SCOR 2021-22 STANDARD CODE OF RULES This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association for open age football (the “Standard Code”). The Standard Code is mandatory for all Competitions at Regional NLS Feeder League level and below, and The FA Women’s Pyramid excluding the FAWSL, FAWC and the FA Women’s National League. Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the Standard Code, using the same numbering and standard headings. The mandatory rules are printed in normal text and the optional rules in italics. It should be noted that in many cases rules are so printed because they are alternatives and the procedure to apply should be retained and the others omitted. In all cases where a [ ] is shown the necessary name, address, number or wording to complete that rule must be inserted. Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the Sanctioning Authority and do not conflict with the mandatory rules or any relevant principles and policies established by The FA. Competitions at Tiers 5 and 6 of The FA Women’s Pyramid must also have any additions or optional rules approved by The Women’s Football Board prior to seeking approval from the Sanctioning Authority. Guidance from the Sanctioning Authority should be sought in advance if there is any doubt as to the acceptability of additional rules. 1. DEFINITIONS 1. In these Rules: A “Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The FA. “AGM” shall mean the annual general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition. “Club” means a club for the time being in membership of the Competition. “Competition” means the [Wearside League incorporating All Divisions]. “Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition. “Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play under a written contract of employment with a Club. “Deposit” means a sum of money deposited with the Competition as part of the requirements of membership of the Competition. “Fees Tariff” means a list of fees approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any matters for which fees are payable under the Rules, as set out at Schedule A. “Fines Tariff” means a list of fines approved by the Clubs at a general meeting to be levied by the Management Committee for any breach of the Rules, as set out at Schedule A. “Ground” means the ground on which the Club’s Team(s) plays its Competition Matches. “Management Committee” means in the case of a Competition which is an unincorporated association the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with the articles of association of that company. “Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match. “Non Contract Player” means any Player (other than a Player on a Scholarship) who is eligible to play for a Club but has not entered into a written contract of employment. “Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a Club or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions. “Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time. “Player” means any Contract Player, Non Contract Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a Club. “Player Registration System” means The FA system to register players as determined by The FA from time to time. “Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played. “Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered. “Sanctioning Authority” means [The FA] [the Durham County Football Association Limited]. “Scholarship” means a Scholarship as set out in Rule C3.1.1 of the rules of The FA. “Season” means the period of time between one AGM and the next AGM “Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition. “SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitut