About the League
League Rulebook
Section A
Governance
A1.01The official name of the league shall be the London Unity League, herein referred to as "the league" for the remainder of this document.
A1.02The league shall informally operate with the title “LUL”.
A1.03The league committee shall have the power to name, brand or apply sponsorship to any cup competition(s), or any other competitions, tournaments, or play-offs.
A1.04Any logos used to brand the league competition, any cup competitition(s), or any other competition, tournament organised by the committee, shall be decided by the committee and publicly available on the league website.
A1.05Any Full or Associate Membership Club, their teams, and any other organisation affiliated with the league, shall be permitted to utilise any logo or branding (as defined in Article A1.04) on their website, social media and/or any other publication.
A1.06No member club, its teams, or any other organisation or individual may alter or edit any league logos (as defined in Article 1.04) in any way shape or form.
A1.07Any branding, website designs, colour schemes, and/ or social media designs shall be decided by the league committee.
A1.08The league shall have a website that shall be the responsibility of the league committee. The league committee may delegate the administration, design and updating of the league website to any individual or organisation as it sees fit.
A1.09Throughout the season, the league website shall be updated in a timely manner to reflect recent results and standings.
A1.10The league committee shall publish the league constitution, any appendices, any season-specific rules agreed by the team managers, any season-specific fees and fines tariff, and any other information on the league website.
A1.11Each Full and Associate Membership Club shall have a presence on the league website, including basic information about the club and contact details for the purposes of advertising that club, subject to that relevant club providing such details as requested by the league committee.
A1.12The league shall have social media channels that shall be the responsibility of the league committee. The league committee may delegate the administration, design and updating of any social media channels to any individual or organisation as it sees fit.
A2.01The custodians and ultimate authority of the London Unity League shall be a panel compromising of one representative of each Full Membership Club.
Where a Full Membership Club has entered more than one team into any league or cup competition, that club shall only be entitled to nominate one individual to represent a Full Membership Club.
A2.02Each Full Membership Club shall nominate their representative for the forthcoming season at an Annual General Meeting.
A2.03Each club representative should, ordinarily, be a serving committee member of their club, and preferably the chair (or most senior individual) of that club.
A2.04Full Membership Clubs shall convene once per year at an Annual General Meeting (AGM), as detailed in Article A8.
A2.05Any club may replace their nominated representative by providing written notice at any time to the chair of the league committee.
A2.06The representatives of the Full Membership Clubs shall elect a league committee at each AGM, as set out in Articles A5 and A6. This league committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the league for the forthcoming season.
A2.07The representatives of each Full Membership Club have the power to dissolve the league committee at any point during a season provided a minimum of 75% of Full Membership Club representatives agree to such action in writing at a Special General Meeting.
A2.08In respect of Article A2.07, written notice must be given to the chair of the league committee. At this point, the league committee shall be considered dissolved.
A2.09In respect of Article A2.08, upon the dissolution of a league committee, the representatives of each Full Membership Club may nominate any individual(s) to undertake the day-to-day administration of the league for a defined period of their choosing, or until the end of the current season.
A2.10In respect of Article A2.09, the representatives of each Full Membership Club also have the power to elect a new committee as set out in the procedures detailed in Article A6.
A3.01Full Club Membership of the league entitles a club to field one or more teams into the league competition, any cup competition(s) and any other competition or tournament organised by the league committee.
A3.02Full Club Membership of the league shall, ordinarily, automatically renew from one season to the next.
A3.03Any club may apply for, or be invited to, Associate Club Membership of the league provided they agree with (and subsequently uphold) the rules of the league as set out in this rulebook.
A3.04Associate Club Membership of the league shall not renew from one season to the next.
A3.05Associate Club Membership shall be granted at the discretion of the league committee, so long as the league committee is satisfied such acceptance does not hinder the league, its competitions or activities, and/or other member clubs.
A3.06To allow for fair scrutiny prior to an AGM, applications for Full Club Membership must be made in writing to the chair of the league committee before 30th May in any year, for inclusion the following season.
A3.07Full Club Membership applications must include the following:
a)A copy of the club's constitution, and;
b)A copy of the club's code of conduct, and:
c)A record of all 11-a-side friendly matches played, all 11-a-side competitive matches played, and any other 11-a-side competitions or tournaments played in the 12 months prior to application, and;
d)In respect of Article A2.08 c), applicant clubs must list a minimum of five 11-a-side matches played in the 12 months prior to application.
e)A list of club officials as detailed in the club constitution, and;
f)Any other document(s) as demanded by the league committee.
A3.08Applications for, or invitations to, Associate Club Membership can be made at any point in the season.
A3.09All applications for Full Club Membership shall be collated by the league committee and presented Full Membership Clubs ahead of an Annual General Meeting. Each application shall be subject to a vote at an Annual General Meeting. The vote shall be taken by a show of hands and shall require a two-thirds majority for an application to be accepted.
A3.10In respect of Article A3.09, there is no appeal or recourse in any decisions made in respect of rejected applications. Feedback will be provided via written correspondence from the chair of the league committee on behalf of the Full Membership Clubs.
A4.01A Full or Associate Membership Club shall cease to be entitled to membership of the league if they provide written notice at any time to the chair of the league committee of their intention to withdraw their membership.
A4.02A Full or Associate Membership Club shall cease to be entitled to membership of the league if they have their membership revoked.
A4.03A Full or Associate Membership Club may only have their membership revoked at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Special General Meeting (SGM).
A4.04In respect of Article A4.03, and for the avoidance of any doubt, a team temporarily suspended from playing activities during a season due to disciplinary reasons shall not be considered to have had their membership revoked.
A4.05In respect of Article A4.03, a representative of a Full or Associate Membership Club who faces having their membership revoked may attend an AGM or SGM and give an account of their club's actions, but shall be required to leave before a vote is taken. The vote shall be taken by a show of hands and shall require a two- thirds majority to be carried.
A4.06In respect of Article A4.05, there is no appeal or recourse should a Full or Associate Membership Club have their membership revoked.
A4.07A Full or Associate Membership Club who has withdrawn their membership or has had their membership revoked midway through a season shall have all team(s) automatically removed from all competitions, and the processes detailed in Article B4 shall apply.
A5.01A league committee shall be elected at the AGM and shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the league for the forthcoming season, having full decision-making authority autonomous from the governing board. The league committee shall make decisions in the best interests of the league and its members as a whole.
A5.02The league committee shall be formed of the following members:
a)Chair The chair shall have overall strategic oversight of the league committee, shall chair all league meetings, and shall represent the league externally. During league committee meetings, they shall have the casting vote in the event of any tie. In their absence the role of chair will be fulfilled by another league committee member as agreed by the league committee. The chair shall chair any disciplinary hearings, unless such matters involve the chair whereby the committee shall nominate another committee member or neutral individual.
b)Competitions Secretary The Competitions Secretary shall be responsible for administering the day-to-day activities of the league, scheduling fixtures, collating results, and working with teams and clubs to ensure the smooth running of the league and cup competitions. They shall be responsible for notifying clubs of automatic suspensions. They shall be responsible for notifying teams of the current season's methods to complete relevant forms. They shall be responsible for supporting the Referee, Cups & Events Officer in administering cup competitions, any neutral venues for fixtures and cup finals . The shall be solely responsible for designating any fixture as "notable", as stipulated in Article B6.15. They shall be responsible for any other administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of all league and cup competitions.
c)Referee, Cups & Events Officer The referee, cups & events officer shall be responsible for the administering, development and appointment of match officials to league and cup fixtures. Ordinarily teams shall appoint match officials themselves, save for exceptions when the league committee deem it appropriate to appoint match officials themselves. The officer shall also be responsible for administering all cup competitions, including venues, equipment, and match officials for certain ties (e.g. Finals). They shall also be responsible for organising events such as awards evenings and any other notable events as directed by the league committee.
d)Finance Officer The Finance Officer shall be responsible for the accounts and finances of the league and keep such bank accounts as required by the Governing Board. They shall present the league accounts at Annual General Meetings.
e)League Development Officer The League Development Officer shall be responsible for promoting increased participation and inclusion in the league, its clubs and beyond. The League Development Officer will work with the league committee and individual clubs to plan engagement and activities aimed at bringing in new players and other participants across all clubs, and to support their involvement and development. They shall be responsible for driving change to the league to provide the best playing experience for league clubs and it's players.
A5.03All members of the league committee shall be elected in accordance with the process defined in Article A6 of this document.
A5.04The league committee shall from time to time, and at its absolute discretion, appoint non-elected individuals to take responsibility for specific aspects of the running of the league. These members will not have voting rights on the league committee (unless they are already elected to a league committee position), though they will be accountable to the league committee. These aspects may include (but not limited to) ad-hoc disciplinary panels.
A5.05In respect of Article A5.04, the league committee reserve the right to remove any unelected individual(s) given responsibility for specific aspects of the running of the league, without notice.
A5.06League committee members shall be elected to serve a term of one full season, at the end of which, the position automatically becomes vacant.
A5.07League committee members shall be eligible for nomination for any position in the following season.
A5.08Members of the league committee may resign at any stage during the season by expressing their wish in writing to the league chair, or, in the case of the league chair, to the competitions secretary.
A5.09In respect of Article A5.08, a replacement may nominate themselves to serve for the remainder of the season and may be accepted by the league committee without the need for such a nomination to be ratified by representatives of each Full Membership Club.
A5.10In respect of Article A5.09, in the case of more than one person wishing to stand as a replacement, the procedures outlined in Article A6 shall be followed.
A5.11An individual may hold more than one role on the league committee subject to the governing board being satisfied this is in the best interests of the league and its members as a whole.
A5.12The league committee shall hold monthly committee meetings. Minutes of these meetings shall be made available to Full Membership and Associate Membership Clubs within 7 days of a meeting.
A6.01Any individual may be entitled to stand for an elected league committee position subject to that individual:
a)not serving a suspension* from the London Unity League, and/or
b)not serving a suspension* from any affiliate leagues or organisations, and/or
c)having not previously been expelled from the league, and/or
d)having not previously been expelled from any affiliate league or organisations, and/or
e)not holding a position at any other organisation that would adversley affect the impartiality or decision- making of that individual whilst serving on the league committee, or provide a conflict of interest.
A6.02In respect of Articles A6.01, a "suspension" in this instance is classified as a suspension currently served by the individual following a previous league disciplinary hearing. For the avoidance of any doubt, an automatic suspension from playing activities - as defined in Section D of this rulebook, or as defined in the current season's Fees & Fines Tariff - does not preclude an individual from standing for a league committee position.
A6.03The chair shall be responsible for advertising elections for league committee positions to representatives of each Full Membership Club no less than four weeks before the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and shall hold in confidence all nominations. Nominations will close seven days before the AGM and these shall be communicated to representatives of each Full Membership Club, along with the agenda of the AGM.
A6.04In respect of Article A6.03, the Competitions Secretary shall hold in confidence all nominations for the role of League Chair.
A6.05Full Membership Clubs shall be responsible for dissemination of the advertised league committee positions to their wider club memberships.
A6.06Seven days prior to the AGM, and in the case of no candidate, or only one candidate, being nominated for any league committee position, the chair shall communicate to representatives of each Full Membership Club that nominations have been re-opened for those positions.
A6.07In respect of Article A6.06, additional nominations will be accepted up until 48 hours before the AGM. Additional nominations will be communicated to representatives of each Full Membership Club at least 24 hours before the AGM.
A6.08Candidates for league committee positions will be offered the opportunity to speak at the AGM prior to voting in order to outline to representatives of each Full Membership Club their experience and reasons for standing.
A6.09In the event that no nominations are received for a position, representatives of each Full Membership Club shall allocate and/or distribute the responsibilities of that position to other league committee members. In the event that an individual wishes to fill the vacant position during the course of the season, they may nominate themselves in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article A6.
A6.10If no more than one nomination for a league committee position is received, the candidate will be deemed to have secured the league committee position, unless a majority vote of representatives of each Full Membership Club oppose the nomination, in which case Article A6.09 refers.
A6.11If two candidates are nominated for a league committee position, a simple majority vote of representatives of each Full Membership Club shall occur. The candidate with the most votes shall be deemed to have secured the league committee position. Candidates shall leave the meeting during the vote for their nominated position.
A6.12If more than two candidates are nominated for a league committee position, a first round of voting of representatives of each Full Membership Club shall occur. The candidate with the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated. This format shall continue until two candidates remain, whereby Article A6.11 shall apply. All candidates shall leave the meeting during the voting for their nominated position.
A6.13In the case of a tie in a vote, the current league committee chair shall have the casting vote where this is required to determine the successful candidate(s), except where the current chair is one of the candidates in the tied vote. In this case, the competitions secretary shall have the casting vote. In the case that the competition secretary is also one of the candidates in the tied vote, representatives of each Full Membership Club shall nominate a member of the committee who is not a candidate to hold the casting vote.
A6.14In any case where a candidate feels there has been unfair practice during the election process, that candidate may appeal in writing to the league committee chair within 48 hours. The members of the league committee (excluding any current league committee member who is a subject of the appeal) will investigate and where they feel the election has been prejudiced they can re-order an election for that position to be held.
A7.01In cases where it is considered that an officer of the league committee is not adequately performing their duties, or the conduct of an officer of the league committee is considered contrary to the aims and objectives of the league, the following procedures shall be adopted.
A7.02A written motion of no confidence in the league committee member concerned, signed by at least two-thirds of the team managers, as specified in Article B.103 must be submitted to the league chair. In the case of the league chair being the subject of the motion, the motion may be submitted to the competitions secretary.
A7.03On receipt of a motion of no confidence, an Special General Meeting (SGM) of representatives of each Full Membership Club shall be called.
A7.04The league committee member concerned may attend the SGM and give an account of their actions but shall be required to leave before a vote is taken. The vote shall be taken by a show of hands and shall require a two-thirds majority of representatives of each Full Membership Club to be carried.
A7.05In the event of a no confidence motion being carried at an SGM, that officer shall be deemed to have resigned and a replacement shall be elected or appointed as defined in Article A6.
A8.01A season is defined as the period from the start of one Annual General Meeting (AGM) in one year, until the notification of an AGM in the next year.
A8.02An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held each year no earlier than 1st July and no later than 14th August.
A8.03At least four weeks written notice of the time and venue of an AGM shall be communicated by the chair to the league committee and representatives of each Full Membership Club.
A8.04A representative of each Full Membership Club must attend an AGM.
A8.05Any Full Membership Club unable to attend an AGM must give notification of their absence in writing to the chair no fewer than five days prior to the AGM.
A8.06In respect of Article A8.05, a Full Membership Club failing to attend an AGM without providing written notification within the stipulated timeframe shall be fined in accordance with that season's fees and fines tariff.
A8.07Any Full Membership Club may submit a motion for debate at an AGM by informing the chair of the motion in writing at least one week in advance.
A8.08Voting at an AGM (save for any topic explicitly mentioned elsewhere in this constitution) shall require a simple majority of votes cast to pass. Voting shall be by a show of hands and will include proxy votes.
A8.09Full Membership Clubs may communicate proxy votes in writing to the chair (who shall act as their proxy) up to four hours before the AGM. These votes will be held in confidence until the vote at the AGM when they will be available for inspection.
A8.10Any current Associate Membership Club may request representation at an AGM. Attendance is solely at the discretion of representatives of each Full Membership Club. Any representatives of an Associate Membership Club shall have no voting rights during an AGM.
A8.11A Special General Meeting (SGM) of representatives of each Full Membership Club maybe be called by the league committee at any point during the season.
A8.12An SGM of representatives of each Full Membership Club maybe be called by the Full Membership Clubs themselves at any time during the season, provided a simple majority of each representative of Full Membership Clubs agree to such action in writing.
A8.13In respect of Article A8.12, such a written notice must be given to the chair of the league committee.
A8.14An SGM shall take place within fourteen days of the chair receiving the written request.
A8.15The quoram for attendance at an SGM is 100% of representatives of each Full Membership Club, less any proxy votes that have been received in absence.
A8.16Voting at an SGM (save for any topic explicitly mentioned elsewhere in this constitution) shall require a simple majority of votes cast to pass. Voting will be by a show of hands and will include proxy votes.
A9.01The representatives of each Full Membership Club are the sole authority permitted to change any part of the constitution.
A9.02In respect of Article A9.01, a change to the constitution at an AGM requires a simple majority vote of Full Membership Club representatives.
A9.02In respect of Article A9.01, a change to the constitution midway through a season requires a minimum of 75% of Full Membership Club representatives voting for such change at a Special General Meeting.
A10.01Any reference in this constitution to notices or communication being "written" or "in writing" shall include email, letter or a posting to the league website, but does not include SMS messages, or online instant messenger communication.
A10.02For the purposes of administering the league and timely communications, the league committee, at its discretion, shall set up an online instant messanging group.
A10.03The league committee shall set up and administer an online instant messaging group for team managers to facilitate open dialogue between teams, the league committee, and any other applicable individuals.
A10.04In respect of Article A10.03, the league committee, at its discretion, shall invite any other individual(s) to join an online instant messaging group if such an addition will help with the administration of the league.
A10.05League committee members shall be entitled to an official league email address for the purposes of correspondence relating to their duties.
A10.06In respect of Article A10.05, all league email accounts and content therein remain the property of the league. Email correspondence by elected committee members should be retained and not deleted.
Section B
Competitions & Fixtures
B1.01Each Full Membership Club must enter a minimum of one team into the league competition for any given season. A Full Membership Club failing to enter a team into the league competition shall automatically have their membership revoked.
B1.02Full Membership Clubs are able to enter more than one team into the league competition. The number of teams a Full Membership Club wish to enter into the league competition shall be declared at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
B1.03For each team entered into the league competition (of which, a Full Membership Club may have more than one team), an individual for each team must be nominated as that team's manager.
B1.04It is the sole responsibility of team managers, their nominated secondary contact (as defined in Article B1. 06), their players, coaches, any staff, or any other individual associated with that team to have read, understood and agree to adhere to the rules of the league. Should any of those individuals object or disagree with the rules of this league, they must not have any role within the league or involvement with its activities.
B1.05The team managers shall collectively be known as "the manager's group" and each team manager shall have certain voting powers as set out in these league rules.
B1.06Team managers shall identify a secondary contact whom shall act on behalf of the team manager in their absence.
B1.07Team managers shall complete a form ahead of each season detailing relevant information regarding their team, including (but not limited to) their contact details, their home pitch location, the colours of their jerseys for the season, and any other information the league committee so demands.
B1.08During a season a team manager must notify the competitions secretary (in writing) of any changes to the details provided in respect of Articles B1.06 and B1.07, without undue delay.
B1.09The league committee can object to multiple teams from the same Full Membership Club entering into the league competition, if:
a)The league committee feels the presence of two or more teams from the same club will affect the sporting integrity or fairness of the league competition.
b)The league committee is of the opinion that the presence of two or more teams from the same club will have a detrimental effect on other teams in the league competition.
c)The league committee is of the opinion that the presence of two or more teams from the same club is unviable, insofar that the club wishing to enter two or more teams has not clearly demonstrated they have the capability (either regarding player availability or any other reason) to maintain that number of teams in the league competition for the duration of the season.
B1.10In respect of Article B.109, should the league committee object to multiple teams from the same Full Membership Club entering into the league competition, a vote shall be taken of team managers (with the exception of the team or teams to which the vote pertains) as to whether multiple teams from that club can be entered into the league competition.
B1.11In respect of Article B1.10, the vote shall be taken by a show of hands and shall require a majority. In the event of a tie, the chair of the league committee shall have the casting vote.
B1.12Entry into the league competition is subject to an entry fee, per team entered. The entry fee into the league competition shall be stipulated in that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
B1.13All teams must pay their league entry fees by 30th September for the season.
B1.15Any outstanding monies owed by any team shall be dealt with in accordance with Section D or this rulebook, which may include preventing a team from competing in the league competition until such time as the overdue monies are received.
B2.01Within ten days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the competitions secretary shall devise and propose a league format (or multple formats) to team managers for the forthcoming season.
B2.02Team managers shall have an agreed period of time to study the proposal(s) and provide feedback to the competitions secretary.
B2.03If necessary, the competitions secretary shall propose revised format(s) following feedback from team managers.
B2.04Where no consensus can be reached by team managers on the proposed league competition format(s) within a reasonable timescale, the league committee shall schedule and conduct a vote of team managers to decide upon a format.
B2.05In respect of Article B2.04, the exact nature of the vote shall be stipulated by the league committee, which shall depend on the nature of the proposals made. The league committee shall decide on the fairest and most efficient method of voting to provide an outcome.
B2.06The winner of a league match shall score three points. Each team participating in a league match which is drawn shall score one point.
B2.07The position of teams in a league table shall be determined by the number of points scored in that season, the team having scored the highest number of points being at the top of the table and the team having scored the lowest number of points being at the bottom.
B2.08If any 2 or more teams have scored the same number of points, their position in the table shall be determined in the following order:
a)head-to-head result(s) between those teams shall be used to calculate the higher placed team(s) – using an aggregate scoring system if the teams have played each other more than once in the league competition.
b)the team with the lower or lowest disciplinary Points Per Game (PPG) score shall be ranked higher in the league standings.
c)the team with the higher or highest goal difference, that is to say, the difference between the total number of goals scored by and against a team in league matches during that season.
d)If any two or more teams have the same goal difference, the higher or highest placed team shall be the team having scored the most goals in league matches during that season.
e)If any two or more teams have scored the same number of points, have an equal head-to-head record, have the same disciplinary PPG score, have the same goal difference, and have scored the same number of goals in league matches during the season, then the teams shall be deemed to occupy the same position in the league table, subject to rule B2.09.
B2.09If, after following the protocols stipulated in Article B2.08, the winners of a league competition cannot be determined, a play-off on a neutral ground shall be held by order of the league committee.
B2.10If, after following the protocols stipulated in Article B2.08, promotion to, or relegation from, a league cannot be determined, a play-off on a neutral ground may occur if so demanded by the league committee.
B2.11In respect of Articles B2.09 and B2.10, the format, timing and venue of any play-off match shall be set by the league committee.
B2.12The pitch hire costs of any play-off match arising from Articles B2.09 and B2.10 shall be covered by the league. Match official costs shall be split equally between the competing clubs.
B2.13The team which is at the top of any table at the end of the season shall be classified as that league's champions, unless a play-off system is introduced in respect of Article B2.05, or a play-off arising from Articles B2.09 or B2.10 occurs. The winners of those play-off matches shall be classified as that league's champions.
B2.14League champions shall receive a trophy at the end of the season. They shall return the trophy to the competitions secretary in good order and condition no later than the following 15th April, unless it is agreed in writing by the league committee that the champions may retain the trophy.
B2.15Any damage to a league or cup trophy shall be paid for by the respective holders of that trophy.
B2.16Any engraving shall be carried out on the instruction of the league committee or its representatives. Winning teams are not permitted to carry out any engraving of their own accord without prior permission.
B2.17Champions of any league shall further receive 18 commemorative medals. Additional medals may be ordered at the request and expense of that league's champions.
B2.18The final league standings in one season may be used to formulate the following season's league format, unless agreed otherwise by team managers using Articles B2.01 to B2.05.
B3.01Between the end of the Annual General Meeting and the start of the season, the league committee shall recommend to the team managers group the forthcoming season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
B3.02In respect of Articles B3.01, team managers shall conduct a vote to ratify the recommendations of the league committee. Voting shall be by show of hands and shall require a majority decision.
B3.04As a minimum, the Fees & Fines Tariff shall include the following:
a)the entry fee into the forthcoming league season,
b)the entry fee(s) into any cup competition(s),
c)the fines incurred for any cautions and dismissals issued by a match official,
d)the suspensions to be served relating to any dismissals issued by a match official,
e)the threshold of accumilated cautions before an automatic suspension is to be served,
f)match official fees,
g)any other fees, fines and suspensions the league deems appropriate in order to maintain discipline - both on field and off field - throughout the league.
B4.01The league committee shall decide whether to hold a cup competition (or competitions) to supplement the league competition for the forthcoming season.
B4.02All teams of Full Membership Clubs shall automatically be entered into any cup competitions for the season, unless they send written communication to the competitions secretary advising of their intention not to compete, no later than the date of fixture publication.
B4.03All teams of Associate Membership Clubs shall be entered into any cup competitions, unless they send written communication to the competitions secretary advising of their intention not to compete, no later than the date of fixture publication.
B4.04At the full discretion of the league committee, teams who do not hold Full or Associate Club Membership may be invited to take part in a cup competition for the purposes of creating a more meaningful, or more logistically viable competition.
B4.05Each team must pay an entry fee to compete in the cup, which is payable no later than 30th September of any given season.
B4.06Any teams failing to pay their cup fees by the deadline as stipulated in Article B4.05 shall face disciplinary action in accordance with Section D of this constitution, which may include preventing a team from competing in any cup competitions.
B4.07The competitions secretary shall devise and propose a cup competition format (or multiple formats) to team managers for the forthcoming season.
B4.08Team managers shall have an agreed period of time to study the cup proposal(s) and provide feedback to the competitions secretary. If necessary, the competitions secretary shall propose revised cup format(s) following feedback from team managers.
B4.09Where no consensus can be reached by team managers on the proposed cup competition format(s) within a reasonable timescale, the league committee shall schedule and conduct a vote of team managers to decide upon a format.
B4.10In respect of Article B4.09, the exact nature of the vote shall be stipulated by the league committee, which shall depend on the nature of the proposals made. The league committee shall decide on the fairest and most efficient method of voting to provide an outcome.
B4.11The winners of any cup competitions shall receive a trophy, which it shall return to the competitions secretary in good order and condition no later than the following 15th April, unless it is agreed in writing by the league committee that the winners may retain the trophy.
B4.12The winners of any cup competitions shall receive 20 commemorative medals.
B4.13The winners of any cup competitions may request additional medals, which may be ordered at the request and expense of the cup winners.
B4.14The final ties of any cup competitions shall be held at a neutral venue, to be decided by the league committee. The cost(s) of the neutral venue shall be met by the League.
B4.15The match officials for the final ties of any cup competitions shall be appointed by the referee secretary. The costs of all three match officials shall be split equally by the competing clubs.
B4.16The costs of match officials for any other round of a cup competition shall be met by the away team, with the home team responsible for the costs of pitch hire.
B4.17A coin toss seven days prior to any final ties of a cup competition shall decide which team shall be deemed as the “home” team. The side winning the coin toss shall have first choice of kit colour in the event of a clash.
B4.18All cup fixtures that are tied after the end of normal time shall go straight to penalty kicks, in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.
B5.01Any team voluntarily withdrawing from the league competition shall also automatically be withdrawn from all other cup competitions.
B5.02To preserve the sporting integrity of any cup competitions, any team voluntarily withdrawing from a cup competition for any reason shall also automatically be withdrawn from the league competition.
B5.03Where it is clearly demonstrated that a team's withdrawal from a cup competition is due to unforseen and/or exceptional circumstances, the league committee shall consider such circumstances and - at their discretion - disregard Article B5.02 should such a withdrawal clearly unaffect the sporting integrity of the cup competition.
B5.04In relation to Article Bx5.04, the league committee reserves the right to invite another team, or reinstate a team previously eliminated from the competition, to replace the team voluntarily withdrawing from a cup competition.
B5.05Where a team withdraws from the league competition, or has their membership revoked as stipulated in Article A4, the following procedures shall apply:
a)the team shall have all their results expunged, and;
b)the team shall be removed from the league standings, and;
c)all goalscorers for that team shall be removed from the goalscorers standings, and;
d)the team shall be removed from the Fair Play standings, and;
e)the team shall be removed from any cup competition(s) they are still involved with.
B5.06In respect of Article B5.05, whilst all results of the withdrawn team shall be expunged, the following statistics shall remain recorded on the league database:
a)players who have scored goals in previous fixtures against the withdrawn team, and;
b)players who received a caution or dismissal in previous fixtures against the withdrawn team.
B5.07In respect of Article B5.06, and for the avoidance of any doubt, where a player is serving a suspension following a caution or dismissal received in a previous fixture against a withdrawn team, this suspension shall remain.
B6.01Upon agreement of a league and - if applicable - cup format (herein, simply referred to as 'league format'), the competitions secretary shall formulate a fixture list for the forthcoming season.
B6.02Teams have the option to 'block out' a maximum of four weekends per season, whereby they shall not be given any fixtures in any comptitions by the competitions secretary.
B6.03Team are only allowed to 'block out' two weekends in the first half of the season, and two in the second half. For clarity, the first and second half of the seasons shall be interpreted as follows:
a)Window 1 - Start of the season to the end of December (max 2 weekends)
b)Window 2 - Start of January until the end of the season (max 2 weekends)
B6.04Associate Member Clubs are not permitted to 'block out' weekends, however the league committee shall work with Associate Member Clubs when scheduling cup fixtures.
B6.05A team must provide written notification of the weekends they wish to 'block out' for the season to the competitions secretary, within five days of a league format being agreed. Requests made after this time may be considered, but not honoured.
B6.06Block out' weekends are designed to allow teams the opportunity to partake in activities away away from competitive fixtures or competition(s). Teams are not permitted to play in any other competitive fixture, competition, or tournament on weekends they have requested to 'block out', unless they have received written authority from the league committee.
B6.07Exceptions can be made to Articles B6.03 and B6.06 whereby a team or parent club are competing in an international tournament and written notice is given to the competitions secretary of said international tournament before the start of the season.
B6.08Teams should inform the competitions secretary regarding the arrangement or rearrangement of non-LUL fixtures and tournaments they’re involved in at the earliest possible opportunity.
B6.09Any other exceptions made to Articles B6.03 and B6.07 shall be made by the league committee under very limited circumstances.
B6.10Teams are not obligied to utilise any/all of their 'block out' weekends during a season. Unused 'block out' weekends may not be carried over from one season to the next.
B6.11Teams should contact the competitions secretary, in writing, with any fixture scheduling requests within five days of a league format being agreed. The competitions secretary cannot guarantee that such requests can be accommodated.
B6.12The competitions secretary shall endeavour to work with affiliate competitions (eg. GFSN National League), established tournaments, and other notable events, to formulate a harmonious fixture calender that minimises any fixture clashes. The league committee cannot guarantee that clashes can be avoided.
B6.13The competitions secretary shall endeavour to publish the fixture list for the season no later than 5 weeks prior to the start of the season.
B6.14All league fixtures shall be scheduled on a Sunday, and shall kick off between the hours of 11am and 4pm, at a time stipulated by the home team, unless a time outside of those hours is mutually agreed between both clubs.
B6.15In respect of Article B6.14, a fixture may be played on any other day subject to both teams coming to such an agreement.
B6.15The Competitions Secretary reserves the right to classify any league or cup fixture as a 'notable match' for any reason. Such a classification may result in the League Committee:
a)appointing its own match official(s) to the fixture, and/or;
b)ordering the fixture to be played at a neutral venue, and/or;
c)rearranging the fixture for an alternative date, and/or;
d)make any other reasonable demand or request of either team.
B7.01From the date the fixture list is published by the competitions secretary, all fixtures are considered to be fixed and alterations to fixtures shall be wholly governed by Article B6.
B7.02The competitions secretary reserves the right to postpone, reinstate, or alter any fixture giving a minimum of 21 days notice for the sole benefit of administering the league. This may include ordering a tie to be played at a different venue.
B7.03Teams are expected to be able to fulfil fixtures, home or away, from the second weekend in September until the third weekend in May, with the exception of the weekend prior to Christmas and any weekends from 24th December through to 2nd January inclusive.
B7.04In respect of Article B7.03, the non-availability of a team's usual home pitch (i.e. at the start or end of a season) shall not be accepted as a valid reason to request a fixture to be rearranged.
B7.05A team wishing to rearrange a fixture must, in the first instance, seek the agreement of the opposition team. An opposition team has the right to decline any request for a rearrangement from another team, and shall not be compelled to provide a reason for declining such a request.
B7.06If two teams agree to rearrange a fixture, the rearrangement shall only be accepted by the competitions secretary if the following conditions are satisfied:
a)a new date for the fixture has been agreed by both teams, and;
b)the competitions secretary believes the rearrangement will have no adverse affect on the league, or a cup competition, or affect the sporting integrity of any competition, nor unduly affect any other teams.
B7.07The comptitions secretary reserves the right to decline any proposed rearrangement if the conditions in Article B7.06 are not satisfied.
B7.08Teams and the league committee are reminded to reminded to work together, assume good faith, and maintain the spirit of the league when attempting to rearrange any fixture.
B7.09The finals of any cup competitions are arranged by the league committee at a neutral venue, and thus likely to have a fixed date by which all previous ties must be complete. Teams therefore must be mindful that any request to rearrange a cup fixture in earlier rounds shall face higher scrutiny from the competitions secretary.
B7.10If teams play each other home and away during a league season, those teams shall be permitted to switch their respective home/away matches if the dates of those fixtures remain the same. Such a switch must be communicated to the competitions secretary in writing.
B7.11Where a match cannot take place at the originally stated venue due to a reason stipulated in Article B8.02 AND, at short notice, the nominated away team are able to accommodate the fixture at their home ground on the same day, the following procedures shall apply:
a)if the teams are meant to play each other both home and away, and the reverse fixture has not yet been played, the fixture shall be reversed - that is to say, the original away team shall now become the home team, and vice versa. The reverse fixture shall also be changed to ensure both teams have a fair number of home and away games.
b)if the teams are meant to play each other both home and away, and the reverse fixture has already been played, the originally nominated home club shall be liable to pay the pitch and match official costs incurred by the originally nominated away team.
c)where teams are meant to play each other only once per season, the originally nominated home club shall be liable to pay the pitch and match official costs incurred by the originally nominated away team.
B7.12In respect of Article B7.11, where the fixture is a cup tie the same philosophy/procedures shall apply in respect of one-leg or two-legged ties.
B8.01Ordinarily, a postponement of a fixture shall only be permitted when the reason for the postponement is due to circumstances beyond a team's control.
B8.02The only individuals authorised to postpone a fixture are:
a)the groundsperson or owners of the venue, for reasons relating to the condition of the pitch and/or due to a safety issue relating to infrastructure at the venue.
b)an official of the home team, who, upon conducting a pitch inspection at least 3 hours prior to kick off, declares the pitch at that time to be unfit or unsafe following adverse weather, with no realistic possibility the state of the pitch will improve in time for the scheduled kick off.
c)a match official, who, upon conducting a pitch inspection declares the pitch unfit or unsafe to commence the fixture, or deems the pitch does not conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game.
d)the league committee, making a decision to postpone a match (or matches) on the grounds of safety, force majeure, or in accordance with Articles B7 & B8.
e)any other authority, exercising its statutory powers to that effect.
B8.03In respect of Article B8.02 b), where a postponement is decided by an official of the home team on the day of the fixture, this declaration must be made at least three hours prior to the scheduled kick off time. Within three hours of a fixtures scheduled kick off time, only persons listed in Articles B8.02 a), c), d) or e) are authorised to postpone a fixture.
B8.04In very extreme circumstances, the league committee shall grant a postponement of a fixture where a team (or parent club) demonstrates an unforeseen and compelling reason for being unable to fulfil the fixture.
B8.05Postponed fixtures shall be rearranged for the first free fixture date available for both teams. Both teams shall be notified in writing of the new date by the competitions secretary.
B8.06The competition secretary reserves the right to rearrange other fixtures in order to accommodate any postponed fixture.
B8.07Where a postponement occurs before the day of the match, the home team must communicate this to the away team, the competitions secretary and the match official(s) without any undue delay.
B8.08In respect of Article B8.07, a home team failing to notify the away team, the competitions secretary, or the match officials of a postponement in good time may result in disciplinary action.
B8.09If the match official(s) arrive at a venue and, after conducting a pitch inspection, declare the pitch surface unfit or unsafe to commence a fixture due to weather, the match shall be postponed. The match official(s) shall be entitled to 50% of their match fee.
B8.10Should the match official(s) refuse to commence a fixture owing to an unsuitable or unsafe field of play unrelated to weather, or the field of play does not conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, this shall be considered a postponement. The match official(s) shall be entitled to 100% of their match fee.
B8.11The league committee does not consider the number of available players to be a circumstance outside a team's control. Should a fixture be postponed due to a team not having enough available players, that team shall forfeit the match.
B8.12The competitions secretary reserves the right to investigate any forfeited or postponed fixture and report their findings to the league committee. The league committee reserve the right to commence disciplinary precedings in line with the disciplinary section of the constitution in relation to a forfeited or postponed fixture.
B8.13Where it is decided the reasons for a postponement or forfieture were within the control of a team, the opposing team shall be awarded a default victory.
B8.14If a forfeited fixture is a second-leg of a cup fixture, the opposing team shall automatically progress to the next round regardless of the scoreline carried over from the previous leg.
B8.15Where a home team has the ability to change from one surface to another at short notice due to inclement weather (or any other reasonable reason), the opposition team cannot ordinarily refuse such a request - so long as it is clearly demonstrable the home team communicated the possibility of a surface change in a reasonable timeframe.
B8.16Where a home team has the ability to change from one surface to another at short notice due to inclement weather (or any other reasonable reason), the kick off time can be altered by a maximum of 90 minutes later than the original kick off time, but not any earlier.
B8.17In respect of Article B8.16, a request by the designated home team to change the kick off time by more than 90 minutes, or to a time earlier than the originally stated kick off, may be agreed by the opposition team, however the opposition team are within their rights to refuse such a request.
B8.18Where a team forfeits a fixture during the league season, they shall face disciplinary action as set out in the disciplinary section of this document. They shall also face a points deduction as set out in the Fees & Fines Tariff for the current season.
B9.01All parties must endeavour to ensure that a fixture is played or finished wherever possible, however the safety and welfare of players is of paramount importance to the league.
B9.02The only person with the authority to abandon a fixture is the designated match official. They are the sole authority in determining whether it is safe to continue a fixture.
B9.03If a fixture is abandoned and 59 minutes or fewer have been played, the fixture shall be replayed in its entirety.
B9.04In respect of Article B9.03, any replay shall ordinarily be played at the home venue of the designated home team.
B9.05In respect of Articles B9.03 and B9.04, if both teams and the league committee agree that replaying the fixture is considered logistically impractical or immaterial to the league standings, the scoreline at the time of the abandonment shall be taken as the final result.
B9.06In respect of Article B9.05, the league committee reserves the right to demand the fixture is replayed in its entirety.
B9.07If a match is abandoned on or after the 60th minute, the fixture shall finish and the current scoreline at the time of the abandonment shall be taken as the final result.
B9.08In respect of Articles B9.03 and B9.07, where an abandonment occurs owing to their being fewer than 7 players on the pitch, the league committee reserves the right to investigate the abandonment and commence disciplinary proceedings.
B9.10The match official is the sole arbiter of time keeping, in respects to the recorded time of an abandoned fixture.
B9.11A match official abandoning a fixture must contact the competitions secretary and provide details of the circumstances leading to the abandonment.
B9.12There will be no recourse or appeal regarding any decision(s) made by the league committee regarding an abandonment or the decision to replay a fixture.
B10.01The designated home team shall notify the league and the opposition of the details of a forthcoming match no later than five days preceding the date of the fixture. For example, for a Sunday fixture, official notification must be sent by the preceding Tuesday 23:59hrs.
B10.02In respect of Article B10.01, the method to submit a match notification shall be stipulated by the competitions secretary at the start of each season.
B10.03In respect of Article B10.01, a designated home team failing to submit a match notification within the stipulated deadline shall be fined in accordance with that seasons Fees & Fines Tariff.
B10.04Following the submission of notification of a fixture, should any details or particulars change regarding the fixture, the designated home team must inform the designated away team and the competitions secretary without any undue delay. Any changes must adhere to the rules of this document.
B10.05Following the completion of a fixture, both the designated home team and the designated away team must submit a post-match report no later than 24hrs after the final whistle.
B10.06In respect of Article B10.05, the competitions secretary shall stipulate the method of post-match reporting at the start of the season.
B10.07In respect of Article B10.05, teams failing to submit a post-match report within the stipulated deadline shall be fined in accordance with that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
B10.08As, ordinarily, the designated home team appoint their own match official(s), the designated home team are responsible for ensuring their match official completes a referee report within 24hrs of the final whistle.
B10.09In respect of Article B10.08, should a match official fail to complete a referee report within the stipulated deadline, the designated home team shall be fined in accordance with that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
B10.10In respect of Articles B10.03, B10.07, and B10.09, multiple failures to complete match notifications, post- match reporting, and referee reporting shall incur additional sanction as stipulated in that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
B11.01Where the league committee, acting reasonably, considers it will be necessary to interrupt, suspend (temporarily or otherwise), or curtail a competition, it shall call a meeting of team managers to ratify such a decision.
B11.02Following an interruption or temporary suspension of a competition, if the league committee considers it unrealistic or unfeasible to resume the competition in its current form, the league committee shall propose an altered competition format to find the fairest and most meaningful conclusion to the competition.
B11.03Should a competition be curtailed, the league shall begin a period of consultation with team managers to find the fairest method of curtailing the competition and determining any outcome(s).
B11.04In respect of Articles B11.01 & B11.02, in both scenarios team managers shall conduct a vote to ratify any proposal(s) or methods of determinaing outcomes. Voting shall be by show of hands and shall require a majority decision.
Section C
Pitches, Venues, Players & Kit
C1.01All league and cup matches must be scheduled and played on one of the following surfaces:
a)a natural grass pitch, or;
b)an FA-approved, all-weather pitch - often informally described as a "4G pitch".
For the avoidance of any doubt, a sand-dressed pitch, or a pitch typically used for field hockey, is not a permitted surface for any league or cup fixture.
C1.02Pitches used for league and cup fixtures must:
a)conform to the relevant pitch length and width measurements as stipulated in the FIFA Laws of the Game, and;
b)have correctly sized goals that conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, and;
c)have adequate netting securely fixed to the goalposts, crossbar and the ground, and;
d)have clear pitch markings that conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game, and;
e)have a corner flag at each corner of the field of play.
C1.03A match official may disregard Articles C1.02 c) and e) to allow a fixture to commence, but must report the breach of regulation(s) to the competitions secretary. The designated home team shall incur a fine as stipulated in that season's Fees and Fines Tariff.
C1.04Each team must have a booking for, and the explicit permission of, the owners and/or custodians of the pitch being used for a league or cup fixture. Teams must produce, on demand of the match official or the league committee, proof of pitch booking.
C1.05Teams that have the ability to change to a different pitch surface at short notice due to inclement weather (i. e. natural grass to 4G, or vice versa) must communicate this to the opposition team and match officials in line with Articles B7.15, B7.16 and B7.17.
C1.06The designated home team for any league or cup fixture shall ensure they have three matchballs that conform to the FIFA Laws of the Game. The match official is the sole arbiter of whether a matchball is acceptable for a fixture. A designated home team failing to ensure three acceptable matchballs are available for a fixture shall be fined in accordance with that seasons Fees & Fines Tariff.
C2.01The designated home team shall book a venue that provides two indoor changing facilities for players - one for the home team and one for the visiting team.
C2.02Additionally to Article C2.01, the designated home team shall also ensure their booking provides a separate changing facility for match officials.
C2.03Where separate changing facilities cannot be provided, teams (and if required match officials) shall be expected to work together to share facilities. If required, teams and match officials shall alternate usage of facilities to maintain separation if required.
C2.04In respect of Article C2.03, such a scenario should not be acceptable in the long term. Where a team cannot provide separate changing facilities on a long term basis, the team must endeavour to remedy the situation or seek a new home venue with adequate facilities.
C2.05The designated home team shall ensure any booking includes access to the indoor changing facilities at least 45 minutes prior to kick off, during the entirety of the fixture (in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game), and for a reasonable period following the conclusion of the fixture.
C2.06The designated home team shall ensure they book a venue that has adequate toilet facilities, with a minimum of one private toilet cubicle available for all players and officials.
C2.07Away teams may have specific changing requirements for one or more of their players. Where this scenario exists, the away team must notify the designated home team in good time, and the designated home team must endeavour to accommodate any reasonable requests.
C2.08The designated home team must ensure their venue booking includes adequate showering facilities for all players and match officials.
C2.09Each team playing in a league or cup fixture must have their own first aid kit readily available at the side of the pitch. The recommended list of items for a first aid kit are available on the London Unity League website.
C2.10The London Unity League strongly recommends teams use facilities that have access to - or are in close proximity of - a defibrillator. The designated home team manager, or a nominated individual of the home team present during a fixture, should have knowledge of the location of the nearest defibrillator.
C2.11Each team shall take all reasonable steps throughout the season to book adequate facilities for league and cup fixtures, to the standard as described in Articles C1 & C2. Should repeated breaches of standard occur, the league committee reserves the right to order a team to seek an alternative home venue.
C3.01Any individual may play for a team without prior registration, so long as that individual:
a)is not suspended from London Unity League, and/or;
b)is not suspended from any other affiliated league or competition, such as the GFSN National League, and/or;
c)is aged 16 or over on the date of a fixture.
C3.02In respect of Article C3.01 b), "suspended from any other affiliated league or competition" shall refer to a suspension arising from a disciplinary hearing, and does not refer to automatic bans relating to on-field misconduct.
For the avoidance of any doubt, an individual serving an automatic suspension from any other affiliated league or competition shall be permitted, in principle, to particpate in London Unity League fixtures.
C3.03The London Unity League reserves the right to prevent any individual playing for a London Unity League team in any competition should that individual be currently serving a sine die suspension from any other league or competition.
C3.04No team shall field an individual aged between 16-18 years old, unless they can clearly demonstrate that:
a)they have an appointed Club Welfare Officer, AND
b)that any coaches, managers, medics and any other club officials that have direct contact with a player aged between 16-18 have valid DBS checks, AND
c)they have documented safeguarding procedures that follows current FA policies, advice and/or guidelines.
C3.05The league committee may, on demand, ask teams for proof of such documentation as stipulated in Article C3.04. Should a team fail to produce such documentation, the player aged between 16-18 years of age shall not be permitted to partake in league or cup fixtures.
C3.06There is no maximum age for a player in any league or cup fixture subject to that team being satisfied with the fitness of that player.
C3.07A player is not permitted to represent more than one team in any cup, or any other knock-out cup competition organised by the league committee. A player who features for a team in any cup competition (regardless of the outcome of the match) is cup-tied to that team until the conclusion of that year’s competition.
C3.08In respect of Article C3.07, it is the sole responsibility of each team and their appointed managers to ensure any player representing their team in a London Unity League or Cup fixture is eligible.
C3.09The league committee reserves the right to investigate any breach of Articles C3.04 and C3.07 and commence disciplinary proceedings against the team in question in line with Section D of this constitution.
C3.10The maximum squad size for a league or cup fixture is 18.
C3.11"Roll on / roll off" substitutions are permitted for all league and cup fixtures. A player who has been substituted during a match becomes a substitute and may, in turn, replace another player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the FIFA Laws of the Game.
C3.12All players partaking in a league or cup fixture agrees to hold harmless the London Unity League, it's officials, officers, elected representatives, the match officials, the opposing team or any officer of the above, for any liability arising out of playing in a fixture, or any injury arising from partaking in a fixture.
C4.01A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.
C4.02All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
C4.03Players are not permitted to wear any sports watches, pedometers, or electronic equipment during a league and cup fixture. It is not permitted to wear such items under a wristband, or inside kit (eg. tucked inside a sock).
C4.04The compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
a)shirt with sleeves, with each shirt having it's own printed number.
b)shorts
c)socks - tape or any material applied or worn externally must be the same colour as that part of the sock it is applied to or covers
d)shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards
e)footwear
C4.05The team captain must wear an armband that clearly identifies them as the captain.
C4.06The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and the match officials.
C4.07It is the responsibility of the designated home team to notify their opposition of the colours they shall be wearing for a league or cup fixture, via the method directed by the league committee for each season.
C4.08Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials.
C4.09If the two goalkeepers’ shirts are the same colour and neither has another shirt, the match official allows the match to be played
C4.10Each team shall ensure their players wear individual numbered jerseys for a league or cup fixture. Failure to wear individually reported jerseys shall incur a fine as stipulated in that seasons Fees & Fines Tariff.
C4.11Undershirts must be a single colour which is the same colour as the main colour of the shirt sleeve, or a pattern/colours which exactly replicate(s) the shirt sleeve
C4.12Undershorts/tights must be the same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts – players of the same team must wear the same colour.
C4.13Non-dangerous protective equipment, for example gloves, headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material is permitted, as are goalkeepers’ caps and sports spectacles. Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms.
C4.14A match official may, on demand, inspect any bandage, cast, or medical supports worn by a player and be the sole judge as to whether such articles are permitted to be worn. The match official is within their right to refuse a player permission to partake in a fixture if they feel any such article would endanger a participant.
C4.15Sports eyewear is permitted in league and cup fixtures, so long as the match officials are satisfied such eyewear poses no danger to the wearer or other participants.
C4.16No player, during a fixture, is permitted to wear any equipment or device on the field of play that has the ability to record audio or video footage.
C4.17In respect of Article C4.16, any player found to have used such equipment or device on the field of play during a fixture, that is subsequently published online (or the footage is found to be in the public domain) shall face disciplinary action in line with Section D of the league rules.
C4.18Law 4 of the FIFA Laws of the Game ("The Players' Equipment"), which from time to time may be altered, changed or updated by The IFAB, supersedes Article C4 at all times.
C5.01For league and cup fixtures, it is the responsibility of the designated home team to source the services of a qualified match official, unless the competitions secretary invokes Article B6.15
C5.02The home team are required to inform the league of the name and contact details of their match official for each fixture by the method directed by the league committee each season.
C5.03In respect of article C5.02, a team failing to notify the league of their match officials details shall incur a fine in line with that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
C5.04It is the responsibility of the match officials to ensure that they are familiar with the league rules. The team (or other authority appointing a match official) shall ensure that the match official has obtained a copy of these rules.
C5.05If the services of a qualified match official cannot be secured, a competent volunteer from the designated home team must be used with the prior approval of both teams and the competitions secretary. In such circumstances, the competitions secretary must be contacted at least an hour before kick-off and the volunteer’s name and contact details provided.
C5.06Teams are to identify referee training opportunities, with a view to each participating team having a least one qualified referee available for each fixture.
C5.07Wherever competent volunteers are available, the match official must appoint assistant referees to assist with the officiating of the match. Where practical, each competing team must provide one competent volunteer.
C5.08In respect of Article C5.07, were volunteers aren’t available or the match official does not deem the volunteers to be competent, the match official has the right to officiate the match without assistant referees.
C5.09A match official may wear any colour jersey when officiating a match, so long as that colour does not clash with either competing team.
C5.10Referees, ordinarily, shall officiate in black referee jerseys. Any team who regularly play in black (or any other dark colour that may clash with the jersey of a match official) are expected to source an alternate colour jersey which they can provide to the match official to prevent any clash.
C5.11It is the responsbility of the designated home team to provide assistant referee flags for any league or cup fixture.
C5.12The designated home team are responsible for paying the appropriate fees for the services of a match official. Match fees are stipulated in each season's fees and fines tariff.
C5.13In respect of Article C5.12, where the the league committee have invoked Article B6.15 c) and have appointed a match official on behalf of the designated home team, the designated home team shall be responsible for paying the appropriate fees for the services of said match official, in line with the current season's fees and fines tariff.
C5.14The match official(s) have full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game and the competition rules in connection with a league or cup fixture.
C5.15The match official(s) are the sole authority on timekeeping, the recording of misconduct, and the reporting of any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the fixture.
C5.16Match officials are not held liable for:
a)any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator
b)any damage to property of any kind
c)any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision taken under the terms of the FIFA Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match
C5.17In respect of Article C5.16 c), such decisions may include a decision:
a)that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place
b)to abandon a match for whatever reason
c)as to the suitability of the field equipment and ball used during a match
d)to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in spectator areas
e)to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment
f)to require an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment
g)to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain clothing or equipment
h)where the referee has the authority, to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play
i)any other decision taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with their duties under the rules of the competition rules or regulations under which the match is played
C5.18It is the designated home team's responsibility to ensure their match official notifies the competitions secretary of the match result, any misconduct, and any other details as requested by the league within 24hrs of the final whistle, using the method stipulated by the league for that season.
Section D
Disciplinary
D1.01All league and cup fixtures adhere to the current FIFA Laws of the Game.
D1.02Match officials can issue cautions and dismissals during league and cup fixtures in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game.
D1.03Automatic suspensions and fines relating to cautions and dismissals issued during league and cup fixtures are stipulated in each season's Fees and Fines Tariff.
D1.04A team accuring five or more cautions and/or dismissals during a league or cup fixture shall be fined in accordance with that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
D1.05A team accuring five or more cautions and/or dismissals on a second occasion during a league or cup fixture shall face a disciplinary hearing.
D1.06A player who receives a second dismissal of the season shall incur an additional ban, on top of the automatic ban, as stipulated in that season's Fees & Fines Tariff.
D1.07A player who receives a third dismissal of the season shall be automatically suspended from all playing activities and shall be required to attend a league disciplinary hearing.
D1.08Where a player is suspended - either by automatic suspension or via a league disciplinary hearing - that player is not permitted to partake in any league or cup fixture for any other team or club until the period of suspension has been served, relating to the team they were representing when they committed said offence (or, from the date when the suspension was imposed at a disciplinary hearing).
D1.09Cautions cannot be appealed. A caution maybe transferred from one player to another where it can be proven to the league committee that the caution was incorrectly issued to the wrong player.
D1.10In truly exceptional circumstances, the league committee may seek to increase the disciplinary consequences of a sending-off offence whereby they feel the standard punishment is clearly insufficient. A disciplinary hearing shall be held in such circumstances.
D1.11No participant in the London Unity League shall discriminate, either directly or indirectly, on the basis of ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability.
D1.12Where an individual is dismissed from the field of play with the sending off code S6 (Use of offensive, insulting or abusive language) and it is alleged the language is discriminatory in nature, this will constitute an aggravated breach of the league rules and subject to a disciplinary hearing.
D2.01A player and/or their team can appeal certain dismissals only on the basis of Wrongful Dismissal.
D2.02A player dismissed for Offensive or insulting or abusive language/gestures (S6), or for Receiving a second caution in a game (S7) cannot appeal the dismissal. All other dismissals (S1, S2, S3, S4/S5) may be appealed.
D2.03In order for a claim of Wrongful Dismissal to be successful the player and/or their team must establish by the evidence it submits that the match official made an obvious error in dismissing the player. The burden rests on the player and their team to prove this. Note: the role of the any appeal hearing is not to usurp the role of the match official or to simply re-referee the incident.
D2.04A player and/or their team wishing to appeal a dismissal on the basis that they believe the match official made an obvious error must contact the competitions secretary in writing no later than 48hrs from the time of kick off of the fixture , stating their intention to appeal - providing a written statement and any other evidence (i.e. video footage) to support their case.
D2.05In respect of Article D2.01, any player and/or their club wishing to appeal a dismissal on the basis of wrongful dismissal must pay a £30 appeal fee. Should any appeal be successful, the appeal fee shall be refunded. The appeal fee will be retained by the league in the event of an unsuccessful appeal.
D2.06An appeal shall be heard by two members of the league committee within 72hrs of the appeal being lodged - ordinarily the Competitions Secretary and one other.
D2.07In respect of Article D2.06, the two members of the league committee hearing the appeal shall not be permitted to have any current or previous affiliation with the appellant team, or any direct or indirect involvement with the original incident.
D2.08The appeal hearing shall hear the evidence provided by the player (and/or their team) and interview the match official.
D2.09Where the league committee believes that an appeal or claim of wrongful dismissal had no prospect of success or amounted to an abuse of process, the team and/or individual(s) may be charged with misconduct by the league committee.
D3.01Each team shall accrue disciplinary points throughout the season relating to offences committed either by teams as a whole, and/or by their players through on-field misconduct, and/or through any other sanctions as set out by either the season's Fees & Fines Tariff, and/or via a sanction arising from a disciplinary hearing.
D3.02Disciplinary points for teams and players are listed each season's Fees and Fines Tariff.
D3.03All teams competing in league and cup competitions throughout a season shall be combined together in one singular Disciplinary Table.
D3.04The position of teams in the Disciplinary table shall be determined by calculating an average 'points per game' (PPG) total. That is to say, disciplinary points teams have accrued throughout the season shall be divided by the number of fixtures that team has played in league and cup fixtures.
D3.05The team with the lowest PPG shall be ranked at the top of the table, and the team having the highest PPG being at the bottom.
D3.06Where two or more teams have the same PPG total, the following procedures shall apply, in the following order, to determine the higher placed team or teams:
a)the team with fewer red cards shall be ranked higher in the Disciplinary table
b)the team that has accrued fewer dissent (sin bin) cautions throughout the season shall be ranked higher in the Disciplinary table.
c)the team that has accrued fewer team misconduct disciplinary points throughout the season shall be ranked higher.
d)if teams are still tied, they shall be judged to occupy the same position in the table.
D3.07The team (or teams) top of the Disciplinary table at the end of the season shall be classified as the league's Fair Play champions.
D3.08In respect of Articles D3.06, D3.07 and D3.08, where two teams occupy the same position in the Disciplinary table and are ranked 1st, they shall both be declared Fair Play champions and shall share the Brian Silk Fair Play Trophy.
D3.09Fair Play champions shall receive the Brian Silk Fair Play trophy at the end of the season. They shall return the trophy to the competitions secretary in good order and condition no later than the following 15th April, unless it is agreed in writing by the league committee that the Fair Play champions may retain the trophy.
D4.01Where a team and/or individual is be charged with a breach of league rules, or the league committee deem it neccesary to charge a team and/or individual, a disciplinary hearing shall be held.
D4.02In relation to Article D4.01, the Competitions Secretary shall notify the relevant team manager of the league's intention to charge a team and/or individual in writing.
D4.03A team and/or individual charged by the league shall be offered three dates for a disciplinary hearing. A team and/or individual are required to respond (in writing) within 72 hours stating their preferred date.
D4.04In respect of Article D4.04, a team and/or individual failing to respond within the stipulated timeframe shall forfeit the right to choose a date, and the hearing shall be held on one of the dates most convenient to the disciplinary panel.
D4.05All disciplinary hearings shall be heard by a panel of at least three persons selected from and by the League Committee and shall be chaired by the League Chair.
D4.06If the League Chair is unable to chair a disciplinary hearing, or it is deemed inappropriate for them to serve as chair of the hearing, the Competitions Secretary shall chair the hearing.
D4.07Should the league committee be unable to form a three-person disciplinary panel from its elected members, the league committee reserve the right to nominate another individual to serve on the panel.
D4.08Save where otherwise stated, the applicable standard of proof shall be the civil standard of the balance of probabilities.
D4.09A disciplinary hearing is not a court of law. In the interests of achieving a just and fair result, procedural and technical considerations must take second place to the paramount object of being just and fair to all parties.
D4.10All parties involved in disciplinary proceedings shall act in a spirit of co-operation to ensure such proceedings are conducted expeditiously, fairly and appropriately, having regard to their sporting context.
D4.11Where the subject matter of or facts relating to a Charge or Charges against one or more team(s) and/or individual(s) is sufficiently linked (including, but not limited to, where offences are alleged to have been committed in the same fixture or where there is common evidence of the league committee or the defence) and where appropriate for the timely and efficient disposal of the proceedings, the league committee and/or the disciplinary panel shall have the power to consolidate proceedings so that they are conducted together and the Charges may be determined at a joint hearing.
In respect of such matters:
a)evidence adduced by or on behalf of a team and/or individual shall be capable of constituting evidence against another team and/or individual (the relevant panel shall give appropriate weight to such evidence);
b)A team and/or individual (or their representatives) shall be entitled to cross-examine other teams and/or individuals and their witnesses; and
c)the relevant panel may hear evidence in any order and shall have complete discretion to take matters out of order for the timely, efficient and appropriate disposal of the proceedings.
D4.12A team and/or individual charged by the league may be represented by an individual (including a legal representative), provided that they notify the league both of the fact that they are to be represented and of the identity of their representative seven days prior to the hearing. The representative may speak on behalf of the team and/or individual charged.
D4.13An individual acting as a representative for a team and/or individual charged shall not be allowed to give evidence.
D4.14Disciplinary panel members to which these procedures apply and any other individual involved in any disciplinary proceedings shall not be held liable for any acts or omissions in relation to any such proceedings.
D4.15A disciplinary hearing shall hear any oral evidence, written evidence, and any video evidence provided by all parties. A panel to which these regulations apply:
a)shall not be obliged to follow the strict rules of evidence;
b)shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law;
c)may admit such evidence as it thinks fit and accord such evidence such weight as it thinks appropriate in all the circumstances; and
d)may draw such inference from the failure of a witness (including the team(s) and/or individual(s) charged) to give evidence or answer a question as it considers appropriate.
D4.16A disciplinary hearing may take place either in person at a location stipulated by the panel, or online using videoconferencing software.
D4.17Should the duration of a hearing exceed a reasonable timeframe, the hearing shall be adjorned and reconvened at the earliest opportunity.
D4.18Once all the evidence has been heard, the panel shall adjorn the hearing to consider its verdict.
D4.19Upon reaching a verdict, the hearing shall reconvene and inform the team and/or individual(s) charged of their decision. The hearing shall then be brought to a close.
D4.20If the charge has been found proven, the panel shall then agree upon a sanction(s). The team and/or individual(s) shall be informed of the sanction(s) in writing within 48 hours of the hearing.
D4.21Unless the disciplinary panel determines otherwise, a sanction shall come into effect immediately at the date of the notification of the decision.
D4.22A disciplinary panel may impose any one or more of the following sanctions to any team and/or individual(s) where a charge has been proven:
a)A written warning to a team and/or individual(s);
b)Suspend an individual (or individuals) either for a specific number of fixtures, or a time-based suspension*;
c)Annulling a result;
d)Forfeiting a fixture;
e)Ordering a replay of a fixture;
f)Deducting points from a team;
g)Ordering a team to pay the expenses of another team;
h)Relegate a team to a lower division should the league have more than one division;
i)Refer a team (or its parent club) to a Special General Meeting in order to expel that team (or its parent club) from the league.
j)Any other reasonable punishment the disciplinary panel deems appropriate
D4.23In respect of Article D4.22, a disciplinary panel has the power to impose more than one of the listed sanctions.
D4.24In respect of Article D4.22 b), a disciplinary panel may assess that a fixture-based suspension is not appropriate due to the specific circumstances of a case; the nature of the role of an individual, and/or whether they are currently engaged by a team or club.
D4.25A disciplinary panel shall have the power to suspend a sanction for a period of time as it deems appropriate.
D4.26Aggravating factors When determining sanction, a disciplinary panel shall give consideration to any aggravating and mitigating factors, to include but not limited to: • Repeated use of discriminatory language or conduct during commission of the offence or offences. • Multiple offences over a period of time. • The nature of the offence(s) (e.g. the commission of the offence(s) in a public place, online, via a social media platform, or online messaging. • Where the nature of any violent conduct or brutality was outrageously excessive. • The profile of a charged individual, including where they hold a position of responsibility within their team, club or organisation (e.g. Club captain, Manager, Chairman, member of senior management).. • Failure to co-operate with the league committee or disciplinary panel. • Previous disciplinary record of the team and/or participant. • Any attempt to conceal the breach. • The extent of any premeditation.. • Lack of remorse or insight and/or failure to understand and/or appreciate the severity of the conduct and/or its impact.
D4.27Mitigating factors • Admission at the earliest opportunity where the factual conduct forming the basis for the charge would be capable of being disputed. • Demonstration of genuine remorse. • Co-operation with the league committee and disciplinary panel. • Any other factors the disciplinary panel may deem as mitigating given the circumstances of the charge.
D5.01A team and/or individual(s) may appeal a decision reached by a disciplinary panel or the sanction imposed.
D5.02Notification of the intention to appeal shall be made in writing to the Competitions Secretary within 72 hours of receiving notification of the sanction, as stipulated in Article Dxx.xx.
D5.03A team and/or individual appealing a decision or sanction must pay an appeal hearing fee of £50.00, which shall be refunded if the appeal is successful.
D5.04Grounds of Appeal The grounds of appeal available to a team and/or individual shall be as follows: • the panel failed to give a team and/or individual a fair hearing; and/or • the panel misinterpreted or failed to comply with the Rules and/or regulations of the London Unity League relevant to its decision; and/or • the panel came to a decision to which no reasonable such body could have come; and/or • the panel imposed a sanction that was so excessive as to be unreasonable.
D5.06Upon receiving notification of a team and/or individual(s) intention to appeal, the league committee shall appoint an independent arbiter to hear the appeal.
D5.07The timeframe for hearing an appeal shall be determined by the availability of the independent individual. The league shall endeavour to appoint an independent arbiter as soon as practicably possible.
D5.08The appeal shall hear new evidence only where it has given leave that it may be presented, as described in Article D5.09.
D5.09New Evidence A team and/or individual(s) wishing to submit new evidence to support an appeal must clearly state as such, and must make an application to submit such evidence within their notification to appeal. Any application must set out the nature and the relevance of the new evidence, and why it was not presented at the original hearing.
D5.10Save in exceptional circumstances, the independent arbiter shall not grant leave to present new evidence unless satisfied:
a)with the reason given as to why it was not, or could not have been, presented at the original hearing, and;
b)that such evidence is relevant.
D5.11The independent arbiter's decision whether to accept new evidence shall be final.
D5.12In respect of Articles D5.09 and D5.10, where new evidence has been accepted by the independent arbiter, the league committee shall be entitled to submit a written response.
D5.13An appeal shall be by way of a review on documents only, and shall not involve a rehearing of the evidence considered by the original disciplinary panel.
D5.14The appointed independent arbiter has the power to: • allow or dismiss the appeal; • increase or decrease any penalty, award, order or sanction originally imposed; • remit the matter for re-hearing; • order that any appeal fee be forfeited or returned as it considers appropriate; • make such further or other order as it considers appropriate, generally or for the purpose of giving effect to its decision.
D5.15Decisions of the independent arbiter shall be final and binding and there shall be no right of further challenge.
D5.16As soon as practicable after the hearing, the independent arbiter shall publish a written statement of their decision.
D5.17Where the league committee believes that an appeal or claim of wrongful dismissal had no prospect of success or amounted to an abuse of process, the team and/or individual(s) may be charged with misconduct by the league committee.
D6.01A team may lodge a complaint to the league committee against the following: • the league committee as a whole, and its conduct; • an individual league committee member, and their conduct; • another team competing in that season's league or cup competitions; • an individual of another team competing in that season's league or cup competitions.
D6.02The league committee shall not accept any complaint regarding match officials or their decisions during a fixture. Teams already have the ability via the post-match report form to rate the match official(s) and provide comments accordingly.
D6.03In respect of Article D6.01, where a complaint relates to a specific on-field incident during a fixture, the league shall conduct a fact-finding process by contacting each team (or individual(s)) and asking for their version of events, as well as speaking with the match official(s).
D6.04In respect of Article D6, the league committee and it's member teams should be mindful that such complaints are not an opportunity to re-referee the game or re-referee specific on-field incident.
D6.05The league committee stress that a complaint relating to a specific on-field incident is highly likely to be dismissed, unless clear and compelling evidence can be provided demonstrating the alleged conduct/misconduct occurred and, importantly, was not witnessed by the match official(s).
D6.06Teams making a complaint relating to a specific on-field incident are reminded of Articles C5.14 and C5.15.
D6.07In respect of Article D6, where a complaint relates to general alleged off-field conduct of the league committee, another team, or an individual of another team, the league shall conduct a fact-finding process by asking for each team (or individual's) version of events.
D6.08At the conclusion of the fact-finding process, the league committee shall decide whether there is a case to answer or whether to dismiss the complaint.
D6.09All complaints - whether there is a case to answer or whether it is dismissed - shall be officially recorded by the Competitions Secretary.
D6.10In relation to Article D6.09, the league committee reserves the right to investigate and/or monitor recorded complaints to identify any patterns or trends. Where patterns of behaviour or trends are identified, the league may re-examine a previously dismissed complaint.
D6.11Where a complaint is against the league committee as a whole, the league committee shall be required to make a written submission to the team lodging the complaint within 14 days.
D6.12All parties involved with a complaint are to assume good faith and work together to resolve disputes. Where the complaint is against another team and/or individual of another team, the league committee shall mediate between parties.
D6.13There is no right of appeal where a complaint is dismissed by the league committee.
D6.14Where a complaint is upheld by the league committee, the league committee has the power to:
a)order remedial actions to be taken against a team, individual or the league committee itself;
b)issue a warning to a team or individual;
c)where the league committee upholds a complaint against itself as a whole, it shall refer itself to the Full Memberships Clubs outlining the circumstances of the complaint and the remedial actions it shall take to correct its conduct;
d)where the league committee upholds a complaint against an individual league committee member, it shall have the power to formally investigate the individual, notify all team managers and/or Full Membership Clubs of the complaint and follow Article A7 if deemed appropriate.
e)commence disciplinary proceedings against a team and/or individual
D6.15A team and/or individual failing to act upon remedial action(s) so ordered by the league committee may face disciplinary action as outlined in Section D of this document.
D6.16In extraordinary circumstances, where a complaint is adjudged to be so serious in nature as to warrant a full disciplinary hearing, the league committee shall so order a hearing following the procedures as outlined in Section D of this document.
a)"the league", or "the LUL", or "LUL" - refers to the London Unity League and its member clubs, and any associated member club as described in Article A of this constitution.
b)"Full Membership Club" - refers to a football club that has entered one or more teams into the London Unity League and/or any cup competitions organised by the league.
c)"Associate Membership Club" - a club that fields one or more teams into any competition organised by the league with the exception of the league competition itself.
d)"Club", or "a club"- all clubs from definitions b) or c) unless explicitly specified
e)"team" or "a team" - refers to each individually named entrant of the London Unity League and/or any cup competitions held by the league.
f)"the league committee" - refers to any individual(s) elected to an official role within the league, and/or any individual nominated to fulfil an administrative role in line with Article A5.
g)"the managers group" - refers to the all the managers (and their nominated assistants) responsible for managing their respective teams throughout each season.
h)"Annual General Meeting", or "AGM" - refers to the yearly, mandatory gathering of Full Membership Clubs, the current committee, and any other invited individuals, as defined in Article A8.
i)"Special General Meeting", or "SGM" - refers to any gathering Full Membership Clubs and the current committee, and any other invited individuals, as defined in Article A8.
j)"season" - shall be defined from the date of the first scheduled fixture(s) until the date of final scheduled fixture(s).
k)"block out / block out weekend" - means a weekend whereby a team requests no fixtures to be scheduled for their team.
l)"block out window" - is a defined as a specific period in which teams can request to block out certain weekends.
m)"notable match" - a fixture the league committee deems to be noteworthy or significant.
n)"participant" - means any individual involved in the league, either in a playing or non-playing capacity.
o)"Fees & Fines Tariff" - an agreed document for each given season, detailing fees to enter competitions, fines for misconduct, disciplinary points, and procedures for multiple breaches of rules and regulations.
p)"Match Official", or "match officials" - the independent individual(s) appointed to officiate a London Unity League or Cup fixture