McCUNE
M. MEZZA  T.E. PATEMAN  G. REYNOLDS

Fixture Changes:

For any change to a fixture the following procedure must be adhered to:
With both clubs having agreed the Home club secretary should text Donna Darlington at 07702913360.

Any other matters concerning the League must be forwarded in writing to:

League Secretary:
Ms. D. DARLINGTON
22 Kirkliston Park
Belfast
BT5 6EB
Telephone: 07702 913360
E-mail: nafl.secretary@hotmail.com

THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
of
THE NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED

_____________________
DEFINITIONS
1 In the Memorandum and these Articles:-
“the Act” shall mean the Companies Acts as defined in Section 2 of the Companies Act 2006 including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;
“Appointments Panel” shall mean a Panel, consisting of a Director and a Co-opted Person and such other persons not exceeding two in number as may be determined by the Board from time to time (making a maximum of four persons in aggregate), to make recommendations to the Board on suitable persons to become Directors or to serve on a Committee or Working Group;
“Article” shall mean one of the numbered provisions of the articles of association of the Company;
“Articles” shall mean two or more of the numbered provisions of the articles of association of the Company or as the context requires, the entire provisions of the articles of association from time to time in force;
“Bankruptcy” includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of sequestration;
“Board” means the board of Directors of the Company by which the business and affairs of the Company are managed;
“Bye –Laws” means bye-laws as passed, made or adopted pursuant to Article 58;
“Chairman” means the chairman of the Company as elected by the Members at an Annual General Meeting of the Company;
“Chairman of the meeting” shall be as provided for in Articles 25 to 28 inclusive;
“Clear Days” mean, in relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given but including the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;
“Club” shall mean an association of individuals who have been drawn together by reason of a common interest in Association Football which association has been accepted into membership of the Company;
“Committee” means a Committee or Working Group consisting of such person(s), as may be approved by the Board for membership of the Committee or Working Group;
“Communication” shall have the meaning given to that term in section 15 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000;
“Company” means the company formed by the Memorandum and regulated by these Articles;
“Connected Person” means a person who is connected to a Director within the meaning of Sections 252 to 254 (inclusive) of the Act;
“Co-opted Person” means a person who is neither a Director nor a Member of the Company, who shall be appointed by the Board as a Member of a Committee or Working Group, after being recommended for appointment by the Appointments Panel and approved by the Board;
“Directors” shall mean the directors of the Company for the time being and “Director” shall mean one of them;
“Electronic Address” means any number or address used for the purpose of an Electronic Communication;
“Electronic Communication” shall have the meaning given to that term in section 15 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000;
“Electronic Form” shall have the meaning given to that term in section 1168 of the Act;
“Honorary Secretary” means a Director of the Company as elected by the Members at an Annual General Meeting;
“Honorary Treasurer” means a director of the Company as elected by the Members at an Annual General Meeting of the Company;
“electronic general meeting” means a general meeting hosted on an electronic platform;
“electronic platform” includes, but is not limited to, website addresses and conference call systems;
“Laws of the Game” means the laws of Association Football as prescribed from time to time by the International Football Association Board;
“League Secretary” means a person employed or retained by the Company to carry out secretarial and/or administrative functions and on such conditions as shall be determined by the Board;
“Life Member” means a person whose membership of the Company has been conferred without any annual or other payment to be held for the lifetime of the recipient pursuant to the provisions of Article 12;
“Members” means the members of the Company for the time being, and "Member" shall mean one of them, and where the context so admits or requires, shall include Life Members;
“Office” means the registered office of the Company from time to time;
“present” means, for the purposes of physical general meetings, present in person, or, for the purposes of electronic general meetings, present by electronic means (and references to persons attending by electronic means is defined as attendance at electronic general meetings via the electronic platform(s) stated in the notice of such meeting);
“Principal Objects” means the objects for which the Company is established as set out in Article 7;
“Subscription Year” means the period of time between Annual General Meetings unless determined otherwise in general meeting;
“Vice Chairman” means the Vice Chairman of the Company as elected by the Members at an Annual General Meeting of the Company;
“United Kingdom” shall mean the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
“Working Day” shall have the meaning given to that term in section 1173 of the Companies Act 2006;
“Working Group” means a committee of the whole Board or a committee (appointed by the Board) with a specific remit to deliver identified outcomes, and consisting (in the case of a Working Group which is not a committee of the Board) of not more than seven persons in aggregate and comprising not less than one Director together with such other persons as may be nominated by the Appointments Panel and approved by the Board.
INTERPRETATION
2 In these Articles, unless inconsistent with the subject or contents:-
2.1 the expression “executed” and other such cognate expressions include any valid mode of execution;
2.2 the expression “in writing” means written, printed, typewritten or lithographed or others and other modes of representing or reproducing words in a visible form;
2.3 words importing the singular number only shall include the plural number and vice versa;
2.4 words importing the masculine gender only shall include the feminine gender;
2.5 words importing persons shall include corporations;
2.6 subject as aforesaid, any words or expression defined in the Act or any statutory modification thereof in force at the date on which these Articles become binding on the Company shall bear the same meanings in these Articles; and
2.7 any reference to any statute or statutory provision shall include a reference to any statute or statutory provision which amends, extends, consolidates or replaces the same (save to the extent that any amendment, extension, consolidation or replacement would impose more onerous obligations on any party than otherwise exist at the date hereof) and shall include any orders, regulations, instruments or other subordinate legislation made under the relevant statute or statutory provision.
3 The name of the Company is “The Northern Amateur Football League Limited.”
4 The registered office of the Company will be situated in Northern Ireland.
5 The liability of the members is limited.
6.1 Every Member of the Company (other than Life Members) undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required (not exceeding £1.00) to the assets of the Company in the event of it being wound up during the time that he is a Member or within one year afterwards, for the payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before he ceases to be a Member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up the same and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories amongst themselves.
6.2 The Company and every Member shall at all times adhere to and observe the statutes of FIFA and UEFA as promulgated from time to time and all codes of conduct adopted from time to time by FIFA, UEFA and the Irish Football Association Limited.
OBJECTS
7 The objects for which the Company is established shall be:
7.1 To promote, maintain, improve and advance, in any way that may be deemed appropriate in the sole discretion of the Board, without discrimination against any organisation or person for reason of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, language, religion or politics, the game of Association Football for amateurs among football clubs or leagues of such clubs or associations of such clubs in Northern Ireland, and to take all such steps as may be deemed necessary or advisable for (i) improving the quality of playing, coaching and enjoyment of the game of Association Football, (ii) the improvement of facilities for the playing, coaching and enjoyment of the game of Associated Football (iii) preventing infringements of the rules of the game of Association Football or other improper methods or practices in the game of Association Football, and (iv) protecting it from abuses; and
7.2 To organise and conduct annually such competitions, leagues and cup competitions for competition amongst Members.
7.3 To promote, undertake, conduct or organise league cup competitions or other competitions in Northern Ireland or elsewhere for playing Association Football either solely or jointly with or as agent for or sub-contractor of any body or in partnership with any body which promotes, undertakes, conducts or organises any such competitions.
8 In furtherance of the Principal Objects, but not further or otherwise, the Company may exercise the following powers:-
8.1 To acquire and take over the property and assets of the Northern Amateur Football League, and to discharge the same and the office-bearers thereof of all such property and assets;
8.2 To prepare, adopt, review and issue policies and procedures to regulate the game of Association Football under the jurisdiction of the Company, and to take all such steps as shall be deemed necessary or advisable for enforcing such policies and procedures;
8.3 To support and promote the principle of fair play by encouraging everyone involved in football:-
8.3.1 to read, understand and accept the Laws of the game of Association Football,
8.3.2 to show respect to opponents,
8.3.3 to behave in a sporting manner both on and off the field of play; and
8.3.4 to take steps so as not to bring the game of Association Football into disrepute;
8.4 To prepare, adopt, review and implement regulations covering registration, administration and organisation of leagues, cup competitions, clubs, officials and players;
8.5 To take all such steps as shall be deemed necessary or advisable for enforcing such policies, procedures and regulations;
8.6 To prepare, adopt, review and implement regulations to comply with the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, and to take all such steps as shall be deemed necessary or advisable for enforcing such policies and procedures;
8.7 To invest and deal with monies of the Company in such manner as may from time to time be thought fit;
8.8 To effect such insurances as the Board thinks fit against risk of loss to the Company, or against risk or against risk of loss by those for whom the Company is vicariously responsible or for accident to any employees of the Company in the course of their employment by the Company, or to those voluntarily assisting the Company to carry out its objects and activities or against such other risks to the Company its officers and employees, assets and reputation as the Board may deem desirable and to pay premiums on any such insurances.
8.9 To effect such insurance as the Board thinks fit upon such terms as the Board thinks fit against the loss to Members for injury to players occasioned while playing Association Football in such competitions, leagues and cup competitions conducted by the Company for its Members at the cost to its Members.
8.10 To employ if it so seems appropriate from time to time a League Secretary and such other persons as the Board thinks fit in accordance with such conditions as the Board shall decide.
9 The income and assets of the Company shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the Principal Objects of the Company and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus, or otherwise howsoever by way of profit to a Member or the Members PROVIDED THAT nothing herein shall prevent any payment in good faith by the Company:
9.1 of reasonable and proper remuneration to any Member, officer or servant of the Company for any services rendered to the Company, or any Director of the Company who is employed by the Company, or being a person engaged in any profession, of all usual professional or other charges for work done by him or his firm when instructed by his co-Directors so to act in that capacity on behalf of the Company, PROVIDED THAT
9.1.1 such remuneration is not for services solely rendered to the Company in the capacity of Director; and
9.1.2 the Board of Directors shall at all times comprise a majority of non-remunerated Directors;
9.2 of interest on money lent by any Member or Director at a rate per annum not exceeding Two per centum less than base lending rate for the time being prescribed by Northern Bank Limited or Three per centum whichever is the greater;
9.3 the market rent for premises let by any Member or Director;
9.4 of fees, remuneration or other benefit in money or money's worth to any company of which a Director may also be a member holding not more than a one-hundredth part of the capital thereof;
9.5 to any Director of “out of pocket” expenses; and
9.6 to any third party whether by way of donation or payment for services rendered or to be rendered which will in the opinion of the Board further the promotion of the Principal Objects of the Company.
MEMBERS
10 The subscribers to the Memorandum and Clubs as are admitted to membership by the Board in accordance with the Articles shall be the Members. No Club shall be admitted as a Member unless they are approved by the Board. Admission shall be dependent upon:-
10.1 the approval in its discretion of the Board;
10.2 payment of the annual membership fee at the rate set from time to time by the Company;
10.3 written adherence to the terms of Irish Football Association Limited Protection Policies as set out by the Irish Football Association Limited and amended from time to time;
10.4 satisfactory completion of the Company's vetting and disclosure processes for persons working with vulnerable groups;
10.5 payment of the cost of insurance of that Member retained by the Board under Article 89;
10.6 the Board may on such terms as it deems appropriate appoint individuals as Members.
ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSION
11 Any Club which is eligible (as set out in Article 12) and desires to be admitted to membership of the Company must sign or have signed on their behalf and deliver to the Company an application for admission framed in such terms as the Board may require and shall so consent in writing to be a Member , undertake to comply with the provisions of these Articles as may apply from time to time, and with any conditions imposed on such Member as contained in such application, and/or such ancillary agreement as may be executed between the Company and the Members or a Member. All applications for membership must be accompanied by the relevant subscription fee, or such other sum as the Board may from time to time determine and which shall be applied to the general funds of the Company; and
11.1 the Board shall have full discretion as to the admission and non-admission of any Club to membership and the process for doing so and shall not be bound to assign any reason for the non-admission of any Club to such membership;
11.2 all Members (excluding Life Members), are required to re-apply for membership on an annual basis in accordance with such procedures as shall be prescribed from time to time by the Board. Membership (excluding Life Membership) expires at the conclusion of each Subscription Year;
11.3 the Board shall have full authority to discipline and impose sanctions as it deems fit on a Member, player or official who is in breach of these Articles or any Bye-Laws; and
11.4 without prejudice to Article 11.3, the Board shall have full power to expel from membership any Club which has in the opinion of the Board been guilty of conduct which is dishonourable, objectionable or detrimental to the interests of the Company or the game of Association Football.
12 MEMBERSHIP ENTITLEMENT
12.1 Membership is open:
To Clubs (including, without prejudice to the generality thereof, youth football clubs and women’s clubs), who shall be granted membership of the Company as determined by the Board subject to their rules being approved by the Board and to payment of the annual membership fees.
12.2 LIFE MEMBER
The Board may confer Life Membership on persons who, in their opinion, have made a significant contribution to the Company and/or to the game of Association Football in Northern Ireland over an extended period of time.
12.3 The Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and any Member of the Board who has held office for a period of at least ten years may, on their retirement from office, be elected a Life Member.
12.4 OFFICIALS
Persons who are named officials of a Club on the annual registration form for membership shall be subject to the jurisdiction and discipline of the Company whilst carrying out their duties as such or otherwise participating in the running of the Club or attending any games played by or under the auspices of the Company or the Club concerned.
13 CESSOR OF MEMBERSHIP
A Member or Life Member shall cease to be a Member in any of the following circumstances:-
13.1 if he is breach of a Bye-Law;
13.2 if it or he resigns from membership of the Company in accordance with the relevant provisions of these Articles; or
13.3 membership of the Company shall cease forthwith in respect of a Member, or Life Member (as the case may be) if the Directors resolve by a simple majority of the votes cast upon such resolution at a meeting specially convened to consider such resolution of which he or it shall have been given reasonable notice and a reasonable opportunity to attend and be heard (in the case of a Member who is not a natural person by a representative duly authorised for the purpose) that it is in the best interests of the Company that such membership shall be terminated and they shall not be obliged to assign any further or more particular reasons for such resolution; or
13.4 forthwith if a majority of the Members resolve in general meeting that it is in the best interests of the Company that such membership shall be terminated and they shall not be obliged to assign their reasons for such resolution; or
13.5 failure by such Member to make payment of any sums lawfully due by such Member to the Company within one month of the due date; or
13.6 failure by such Member to renew any annual subscription within one month of the date on which such renewal becomes due (and in any event prior to the start of the relevant playing season).
14 Member(s) who have been issued with a termination notice pursuant to Articles 13.3 to 13.6 inclusive shall have a right of appeal pursuant to the Articles of Association for the time being of the Irish Football Association Limited and rules or regulations made by them for the conduct of such appeals.
14.1 On termination of membership of a Member, no refund of annual subscription fee will be made by the Company to the Member in question.
14.2 In Articles 13, 14, 16 and 18 'writing' shall include writing in electronic form and the signature requirement is capable of being satisfied by an electronic signature.
15 The rights and privileges of any Member shall be personal and membership shall not be transferable and shall cease when that Member ceases to be a Member:-
15.1 Members who are not natural persons have the right acting by a duly authorised representative to propose resolutions and to attend, speak, and vote at all general meetings of the Company. Members can also requisition a general meeting in accordance with the provisions of article 19;
15.2 Life Members have no voting rights but can attend and speak at all general meetings of the Company; and
15.3 all Members and Life Members must abide by, and adhere to, all Company policies, procedures and Board decisions. Should any Member or Life Member, in the opinion of the Board, not abide by, or adhere to, any policy, procedure or Board decision or instruction then the Board may terminate his or its membership in accordance with Article 13.
LIFE MEMBERS
16 As provided by Article 12 the Board may confer Life Membership on suitable individuals. An individual will be entered in the register of Life Members of the Company upon the Honorary Secretary receiving a written acceptance of the offer of such membership.
16.1 A Life Member shall not be liable for any annual or other payment to the Company in respect of membership and shall remain a Life Member of the Company during life, subject always to the provisions of Article 13;
16.2 Life Members shall not participate in the management of the Company, save that they may if willing be appointed to Working Groups.
16.3 Life Members shall not be liable for a contribution as contributories in the event of the dissolution or winding-up of the Company.

MEMBERS
17. A Member who is not in breach of any of the Members’ obligations under these Articles or the Bye-Laws may apply to withdraw from the Company by notice in writing to the Honorary Secretary at the Office, subject to the written agreement of the Board. Such withdrawal shall cease on that date upon which the Board so agreed.
17.1 Members shall be entitled to notice of all meetings of the Company and to appoint a representative to attend and vote on their behalf at all such meetings. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote on any business to be voted upon at any such meetings.
17.2 As provided in Article 6, each Member shall be liable, on the winding up or dissolution of the Company to contribute such sum not exceeding One Pound Sterling (£1) as may be required to satisfy the liabilities of the Company.
GENERAL MEETINGS
18 The Board may call general meetings and, on the requisition of the Members pursuant to the provisions of the Act, shall forthwith proceed to convene a general meeting in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
19.1 Unless prevented by just cause as determined by the Board, one general meeting shall be convened in every calendar year, not later than the 30th day of June, at such time and place as may be determined by the Board and this shall be called the Annual General Meeting.
19.2 The Board shall determine whether a general meeting is to be held as an electronic general meeting alone as well as a physical general meeting. The Board may call general meetings whenever and at such times and places (including electronic platforms) as it shall determine.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS
20.1 General meetings shall be called by at least fourteen Clear Days’ notice but a general meeting may be called by shorter notice if it is so agreed by a majority in number of the Members having a right to attend and vote being a majority together holding not less than ninety per cent of the total voting rights at the meeting of all the Members. The notice shall specify the time and place of the meeting and in the case of special business only the general nature of the business to be transacted. The notice shall be given to all the Members and Life Members and to the Directors and auditors of the Company.
20.2 The notice shall specify whether the meeting shall be an electronic general meeting instead of or in addition to a physical general meeting. The notice of a general meeting (including any notice given by means of a website) shall specify the place, date and time of the physical meeting where a physical meeting is to be held, details of any electronic platform for the meeting and whether the meeting will be an Annual General Meeting. If the notice is made available by means of a website, it must be available until the conclusion of the meeting. Any electronic platform may vary from time to time and from meeting to meeting as the board, in its sole discretion, sees fit.
20.3 The Board may resolve to hold a general meeting as an electronic general meeting in addition to or instead of a physical general meeting and allow members entitled to attend a general meeting by electronic means. Those members attending by electronic means and present at the electronic general meeting shall be counted in the quorum for, and entitled to vote at, the general meeting in question in addition to those members present at the general meeting and attending the physical meeting location (as the case may be). The meeting shall be duly constituted and its proceedings valid if the Chairman is satisfied that adequate facilities are available throughout the electronic general meeting to ensure that members attending the electronic general meeting who are not present together at the same place may, by electronic means, attend and speak and vote at it. Nothing in these articles prevents a general meeting being held both physically and electronically.
20.4 For the purposes of this article 20, the right of a member to participate in the business of any general meeting shall include without limitation the right to speak, vote on a poll, be represented by a proxy and have access (including electronic access) to all documents which are required by the Act or these articles to be made available the meeting.
20.5 The Board and, at any electronic general meeting, the Chairman may make any arrangement and impose any requirement or restriction as is:
20.5.1 necessary to ensure the identification of those taking part and the security of the Electronic Communication; and
20.5.2 proportionate to those objectives.
In this respect the Board is able to authorise any voting application, system or facility for electronic general meetings as it sees fit.
21 The business to be conducted at an Annual General Meeting or other general meeting shall be as provided for from time to time in Bye-Laws or as set out in the relevant notice convening the meeting.
22 The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by, any person entitled to receive such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.
PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
23.1 No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present. A quorum shall be 7 persons entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted.
23.2 The following business shall be transacted at each Annual General Meeting:-
23.2.1 the appointment for the season of:-
23.2.1.1 a President and such Vice-Presidents as recommended by the Board;
23.2.1.2 a Chairman;
23.2.1.3 a Vice-Chairman;
23.2.1.4 an Honorary Secretary;
23.2.1.5 an Honorary Treasurer; and, if previously determined by the Board,
23.2.1.6 an Assistant Honorary Secretary; and
23.2.1.7 an Assistant Honorary Treasurer.
23.2.2 to receive from the League Secretary a report on the activities of the Company carried out during the previous season;
23.2.3 to receive a report from the Honorary Treasurer on the financial position of the Company;
23.2.4 to appoint auditors;
23.2.5 to consider applications for election to membership of the Company; and
23.2.6 to elect Directors pursuant to Article 44.
24 If such a quorum is not present within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, or if during a meeting such a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such other day and such other time and place as the Board may determine, and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within thirty minutes from the time appointed therefor the Members present shall be a quorum.
25 The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice Chairman shall preside as Chairman of each general meeting.
26 If neither the Chairman or Vice Chairman is willing to act as Chairman of the meeting, or is not present within ten minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Directors present shall elect one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting and, if there is only one Director present and willing to act, he shall be Chairman of the meeting.
27 If no Director is willing to act as Chairman of the meeting, or if no Director is present within ten minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present and entitled to vote shall choose a representative of one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting.
28 A Director shall, notwithstanding that he is not a Member, be entitled to attend, speak and vote at any general meetings.
29 The Chairman of the meeting may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting) adjourn business from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than business which might properly have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not taken place. When a meeting is adjourned for fourteen days or more, at least seven Clear Days’ notice shall be given specifying the time and place of the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. Otherwise, it shall not be necessary to give any such notice.
30 A resolution put to the vote of a meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless before, or on, the declaration of the result of the show of hands a poll is duly demanded. Subject to the provisions of the Act, a poll may be demanded:-
30.1 by the Chairman of the meeting; or
30.2 by at least two Members having the right to vote at the meeting;
and a demand by a person as authorised representative of or proxy for a Member shall be the same as a demand by the Member.
31 Unless a poll is duly demanded, a declaration by the Chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, or not carried by a particular majority, and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
32 The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn but only with the consent of the Chairman of the meeting and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to have invalidated the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made.
33 A poll shall be taken as the Chairman of the meeting directs and he may appoint scrutineers (who need not be Members) and fix a time and place for declaring the result of the poll. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
34 In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the Chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to a casting vote in addition to any other vote he may have.
35 A poll demanded on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken either forthwith or at such time and place as the Chairman of the meeting directs not being more than thirty days after the poll is demanded. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll was demanded. If the poll is demanded before the declaration of the result of a show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting shall continue as if the demand had not been made.
36 No notice need be given of a poll not taken forthwith if the time and place at which it is to be taken are announced at the meeting at which it is demanded. In any other case at least seven Clear Days’ notice shall be given specifying the time and place at which the poll is to be taken.
VOTES OF MEMBERS
37 On a show of hands every Director or Member who is present in person or by an authorised representative, shall have one vote and on a poll every Director or Member present in person or by proxy or by an authorised representative shall have one vote. Where two or more representatives of a Member are present at a meeting, only the representative authorised by the Member pursuant to Article 38 to do so may speak or vote.
38 Evidence to the satisfaction of the Board of the authority of any person claiming to exercise the right to vote on behalf of a Member shall be delivered to the League Secretary at the Office, or at such other place as is specified in accordance with these Articles for the deposit of instruments of proxy, not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the right to vote is to be exercised and in default the right to vote shall not be exercisable. In calculating the said period of 48 hours, no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a Working Day.
39 No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting shall be valid. Any objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairman of the meeting whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
40 An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing executed by or on behalf of the appointer and shall be in the following form (or in a form as near thereto as circumstances allow or in any other form which is usual or which the Board may approve):-
“ THE NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED
WE,.………………………………of ………………………. being a Member of the above named Company, hereby appoint ………………………………………………… of …………………………………………, or failing him, ………………………………… of ……………………………………………………….. as our proxy to vote in our name and on our behalf at the general meeting of the Company to be held on ……………………………………………… and at any adjournment thereof.
Signed on [ ]”
41 Where it is desired to afford Members an opportunity of instructing the proxy how he shall act the instrument appointing a proxy shall be in the following form ( or in a form as near thereto as circumstances allow or in any other form which is usual or which the Board may approve):-
“THE NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED
WE,.………………………of ………………………. being a Member of the above named Company, hereby appoint ………………………………………………………………… of …………………………………………, or failing him, ………………………………… of ……………………………………………………….. as our proxy to vote in our name and on our behalf at the general meeting of the Company to be held on ……………………………………………… and at any adjournment thereof.
This form is to be used in respect of the resolutions mentioned below as follows:
Resolution No. 1 * for * against
Resolution No. 2 * for * against
*Strike out whichever is not desired
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy may vote as he thinks fit or abstain from voting.
Signed on [ ]”
42 The instrument appointing a proxy and any authority under which it is executed or a copy of such authority certified notarially or in some other way approved by the Board may:-
42.1 in the case of an instrument in writing, be delivered to the Office or at such other place within the United Kingdom as is specified in the notice convening the meeting or in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote; or
42.2 in the case of an appointment contained in an Electronic Communication, where an address has been specified for the purpose of receiving Electronic Communications:-
42.2.1 in the notice convening the meeting; or
42.2.2 in any instrument of proxy sent out by the Company in relation to the meeting; or
42.2.3 in any invitation contained in an Electronic Communication to appoint a proxy issued by the Company in relation to the meeting;
be sent to and received at such Electronic Address not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the appointment proposes to vote; or
42.3 in the case of a poll taken more than 48 hours after it was demanded, be delivered or sent and received as aforesaid after the poll has been demanded and not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for the taking of the poll; or
42.4 where the poll is not taken forthwith but is taken not more than 48 hours after it was demanded, be delivered at the meeting at which the poll was demanded to the Chairman of the meeting or to the League Secretary or to any Director;
and an instrument appointing a proxy which is not delivered or sent and received in a manner so permitted shall be invalid. In calculating the periods mentioned in this Article no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a Working Day.
43 A vote given or poll demanded by proxy or by the duly authorised representative of a firm or corporation shall be valid notwithstanding the previous determination of the authority of the person voting or demanding a poll unless notice of the determination was received by the Company at the Office or at such other place at which the instrument of proxy was duly delivered or, where the appointment of the proxy was contained in an Electronic Communication, at the Electronic Address at which such appointment was duly received before the commencement of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote is given or the poll demanded or (in the case of a poll taken otherwise than on the same day as the meeting or adjourned meeting) the time appointed for taking the poll.
APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS
44.1 Save for those persons appointed under Article 44.6, the Company may by ordinary resolution appoint a Member who is willing to act to be a director (provided such person would not be required to vacate office immediately on appointment under Article 50) either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director, provided that the appointment does not cause the number of directors to exceed any number fixed by or in accordance with the Articles as the maximum number of directors.
44.2 The Company may by ordinary resolution of which special notice has been given in accordance with Section 312 of the Act remove any director from office notwithstanding anything in these Articles or any agreement between the Company and such Director.
44.3 Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution of the Members, the number of Directors shall be subject to a maximum of 10 but shall not be less than 7
44.4 The Chairman, Vice Chairman, the Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Treasurer shall be Directors.
44.5.1 There shall be elected as Directors at the Annual General Meeting and subject always to Article 46 the following persons who, at the time of their election, shall have at any time been (i) a member of the Northern Amateur Football League or (ii) a Member, not less than six other persons of whom:-
44.5.2 not more than three in number shall be persons who are recommended as suitable by the Appointments Panel but who are not registered officials of or otherwise connected to or associated with a Member; and
44.5.3 the rest shall be persons who shall at the date of their nomination and election be a registered official or Member,
44.5.4 but if the Appointments Panel has not made a recommendation in whole or in part as provided by 44.5.2, then the shortfall shall be made up by persons complying with the provisions of 44.5.3.
44.6 With the exception of (i) a person referred to in 44 who has at any time been a member of the Northern Amateur Football League and (ii) the three persons referred to in Article 44.5.2 above to be appointed to the Board, those proposed for election to the Board must be registered officials of a Member at the time of nomination and appointment.
44.7 The Directors may appoint a person who is willing to act (provided such nominee would not be required to vacate office immediately on appointment under Article 46) either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director provided that:
44.7.1 the appointment does not cause the number of Directors to exceed any number fixed by or in accordance with the Articles as the maximum number of Directors; and
44.7.2 the person so appointed shall, if willing to act, offer himself or herself for election at the Annual General Meeting next following the date of their first appointment to the Board.
44.8 For the avoidance of doubt, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, the Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary shall be directors of the Company and shall be counted in the number of directors for all purposes, save that:
44.8.1 a Director who has served a total of twelve years as a director may be elected as Vice-Chairman or as Chairman thereafter without complying with the requirements of Article 51 (and a director appointed as Vice-Chairman may thereafter be appointed as Chairman also without complying with the requirements of Article 51); and
44.8.2 The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman shall hold office as such for not more than a total of twelve years in that office, save that in exceptional circumstances (as to which the Members of the Company shall be the sole judges) the retiring Chairman may be appointed for a further period not exceeding four years.
44.8.3 The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, the Honorary Treasurer and the Honorary Secretary shall not be subject to retirement by rotation.
45 Notwithstanding the provisions of these Articles, the Board shall at all times comprise a majority of Directors who:
45.1.1 are not remunerated for providing services to, or on behalf of, the Company; and
45.1.2 do not benefit from any remuneration for the provision of such services by a Connected Person.
46 No person may be appointed as a Director:-
46.1 unless he or she has attained the age of 18 years;
46.2 in circumstances such that, had he already been a Director, he would have been disqualified from acting under the provisions of the Articles.
47 A Director, for the period of his term of office, shall be entitled, at any time during the period of his term of office, to renounce all connections with the Member where he was a registered official or member at the time of his nomination and appointment.
48 Any person who is willing to act and is permitted by law and these Articles to be a Director, may be nominated for election as a Director at the Annual General Meeting. The Appointments Panel (if appointed) shall be asked to express their views on the candidates having regard to the needs of the Company from time to time.
49 A Director shall hold office for a period not exceeding twelve years in total, unless such period is extended pursuant to the provisions of Article 52. In the first instance, a Director shall be appointed for such initial period as shall be determined by the Board at the date of his appointment..
50 A retiring Director may, if willing to act, be re-appointed for two further consecutive terms each not exceeding four years, but shall not then be eligible (except as aftermentioned in Article 52) for election on re-appointment to the Board until at least 12 months has elapsed since he vacated office as a Director.
51 Save as may arise out of exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Board, to be eligible for election as Chairman, a candidate must have served for a period of not less than two years as Vice-Chairman and to be eligible for election as Vice-Chairman, a candidate must have served for a period of not less than two years as a Director.
52 A retiring Director who has held office for a period of twelve years in total shall not be eligible for reappointment as a Director, unless the Board determines by resolution that in view of the skills, expertise, experience or ability possessed by that person, which are of significant value to the Company, there are exceptional circumstances which merit his reappointment for a further term of four years.
RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS
53 A Director shall hold office for a term of four years and shall then retire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting held on or immediately after the fourth anniversary of the date of his appointment as Director.
54 A retiring Director who has held office for one term of four years shall be eligible for reappointment as a Director and, if so reappointed, shall hold office for a further term of four years and shall then retire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting held on or immediately after the fourth anniversary of the date of his reappointment as Director. A retiring Director who has held office for two terms of four years shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further term of four years but shall not then be eligible (except as provided for in Article 52) for election or reappointment to the Board until at least 12 months has elapsed since he vacated office as a Director.
55 A person, holding office as Director on the date of adoption of these Articles, shall, for the purposes of the foregoing provisions on the retirement of Directors, be deemed to have first been appointed to such office on the later of the following two dates:
a) the date of his first appointment to the office of Director; and
b) the date of his last reappointment to such office before the date of adoption of these Articles
ROTATION OF DIRECTORS
56 At each Annual General Meeting of the Company one-quarter of the Directors who are subject to retirement by rotation (or if their member is not four or a multiple of four, the number nearest one quarter shall retire from office. The Directors to retire by rotation shall be those persons who have been in office for the maximum period of four years stipulated in Article 53 and if more than one quarter have been appointed on the same day and fall to retire pursuant to Article 53 they shall all do so. If the Company does not fill the resulting vacancy the retiring Director shall, if willing to act, be deemed to have been reappointed unless at the meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or unless a resolution for the reappointment of the Director is put to the meeting and lost.
POWERS OF DIRECTORS
57 Subject to the provisions of the Act, and these Articles and to any directions given by special resolution, the business of the Company shall be managed by the Board who may exercise all the powers of the Company. No alteration of the Articles and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the Directors which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. The powers given by this Article shall not be limited by any special power given to the Board by the Articles and a meeting of Directors at which a quorum is present may exercise all powers exercisable by the Board.
BYE-LAWS
58 The Board may from time to time in the ordinary course of business of the Company pass, make, adopt and amend Bye-Laws for the purposes of regulating all matters concerning or affecting the operation, organisation and management of the Company or the conduct of any Member, player or official insofar as the same do not conflict with the provisions of these Articles.
58.2 Unless otherwise stated in the Articles, the provisions of the Articles shall prevail in the event of any conflict with any provisions of the Bye-Laws.
58.3 The Board shall have power to deal in any matter with any Member, player or official who is in breach of any provisions of these Articles or any Bye-Laws by imposing such sanction as it deems appropriate.
58.4 The Board may deal with other matters touching or concerning the conduct or the business of the Company not provided for in these Articles or in the Bye-Laws.
58.5 Subject to these Articles, the Board may make any Bye-Law which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such Bye-Laws are to be recorded or communicated to Directors and/or Member.
59 The Board may, by power of attorney or otherwise, appoint any person to be the agent of the Company for such purposes and on such conditions as they determine, including authority for the agent to delegate all or any of his powers.
DELEGATION OF POWERS BY THE BOARD
60 The Board may delegate any of their powers to any committee consisting of one or more Directors. Any such delegation may be made subject to any conditions the Board may impose, and either collaterally with or to the exclusion of their own powers and may be revoked or altered. Subject to any such conditions, the proceedings of a Committee with two or more Members shall be governed by the provisions of these Articles regulating the proceedings of the Board mutatis mutandis. The quorum of a Committee with two or more Members shall, unless otherwise specified by the Board, be two.
DIRECTORS TO ACT IN A PERSONAL CAPACITY
61 There shall be no provision for the appointment of alternate Directors and no Director shall have the right to be represented at a meeting of the Board or at any Committee by any other person or to request another Director or person to cast a vote on his behalf.
DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
62 The office of a Director shall be vacated if:-
62.1 he ceases to be a Director by virtue of any provision of the Act or he becomes prohibited by law from being a director; or
62.2 he becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; or
62.3 he is, or may be, suffering from mental disorder and either:
62.3.1 he is admitted to hospital in pursuance of an application for admission for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 or the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 or the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; or
62.3.2 an order is made by a court or mental health tribunal having jurisdiction (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder for his detention or for the appointment of a receiver, guardian or other person to exercise powers with respect to his property or affairs; or
62.4 he resigns office by notice in writing to the Company; or
62.5 he is convicted of, or if the Board, acting reasonably, in good faith and unanimously (but excluding the Director in question), suspects on reasonable grounds that he has committed, an offence which is likely to bring the Company into disrepute; or
62.6 it is alleged by a credible source that he has committed an offence which is likely to bring the Company into disrepute and the Board, acting reasonably, in good faith and unanimously (but excluding the Director in question), requests that he vacate his office as a result; or
62.7 in the opinion of the Board, acting reasonably, in good faith and unanimously (but excluding the Director in question), he has acted or has threatened to act in a manner which is contrary to the interests of the Company as a whole and/or is reasonably likely to bring the Company into disrepute; or
62.8 he shall for more than six consecutive months have been absent without permission of the Board from meetings of the Board held during that period and the Board resolve that his office be vacated; or
62.9 he accepts remuneration or other benefit in contravention of Article 9.
DIRECTORS' EXPENSES
63 The Directors may be paid, at the discretion of the Board, all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at meetings of the Board or committees of the Board or general meetings or separate meetings of the holders of debentures in the Company or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties but, except to the extent permitted by Article 9, shall otherwise be paid no remuneration.
DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENTS AND INTERESTS
64 A Director shall, in exercising functions in that capacity, act at all times in the interests of the Company and, in particular, shall, in circumstances capable of giving rise to a conflict of interest between the Company and any other person including the Member of which he is or has at any time been a registered official:-
64.1 put the interests of the Company before those of the other person; or
64.2 where any other duty prevents the Director from doing so, disclose the conflicting interest to the Board and refrain from participating in any deliberation or decision of the other Directors with respect to the matter in question.
65 A Director shall avoid any situation in which he has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the interests of the Company PROVIDED THAT the Board may, subject to the preceding Article, authorise in accordance with the provisions of the Act, any matter proposed to them by any Director which would, if not authorised, involve a Director breaching the foregoing duty to avoid conflicts of interests.
66 Subject to the two preceding Articles and to the provisions of the Act, provided that he has disclosed to the Board the nature and extent of any material interest, a Director notwithstanding his office:
66.1 may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested;
66.2 may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and
66.3 shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from any such transaction or arrangement or from any interest in any such body corporate and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.
67 For the purposes of Articles 66 and 67:
67.1 a general notice given to the Board that a Director is to be regarded as having an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in any transaction or arrangement in which a specified person or class of persons is interested shall be deemed to be a disclosure that the Director has an interest in any such transaction of the nature and extent so specified; and
67.2 an interest of which a Director has no knowledge and of which it is unreasonable to expect him to have knowledge shall not be treated as an interest of his.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
68 Subject to the provisions of these Articles, the Board may regulate their proceedings as they think fit. A Director may, and the League Secretary, at the request of a Director shall, call a meeting of the Board. It shall not be necessary to give notice of a meeting to a Director who is absent from the United Kingdom. Questions arising at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
69 The quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board may be fixed by the Directors and unless so fixed at any other number, shall be four. A Director shall not be counted in the quorum present at a meeting in relation to a discussion or a resolution on a matter concerning which such Director is not entitled to be present or vote.
70 Where the transaction of business of any meeting (or part of a meeting) may give rise to a conflict of interest pursuant to Articles 65 and 667, if there is only one Director in office besides the conflicted Director(s), the quorum for such meeting (or part of a meeting) shall be one Director, conflicted Director(s) not being eligible to be counted in the quorum.
71 The continuing Directors or a sole continuing Director may act notwithstanding any vacancies in their number, but, if the number of Directors is less than the number fixed as the quorum, the continuing Directors or Director may act only for the purpose of filling vacancies or of calling a general meeting for that purpose.
72 The Chairman shall be the chairman of the Board for the term of his period of office, and the Board may at any time accept the resignation of such person from that office. Unless he is unwilling to do so, the Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the Board at which he is present whom failing the Vice Chairman, if any be so appointed by the Members at the Annual General Meeting, shall preside. If the Chairman or Vice Chairman is unwilling or unable to preside or neither are present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for the meeting the Directors present may appoint one of their number to be Chairman of the meeting.
73 All acts done bona fide by a meeting of the Board, or of a Committee, or by a person acting as a Director shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was a defect in the appointment of any Director or that any of them were disqualified from holding office, or had vacated office, or were not entitled to vote, be as valid as if every person had been duly appointed and was qualified and had continued to be a Director and had been entitled to vote.
74 A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the Board or of a Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board or (as the case may be) a Committee duly convened and held and may consist of several documents in the like form each signed by one or more Directors.
75 If a question arises at a meeting of the Board or of a Committee as to the right of a Director to vote, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the Chairman and his ruling in relation to any Director other than himself shall be final and conclusive. If such a question arises in relation to the Chairman, the question may be decided by a majority of Directors present, the presence of the Chairman not being counted in any such decision.
76 A meeting of the Board or any Committee may, subject to notice thereof having been given in accordance with these Articles, be for all purposes deemed to be held when the Members of the Board or Committee (as the case may be) are in simultaneous Communication with each other by telephone or fax or by any means of audio-visual Communication, if all the members as aforesaid agree to treat the meeting as so held and the number of Members participating in such Communication constitutes the quorum of the Board or Committee which would otherwise be required by the Articles to be present at the meeting. Such meeting shall be deemed to take place where the largest group of those participating is assembled, or, if there is no such group, where the Chairman of the meeting then is and the word “meeting” shall be construed accordingly.
MINUTES
77 The Directors shall ensure that the Company keeps a record, in writing, for at least 10 years from the date of the decision recorded for the purpose:-
77.1 of all appointments of officers made by the Board; and
77.2 of all proceedings at meetings of the Company, and of the Board and of committees of the Board, including the names of the Directors present at each such meeting.
NOTICES
78 Any notice to be given to or by any person pursuant to these Articles (other than a notice calling a meeting of the Board) shall be in writing or shall be given by Electronic Communication to the Electronic Address for the time being notified for that purpose to the person giving the notice.
79 The Company may give any notice to a Member in any of the following ways:-
79.1 delivering it to him personally; or
79.2 by sending it by post in a prepaid envelope addressed to the Member at his registered address; or
79.3 by leaving it at that address; or
79.4 by sending it by Electronic Communication to the Electronic Address for the time being notified to the Company by the Member.
80 A Member whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom and who gives to the Company an address within the United Kingdom at which notices may be given to him shall be entitled to have notices given to him at that address, but otherwise no such Member shall be entitled to receive any notice from the Company.
81 A Member present, either in person or by proxy, or (in the case of a Member who is a corporation) by a duly authorised representative at any meeting of the Company shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.
82 Proof that an envelope containing a notice was properly addressed, prepaid and posted shall be conclusive evidence that the notice was given. Proof that a notice contained in an Electronic Communication was sent in accordance with guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators shall be conclusive evidence that the notice was given. A notice shall be deemed to be given at the expiration of 48 hours after the envelope containing it was posted or, in the case of a notice contained in an Electronic Communication, at the expiration of 48 hours after the time it was sent. In calculating the said period of 48 hours, no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a Working Day.
ACCOUNTS
83 True account shall be kept of the sums of money received and expended by the Company, and the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure take place and of the property, credits and liabilities of the Company. Except as provided by law or authorised by the Board or an ordinary resolution of the Company, no person is entitled to inspect any of the Company's accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of being a Member.
AUDIT
84 In accordance with the provisions of the Act, at least once in every year the financial statements of the Company shall be examined and the correctness of the income and expenditure account and balance sheet ascertained by one or more properly qualified auditor or auditors.
85 The duties of the auditors shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Directors being treated for all purposes as the directors mentioned in those provisions.

DISSOLUTION
86 If upon the winding up or dissolution of the Company there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property whatsoever the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the Members but shall be applied directly for the Principal Objects by expending the entire property of the Company on these objects; or by transfer to another body having objects similar to the Principal Objects, such body to be determined by the Members at or before the time of dissolution.
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES
87 The provisions of these Articles may be altered in accordance with the Act.
INSURANCE
88 Without Prejudice to Article 8.8, the Directors may decide to purchase and maintain or provide for insurance, at the expense of the Company, for the benefit of all or any relevant Director or Directors in respect of any relevant loss.
INDEMNITY
89 Subject to the provisions of the Act but without prejudice to any indemnity to which a Director may otherwise be entitled, every Director or other officer or auditor of the Company shall be entitled to be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against all losses or liabilities which he may sustain or incur in or about the execution or discharge of the duties of his office or otherwise in relation thereto including any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgement is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in connection with any application in which relief is granted to him by the Court from liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the affairs of the Company and no Director or other office or auditor of the Company shall be liable for any loss, damage or misfortune which may happen to or be incurred by the Company in the execution or discharge of the duties in his office or in relation thereto.

 

BYE-LAWS
made under the provisions of the Articles of Association (“the Articles”)
of
THE NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED (“NAFL”)

Passed on the 8th day of June 2021

BYE-LAWS A

COMPOSITION OF LEAGUES

1.1 Those Clubs (as defined in the Articles) and accepted into membership of NAFL will be divided into Divisions, namely First, Second, Third and Ladies. A Club may have such number of teams as is determined from time to time by or on behalf of the Board of NAFL.

1.2 From the commencement of each season, Clubs seeking to play in such competitions, leagues and cup competitions as are conducted and organised by NAFL must have a registered ground which meets the league standards as set out within the rules of the various divisions together with individual changing accommodation of at least 12 square metres (excluding shower and toilet areas) for both teams.

FIRST DIVISION

2.1 The First Division will be composed of a Premier Section of not more than 14 teams of Clubs who have total control of their ground, and further Sections (A, B, etc.) of not more than 16 teams in each section of Clubs whose grounds have been passed as suitable for the I.F.A. Intermediate Cup and meet other standards set by NAFL, which will include a satisfactory lease or licence or agreement giving the Club the control of their ground as required by NAFL.

2.2 For membership of the Premier Section total control means the Club can arrange, subject to its involvement in national/divisional associations' competitions, home league and/or league cup matches on any day of the season as directed by NAFL without reference to any other body (public or private).

2.3 To play in the First Division a Club must own or have a tenancy or licence agreement for the ground they wish to register. The tenancy or licence agreement must state clearly that the Club has use of the ground from the 1st August until 31st May. The ground and facilities must be available to the visiting team at least one hour before kick-off and 30 minutes after the conclusion of the match.

2.4 Each Club seeking promotion to the First Division should ensure NAFL has approved its playing surface and other requirements before seeking Intermediate Status from the IFA.

2.5 No ground will be accepted for the First Division if NAFL is dissatisfied with the playing history of the ground (e.g. matches frequently postponed due to water logging) over at least the previous two seasons.

2.6 For inclusion in the Premier Section of the First Division those Clubs unable to show ownership of their registered ground must have together with Rule 2.2 a current minimum 10 year lease or a lease or licence or agreement, which contains a provision permitting renewal of the lease or licence or agreement on expiry, whilst otherwise maintaining eligibility for the Premier Section.

2.7 Teams on promotion to the Premier Section from Section 1A must have been playing for the whole of the previous season on the ground they wish to register, or had notified NAFL before the start of the season in which they earned promotion of any proposed change of their registered ground.

2.8 Any Club may by rule 2.14 be invited to take a place in the First Division must have been playing for the past two seasons on the ground they wish to register.

2.9 Teams in the Premier and Section 1A should have reasonable facilities to entertain visiting clubs.

2.10 Should any Club in the Premier Section, by use of the IFA Pyramid System, move to the NIFL Championship, their position will be filled by the Club they are replacing, subject to that Club meeting NAFL requirements. Should such Club not be able or willing to take this position, the vacancy will be filled on such occasion by substituting the Promotion and Relegation ruling to one down two up between the Premier Section and Section 1A and similarly between lower sections with the subsequent vacancy if necessary being filled in Section 1C by not demoting the bottom club of Section 1C and inviting the highest placed eligible Club in the Second Division.

2.11 Should any Club in the First Division during the season resign from NAFL or lose their Intermediate Status Ground or control of such, and be unable to procure another they shall be recorded as dismissed from NAFL with nil points for failing to fulfil and the subsequent vacancy after Promotion and Relegation will in the first instance be given to Clubs in the Second Division of NAFL.

2.12 Should any First Division Club, not in the Premier Section resign or lose their Intermediate Status which results in a vacancy, consideration in filling such vacancy after adjustment of the existing First Division Clubs will in the first instance be given to Clubs in the Second Division of NAFL.

2.13 Second Division Clubs must apply for any vacancies which occur and NAFL will consider applications in the order in which applicants finished the past season's league programme.

2.14 Should there be no Clubs in the Second Division in a position to satisfy the conditions for Intermediate Status then NAFL may offer the vacancy or vacancies to suitable clubs outside NAFL.

2.15 Should any Club in either the First or Second Division resign from NAFL after the season ends and before the AGM, Rule 2.12 will be invoked to fill the vacancy. Should such vacancy occur after the AGM Rule 2.14 may apply.

SECOND DIVISION

3.1 The Second Division may have four sections (A, B, C, D) with a maximum of 16 Teams in a section.

3.2 To be admitted to the League, Clubs must satisfy NAFL the ground which they are providing has on it secure separate changing facilities for both teams, accessible showers, a suitable playing surface for all games with the provision of goal nets and corner flags. The playing surface must be marked with white lines of a dimension as laid down in the Laws of the Game. Any markings for other sports must be of a different colour. White markings other than those contained within the Laws of the Game are not permitted on the playing area. The Club must have been competing in an IFA Affiliated league for at least the previous five years and have a satisfactory disciplinary history, and by production of relevant records satisfy NAFL that their Club is in sound financial state and has a sound club constitution. NAFL may weight this criteria and shortlist as they deem fit.

THIRD DIVISION

4.1 A Third Division comprising any number of sections, the composition of which will be decided annually by NAFL, will be provided for Reserve Teams of Clubs competing in either the First or Second Divisions.

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

5. Promotion and relegation will apply in the First and Second Divisions subject to the following criteria:-

FIRST DIVISION

5.1.1 Provided the Clubs concerned fulfil the required conditions the top two clubs in Section ‘A’ will be promoted to the Premier Section resulting in the bottom two clubs of the Premier Section being relegated to Section ‘A’. Due to the Premier Section conditions of entry, NAFL may on occasion promote only one or no Clubs from Section ‘A’, and therefore in such circumstances only one or no Club will be demoted from the Premier Section.

5.1.2 The top two Clubs of Section ‘B’ will be promoted to Section ‘A’, whilst the bottom two Clubs of Section ‘A’ will be relegated to Section ‘B’.

5.1.3 The top two Clubs of Section ‘C’ will be promoted to Section ‘B’, whilst the bottom two Clubs in Section ‘B’ will be relegated to Section ‘C’.

5.1.4 Should the club winning Division 2A gain promotion, the bottom club in Section ‘C’ will be relegated to the Second Division Section ‘A’.

5.1.5 If, after enacting the Promotion and Relegation rule there remains a section with an uneven number, NAFL may promote the next highest eligible Club. In determining the next highest placed eligible Club, the Clubs relegated will be placed in order above the Clubs in the section to which they were relegated.

SECOND DIVISION

5.2.1 The Club winning Section ‘A’ will on request, before the Annual General Meeting, be promoted to the lowest section of the First Division provided their ground has been registered as their HOME ground with NAFL not later than 1st January in the current season, meets the criteria set by NAFL for entry into the First Division, and has been approved by the IFA as suitable for the Intermediate Cup prior to the 20th May.

5.2.2 Including the bottom two Clubs in Section ‘A’, at the end of the season the top two Clubs of a Section will be promoted whilst the bottom two Clubs will be relegated, excluding the bottom two Clubs of the lowest Section who will apply, before the annual General Meeting, for re-election.

5.2.3 If necessary rule 5.1.5 can be applied.

EXCLUDED TEAMS

6.1 From the commencement of each season, second elevens or other reserve teams of Clubs competing in leagues other than those of NAFL will not be considered for admission irrespective of the name of the Club making application. In addition, Clubs competing in NAFL leagues must not be sponsored by or be under the influence or auspices of any other football club.

6.2 If delegated to it specifically by NAFL, the Management Committee shall have power to investigate any apparent takeover of a club in NAFL by any other club and to recommend to NAFL how such offending clubs should be dealt with.

SPONSORSHIP

7.1 Before accepting sponsorship, Clubs should make application to NAFL through the League Secretary for permission to accept sponsorship. The application should indicate clearly the identity of the proposing sponsor and brief details of the arrangements negotiated and whether any such sponsorship provides for a body outside the Club concerned to take over any functions of the Club or exert influence over the functioning or control of such a Club.

CLUB NAME

8.1 A Club formed from within a public body or recognised works may, subject to request from the overall management of such body or works to NAFL, change its name from the start of a season provided its base remains within the same organisation.

8.2 A Club with a minimum of five years' membership in NAFL may, with the approval of NAFL, delete ancillary words from its name provided this does not reflect substantive change in the management of the Club. Should permission be granted, no further change would be considered for at least five years.

MEETINGS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

9.1 The Management Committee shall determine when it meets the business to be transacted at such meeting and the procedure to be adopted.

9.2 The Management Committee shall have power at any of the meetings or any adjourned meeting to exclude from such meeting any Member whose conduct shall, in the opinion of the Management Committee be deemed to be objectionable or detrimental to the interests of NAFL.

CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES

10.1 Each Club must appoint an official representative who will attend all NAFL meetings to arrange fixtures. This official or substitute must be a person of standing within their Club and have access to all facts required to arrange fixtures. In the event of a Club being unrepresented, it shall be fined £30.00 for each meeting unattended.

10.1.2 To ensure all Clubs can fulfil fixtures in a timely manner, the Fixture Meeting Chair may arrange fixtures for a Club not in attendance at a Fixture Meeting.

10.1.3 One representative from each of fifteen Clubs will form a quorum.

10.2.1 Any alteration to the Club Secretary’s name or address or other contact details must be input to the League website and submitted for approval by the League Secretary. Such information must also be given to the IFA and relevant Divisional Association.

10.2.2 A club e-mail address must be registered by each Club. Only one e-mail address may be registered to be used by the Club Secretary in communication regarding league matters. It should be registered as the name of the Club e.g. yourclub@hotmail.com or secretary@yourclub.com . This e-mail address should be accessible by more than one club official including the Club Secretary. Clubs must check this e-mail address on a regular basis.

10.2.3 The postal address of the Club Secretary must be such that the Postal Authority can access the premises to deliver correspondence from either the league or a member club particularly that which requires receipted confirmation.

10.3 The online Ground Registration Form must be completed annually by all member clubs, and returned to the League Secretary not later than the 20th May. Clubs failing to make such return by the due date will be fined £50.00.

10.4 A Club seeking approval to permanently change their registered ground must make written application to the League Secretary at least six weeks in advance of such proposed change.

10.5 The online League Affiliation Form (“LAF”) must be completed by all member clubs and returned to the League Secretary not later than the 20th June. Clubs failing to make such return by the due date will be fined £50.00. A separate form must be completed for each 1st and 2nd team playing in the league. Should the LAF not be received by the 30th June, NAFL may assume the club has resigned.
By completion of the LAF, the Club is agreeing to abide by all rules and regulations of the League and giving an undertaking that no registered details held by the League of any individual or club to which their Club has access, will be distributed or discussed by their Club on any social media site. This includes any correspondence between Clubs and/or league pertaining to the good management of the League. Failure to comply with this undertaking may result in an unlimited fine, loss of points or dismissal from the league.

10.6 A Club having a team in the Third Division must play their 1st XI’s match in the event of being unable to field both teams. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the 2nd XI’s fixture irrespective of the score in the game.

10.7 Should either a First or Second Division Club be suspended by the Irish Football Association or a Divisional Association arranged fixtures (league or cup) and also those for their 2nd XI team, as members of the Third Division, shall be forfeited to their opponents during such suspension periods.

10.8 Clubs will be required to furnish NAFL with printed copies of their Rules, and also required to keep minutes of their meetings showing names and dates of election of new members, and be prepared to produce same at the request of NAFL.

10.9 A Club wishing to resign from NAFL at the end of the season must do so in writing on or before the date of the AGM, otherwise it will be deemed to be a member of NAFL for the ensuing season. In the event of this rule not being complied with, the guarantee fee will be forfeited.

10.10 All Clubs must show receipt for payment of affiliation fee to their respective Divisional Association before fixtures can be played.

FEES

11.1 The Annual Subscription for the League and Cup Competitions shall be: First and Second Divisions £140.00, Third Division £120.00. The Management Committee may in any season reduce for that season by such amount as it deems fit the Annual Subscription. Each Club must give a guarantee of £25.00 per team that they will fulfil all their fixtures; otherwise the guarantee fee will be forfeited in respect of the team not complying with the Rule.

11.2 NAFL (acting through its Board) may reduce or waive the Annual Subscription or any part of it.

11.3 The Management Committee shall have the power to remove any Club from the Competition whose subscription and/or guarantee is unpaid on the 2nd August of the current season.

11.4 All Clubs being admitted to NAFL must pay an entrance fee of £50.00 for each team entered.

11.5.1 When Local Council Regulations necessitate, NAFL will on agreement with Clubs act as their agent in renting pitches. Clubs so assisted will settle all rental accounts within 10 days of receiving an invoice from the League Treasurer. NAFL has no legal responsibilities to any Council hiring grounds to members. Clubs requiring the league to act as their agent will be required to complete a contract, arranged by the NAFL solicitor, between their Club and NAFL. This contract will absolve NAFL from any legal responsibilities regarding use of Local Council facilities and all costs in completing such contract will be borne solely by the Club.

11.5.2 Where a Club requires a Local Authority ground requiring the League to make application on their behalf no liability will rest with the League should the Local Authority decline such request.

11.6 League fees and fines levied by the Management Committee must be paid by the due date otherwise penalties as in Appendix ‘I’ will be imposed.

PROMOTION OF INTEREST

12.1 NAFL may order a match to be played each season, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of any particular league, or call on each Club to contribute such sum as may be necessary to meet any deficiency at the end of the season.

12.2 To promote the interests of NAFL and also to provide a recognised means of communication to member clubs, NAFL will maintain a website “thenafl.co.uk”. Clubs playing in final ties will assist by introducing advertisers when programmes are produced. Clubs must ensure any resulting payments due to the league are paid within 21 days of an invoice being received.

12.3 A Rule Book will be issued to each team in NAFL at actual cost of same.

COMPLAINTS

13.1 Arising from reports submitted by Referees, Clubs or members of the Management Committee concerning players, officials, or any other person in connection with any match under the jurisdiction of NAFL, the Management Committee, in the interests of maintaining good discipline within NAFL, may deal with any such player, official or Club to which they are connected as may be deemed necessary. This may include dismissal, fines, deduction of points, the withholding of player registration or permission to officiate in any capacity in relation to any match or matches within the league for a stipulated period.

13.2 Complaints under this Rule must be despatched to the League Secretary, per Royal Mail special delivery bearing postmark within five days of the cause and forwarding by Bank Transfer within 2 days a deposit of £20.00, which shall be forfeited in all cases where the complaint has not been sustained. A copy of the complaint must also be sent at the same time, by Royal Mail special delivery, to the Secretary of the Club concerned in such complaint Note: Appendix K.

13.3 Members of the Management Committee having knowledge of any possible wrong doing by any Player, Club Official or Referee connected with NAFL should make such information available to the Management Committee. If necessary, the League Secretary will give due notice to the party concerned of such complaints. Matters arising from matches concerning members' own club must be submitted as in part (13.2) above.

A Management Committee Member’s Club must not be in a position to gain from any submission under this rule.

POWERS OF COMMITTEE

14.1 Save where NAFL has decided to act pursuant to Article 11 of the Articles of Association of NAFL, the Management Committee shall have power to deal with offending Club or Clubs, player or players, official or officials, as they may deem fit, and to deal with any matters not provided for in these Bye-Laws, and matters also noted in the attached Appendices.

14.2 Save as provided in these Bye-Laws or in the Articles of Association of NAFL, the Management Committee shall be entitled to make rules or issue advice or commentary to Leagues for the better organisation of Association Football by way of Appendices. The Management Committee shall provide copies of Appendices to NAFL and Leagues.

COMMUNICATION

15.1 All communications must be addressed to the League Secretary at the published address, who shall conduct the correspondence of the competition.

15.2 Except for lodging Protests or Complaints communication to the League Secretary may be by e-mail. As in all circumstances of communication, proof of sending will rest with the sender.

15.3 All communications from clubs to NAFL will only be acceptable if from the registered Club Secretary, or such person previously notified to the league to act in the absence of the registered secretary.

15.4 All subscriptions, guarantees and accounts must be paid to the Honorary League Treasurer.

15.5 A banking account shall be opened in the name of the Northern Amateur Football League, and funds shall be lodged to the credit of this account. Cheques to be signed by two out of the following; the Honorary League Treasurer, Honorary League Chairman, Honorary League Vice-Chairman, or the nominated committee person.

ALTERATION of BYE-LAWS

16.1 No alteration shall be made in these Bye-Laws otherwise than as by a resolution of the Board of Directors of NAFL.

 

BYE-LAWS B

Rules of the Northern Amateur Football League
---1st Division---

1

1.1 1 All matches shall be played under the jurisdiction of the Irish Football Association Ltd., (IFA) and subject to the Laws of the Game.
Any bona fide amateur member, as specified in current FIFA articles, of a Club and who will be 16 years or older in the current season shall be allowed to play, subject to the approval of the League Management Committee, provided he has not played in more than 9 (nine) matches individually or collectively in either of the top two sections of the Northern Ireland Football League during the current season. NB: Appendix ‘J’
A bona-fide amateur member of a Club is one who has been duly elected a member in accordance with the Rules of such Club and who has been registered by the Club Secretary on the IFA Central Registration System (IFA CRS) not later than 12.00 noon on the day before playing.
1.1.2 No player can be registered with, or transferred to a Club within the league after the 31st March in each season.
1.1.3 Players will be eligible to play provided a Registration or Transfer form has been signed and this confirmed on the IFA CRS by 12.00 noon on the day before first playing.

1.2 1 Registration of players is governed by the IFA Central Registration System as defined in the IFA Articles of Association. Players registered within the league can only register with one Club at any point of time.
1.2.2 The Club Secretary shall keep a full record of all registrations and in the case of protest the Club shall provide the proof of registration to the investigative committee.
1.2.3 Players shall be registered each season as and from the 1st June.
No Club shall be allowed to register any player after the 31st March in each season.
1.2.4 In the event of a player registering with two or more Clubs, priority of registration shall decide to which Club the player belongs.

1.3.1 Registration will be from the present to the end of the current season. Transfers within or into the League will be from the present to the end of the current season.
1.3.2 A player may sign for the same Club within the NAFL, no more than twice in the same season.
1.3.3 No NAFL Club may transfer either directly or indirectly more than four players from any other NAFL club in any season.
1.3.4 A player having played ten league games (accumulatively 1st and 2nd Team games) for an NAFL Club in any season cannot be registered for another NAFL Club in that season by either transfer within the NAFL or by transfer from a Club outside the NAFL. However should a Club resign their team from the Third Division before the end of season the total number of Third Division games played by any player will in such instance not apply to the accumulative figure referred to in this rule.
1.3.5 Clubs must keep a record of matches in which players have participated, and if requested provide same to any Club in the NAFL to which the player is seeking to transfer.
1.3.6 Clubs must agree to transfer a player within seven (7) days of request unless they can show good reason why the player should be retained. Should a club decide not to agree the transfer of a player to another club within the League such reason must be immediately communicated to the League Secretary.
1.3.7 A player will be considered transferred (subject to 1.1.3) when the Transfer request has been confirmed on the CRS by both Clubs, and such player will be eligible to play.
1.3.8 A player whose last Club is from outside the jurisdiction of the IFA, requesting registration for a club within the League must have an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) prior to playing in the League. The Club signing the player is responsible for ensuring that the ITC has been received prior to playing the player concerned.
1.3.9 The cost of registration will be determined annually by the League Management Committee. NB: Appendix ‘H’
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Ineligible Player
2.1 Any team playing an ineligible player or players (whether through non-registration or otherwise) shall be fined £50.00 for each ineligible player played and shall forfeit any points won in such a match together with any points won in previous matches in which the player(s) played. In the case of a protest being upheld against a Club which has won a match by any violation of rule, points so won will be deducted from them and awarded to their opponents.
2.2 Protests under this rule giving particulars of protests, must be despatched to the League Secretary bearing postmark within five days from date of match and forwarding by Bank Transfer within 2 days a deposit of £20.00, which shall be forfeited in the event of the protest not being sustained Note: Appendix K.
Note: - Particulars of protest must include written proof of any allegation of violation of this rule, supported, if necessary by eye-witness account.
2.3 A copy of the protest must be sent to the Secretary of the Club protested against at the same time. All protests and copies under this Rule must be sent by Royal Mail special delivery. Post Office registration receipts shall be conclusive evidence as to time of posting.
2.4 Members of the League Management Committee are at liberty to lodge a protest in writing under this rule without payment of a fee, provided the Club they represent does not stand to gain, and the League Secretary shall give due notice of same to the Club protested against.

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3.1 Playing of Matches
Clubs must play fixtures on dates arranged by the League unless by mutual agreement the match is played on an earlier date, except the ground be covered by snow or declared unplayable by the Referee, or is taken by Senior or Parent Associations. The Referee shall inspect the ground prior to kick-off, and shall immediately give his decision as to fitness of ground for play. In case of ground being covered with snow, the League Officials shall have power to postpone such fixtures provided sufficient proof is put before them that the ground is snow-bound.

3.2 When Clubs must Play
Clubs must play on all available Saturdays. On or up to the Monday prior to the Saturday involved, the League may organize or re-organize for any Club or Clubs, a Saturday fixture and notify the Club of such change.
Note: - This applies to the Second and Third Divisions from the Third Saturday in August.

3.3 Match Day Postponement
If on the day of a scheduled match both clubs agree to postpone the fixture the Home club secretary will signify this decision by text to the League Secretary (and await receipt confirmation) in order the allocated referee can be informed. Should the visiting team insist on awaiting the referees decision at the scheduled kick-off time and the referee decides the pitch is unplayable the visiting team shall be responsible for the referees fee and expenses. Clubs advising postponement less than (3) three hours before kick-off must ensure a club official is in attendance at the ground to meet the referee unless instructed otherwise by the League Secretary.

3.4 Match Result
The Home club is responsible to ensure the result of match is input to the League Text Result service. Should the result not be returned within 80 minutes of the match finishing the club will be fined £10.00. The committee may consider extenuating circumstances causing breach of this requirement.

3.5 Request for Match Dispensation
Should a club due to lack of players or managerial difficulties seek dispensation for a period without fixtures the League Management Committee may grant such request. The club will acknowledge in writing they understand in requesting the dispensation that at the end of the season, on completing their fixtures, the club will be demoted, regardless of position, to the next lower section.

3.6 Notice of any change to proposed fixture date or venue
At least three (3) days’ notice in writing must be given to the League Secretary and the Secretary of the opposing club in the event of a change in venue or postponing of a fixture.
No fixture can be postponed unless both clubs are agreeable and signify same, in writing, to the League Secretary, and the sanction of League Management Committee or Emergency Committee obtained.

3.7 Completion of fixtures
Clubs must have their League fixtures completed at least three playing days prior to the termination of the season as determined by the League Management Committee.

3.8 Mid-week Matches
To enable clubs complete their League programme, fixtures will be arranged Monday-Friday inclusive once British Summer Time (BST) is declared. By agreement clubs may bring fixtures forward. Should a fixture be postponed due to weather or other conditions the clubs must agree to play on the first available date, or on a date set by the League Management Committee or Emergency Committee.

3.9 Excluded Dates
Clubs must not arrange fixtures on the date on which League Representative Matches or the Semi-final or Final Ties of the Leagues’ Cup competitions are to be played, except by the express permission of the League.

3.10.1 Unfulfilled Matches
Should a team not turn up in reasonable time, or fail to fulfil their fixture arranged by the League, such club must advise the league secretary, in writing, within three (3) days of the arranged date as to the circumstances for the none fulfilment of the fixture, whilst their opponents if having not agreed to the fixture being re-scheduled must within four (4) days of the arranged date claim the match in writing. In the case of a match not being re-arranged the League Management Committee in considering the matter will impose a fine of £75.00 and may also include costs incurred by the non-defaulting club. The committee will award the match to the team not at fault.
3.10.2 Should a Club at a league meeting arrange a league match for the same date as a cup competition in which they are still competing the league match will be forfeited and awarded to their opponents and the offending club fined £75.00.
3.10.3 A team failing to fulfil a fixture a second time in the current season will be dismissed from the League.
3.10.4 Reasonable time shall be understood to mean the kick-off shall not be delayed more than 20 minutes after the official time for starting.

3.11 Unfinished or Abandoned Matches
If for any reason stated in Law 5, (Laws of the Game) a match has been terminated by the Referee and at least sixty minutes have been played, the League Management Committee may permit the result at the termination to stand provided they adjudge there was no obvious intent to seek an advantage by either team which resulted in the termination. If less than an hour was played the match will be replayed.
Should a match within the first sixty (60) minutes be delayed over twenty (20) minutes by injury to a player and unless both teams agree to continue the game the LMC may declare the game void and reschedule.
If a game is abandoned due to indiscipline from one or both teams involved then the League Management Committee after due consideration will impose appropriate penalties as outlined in Appendix ‘G’ to these rules.
If a match has been terminated before the recognized ‘full-time’ both Clubs will submit a report to the League Secretary within three days.

3.12 Permitted Substitutes
A Club may at its discretion use three substitute players at any time in the match, except to replace a player who has been suspended from the game by the referee. The substitutions can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the referee has given permission.
Only three substitutions by each side will be permitted in any match and the substitute players shall be nominated prior to the commencement of the game.

3.13 Reported Indiscipline
Subject to not impacting the League’s ability to organize forthcoming games the following will apply.
For all discipline issues involving the League, the League Management Committee will not deal with or adjudicate on the outcome of such issues or games until the discipline issues have been dealt with by the IFA Disciplinary Committee or relevant Divisional Committee and outcome of same has been transmitted in writing, to the League.

3.14 Powers of Committee
Subject to Rule 3.11 the League reserves the right to consider any matter reported directly by the referee concerning the behaviour of player(s), officials or spectators which are adjudged as bringing the League into disrepute. The League Management Committee may impose fines, suspensions, deduction of points or dismissal from the league as it may deem necessary. The committee in the best interests of both the league and club may at its’ discretion suspend for a period not exceeding three years, and subject to terms, the implementation of a fine or dismissal.

3.15 Non-affiliated/suspended
A club arranging/or playing a fixture whilst not affiliated or under suspension with the divisional or national associations will have such fixture awarded to their opponents and fined £25.00.

3.16 Awarding Fixture
On awarding a fixture, the score shall be recorded in favour of the club winning the Committee decision and shall be as per the IFA Disciplinary Code, or greater goal difference gained if applicable.

3.17 Club Colours
Each Club in the League shall register its colours with the League Secretary. No two opposing Clubs shall play in the same colours. In the event of two clubs having the same registered colours, the home Club must change their colours and the away team must wear their registered colours. With the exception of the goalkeeper all players’ shirts must be numbered. A goalkeeper must wear a shirt or jersey of distinctive colour from that of his own club, of his opponents and also the referee. Should either club through non-compliance with this rule cause a match to be postponed, the LMC will award the game to their opponents.

4
4.1 Match Venues
All matches must be home and away and played on the registered ground of the Club. The ground must be private and registered with the League Secretary and no Club shall be allowed to register another ground without special permission from the League Management Committee. Private means that the pitch and ancillary facilities are totally enclosed and entry is by a controlled entrance at which an admission fee may be taken. Each Club shall retain its’ own gate receipts.

4.2 Objection to Ground
Objections as to ground, goal posts, or ball must be lodged by the Captain with the Referee, in writing before the game is started, and the referee shall have power to have such objections made right before the game starts. Protests must be received by the Royal Mail special delivery, bearing post mark within five days and forwarding by Bank Transfer within 2 days a deposit of £20.00, such fee will be forfeited in all cases where the protest has not been sustained.
A copy of the protest must be sent to the Club protested against, at the same time, by Royal Mail special delivery. Post Office Registration Receipts shall be conclusive evidence as to time of posting Note: Appendix K.

4.3 Ground Validity
Should any matter arise concerning the validity of the ground on which a match was played other than those matters covered by the Laws of the Game, and which may have affected the result a protest must be lodged within five days of the match. Such protest must be received by the League Secretary in the manner as set out in 1st Division League Rule 2.

4.4 Floodlighting
Where a Club has floodlighting approved by the League, and the League has not previously stated the match is to be played under such lighting, the referee shall have the right to use the floodlighting to complete the match.

4.5 Artificial Surface
Matches shall only be played under the jurisdiction of the NAFL on an artificial surface when it meets with an FIFA approved standard.

5
5.1 Referees
As all matches should be played on the dates agreed by the League, if the Referee fails to turn up and there is no other Official Referee available the clubs should toss to decide which Qualified Club Referee (QCR) who has been certified by the League, will take control of the match and in such circumstances this will be considered a League fixture with the Home team providing if necessary a whistle. Should there be no Official Referee or QCR available the fixture will be recorded as postponed. Only QCR’s registered with the competing clubs may be used to fulfil a fixture.

5.2.1 Player Listing
The Secretary or other Responsible Official of each competing Club shall, 10 minutes before the commencement of the match, CONFIRM the full names of players with corresponding shirt numbers on the Comet system and must certify the accuracy of the information supplied. Failure to confirm the Player Listing will incur a £25.00 fine. The PLAYER LISTING may be inspected on the match day by the Secretary or other Responsible Official of either competing Club. A club submitting a falsified match listing shall be fined a minimum of £100.00 and the club Official submitting such listing will be suspended for a minimum of twelve months.
In the event of the Comet System not being available each club shall provide the referee with a list of players complete with shirt numbers.

5.2.2 Should a club request the Referee to amend their Player Listing, such request should be notified before the match commences to the responsible official of the opposing club.

5.2.3 Should the appointed Referee not be in attendance and the clubs agree on a QCR, at the conclusion of the match the HOME team must ensure the League Secretary is advised by either text or e-mail the name of the person who refereed the game in order Comet can be up-dated to permit the Referee to enter all relevant details.

5.3 Fee
The home Club shall pay the referee his fee and travelling expenses. Any Club paying a referee more than his just fee and travelling expenses shall be deemed guilty of misconduct and fined.
The referees fees and expenses will be as determined by the relevant committee of the Irish Football Association. NB: Tariff for Referees

5.4 Unplayable Ground
Where no play is possible owing to causes over which neither Club has control the Referee, if present, shall only be entitled to his travelling expenses and half fee.
Should the referee declare the ground unplayable for any reason over which the Home Club has control, the LMC on consideration of the facts will decide whether to re-arrange or award the fixture. In such circumstances both clubs must within four days of the fixture date provide to the League Secretary their observations as to why the match was not played.

5.5 Cautions/Dismissals
In the event of the Referee issuing a caution or dismissing a player or Club Official the Secretary or Responsible Official of the Club concerned shall, at the conclusion of the match, ensure the Referee has the correct name and spelling of the Player or Official’s name and address if required.
Players or Club Officials dismissed during a match by the Referee must immediately go to the Changing Rooms.

5.6 Referee unable to Fulfil
Should the referee due to illness or injury be unable to continue, the teams must agree, or toss to decide which ‘Qualified Club Referee’ if available will referee, to ensure completion of the match. Subject to the enactment of Rule 3.11 with no available referee the match will be considered abandoned without detriment to either club.

6
Allocation of Points
6.1 At the end of each season’s Competition the Club attaining the highest number of points shall be declared the Champion Club of the League. The method of scoring in all matches shall be three points for a win and one for a draw.

6.2 In the case of a Club, having played in the League during the current season, and failing to fulfil its fixtures due to resignation, suspension or dismissal from the League all record of matches played will be deleted from the current season’s records of the League. At the end of the season for the purpose of Relegation such Clubs will be considered as bottom Club of their section, but will not exist in the next lower section in the ensuing season.

6.3 In the case of a Club having failed to play any matches in the League during the current season either through resignation, suspension, or dismissal it will be considered for the purposes of Promotion and Relegation that such Clubs have not existed in the League during the current Season.

6.4 Should two or more Clubs be equal in points, ‘goal difference’ will be used to determine their finishing position. If Clubs are still equal on ‘goal difference’ then goals scored ‘for’ shall be used to determine finishing position.

6.5 Should the Clubs still be equal then they must, ‘play off’ on a ground decided by the League Management Committee to decide the winner, the proceeds of such a game to divided between the two competing Clubs and the League, in the following proportions: 50 per cent (net) to the League, and 25 per cent (net) to each of the Clubs.

7
Trophies
7.1 When the winning Clubs have been declared the League shall hand the S. M. Jefferson Cup to the Premier Section winners, the ‘Barron Cup’ to the winners of Section 1A, the ‘Athletic Stores Cup’ to the winners of Section 1B, the ‘Smithwicks Cup’ to the winners of Section 1C on receiving a document as set out in Appendix A, and subscribed to by three persons whose names shall be previously submitted to and approved of by the League Management Committee of the League:

7.2 If a Trophy is damaged whilst in the possession of a Club, they will immediately inform the League’s Secretary, and return the trophy to the League for repair. The cost of repair will be the responsibility of the offending Club. Any violation of this requirement may result in the Club being dismissed from the League.

7.3 In addition, the Cup is to be insured by the winning Club against all risks, premium to be paid by the Club, and policy handed to the League with the approved agreement.

7.4 In addition to the Cup, the League may present Mementoes to the winners.

8
Additional Rules
Constitutional Rules of the League where applicable shall also apply.

 

 

Rules of the Northern Amateur Football League
----2nd Division----

1
This Competition shall be under the control and in connection with the Northern Amateur Football League, and shall be confined to teams from Public Bodies, Private Associations, Works and properly constituted Recreation Clubs.

2
All matches shall be played under the jurisdiction of the Irish Football Association Ltd., and subject to the Laws of the Game.

3
3.1 Any bona- fide amateur member of a club shall be allowed to play, but no club shall be allowed to play more than four recognized Intermediate Grade Players in any one match. A recognized Intermediate Grade Player is one who has taken part in more than 10 Intermediate Grade matches during the current season.
3.2 A bona-fide amateur member of a Club is one who has been registered by the Club Secretary on the IFA CRS not later than 12.00 noon on the day before playing and is otherwise qualified in accordance with Rule 1 of the First Division.

4

4.1 Postponed Matches
No fixture can be postponed unless both Clubs are agreeable and signify same, in writing, to the League Secretary, and the sanction of the League Management Committee or Emergency Committee obtained.

4.2 Completion of fixtures
Clubs must have their League fixtures completed at least three playing days prior to the termination of the season as determined by the League Management committee.

5
Venues
No ground or dressing accommodation shall be accepted by the League, unless inspected and passed by the League Management Committee.
Where the registered ground of any club is under the control of a council, corporation or such other public authority and where such playing pitch is in a complex containing other pitches then any such pitch within the boundary of that complex which may be allocated to the club for any fixture will be recognized as the registered ground of the club concerned always providing that all alternative pitches in the same complex have been inspected and approved by the League Management Committee.
6
Trophies
6.1 When the winning clubs have been declared the League shall hand the ‘Louis Moore Cup’ to the winners of Section 2A, the ‘John Lunn Cup’ to the winners of Section 2B and the ‘Fleming Cup’ to the winners of Section 2C on receiving a document as set out in Appendix A, and subscribed to by three persons whose names shall be previously submitted to and approved by the Management Committee of the League.

6.2 If a Trophy is damaged whilst in the possession of a club, they will immediately inform the League’s Secretary and return the trophy to the League for repair. The cost of repair will be the responsibility of the offending club. Any violation of this requirement may result in the club being dismissed from the League.

6.3 In addition the Cup is to be insured by the winning Club against all risks, premium to be paid by club, and policy handed to the League with the approved agreement.

7
Additional Rules
Constitutional Rules of the League and Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, of the First Division where applicable shall also apply.

 

 

Rules of the Northern Amateur Football League
----Third Division----

1
This Competition shall be under the control and in connection with the Northern Amateur Football League, and shall be confined to reserve teams of those Clubs competing in Divisions One and Two.

2
All matches shall be played under the jurisdiction of the Irish Football Association Ltd., and subject to the Laws of the Game

3
Players
3.1 Any bona-fide amateur member of a club shall be allowed to play, but no Club shall be allowed to play:
(a) more than four recognized Intermediate Grade Players in any one match. A recognized Intermediate Grade Player is one who has taken part in more than 10 Intermediate Grade matches during the current season.
(b) and or name more than four (4) recognised 1st team players in any one match. A recognised 1st team player is one who has taken part in more than ten league games for the 1st XI team during the current season.

3.2 A bona-fide amateur player of a Club is one who has been registered by the Club Secretary on the IFA CRS not later than 12.00 noon on the day before playing and is otherwise qualified in accordance with Rule 1 of the First Division.

4
Section Winners
Should two or more clubs be equal in points they must play off on a ground to be decided by the League Management Committee to decide the winner, the proceeds of such game to be divided between the two competing Clubs and the League in the following proportions: 50 per cent (net) to the League, and 25 per cent (net) to each of the Clubs.

5
Trophies
When the winning clubs have been declared the League shall hand the ‘RUC Cup’ to the winners of Section 3A, The ‘Wilton Cup’ to the winners of Section 3B, The ‘Britton Cup’ to the winners of Section 3C, and the ‘Tri-Sport Cup’ to the winners of section 3D, and the ‘Carlisle Cup’ to the winners of Section 3E, and the ‘George Pateman Cup’ to the winners of section 3F on receiving a document as described in Appendix A, and subscribed by three persons whose names shall be previously submitted and approved of by the Management committee of the League.

 6

Free Saturday
Applications to be excused playing on a particular day (except designated cup dates for clubs section) will be considered by the LMC. Such applications (except in the event of 1st XI playing in semi-final or final) must be received at least 4 weeks prior to the “free date” sought. Granting such free dates will be at the discretion of the LMC depending on circumstances pertaining at the time. Clubs will be permitted a “free date” on the date of their 1st XI playing in a League Cup competition. “Free Dates” will not be granted after the 31st March of the present season or may not be granted if a team has more than 30% of its league programme outstanding.

7
Additional Rules
Constitutional Rules of the League and Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the 1st Division & 2nd Division where applicable shall also apply.

 

 

THE CLARENCE MAYES CHALLENGE CUP
(Instituted 1923)

1
Name
This Competition shall be called the Northern Amateur Football League Clarence Mayes Challenge Cup Competition and shall be governed by the League Management Committee or a Sub-Committee of same, together with the Hon. Officials of the League (hereafter called the Committee).

2
Annual Competition
The Competition for the Cup shall be annual and open to all Clubs in full membership of the League except those Clubs in the Third and Ladies Divisions. The Competition shall be conducted on a knock-out system and shall be conducted under I.F.A. Articles of Association, the Laws of the Game, and the Competition Rules, and where applicable the Rules of the Northern Amateur Football League.

3
Player Eligible
3.1 Each player must be a duly elected Member of the Club for which he proposes to compete.
3.2 A player shall not be allowed to play for more than one club in this competition. A player shall be ineligible to play in this competition if he has:-
(a) Ever played in a Senior International (Amateur International not to disqualify)
(b) Played in a Senior Inter-League game, or Won a Senior Medal or Memento, in connection with a Senior Competition under the jurisdiction of any National Association or Combinations of Associations during the current season or during the past three (3) seasons. This will not apply if won while playing for a qualifying club.
(c) Played more than six (6) Competitive matches for a Senior Club (appendix J) during the current season.

4
Protests for playing ineligible Players
4.1.1 Protest giving particulars of protests against an ineligible player or players, must be despatched to the League Secretary, bearing postmark, within five (5) days after the date of the match in which the player/players was/were ineligible thereby giving rise to cause of protest and forwarding by Bank Transfer within 2 days a fee of £20.00 which shall be forfeited in event of the protest not being sustained. Note: Appendix ‘K’.
4.1.2 A copy of the protest must be sent to the offending club at the same time.
4.1.3 All protests and copies under this Rule must be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery.
4.1.4 If the protest is upheld, the defaulting Club shall be removed from the Competition and fined a minimum of £50.00.
4.2 Members of the League Management Committee are at liberty to lodge a protest in writing under this rule without payment of a fee, provided the Club they represent does not stand to gain, and the League Hon. Secretary shall give due notice to the Club protested against.

5
Drawing the Ties
5.1 The names of the Clubs approved for the competition shall be placed in one lot, or in lots as the committee may determine, and shall be drawn and played in couples, the first drawn to have choice of venue. The Committee may draw the subsequent round or rounds before the winners of the previous rounds have been decided, and the winners according to such draw shall compete against each other as in the first round.
5.2 Byes may be Given
The Committee shall have power to exempt any number of Clubs from any number of rounds and byes may be given so that four clubs shall compete in the Semi-final ties.

6
Venue
6.1 A Club must play on the ground it has registered with the League. No Club shall be allowed to register another ground without special permission from the Committee.
6.2 In the initial match in any round prior to the semi-final, should the registered ground of the club having choice of ground not be available, they will have to play on their opponent’s ground.
6.3 Should the registered ground of neither club be available, the first drawn Club, shall be at liberty to secure an alternative ground acceptable to the Committee or Emergency Committee.
6.4 For the re-play of any drawn match prior to the semi-final, the Club which played away in the first instance shall have choice of ground, and so on alternately, until the tie is decided. Where the registered ground of any club having choice of ground after a drawn game is not available, that Club shall be at liberty to secure and alternative ground acceptable to the Committee or Emergency Committee, but in the event of such Club being unable to secure such acceptable alternative ground, they must play on their opponent’s ground. When in these circumstances the ground of their opponents is not available, the Committee or Emergency Committee shall decide upon the course of action to be adopted.

6.5 Advice to Secretary
Change of venue in accordance with this Rule shall be notified by both Clubs to the League Secretary, two clear days before the match.

6.6 Any alteration in the Club Secretary’s name or address must be given in writing to the Secretary of the League and copied to both the IFA and relevant Divisional Association.

7
7.1 Semi-finals and Finals
The Committee shall decide on the dates and times for playing the Semi-finals and Final and any replays in the case of drawn ties.
(Duration of matches as provided in Rule 8).
7.2 Neutral Grounds
In the semi-final and Final Ties the grounds shall be chosen by the Committee, and shall be neutral, but if the Clubs agree to play on the ground of either, the Committee may allow the match or matches to be played there.
7.3 Refusal to Play
Should either club refuse to play on the date decided by the Committee such clubs shall be removed from the Competition, and dealt with as the Committee may determine.

8
Duration of Match
8.1 The duration of each match shall be one hour and a half (90 minutes).The match must be started at the time appointed by the Committee, but no protest will be upheld for late starting, unless the committee are satisfied the result of the match was affected thereby. The Referee shall have power to allow time for stoppages, his decision thereon to be final. The Committee shall have power to instruct Clubs to play extra time in the event of drawn matches, and at their discretion so as to obtain a result order a match to be decided by penalty kicks as provided in Appendix ‘C’.

8.2 If in the opinion of the referee at the end of normal time there is insufficient light to play the required extra-time he shall move directly to the taking of penalty kicks.

9
9.1 Referees
The League Secretary will only appoint referees on the official IFA list. In case the Referee or substitute cannot officiate, the League Secretary must appoint one.
9.2 Referee to Inspect Ground
The Referee shall inspect the ground prior to the time appointed for kick-off, and shall immediately give his decision as to fitness of ground for play. If a match is played to a finish it must be a Cup Tie.
9.3 Referee’s Fee
The home club shall pay the Referee his fee and travelling expenses. (NB: Tariff for Referees)
9.4 Referee fails to appear
Ties must be played on the arranged date.  The committee shall appoint Referees and neutral Assistant Referees for Semi-finals and Final, and any other match considered necessary.  If the referee fails to appear, clubs should as per 1st Division rule 5.1 appoint a QCR and the match will be considered a cup tie, except in the case of Semi-final or Final which must be conducted by an official referee.

10

10.1 Clubs failing to Play
Should a team not turn up in reasonable time, or fail to play the club against which it has been drawn on the date fixed by the Committee, and without sufficient reasons for doing so, it shall be adjudged to have lost the match.

10.2 Clubs Withdrawing
Any club wishing to withdraw from the Competition must advise the League Secretary not later than eight (8) days before the date scheduled for the tie. A club seeking to withdraw at any other stage of the competition shall be fined £50 and may be excluded from the competition in the following season.

10.3.1 When Drawn or Postponed games must be Played
In the event of a match not taking place on the date arranged owing to the ground being declared unplayable by the referee, the teams shall forthwith arrange to play the following Saturday (unless playing within Summer Time in which case they must arrange to meet on the fourth day after), unless the clubs mutually arrange to play on a previous date.

10.3.2 In the event of the match not taking place on the second Saturday due to circumstances as in (10.3.1) the clubs will arrange to play on the following Saturday on the ground of the ‘Away team’ and if not played on this day due to weather conditions arrangements must be made to play at the same location on the following Saturday.

10.3.3 In the event of the match not taking place on the second attempt at the ground of the original ‘Away team’ the tie will revert from the following Saturday to alternate weeks at the ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ grounds.

10.3.4 In all cases the Secretary of the Team on whose ground the match was to be played must advise the League Secretary of any postponement and of the re-arranged venue and date.

10.3.5 This Rule shall not apply while teams are engaged in National or Divisional Association matches. If a match is not played on the due date, and a team’s ground is not available, for whatever reason, on the next subsequent date, the tie will reverse to the other team if their ground is available.

10.3.6 In the event that a cup game is not played on the date it was scheduled to be played the Committee reserves the right to determine the venue of the re-arranged game,

10.3.7 Should a game not be played by the due date the League Management Committee shall have the power to procure a ground and organize the said game in order the competition will not be delayed.

10.4 Protested Ties
In the case of protested ties, or the replay of same, the Committee shall decide dates and venues.

11
Powers of Committee
Notwithstanding anything in any Rule, if the Committee have any doubt before the next subsequent round after the alleged misdeed and, whether arising or of a Protest, or otherwise as to the qualification of any player taking part in the Competition, they shall have power to call upon such player, and the Club to which he belongs, or for which he played, to prove that he is qualified according to the Rules. Failing satisfactory proof they shall disqualify such player, and shall remove the club from the Competition, and impose such other penalty as they think fit in addition to a minimum fine of £50 per offence on the Club.
In addition the Committee shall have power to reinstate to the competition the last club the offending club played in the competition.

12

12.1 Gate Receipts
In all Cup Matches, with the exception of Semi-finals and Final Ties, the home Club shall retain the gate or ground collection receipts. The home club shall be responsible for advertising and ground expenses. In case the expenses in the Semi-finals exceed receipts, the deficit shall be taken from the Final Tie receipts, same being considered expenses of match.

12.2 Division of Receipts
In the Semi-final Ties the net receipts shall be pooled and divided as follows:- One half to the League and the balance divided amongst the competing Clubs, but in the case of replayed ties, the League shall take 25 per cent, and the balance shall be divided between the two competing Clubs.
In the Final Tie the net receipts shall be divided as follows: - One half to the League and the balance divided between the competing clubs. In the case of a replay the League shall take 25 per cent and the balance shall be divided between the competing Clubs. Where the amount to each club is less than two pounds all receipts will go to the League.

13
Agreement for Cup
When the winning Club shall have been declared the League shall hand the Clarence Mayes Challenge Cup to its representatives on receiving a document as described in Appendix ‘B’.
In addition to the Cup, the League may present fourteen (14) medals to the winners plus an additional medal for the Club Secretary, together with a similar number of suitable mementoes to the runners-up.

14
Additional Rules
Constitutional Rules of the League and Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, of the 1st. Division were applicable may apply.

15
Committee may alter Rules
The Committee shall have power to alter these Rules, but in no case shall they do so until after the Final Tie in any year has been played.

 

 



THE BORDER REGIMENT CUP
(Instituted 1936)

1
Name
The Competition shall be called the Northern Amateur Football League Border Regiment Cup Competition and shall be governed by the League Management Committee together with the Honorary Officials of the League.

2
Annual Competition
The Competition shall be annual and shall be open to Clubs, members of the First Division (all sections) and conducted on a knock-out system.
Each player must be duly elected Member of the Club for which he proposes to compete and registered with the League.

3
Player Eligible
3.1 A player shall not be allowed to play for more than one club in this competition.
3.2 A player shall be ineligible to play in this Competition if has:-
(a) Ever played in a Senior International (Amateur International not to disqualify).
(b) Played in a Senior Inter-League game during the current season or the previous season.
(c) Won an Irish Cup, Co Antrim Senior Shield, Irish Senior League, City Cup, or other Senior Medal or Memento, in connection with a Senior Competition under Jurisdiction of any National Association or combination of Associations within the previous season. This will not apply if won while playing for a qualifying club.
(d) Played more than Nine Competitive matches for a Senior team (appendix J) during the current season.

4
Additional Rules
Where applicable Rules 3 to 15 of the Clarence Mayes Challenge Cup will apply to this Competition.

 

 

THE COCHRANE CORRY CUP
(Instituted 1963-64)

1
Name
This Competition shall be called the Northern Amateur Football League Cochrane Corry Cup Competition and shall be governed by the League Management Committee together with the Honorary Officials of the League.

2
Annual Competition
The Competition shall be Annual and shall be open to Clubs members of the Second Division (all sections) and conducted on the knock-out system.
Each player must be a duly elected Member of the Club for which he proposes to compete and registered with the League.

3
Player Eligible
3.1 A player shall not be allowed to play for more than one club in this competition.

3.2 A player shall be ineligible to play in this competition if he has:
(a) Ever played in a Senior International (Amateur International not to disqualify), or Senior Inter -League game.
(b) Won an Irish Cup, Co. Antrim Senior Shield., Irish Senior League, City Cup, or other Senior Medal or Memento, in connection with a Senior Competition under the jurisdiction of any National Association or combination of Associations within the past six (6) seasons. This will not apply if won while playing for a qualifying club.
(c) Played more than six (6) competitive matches for a Senior team (appendix J) during the current season, or more than nine (9) Intermediate grade matches during the current season.
(d) Won any Intermediate grade knock out Competition or a Junior International Cap during the current season or during the past three (3) seasons.

4
Additional Rules
Where applicable Rules 3 to 15 of the Clarence Mayes Cup will apply

 

 

THE WALTER MOORE CUP
(Instituted 1970-71)

1
Name
This Competition shall be called the Northern Amateur Football League Walter Moore Cup Competition and shall be governed by the League Management Committee together with the Honorary Officials of the League.

2
Annual Competition
The Competition shall be Annual and shall be open to Clubs Members of the Third Division Sections A, B, and C and conducted on a Knock-out system.

3
Player Eligible
3.1 A player shall not be allowed to play for more than one club in this competition.

3.2 A player shall be ineligible to play in this Competition if he has:-
(a) Ever played in a Senior International (Amateur International not to disqualify), or Senior Inter-League game.
(b) Won an Irish Cup, Co. Antrim Senior Shield, Irish Senior League, City Cup, or other Senior Medal or Memento, in connection with a Senior Competition under the jurisdiction of any National Association or combination of Associations within the past six (6) seasons. This will not apply if won while playing for a qualifying club.
(c) Won any Intermediate grade knock out Competition or a Junior International Cap during the current or during the past three (3) seasons.
(d) Played more than six competitive matches for a Senior team (appendix J) during the current season.
(e) Played in more than ten (10) league games in Intermediate Grade competitions during the current season.

3.3 No club shall play more than four (4) recognised 1st team players in any one match.  A recognised 1st team player is one who has taken part inmore than ten league games for the 1st XI team during the current season.  This rule relates only to clubs whose 1st XI play in Junior Grade competitions.  Clubs whose 1st XI play in Intermediate Grade competitions should note rule 3.2(e) above.

4
Additional Rules
Where applicable Rules 4 to 15 of the Clarence Mayes Challenge Cup will apply.

 

 

THE TEMPLETON CUP
(Instituted 1973)

1
Name
This Competition shall be called the Northern Amateur Football League Templeton Cup Competition and shall be governed by the League Management Committee with the Honorary Officials of the League.

2
Annual Competition
The Competition shall be Annual and shall be open to Clubs Members of the Third Division Sections D, E, and F and conducted on a Knock-out system.

3
Additional Rules
Rule 3 of The Walter Moore Cup will apply together with Rules 4 to 15 of the Clarence Mayes Challenge Cup where applicable.

 

TARIFF FOR REFEREES
LEAGUES

Division 1:-
All Sections Referee £70.00 and travelling expenses to be paid by Home Club at 30p per mile
The accumulative amount for fee plus expenses will not exceed £90.00.

Divisions 2 and 3:-
All Sections Referee £45.00 and travelling expenses to be paid by Home Club at 30p per mile. The accumulative amount for fee plus expenses will not exceed £60.00.

BORDER CUP & CLARENCE CUP
Referee £70.00, rounds up to semi-finals paid by Home Club.
Semi-final……………Referee £70.00, Assistant Referee £30.00
Final…………………...Referee, Assistant Referee Commemorative Medal plus travel expenses.

COCHRANE CORRY CUP; WALTER MOORE CUP; TEMPLETON CUP
Referee £45.00, rounds up to semi-finals paid by Home Club.
Semi-final……………..Referee £50.00, Assistant Referee £30.00
Final…………………..Referee, Assistant Referee Commemorative Medal plus travel expenses.

Should any Final require a replay the officials will receive a fee
Intermediate: £70.00 & £40.00
Junior: £55.00 & £40.00

The agreed expenses are 30p per mile (return) from home to ground or actual fare by public transport.

 

APPENDIX ‘A’

Section Champions:
The winning club of any section shall complete a Winners Agreement as follows:
“ We, AB, president/chairman of the YY Club, and CD and EF members of and representing the said Club which have now been declared to have won the (name of section cup), and the said Cup having been delivered to us by JK, Secretary of the League, do hereby, on behalf of the said Club, and individually and collectively, engage to return same to JK, or to the Secretary of the League for the time being, on or before the first day of April next, in like good order and condition, and providing the said Cup is destroyed by fire or lost by any other accident whilst in our possession, we agree to refund the league the amount of its value”.

APPENDIX ‘B’

Cup Competition Winners:
The winning club of any cup competition shall complete a Winners Agreement as follows:
“ We, AB, president/chairman of the Y Y Club, and CD and E F members of and representing the said Club which have now been declared to have won the (name competition cup), and the said Cup having been delivered to us by JK, Secretary of the League, do hereby, on behalf of the said Club, and individually and collectively, engage to return same to JK, or to the Secretary of the League for the time being, on or before the first quarter final date or as required by the League Secretary, in like good order and condition, and providing the said Cup is destroyed by fire or lost by any other accident whilst in our possession, we agree to refund the league the amount of its value”.

APPENDIX ‘C’

DECIDING CUP COMPETITIONS
When the League Management Committee order matches to be completed by the taking of kicks from the Penalty Mark, the Referee will use the Procedure, ‘KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK’ as set out in the FIFA Laws of the Game.

APPENDIX ‘D’

SUSPENSION
On receipt of a referee’s report that he has been physically assaulted, the player or official named shall be suspended from the league, until such time as his case has been processed by the relevant higher authority.
Whilst awaiting the outcome of this procedure such player or official named must reply to all correspondence from the league management committee who, if the person named is found guilty by the higher authority, shall declare that such player or official may be suspended for an additional period. Such additional period will not result in suspension from the league of more than 24 months from the time of the incident.

APPENDIX ‘E’

REPRESENTATIVES
Where gender is stated in masculine form in these rules it shall also relate to feminine.

APPENDIX ‘F’

CLUB REFEREE
A Club referee is a person who has passed a recognised affiliated association’s referees examination, and who is currently registered with an affiliated referee’s association.
A Club may register members as Associate referees available only to officiate in matches of any section of the League not involving their Club.

APPENDIX ‘G’
LEAGUE PUNISHMENT SCALE

A
ABANDONED LEAGUE GAMES

(i) Caused by one team
Match awarded to opponents
and
3 points deducted
and
A Fine similar in the amount imposed by the higher Disciplinary body will be levied

(ii) Caused by both teams
Match void no points to either team
and
3 points deducted from both teams
and
A Fine similar in the amount imposed by the higher Disciplinary body will be levied

(iii) Second similar occurrence within Season
Punishment as for A or B above
and
A further 3 points deducted
and
A Fine similar in the amount imposed by the higher Disciplinary body will be levied

B
ABANDONED CUP MATCHES
In the case of a Cup Tie the Club adjudged of causing the abandonment shall be dismissed from the Competition, fined a similar amount as imposed by the higher Disciplinary body and may be debarred from Cup Competitions in the following year.

APPENDIX ‘H’
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
(1) Before playing a player must be Confirmed on the IFA Central Registration System (CRS).
(2) A player seeking to transfer from one club to another cannot play until the transfer has been marked as Confirmed.
(3) Players from outside the jurisdiction of the IFA requesting registration must await the issue of an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) before playing in N. Ireland.
(4) Clubs will receive an account towards insurance reflecting number of adult players registered.
(5) An adult player is one who will be aged 16 or over in the current season.

APPENDIX ‘I’
Overdue Fees/Fines
If any fee or fine is not paid within 7 days of the due date the club will be required to pay such amount plus 50% within a further 10 days. Should the new sum not be paid by this revised date the club will stand suspended with immediate effect from the League.

APPENDIX ‘J’

Senior Team
A “Senior team” is defined as a team playing in either of the top two divisions (sections) of the Northern Ireland Football League.

APPENDIX ‘K’
COMPLAINT or PROTEST
When either a complaint or protest is being considered by the LMC both the club making the complaint or protest and the club defending the complaint or protest should have available to the committee any material or witnesses that they believe would be helpful in developing the case or providing a defence to such case. The club lodging the complaint or protest must always have available to the committee the Royal Mail receipt as proof of their posting a copy of the complaint or protest to the other club. The club defending the complaint or protest will be required to provide the committee with the copy correspondence received from the club submitting the complaint or protest.  Deposits should be submitted by Bank Transfer within 2 days of submitting appeal/protest.  League Secretary can supply on request Bank details.