RULES

 
 
 
 

Questions & Answers
 
The purpose of this page is to try to clarify some of the problems which crop up during a season.  
 
Q How is Promotion & Relegation decided
A In an ideal world a set number of teams would be promoted and relegated
  However, in Junior Football, many factors can affect the structure of divisions from one season to the next
  Teams may drop out - which may mean more teams being promoted
 
In some cases the number of divisions may be more or less than the previous season - Forcing a complete change in the number of teams in a division.
             
    POS   TEAM  

PTS

    
  1   Team A   54  
  2   Team B   53  
  3   Team C   52  
  4   Team D   36  
  5   Team E   32  
  6   Team F   30  
  7   Team G   30  
  8   Team H   30  
  9   Team I   9  
  10   Team J   8  
  11   Team K  

5

  
  12   Team L   4  
             
 
One of the most important factors is that teams play in a division of equal standard which means the number of games won and lost by teams are inspected carefully by the Management Committee
 
In the example shown there are clear gaps in standards.
 
The top 3 are well clear of the rest and would be considered for promotion if other factors allow
 
The bottom 4 are clearly out of their depth and all 4 would be considered for relegation
 
Q Why is goal difference not taken into account in the League Tables
A Very few amateur Leagues take goal difference into account due to the fact that many teams may 'concede' and, therefore, no goals can be counted for that game, making it an unfair system.
Play-Off games are used to determine League Titles when teams finish level on points. 
 
Q What are Interdivisional Games
A The League rules only allow for a maximum of 14 teams in a division
  When entries into an age group exceed 42 (i.e. 3 divs of 14 teams) it may be necessary to split the league into 4 divisions.
  For example if there are 45 entries then the League might be divided as follows
  Div 1 =14 teams.  Div 2 =14 teams.  Div 3 =9 teams.  Div 4 =8 teams
  Under the normal system of teams playing twice then divs 3 & 4 would only have 16 games for the season (the ideal being 22 to 26)
  One way of dealing with the problem is to have teams play each other 3 times
  The Huddersfield League's view is that it is more interesting to play against different opposition - even if they are from a higher or lower division
  Therefore, in the above example, teams in div 3 would play each other twice, giving each team 16 games.  in addition they would play each team in div 4 once giving an extra 8 games - A total of 24 games.
  Teams in div 4 would play each other twice (14 games) and teams in div 3 once (9 games). Giving a total of 23 games
  All points won, drawn or lost count in the League Tables
 
Q Why do some teams go from the 3rd to 1st Division
A The League tries to ensure that new teams play at least one season in a lower division before they are considered for promotion.

However, it is also desirable that ALL teams play in divisions of similar quality
If a team in division 4 wins all its games and does well in the cup against higher opposition then the committee will consider moving them to a more suitable division in the following season.
  In some cases, new teams to the league have a proven track record and placing them in a lower division would serve no purpose whatsoever.
  In these, exceptional circumstances, new teams may be placed in the top division.
In ALL cases, the League tries to ensure that EVERY team is in a division where it can compete. 
   
Q Why does the League not publish lists of top scorers
A  The main purpose of the League is to encourage young people to enjoy sport and take part in a TEAM game.  To publish a top scorers list is unfair on other players who make just as big a contribution to the team but don't have the opportunity to score goals. 
 
Q I was not happy with the way the referee was handling the game so I took my players off the pitch in protest.  What happens now
A You're big in trouble - If you have any doubts about a referees ability then this must be dealt with before the game starts  Rule 13(B).    In other words once the game has started the referee, whoever they may be, has the full status of an official referee and any action by a player or club official not agreed by the referee which might cause the abandonment of a game is likely to be deemed as serious misconduct
 
Q If I referee a game and send a player off is that punishment enough without reporting the matter
A No - If a player has committed an offence worthy of being sent off then it must be reported to the County F.A.
On the other hand if you do not feel that it is worthy of reporting then it cannot be a sending off offence.
Players will never learn the rules if officials don't apply them.
 
Q I've been asked to referee a game.  I've never done it before and I have no qualifications  What powers do I have
A Substitute referees, whoever they may be, have the full powers, status and authority of an officially appointed referee. Rule 13(B) .
Further information and advice about all refereeing matters can be obtained from the Referees Coordinator - Mr. John Kingdom.. Tel - 01484 683157
 
Q Our pitch is unfit for play this week-end but our opponents pitch is O.K.  can we switch the fixture from home to away
A Yes.  Providing both teams agree and the Fixture Secretary is kept informed games can be played anywhere (subject to Rule 10 GROUNDS).  It is also possible to concede 'home' advantage and play your home game away from home
 
Q What's the difference between the League Council and Management Committee
A Every Club in membership of the league is represented on the League Council which meets every Month throughout the year except July
  The purpose of the Council is to ensure that the league is democratically organised and that decisions made by the Management Committee are fair and correct.  Clubs are also allowed to voice their opinions and grievances
  Any dispute or problem may be put to the Council for voting
  All member Clubs are allowed one vote each at meetings ( Rule 6D)
  At the Annual General Meeting the Council have the opportunity to change rules and to elect members of the Management Committee
 
  The Management Committee is elected to organise and ensure the day to day running of the league and to ensure the rules are adhered to
 
Q Which age groups get Official Referee's
A Unfortunately the whole of football is suffering a shortage of Referee's at the moment and the Junior Leagues are no exception
  The League only has some 20-30 qualified Referee's who are prepared to turn out every Sunday and they are usually appointed to the oldest age groups.
 
Q Who makes the Rules
A The general rules for the game of football are set down by FIFA, they are the same at all levels of the game.   League rules (which must be ratified by the F.A) are set down by the League Council.