EX-4.2 3 a2211282zex-4_2.htm EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

 

 



 

Cover photograph courtesy of Action Images

 



 

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED

 

Board of Directors

Sir David G Richards (Chairman)

R C Scudamore

 

Auditors

Deloitte LLP

2 New Street Square

London

EC4A 3BZ

 

Bankers

Barclays Bank plc

27th Floor

1 Churchill Place

London

E14 5HP

 



 

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED

 

Season 2012/13

 

Chief Executive

R C Scudamore

 

General Secretary

N I Coward

 

Registered Office

30 Gloucester Place

London W1U 8PL

Regd. No. 2719699

 

Telephone

020 7864 9000

 

Facsimile

020 7864 9001

 

Website

www.premierleague.com

 

Published by The Football Association Premier League Limited

© The Football Association Premier League Limited 2012

 



 

 



 

PREMIER LEAGUE CHAIRMEN’S CHARTER

 

SEASON 2012/13

 

Foreword

 

The Chairmen’s Charter is a statement of our commitment and aim to run Premier League football to the highest possible standards in a professional manner and with the utmost integrity.

 

With that aim we, the Chairmen of the Clubs in membership of The Premier League, are determined:

 

(a)  To conduct our respective Club’s dealings with the utmost good faith and honesty.

(b)  At all times to maintain a rule book which is comprehensive, relevant and up-to-date.

(c)  To adopt disciplinary procedures which are professional, fair and objective.

(d)  To submit to penalties which are fair and realistic.

(e)  To secure the monitoring of and compliance with the rules at all times.

 

The Charter

 

The Chairmen’s Charter sets out our commitment to run Premier League football to the highest possible standards and with integrity.

 

We will ensure that our Clubs:

 

·                  Behave with the utmost good faith and honesty to each other, do not unjustly criticise or disparage one another and maintain confidences.

·                  Will comply with the laws of the game and take all reasonable steps to ensure that the Manager, his staff and Players accept and observe the authority and decisions of Match Officials at all times.

·                  Follow Premier League and FA Rules not only to the letter but also to their spirit, and will ensure that our Clubs and Officials are fully aware of such rules and that we have effective procedures to implement the same.

·                  Will respect the contractual obligations and responsibilities of each other’s employees and not seek to breach these or to make illegal approaches.

·                  Will discharge their financial responsibilities and obligations to each other promptly and fully and not seek to avoid them.

·                  Will seek to resolve differences between each other without recourse to law.

 



 

CONTENTS

 

CLUB DIRECTORY

01

 

 

 

 

 

FIXTURES

42

 

 

 

 

 

RULES

60

 

 

 

 

 

– Premier League Rules

73

 

 

– Premier League Forms

209

 

 

– Youth Development Rules

275

 

 

– Youth Development Forms

342

 

 

– Appendices to the Rules

363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

418

 

 

 

 

 

MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

424

 

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

447

 

 

 

 

 

STATISTICS

459

 

 



 

 

 

 

Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries.  Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England. Registered Number 1026167. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Number 122702. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

 



 

 

CLUB DIRECTORY

 



 

 

ARSENAL

 

Highbury House

75 Drayton Park

London N5 1BU

 

Main Switchboard No: 020 7619 5003

Facsimile No: 020 7704 4001

Ticket Office No: 020 7619 5000

Credit Card Bookings: 0844 277 3625

Website: www.arsenal.com

 

Chairman

Ticketing and Services Director

Peter Hill-Wood

Ivan Worsell

 

Telephone No: 020 7619 5003

Chief Executive Officer

 

Ivan Gazidis

Stadium and Facilities Director

 

John Beattie

Company Secretary

Telephone No: 020 7704 4030

David Miles

 

 

Communications Director

Manager

Mark Gonnella

Arsène Wenger

Telephone No: 020 7704 4010

 

 

Assistant Manager

Team Doctor

Steve Bould

Gary O’Driscoll

 

Qualifications: MBBS, BSc, DipSEM, FFSEM(Ire)

Head of Youth Development

 

Liam Brady

Physiotherapist

 

Colin Lewin

Chief Financial Officer

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) MCSP, SRP

Stuart Wisely

 

Telephone No: 020 7704 4060

Head Groundsman

 

Paul Ashcroft

Chief Commercial Officer

Tom Fox

Telephone No: 020 7619 5003

Qualifications: National Diploma in Turf, Science and Grounds Management

 

 

Marketing Director

 

Angus Kinnear

 

Telephone No: 020 7619 5003

 

 

2


 

Publications Manager

Directors

Andy Exley

Peter Hill-Wood (Chairman)

Arsenal Football Club, Highbury House,

Ken Friar OBE

75 Drayton Park, London N5 1BU

Ivan Gazidis (CEO)

Telephone No: 020 7619 5003

Richard Carr

 

Sir Chips Keswick

Shirt Sponsor

Lord Harris of Peckham

Emirates

Stanley Kroenke

 

 

Kit Manufacturers

Official Company Name

Nike UK Ltd

The Arsenal Football Club Plc

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

60,362

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Length:105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Red

 

Shirts:  Purple & Black

 

Shirts:  Yellow

Shorts: White

 

Shorts: Black

 

Shorts: Redcurrant

Socks:  White

 

Socks:  Purple & Black

 

Socks: Yellow

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Pink

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Yellow

 

3



 

 

ASTON VILLA

 

Villa Park

Birmingham B6 6HE

 

Main Switchboard No: 0121 327 2299

Facsimile No: 0121 322 2107

Ticket Office No: 0800 612 0970

Website: www.avfc.co.uk

Email: postmaster@avfc.co.uk

 

Chairman

Head of Facilities

Randolph Lerner

Tom Fantini

 

Telephone No: 0121 326 1498

Chief Executive

 

Paul Faulkner

Head of Security & Safety Operations

 

John Handley

Secretary

Telephone No: 0121 326 1505

Sharon Barnhurst

 

 

Head of Media

Manager

Brian Doogan

Paul Lambert

Telephone No: 0121 326 1561

 

 

Assistant Manager

Head of Sport and Exercise Medicine

Ian Culverhouse

Roddy MacDonald

 

Academy Manager

Qualifications: MBChB, MRCGP, DTM&H, MSc (Sports Medicine), FFSEM

Bryan Jones

 

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Chief Finance Officer

Alan Smith

Robin Russell

Telephone No 0121 326 1520

Qualifications: Chartered Physiotherapist, MRSP, SRP

 

 

Head of Marketing

Head Groundsman

Russell Jones

Johnathan Calderwood

Telephone No: 0121 326 1545

Qualifications: HND Turf Management

 

 

Head of Consumer Sales (Ticketing)

 

Nicola Keye

 

Telephone No: 0121 326 1528

 

 

4



 

Programme Editor

Directors

Aston Villa Media Department

Randolph Lerner (Chairman Aston Villa Ltd)

Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE

Paul Faulkner (Chief Executive)

Telephone No: 0121 327 2299

Robin Russell (Chief Finance Officer)

 

General Charles Krulak (Aston Villa Ltd)

Shirt Sponsor

 

Genting Casinos

Official Company Name

 

Aston Villa FC Limited

Kit Manufacturers

 

Macron

 

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

42,785

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Length: 105 metre, Width: 68 metres

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

Shirts:  Claret with sky sleeve

Shirts:  Lime green with navy trim

Shorts: White with claret / sky trim

Shorts: Navy with lime green trim

Socks:  Sky with claret hoops and turnover

Socks:  Navy with lime green hoops

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green with black trim

Goalkeepers Shirt: Orange with black trim

 

5



 

 

CHELSEA

 

Stamford Bridge

Fulham Road

London SW6 1HS

 

Correspondence Address: Training Ground, 60 Stoke Road, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham,

Surrey KT11 3PT Football Administration Fax: 01932 596180

 

Main Switchboard No: 0871 984 1955

Facsimile No: 0207 381 4831

Call Centre/Ticket Sales: 0871  984 1905

Website: www.chelseafc.com

Mobile: wap.chelseafc.com

Email: enquiries@chelseafc.com

 

Chairman

Ticketing & Call Centre Manager

Bruce Buck

Kelly Webster

 

Telephone No: 0207 915 1941

Chief Executive

 

Ron Gourlay

Facilities Manager

 

Chris Gleeson

Secretary

Telephone No: 0207 915 1977

David Barnard

 

 

Safety Officer

Manager

Jill Dawson

Roberto Di Matteo

Telephone No: 0207 565 1479

 

 

Assistant First Team Coaches

Press Officer

Eddie Newton / Steve Holland

Steve Atkins

 

Telephone No: 01932 596 101

Academy Manager

 

Neil Bath

First Team Doctor

 

Eva Carneiro

Finance Director

Qualifications: BMed Sci, BMBS MSc Sports

Chris Alexander

Med, CCT Sports Med, FFSEM

Telephone No: 0207 915 1969

 

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Head of Hospitality

Jason Palmer

Simon Hunter

Qualifications: BPHTY, BHMS (Ed) Hons, MCSP

Telephone No: 0207 915 1988

 

 

 

Head of Ticketing & Supporter Liaison

 

Graham Smith

 

Telephone No: 0207 958 2166

 

 

6



 

Head Groundsman

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

Jason Griffin

41,798

Qualifications: NVQ Levels 1 & 2

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

Publications Editor

 

David Antill, Trinity Mirror Sport Media

 

Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road,

Directors

London, SW6 1HS

Bruce Buck

Telephone No: 0207 958 2168

Ron Gourlay

 

Eugene Tenenbaum

Shirt Sponsor

David Barnard

Samsung

Mike Forde

 

 

Kit Manufacturers

Official Company Name

Adidas

Chelsea Football Club Ltd

 

 

 

 

Colours

Shirts:  Reflex blue & gold

Shirts:  White & navy & aqua

Shirts:  Black & sun

Shorts: Reflex blue

Shorts: White

Shorts: Black

Socks:  White with reflex blue & gold

Socks:  Navy & aqua

Socks:  Black

Goalkeepers Shirt: Forest

Goalkeepers Shirt: White & Deepest purple

Goalkeepers Shirt: Slime & Black

 

7



 

 

EVERTON

 

Goodison Park

Goodison Road

Liverpool L4 4EL

 

Main Switchboard: 0871 663 1878

Facsimile No: 0151 286 9112

Ticket Office No: 0871 663 1878

Credit Card Bookings: 0871 663 1878

Website: www.evertonfc.com

Email: everton@evertonfc.com

 

Chairman

Chief Operating Officer & Community Chief Executive

Bill Kenwright CBE

Denise Barrett-Baxendale BA (Hons) MBA, EdD, FRSA

 

Telephone No: 0151 530 5254

Chief Executive

 

Robert Elstone

Communications Director

 

Paul Tyrrell

Club Secretary/Head of Football Operations

Telephone No: 0151 530 5233

David Harrison

 

Telephone No: 0151 530 5207

Stadium Safety Officer

 

David Lewis

Manager

Telephone No: 0151 530 5223

David Moyes

 

 

Stadium Manager

Assistant Manager

Alan Bowen

Steve Round

Telephone No: 0151 530 5267

 

 

Academy Manager

Head of Media & Communications

Alan Irvine

Mark Rowan

 

Telephone No: 0151 530 5323

Finance & Operations Director

 

Martin Evans

Team Doctor

Telephone No: 0151 530 5286

Dr Ian Irving

 

Qualifications: MBChB, BSc Pharm

Head of Commercial

 

Dave Biggar

Senior Physiotherapist

Telephone No: 0151 530 5342

Daniel Donachie

 

Head of Ticketing

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Phys, Manual Therapy Cert

Matt Kendall

 

Telephone No: 0151 330 2498

 

 

8



 

Head Groundsman

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

Bob Lennon

39,571

Qualifications: OND, NDH, RHS

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

Programme Editor

 

Darren Griffiths

 

Goodison Park

Directors

Goodison Road, Liverpool L4 4EL

Bill Kenwright CBE (Chairman)

Telephone No: 0151 530 5323

Jon Woods (Deputy Chairman)

 

Robert Earl

Shirt Sponsor

Sir Philip Carter CBE

Chang

 

 

Official Company Name

Kit Manufacturers

The Everton Football Club Company Limited

Nike

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Bright blue

Shirts:  Black

Shirts:  White

Shorts: White

Shorts: Black

Shorts: Bright Blue

Socks:  Bright blue

Socks:  Black

Socks:  White

Goalkeepers Shirt: Court green

Goalkeepers Shirt: University gold

 

 

9



 

 

FULHAM

 

Craven Cottage

Stevenage Road

London SW6 6HH

 

Correspondence Address: Training Ground, Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6PT

 

Main Switchboard No: 0843 208 1222

Facsimile No: 0870 442 0236

Ticket Office No: 0843 208 1234

Credit Card Bookings: 0843 208 1234

Website: www.fulhamfc.com

Email: enquiries@fulhamfc.com

 

Chairman

Supporter Centre Manager

Mohamed Al Fayed

Sandra Coles

 

Telephone No: 020 7384 4797

Chief Executive Officer

 

Alistair Mackintosh

Venues Operations Director

 

Graham Gilmore

Club & Company Secretary

Telephone No: 020 8336 7541

Darren Preston

 

 

Safety Officer

Football Secretary

Steve Riley

Jennifer Christey

Telephone No: 020 7384 4748

 

 

Manager

Communications & Digital Media Director

Martin Jol

Sarah Brookes

 

Telephone No: 020 8336 7488

Assistant Manager

 

Michael Lindeman

Team Doctor

 

Steve Lewis

Academy Director

Huw Jennings

Qualifications: BSc (Hons), MBBS, AFRCSEd, MScSEM, MFSEM (UK)

 

 

Finance Director

Senior Physiotherapist

Sean O’Loughlin

Tom Jackson

Telephone No: 020 8336 7589

Qualifications: B.Sc. Hons in Physiotherapy

 

 

Commercial Director

Head Groundsman

Jonathan Gregory

Bruce Elliot

Telephone No: 020 8336 7408

 

Qualifications: NVQ 3 in Sports Turf Management

Marketing Manager

 

Kurt Pittman

 

Telephone No: 020 8336 7476

 

 

10



 

Publications Editor

Directors

Tom Harvey

Mohamed Al Fayed

Training Ground, Motspur Park,

Karim Fayed

New Malden, Surrey KT3 6PT

Alistair Mackintosh

Telephone No: 020 8336 7478

Mark Collins

 

Omar Fayed

Shirt Sponsor

Michael Cole

FxPro

Dennis Turner

 

Sean O’Loughlin

Kit Manufacturers

 

Kappa

Official Company Name

 

Fulham Football Club (1987) Limited

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

25,700

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  White with black pin stripe

Shirts:  Orange with black trim

Shirts:  Black with gold/white sash

Shorts: Black

Shorts: White

Shorts: Black

Socks:  White with black trim

Socks:  Orange with white trim

Socks:  Black with white trim

Goalkeepers Shirt: Grenadine (deep red)

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

Goalkeepers Shirt: Grey

 

11



 

 

LIVERPOOL

 

Anfield Road

Anfield

Liverpool L4 0TH

 

Correspondence Address: PO Box 1959,  Liverpool L69 3JL

 

Main Switchboard No: 0151 263 2361

Facsimile No: 0151 260 8813

Ticket Office/Booking Line No: 0843 170 5555

Customer Services /Memberships: 0843 170 5000

Website: www.liverpoolfc.com

Email: customerservices@liverpoolfc.com

 

Chairman

Ticketing Manager

Tom Werner

Keri Garrity

 

Telephone No: 0151 907 9355

Managing Director

 

Ian Ayre

Hospitality Sales Manager

 

Sue Johnston

Secretary

Telephone No: 0151 907 9311

Zoe Ward

 

 

Stadium Manager & Safety Officer

Manager

Ged Poynton

Brendan Rodgers

Telephone No: 0151 264 2247

 

 

Assistant Manager

Director of Corporate Relations & Communications

Colin Pascoe

Jen Chang

 

Telephone No: 0151 264 2450

Academy Director

 

Frank McParland

Head of Press

 

Matt McCann

Chief Financial Officer

Telephone No: 0151 230 5760

Philip Nash

 

Telephone No: 0151 264 2305

Team Doctor

 

Dr Zafar Iqbal

Chief Commercial Officer

Billy Hogan

Qualifications: MBBS, BSc, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP, MSc (SEM), MFSEM (UK), DIP PCR

 

 

Head of Ticketing & Hospitality

Senior Physiotherapist

Phil Dutton

TBC

Telephone No: 0151 237 5963

 

 

12


 

Principal Groundsman

Directors

Terry Forsyth

John Henry

 

Tom Werner

Programme Editor

David Ginsberg

Lee Berry - Programme Master

Ian Ayre

lee@programmemaster.com

Philip Nash

 

Michael Gordon

Shirt Sponsor

Jeff Vinik

Standard Chartered

 

 

Official Company Name

Kit Manufacturers

The Liverpool Football Club & Athletic Grounds Limited

Warrior

 

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

45,276

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Red

Shirts:  Black / grey

Shirts:  Purple

Shorts: Red

Shorts: Black / grey

Shorts: Purple

Socks:  Red

Socks:  Black / grey

Socks:  Purple

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

Goalkeepers Shirt: Yellow

Goalkeepers Shirt: Orange

 

13



 

 

MANCHESTER CITY

 

The Etihad Stadium

Etihad Campus

Manchester M11 3FF

 

Main Switchboard No: 0161 444 1894

Facsimile No: 0161 438 7999

Ticket Office No: 0161 444 1894

Credit Card Bookings: 0161 444 1894

Website: www.mcfc.co.uk

Email: mcfc@mcfc.co.uk

 

Chairman

Head of Event Production

H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Nick Becker

 

Telephone No: 0161 444 1894

Chief Commercial & Operating Officer

 

Tom Glick

Safety Officer

 

Peter Fletcher

Secretary

Telephone No: 0870 062 1894

Rebecca Baker

 

 

Chief Communications Officer

Manager

Vicky Kloss

Roberto Mancini

Telephone No: 0870 062 1894

 

 

Assistant Manager

Club Doctor

Brian Kidd

Dr Phil Batty

 

Head of Elite Development

Qualifications: MB ChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, PG Dip (SEM), FFSEM (UK)

TBC

 

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Chief Financial & Administration Officer

Lee Nobes

Graham Wallace

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) MCSP, SRP, MAACP

Telephone No: 0161 444 1894

 

 

Head Groundsman

Head of Marketing

Lee Jackson

Julian Pate

Telephone No: 0161 444 1894

 

Qualifications: NVQ Level 2, 3 & 4 Sportsturf, Foundation Degree in Sportsturf Science, PA 1,2 and 6 Chemical Application Licences

Head of Supporter Experience

 

Danny Wilson

 

Telephone No: 0161 444 1894

 

 

14



 

Programme Editor

Directors

Ian Guildford, Ignition Publications

H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Email: ignitionpublications@mac.com

Simon Pearce

Telephone No: 01899 568 195

Martin Lee Edelman

 

John Macbeath

Shirt Sponsor

Mohamed Al Mazrouei

Etihad

Alberto Galassi

 

 

Kit Manufacturers

Official Company Name

Umbro

Manchester City Football Club Limited

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

47,405

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Sky blue

Shirts:  Zinfandel (maroon)

 

Shorts: White

Shorts: Zinfandel (maroon)

 

Socks:  Sky blue/black turnover

Socks:  Zinfandel (maroon)

 

Goalkeepers Shirt:

with saffron: (yellow) hoops

 

Emerald Green

Goalkeepers Shirt: Wisteria

 

 

15



 

 

MANCHESTER UNITED

 

Sir Matt Busby Way

Old Trafford

Manchester M16 0RA

 

Main Switchboard No: 0161 868 8000

Facsimile No: 0161 868 8804

Ticket Office No: 0161 868 8000 option 1

Credit Card Bookings: 0161 868 8000 option 1

Website: www.manutd.co.uk

Email: enquiries@manutd.co.uk

 

Chief Executive

Stadium Manager

David Gill

Ian Collins

 

Telephone No: 0161 868 8360

Secretary

 

John Alexander

Safety Officer

 

Charlie Coxon

Manager

Telephone No: 0161 868 8609

Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

 

 

Director of Communications

Assistant Manager

Philip Townsend

Michael Phelan

Telephone No: 0161 868 8216

 

 

Academy Manager

Club Doctor

Brian McClair

Dr Steve McNally

 

Finance Director

Steve Deaville

Qualifications: B.Med Sci BM BS MRCGP DCH DRCOG DOccMed Dip.SEM.GB&I MFSEM (RCPI & RCSI) MFSEM(UK)

Telephone No: 0161 868 8327

 

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Commercial Director

Rob Swire

Richard Arnold

Qualifications: MSc MCSP SRP

Telephone No: 0207 484 1200

 

 

Grounds Manager

Ticket Office Manager

Anthony Sinclair

Saad Afzal

Qualifications: Intermediate Diploma in Sportsground Staff

Telephone No: 0161 868 8000

 

 

16



 

Programme Editor

Directors

Paul Davies

D Gill

Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford,

JM Edelson

Manchester M16 0RA

Sir Bobby Charlton CBE

Telephone No: 0161 868 8551

 

 

Official Company Name

Shirt Sponsor

Manchester United Football Club Limited

AON

 

 

 

Kit Manufacturers

 

Nike

 

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

75,765

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Red

Shirts:  White

Shirts:  Blue/black

Shorts: White (alternative black)

Shorts: Black (alternative white)

Shorts: Black (alternative blue)

Socks:  Black (alternative white)

Socks:  White (alternative black)

Socks:  Blue

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

Goalkeepers Shirt: Blue

Goalkeepers Shirt: Yellow

 

17


 

 

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Sports Direct Arena

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4ST

 

Football Secretary’s address: Newcastle United Training Centre,
Whitley Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SF

Main Switchboard No: 0844 372 1892

Facsimile No: 0191 201 8600

Ticket Office No: 0844 372 1892 (Option 1)

Website: www.nufc.co.uk

Email: admin@nufc.co.uk

 

Managing Director

Derek Llambias

 

Football Secretary

Lee Charnley

Telephone No: 0191 238 1004

 

Manager

Alan Pardew

 

Assistant Manager

John Carver

 

Academy Manager

Joe Joyce

 

Finance Director

John Irving

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8681)

 

Partnerships Manager

Dale Aitchison

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8436)

 

Box Office Manager

Stephen Tickle

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8455)

 

Facilities Manager

Eddie Rutherford

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8558)

 

Safety Officer

Steve Storey

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8528)

 

Head of Media

Wendy Taylor

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8420)

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Derek Wright

Qualifications: MSCP DipRGRT PG DIP Sport

Ex Med.

 

Head Groundsman

Michael Curran

Qualifications: City & Guilds - Levels 1, 2, 3 Amenity Horticulture & Groundsmanship, Iog NPC, IOG NTC

 

Foundation Manager

Kate Bradley

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8477)

 

 

18



 

Club Doctor

Dr Paul Catterson

Qualifications: MBBS, MRCP, FCEM, Dip SEM, MFSEM

 

Programme Managing Editor

Dan Sheridan

Sports Direct Arena,

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4ST

Telephone No: 0844 372 1892 (Extn 8579)

 

Shirt Sponsor

Virgin Money

 

Kit Manufacturers

Puma

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

52,405

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors:

Derek Llambias

Lee Charnley

John Irving

 

Official Company Name:

Newcastle United Football Company Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Black And White

 

Shirts:  Burgundy

 

Shirts:  Lime with navy blue trim

Shorts: Black

 

Shorts: Burgundy

 

Shorts: Navy blue

Socks:  Black

 

Socks:  Burgundy

 

Socks:  Lime with navy blue trim

Goalkeepers Shirt: Stone grey with blue band

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

 

 

 

19



 

 

NORWICH CITY

 

 

Carrow Road

Norwich NR1 1JE

 

Main Switchboard No: 01603 760760

Facsimile No: 01603 613886

Ticket Office No: 0844 826 1902

Website: www.canaries.co.uk

Email: reception@ncfc-canaries.co.uk

 

Chairman

Alan Bowkett

 

Chief Executive

David McNally

 

Secretary

Andrew Blofeld

 

Manager

Chris Hughton

 

Assistant Manager

Colin Calderwood

 

Head of Youth Development

Ricky Martin

 

Finance Director

Sam Gordon

Telephone No: 01603 218709

 

Head of Sales & Marketing

Will Hoy

Telephone No: 01603 218718

 

Box Office Manager

Danny Casey

Telephone No: 01603 218703

 

Head of Stadium Operations

Chris Bailey

Telephone No: 01603 218713

 

Safety Officer

Andy Batley

Telephone No: 01603 218204

 

Press Officer

Joe Ferrari

Telephone No: 01603 218746

 

Team Doctor

Dr Nick Wilford

Qualifications: MB BS, BMeDSci, MSc (Sports and Exercise Med), MFSEM, MRCGP

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Neal Reynolds

Qualifications: BSc (Physiotherapy) MSc (Sports

Therapy), MCSP, SRP

 

Head Groundsman

Gary Kemp

 

20



 

Programme Editor

Peter Rogers

Carrow, Road, Norwich NR1 1JE

Telephone No: 01603 218748

 

Shirt Sponsor

Aviva

 

Kit Manufacturers

Errea

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

Currently 27,224

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors

Alan Bowkett

Michael Foulger

Stephen Fry

David McNally

Stephan Phillips

Delia Smith

Michael Wynn-Jones

 

Official Company Name

Norwich City Football Club PLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Yellow

 

Shirts:  Black

 

Shirts:  N/A

Shorts: Green

 

Shorts: Black

 

Shorts: N/A

Socks:  Yellow

 

Socks:  Black

 

Socks:  N/A

Goalkeepers Shirt: Black

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Red

 

21



 

 

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

 

Loftus Road Stadium

South Africa Road

Shepherds Bush

LondonW12 7PJ

 

Main Switchboard: 020 8743 0262

Facsimile No: 020 8749 0994

Ticket Office No: 08444 777 007

Credit Card Bookings: 08444 777 007

Website: www.qpr.co.uk

Email feedback@qpr.co.uk

 

Chairman

Tony Fernandes

 

Chief Executive

Philip Beard

 

Secretary

Terry Springett

 

Manager

Mark Hughes

 

Assistant Manager

Mark Bowen

 

Youth Development Manager

Steve Gallen

 

Finance Director

Rebecca Caplehorn

Telephone No: 020 8740 2516

 

Marketing Director

Becky Grote

Telephone No: 020 8740 2514

 

Commercial Director

Euan Inglis

Telephone No: 020 8740 2586

 

Box Office Manager

Jenny Elliott

Telephone No: 020 8740 2532

 

Operations Manager

Jenny Winstanley

Telephone No: 020 8740 2566

 

Safety Officer

Clive Doyle

Telephone No: 020 8743 0262

 

Press Officer

Ian Taylor

Telephone No: 020 8740 2541

 

Team Doctor

Peter Florida-James

Qualifications: MBChB MRCGP MFSEM MFPHM

Dip Sports Medicine MBA

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Nigel Cox

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) MCSP HPC FA Dip

 

22



 

Head Groundsman

Sportsturf Maintenance (Dave Butler)

 

Programme Editor

Ian Taylor

Loftus Road Stadium

South Africa Road

Shepherds Bush

London W12 7PJ

Telephone No: 020 8740 2541

 

Shirt Sponsor

Air Asia

 

Kit Manufacturers

Lotto

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

18,439

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Directors

Tony Fernandes (Chairman)

Amit Bhatia (Vice Chairman)

Kamarudin Meranum

 

Official Company Name

Queens Park Rangers Football & Athletic Club Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Blue & white hoops

 

Shirts:  Red with white sleeve

 

Shirts:  Sky blue with navy Sleeve

Shorts: White

 

trim and white chest hoop

 

Trim and navy chest hoop

(with blue alternative)

 

Shorts: Red with white side trim

 

Shorts:  Navy with sky side trim

Socks:  White

 

Socks:  Red with white calf hoop

 

Socks:   Sky with navy calf hoop

Goalkeepers Shirt: Black

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Yellow

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Pink

 

23



 

 

READING

 

Madejski Stadium

Junction 11 M4

Reading, Berks

RG2 0FL

 

Main Switchboard: 0118 968 1100

Facsimile No: 0118 968 1101

Ticket Office No: 0844 249 1871

Website: www.readingfc.co.uk

 

Chairman

Sir John Madejski OBE, DL, DLitt

 

Chief Executive

Nigel Howe

 

Club Secretary

Sue Hewett

 

Manager

Brian McDermott

 

1st Team Coach

Nigel Gibbs

 

Academy Manager

Eamonn Dolan

 

Finance Director

Bryan Stabler

Telephone No: 0118 968 1113

 

Commercial Director

Pat Coyne

Telephone No: 0118 968 1305

 

Marketing Manager

Emma Pierce

Telephone No: 0118 968 1237

 

Ticket Office Manager

Mia Lamming

Telephone No: 0118 968 1208

 

Stadium Manager

Ray Booth

Telephone No: 0118 968 1104

 

Head of Communications

Craig Mortimer-Zhika

Telephone No: 0118 968 1213

 

Team Doctor

Dr Geoff Williams

Qualifications: MB, BCh, MRCGP, DRCOG

 

Physiotherapist

Luke Anthony

Qualifications: BSc, MSc, MCSP

 

Groundsman

Greg Bolton

Qualifications: Level 3 NVQ Sportsturf

 

Publications Manager

Mark Bradley

Madejski Stadium, Jct 11, M4,

Reading RG2 0FL

Telephone No: 0118 968 1300

 

24



 

Shirt Sponsor

Waitrose

 

Kit Manufacturers

Puma

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

24,197

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors

Sir John Madejski OBE, DL, DLitt

Ian Wood Smith

Nigel Howe

Anton Zingarevich

Christopher Samuelson

Andrew Obolensky

 

Official Company Name

The Reading Football Club Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Royal blue & white

 

Shirts:  Yellow

 

Shirts:  Red

Shorts: Royal blue

 

Shorts: Yellow

 

Shorts: Red

Socks:  Royal blue & white

 

Socks:  Yellow

 

Socks:  Red

Goalkeepers Shirt: Lime green

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Silver

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Black

 

25



 

 

SOUTHAMPTON

 

St Mary’s Stadium

Britannia Road

Southampton

SO14 5FP

 

Main Switchboard: 0845 688 9448

Facsimile No: 02380 727727

Ticket Office No: 0845 688 9288

Credit Card Bookings: 02381 780780

Website: www.saintsfc.co.uk

 

Executive Chairman

Mr Nicola Cortese

 

Club Secretary

Ros Wheeler

 

Manager

Nigel Adkins

 

Assistant Manager

Andy Crosby / Dean Wilkins

 

Academy Manager

Matthew Crocker

 

Chief Financial Officer

Gareth Rogers

Telephone No: 0845 688 9448

 

Ticket Office Manager

Jaimie Longmuir

Telephone No: 02380 727 796

 

Chief Operations Officer

Brendan McGlinchey

Telephone No: 0845 688 9448

 

Head of Sales

Andrew Markham

 

Club Spokesman

Jordan Sibley

Telephone No: 0845 688 9448

 

Team Doctor

Mark Wotherspoon

Qualifications: MBBS, FFSEM, REMO

 

Physiotherapist

Matt Radcliffe

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Sports Science & Coaching, BSc (Hons Physiotherapy, MSc.

 

Groundsman

Andy Gray

Qualifications: NVQL3 Sports Ground Mgmt, NCH - PA1, PA2A & PA6A

 

Shirt Sponsor

AAP3

 

Kit Manufacturers

Umbro

 

26



 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

32,689

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors

Nicola Cortese

Gareth Rogers

Brendan McGlinchey

Les Reed

 

Official Company Name

Southampton Football Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

 

 

Shirts:  Red

 

Shirts:  White

 

Shirts:  Yellow

Shorts: Red

 

Shorts: White

 

Shorts: Blue

Socks:  Red

 

Socks:  White

 

Socks:  White Or blue

Goalkeepers Shirt: Black

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Deep wisteria

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green and/or grey

 

27


 

 

STOKE CITY

 

Britannia Stadium

Stanley Matthews Way

Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EG

 

Main Switchboard No: 01782 367598

Facsimile No: (Football Administration) 01782 646988

Facsimile No: (General Depts) 01782 592221

Ticket Office No: 01782 367599

 

Website: www.stokecityfc.com

 

Email: info@stokecityfc.com

 

 

Chairman

Peter Coates

 

Chief Executive

Tony Scholes

 

Secretary

Eddie Harrison

 

Manager

Tony Pulis

 

Assistant Manager

Dave Kemp

 

Head of Youth Development

Terry Robinson

 

Head of Finance

Martin Goodman

Telephone No: 01782 592261

 

Head of Marketing

Andy Billingham

Telephone No: 01782 592219

 

Ticket Office Manager

Josh Whittaker-Vyse

Telephone No: 01782 592203

 

Stadium Manager

Les Kingston

Telephone No: 01782 592192

 

Health and Safety Officer

Ravi Sharma

Telephone No: 01782 592274

 

Head of Media & Communications

Nick Lucy

Telephone No: 01782 592172

 

Team Doctor

Dr Andrew Dent

Qualifications: MBCh.B, MRCGP, MFSEM(UK),

Dip Sports Medicine

Telephone No: 07831 376383

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Dave Watson

Qualifications: BPHTY, MNZSP, MCSPM

 

Head Groundsman

Andrew Jackson

 

28



 

Programme Editor

Nick Lucy

Stoke City FC

Telephone No: 01782 592172

 

Shirt Sponsor

Bet 365

 

Kit Manufacturers

Adidas

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

27,740

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Directors

Peter Coates

Phil Rawlins

Keith Humphreys

Tony Scholes

Richard Smith

 

Official Company Name

Stoke City Football Club Limited

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

Shirts:  Red & white stripes

Shirts:  New navy/cardinal stripes

Shorts: White

Shorts: New navy

Socks:  White or red

Socks:  New navy or white

Goalkeepers Shirt: Sky Blue (cyan)

Goalkeepers Shirt: Orange (warning)

 

29



 

 

SUNDERLAND AFC

 

Stadium of Light

Sunderland SR5 1SU

 

Main Switchboard No: 0871 911 1200

Facsimile No: 0191 551 5123

Credit Card Bookings: 0871 911 1973

Clubcall: 09068 121881

Website: www.safc.com

Email: enquiries@safc.com

 

Chairman

Ellis Short

 

Chief Executive

Margaret Byrne

 

Club Secretary

Liz Coley

 

Manager

Martin O’Neill OBE

 

Assistant Manager

Steve Walford

 

Academy Manager

Ged McNamee

 

Finance Director

Angela Lowes

Telephone No: 0871 911 1217

 

Marketing Director

Mike Farnan

Telephone No: 0871 911 1274

 

Commercial Director

Gary Hutchinson

Telephone No: 0871 911 1243

 

Ticket Office Manager

Phil Clarkson

Telephone No: 0871 911 1258

 

Facilities Manager

Peter Weymes

Telephone No: 0871 911 1201

 

Safety Manager

Paul Weir

Telephone No: 0871 911 1211

 

Media and Communications Manager

Louise Wanless

Telephone No: 0871 911 1227

 

Team Doctor

Dr Glen Rae

Qualifications: MBchB, MRCGP, MFSEM (UK), Dip Sports Medicine

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Dave Galley

Qualifications: MCSP, HPC, Dip RGRT

 

Head Groundsman

Adrian Partridge

Qualifications: C&G Greenkeeping Level 1,2&3

 

30



 

Programme Editor

Rob Mason

Stadium of Light, Sunderland SR5 1SU

Telephone No: 0871 911 1226

 

Shirt Sponsor

Invest In Africa

 

Kit Manufacturers

Adidas

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

48,707

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres Width: 68 meters

 

Directors

Ellis Short

David Miliband

Per-Magnus Andersson

Margaret Byrne

Angela Lowes

Mike Farnan

Gary Hutchinson

 

Official Company Name

Sunderland AFC Ltd

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

Shirts:  Red & white stripe

Shirts:  Navy/collegiate aqua

Shorts: Black

Shorts: Navy

Socks:  Black

Socks:  Navy

Goalkeepers Shirt: Warning

Goalkeepers Shirt: Super cyan

 

31



 

 

SWANSEA CITY

 

Liberty Stadium

Landore

Swansea SA1 2FA

 

Main Switchboard No: 0844 249 1912

Facsimile No: 01792 616606

Ticket Office No: 0844 815 6665

Website: www.swanseacity.net

Email: info@swanseacityfc.co.uk

 

Chairman

Huw Jenkins

 

General Manager

Alun Cowie

 

Secretary

Jackie Rockey

 

Manager

Michael Laudrup

 

Assistant Manager

Erik Larsen

 

Head of Youth Development

Tony Pennock

Telephone No: 01792 616609 / 543572

 

Finance Director

Don Keefe

Telephone No: 01792 616600

 

Business & Merchandising Manager

Andrea Morris

Telephone No: 01792 616492

 

Sales and Hospitality Manager

Joe Kelly

Telephone No: 01792 616604

 

Box Office Manager

Phil Hovestadt

Telephone No: 07943 816486

 

Stadium General Manager

Andrew Davies

Telephone No: 01792 616401

 

Safety Officer

Mike Ash

Telephone No: 07904 856209

 

Media Manager

Jonathan Wilsher

Telephone No: 01792 616611 / 07831 555464

 

Team Doctor

Dr Jez McCluskey

Qualifications: MBBCh, MRCGP, DRCOG, MSc

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Kate Rees

Qualifications: MSc, MCSP

 

Head Groundsman

Dan Duffy

Qualifications: Greenkeeping Trade Certificate, Sports Turf Degree

 

32



 

Programme Editor

Jonathan Wilsher

Liberty Stadium, Swansea SA1 2FA

Telephone No: 01792 616611

 

Shirt Sponsor

32 Red

 

Kit Manufacturers

Adidas

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

20,745

 

Pitch Dimensions:

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors

Huw Jenkins

Leigh Dineen (Vice Chairman)

Brian Katzen

Gwilym Joseph

Martin Morgan

Huw Cooze

Don Keefe

Steve Penny

John Van Zweden

David Morgan (Associate Director)

Will Morris (Associate Director)

 

Official Company Name

Swansea City Association Football Club Ltd

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

Shirts:  White with gold trim

Shirts:  Red with green trim

Shorts: White or black with gold trim

Shorts: White or red with green trim

Socks:  White or black with gold trim

Socks:  Green with red trim

Goalkeepers Shirt: Tan/black

Goalkeepers Shirt: Cyan

 

33



 

 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

 

 

Bill Nicholson Way

748 High Road

Tottenham

London N17 0AP

 

Main Switchboard No: 0844 499 5000

Facsimile No: 020 3544 8563

Ticket Office No: 0844 499 5000

Website: www.tottenhamhotspur.com

Email: email@tottenhamhotspur.com

 

Chairman

Daniel Levy

 

Director of Football Administration

Darren Eales

 

Football Secretary

Rebecca Britain

Telephone No: 020 3544 8667

 

Head Coach

André Villas-Boas

 

Assistant Head Coach

Steffen Freund

 

Academy Manager

John McDermott

 

Operations & Finance Director

Matthew Collecott

Telephone No: 020 8365 5322

 

Head of Marketing

Emma Taylor

Telephone No: 020 8365 5085

 

Head of Ticketing & Membership

Ian Murphy

Telephone No: 020 8365 5095

 

Stadium Director

Jon Babbs

Telephone No: 020 8365 5039

 

Safety Officer

Sue Tilling

Telephone No: 020 8365 5082

 

Press Manager

Simon Felstein

Telephone No: 020 3544 8541

 

Club Doctor

Dr Shabaaz Mughal

Qualifications: MBBS, MRCGP, MSc (SEM),

FFSEM(UK)

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Geoff Scott

Qualifications: BHSc, MBA, MCSP

 

Grounds Manager

Darren Baldwin

Qualifications: City & Guilds in

Groundsmanship & Sports Turf Management

 

34



 

Programme Editor

Jon Rayner

Telephone No: 020 3544 8538

 

Shirt Sponsor

Autonomy

 

Kit Manufacturers

Under Armour

 

Ground Capacity at start of the season

36,284

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Directors

Daniel Levy

Matthew Collecott

Donna-Maria Cullen

Darren Eales

 

Official Company Name

Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

Shirts:  Navy Blue

 

Shirts:  White

Shorts: Navy Blue

 

Shorts: White

Socks:  Navy Blue

 

Socks:  White

Goalkeepers Shirt: Lime green

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Navy blue & turquoise

 

 

 

35



 

 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

 

The Hawthorns

West Bromwich B71 4LF

 

Main Switchboard No: 0871 271 1100

Facsimile No: 0871 271 9851

Ticket Office No: 0871 271 9780

Credit Card Bookings: 0871 271 9780

Clubcall: SMS breaking news alerts — text CLUB WBA to 88442 (texts cost 25p each)

Website: www.wba.co.uk

Email: enquiries@wbafc.co.uk

 

Chairman

Jeremy Peace

 

Chief Executive

Mark Jenkins

 

Legal Director/Secretary

Richard Garlick

 

Head Coach

Steve Clarke

 

Assistant Head Coach

Keith Downing / Kevin Keen

 

Academy Manager

Mark Harrison

 

Financial Controller

Peter Band

 

Sales & Marketing Director

Adrian Wright

Telephone No: 0871 271 9871

 

Box Office Manager

Jo Barr

Telephone No: 0871 271 9782

 

Stadium Manager/Safety Officer

Mark Miles

Telephone No: 0871 271 9849

 

Head of Communications

John Simpson

Telephone No: 0871 271 9835

 

Club Doctor

Mark Gillett

Qualifications: BSc. Hons, FRCSEd, FFAEM, MSc

(Sports Med), Dip IMC, RCSEd

 

Senior Physiotherapist

Richard Rawlins

Qualifications: BSc (Hons), MSCP, SRP

 

Head Groundsman

Rob Lane

 

Programme Editor

Dave Bowler

The Hawthorns, West Bromwich B71 4LF

Telephone No: 0871 271 9835

 

36



 

Shirt Sponsor

Zoopla

 

Kit Manufacturers

Adidas

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

26,445

 

Pitch Dimensions

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

Directors

Jeremy Peace (Chairman)

Mark Jenkins

Dan Ashworth

Richard Garlick

Adrian Wright

 

Official Company Name

West Bromwich Albion Football Club Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

Shirts:  Red / navy trim

Shirts:  N/A

Shirts:  Navy & white stripe

Shorts: Navy / red trim

Shorts: N/A

Shorts: White (navy alternative)

(red as alternative)

Socks:  N/A

Socks:  White (navy alternative)

Socks:  Navy / red trim

Goalkeepers Shirt: White

Goalkeepers Shirt: Black

(red as alternative)

 

 

Goalkeepers Shirt: Green

 

 

37


 

 

WEST HAM UNITED

 

Boleyn Ground

Green Street

Upton Park

London

E13 9AZ

 

Main Switchboard No: 020 8548 2748

Facsimile No: 020 8548 2758

Ticket Office No: 0871 222 2700

Website: www.whufc.com

Email: customerservices@westhamunited.co.uk

 

Joint Chairmen

Box Office Manager

David Sullivan & David Gold

Gavin Stanley

 

Telephone No: 020 8548 8216

Vice Chairman

 

Karren Brady

Safety Officer

 

Ron Pearce

Club Secretary

Telephone No: 020 8548 2744

Andrew Pincher

 

 

Press & Media Manager

Manager

Paul Stringer

Sam Allardyce

Telephone No: 0208 586 8117

 

 

Assistant Manager

Head of Sports Medicine

Neil McDonald

Andrew Rolls

 

Qualifications: MSc, BSc (Hons), MCSP

Academy Director

 

Tony Carr MBE

Head Groundsman

 

Dougie Robertson

Finance Director

Qualifications: HNC in Sports Turf Science

Nick Igoe

 

Telephone No: 020 8548 2765

Programme Editor

 

Rob Pritchard

Commercial Director

Telephone No: 07595 821867

Barry Webber

 

Telephone No: 020 8586 8340

 

 

 

Marketing Director

 

Tara Warren

 

Telephone No: 020 8586 8234

 

 

38



 

Shirt Sponsor

Directors

SBOBET.com

Karren Brady

 

Bob Ellis

Kit Manufacturers

David Sullivan

Macron

David Gold

 

Daniel Harris

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

Nick Igoe

35,016

 

 

Official Company Name

Pitch Dimensions

West Ham United Football Club Limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Claret with sky sleeves

Shirts:  Navy

Shirts:  Sky

Shorts: White

Shorts: Navy

Shorts: Sky

Socks:  Claret

Socks:  Navy

Socks:  Sky

Goalkeepers Shirt:  Green

Goalkeepers Shirt:  Gold

Goalkeepers Shirt:  Lime green

 

39



 

 

WIGAN ATHLETIC

 

DW Stadium

Wigan

Lancashire WN5 0UZ

Main Switchboard No: 01942 774000

Facsimile No: 01942 770477

Ticket Office No: 0871 66 33 552

Credit Card Bookings: 0871 66 33 552

Clubcall: 09068 121655

Website: www.wiganathletic.com

Email: feedback@wiganathletic.com

 

Chairman

Stadium Manager

David Whelan

Alan Sumner

 

Telephone No: 01942 770418

Chief Executive

 

Jonathan Jackson

Safety Officer

 

Shaun Currie

Secretary

Telephone No: 01942 774000

Stuart Hayton

 

 

Press Officer

Manager

Ed Jones

Roberto Martinez

Telephone No: 01942 770 445

 

 

Assistant Manager

Team Doctor

Graeme Jones

Mike Ashworth

 

Qualifications: MB, ChB, DRCOG

Head of Youth Development

 

TBC

Senior Physiotherapist

 

Richard Evans

Company Accountant

Qualifications: BSc(Hons), MCSP, CSP, FA Dip

Richard Bramwell

 

Telephone No: 01942 770453

Head Groundsman

 

Ian Forshaw

Head of Marketing & Retail

 

Neil Ryan

 

Telephone No: 01942 770401

 

 

 

Box Office Manager

 

Steve Reeves

 

Telephone No: 01942 770462

 

 

40



 

Programme Editor

Directors

Paul Chialton

David Whelan, Chairman

c/o Wigan Athletic

Phillip Williams, Vice Chairman

Telephone No: 01942 770445

Brian Ashcroft

 

John Winstanley

Shirt Sponsor

 

12BET

Official Company Name

 

Wigan Athletic AFC Ltd

Kit Manufacturers

 

Mifit

 

 

 

Ground Capacity at start of the Season

 

25,133

 

 

 

Pitch Dimensions

 

Length: 105 metres, Width: 68 metres

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colours

 

 

Shirts:  Blue & white stripes

Shirts:   Black with yellow trim

Shirts:  Red

Shorts: Blue

Shorts:  Black with yellow trim

Shorts: Red

Socks:  Blue

Socks:  Black with yellow trim

Socks:  Red

Goalkeepers Shirt:  Grey

Goalkeepers Shirt:  Green

Goalkeepers Shirt:  N/A

 

41



 

 



 

 

FIXTURES

 



 

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

FIXTURE LIST SEASON 2012/13

 

This fixture information is provided on the basis that it is going to be used for personal (non-commercial) use only.

 

Copyright © 2012 Football DataCo Ltd, The Football Association Premier League Ltd / The Football League Ltd/The Scottish Premier League Ltd / The Scottish Football League. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means, (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of the copyright/database copyright owner. Applications for written permission should be addressed c/o Football DataCo Ltd, 30 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8PL.

 

This publication is produced for information purposes only. The Football Association Premier League Ltd and/or Football DataCo Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

 

Please be aware that fixtures are always subject to change and these will appear in the national press. You are welcome to contact our Public Information Line (020 7864 9147) for up to date fixtures.

 

Kick off times for Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 3.00pm unless stated otherwise.

Kick off times for evening games, 7.45pm unless stated otherwise.

 

Saturday, August 18th, 2012

Arsenal

v

Sunderland

 

 

Fulham

v

Norwich City

 

 

Newcastle United

v

Tottenham Hotspur

5.30pm

(ESPN)

Queens Park Rangers

v

Swansea City

 

 

Reading

v

Stoke City

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

v

Liverpool

 

 

West Ham United

v

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Manchester City

v

Southampton

4.00pm

(Sky)

Wigan Athletic

v

Chelsea

1.30pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Everton

v

Manchester United

8.00pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

Chelsea

v

Reading

 

 

 

43



 

Saturday, August 25th, 2012

Aston Villa

v

Everton

 

 

Chelsea

v

Newcastle United

5.30pm

(ESPN)

Manchester United

v

Fulham

 

 

Norwich City

v

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

Southampton

v

Wigan Athletic

 

 

Sunderland

v

Reading

 

 

Swansea City

v

West Ham United

12.45pm

(Sky)

Tottenham Hotspur

v

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 26th, 2012

Liverpool

v

Manchester City

4.00pm

(Sky)

Stoke City

v

Arsenal

1.30pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 1st, 2012

Manchester City

v

Queens Park Rangers

5.30pm

(ESPN)

Swansea City

v

Sunderland

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

v

Norwich City

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

v

Everton

 

 

West Ham United

v

Fulham

12.45pm

(Sky)

Wigan Athletic

v

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 2nd, 2012

Liverpool

v

Arsenal

1.30pm

(Sky)

Newcastle United

v

Aston Villa

4.00pm

 

Southampton

v

Manchester United

4.00pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 15th, 2012

Arsenal

v

Southampton

 

 

Aston Villa

v

Swansea City

 

 

Fulham

v

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

Manchester United

v

Wigan Athletic

 

 

Norwich City

v

West Ham United

12.45pm

(Sky)

Queens Park Rangers

v

Chelsea

 

 

Stoke City

v

Manchester City

 

 

Sunderland

v

Liverpool

5.30pm

(ESPN)

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 16th, 2012

Reading

v

Tottenham Hotspur

4.00pm

(Sky)

 

44



 

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Everton

v

Newcastle United

8.00pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Chelsea

v

Stoke City

 

 

Newcastle United

v

Norwich City

 

 

Southampton

v

Aston Villa

 

 

Swansea City

v

Everton

12.45pm

(Sky)

West Bromwich Albion

v

Reading

 

 

West Ham United

v

Sunderland

 

 

Wigan Athletic

v

Fulham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

Liverpool

v

Manchester United

1.30pm

(Sky)

Manchester City

v

Arsenal

4.00pm

(Sky)

Tottenham Hotspur

v

Queens Park Rangers

4.00pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 29th, 2012

Arsenal

v

Chelsea

12.45pm

(Sky)

Everton

v

Southampton

 

 

Fulham

v

Manchester City

 

 

Manchester United

v

Tottenham Hotspur

5.30pm

(ESPN)

Norwich City

v

Liverpool

 

 

Reading

v

Newcastle United

 

 

Stoke City

v

Swansea City

 

 

Sunderland

v

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

Aston Villa

v

West Bromwich Albion

4.00pm

(Sky)

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Queens Park Rangers

v

West Ham United

8.00pm

(Sky)

 

45


 

Saturday, October 6th, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

Swansea City

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Southampton

 

v

 

Fulham

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

Fulham

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

Swansea City

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Everton

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Sunderland

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

 

Saturday, October 27th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

Manchester City

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

Newcastle United

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

 

46



 

Sunday, October 28th, 2012

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

Chelsea

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Southampton

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

Fulham

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

Norwich City

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

 

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Liverpool

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Reading

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

 

Monday, November 5th, 2012

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Southampton

 

8.00pm

 

(Sky)

 

Saturday, November 10th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

5.30pm

 

(Sky)

Everton

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, November 11th, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Manchester City

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

 

47



 

Saturday, November 17th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

Liverpool

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, November 18th, 2012

Fulham

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

 

Monday, November 19th, 2012

West Ham United

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

8.00pm

 

(Sky)

 

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

5.30pm

 

(ESPN)

Everton

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

12.45pm

 

(Sky)

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, November 25th, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

4.00pm

 

(Sky)

Sunderland

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

1.30pm

 

(Sky)

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

4.00pm

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Reading

 

8.00pm

 

(Sky)

Stoke City

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

 

48



 

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

8.00pm

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

8.00pm

 

 

 

Saturday, December 1st, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, December 8th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, December 9th, 2012

Everton

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

 

49



 

Saturday, December 15th, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Southampton

 

(Postponed — date tbc)

Liverpool

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, December 22nd, 2012

Chelsea

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

12.00pm

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Southampton

 

12.00pm

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

12.00pm

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

 

50



 

Saturday, December 29th, 2012

Arsenal

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013

Chelsea

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, January 12th, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

 

51



 

Saturday, January 19th, 2013

Chelsea

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

8.00pm

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

8.00pm

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Southampton

 

8.00pm

 

 

 

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

 

52



 

Saturday, February 9th, 2013

Aston Villa

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Chelsea

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Chelsea

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

 

53



 

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 16th, 2013

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Chelsea

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 30th, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Fulham

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

 

54



 

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

Chelsea

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, April 13th, 2013

Arsenal

 

v

 

Norwich City

 

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

v

 

Fulham

 

 

 

 

Chelsea

 

v

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

 

Everton

 

v

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

 

 

 

Manchester City

 

v

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

 

 

 

Newcastle United

 

v

 

Sunderland

 

 

 

 

Reading

 

v

 

Liverpool

 

 

 

 

Southampton

 

v

 

West Ham United

 

 

 

 

Stoke City

 

v

 

Manchester United

 

 

 

 

Wigan Athletic

 

v

 

Swansea City

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

Fulham

 

v

 

Arsenal

 

 

 

 

Liverpool

 

v

 

Chelsea

 

 

 

 

Manchester United

 

v

 

Aston Villa

 

 

 

 

Norwich City

 

v

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

v

 

Stoke City

 

 

 

 

Sunderland

 

v

 

Everton

 

 

 

 

Swansea City

 

v

 

Southampton

 

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

v

 

Manchester City

 

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

v

 

Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

West Ham United

 

v

 

Wigan Athletic

 

 

 

 

 

55


 

Saturday, April 27th, 2013

Arsenal

v

Manchester United

Aston Villa

v

Sunderland

Chelsea

v

Swansea City

Everton

v

Fulham

Manchester City

v

West Ham United

Newcastle United

v

Liverpool

Reading

v

Queens Park Rangers

Southampton

v

West Bromwich Albion

Stoke City

v

Norwich City

Wigan Athletic

v

Tottenham Hotspur

 

 

 

Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Fulham

v

Reading

Liverpool

v

Everton

Manchester United

v

Chelsea

Norwich City

v

Aston Villa

Queens Park Rangers

v

Arsenal

Sunderland

v

Stoke City

Swansea City

v

Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur

v

Southampton

West Bromwich Albion

v

Wigan Athletic

West Ham United

v

Newcastle United

 

 

 

Sunday, May 12th, 2013

Arsenal

v

Wigan Athletic

Aston Villa

v

Chelsea

Everton

v

West Ham United

Fulham

v

Liverpool

Manchester United

v

Swansea City

Norwich City

v

West Bromwich Albion

Queens Park Rangers

v

Newcastle United

Reading

v

Manchester City

Stoke City

v

Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland

v

Southampton

 

56



 

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Chelsea

v

Everton

Liverpool

v

Queens Park Rangers

Manchester City

v

Norwich City

Newcastle United

v

Arsenal

Southampton

v

Stoke City

Swansea City

v

Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur

v

Sunderland

West Bromwich Albion

v

Manchester United

West Ham United

v

Reading

Wigan Athletic

v

Aston Villa

 

57



 

ENGLAND’S FULL INTERNATIONAL FIXTURE LIST 2012/13

 

Italy

v

England

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

F

Moldova

v

England

Friday, September 7th, 2012

WC

England

v

Ukraine

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

WC

England

v

San Marino

Friday, October 12th, 2012

WC

Poland

v

England

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

WC

Sweden

v

England

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

F

To be advised

 

 

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

F

San Marino

v

England

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

WC

Montenegro

v

England

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

WC

 

WC = World Cup Qualifier

F = Friendly Match

 

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP

Dates for Matches in Competition Proper — Season 2012/13

 

Round One

Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

Round Two

Saturday, December 1st, 2012

Round Three

Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Round Four

Saturday, January 26th, 2013

Round Five

Saturday, February 16th, 2013

Round Six

Saturday, March 9th, 2013

Semi-Final

Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th, 2013

Final

Saturday, May 11th, 2013

 

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP

Season 2012/13

 

Round One

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Round Two

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Round Three

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Round Four

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

Round Five

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

Semi-Final (1st leg)

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

Semi-Final (2nd leg)

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

Final

Sunday, February 24th, 2013

 

58



 

EUROPEAN CLUB COMPETITION DATES 2012/13

English Representatives:

UEFA Champions League — Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea

Europa League — Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Liverpool

 

Europa League 3rd Qual. Stage (1st Leg)

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

Europa League 3rd Qual. Stage (2nd Leg)

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

UEFA Champions League Play-Off (1st Leg)

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

Europa League Play-Off (1st Leg)

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

UEFA Champions League Play-Off (2nd Leg)

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Europa League Play-Off (2nd Leg)

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 1

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Europa League — Match 1

Thursday, September 20th, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 2

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

Europa League — Match 2

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 3

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Europa League — Match 3

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 4

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

Europa League — Match 4

Thursday, November 8th, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 5

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Europa League — Match 5

Thursday, November 22nd, 2012

UEFA Champions League — Match 6

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

Europa League — Match 6

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

UEFA Champions League Last 16 (1st Leg)

Wednesday, February 13th/20th, 2013

Europa League — Last 32 (1st Leg)

Thursday, February 14th, 2013

Europa League — Last 32 (2nd Leg)

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

UEFA Champions League Last 16 (2nd Leg)

Wednesday, March 6th/13th, 2013

Europa League — Last 16 (1st Leg)

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Europa League — Last 16 (2nd Leg)

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

UEFA Champions League Quarter-final (1st Leg)

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

Europa League — Quarter-final (1st Leg)

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

UEFA Champions League Quarter-final (2nd Leg)

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013

Europa League — Quarter-final (2nd Leg)

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

UEFA Champions League Semi-final (1st Leg)

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Europa League — Semi-final (1st Leg)

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

UEFA Champions League Semi-final (2nd Leg)

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

Europa League — Semi-final (2nd Leg)

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Europa League — Final

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

UEFA Champions League Final

Saturday, May 25th, 2013

 

 

 

UEFA Super Cup

Friday, August 31st, 2012

FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012

Thursday 6th — Sunday 16th December

 

59



 

 



 

 

RULES

 



 

 

RULES OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE RULES

 

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

73

Section A:

Definitions and interpretation

74

 

Definitions

74

 

Interpretation

85

THE LEAGUE: GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

86

Section B:

The League — Governance

86

 

Name and Membership

86

 

Board Powers

87

 

Procedure at General Meetings

87

 

Relationship between Clubs and the League

87

 

Football Association Representation

88

Section C:

The League — Competition

89

 

The League Competition

89

 

The League Championship

89

 

Relegation

90

 

Play-offs

90

Section D:

The League — Finance

91

 

Obligations of the League

91

 

Obligations of Clubs

91

 

Accounting Practice

92

 

Operating and Other Expenses

92

 

Transmission of League Matches

92

 

Distribution of UK Broadcasting Money

92

 

Distribution of Overseas Broadcasting Money

94

 

Distribution of Title Sponsorship Money

94

 

Distribution of Commercial Contract Money

94

 

Distribution of Radio Contract Money

95

 

Relegated Clubs

95

 

Vale Added Tax

95

 

Distribution Account

95

 

Assignments of Central Funds

96

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

97

Section E:

Clubs — Finance

97

 

Power to Inspect

97

 

Club Bank Accounts

97

 

Submission of Club Accounts

97

 

61



 

CONTENTS

 

 

HMRC

101

 

Power to Deduct

101

 

Events of Insolvency

102

 

Sporting Sanction

105

Section F:

Owners’ and Directors’ Test

106

 

Disqualifying Events

106

 

Submission of Declaration

107

 

Change of Director’s Circumstances

108

 

Disqualification of a Director

108

 

Disciplinary Provisions

108

 

Suspension of the Club

108

 

Appeal against Disqualification of a Director

109

 

Persons Prohibited by Law from entering the United Kingdom etc

110

Section G:

Disclosure of Ownership

111

 

Disclosure of Ownership

111

Section H:

Directors’ Reports

112

 

Material Transactions

112

 

Record of Material Transactions

112

 

Preparation of the Report

112

 

Objectives

113

 

Submission of the Report

113

 

Disqualification

113

Section I:

Associations and Influence

115

 

Associations between Clubs

115

 

Club Officials

115

 

Dual Interests

115

 

Club Contracts

115

Section J:

Miscellaneous

116

 

Employment of Officials

116

 

Betting

116

 

UEFA Club Licence Applicants

117

 

Football Foundation

117

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

118

Section K:

Ground Criteria

118

 

Safety Certificate

118

 

Ownership of Ground and Training Facilities

118

 

Ground Sharing

118

 

62



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Ground Registration

118

 

All Seater Grounds

118

 

Ground Regulations

119

 

Covered Stadia

119

 

Dressing Rooms

119

 

Drug-testing Room

119

 

Media Facilities

119

 

Facilities for Photographers

120

 

Security

121

 

The Pitch

121

 

Pitch Protection

122

 

Artificial Surfaces

123

 

Trainer’s Bench Facilities

123

 

Technical Areas

123

 

Floodlights

123

 

Sanitary Facilities

123

 

Facilities for the Disabled

123

 

CCTV

123

 

Giant Screens

124

Section L:

Fixtures

125

 

Arranging Fixtures

125

 

Rearranging Fixtures

125

 

Arranging other Matches

126

 

Other Competitors

126

 

Postponement of League Matches

126

 

Failure to play a League Match

127

 

Replaying a League Match

127

 

Match Delegate

127

 

Full Strength Teams

127

 

Minimum Age

127

 

Team Sheet

127

 

Substitute Players

128

 

Kick-Off

128

 

Processional Entry

128

 

Use of Official Ball

129

 

Occupation of the Trainer’s Bench

129

 

Use of the Technical Area

129

 

63



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Duration of League Matches

129

 

Notification of League Match results

129

 

Gate Statements

129

 

Penalties

129

 

Compensation for Postponed Matches

129

Section M:

Players’ Identification and Strip

131

 

Players’ Identification

131

 

Home and Away Strip

131

 

Strip Advertising

133

Section N:

Match Officials

134

 

Appointment of Match Officials

134

 

Rules binding on Match Officials

134

 

Payments to Match Officials

134

 

Pre-Match Procedures

134

 

Compliance with Instructors

134

 

Post-Match Procedures

134

Section O:

Medical

136

 

Appointment and Qualifications of Medical Personnel

136

 

Attendance of Medical Personnel and Provision of Medical Facilities

137

 

Head Injuries

138

 

Medical Records

138

 

Medical Insurance

138

Section P:

Managers

139

 

Codes of Conduct

139

 

Coaching Qualifications

139

 

Caretaker Managers

139

 

Contracts of Employment and Registration

139

 

Contents of Contracts of Employment

139

 

Procedure for Registration

140

 

Cancellation of Registration

140

 

Pre-Season Meeting

140

 

Broadcasters

141

 

Disputes

141

 

Assistant Manager/Head Coach

141

Section Q:

Scouts

142

 

Definition

142

 

Registration of Scouts

142

 

64


 

CONTENTS

 

 

Identification of Scouts

142

 

Code of Conduct

142

Section R:

Customer Relations

143

 

Supporter Liaison

143

 

Requirement for Customer Charter

143

 

Reporting

143

 

Ticketing

143

 

Merchandise

145

 

Relations with Stakeholders

146

Section S:

The Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups and Safe Recruitment

147

 

Introduction

147

 

Definitions

147

 

The League’s Policy for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

148

 

Clubs’ Policies and Procedures for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

148

 

Children’s Services’ Officer

148

 

Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer

150

 

Staff

151

 

Parental Consent

151

 

Notification of Referrals to External Statutory Agencies

151

 

Monitoring

151

 

Criminal Records Bureau

152

 

Lead Disclosure Officer and Countersignatories

152

 

Monitoring

153

PLAYERS — CONTRACTS, REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFERS

154

Section T:

Players — Contracts

154

 

Approaches to Players

154

 

Approaches by Players

154

 

Public Statements

154

 

Inducements

154

 

Form of Contract

155

 

Length of Contract

155

 

Players’ Remuneration

155

 

Signing-on Fees

155

 

Lump Sum Payments

156

 

Image Contracts

156

 

Signing the Contract

156

 

65



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Reporting Fines etc

156

 

Submission to Secretary

156

 

Mutual Termination

156

 

Appeal against Termination

157

 

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision

157

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

157

 

Orders for Costs

157

 

Appeal

158

 

Effect of Termination

158

 

Testimonial Matches

158

Section U:

Players — Registrations

159

 

Requirement for Registration

159

 

Types of Registration

159

 

International Registration Transfer Certificates

160

 

Registration Procedure

160

 

Multiplicity of Registrations

161

 

Monthly Registrations

161

 

Termination of Registrations

161

 

New Registrations Requiring Consent

161

 

List of Players

162

 

Clubs Ceasing to be Members

163

 

Prohibition of Third Party Investment

163

Section V:

Players — Transfers of Registrations

165

 

Transfer Windows

165

 

Temporary Transfers

165

 

Contract Players

166

 

Retired Players

167

 

Out of Contract Players

167

 

The Player’s Options

167

 

The Club’s Options

168

 

The Compensation Fee

169

 

Method of Payment

169

 

Transfer Levy

171

DISCIPLINARY AND THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

172

Section W:

Disciplinary

172

 

Power of Inquiry

172

 

Board’s Disciplinary Powers

172

 

66



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Fixed Penalty Procedure

172

 

Summary Jurisdiction

172

 

Provision of Information

173

 

The Panel

173

 

Appointing a Commission

174

 

Commission Procedures

174

 

Commission’s Powers

177

 

Appeals

179

 

Appeal Board’s Powers

180

 

Admissibility of Evidence

180

 

Legal Representation

181

 

Publication and Privilege

181

Section X:

Arbitration

182

 

Definitions

182

 

Agreement to Arbitrate

182

 

Standing

183

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

183

 

Commencement of the Arbitration

183

 

Appointing the Arbitrators

183

 

Appointing a Single Arbitrator

184

 

Replacing an Arbitrator

184

 

Communications

184

 

Directions

184

 

The Tribunal’s General Powers

185

 

Duty of the Parties

185

 

Default of the Parties

185

 

The Hearing

186

 

Remedies

186

 

Majority Decision

186

 

Provisional Awards

186

 

The Award

186

 

Costs

187

 

Challenging the Award

187

 

Representation

187

 

Waiver

187

Section Y:

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

188

 

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

188

 

67



 

CONTENTS

 

Section Z:

Premier League Appeals Committee

190

 

Jurisdiction

190

 

Composition of the Committee

190

 

Committee Procedures

190

 

Fees and Expenses

192

 

Committee’s Powers

192

DESTINATION TABLE

193

 

Destination Table

193

 

 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE FORMS

 

Form 1:

List of Authorised Signatories (Rule A.1.13)

210

Form 2:

Notification of Club Bank Account (Rule E.2)

211

Form 3:

Appeal under Rule E.36

212

Form 4:

Owners’ and Directors’ Declaration (Rules A.1.44, F.2 and F.3)

213

Form 5:

Dual Interest Notice (Rules G.1 and G.2)

214

Form 6:

Directors’ Report (Rules A.1.115 and H.4)

215

Form 7:

Auditors’ Report (Rules A.1.12 and H.10)

216

Form 8:

Registration of Pitch Dimensions (Rule K.24)

217

Form 9:

Team Sheet (Rule L.23)

218

Form 10:

Notification of League Match Result (Rule L.41)

219

Form 11:

Gate Statement (Rule L.42)

220

Form 12:

Notification of Shirt Numbers Allocated (Rule M.6)

221

Form 13:

Registration of Strips (Rule M.17)

222

Form 14:

Notification by Visiting Club to Home Club of Strip (Rule M.24)

223

Form 15:

Appointment of Match Officials (Rule N.3)

224

Form 16:

Scout Registration Form (Rule Q.3)

225

Form 17:

Cancellation of Scout Registration (Rule Q.6)

226

Form 18:

Children’s Officer Notification (Rule S.12)

227

Form 19:

Staff Register (Children) (Rule S.14.7)

228

Form 20:

Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer (Rule S.17)

229

Form 21:

Staff Register — Vulnerable Adults (Rule S.18.5)

230

Form 22:

Parents’ Consent Form (Rule S.23)

231

Form 23:

Notification of Referral (Rule S.25)

232

Form 24:

Lead Disclosure Officer Notification (Rule S.33.1)

233

Form 25:

The Football League Contract

234

Form 26:

Premier League Contract

240

Form 27:

Return of Players’ Wages etc. (Rule T.14)

259

 

68



 

CONTENTS

 

Form 28:

Amateur Registration Form (Rule U.13)

260

Form 29:

Transfer Agreement (Rule V.11.1)

261

Form 30:

Offer of New Contract (Rule V.17.2)

262

Form 31:

Application for Free Transfer (Rule V.20)

263

Form 32:

Contingent Sum Notification (Rule V.36.2)

264

Form 33:

Fixed Penalty Notice (Rule W.4)

265

Form 34:

Summary Jurisdiction Notice (Rule W.9)

266

Form 35:

Complaint (Rule W.24)

267

Form 36:

Answer (Rule W.28)

268

Form 37:

Appeal Against Fixed Penalty (Rule W.63)

269

Form 38:

Appeal Against Commission Decision (Rule W.64)

270

Form 39:

Request for Arbitration (Rules X.8 or Y.3)

271

Form 40:

Appointment of Arbitrator (Rules X.11 or Y.6)

272

Form 41:

Appointment of Single Arbitrator (Rule X.16)

273

Form 42:

Notice of Preliminary Meeting (Rule X.21 or Y.13)

274

 

 

 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES

 

GENERAL

 

276

 

Definitions

276

 

General

282

STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ACADEMY

285

 

Football Philosophy

285

 

Academy Performance Plan

285

 

Performance Management Application

285

 

Technical Board

286

EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENT

287

 

Academies: Evaluation and Audit

287

 

Productivity Profile

288

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

289

 

Performance Clock

289

 

Performance Reviews

289

STAFF

 

291

 

General

291

 

Academy Management Team

292

 

Academy Manager

292

 

Academy Secretary

293

 

Head of Academy Coaching

294

 

69



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Coaches

 

294

 

Goalkeeping Coaches

 

295

 

Senior Professional Development Coach

 

295

 

Coaches: Qualifications and Professional Development

 

295

 

Coach Developer

 

296

 

Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

 

297

 

Lead Sports Scientist

 

297

 

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach

 

298

 

Senior Academy Physiotherapist

 

298

 

Physiotherapists

 

299

 

Academy Doctor

 

299

 

Performance Analysts

 

299

 

Head of Education

 

300

 

Head of Recruitment

 

300

COACHING

 

302

 

Coaching Programme

 

302

 

Coaching Hours

 

302

 

Development Centres

 

304

GAMES PROGRAMME

 

305

 

General

 

305

 

Performance Analysis

 

305

 

Foundation Phase Games Programme

 

306

 

Youth Development Phase Games Programme

 

307

 

Professional Development Phase Games Programme

 

310

 

Professional Development League

 

311

 

Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches

 

313

EDUCATION AND WELFARE

 

314

 

General

 

314

 

Reports on Educational Progression

 

315

 

Delivery of the Education Programme

 

315

 

Welfare, Social Development and Lifestyle Management

 

317

 

Player Exit/Release Strategy

 

317

SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE

 

318

 

Sports Science and Medicine Programme

 

318

TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT

 

320

 

Scouts: Qualifications

 

320

 

Scouts: Attendance of Matches

 

320

 

70



 

CONTENTS

 

 

Scouts: Disciplinary Action

 

321

 

Registrations and Provision of Information by the League

 

321

 

Time/Distance Rules

 

322

 

Trials

 

322

 

Pre-Registration Agreements

 

323

 

Registrations

 

324

 

End of Season Procedure

 

326

 

Termination of Registration

 

326

 

Scholarships

 

327

 

Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements

 

329

FACILITIES

 

 

330

 

Facilities

 

330

FINANCE

 

 

336

 

Finance

 

336

COMPENSATION

 

337

 

Compensation

 

337

 

 

 

 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FORMS

 

 

PLYD Form 1:

Scholarship Agreement

 

343

 

Schedule One Scholarship Allowance

 

348

 

Schedule Two Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

 

349

PLYD Form 2:

Notification of Trialists’ Particulars (Youth Development Rule 213.2)

 

351

PLYD Form 3:

Notice of Ending of Trial Period (Youth Development Rule 216)

 

352

PLYD Form 4:

Pre-registration Agreement (Youth Development Rule 219)

 

353

PLYD Form 5:

Academy Player Registration Application (Youth Development Rule 227)

 

354

PLYD Form 6:

Academy Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire (Youth Development Rule 228)

 

356

PLYD Form 7:

List of Academy Players (Youth Development Rule 236)

 

357

PLYD Form 8:

Retention/Termination Notification for Academy Players Entering into Age Groups Under 10, Under 11, Under 12 and Under 14 (Youth Development Rules 238.1)

 

358

PLYD Form 9:

Retention/Termination Notification for Academy Players Entering into Age Groups Under 13 and Under 15 (Youth Development Rule 249)

 

359

PLYD Form 10:

Academy Player’s Registration: Mutual Cancellation Notification (Youth Development Rule 242.2)

 

360

PLYD Form 11:

Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 249)

 

361

PLYD Form 12:

Response to Scholarship Offer (Youth Development Rule 250)

 

362

 

71



 

CONTENTS

 

APPENDICES TO THE RULES

 

 

Appendix 1:

Standard Clauses for Inclusion in Replica Strip Manufacturers’ Contracts (Rule R.15)

 

364

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2:

Notice to Manufacturer Licensed to Manufacture and Distribute Club Replica Strip (Rule R.16)

 

365

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3:

The Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals, Tournaments and Visits Code Of Practice (Youth Development Rule 169)

 

366

 

 

 

 

Appendix 4:

Code of Conduct for Academy Players of Compulsory School Age (Youth Development Rule 237)

 

397

 

 

 

 

Appendix 5:

Code of Conduct for Scouts (Rule Q.8)

 

400

 

 

 

 

Appendix 6:

Code of Conduct for Managers (Rule P.1)

 

401

 

 

 

 

Appendix 7:

Code of Conduct for Clubs (Rule P.2)

 

403

 

 

 

 

Appendix 8:

Standard Clauses for Inclusion in Managers’ Contracts of Employment (Rule P.8.1)

 

404

 

 

 

 

Appendix 9:

Anti-Discrimination Policy (Rule J.4)

 

405

 

 

 

 

Appendix 10:

Rules Governing Applications for UEFA Club Licences

 

406

 

 

 

 

Appendix 11:

Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee

 

409

 

 

 

 

Appendix 12:

Schedule of Offences (Rule F.1.4.3)

 

413

 

 

 

 

Appendix 13:

Medical Examinations to be carried out on Contract Players and Students Registered on Scholarship Agreements (Rule O.10)

 

414

 

72



 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE RULES

 


 

 

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

SECTION A: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

Definitions

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.

 

In these Rules:

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.1.

 

“Activity” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.1;

 

A.1

O.3.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.2.

 

“the Act” means the Companies Act 2006 (save for in Section X of these Rules where it shall have the meaning set out in Rule X.1.1);

 

A.1

S.1.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.3.

 

“the 1986 Act” has the meaning set out in Rule E.25.1;

 

A.1

C.57.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.4.

 

“Agent” means any Person who represents, negotiates on behalf of or otherwise acts for a Club or a Player (other than a solicitor giving professional legal advice only) in the context of either the registration or transfer of the registration of a Player or the employment of a Player by a Club;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.5.

 

“Amateur Player” means any player (other than an Academy Player) who is registered to play or intends to be registered to play for a Club and who is registered with the Football Association as an amateur in accordance with the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.6.

 

“Appeal Board” means the body having appellate jurisdiction under these Rules appointed by the Board under the provisions of Rule W.60;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.7.

 

“the Articles” means the Articles of Association of the League and reference to a number following the word ‘Article’ is a reference to an article so numbered in the Articles;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.8.

 

“Artificial Surface” means any playing surface which is not or not intended to be predominantly natural grass;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.9.

 

“Associate” means in relation to an individual any other individual who is:

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) the spouse or civil partner of that individual; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) a relative of the individual or of his spouse or civil partner; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) the spouse or civil partner of a relative of the individual or of their spouse or civil partner;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.10.

 

“Associated Undertaking” means an undertaking in which an undertaking has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policy it exercises a significant influence, and which is not a Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.11.

 

“Auditors” means registered auditors appointed by a Club to audit its accounts who have not been disqualified by the Board under the provisions of Rule H.11;

 

A.1

D.1.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.12.

 

“Auditors’ Report” means a report in Form 7;

 

A.1

D.1.2

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.13.

 

“Authorised Signatory” means an Official of a Club duly authorised by a resolution of its board of directors to sign Forms as required by these Rules whose particulars shall have first been submitted to the Secretary in Form 1;

 

A.1

 

74



 

A.1.14.

 

“Bankruptcy Order” means an order adjudging an individual bankrupt;

 

A.1

D.1.3

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.15.

 

“Bankruptcy Restriction Order” and “Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order” mean orders made under the provisions of Schedule 4A of the Insolvency Act 1986;

 

A.1

D.1.4

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.16.

 

“Basic Award Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcasting Money and distributed in accordance with Rule D.17.1;

 

A.1

C.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.17.

 

“the Board” means the board of directors for the time being of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.18.

 

“Broadcaster” means a Radio Broadcaster, a UK Broadcaster or an Overseas Broadcaster;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.19.

 

“Central Funds” has the meaning set out in Rule E.21.1;

 

A.1

C.51.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.20.

 

“the Chairman” means the non-executive chairman for the time being of the Board;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.21.

 

“the Chief Executive” means the chief executive for the time being of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.22.

 

“Child” and “Children” have the meaning set out in Rule S.3.2;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.23.

 

“Children’s Safeguarding Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.3;

 

A.1

O.14.12

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.24.

 

“Children’s Services’ Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.4;

 

A.1

O.3.4

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.25.

 

“clear days” in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.26.

 

“Close Season” means the period between the end of one Season and the commencement of the next;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.27.

 

“Club” means an association football club in membership of the League and:

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

for the purposes of Rules E.35 to E.45 inclusive includes any club which is entitled to be promoted from the Football League to the League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

for the purposes of Rules A.1.11, A.1.42, A.1.45, A.1.136, and Sections F and H of these Rules (including any Forms prescribed therein) includes any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, or Parent Undertaking of such Club; and

 

D.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

for the purposes of Section G of these Rules, Rules I.1 to I.7 and Rule J.3 (and including any Forms prescribed therein) includes any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking of such Club;

 

V.4

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.28.

 

“club” means an association football club not in membership of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.29.

 

“Club Radio Contract” means any contract upon terms complying in all respects with any directive issued by the League pursuant to Rule D.7 and made between any Club and the local or regional independent radio station or BBC local radio station within whose transmission area the Club’s registered ground is situated;

 

A.1

C.2

 

75



 

A.1.30.

 

“Club Shirt Sponsor Contract” means any contract between any Club and any Person (not being the manufacturer, producer or distributor of that Club’s Strip) providing for the exhibition upon that Club’s Strip of the agreed prime brand of that Person in accordance with Rule M.28;

 

A.1

C.3

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.31.

 

“Commercial Contract” means any contract entered into by the League relating to sponsorship or like transactions or other matters materially affecting the commercial interests of Clubs other than an Overseas Broadcasting Contract, a UK Broadcasting Contract, a Radio Contract or a Title Sponsorship Contract;

 

A.1

C.4

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.32.

 

“Commercial Contract Money” means money received by the League under any Commercial Contract;

 

A.1

C.5

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.33.

 

“Commission” means a commission appointed by the Board under the provisions of Rule W.21;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.34.

 

“the Company Secretary” means the person whose particulars are registered or registrable as the secretary of the League pursuant tp Section 276 of the Act, and shall include any joint, assistant or deputy secretary;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.35.

 

“Compensation Fee” means any sum of money or other consideration (exclusive of Value Added Tax) payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon the permanent transfer of the registration of a Contract Player or in respect of an Out of Contract Player;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.36.

 

“Compensation Fee Account” means the account bearing that name at Barclays Bank Plc into which Compensation Fees, Loan Fees (including in both cases instalments thereof) and Contingent Sums are payable as set out in Rule V.29;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.37.

 

“Concert Party” means any person with which any relevant person is acting in concert within the meaning of paragraphs (2) to (5) (inclusive) of the definition of “acting in concert” in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, or would be so acting in concert if the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers applied in the relevant case;

 

A.1

D.1.6

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.38.

 

“Conditional Contract” means a playing contract between a Club and a Player which is determinable by the Player at any time;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.39.

 

“Connected Person” means any Person who directly or indirectly possesses or is entitled to acquire more than 30 per cent of:

 

A.1

D.1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

the issued ordinary share capital of the company; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

the loan capital (save where loan capital was acquired in the ordinary course of the business of lending money) and issued share capital of the company; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

the assets of the company which would be available for distribution to equity holders in the event of winding up of the company;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.40.

 

“Contingent Sum” means any sum of money (exclusive of Value Added Tax) additional to a Compensation Fee payable upon the happening of a contingent event by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club consequent upon the transfer of the registration of a player;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.41.

 

“Contract Player” means any player (other than an Academy Player) who has entered into a written contract of employment with a Club;

 

A.1

 

76



 

A.1.42.

 

“Control” means the power of a Person to exercise, or to be able to exercise or acquire, direct or indirect control over the policies, affairs and/or management of a Club, whether that power is constituted by rights or contracts (either separately or in combination) and having regard to the considerations of fact or law involved, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Control shall be deemed to include:

 

A.1

D.1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

the power (whether directly or indirectly and whether by the ownership of the share capital, by the possession of voting power, by contract or otherwise including without limitation by way of membership of any Concert Party) to appoint and/or remove all or such of the members of the board of directors of the Club as are able to cast a majority of the votes capable of being cast by the members of that board; and/or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares or other securities in the Club (whether directly, indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other persons) or by contract including without limitation by way of membership of any Concert Party) which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof 30 per cent or more of the total voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a Nominee for any Person or of an Associate of any Person or of a Connected Person to any Person shall be attributed to that Person;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.43.

 

“CRB” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.5;

 

A.1

U.1.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.44.

 

“Declaration” means a declaration in Form 4;

 

A.1

D.1.9

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.45.

 

Subject to Rule A.1.46 “Director” means any person occupying the position of director of a Club whose particulars are registered or registrable under the provisions of section 162 of the Act and includes a shadow director, that is to say, a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the Club are accustomed to act, or a Person having Control over the Club, or a Person exercising the powers that are usually associated with the powers of a director of a company;

 

A.1

D.1.10

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.46.

 

For the purposes of Rules H.1 to H.10, a person shall be excluded from the definition of Director set out in Rule A.1.45 if (and only if):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

he falls within the said definition of Director solely because Rule A.1.42(b) applies to him; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

his aggregate interest (of the kind set out in Rule A.1.42(b)) in the shares or other securities conferring voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club is less than 50%;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.47.

 

“Disclosure” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.6;

 

A.1

U.1.2

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.48.

 

“Events of Insolvency” means the events set out in Rule E.25;

 

A.1

 

77


 

 

A.1.49.

 

“the Extranet” means the secure online area maintained by the League for the purpose of the communication of information between the League and Clubs;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.50.

 

“Facility Fees Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcasting Money and distributed in accordance with Rule D.17.3;

 

A.1

C.6

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.51.

 

“the Faculty” has the meaning set out in Rule O.3.1;

 

A.1

H.3.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.52.

 

“F.A. Cup” means the Football Association Challenge Cup competition;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.53.

 

“Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1161(4) of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.54.

 

“FIFA” means the Federation Internationale de Football Association;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.55.

 

“Financial Institution” means any person or entity that is:

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) authorised by the Financial Services Authority (‘FSA’) to carry on a regulated activity under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA”); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) carrying out a regulated activity as an appointed representative of a person or entity authorised by the FSA to carry on a regulated activity under the FSMA; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) recognised by the FSA as being authorised to carry out a regulated activity in the UK through its regulation by a regulator in another country;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.56.

 

“the Football Association” means The Football Association Limited;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.57.

 

“the Football Association Rules” means the Rules and Regulations for the time being of the Football Association;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.58.

 

“Football Creditor” has the meaning set out in Rule E.31;

 

A.1

C.63

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.59.

 

“the Football League” means The Football League Limited;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.60.

 

“the Football League Cup” means the cup competition organised by the board of the Football League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.61.

 

“Form” means the appropriate form or substantially the same form as that prescribed in these Rules;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.62.

 

“Future Financial Information” has the meaning set out in Rule E.11;

 

A.1

C.86

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.63.

 

“Gambling Related Agreement” means any agreement (i) which concerns any advertising (save for occasional, stand-alone advertising such as in a match-day programme or on perimeter advertising boards or the like), marketing, promotion, supply or provision of betting, gaming, lottery or other gambling related products, services, brands or facilities (whether as part of a Club Shirt Sponsor Contract, the appointment of a gambling partner or otherwise) and/or (ii) where the business activities of any of the parties (or of an Associated Undertaking or Group Undertaking of any of the parties) to such agreement include the provision of betting, gaming, lottery or other gambling related products, services or facilities;

 

A.1

 

78



 

A.1.64.

 

“General Meeting” means any meeting of the members of the League duly called in accordance with the provisions of Article 18;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.65.

 

“Group” has the meaning set out in section 474(1) of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.66.

 

“Group Accounts” mean accounts that a Club is required to prepare pursuant to section 399 of the Act, or which its Parent Undertaking is required to deliver to the Registrar of Companies pursuant to section 400(2)(e) or section 401(2)(f) of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.67.

 

“Group Undertaking” has the meaning set out in Section 1161(5) of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.68.

 

“HMRC” means HM Revenue and Customs or such other government department(s) that may replace the same;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.69.

 

“Holding” means the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares or other securities in the Club (whether directly, indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other persons) or by contract including without limitation by way of membership of any Concert Party) which confer any voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a nominee for any Person shall be attributed to that Person, that is to say any rights or powers which another Person possesses on his behalf or may be required to exercise at his direction or on his behalf and any rights or powers of any other Person which is a Connected Person to any Person shall be attributed to that Person;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.70.

 

“Home Club” means the Club on whose ground a League Match is or was or should be or should have been played or, where the Clubs participating in that League Match share a ground, the Club whose name first appears in respect of that League Match on the League’s fixture list;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.71.

 

“Home Grown Player” means a Player who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any Club (or club) affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three Seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21) and for the purposes of this definition of “Home Grown Player” a Season will be deemed to commence on the date on which the first Transfer Window closes and expire on the date of the final League Match of the Season;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.72.

 

“Image Contract” means any contract whereby a Player transfers to any Person (‘the transferee’) the right to exploit his image or reputation either in relation to football or non-footballing activities;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.73.

 

“Image Contract Payment” means any payment made or liability incurred by or on behalf of a Club to a transferee in order to acquire that right;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.74.

 

“Individual Voluntary Arrangement” means an arrangement made under the provisions of Part VIII of the Insolvency Act 1986;

 

A.1

D.1.11

 

79



 

A.1.75.

 

“International Transfer” means the transfer of the registration of a player to a Club in respect of which an international registration transfer certificate is required under the provisions of the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.76.

 

“the League” means the Football Association Premier League Limited;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.77.

 

“the League Champions” has the meaning set out in Rule C.8;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.78.

 

“League Match” means a match played under the jurisdiction of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.79.

 

“League Office” means the registered office for the time being of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.80.

 

“Licensing Manual” means the manual in which are set out procedures agreed between the Football Association and the League relating to applications for and the granting of licences enabling Clubs (or clubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.81.

 

“Loan Fee” means any sum of money (exclusive of Value Added Tax) payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon a Temporary Transfer;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.82.

 

“Local Authority Designated Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.7;

 

A.1

O.3.5

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.83.

 

“Local Safeguarding Children’s Board” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.8;

 

A.1

O.3.6

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.84.

 

“Manager” means the Official of a Club responsible for selecting the Club’s first team;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.85.

 

“Match Officials” means referees and assistant referees and includes reserve officials and fourth officials;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.86.

 

“Material Transactions” has the meaning set out in Rule H.1;

 

A.1

D.26

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.87.

 

“Memorandum” means the Memorandum of Association of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.88.

 

“Merit Payments Fund” means the fund established out of UK Broadcasting Money and distributed in accordance with Rule D.17.2;

 

A.1

C.36.2

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.89.

 

“New Registration” has the meaning set out in Rule U.12;

 

A.1

L.12

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.90.

 

“Nominee” means in connection to any Person another Person who possesses rights or powers on his behalf, or which he may be required to exercise at his discretion;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.91.

 

“Objectives” has the meaning set out in Rule H.9;

 

A.1

D.34

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.92.

 

“Official” means any director, secretary, servant or representative of a Club, excluding any Player, Agent or Auditors;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.93.

 

“Out of Contract Player” means a Contract Player whose contract of employment with a Club has expired;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.94.

 

“Overseas Broadcaster” means a Person with whom the League has entered into an Overseas Broadcasting Contract and who is entitled to effect the Transmission of League Matches in accordance with the terms of that Contract;

 

A.1

 

80



 

A.1.95.

 

“Overseas Broadcasting Contract” means any contract entered into by the League for the Transmission of League Matches outside the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands;

 

A.1

C.8

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.96.

 

“Overseas Broadcasting Money” means money received by the League under any Overseas Broadcasting Contract;

 

A.1

C.9

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.97.

 

“the Panel” has the meaning set out in Rule W.14;

 

A.1

R.14

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.98.

 

“Parents” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.9;

 

A.1

O.3.7

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.99.

 

“Parent Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1162 of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.100.

 

“PAYE and NIC” means any and all payments required to be made by a Club in respect of income tax and national insurance contributions;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.101.

 

“Person” includes any legal entity, firm or unincorporated association and in the case of a Person which is incorporated any of its Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, Parent Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.102.

 

“PGB” has the meaning set out in Rule B.21;

 

A.1

V.3

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.103.

 

“PGMOL” means the Professional Game Match Officials Limited;

 

A.1

G.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.104.

 

“Player” means any Contract Player, Out of Contract Player, Amateur Player or Academy Player who is registered to play for a Club;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.105.

 

“Player’s Image” means the Player’s name, nickname, fame, image, signature, voice and film and photographic portrayal, virtual and/or electronic portrayal image or representation, reputation, replica and all other characteristics of the Player including his shirt number;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.106.

 

“the Premier League Appeals Committee” means the committee constituted in accordance with Rule Z.2;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.107.

 

“the Professional Football Compensation Committee” means the committee constituted in accordance with the Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.108.

 

“Professional Game Youth Fund” means the fund of that name managed by the League who shall award grants from the Fund’s resources to qualifying Clubs and Football League clubs;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.109.

 

“Promoted Club” means a Club which became a member of the League at the end of the previous Season pursuant to Rule B.4;

 

A.1

C.10

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.110.

 

“Radio Contract” means any contract entered into by the League other than an Overseas Broadcasting Contract or a UK Broadcasting Contract for the Radio Transmission of League Matches;

 

A.1

C.11

 

81



 

A.1.111.

 

“Radio Contract Money” means money received by the League under any Radio Contract;

 

A.1

C.12

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.112.

 

“Radio Broadcaster” means a Person with whom the League has entered into a Radio Contract and who is entitled to effect the Radio Transmission of League Matches in accordance with the terms of that Contract;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.113.

 

“Radio Transmission” means any terrestrial or satellite broadcast or transmission by cable of sounds of and/or commentary upon any League Match or inclusion thereof in a cable programme service and/or on the Internet and/or any relay of sound of and/or commentary upon any League Match whether to an open or closed user group by any means now existing or hereafter invented not consisting solely of storage and distribution of recorded sounds in tangible form whether such radio transmission is on a live or recorded basis in whole or as excerpts;

 

A.1

C.13

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.114.

 

“Relegated Club” means a Football League club which was relegated under the provisions of Rule C.11 at the end of any of the 4 previous Seasons and which remains relegated;

 

A.1

C.14

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.115.

 

“Report” means a report in Form 6;

 

A.1

D.1.14

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.116.

 

“Representation Contract” means an agreement to which a Club and an Agent are party and pursuant to which the Agent acts for the Club or a Player in the context of either the registration or transfer of the registration of a Player or the employment of a Player by a Club;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.117.

 

“Resolution” has the meaning set out in Article 1.2;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.118.

 

“Respondent” has the meaning set out in Rule W.22.2;

 

A.1

R.18.2

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.119.

 

“Retired Player” means a Player who has stopped playing competitive football;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.120.

 

“these Rules” means the rules for the time being of the League and a letter and a number following a reference to a rule identifies the Section in which it is comprised and its number within that Section;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.121.

 

“Scout” means any person employed or engaged by a Club (whether on a full-time or part-time basis and whether or not he is remunerated in any way for his services) whose duties include identifying to his Club players whose registration his Club may wish to secure;

 

A.1

P.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.122.

 

“Search and Intervention Steward” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.10;

 

A.1

U.1.3

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.123.

 

“Season” means the period commencing on the date of the first League Match on the fixture list of the League’s first team competition and ending on the date of the last;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.124.

 

“the Secretary” means the general secretary of the League;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.125.

 

“Section” means a Section of these Rules;

 

A.1

 

82



 

A.1.126.

 

“Shares” in Rules A.1.127, F.1, G.2, G.6, I.1 and I.6 include securities;

 

A.1

D.1.15

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.127.

 

“Significant Interest” means the holding and/or possession of the legal or beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares or other securities in the Club which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof ten (10) per cent or more of the total voting rights exercisable in respect of the Shares of any class of Shares of the Club. All or part of any such interest may be held directly or indirectly or by contract including, but not limited to, by way of membership of any Concert Party, and any rights or powers held by an Associate, Nominee or Connected Person shall be included for the purposes of determining whether an interest or interests amounts to a “Significant Interest”;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.128.

 

“Signing-on Fee” means a lump sum payment payable under the terms of a contract between a Club and a Contract Player and which is expressed to be a signing-on fee;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.129.

 

“Spent Conviction” means a conviction in respect of which the offender is treated as rehabilitated for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 or, where this Act does not apply for any reason, a conviction which would be so treated had the provisions of the Act applied;

 

A.1

D.1.16

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.130.

 

“Squad List” means the list of up to a maximum of 25 Players eligible to participate in League Matches during a Season of whom a maximum of 17 may not be Home Grown Players;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.131.

 

“Staff” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.11 and, for the purpose of Rules S.28 to S.39 only;

 

A.1

O.3.8

U.1.6

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.132.

 

“stakeholders” has the meaning set out in Rule R.2;

 

A.1

J.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.133.

 

“Strip” means Players’ shirts, shorts and stockings;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.134.

 

“Subsidiary Undertaking” has the meaning set out in section 1162 of the Act;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.135.

 

“Temporary Transfer” has the meaning set out in Rule V.5;

 

A.1

M.5

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.136.

 

“Third Party Payment” means any payment made or liability incurred (other than Compensation Fees, remuneration or payments to or for the benefit of Agents referred to in Rule H.1) by or on behalf of a Club in respect of a Player, including an Image Contract Payment;

 

A.1

D.1.17

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.137.

 

“Title Sponsor” means the Person granted the right to have its agreed brand identity associated with the name of the League’s first team competition;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.138.

 

“Title Sponsorship Contract” means any contract entered into between the League and a Title Sponsor;

 

A.1

C.15

 

83



 

A.1.139.

 

“Title Sponsorship Money” means money received by the League under any Title Sponsorship Contract;

 

A.1

C.16

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.140.

 

“Transfer Agreement” means an agreement between a Transferor Club and a Transferee Club for the permanent transfer of the registration of a Contract Player;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.141.

 

“Transfer Windows” has the meaning set out in Rule V.1;

 

A.1

M.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.142.

 

“Transferee Club” means a Club (or club) to which the registration of a Contract Player is, or is to be or has been transferred (including on the basis of a Temporary Transfer) or which, in the case of an Out of Contract Player, effects his New Registration;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.143.

 

“Transferor Club” means a Club (or club) from which the registration of a Contract Player is, or is to be or has been transferred (including on the basis of a Temporary Transfer) or which, in the case of an Out of Contract Player, holds his registration under the provisions of Rule U.27.2;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.144.

 

“Transmission” means any terrestrial or satellite broadcast of television or other moving pictures with or without sound or transmission by cable of moving pictures with or without sound or inclusion of moving pictures with or without sound in a cable programme service and/or on the Internet and/or relay of moving pictures with or without sound whether to an open or closed user group by any means now existing or hereafter invented not consisting solely of the storage and distribution of recorded pictures with or without sound in tangible form whether the said transmission is on a live or recorded basis in whole or as excerpts;

 

A.1

C.17

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.145.

 

“UEFA” means the Union des Associations Européennes de Football;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.146.

 

“UEFA Club Competition” means the club competitions organised by UEFA;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.147.

 

“UEFA Club Licence” means the licence granted by the Football Association in accordance with the procedures set out in the Licensing Manual enabling Clubs (or clubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.148.

 

“UK Broadcaster” means a Person with whom the League has entered into a UK Broadcasting Contract and who is entitled to effect the Transmission of League Matches in accordance with the terms of that Contract;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.149.

 

“UK Broadcasting Contract” means any contract entered into by the League for the Transmission of League Matches within the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands;

 

A.1

C.18

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.150.

 

“UK Broadcasting Money” means money received by the League under any UK Broadcasting Contract;

 

A.1

C.19

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.151.

 

“Under 21 Player” means a Player under the age of 21 as at the 1st January in the year in which the Season concerned commences (i.e. for Season 2012/13 born on or after 1st January 1991);

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.152.

 

“Visiting Club” means the Club playing, which has played, which should play or which should have played a League Match on the ground of a Home Club or, where the Clubs participating in that League Match share a ground, the Club whose name last appears in respect of that League Match on the League’s fixture list;

 

A.1

 

84



 

A.1.153.

 

“Vulnerable Adult” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.12;

 

A.1

O.3.9

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.154.

 

“Vulnerable Adults’ Safeguarding Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.18.7;

 

A.1

O.18.7

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.155.

 

“‘Vulnerable Adults’ Services Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.3.14;

 

A.1

O.3.11

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.156.

 

“Week by Week Contract” means a playing contract between a Club and a Player which is determinable by either party on 7 days’ written notice;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.157.

 

“Working Day” means any day on which the League office is open for normal business but excluding, unless the Board determines otherwise, a Saturday, a Sunday or a Bank or Public Holiday;

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.158.

 

References to “written” or “in writing” shall be construed to include:

 

A.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) hard copy;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) facsimile transmission;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) subject to any guidance issued by the Board, email (including any attachment to an email);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d) where appropriate, the Extranet;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but shall not include any form of electronic communication other than those listed in Rules (b) to (d) above. Where a communication is sent by email, the burden of proof of receipt shall be on the sender;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.1.159.

 

“Youth Development Rules” means the Youth Development Rules which are set out as an Appendix to these Rules and which form part of these Rules;

 

 

 

Interpretation

 

 

 

Old Rule

A.2.

 

Terms defined in Youth Development Rule 1 shall have the meanings set out in that Rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.3

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

A.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.3.1. words importing the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.3.2. words importing any particular gender shall include all other genders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.4.

 

References to statutory provisions shall be construed as references to those provisions as they may be amended or re-enacted.

 

A.3

 

 

 

 

 

A.5.

 

The headings in these Rules are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

 

A.4

 

 

 

 

 

A.6.

 

Unless otherwise stated, the provisions of the Articles shall prevail in the event of any conflict with these Rules.

 

A.8

 

 

 

 

 

A.7.

 

Where a Club is required to submit a Form to the Secretary or to the League pursuant to these Rules, the Board may instead require that the information to be provided in the Form is submitted via the Extranet in such manner as it may determine.

 

A.9

 

85



 

 

THE LEAGUE: GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

SECTION B: THE LEAGUE — GOVERNANCE

 

Name and Membership

 

Old Rule

B.1.

 

The League’s first team competition shall be called “The Premier League” to which may be added the name of the Title Sponsor.

 

B.1

 

 

 

 

 

B.2.

 

The League’s first team competition shall consist of teams of those association football clubs playing in England and Wales not exceeding 20 in number which are from time to time members of the League.

 

B.2

 

 

 

 

 

B.3.

 

Each member Club shall on request give to the League the address of its registered office and shall provide to the League certified true copies of:

 

B.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.3.1. its certificate of incorporation; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.3.2. its memorandum of association; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.3.3. its articles of association; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.3.4. any amendments to the above documents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.4.

 

At the end of each Season the Board shall require each of the Clubs relegated in accordance with Rule C.11 to execute an instrument transferring its ordinary share in the League to such of the 3 clubs promoted to the League from the Football League as the Board directs.

 

B.4

 

 

 

 

 

B.5.

 

Upon such share transfers being registered in accordance with the Articles each of the promoted Clubs will become a member of the League.

 

B.5

 

 

 

 

 

B.6.

 

A Club shall cease to be entitled to be a member of the League (and upon registration in accordance with the Articles of the transfer of its ordinary share in the League shall cease to be a member thereof) following:

 

B.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.6.1. its relegation in accordance with Rule C.11; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.6.2. the receipt of a notice by the Board under the provisions of Article 10.1; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.6.3. its expulsion under the provisions of Rule B.7; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.6.4. its resignation under the provisions of Rules B.8 and B.10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.7.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 27, the League may expel a Club from membership upon a special resolution to that effect being passed by a majority of not less than three-fourths of such members as (being entitled to do so) vote by their representatives or by proxy at a General Meeting of which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution has been duly given.

 

B.7

 

 

 

 

 

B.8.

 

Any Club intending to resign as a member of the League may do so only with effect from the end of the Season upon which it is intended that such resignation is to take effect provided that it shall give notice in writing to that effect to the Company Secretary on or before the 31st December preceding the end of such Season.

 

B.8

 

 

 

 

 

B.9.

 

Any Director of a Club giving notice under the provisions of Rule B.8 who represents the League on the Council of the Football Association shall vacate that office forthwith upon the giving of the notice.

 

B.9

 

86



 

B.10.

 

Not earlier than the 1st March nor later than the 31st March following the giving of a notice under Rule B.8, the Club giving such notice shall notify the Company Secretary in writing whether such notice is confirmed or withdrawn. If no such notice is given the notice under Rule B.8 shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.

 

B.10

 

 

 

 

 

B.11.

 

Without prejudice to the powers contained in Section Wof these Rules (Disciplinary), any Club purporting to resign otherwise than in accordance with Rules B.8 and B.10 shall on demand indemnify the League on behalf of itself and the Clubs remaining in membership of the League against all losses, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses whatsoever suffered or incurred by the League or such Clubs resulting directly or indirectly from such purported resignation including without limitation loss of income or profits from any Commercial Contract, UK Broadcasting Contract, Overseas Broadcasting Contract, Radio Contract or Title Sponsorship Contract.

 

B.11

 

Board Powers

 

 

 

Old Rule

B.12.

 

Where a discretion, right or power is expressed in these Rules to be exercisable by the Board, such discretion, right or power shall unless otherwise provided in these Rules or the Articles be exercisable by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion or as a sole right or power of the Board and shall when exercised be final and binding and not subject to appeal.

 

A.5

 

 

 

 

 

B.13.

 

The Board may appoint any person who is not an Official to deputise for either the Chairman or the Chief Executive when the Board is required to exercise its function under either Rule T.28 or Rule T.29 or Rule T.30 or Rule W.1 or Youth Development Rules 256 and 258-259.

 

A.6

 

Procedure at General Meetings

 

Old Rule

B.14.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Acts, the Chairman may regulate the procedure for General Meetings as he thinks fit. Unless otherwise determined by the Chairman:

 

A.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.14.1. Clubs must give to the Secretary not less than 28 clear days’ notice of any item for inclusion on the agenda of a forthcoming General Meeting;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.14.2. two representatives from each Club may attend General Meetings, each of whom may speak but only one of whom shall be entitled to vote.

 

 

 

Relationship between Clubs and the League

 

Old Rule

B.15.

 

Membership of the League shall constitute an agreement between the League and Clubs and between each Club to be bound by and comply with:

 

A.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.1. the Laws of the Game;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.2. the Football Association Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.3. the Articles;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.4. these Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.5. the statutes and regulations of FIFA;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.6. the statutes and regulations of UEFA; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.15.7. the Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee, each as amended from time to time.

 

 

 

87



 

B.16.

 

In all matters and transactions relating to the League each Club shall behave towards each other Club and the League with the utmost good faith.

 

B.13

 

 

 

 

 

B.17.

 

No Club either by itself, its servants or agents shall by any means whatsoever unfairly criticise, disparage, belittle or discredit any other Club or the League or in either case any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

 

B.14

 

 

 

 

 

B.18.

 

A Club shall not without the Board’s prior written consent either during its membership of the League or at any time after its membership has terminated disclose or divulge either directly or indirectly to any Person whatsoever or otherwise make use of any confidential information as to the business or finances of the League or any other Club or any of their dealings, transactions or affairs or as to any other matters which may come to its knowledge by reason of its membership save to statutory and regulatory authorities or as may be required by law or to such Officials and Auditors of that Club to whom such disclosure is strictly necessary for the purpose of their duties and then only to the extent so necessary.

 

B.15

 

Football Association Representation

 

Old Rule

B.19.

 

Under the articles of association of the Football Association the League is entitled to appoint annually 8 representatives to the Council of the Football Association. Any person who is a director of a Club or of the League shall be eligible for appointment. The Chairman shall be one of such representatives ex officio and the other 7 shall be elected at the General Meeting next following the end of the Season at which election will be by ballot.

 

V.1

 

 

 

 

 

B.20.

 

Under the articles of association of the Football Association the League is entitled to appoint annually up to 3 members of the Football Association board of directors. Any person who is a Football Association Council representative appointed in accordance with Rule B.19 or, if a representative of a regional division of the Football Association, a person who is a director of a Club shall be eligible for appointment. The Chairman shall be one of such representatives ex officio and the other two shall be elected at the General Meeting next following the end of the Season at which election will be by ballot and will take place after the election of the Football Association Council representatives appointed in accordance with Rule B.19.

 

V.2

 

 

 

 

 

B.21.

 

Under the articles of association of the Football Association, the League is entitled to appoint 4 members of the Professional Game Board (the “PGB”), a committee of the board of directors of the Football Association. The 3 members of the board of directors of the Football Association appointed in accordance with Rule B.20 shall recommend for approval in General Meeting the 4 proposed members of the PGB. Provided always that at least 2 of the appointed PGB members shall be Football Association Council representatives appointed in accordance with Rule B.19, the following shall be eligible for appointment:

 

V.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.21.1. a director of a Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.21.2. Football Association Council representative appointed in accordance with Rule B.19 (who for the avoidance of doubt may be a member of the Football Association board of directors);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.21.3. the Chairman, Chief Executive or other officer of the League.

 

 

 

88


 

 

 

THE LEAGUE: GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

SECTION C: THE LEAGUE — COMPETITION

 

The League Competition

 

Old Rule

C.1.

 

Each Club shall play 2 League Matches against each other Club each Season, being the Home Club in respect of one such League Match and the Visiting Club in respect of the other.

 

B.18

 

 

 

 

 

C.2.

 

The winner of a League Match shall score three points. Each Club participating in a League Match which is drawn shall score one point.

 

B.19

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.

 

The results of League Matches shall be recorded by the Secretary in a table containing in respect of each Club the following information:

 

B.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.1. the number of League Matches played in that Season;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.2. the number of League Matches won, drawn and lost as a Home Club in that Season;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.3. the number of League Matches won, drawn and lost as a Visiting Club in that Season;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.4. the number of goals scored in League Matches by and against that Club in that Season;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.3.5. the number of points scored in that Season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.4.

 

The position of Clubs in the table shall be determined by the number of points scored in that Season, the Club having scored the highest number of points being at the top of the table and the Club having scored the lowest number of points being at the bottom.

 

B.21

 

 

 

 

 

C.5.

 

If any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points their position in the table shall be determined on goal difference, that is to say, the difference between the total number of goals scored by and against a Club in League Matches in that Season, and the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club with the higher or highest goal difference.

 

B.22

 

 

 

 

 

C.6.

 

If any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points and have the same goal difference the higher or highest placed Club shall be the Club having scored the most goals in League Matches in that Season.

 

B.23

 

 

 

 

 

C.7.

 

Subject to Rule C.14, if any 2 or more Clubs have scored the same number of points, have the same goal difference and have scored the same number of goals in League Matches in that Season they shall be deemed to occupy the same position in the table.

 

B.24

 

The League Championship

 

Old Rule

C.8.

 

The Club which is at the top of the table at the end of the Season shall be the League Champions.

 

B.25

 

 

 

 

 

C.9.

 

The League Champions shall receive a trophy which it shall return to the Secretary in good order and condition not later than 3 weeks before the final League Matches of the next Season.

 

B.26

 

89



 

C.10.

 

The League Champions shall further receive 30 commemorative medals to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit provided, in the case of a Player, that he has that Season played in a minimum of 10 of its League Matches. Additional medals may be presented with the consent of the Board.

 

B.27

 

Relegation

 

 

 

Old Rule

C.11.

 

Subject to Rule C.12, the bottom 3 Clubs in the table at the end of the Season shall be relegated to the Football League.

 

B.28

 

 

 

 

 

C.12.

 

If any Club ceases during the Season to be a member of the League, the record of the League Matches in which it has participated that Season shall be expunged from the table and the number of Clubs to be relegated at the end of that Season shall be reduced so as to maintain at 20 (or, if less, as near thereto as may be) the number of Clubs in membership of the League at the beginning of the next Season.

 

B.29

 

 

 

 

 

C.13.

 

If any Club ceases to be a member of the League other than by reason of relegation after the end of the Season but before the Board has fixed the dates of League Matches for the next Season, the Board may invite the relegated club which attained the highest position in the table referred to in Rule C.3 at the end of the previous Season to rejoin the League.

 

B.30

 

Play-offs

 

 

 

Old Rule

C.14.

 

If at the end of the Season either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because 2 or more Clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the Clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding League Matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the Board.

 

B.31

 

90



 

 

THE LEAGUE: GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS AND FINANCE

SECTION D: THE LEAGUE — FINANCE

 

Obligations of the League

 

Old Rule

D.1.

 

Subject to the provisions of Article 49, the League shall enter into Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcasting Contracts, Overseas Broadcasting Contracts, Radio Contracts and Title Sponsorship Contracts with the intention in the case of each UK Broadcasting Contract for the live Transmission of League Matches that each Club shall participate in at least one live televised League Match each Season.

 

C.20

 

 

 

 

 

D.2.

 

Each Club and each Contract Player shall comply with any reasonable request made on behalf of the League to allow the Player’s Image to be used to enable the League to fulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcasting Contracts, Overseas Broadcasting Contracts, Radio Contracts and Title Sponsorship Contracts, provided that, where the size of the product permits, the League shall not use the images of less than 4 Contract Players, each from different Clubs, on any one product.

 

C.21

 

Obligations of Clubs

 

Old Rule

D.3.

 

Subject to Rule D.8, Clubs shall provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcasting Contracts, Overseas Broadcasting Contracts, Radio Contracts and Title Sponsorship Contracts and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted thereunder or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the League may enforce this Rule against a Club and no other Person shall have any right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties Act) 1999 to so enforce it.

 

C.22

 

 

 

 

 

D.4.

 

Each Club shall indemnify the League against any liability the League may incur in the event of a finding by a Court of Law or other body of competent jurisdiction that the League induced the Club to breach a contract with a third party as a result of requiring the Club to comply with Rule D.3.

 

C.23

 

 

 

 

 

D.5.

 

The Title Sponsorship Contract shall not have the effect of preventing any Club from granting any rights of whatever nature pursuant to its Club Shirt Sponsor Contract irrespective of when the Club enters into the same and the Club Shirt Sponsor Contract of any Club shall not have the effect of preventing any right granted pursuant to any Title Sponsorship Contract being operated or enjoyed in respect of any Club or at the ground of any Club.

 

C.24

 

 

 

 

 

D.6.

 

Each Club shall provide such reasonable rights, facilities and services at each League Match taking place at its registered ground as are reasonably required and as are authorised by any directive issued by the League pursuant to Rule D.7 to enable the Visiting Club in respect of the said League Match to comply with the terms of any Club Radio Contract to which it is party.

 

C.25

 

 

 

 

 

D.7.

 

The League shall issue from time to time directives to Clubs setting out those rights which may and may not be granted by any Club in any Club Radio Contract and each Club shall comply in all respects with any such directive.

 

C.26

 

 

 

 

 

D.8.

 

In the case of a Commercial Contract and/or a Title Sponsorship Contract a Club shall not be bound to comply with Rule D.3 if:

 

C.27

 

91



 

 

 

D.8.1.

to do so would result in the Club being in breach of a contractual obligation entered into before the date of the Article 49 Resolution authorising or approving it; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.8.2.

such Commercial Contract and/or Title Sponsorship Contract has not been entered into by the League within 6 months of the Article 49 Resolution relating to it.

 

 

 

Accounting Practice

 

Old Rule

D.9.

 

Subject to Rule D.10, all income of the League shall be allocated to its financial periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

 

C.28

 

 

 

 

 

D.10.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Rule D.9, advances received or early payment of other contracted accounts may be treated as income of the financial period in which they are received provided that in each case a Resolution is passed to that effect.

 

C.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating and Other Expenses

 

Old Rule

D.11.

 

The operating and other expenses of the League and the League shall be paid, at the discretion of the Board, out of Overseas Broadcasting Money, Commercial Contract Money, Radio Contract Money, Title Sponsorship Money or any other income of the League excluding UK Broadcasting Money.

 

C.30

 

 

 

 

 

D.12.

 

Subject to the prior approval of Clubs in General Meeting, the Board shall be empowered to require Clubs to pay to the League from time to time any sum by which its income, excluding UK Broadcasting Money, falls short of the operating and other expenses of the League.

 

C.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transmission of League Matches

 

Old Rule

D.13.

 

No Transmission shall be made of any League Match except:

 

C.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.13.1.

in accordance with any UK Broadcasting Contract or Overseas Broadcasting Contract; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.13.2.

as permitted by Rules K.42 and K.43; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.13.3.

in accordance with the terms of any express licence or permission issued in writing by the League.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.14.

 

No Radio Transmission shall be made of any League Match except in accordance with:

 

C.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.14.1.

any Radio Contract; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.14.2.

any Club Radio Contract; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.14.3.

the terms of any express licence or permission issued in writing by the League.

 

 

 

Distribution of UK Broadcasting Money

 

Old Rule

D.15.

 

The League shall pay out of UK Broadcasting Money:

 

C.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.15.1.

such sums as may be agreed from time to time shall be payable to the Professional Footballers’ Association for Players’ educational, insurance and benevolent purposes; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.15.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

 

 

 

92



 

D.16.

 

The balance of UK Broadcasting Money shall be divided so that:

 

C.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.16.1.

one half shall comprise the Basic Award Fund;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.16.2.

one quarter shall comprise the Merit Payments Fund; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.16.3.

one quarter shall comprise the Facility Fees Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each of the Basic Award Fund and the Merit Payments Fund shall be divided into such number of shares as shall be required in either case to put into effect the provisions of Rules D.17.1, D.17.2 and D.27 and the Facility Fees Fund shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of Rule D.17.3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.17.

 

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil any UK Broadcasting Contract:

 

C.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.17.1.

subject to Rules E.21, E.30 and E.34, the Basic Award Fund shall be distributed by way of fees so that each Club receives 1 share and each Relegated Club the percentage of 1 share set out in Rule D.27;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.17.2.

as soon as practicable after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21 and E.30, the Merit Payments Fund shall be distributed by way of fees in accordance with the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

League position

 

Number of shares

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.17.3.

The Board shall in respect of each Season determine the amounts to be paid to Clubs by way of facility fees for League Matches which are televised live or of which recorded excerpts are broadcast. During or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21 and E.30, such facility fees shall be paid out of the Facility Fees Fund to those Clubs which have participated in each of such League Matches, whether as a Home Club or a Visiting Club.

 

 

 

93


 

Distribution of Overseas Broadcasting Money

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.18.

 

The League shall pay out of Overseas Broadcasting Money:

 

C.37

 

 

D.18.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.11; and

 

 

 

 

D.18.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution and the balance thereof shall be divided into such number of shares as shall be required to put into effect the provisions of Rule D.19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.19.

 

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil any Overseas Broadcasting Contract, as soon as practicable during or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21, E.30, E.34 and K.15, the balance of Overseas Broadcasting Money shall be distributed by way of fees so that each Club receives 1 share and each Relegated Club the percentage of 1 share set out in Rule D.27.

 

C.38

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution of Title Sponsorship Money

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.20.

 

Subject to any contrary requirement contained in a Title Sponsorship Contract, the League shall pay out of Title Sponsorship Money:

 

C.39

 

 

D.20.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.11; and

 

 

 

 

D.20.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution;

and the balance thereof shall be divided into such number of shares as shall be required to put into effect the provisions of Rule D.21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.21.

 

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil any Title Sponsorship Contract, as soon as practicable during or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules E.21, E.30 and E.34, the balance of Title Sponsorship Money shall be distributed by way of fees so that each Club receives 1 share and each Relegated Club the percentage of 1 share set out in Rule D.27.

 

C.40

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution of Commercial Contract Money

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.22.

 

The League shall pay out of Commercial Contract Money:

 

C.41

 

 

D.22.1. its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.11; and

 

 

 

 

D.22.2. any other sum approved by a Resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.23.

 

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil any Commercial Contract, as soon as practicable during or after the end of each Season, subject to Rules D.24, E.21 and E.30, the balance of Commercial Contract Money shall be distributed by way of fees equally between Clubs.

 

C.42

 

 

 

 

 

D.24.

 

Commercial Contract Money derived from a Commercial Contract relating to the provision of perimeter advertising boards at Club grounds shall be distributed to those Clubs that provide such boards in proportion in each case to the amount of perimeter board inventory provided.

 

C.43

 

94



 

Distribution of Radio Contract Money

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.25.

 

The League shall pay out of Radio Contract Money:

 

C.44

 

 

D.25.1.

its operating and other expenses in accordance with Rule D.11; and

 

 

 

 

D.25.2.

any other sum approved by a Resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.26.

 

In consideration of Clubs providing such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil any Radio Contract, as soon as practicable during or after the end of each Season, subject to Rule E.21 and E.30, the balance of Radio Contract Money shall be distributed by way of fees equally between Clubs.

 

C.45

 

 

 

 

 

Relegated Clubs

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.27.

 

Subject to Rules D.28, D.29, E.21, E.30 and E.34, each Relegated Club shall receive the following fees:

 

C.46

 

 

D.27.1.

in the first Season after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 55% of 1 share of each of the Basic Award Fund, Overseas Broadcasting Money and Title Sponsorship Money;

 

 

 

 

D.27.2.

in the second Season after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 45% of 1 share of each of the Basic Award Fund, Overseas Broadcasting Money and Title Sponsorship Money; and

 

 

 

 

D.27.3.

in each of the third and fourth Seasons after being relegated, a sum equivalent to 25% of 1 share of each of the Basic Award Fund, Overseas Broadcasting Money and Title Sponsorship Money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.28.

 

Subject to Rules D.29, E.21, E.30 and E.34, a Relegated Club relegated at the end of Season 2008-09 shall receive the following percentages of 1 share of each of the Basic Award Fund, Overseas Broadcasting Money and Title Sponsorship Money: 50% in the second Season after being relegated and 25% in the third.

 

C.47

 

 

 

 

 

D.29.

 

There shall be deducted from each payment to a Relegated Club made pursuant to Rules D.27 and D.28 the sum of £2.3m.

 

C.48

 

 

 

 

 

Value Added Tax

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.30.

 

Value Added Tax shall be added to each fee paid in accordance with Rules D.17, D.19, D.21, D.23, D.26, D.27 and D.28.

 

C.49

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Account

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.31.

 

Each distribution made under the provisions of Rules D.17, D.19, D.21, D.23 and D.26 shall be accompanied by an account showing how it has been computed.

 

C.54

 

95



 

Assignments of Central Funds

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

D.32.

 

If a Club or a Relegated Club proposes to charge, assign or otherwise grant security over all or part of its entitlement to future distributions of Central Funds, it shall:

 

C.55

 

 

D.32.1.

disclose to the League the proposed documentation with the lender giving effect to such charge, assignment or other grant of security;

 

 

 

 

D.32.2.

not enter into the said proposed documentation without the prior written consent of the League (not to be unreasonably withheld); and

 

 

 

 

D.32.3.

procure that it and its lender enter into an agreement with the League whereby the lender will confirm that:

 

 

 

 

 

D.32.3.1.

it understands that the Club’s entitlement to future distributions of Central Funds is subject to the provisions of the Articles and these Rules and in particular (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) to Rules E.21, E.30 and E.24; and

 

 

 

 

 

D.32.3.2.

the Club has disclosed to it the Club’s current and future liabilities to other Clubs (and clubs) and the League will confirm that such disclosure accords with its records of such liabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.33.

 

Rule D.32 shall not apply to any assignment, charge or other grant of security by a Club of its future entitlement to Central Funds as part of a fixed and floating charge over the entirety of its assets and undertaking on usual commercial terms.

 

C.56

 

96


 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION E: CLUBS — FINANCE

 

Power to Inspect

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.1.

 

The Board either by itself or by any person appointed by it shall be empowered to inspect the financial records of any Club which it reasonably suspects has acted in breach of these Rules.

 

C.101

 

 

 

 

 

Club Bank Accounts

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.2.

 

Each Club shall submit to the Secretary Form 2 signed by 2 Directors of the Club and specifying a bank account, to be in the name of and controlled by the Club, into which the League shall pay monies due to the Club from the League in accordance with and subject to these Rules save that if that Club has assigned its entitlement to such monies or any part of them, payment will be made by the League as directed in the assignment.

 

C.50

 

 

 

 

 

Submission of Club Accounts

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.3.

 

Each Club shall by 1st March in each Season submit to the Secretary a copy of its annual accounts in respect of its most recent financial year or if the Club considers it appropriate or the Secretary so requests the Group Accounts of the Group of which it is a member (in either case such accounts to be prepared and audited in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements) together with a copy of the directors’ report for that year and a copy of the auditors’ report on those accounts.

 

C.78

 

 

 

 

 

E.4.

 

The accounts referred to in Rule E.3 shall:

 

C.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.4.1.

include separate disclosure within the balance sheet or notes to the accounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of the total sums payable and receivable in respect of Compensation Fees, Contingent Sums and Loan Fees;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.4.2.

include a breakdown within the profit and loss account or the notes to the accounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of revenue in appropriate categories such as gate receipts, sponsorship and advertising, broadcasting rights, commercial income and other income.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.5.

 

If the auditors’ report on the accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 contains anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification, the Club shall at the Board’s request submit such further documentary evidence as the Board shall require (including but not limited to Future Financial Information).

 

C.80

 

 

 

 

 

E.6.

 

If the annual accounts of a Club or Group Accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 are prepared to a date prior to 30th November in the Season of submission, such Club or Group shall by the following 31st March submit to the Secretary interim accounts covering the period commencing from its accounting reference date and ending on a date between the following 30th November and 1st March.

 

C.81

 

97



 

E.7.

 

The interim accounts shall:

 

C.82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.1.

comprise a balance sheet, a profit and loss account, a cash flow statement and relevant explanatory notes;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.2.

be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the preparation of the Club’s annual accounts;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.3.

be presented in a similar format to the annual accounts including as regards the matters set out in Rule E.4;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.4.

include in the profit and loss account and cashflow statement comparative figures for the same period in the preceding year;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.5.

include a balance sheet as of the end of the preceding financial year;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.6.

be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which they relate; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.7.7.

be reviewed or audited in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.8.

 

Rule E.5 shall apply to the interim accounts (with appropriate modification) if the auditors have issued anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification on them.

 

C.83

 

 

 

 

 

E.9.

 

Each Club must by 14th April (or such later date as the Board shall specify) in each Season prove that, subject to Rule E.10:

 

C.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.9.1.

no Compensation Fee, Loan Fee or Contingent Sum payable pursuant to a Transfer Agreement entered into prior to the preceding 31st December; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.9.2.

no sum payable to or in respect of an employee in relation to services provided prior to the preceding 31st December (including PAYE and NIC) is or was overdue as at the preceding 31st March.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.10.

 

For the purpose of Rule E.9:

 

C.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.10.1.

“employee” means a Player, a Manager, any Official referred to in Rule J.1, an Academy Manager, a team doctor and senior physiotherapist referred to in Rule O.1, an assistant manager or head coach referred to in Rule P.19 and a safety officer;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.10.2.

an amount shall not be treated as overdue as at 31st March if by that date it has been paid or the date for payment has been extended by means of a written agreement with the creditor or it is the subject of current litigation or arbitration proceedings or has been submitted to a dispute resolution procedure of the League, the Football Association, UEFA or FIFA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.11.

 

By 31st March in each Season, each Club shall submit to the Secretary in respect of itself (or if the Club considers it appropriate or the Secretary so requests in respect of the Group of which it is a member) future financial information (“Future Financial Information”) comprising projected profit and loss accounts, cash flow, balance sheets and relevant explanatory notes commencing from its accounting reference date or, if it has submitted interim accounts pursuant to Rule E.6, from the date to which those interim accounts were prepared and expiring on the next accounting reference date after the end of the following Season. The projected profit and loss accounts, cash flow and balance sheets shall be prepared at a maximum of quarterly intervals.

 

C.86

 

98



 

E.12.

 

The Future Financial Information shall:

 

C.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.12.1.

be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the preparation of the Club’s annual accounts (except where the accounting principles and policies are to be changed in the subsequent annual accounts, in which case the new accounting principles and polices should be followed); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.12.2.

be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which they relate; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.12.3.

to include in the explanatory notes thereto principal assumptions and risks; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.12.4.

include for comparison profit and loss accounts for the period covered by the annual accounts and interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rules E.3 and E.6, a forecast for the current financial year and a balance sheet as at the date of the interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.13.

 

Each Promoted Club shall by 30th June in the year of its promotion submit to the Secretary:

 

C.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.13.1.

copies of the documents and other information that it would have been required to submit to the Secretary pursuant to Rules E.3, E.6 and E.9 by 1st March of that year had it then been a member of the Premier League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.13.2.

Future Financial Information commencing from 1st July in the year of its promotion and expiring on the Club’s next accounting reference date after the end of the following Season; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.13.3.

any further documentary evidence required pursuant to Rules E.5 and E.8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.

 

The Board shall have the powers set out in Rule E.15 if:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.1.

the Club has failed to submit to the Secretary annual accounts as required by Rules E.3 and E.4 or Rule E.13; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.2.

the Club has failed to submit to the Secretary interim accounts as required by Rule E.6 or Rule E.13; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.3.

the Club has failed to submit to the Secretary the Future Financial Information as required by Rule E.11 or Rule E.13; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.4.

the Board has asked the Club to submit further documentary evidence pursuant to Rule E.5, Rule E.8 or Rule E.13 and the Club has failed to do so; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.5.

the Club has failed to satisfy the Board that no sums of the kind set out in Rule E.9 (and subject to Rule E.10) were overdue as at the preceding 31st March; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.6.

the auditors’ report on the annual accounts or interim accounts of the Club or the Group submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 and Rule E.6 respectively or Rule E.13 contains anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification; or

 

 

 

99



 

 

E.14.7.

as a result of its review of all the documents and information submitted by the Club pursuant to Rules E.3 to E.13, and having taken into account any failure of the Club to supply any such documents or information, in its reasonable opinion it determines that the Club will not over the course of the following Season be able to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.7.1.

pay its liabilities to the creditors listed in Rule E.23 (in so far as they are or will become creditors of the Club) and to its employees as they fall due; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.7.2.

fulfil its obligation under Rule C.1 to play 2 League Matches against each other Club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.14.7.3.

fulfil its obligations under Rule D.3 to provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the League to fulfil its Commercial Contracts, UK Broadcasting Contracts, Overseas Broadcasting Contracts, Radio Contracts and Title Sponsorship Contracts.

 

 

 

 

E.15.

The powers referred to in Rule E.14 are:

C.90

 

 

 

 

E.15.1.

to require the Club to submit, agree and adhere to a budget which shall include, but not be limited to, the matters set out in Rule H.1.1 to H.1.3; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.15.2.

to require the Club to provide such further information as the Board shall determine and for such period as it shall determine; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.15.3.

to refuse any application by that Club to register any Player or any new contract of an existing Player of that Club if the Board reasonably deems that this is necessary in order to secure that the Club complies with its obligations listed in Rule E.14.7.

 

 

 

 

 

E.16.

If any Person proposes to acquire Control of a Club:

C.91

 

 

 

 

E.16.1.

the Club shall submit to the Secretary updated Future Financial Information prepared to take into account the consequences of the change of Control on the Club’s future financial position as soon as reasonably practicable prior to the change of Control or, if such submission is not reasonably practicable prior to the change of Control, no later than 10 Working Days thereafter; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.16.2.

the Board shall have power to require the Person who proposes to acquire or has acquired Control to appear before it and to provide evidence of the source and sufficiency of any funds which that Person proposes to invest in or otherwise make available to the Club.

 

 

 

 

E.17.

If the Board determines, in its reasonable opinion, and having considered any information provided to it pursuant to Rule E.16, that the Club will not be able to fulfil its obligations as set out in Rules E.14.7.1 to E.14.7.3, then the Board shall have the powers set out in Rule E.15.

C.92

 

100



 

HMRC

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.18.

 

Each Club shall provide quarterly certification in such form as the Board may request from time to time to confirm that its liabilities to HMRC in respect of PAYE and NIC are up to date (that is, no more than 28 days in arrears).

 

C.93

 

 

 

 

 

E.19.

 

Each Club shall promptly on request from the Board:

 

C.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.19.1.

provide confirmation (to be signed by two Directors) as to whether it has any outstanding liabilities to HMRC, and if it has it shall provide the Board with full details thereof (including details of any agreements which are in place with HMRC as regards such liabilities); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.19.2.

provide HMRC with written permission in such form as HMRC may require for HMRC to share information about the Club’s liabilities to HMRC with the League.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.20.

 

Where the Board reasonably believes that a Club’s liabilities in respect of PAYE & NIC are not up to date (as defined in Rule E.18) it may exercise the powers set out in Rule E.15.

 

C.95

 

 

 

 

 

Power to Deduct

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.21.

 

If the Board is reasonably satisfied that a Club or Relegated Club (‘the debtor Club”) has failed to make any payment due to any creditor of the description set out in Rule E.23, the Board shall be empowered to:

 

C.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.21.1.

deduct the amount of any such payment from any distribution of UK Broadcasting Money, Overseas Broadcasting Money, Commercial Contract Money, Radio Contract Money or Title Sponsorship Money (“Central Funds”) payable to the debtor Club, paying the same to the creditor to which it is due; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.21.2.

withhold any distribution of Central Funds otherwise due to the debtor Club to the extent of any liabilities falling due from the debtor Club to any creditor of the description set out in Rule E.23 within the period of 60 days after the due date of the distribution of the Central Funds to the debtor Club, and pay the same to the creditor on the date when it is due to that creditor should the debtor Club fail to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.22.

 

The Board shall only have the powers set out in Rule E.21.2 if the debtor Club has failed to make any payment when due (whether or not paid thereafter) to a creditor of the description set out in Rule E.23 within the period of 120 days immediately prior to the due date of distribution of the Central Funds to the debtor Club.

 

C.52

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.

 

The creditors to which Rule E.21 applies are:

 

C.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.1.

another Club (or club); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.2.

the League; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.3.

any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking or Subsidiary Undertaking of the League; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.4.

any pension or life assurance scheme administered by or on behalf of the League; or

 

 

 

101



 

 

 

E.23.5.

the Football League; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.6.

any Associated Undertaking, Fellow Subsidiary Undertaking, Group Undertaking, or Subsidiary Undertaking of the Football League; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.23.7.

the Football Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.24.

 

If any Transferee Club act in breach of Rules V.29 or V.32 to V.36 inclusive:

 

M.37.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.24.1.

Rule V.37 shall apply; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.24.2.

out of any monies held by the Board for or on behalf of or to the order of that Transferee Club (whether in the Compensation Fee Account or otherwise), the Board shall have power to pay to its Transferor Club any amount not exceeding the sum due to it from the Transferee Club under the provisions of this Section of these Rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events of Insolvency

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.

 

Subject to Rule E.33, the Board shall have power to suspend a Club by giving to it notice in writing to that effect if it or its Parent Undertaking suffers an Event of Insolvency, that is to say:

 

C.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.1.

it enters into a Company Voluntary Arrangement pursuant to Part 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (‘the 1986 Act”) or a compromise or arrangement with its creditors under Part 26 of the Act or enters into any compromise agreement with its creditors as a whole; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.2.

it or its shareholders or directors lodge a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator or Notice of Appointment of an Administrator at the Court in accordance with paragraph 26 or paragraph 29 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act or where it or its shareholders or directors make an application to the Court for an Administration Order under paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act or where an Administrator is appointed or an Administration Order is made in respect of it (‘Administrator” and ‘Administration Order” having the meanings attributed to them respectively by paragraphs 1 and 10 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.3.

an Administrative Receiver (as defined by section 251 of the 1986 Act), a Law of Property Act Receiver (appointed under section 109 of the Law of Property Act 1925) or any Receiver appointed by the Court under the Supreme Court Act 1981 or any other Receiver is appointed over any of its assets which, in the opinion of the Board, are material to the Club’s ability to fulfil its obligations as a member of the League; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.4.

its shareholders pass a resolution pursuant to section 84(1) of the 1986 Act to voluntarily wind it up; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.5.

a meeting of its creditors is convened pursuant to section 95 or section 98 of the 1986 Act; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.6.

a winding up order is made against it by the Court under section 122 of the 1986 Act or a provisional liquidator is appointed over it under section 135 of the 1986 Act; or

 

 

 

102



 

 

 

E.25.7. it ceases or forms an intention to cease wholly or substantially to carry on its business save for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation or otherwise in accordance with a scheme of proposals which have previously been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.25.8. it enters into or is placed into any insolvency regime in any jurisdiction outside England and Wales which is analogous with the insolvency regimes detailed in Rules E.25.1 to E.25.6 hereof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.26.

 

A Club shall forthwith give written notice to the Board upon the happening of any of the events referred to in Rule E.25.

 

C.58

 

 

 

 

 

E.27.

 

At the discretion of the Board exercised in accordance with Rule E.33, a suspension may take effect from the giving of the notice or it may be postponed subject to:

 

C.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.27.1. a condition that while the suspension is postponed the Club may not apply to register or have transferred to it the registration of any Player; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.27.2. such other conditions as the Board may from time to time during the postponement of the suspension think fit to impose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.

 

Unless a suspension is postponed, a suspended Club shall not play in:

 

C.60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.1. any League Match; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.2. any Premier Academy League Match or any successor competition thereto; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.3. any Premier Reserve League Match or any successor competition thereto; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.4. any of the competitions set out in Rules L.10 and L.11; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.28.5. any other match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.29.

 

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power to determine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of one of the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.

 

C.61

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.

 

While pursuant to this Section of these Rules a Club is suspended or its suspension is postponed, the Board shall have power, subject to Rule E.33, to make such payments as it may think fit to the Club’s Football Creditors out of:

 

C.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.1. any UK Broadcasting Money payable to the suspended Club under the provisions of Rule D.17; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.2. any Overseas Broadcasting Money payable to the suspended Club under the provisions of Rule D.19; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.3. any Title Sponsorship Money payable to the suspended Club under the provisions of Rule D.21; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.4. any Commercial Contract Money payable to the suspended Club under the provisions of Rule D.23; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.30.5. any Radio Contract Money payable to the suspended Club under the provisions of Rule D.26.

 

 

 

103



 

E.31.

 

For the purposes of this Section of these Rules, Football Creditors shall comprise:

 

C.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.1. the Football Association and clubs in full or associate membership thereof; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.2. Affiliated Associations (as defined by the articles of association of the Football Association); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.3. the League and any subsidiary of it; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.4. the Football League, the Football Conference, the Northern Premier League, the Southern Premier League and the Isthmian Football League; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.5. the Professional Footballers’ Association; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.6. the Football Foundation; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.7. any employee or former employee of the suspended Club to whom arrears of wages or salary are due, to the extent of such arrears; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.31.8. any pension provider to which a pension contribution payable by the suspended Club in respect of its employees or former employees is due, to the extent of such contribution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.32.

 

Upon being reasonably satisfied that a suspended Club’s liabilities to its Football Creditors have been settled, the Board shall have power, subject to Rule E.33, to withdraw the suspension of that Club by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.

 

C.64

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.

 

In exercising its powers under Rules E.25, E.30, E.32 and E.35 and its discretion under Rule E.27, the Board shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case and to:

 

C.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.1. such of the provisions of the Insolvency Act 1986, the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002 as are relevant and then in force;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.2. the consideration (if any) given by the insolvent Club under the provisions of Rules D.17, D.19, D.21, D.23 and D.26;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.3. the interests of the insolvent Club’s Officials, Players, supporters, shareholders and sponsors;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.4. the interests of the insolvent Club’s other Football Creditors;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.5. the need to protect the integrity and continuity of the League competition;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.6. the reputation of the League and the need to promote the game of association football generally; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.33.7. the relationship between the Club and its Parent Undertaking, in the event that the Parent Undertaking suffers the Event of Insolvency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.34.

 

Any distribution to a Relegated Club under the provisions of Rules D.17, D.19 or D.21 may be deferred if, on or before the date of the distribution, the Relegated Club has been given notice under article 4.5 of the articles of association of the Football League which has been suspended. Upon such notice being withdrawn the deferred distribution shall be paid but if in consequence of the notice the club to which it was due ceases to be a member of the Football League its amount shall be added to the next distribution made in accordance with these Rules.

 

C.66

 

104



 

Sporting Sanction

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

E.35.

 

Upon a Club or its Parent Undertaking suffering an Event of Insolvency the Board shall have the power to impose upon the Club a deduction of 9 points scored or to be scored in the League competition. If the Board exercises this power it shall forthwith give written notice to the Club to that effect.

 

C.67

 

 

 

 

 

E.36.

 

Subject to Rule E.37, the Club may appeal against the deduction of points by sending or delivering to the Secretary Form 3 so that he receives the same together with a deposit of £1,000 within 7 days of the date of the notice given under the provisions of Rule E.35 (time of the essence).

 

C.68

 

 

 

 

 

E.37.

 

The only ground upon which a Club may appeal as aforesaid is that:

 

C.69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.37.1. the Event of Insolvency was caused by and resulted directly from circumstances, other than normal business risks, over which it could not reasonably be expected to have had control; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.37.2. its Officials had used all due diligence to avoid the happening of that event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.38.

 

An appeal under the provisions of Rule E.36 shall lie to an appeal tribunal which shall hear the appeal as soon as reasonably practicable. The appeal tribunal shall be appointed by the Board and shall comprise 3 members of the Panel including:

 

C.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.38.1. an authorised insolvency practitioner; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.38.2. a legally qualified member who shall sit as chairman of the tribunal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.39.

 

The chairman of the appeal tribunal shall have regard to the procedures governing the proceedings of Commissions and Appeal Boards set out in Rules Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary) but, subject as aforesaid, shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which the appeal is conducted.

 

C.71

 

 

 

 

 

E.40.

 

The Club shall have the onus of proof of the matters set out in the appeal on the balance of probabilities.

 

C.72

 

 

 

 

 

E.41.

 

If the members of the appeal tribunal are not unanimous the decision of the majority of them shall prevail.

 

C.73

 

 

 

 

 

E.42.

 

The appeal tribunal shall give written reasons for its decision.

 

C.74

 

 

 

 

 

E.43.

 

Members of the appeal tribunal shall be entitled to receive from the League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

 

C.75

 

 

 

 

 

E.44.

 

The appeal tribunal shall have the following powers:

 

C.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.44.1. to allow or dismiss the appeal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.44.2. to order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or repaid to the appellant Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.44.3. to order the appellant Club to pay or contribute to the costs of the appeal including the fees and expenses of members of the appeal tribunal paid or payable under Rule E.43.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.45.

 

The decision of the appeal tribunal shall be final and binding on the appellant Club.

 

C.77

 

105


 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION F: OWNERS’ AND DIRECTORS’ TEST

 

Disqualifying Events

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.

 

A Person shall be disqualified from acting as a Director and no Club shall be permitted to have any Person acting as a Director of that Club if:

 

D.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.1. either directly or indirectly he is involved in or has any power to determine or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.2. either directly or indirectly he holds or acquires any Significant Interest in a Club while he either directly or indirectly holds any interest in any class of Shares of another Club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.3. he becomes prohibited by law from being a Director (including without limitation as a result of being subject to a disqualification order as a director under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, or being subject to the terms of an undertaking given to the Secretary of State under that Act, unless a court of competent jurisdiction makes an order under that Act permitting an appointment as a Director); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.4. he has a conviction (which is not a Spent Conviction) imposed by a court of the United Kingdom or a competent court of foreign jurisdiction:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.4.1. in respect of which an unsuspended sentence of at least 12 months’ imprisonment was imposed; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.4.2. in respect of any offence involving any act which would reasonably be considered to be dishonest (and, for the avoidance of doubt, irrespective of the actual sentence imposed); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.4.3. in respect of an offence set out in the Appendix 12 Schedule of Offences or a directly analogous offence in a foreign jurisdiction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, irrespective of the actual sentence imposed); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.5. he makes an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or becomes the subject of an Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order, a Bankruptcy Restriction Order or a Bankruptcy Order; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.6. he is or has been a Director of a Club which, while he has been a Director of it, has suffered 2 or more unconnected Events of Insolvency in respect of each of which a deduction of points was imposed (and for the purposes of this Rule F.1.6 and Rule F.1.7 a person shall be deemed to have been a Director of a Club which has suffered an Event of Insolvency if such Event of Insolvency occurred in the 30 days immediately following his having resigned as a Director of that Club); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.7. he has been a Director of 2 or more Clubs or clubs each of which, while he has been a Director of them, has suffered an Event of Insolvency in respect of each of which a deduction of points was imposed; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.8. he is subject to a suspension or ban from involvement in the administration of a sport by any ruling body of a sport that is registered with UK Sport or Sport England, or any corresponding national or international association, whether such suspension or ban is direct or indirect (for example a direction to Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the ruling body that they should not employ, contract with or otherwise engage or retain the services of an individual); or

 

 

 

106



 

 

 

F.1.9. he is subject to any form of suspension, disqualification or striking-off by a professional body including, without limitation, the Law Society, the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, the Bar Council or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales or any equivalent body in any jurisdiction outside England and Wales, whether such suspension, disqualification or striking-off is direct or indirect (for example a direction to Persons subject to the jurisdiction of the professional body that they should not employ, contract with or otherwise engage or retain the services of an individual); or

 

D.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.10. he is required to notify personal information pursuant to Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.11. he is found to have breached (irrespective of any sanction actually imposed), or has admitted breaching (irrespective of whether disciplinary proceedings were brought or not):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.11.1. Rule J.6; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.11.2. Rule E.8 of the Rules of the Football Association (as amended, or replaced from time to time); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.11.3. any other rules in force from time to time in relation to the prohibition on betting on football matches played in England and Wales; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.1.11.4. the rules of any other ruling body of football in relation to the prohibition of betting on football (whether in England or Wales or elsewhere).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submission of Declaration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

F.2.

 

Not later than 14 days before the commencement of each Season each Club shall submit to the Secretary a duly completed Declaration in respect of each of its Directors signed by the Director to which it refers and by an Authorised Signatory, who shall not be the same person.

 

D.3

 

 

 

 

 

F.3.

 

Within 21 days of becoming a member of the League each Club promoted from the Football League shall likewise submit to the Secretary a duly completed Declaration in respect of each of its Directors signed as aforesaid.

 

D.4

 

 

 

 

 

F.4.

 

If any person proposes to become a Director of a Club (including for the avoidance of doubt by virtue of being a shadow director or acquiring Control of the Club):

 

D.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.4.1. the Club shall no later than 10 Working Days prior to the date on which it is anticipated that such person shall become a Director submit to the Secretary a duly completed Declaration in respect of that person signed by him and by an Authorised Signatory;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.4.2. within 5 Working Days of receipt thereof the Secretary shall confirm to the Club whether or not he is liable to be disqualified as a Director under the provisions in Rule F.1, and if he is so liable the Board will take the steps set out in Rule F.6; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.4.3. he shall not become a Director until the Club has received confirmation from the Secretary pursuant to Rule F.4.1 above that he is not liable to be disqualified as a Director under the provisions of Rule F.1.

 

 

 

107



 

Change of Director’s Circumstances

 

Old Rule

F.5.

 

Upon the happening of an event which affects any statement contained in a submitted Declaration:

 

D.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.5.1.  the Director in respect of whom the Declaration has been made shall forthwith give full written particulars thereof to his Club; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.5.2.  the Club shall thereupon give such particulars in writing to the Secretary.

 

 

 

Disqualification of a Director

 

Old Rule

F.6.

 

Upon the Board becoming aware by virtue of the submission of a Declaration or in the circumstances referred to in Rule F.5 or by any other means that a person is liable to be disqualified as a Director under the provisions of Rule F.1, the Board will:

 

D.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.6.1.  give written notice to the person that he is disqualified, giving reasons therefore, and (in the case of a person who is a Director) require him forthwith to resign as a Director; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.6.2.  give written notice to the Club that the person is disqualified, giving reasons therefore, and (in the case of a person who is a Director) in default of the Director’s resignation, it shall procure that within 28 days of receipt of such notice the Director is removed from his office as such.

 

 

 

Disciplinary Provisions

 

Old Rule

F.7.

 

Any Club which fails to comply with its obligations under the foregoing provisions of this Section of these Rules or which submits a Declaration which is false in any particular shall be in breach of these Rules and will be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

D.8

 

 

 

 

 

F.8.

 

Any Director who fails to comply with his obligations under the foregoing provisions of this Section of these Rules or who fails to complete and sign a Declaration and any Director or Authorised Signatory who signs a Declaration which is false in any particular shall likewise be in breach of these Rules and liable to be dealt with as aforesaid.

 

D.9

 

Suspension of the Club

 

Old Rule

F.9.

 

If a Director who receives a notice under the provisions of Rule F.6.1 fails to resign and his Club fails to procure his removal from office as required, or if a Club proceeds with the appointment as a Director of a person to whom Rule F.4 applies despite having received a notice under the provisions of Rule F.6.2, the Board shall have power to suspend the Club by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.

 

D.10

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.

 

A suspended Club shall not play in:

 

D.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.1. any League Match; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.2. any Premier Academy League Match; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.3. any Premier Reserve League Match; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.4. any of the competitions set out in Rules L.10 and L.11; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.10.5. any other match.

 

 

 

108



 

F.11.

 

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power to determine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of one of the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.

 

D.12

 

 

 

 

 

F.12.

 

Upon being reasonably satisfied that the Director of the suspended Club has resigned or has been removed from office, the Board shall have power to withdraw the suspension by giving to it notice in writing to that effect.

 

D.13

 

Appeal against Disqualification of a Director

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

F.13.

 

Any person or Club who receives notice under Rule F.6 has a right to appeal the disqualification notice(s) in accordance with the following Rules. However, for the avoidance of doubt, unless and until any such appeal is upheld, the disqualification notice(s) will take full effect.

 

D.14

 

 

 

 

 

F.14.

 

Any person or Club wishing to appeal a disqualification notice must, within 21 days of the date of that notice, send or deliver to the Secretary a notice of appeal, setting out full details of the grounds of appeal of that person or Club, together with a deposit of £1,000.

 

D.15

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.

 

The only grounds upon which a person or Club may appeal a disqualification notice are:

 

D.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.1.       none of the Disqualifying Events set out in Rule F.1 apply; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.2.       in respect of a conviction of a court of foreign jurisdiction under Rule F.1.4, or a suspension or ban by a sport ruling body under Rule F.1.8, or a suspension, disqualification or striking-off by a professional body under Rule F.1.9, or a finding of a breach of rule by a ruling body of football pursuant to Rule F.1.11.4, there are compelling reasons why that particular conviction, suspension, ban, disqualification or striking-off, should not lead to disqualification; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.3.       it can be proven that the Disqualifying Event has, or will within 21 days of the notice of appeal, cease to exist; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.4.       the Disqualifying Event is a conviction imposed between 19th August 2004 and 5th June 2009 for an offence which would not have led to disqualification as a Director under Premier League Rules as they applied during that period; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.15.5.       the Disqualifying Event is a conviction which is the subject of an appeal which has not yet been determined and in all the circumstances it would be unreasonable for the individual to be disqualified as a Director pending the determination of that appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.16.

 

An appeal under the provisions of Rule F.13 shall lie to an appeal tribunal which shall hear the appeal as soon as reasonably practicable. The appeal tribunal shall be appointed by the Board and shall comprise 3 members of the Panel including a legally qualified member who shall sit as chairman of the tribunal.

 

D.17

 

 

 

 

 

F.17.

 

The chairman of the appeal tribunal shall have regard to the procedures governing the proceedings of Commissions and Appeal Boards set out in Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary) but, subject as aforesaid, shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which the appeal is conducted.

 

D.18

 

109



 

F.18.

 

The person or Club advancing the appeal shall have the onus of proof of the matters set out in the appeal on the balance of probabilities.

 

D.19

 

 

 

 

 

F.19.

 

If the members of the appeal tribunal are not unanimous the decision of the majority of them shall prevail.

 

D.20

 

 

 

 

 

F.20.

 

The appeal tribunal shall give written reasons for its decision.

 

D.21

 

 

 

 

 

F.21.

 

Members of the appeal tribunal shall be entitled to receive from the League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

 

D.22

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.

 

The appeal tribunal shall have the following powers:

 

D.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.1.       to allow the appeal in full;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.2.       to reject the appeal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.3.       if it determines that a Disqualifying Event exists, to determine that the individual concerned should not be banned for that period during which they will remain subject to it and substitute such period as it shall reasonably determine, having regard to all of the circumstances of the case;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.4.       to declare that no Disqualifying Event ever existed or that any Disqualifying Event has ceased to exist;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.5.       to order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or to be repaid to the appellant person or Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.22.6.       to order the appellant person or Club to pay or contribute to the costs of the appeal including the fees and expenses of members of the appeal tribunal paid or payable under Rule F.21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.23.

 

The decision of the appeal tribunal shall be final and binding on the appellant person and Club.

 

D.24

 

Persons Prohibited by Law from entering the United Kingdom etc

 

Old Rule

F.24.

 

No Person may acquire any Holding in a Club if, pursuant to the law of the United Kingdom or the European Union:

 

D.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.24.1.       he is prohibited from entering the United Kingdom; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.24.2.       no funds or economic resources may be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for his benefit.

 

 

 

110


 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION G: DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP

 

Disclosure of Ownership

 

Old Rule

G.1.

 

A Club shall forthwith give notice in Form 5 to the Secretary if any Person either

 

V.11

 

 

directly or indirectly:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.1.1. holds; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.1.2. acquires; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.1.3. having held or acquired, ceases to hold any Significant Interest in the Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.2.

 

A notice given pursuant to the provisions of Rule G.1 shall:

 

V.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.2.1.

identify the Person holding, acquiring or ceasing to hold the Significant Interest in question; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.2.2.

set out all relevant details of the Significant Interest including without limitation the number of Shares, their description and the nature of the interest; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.2.3.

set out where appropriate the proportion (expressed in percentage terms) which the relevant Shares in respect of which the Significant Interest exists bear to the total number of Shares of that class in issue and of the total issued Shares of the Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.3.

 

Each Club shall publish the identities of the ultimate owner of each Significant Interest in the Club.

 

V.13

 

 

 

 

 

G.4.

 

The Secretary shall maintain a register which shall include the particulars set out in Rule G.2 and the said register shall be available for inspection by any Club by prior appointment.

 

V.14

 

 

 

 

 

G.5.

 

Each Club shall forthwith give notice in writing to the Secretary if any Person identified in a notice given in accordance with Rule G.1.1 or Rule G.1.2 either directly or indirectly holds acquires or ceases to hold any Holding in the Club.

 

V.15

 

 

 

 

 

G.6.

 

The Board shall have power to suspend a Club if either directly or indirectly a Person acquires a Significant Interest in that Club while such Person either directly or indirectly holds any Holding in any class of Shares of another Club.

 

V.16

 

 

 

 

 

G.7.

 

At the discretion of the Board, a suspension may take effect forthwith or it may be postponed subject to such conditions as the Board may think fit to impose.

 

V.17

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.

 

Unless a suspension is postponed, a suspended Club shall not play in:

 

V.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.1. any League Match; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.2. any Premier Reserve League Match or any successor competition thereto; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.3. any Premier Academy League Match or any successor competition thereto; or

 

V.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.4. any of the competitions set out in Rules L.10 and L.11; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.8.5. any other match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G.9.

 

For the purposes of the League competition, the Board shall have power to determine how the cancellation of a League Match caused by the suspension of one of the Clubs which should have participated in it shall be treated.

 

V.19

 

 

 

 

 

G.10.

 

The Board shall have power to remove a Club’s suspension imposed under Rule I.2 upon being satisfied that the circumstances giving rise to it are no longer extant.

 

V.20

 

111



 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION G: DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

 

Material Transactions

 

Old Rule

H.1.

 

For the purposes of a Report Material Transactions shall comprise any payment or financial obligation (or any series of connected payments or financial obligations relating to the same transaction) made or undertaken by or to or in favour of a Club and recorded in its accounting and administration records which exceeds (or in the case of more than one payment or financial obligation in the aggregate exceed) in value £25,000 and which is (or are) in respect of any of the following:

 

D.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.1.1.

Compensation Fees, Contingent Sums or Loan Fees; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.1.2.

remuneration of Players (including, for this purpose, any benefits they are entitled to receive); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.1.3.

payments to or for the benefit of Agents; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.1.4.

Third Party Payments;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and remuneration of and payments to or for the benefit of Players or Agents shall in each case include payments made by or on behalf of a Club to or for the benefit of a Player or Agent (as the case may be) including, for this purpose, to any company or trust in which the Player or Agent (as the case may be) has an interest.

 

 

 

Record of Material Transactions

 

Old Rule

H.2.

 

Brief particulars of each Material Transaction sufficient to identify its date(s), its amount(s) and the nature of it shall be recorded by a Club and the record shall be made available on demand to its Directors, its Auditors and the League.

 

D.27

 

 

 

 

 

H.3.

 

Directors of a Club (including non-executive Directors) shall take such steps as are reasonably necessary to satisfy themselves that their Club’s record of Material Transactions is complete and correct.

 

D.28

 

Preparation of the Report

 

Old Rule

H.4.

 

At the end of each of its accounting periods the Directors of each Club shall prepare or cause to be prepared a Report.

 

D.29

 

 

 

 

 

H.5.

 

Subject to Rule H.6 below, upon a Report having been prepared it shall be signed and dated by each of the Directors of the Club.

 

D.30

 

 

 

 

 

H.6.

 

Any such Director who for any reason is unwilling to sign the Report shall note the Report to that effect, giving full reasons.

 

D.31

 

 

 

 

 

H.7.

 

Any Director signing a Report who knows or ought reasonably to know that it or any part of it is false or misleading in any way and any Director noting a Report knowing that such note or the reasons given by him are false or misleading in any way will in either case act in breach of these Rules and will be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Rules W.1 to W.79 (Disciplinary).

 

D.32

 

 

 

 

 

H.8.

 

Managers, Players and Officials shall cooperate fully with the Directors and Auditors of their Club in the preparation of Reports and Auditors’ Reports.

 

D.33

 

112



 

Objectives

 

 

 

Old Rule

H.9.

 

The Objectives referred to in the Report are to ensure that:

 

D.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.1. in relation to Compensation Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.1.1.

the Club has formally adopted a written transfer policy identifying who on its behalf has authority to negotiate Players’ transfers and the terms of Players’ contracts, what approvals (if any) are required before such authority is exercised and who is the Authorised Signatory; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.1.2.

Material Transactions have been entered into by the Club strictly in accordance with its transfer policy and the provisions of these Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.2. in relation to remuneration of Players, details of their remuneration and any benefits they are entitled to receive are fully disclosed in the Players’ contracts and the terms thereof have been strictly observed;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.3. in relation to payments to or for the benefit of Agents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.3.1.

all Material Transactions between Clubs and Agents are evidenced in writing; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.3.2.

all Material Transactions between Clubs and Agents are authorised by a person appointed by the Directors of the Club for that purpose;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.4. in relation to Third Party Payments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.4.1.

all contracts and arrangements in relation thereto have been entered into by the Club with the authority of its Directors or a person appointed by them for that purpose; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.4.2.

the terms of such contracts and arrangements have been strictly observed; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.9.4.3.

in all such cases all elements of the Material Transaction have been accurately and completely entered into the accounting and administration records of the Club on a timely basis, including the record required by Rule H.2.

 

 

 

Submission of the Report

 

Old Rule

H.10.

 

Within 10 months of the end of each of its accounting periods each Club shall cause its Auditors to submit its Report together with its Auditors’ Report to the Secretary on behalf of the Board and the Board shall be entitled to rely on the contents of any Report and any Auditors’ Report in exercising its powers set out in Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

D.35

 

Disqualification

 

Old Rule

H.11.

 

The Board shall have power at any time to disqualify Auditors from preparing Auditors’ Reports.

 

D.36

 

 

 

 

 

H.12.

 

It shall be a condition precedent to the exercise of such power that the Board shall have communicated with the Club for which the Auditors in question act setting out fully its reasons and inviting the Club and its Auditors within 21 days to show cause why its Auditors should not be disqualified.

 

D.37

 

113



 

H.13.

 

A Club to which such a communication is addressed shall be entitled within the said period of 21 days to require the Board to exercise its power of inquiry under Rule W.1 and to inquire into the reasons for the proposed disqualification and both the Club and the Auditors in question shall be entitled to appear before the Board when conducting such inquiry.

 

D.38

 

 

 

 

 

H.14.

 

In the event of a Club’s Auditors being disqualified under the provisions of this Rule, the Club in question shall as soon as practicable appoint other auditors to replace them.

 

D.39

 

114



 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION I: ASSOCIATIONS AND INFLUENCE

 

Associations between Clubs

 

Old Rule

I.1.

 

A Club shall not either directly or indirectly:

 

V.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.1.

apply to hold or hold any Holding in another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.2.

issue any of its Shares or grant any Holding to another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.3.

lend money to or guarantee the debts or obligations of another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.4.

borrow money from another Club or Football League club or permit another Club or Football League club to guarantee its debts or obligations; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.5.

be involved in or have any power to determine or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.1.6.

permit any other Club or Football League club to be involved in or have any power to determine or influence its management or administration.

 

 

 

Club Officials

 

Old Rule

I.2.

 

An Official of a Club shall not:

 

V.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.2.1.

be an Official of another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.2.2.

either directly or indirectly be involved in or have any power to determine or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.3.

 

A Club shall not appoint as an Official anybody who:

 

V.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.3.1.

 is an Official of another Club or Football League club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.3.2.

either directly or indirectly is involved in or has any power to determine or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club.

 

 

 

Dual Interests

 

Old Rule

I.4.

 

No Person may either directly or indirectly be involved in or have any power to determine or influence the management or administration of more than one Club.

 

V.8

 

 

 

 

 

I.5.

 

No Person may either directly or indirectly hold or acquire any Significant Interest in a Club while such Person either directly or indirectly holds any Holding in another Club.

 

V.9

 

 

 

 

 

I.6.

 

A Club shall not either directly or indirectly issue Shares of any description or grant any Holding to any Person that either directly or indirectly already holds a Significant Interest in another Club.

 

V.10

 

Club Contracts

 

Old Rule

I.7.

 

No Club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teams in League Matches or in any of the competitions set out in Rule L.10.

 

V.21

 

115


 

 

CLUBS: FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

SECTION J: MISCELLANEOUS

 

Employment of Officials

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

J.1.

 

Each Club shall employ and provide written terms of reference to:

 

B.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.1.1.

an Official who shall be responsible for running the daily business of the Club with the support of a sufficient number of administrative staff in suitable and appropriately equipped offices, who can be contacted during normal office hours;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.1.2.

an Official who holds a nationally recognised qualification as an accountant or auditor, or who has sufficient experience to demonstrate his competence as such, who shall be responsible for the Club’s finances; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.1.3.

a press or media officer who holds a nationally recognised qualification in journalism or who has sufficient experience to demonstrate his competence as a press or media officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.2.

 

Each Club shall bind each of its Officials:

 

B.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.2.1.

to comply with these Rules during the period of their appointment or employment and in the case of Rule B.18 at all times thereafter; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.2.2.

to seek its permission before contributing to the press, television or radio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.3.

 

Save as otherwise permitted by these Rules, no Club shall directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce any Player, Manager, assistant manager, head coach or other senior first team football coach of another Club (or Football League club) to terminate a contract of employment with that other Club (or Football League club) (whether or not by breach of that contract) or directly or indirectly approach any such employee with a view to offering employment without the consent of that other Club (or Football League club).

 

V.22

 

 

 

 

 

J.4.

 

Each Club shall adopt and each Club, Manager, Official, Player and Academy Player shall observe, comply with and act in accordance with the Anti-Discrimination Policy set out in Appendix 9 to these Rules.

 

V.23

 

Betting

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.

 

Prior to entering into (or performing any aspect of) a Gambling Related Agreement, the Club shall procure that the other party (or parties) to the Gambling Related Agreement shall enter into an agreement with the League pursuant to which it shall agree with the League that:

 

V.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.1.

it will provide accurate and complete information forthwith to the League in the event that the League is exercising its powers under Rule W.1 to enquire into any suspected or alleged breach of these Rules if it becomes aware of any suspicious or unusual betting practices or other activities that may have an impact on the integrity of a match or competition;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.2.

it will not permit any form of gambling on any game referred to in Youth Development Rules 1.12(b)(ii), 1.12(b)(iii), and 1.12(c) to (e);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.3.

it will put in place such arrangements as the Board shall determine:

 

 

 

116



 

 

 

 

J.5.3.1.

to protect minors and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling including, without limitation, the legible inclusion of the website address www.gambleaware.co.uk on all advertising (broadcast and non-broadcast) where it is feasible and practical to do so; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.3.2.

for the independent, third-party adjudication of betting disputes (e.g. with IBAS or equivalent);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.4.

it shall not market any gambling services directly to minors and will ensure it has adequate systems in place to identify and prevent attempted gambling activity by minors;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.5.

it is licensed as a betting company within the EEA (which shall include any jurisdiction deemed to be treated as if it were within the EEA by Regulations made pursuant to section 331(4) of the Gambling Act 2005); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.6.

it will abide by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.6.1.

the licensing conditions and codes of practice for betting issued from time to time by the Gambling Commission (if it falls under the remit of the Gambling Commission);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.6.2.

the TV and Radio Advertising Standards Codes, the British Codes of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing administered by the Advertising Standards Authority (regardless of where the operator is based or licensed); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.5.6.3.

the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.6.

 

No Club, Official or Player may, in connection with betting on an event in, or on the result of, a League Match:

 

V.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.6.1.

offer or receive a payment or any form of inducement to or from any Club or the Official or Player of any Club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.6.2.

receive or seek to receive any payment or other form of inducement from any Person.

 

 

 

UEFA Club Licence Applicants

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

J.7.

 

Any Club, Authorised Signatory or other Official making a false statement (whether made verbally or in writing) in or in connection with an application for a UEFA Club Licence or falsifying a document produced in support of or in connection with such an application shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

C.96

 

Football Foundation

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

J.8.

 

Each Club must make available one half page of advertising or editorial material in match programmes for the benefit of The Football Foundation.

 

V.24

 

117



 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION K: GROUND CRITERIA

 

Safety Certificate

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.1.

 

Subject to Rule K.2, each Club shall hold a current safety certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.

 

I.1

 

 

 

 

 

K.2.

 

If a Club has a ground-sharing agreement it shall be a term thereof that either the Club or the other party to the agreement shall hold a current safety certificate.

 

I.2

 

Ownership of Ground and Training Facilities

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.3.

 

Each Club shall either own its ground and training facilities or have a legally enforceable agreement with its owner for its use by the Club, expiring not earlier than the end of the current Season.

 

I.3

 

Ground Sharing

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.4.

 

No Club shall have or enter into a ground-sharing agreement unless the agreement contains a legally enforceable provision to the effect that the playing of the Club’s League Matches shall always take precedence over the activities of the other party to the agreement.

 

I.4

 

Ground Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.5.

 

Each Club shall register its ground with the Secretary and no Club shall remove to another ground without first obtaining the written consent of the Board, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

I.5

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.

 

In considering whether to give any such consent, the Board shall have regard to all the circumstances of the case and shall not consent unless reasonably satisfied that such consent:

 

I.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.1.

would be consistent with the objects of the League as set out in the Memorandum;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.2.

would be appropriate having in mind the relationship (if any) between the locality with which by its name or otherwise the applicant Club is traditionally associated and that in which such Club proposes to establish its ground;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.3.

would not adversely affect such Club’s Officials, Players, supporters, shareholders, sponsors and others having an interest in its activities;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.4.

would not have an adverse effect on Visiting Clubs;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.5.

would not adversely affect Clubs (or Football League clubs) having their registered grounds in the immediate vicinity of the proposed location; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.6.6.

would enhance the reputation of the League and promote the game of association football generally.

 

 

 

All Seater Grounds

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.7.

 

Spectators admitted to a registered ground shall be offered only seated accommodation, the majority of which shall be covered, and there shall be no standing terraces.

 

I.7

 

118



 

Ground Regulations

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.8.

 

Each Club shall ensure that sufficient copies of the official notice entitled “Ground Regulations” published by the League and the Football League are displayed prominently at its ground.

 

I.8

 

Covered Stadia

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.9.

 

Any Club applying for planning permission to cover or partially cover the playing area of its stadium with a fixed or moveable roof shall provide to the Board a copy of its application together with copies of all submitted plans.

 

I.9

 

 

 

 

 

K.10.

 

No League Match shall take place at any stadium where during the playing of the League Match the playing area is covered or partially covered by a fixed or moveable roof without the prior written approval of the Board. Before giving or refusing to give any such approval the Board shall consult with all Clubs and shall take into account their representations.

 

I.10

 

Dressing Rooms

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.11.

 

Each Club shall provide dressing rooms for Players the minimum area of which (excluding showers, baths and toilets) shall be 30 square metres.

 

I.11

 

Drug-testing Rooms

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.12.

 

Each Club shall provide accommodation capable of being used as a drug-testing room which shall be near the Players’ and Match Officials’ dressing rooms and inaccessible to the public and media. The Board may caution any Club which fails to comply with this Rule or exercise its summary jurisdiction and impose a fine.

 

I.12

 

Media Facilities

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.

 

At each League Match, the Home Club shall provide press facilities to the following minimum standard:

 

I.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.1.

50 press seats located near the press working area in the stadium and giving a good view of the pitch;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.2.

each press seat shall have a desk top, an electricity supply, a clear view of a television monitor and, unless the Home Club is able to provide sufficient telephone lines or an adequate wi-fi system to meet demand, a telephone socket;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.3.

a working area located in the same stand as the teams’ dressing rooms and comprising a room of minimum 50 square metres equipped with 15 individual or linked work stations;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.4.

each workstation shall have its own electricity supply and telephone socket;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.13.5.

refreshment facilities of a standard to be determined by the Home Club shall be made available for a reasonable period before and after the League Match and at half time.

 

 

 

119



 

K.14.

 

At each League Match, the Home Club shall provide broadcasting facilities to the following minimum standard:

 

I.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.1.

18 commentary positions located on a gantry or other suitable position for exclusive use by UK Broadcasters;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.2.

12 television commentary positions located on a gantry or other suitable position for exclusive use by Overseas Broadcasters including one suitable position to enable pictures to be transmitted via a mini-camera;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.3.

The commentary positions referred to in Rule K.14.1 and Rule K.14.1 shall be situated on the same side of the pitch as the host Broadcaster’s main camera position;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.4.

15 commentary positions for use by Radio Broadcasters and any radio broadcasters with whom the Club or its opponent has entered into a Club Radio Contract, each such position situated as close to the halfway line as possible and with a clear view of a television monitor, and if such positions are situated in a press box then they shall be separated from adjoining press positions by a soundproof screen or gangway;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.5.

5 suitable positions pitchside to enable 3 International Broadcasters and 2 UK Broadcasters to broadcast pitchside pre-match, at half-time and post-match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.6.

2 suitable covered areas for television interviews undertaken by UK Broadcasters and Overseas Broadcasters, situated in the same stand as those Broadcasters’ commentary positions and each with sufficient space to accommodate a standard size interview backdrop and situated so that each may be used without interfering with the use of the other, access to which shall be appropriately restricted and stewarded;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.7.

a secure area outside and adjacent to the stadium of at least 1000 square metres for the exclusive use of UK Broadcasters’ and Overseas Broadcasters’ vehicles and equipment;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.14.8.

camera positions, microphone positions, any further commentary positions and any ancillary facilities in each case as agreed with Broadcasters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.15.

 

If a Club fails to provide any of the facilities required by Rules K.13 or K.14, the Board may withhold from that Club its share of Overseas Broadcasting Money to which it would otherwise be entitled pursuant to Rule D.18 until such time as it has provided those facilities.

 

I.15

 

Facilities for Photographers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.16.

 

At each League Match, the Home Club shall provide facilities for photographers to the following minimum standard:

 

I.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.16.1.

pitch side access for 20 photographers and messengers and, at the discretion of the Home Club’s Safety Officer, appropriate pitch side wiring;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.16.2.

bibs bearing the word ‘Photographer” on the rear, numbered consecutively, the numbers appearing on both the front and rear of the bib;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.16.3.

bibs of a different colour bearing the word ‘Messenger” on the rear and similarly numbered;

 

 

 

120



 

 

 

K.16.4.

a stewarded working area or wire room of 20 square metres equipped with 8 ISDN lines, 16 power points, a television monitor, shelves to support lap top computers and refreshment facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.17.

 

The registered ground of each Club shall be hardwired to the satisfaction of the Board for the benefit of Broadcasters and the hardwiring shall at all times be maintained in good working order.

 

I.17

 

 

 

 

 

K.18.

 

Any Club which is unable to comply with Rules K.11, K.13, K.14 and K.16 may make application to the Board to be allowed time to do so and the Board in its absolute discretion may allow such time for compliance as it thinks fit.

 

I.18

 

Security

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.19.

 

In order to safeguard the Players, directors and Officials of a Visiting Club and Match Officials upon their arrival at and departure from a League Match, each Home Club shall procure that:

 

I.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.19.1.

the Visiting Club’s team coach is able to park adjacent to the Players’ entrance;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.19.2.

barriers are placed so as to prevent members of the public gaining access to the area between the team coach and the Players’ entrance;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.19.3.

a parking area is provided for directors and Officials of the Visiting Club and Match Officials close to their respective points of entry to the stadium;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.19.4.

the Players’ entrance as well as the parking area and the points of entry referred to are adequately policed or stewarded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.20.

 

Each Home Club shall further procure that Players and Match Officials are provided with a safe and secure means of access to and egress from the pitch prior to the kick-off of a League Match, at the beginning and end of the half-time interval and upon the conclusion of the match.

 

I.20

 

The Pitch

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.21.

 

Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, in League Matches the length of the pitch shall be 105 metres and its breadth 68 metres.

 

I.21

 

 

 

 

 

K.22.

 

The Board shall only give permission to a Club for the dimensions of its pitch to be other than as set out in Rule K.21 if it is impossible for it to comply with Rule K.21 due to the nature of the construction of its ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.23.

 

For UEFA Club Competitions the pitch must measure 105 metres in length by 68 metres in breadth exactly. If for technical reasons of a construction related nature it is impossible to achieve the required dimensions a UEFA Club Licence may nevertheless be granted provided that the pitch is minimum 100 metres to maximum 105 metres in length by minimum 64 metres to maximum 68 metres in breadth.

 

I.22

 

 

 

 

 

K.24.

 

A Club shall register the dimensions of its pitch before the commencement of each Season by giving written notice thereof in Form 8 to the Secretary.

 

I.23

 

 

 

 

 

K.25.

 

The Board may at any time require a Club to obtain and submit to the Secretary a report by an independent expert certifying its pitch dimensions.

 

I.24

 

121



 

K.26.

 

No Club shall alter the dimensions of its pitch during the Season without the prior written consent of the Board.

 

I.25

 

 

 

 

 

K.27.

 

Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to maintain its pitch in good condition throughout the Season and the Board may require a Club to take such steps as the Board shall specify if it is not satisfied that the pitch is being maintained to an adequate standard.

 

I.26

 

 

 

 

 

K.28.

 

Each Club shall provide and maintain at its registered ground an undersoil heating system or some other adequate system of pitch protection to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board which shall be operated to the extent necessary to procure, so far as is reasonably possible, that the pitch is playable on the occasion of each home League Match.

 

I.27

 

Pitch Protection

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.

 

In order to protect the pitch, unless otherwise mutually agreed between both participating Clubs, the following procedures shall be adopted by Players and Officials in the periods immediately before and after a League Match and at half time:

 

I.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.1.

the pitch shall only be used for warming up or warming down by Players named on Form 8;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.2.

pre-match warming up by either team shall not commence until 45 minutes before the kick-off time at the earliest, shall not last for more than 30 minutes, and shall end no later than 10 minutes before the kick-off time;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.3.

if portable goals are provided they shall be used for all goalkeeping drills other than crossing practice;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.4.

the goalmouth area shall be used by goalkeepers only if portable goals are not provided or for crossing practice and then only for not more than 20 minutes;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.5.

for the purposes of warming up and warming down each team shall use only part of the pitch between the edge of a penalty area and the half way line or as otherwise directed by the groundsman;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.6.

all speed and stamina work shall be undertaken off the pitch parallel to the touchline opposite the side to be patrolled by the assistant referee or, in the absence of sufficient space, in that part of the pitch described in Rule K.29.5 above or as otherwise directed by the groundsman;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.7.

Players using the pitch at half time shall give due consideration to any other activity or entertainment taking place on the pitch at the same time;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.8.

the Home Club may water the pitch at half time provided that it gives reasonable notice to the referee and the other Club that it intends to do so and that any such watering is carried out evenly over the entire length and width of the pitch; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.29.9.

any warming down after the conclusion of the League Match shall last for no longer than 15 minutes and for that purpose neither penalty area shall be used.

 

 

 

122



 

Artificial Surfaces

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.30.

 

No League Match shall be played on an Artificial Surface.

 

I.29

 

Trainer’s Bench Facilities

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.31.

 

Each Club shall provide separate trainer’s benches adjacent to the pitch for the sole use of team officials, medical staff and substitute Players of each of the Home Club and the Visiting Club. Such trainer’s benches shall be clearly marked ‘Home’ and ‘Away’, shall have direct access onto the pitch, shall be located equidistant from the halfway line, shall be under cover and shall each be capable of seating not less than 11 persons.

 

I.30

 

Technical Areas

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.32.

 

The technical areas shall include the trainer’s benches required by Rule K.31 and shall extend 1 metre either side of each and to within 1 metre of the touchline.

 

I.31

 

 

 

 

 

K.33.

 

The boundaries of each of the technical areas shall be clearly marked.

 

I.32

 

 

 

 

 

K.34.

 

No person shall use or have access to a television monitor or like device in or around the technical areas during League Matches.

 

I.33

 

Floodlights

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.35.

 

A Club’s registered ground must have floodlights giving an average lux value of at least 800 with a minimum lux value of 500 at any location on the pitch.

 

I.34

 

 

 

 

 

K.36.

 

Each Club shall ensure that floodlighting installation and its supporting services at its registered ground are properly designed and maintained and shall cause the same to be inspected at the commencement of each Close Season by a Chartered Electrical Engineer who shall be required to certify in writing that:

 

I.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.36.1.

the floodlights comply with Rule K.35; and that

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.36.2.

the floodlighting installation and its supporting services have been designed to an appropriate standard and have been properly maintained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.37.

 

Forthwith upon receipt of the certificate required by Rule K.36 and in any event not less than 6 weeks before the commencement of the following Season, a copy shall be sent to the Secretary.

 

I.36

 

Sanitary Facilities

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.38.

 

Each Club shall provide sufficient bright, clean and hygienic toilet and washing facilities for male and female spectators in accordance with any local authority requirements and having regard to guidance issued by the Football Licensing Authority. The Board may caution any Club which fails to comply with this Rule or exercise its summary jurisdiction and impose a fine.

 

I.37

 

Facilities for the Disabled

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.39.

 

Each Club shall provide sufficient and adequate facilities for disabled supporters.

 

I.38

 

CCTV

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.40.

 

A Home Club may arrange for any League Match in which its team participates to be relayed by closed circuit television to other locations within its ground.

 

I.39

 

123



 

K.41.

 

Except at any time when any live Transmission of any League Match pursuant to a UK Broadcasting Contract is in progress, a Visiting Club may arrange by agreement with the Home Club for the closed circuit television signal of a League Match in which it participates to be relayed to its ground only. The written consent of the Board shall be required to relay the said signal to any other location. In all such circumstances, the Visiting Club shall ensure that any such relay of any such signal shall be encrypted in such manner as the Board may from time to time direct.

 

I.40

 

Giant Screens

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

K.42.

 

Except with the prior written consent of the Board, giant screens or the like at a Club’s ground shall not be used to relay to spectators closed circuit pictures of the League Match at which they are present.

 

I.39

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.

 

Any consent given under the provisions of the above Rule shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

I.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.1.

the screen shall be located so that it does not interfere with the League Match at which it is used or distract the Players and Match Officials;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.2.

it shall be operated by a responsible person who is fully aware of the conditions governing its use;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.3.

the screen may be used to show:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.3.1.

live action;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.3.2.

when the ball is not in play, action replays of positive incidents;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.

the screen shall not be used to show:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.1.

action replays of negative or controversial incidents;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.2.

any incident which may bring into question the judgment of a Match Official;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.3.

the area of the trainer’s bench;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.4.

until substitute boards have been displayed, pictures of any substitute Player warming up or preparing to enter the field of play;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.43.4.5.

any pictures which may tend to criticise, disparage, belittle or discredit the League, any Club or any Official, Player or Match Official or to bring the game into disrepute.

 

 

 

124


 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION L: FIXTURES

 

Arranging Fixtures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.1.

 

The dates of League Matches shall be fixed and published by the Board as soon as practicable prior to the commencement of each Season and except as otherwise provided in this Section of these Rules, League Matches shall be played on the dates thus fixed.

 

E.1

 

 

 

 

 

L.2.

 

No fixtures shall be arranged on or on any of the 6 days preceding the 4 dates agreed between the League and the Football Association prior to each Season upon which international matches will be played.

 

E.2

 

 

 

 

 

L.3.

 

Except for League Matches scheduled to be televised live and subject to Rules L.4, L.6, L.7, and L.8, weekend League Matches will be played on Saturdays.

 

E.3

 

 

 

 

 

L.4.

 

League Matches will be played on New Year’s Day unless:

 

E.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.4.1.

it falls on a Sunday; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.4.2.

it falls on a Thursday or Friday and F.A. Cup matches are scheduled to be played on the immediately following Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.5.

 

All intellectual property and other rights in the League’s fixture list shall belong to the League.

 

E.5

 

Rearranging Fixtures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.6.

 

The Board shall have power at any time to change the date upon which a League Match is to be played. Before exercising such power the Board will consult with and take into account any representations made by the Clubs participating in the League Match in question and any other Club or Clubs which may be affected thereby.

 

E.6

 

 

 

 

 

L.7.

 

A Club engaged in any match played in a UEFA competition on a Thursday evening and a League Match on the following Saturday may rearrange the League Match to the following Sunday provided that:

 

E.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.7.1.

it gives notice to that effect to the Secretary and to its League Match opposing Club within 72 hours of the date of the UEFA match being fixed (or, if the period of 72 hours expires on a day which is not a Working Day, by close of business on the first Working Day thereafter);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.7.2.

there is no police objection;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.7.3.

the rearrangement of the League Match does not result in the opposing Club having to play another League Match, F.A. Cup match or UEFA match within 2 days of the rearranged League Match being played.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.8.

 

A Club may apply to the Board to rearrange a Saturday fixture so that it is played on the preceding Friday or the following Sunday and in considering whether to exercise its power to do so the Board shall have regard also to:

 

E.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.8.1.

the principle that such applications shall not normally be granted in respect of more than 2 League Matches in any one week;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.8.2.

the effect any such rearrangements would have on published football pool coupons.

 

 

 

125



 

Arranging other Matches

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.9.

 

A Club shall not arrange to play a friendly match during the Season:

 

E.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.9.1.

until the dates of League Matches for that Season have been fixed and published in accordance with Rule L.1; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.9.2.

so that it adversely affects a League Match.

 

 

 

Other Competitors

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.10.

 

Except with the prior written approval of the Board, a Club shall not enter or play in any competition other than:

 

E.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.1.

the UEFA Champions League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.2.

the UEFA Europa League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.3.

the F.A. Cup;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.4.

the F.A. Community Shield;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.5.

the Football League Cup;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.10.6.

competitions sanctioned by the County Association of which it is a member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.11.

 

Each Club shall enter the F.A. Cup.

 

E.11

 

 

 

 

 

L.12.

 

Qualification for UEFA Club Competitions shall be on sporting merit through domestic competitions controlled or sanctioned by the Football Association. Clubs qualifying for a UEFA Club Competition must apply for a UEFA Club Licence in accordance with the Licensing Manual.

 

E.12

 

Postponement of League Matches

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.13.

 

A League Match shall not be postponed or abandoned except:

 

E.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.13.1.

when on the date fixed for it to be played either the Home Club or the Visiting Club is competing in a competition permitted by Rules L.10.1, L.10.1, and L.10.3; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.13.2.

with the approval of or on the instructions of the officiating referee; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.13.3.

by order of the police; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.13.4.

by order of any other authority exercising its statutory powers to that effect; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.13.5.

on the instructions of or with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.14.

 

Where it is proposed to postpone a League Match pursuant to Rule L.13.4 on the grounds of safety, the appropriate Official of the Home Club shall:

 

E.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.14.1.

complete and make available on request to the Premier League all relevant risk assessment documentation; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.14.2.

time permitting, consult with the officiating referee, the police, the chairman of the Club’s Safety Advisory Group and the match delegate appointed to attend the League Match pursuant to Rule L.17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.15.

 

Upon a League Match being postponed or abandoned in accordance with Rules L.13.1, L.13.2, L.13.3 or L.13.4, the Home Club shall forthwith inform the Secretary, and the Board will thereupon exercise its power under Rule L.6 and fix a date upon which the League Match in question shall be played.

 

E.15

 

126



 

Failure to play a League Match

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.16.

 

Except in the case of a League Match which, without either of the participating Clubs being at fault, is postponed or abandoned under the provisions of Rule L.13, any Club which causes the postponement or abandonment of a League Match on the date fixed under Rule L.1 or to which it is rearranged under Rule L.6, L.7 or L.8 will be in breach of these Rules and may be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

E.16

 

Replaying a League Match

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.17.

 

The Board shall have power to order that a League Match be replayed provided that a recommendation to that effect has been made by a Commission in exercise of its powers under Rule W.52.

 

E.17

 

Match Delegate

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.18.

 

The League will appoint a match delegate to attend each League Match and the Home Club shall ensure that he is allocated a prime seat and allowed access to all areas of the ground.

 

E.18

 

 

 

 

 

L.19.

 

The match delegate will act as the official representative of the League at the League Match to which he is appointed and he will report thereon to the League.

 

E.19

 

 

 

 

 

L.20.

 

The fees and expenses of the match delegate will be paid by the League at rates determined from time to time by the Board.

 

E.20

 

Full Strength Teams

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.21.

 

In every League Match each participating Club shall field a full strength team.

 

E.21

 

Minimum Age

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.22.

 

A Player who for the purpose of Youth Development Rule 2 is placed in an age group below Under 16 shall not be named in a Club’s team sheet for or participate in a League Match.

 

E.22

 

Team Sheet

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.23.

 

At least one hour before the time fixed for the kick-off of a League Match, a senior member of the coaching staff and the first team captain of each participating Club shall attend a briefing with the referee and hand to him and their opponents and make available to the media a team sheet in Form 9 containing the following particulars:

 

E.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.23.1.

the shirt numbers and names of its Players (including substitute Players) who are to take part in that League Match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.23.2.

the colour of the Strip to be worn by its Players, including the goalkeeper;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.23.3.

the names and job titles of up to 7 Officials who will occupy the trainer’s bench during that League Match.

 

 

 

127



 

L.24.

 

Any Club acting in breach of Rule L.23 will pay a fixed penalty of £300 in respect of a first such breach, £600 in respect of a second such breach and £1,200 in respect of a third such breach. Any subsequent breach shall be dealt with under the provisions of Rules W.1 to W.79 (Disciplinary).

 

E.24

 

 

 

 

 

L.25.

 

If any Player (or substitute Player) named in a team sheet is injured after the submission of the team sheet but before kick-off, upon the referee being satisfied that the injury is such that the Player in question cannot reasonably be expected to play, the name of another Player may be added to the team sheet as a Player or substitute Player.

 

E.25

 

 

 

 

 

L.26.

 

No Player whose name does not appear on his Club’s team sheet shall take the field of play in that League Match.

 

E.26

 

Substitute Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.27.

 

In any League Match a Club may include in its team sheet up to 7 substitute Players of whom not more than 3 may take part in the League Match subject to the conditions set out in Law 3 of the Laws of the Game.

 

E.27

 

 

 

 

 

L.28.

 

Not more than 3 substitute Players of each Club shall warm up at the same time on the perimeter of a pitch upon which a League Match is being played.

 

E.28

 

Kick-Off

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.29.

 

The Board in consultation with the participating Clubs shall determine the kick-off time of League Matches which are televised live.

 

E.29

 

 

 

 

 

L.30.

 

In the case of all other League Matches, except with the prior written approval of the Board, the Home Club shall fix the time of kick-off so that it is:

 

E.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.30.1.

at or between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. for Saturday and Bank Holiday League Matches;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.30.2.

at or between 11.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. for Sunday and midweek matches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.31.

 

Each Club participating in a League Match shall adhere to the kick-off time and the Home Club shall report any delay to the Secretary together with any explanation therefor.

 

E.32

 

 

 

 

 

L.32.

 

Any Club which without good reason causes to be delayed either the kick-off of a League Match from the time fixed or the re-start after the half-time interval:

 

E.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.32.1.

shall on the first such occasion pay a fixed penalty of £5,000 if the delay does not exceed 15 minutes;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.32.2.

shall on a second or subsequent occasion within 2 years of the first such occasion or if in any case the delay exceeds 15 minutes be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

 

 

Processional Entry

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.33.

 

Teams participating in a League Match will process together onto the field of play 5 minutes before kick-off, led by the referee and the assistant referees.

 

E.34

 

128



 

Use of Official Ball

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.34.

 

In all League Matches the Home Club shall provide and the participating Clubs shall use only the official ball approved from time to time by the League.

 

E.35

 

Occupation of the Trainer’s Bench

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.35.

 

The trainer’s bench required under the provisions of Rule K.31 shall be occupied during a League Match only by substitute Players and Officials whose names appear on the team sheet.

 

E.36

 

 

 

 

 

L.36.

 

Any Player who is dismissed from the field of play shall proceed immediately to the dressing room and shall not occupy the trainer’s bench.

 

E.37

 

Use of Technical Area

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.37.

 

Either the Manager or the team coach may convey tactical instructions to the Players during a League Match from the edge of the technical area referred to in Rule K.32.

 

E.38

 

Duration of League Matches

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.38.

 

Subject to the provisions of Law 7 of the Laws of the Game and Rule L.39, the duration of a League Match shall be 90 minutes.

 

E.39

 

 

 

 

 

L.39.

 

The Board may order a League Match which for whatever reason lasts for less than 90 minutes to count as a completed fixture or to be replayed.

 

E.40

 

 

 

 

 

L.40.

 

The half-time interval in League Matches shall be 15 minutes.

 

E.41

 

Notification of League Match results

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.41.

 

Within 6 days of a League Match each participating Club shall submit Form 10 to the Secretary duly completed.

 

E.42

 

Gate Statements

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.42.

 

Within 10 Working Days of a League Match the Home Club shall submit Form 11 to the Secretary duly completed.

 

E.43

 

Penalties

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.43.

 

Any Club acting in breach of Rules L.33 or L.41 will pay a fixed penalty of £300 in respect of a first such breach, £600 in respect of a second such breach and £1,200 in respect of a third such breach. Any subsequent breach shall be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

E.44

 

Compensation for Postponed Matches

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

L.44.

 

Compensation shall be payable to a Home Club if a League Match in which it should participate is postponed, provided that:

 

C.97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.44.1.

the postponement is caused by the Visiting Club on the date fixed for the League Match or on a date reasonably proximate thereto being engaged in an F.A. Cup match or a Football League Cup match; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.44.2.

on the date fixed for the League Match the Home Club is no longer engaged in the relevant competition.

 

 

 

129



 

L.45.

 

In the case of a postponement caused by an F.A. Cup match compensation shall be paid out of the F.A. Cup pool and in the case of a Football League Cup match out of the Football League Cup pool or in either case as the Board shall determine.

 

C.98

 

 

 

 

 

L.46.

 

In either case the amount of compensation shall be the sum (if any) by which the Home Club’s net revenue from the postponed League Match falls short of the Home Club’s average net revenue for League Matches played in that Season.

 

C.99

 

130



 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION M: PLAYERS’ IDENTIFICATION AND STRIP

 

Player Identification

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

M.1.

 

Before the commencement of each Season each Club shall allocate a different shirt number to each member of its first team squad.

 

F.1

 

 

 

 

 

M.2.

 

A Club shall likewise allocate a shirt number to any Player joining its first team squad during the Season.

 

F.2

 

 

 

 

 

M.3.

 

Save with the prior written consent of the Board shirt numbers shall commence with the number one and shall be allocated consecutively.

 

F.3

 

 

 

 

 

M.4.

 

While he remains with the Club a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the Season for which it was allocated.

 

F.4

 

 

 

 

 

M.5.

 

Upon a Player leaving a Club the shirt number allocated to him may be re-allocated.

 

F.5

 

 

 

 

 

M.6.

 

Each Club shall forthwith provide to the Secretary on Form 12 full details in writing of shirt numbers allocated so that throughout each Season the Secretary is aware of the names of members of the first team squad of each Club and the shirt numbers allocated to them.

 

F.6

 

 

 

 

 

M.7.

 

When playing in League Matches each Player shall wear a shirt on the back of which shall be prominently displayed his shirt number and above that his surname or such other name as may be approved in writing by the Board.

 

F.7

 

 

 

 

 

M.8.

 

The Player’s shirt number shall also appear on the front of the left leg of his shorts.

 

F.8

 

 

 

 

 

M.9.

 

The size, style, colour and design of shirt numbers, lettering and the logo of the League appearing on a Player’s shirt or shorts and the material from which such numbers, lettering and logo are made shall be determined by the Board from time to time.

 

F.9

 

 

 

 

 

M.10.

 

The colour and design of the shirt and stockings worn by the goalkeeper when playing in League Matches shall be such as to distinguish him from the other Players and from Match Officials.

 

F.10

 

 

 

 

 

M.11.

 

The captain of each team appearing in a League Match shall wear an armband provided by the League indicating his status as such.

 

F.11

 

 

 

 

 

M.12.

 

Any Club acting in breach of any of Rules M.1 to M.11 inclusive will be liable to pay to the League a fixed penalty of £300 for a first breach, £600 for a second breach and £1,200 for a third breach. Any subsequent breach may be dealt under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

F.12

 

Home and Away Strip

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

M.13.

 

Each Club shall have a home Strip and up to a maximum of two alternative Strips which shall be worn by its Players in League Matches in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.

 

F.13

 

 

 

 

 

M.14.

 

Each Club shall have a home Strip and up to a maximum of two alternative Strips which shall be worn by its Players in League Matches in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.

 

 

 

131



 

M.15.

 

The logo of the League shall appear on each sleeve of both home Strip and alternative Strip shirts.

 

F.14

 

 

 

 

 

M.16.

 

Neither the home Strip shirt nor the away Strip shirt shall be of a colour or design alike or similar to the outfits of Match Officials.

 

F.15

 

 

 

 

 

M.17.

 

Not later than 4 weeks before the commencement of each Season each Club shall register its Strips by submitting to the Secretary Form 13 together with samples of its home Strip, alternative Strip(s) and goalkeeper’s Strip complying with these Rules and a brief written description of each and the Secretary having entered the descriptions in a register will cause the same to be printed in the handbook of the League, on the Extranet and on the League’s website.

 

F.16

 

 

 

 

 

M.18.

 

Each Strip submitted for registration in accordance with Rule M.17 shall have on it:

 

F.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.18.1.      the shirt number and name of any Player in the Club’s first team squad, displayed as required by Rule M.7;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.18.2.      any advertisement for which the approval of the Board is either sought or has already been given under the provisions of Rule M.28.1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.19.

 

If pursuant to Rule M.17 a Club seeks to register a Strip which does not comply with these Rules:

 

F.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.19.1.      the Board shall give to that Club notice in writing to that effect giving full details of the changes required to achieve compliance; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.19.2.      the Strip in question shall not be worn by that Club’s Players until a further sample has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.20.

 

Subject to Rule M.21, Strips of the description thus registered shall be worn throughout the Season immediately following and no changes to it shall be made except with the prior written permission of the Board.

 

F.19

 

 

 

 

 

M.21.

 

On the occasion of a Club’s last home or away League Match in any Season a further Strip (i.e. not one registered by the Club in accordance with Rule M.17 may be worn provided that:

 

F.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.21.1.      at least 7 days’ prior written notice of intention to do so is given to the Secretary and the opposing Club together in each case with a sample of the Strip intended to be worn;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.21.2.      the alternative Strip shall be subsequently registered as the Club’s home or away Strip for the following Season.

 

 

 

132



 

M.22.

 

Subject to Rules M.21 and M.23, when playing in League Matches the Players of each participating Club shall wear Strip which in the opinion of the referee is of a sufficient contrast that Match Officials, spectators and television viewers will be able to distinguish clearly between the two teams. In selecting the choice of Strip the following order of precedence shall apply unless authorised by the Board:

 

F.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.22.1.  1st priority: the outfield players of the Home Club who shall wear their Home Strip;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.22.2.  2nd priority: the outfield players of the Visiting Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.22.3.  3rd priority: the Home Club goalkeeper;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.22.4.  4th priority: the Away Club goalkeeper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.23.

 

The Match Officials shall wear colours that distinguish them from the Strip worn by the two Clubs. In the event of the Match Officials not having distinguishing colours then the Away Club goalkeeper must change and if this is not possible the Home Club goalkeeper must do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.24.

 

At least 7 days prior to each League Match the Visiting Club shall notify the Home Club and the League on Form 14 of the Strip it intends its Players (including for the avoidance of doubt its goalkeeper) to wear. If the Home Club is of the opinion that this is likely to cause confusion it shall immediately notify the League.

 

F.23

 

 

 

 

 

M.25.

 

The League, in consultation with PGMOL acting on behalf of the referee, will determine any disputes arising between Clubs and no later than three working days prior to each League Match notify both Clubs and the Match Officials of the colours to be worn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.26.

 

In the event of a dispute arising on the day of a League Match in relation to the Strip to be worn then the referee’s decision shall be final.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.27.

 

Subject to Rule M.21, no Club shall participate in a League Match wearing Strip other than its registered home Strip or alternative Strip or a combination of the same except with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

F.24

 

Strip Advertising

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

M.28.

 

Provided that:

 

F.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.28.1.  the content, design and area of the advertisement is approved by the Board; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.28.2.  it complies with the Football Association Rules for the time being in force; advertising on Strip shall be permitted.

 

 

 

133


 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION N: MATCH OFFICIALS

 

Appointment of Match Officials

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

N.1.

 

Prior to the commencement of each Season PGMOL will compile and publish a list of referees and assistant referees eligible to be appointment to officiate at forthcoming League Matches.

 

G.1

 

 

 

 

 

N.2.

 

PGMOL shall be empowered to remove the name of any Match Official from its list at any time.

 

G.2

 

 

 

 

 

N.3.

 

PGMOL will appoint the Match Officials to officiate at each League Match. PGMOL will give notice of such appointment to the participating Clubs and on Form 15 to the Match Officials so appointed who shall each forthwith acknowledge their appointment to PGMOL.

 

G.3

 

 

 

 

 

Rules binding on Match Officials

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

N.4.

 

Acknowledgement by a Match Official of an appointment made under Rule N.3 shall onstitute an agreement with the League by such Match Official to be bound by and to comply with:

 

G.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.4.1. the Laws of the Game;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.4.2. the Football Association Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.4.3. these Rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments to Match Officials

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

N.5.

 

No Club or Official shall either directly or indirectly make or offer to make any payment to or confer or offer to confer any benefit upon any Match Official.

 

G.8

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Match Procedures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.

 

Prior to the commencement of a League Match at which he has been appointment to officiate, the referee shall:

 

G.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.1.

together with the other Match Officials, arrive at the ground not less than two hours before the advertised time of kick-off;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.2.

decide on the fitness of the pitch for the playing of the League Match and;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.2.1.

if the referee considers it to be unfit, instruct that the League Match be postponed or that the kick-off be delayed;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.2.2.

if the referee considers it to be necessary, instruct that the pitch be re-marked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.3.

receive the team sheets of the participating Clubs in accordance with Rule L.23;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.4.

permit the amendment of a team sheet if a Player is injured as provided in Rule L.25;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.5.

check and approve any football to be used in the League Match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.6.

ensure that, if appropriate, the Home Club has made a coloured ball available;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.7.

wear one of the match uniforms provided by PGMOL ensuring that it does not clash with the Strip worn by either of the participating teams;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.8.

ensure that the Players’ Strip complies with the provisions of Section M of these Rules;

 

 

 

134



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.9.

ensure that the uniform worn by any ballboy or steward does not clash with the Strip worn by either of the participating teams and if in his opinion there is such a clash, he shall be authorised to request such ballboy or steward to change his uniform or to leave the vicinity of the field of play;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.10.

with the assistant referees lead the participating teams onto the field of play 5 minutes before kick-off; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.6.11.

such other matters as may be agreed between the League and PGMOL from time to time.

 

 

 

Compliance with Instructions

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.7.

 

Players and Officials shall comply with any lawful instruction given to them by a Match Official officiating at a League Match.

 

G.10

 

Post-Match Procedures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.

 

The referee shall send the team sheets to and make the following reports in writing to the Secretary as soon as practicable after officiating at a League Match:

 

G.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.1.

on the standard of facilities for Match Officials provided by the Home Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.2.

on the late arrival at the ground of any of the Match Officials giving reasons therefore;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.3.

on the condition of the pitch;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.4.

on the circumstances surrounding the kick-off or re-start being delayed;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.5.

on either team commencing the League Match with less than a full complement of Players;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.6.

on any change of Strip ordered;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.7.

on the failure of a team to process together onto the field of play in accordance with Rule L.33;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.8.

on any Player being cautioned or sent-off;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.9.

on either assistant referee taking over as referee and stating the reason therefore;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.10.

on any breach of these Rules by Clubs, Players, Officials, Managers and other Match Officials; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.8.11.

any other matter which the referee considers appropriate to bring to the Secretary’s attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N.9.

 

A referee shall likewise report to the Football Association any breach of the Football Association Rules.

 

G.12

 

 

 

 

 

N.10.

 

As soon as practicable after and in any event within 6 days of a League Match the Home Club shall provide a recording on DVD (or such other format as the League shall specify) of the League Match to each of the referee and the League.

 

G.13

 

 

 

 

 

N.11.

 

Any Club acting in breach of Rule N.10 will be liable to pay to the League a fixed penalty of £300 for a first breach, £600 for a second breach and £1,200 for a third breach. Any subsequent breach may be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

G.14

 

135



 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION O: MEDICAL

 

Appointment and Qualifications of Medical Personnel

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

O.1.

 

Each Club shall appoint at least one part-time team doctor and one part-time crowd doctor and employ one full-time senior physiotherapist.

 

H.1

 

 

 

 

 

O.2.

 

Any doctor appointed by a Club (including, without limitation, the team doctor and crowd doctor appointed pursuant to Rule O.1) shall be a registered medical practitioner licensed to practice by the General Medical Council. A doctor (including, without limitation, the team doctor appointed pursuant to Rule O.1) whose responsibilities include giving medical treatment to players and who was appointed on or after the commencement of the 2002/2003 Season who has not previously held such an appointment must hold the Diploma in Sports Medicine or an equivalent or higher professional qualification. With effect from Season 2008/09 each team doctor shall hold a current Football Association Advanced Resuscitation and Emergency Aid certificate or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board.

 

H.2

 

 

 

 

 

O.3.

 

A crowd doctor appointed by a Club shall be a registered medical practitioner and either:

 

H.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.3.1.

hold the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care issued by the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (“the Faculty”) or its equivalent; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.3.2.

have successfully undertaken the Faculty’s Generic Crowd Doctor Training Course or its equivalent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each crowd doctor shall successfully undertake the Faculty’s Generic Refresher and Skills Update Course at least once every five years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.4.

 

The senior physiotherapist employed by a Club shall be a Chartered Physiotherapist or a registered member of The Health Professions Council. With effect from Season 2008/09 each therapist shall hold a current Football Association Advanced Resuscitation and Emergency Aid certificate or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board.

 

H.4

 

 

 

 

 

O.5.

 

Any assistant physiotherapist employed by a Club shall be a Chartered Physiotherapist or a registered member of the Health Professions Council or hold the Football Association’s Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injuries or an equivalent or higher qualification.

 

H.5

 

 

 

 

 

O.6.

 

Team doctors and therapists appointed by a Club shall each year undertake a minimum of 36 hours of continuing professional development and shall maintain a record thereof and produce the same for inspection by a duly appointed representative of the League when requested and in addition shall attend the education conferences and seminars organised by the Football Association.

 

H.6

 

136



 

Attendance of Medical Personnel and Provisions of Medical Facilities

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.

 

At every League Match:

 

H.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.1.

each participating Club shall procure the attendance of its team doctor and the Home Club shall procure the attendance of its crowd doctor. The Home Club’s team doctor and crowd doctor shall be available throughout and for a reasonable time before and after the match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.2.

each participating Club shall procure the attendance of a therapist who is qualified as required by Rule O.4;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.3.

each participating Club’s team doctor and therapist (who shall be qualified as required by Rule O.4) shall occupy that Club’s trainer’s bench during the League Match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.4.

the Home Club shall procure the attendance of at least two fully qualified and appropriately insured paramedics who shall be available to assist with on-field medical incidents;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.5.

no person other than a participating Club’s team doctor, therapist (who shall be qualified as required by Rule O.4) or the paramedics referred to in Rule O.7.4 shall be permitted to treat Players or Match Officials on the field of play;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.6.

the Home Club shall provide a minimum of 2 stretchers and an appropriately trained team of stretcher bearers for each stretcher to remove injured Players or Match Officials from the field of play;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.7.

the Home Club shall provide a medical treatment and examination room close to both teams’ dressing rooms and shall ensure that the mandatory equipment as prescribed by the Board from time to time is available;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.8.

the Home Club shall ensure that throughout each League Match a fully equipped dedicated and appropriately insured ambulance suitable to carry an emergency casualty and staffed by a person or persons qualified to perform essential emergency care en route is available at the ground to transport any Player or Match Official requiring emergency treatment to hospital;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.7.9.

the Home Club shall before each League Match make available to the Visiting Club an emergency care/medical information sheet in the manner prescribed by the Board from time to time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.8.

 

At any other match in which a Club team participates (except as required under the Rules of the F.A. Cup or the Football League Cup) the Home Club shall procure the attendance of the holder of:

 

H.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.8.1.

current, recognised four day first aid at work qualification; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.8.2.

the FA Emergency Aid qualification and the FA First Aid for Sport qualification; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.8.3.

the Football Association Advanced Resuscitation and Emergency Aid Certificate.

 

 

 

137



 

Head Injuries

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

O.9.

 

Any Player, whether engaged in a League Match, any other match or in training, who having sustained a head injury leaves the field of play, shall not be allowed to resume playing or training (as the case may be) until he has been examined by a medical practitioner and declared fit to do so.

 

H.9

 

Medical Records

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

O.10.

 

Each Club shall carry out medical examinations on all its Contract Players and Academy Players registered on scholarship agreements in accordance with the requirements laid down in Appendix 13 and keep medical records which shall be made available for inspection by authorised representatives of the League.

 

H.10

 

 

 

 

 

O.11.

 

Where the transfer including the Temporary Transfer of the registration of a Contract Player is being negotiated between Clubs, the Club holding the registration shall at the request of the other Club provide to it the medical records of the Contract Player in question (including for the avoidance of doubt any records which the Club holds of the cardiac screening of the Player).

 

H.11

 

Medical Insurance

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

O.12.

 

During such time as there shall remain in force an agreement between the League and the Professional Footballers’ Association for the subsidising of Player insurance schemes, each Club shall cause each of its Contract Players and those of its Academy Players with whom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement to be insured under and in accordance with the terms of any private medical insurance scheme approved by the Board. In the case of such Academy Players such insurance may be limited to football related injuries.

 

H.12

 

138



 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION P: MANAGERS

 

Codes of Conduct

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.1.

 

Managers shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Managers set out in Appendix 6.

 

Q.1

 

 

 

 

 

P.2.

 

Clubs shall conduct themselves in relation to Managers in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Clubs set out in Appendix 7.

 

Q.2

 

 

 

 

 

P.3.

 

Any failure by Managers or Clubs to conduct themselves in accordance with their respective Codes of Conduct will constitute a breach of this Rule.

 

Q.3

 

Coaching Qualifications

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.4.

 

Each Manager shall either:

 

Q.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.4.1.    hold, or have commenced and be actively engaged on the requisite course to obtain, a valid UEFA Pro Diploma; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.4.2.    hold the Football Association Coaching Diploma; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.4.3.    hold, or have commenced and be actively engaged on the requisite course to obtain, a valid diploma of a similar standard issued by another national association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.5.

 

No Club shall employ any person as a Manager who does not hold a qualification listed in Rule P.4.

 

Q.5

 

Caretakers Managers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.6.

 

Rules P.1 to P.3 shall apply to caretaker Managers but Rules P.4, P.5 and P.7 shall not apply to them until the expiry of 12 weeks from the date of their appointment as such. The Board shall have power to grant an extension of the 12 weeks period only if reasonably satisfied that the Manager is then medically unfit to resume his duties.

 

Q.6

 

Contracts of Employment and Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.7.

 

No Club shall employ any person as a Manager unless and until:

 

Q.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.7.1.    the terms of the Manager’s employment have been evidenced in a written contract of employment between the Club and the Manager; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.7.2.    the Manager’s contract of employment has been registered with the Secretary.

 

 

 

Contents of Contracts of Employment

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.8.

 

Contracts of employment between a Club and a Manager shall:

 

Q.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.8.1.    include the standard clauses set out in Appendix 8;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.8.2.    clearly set out the circumstances in which the contract of employment may be determined by either party.

 

 

 

139



 

Procedure for Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.9.

 

The Secretary shall keep a register of Managers’ contracts of employment.

 

Q.9

 

 

 

 

 

P.10.

 

Upon completion of a contract of employment between a Club and a Manager the Club shall within 7 days send the contract of employment to the Secretary for registration.

 

Q.10

 

 

 

 

 

P.11.

 

The Secretary shall refuse to register the contract of employment and shall forthwith give notice to that effect to the Club if:

 

Q.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.11.1.       Rule P.8 has not been complied with; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.11.2.       a contract of employment between the Manager and any other Club or Football League club has been registered under the provisions of these Rules or the Regulations of the Football League and the registration of that contract of employment has not been cancelled.

 

 

 

Cancellation of Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.12.

 

An application for cancellation of the registration of a Manager’s contract of employment shall be made in writing to the Secretary and may be made by either party to the contract of employment.

 

Q.12

 

 

 

 

 

P.13.

 

The Board shall cancel the registration upon being satisfied that either:

 

Q.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.13.1.       both parties to the contract of employment have consented to the cancellation of the registration; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.13.2.       the contract of employment has been properly terminated by either party to it; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.13.3.       the contract of employment has expired; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.13.4.       a period of one year has elapsed since the Manager ceased to perform his duties under the contract of employment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.14.

 

Any period during which a Manager in breach of his contract of employment is employed abroad as Manager of a foreign club shall not be taken into account by the Board in determining whether such Manager’s contract of employment has expired.

 

Q.14

 

Pre-Season Meeting

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.15.

 

All Managers are required to attend in person an annual pre-Season meeting organised by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and failure to do so without just cause shall be a breach of these Rules.

 

Q.15

 

 

 

 

 

P.16.

 

Each Club shall ensure that its Contract Players attend an annual meeting organised by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited at the Club. Failure to attend (in the case of a Contract Player) or to take reasonable steps to ensure attendance (in the case of a Club) without just cause shall be a breach of these Rules.

 

Q.16

 

140



 

Broadcasters

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.17.

 

All Managers are required to attend in person and participate in pre-match and post-match one-to-one interviews held by or for the benefit of a UK Broadcaster or Radio Broadcaster on the day of a League Fixture and failure to do so without just cause shall be a breach of these Rules. Such interviews shall not be arranged in such a manner as to interfere with the Manager’s primary matchday responsibilities as regards team matters.

 

Q.17

 

Disputes

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.18.

 

Any dispute arising between the parties to a Manager’s contract shall be dealt with under the procedures set out in Section Y of these Rules (Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal).

 

Q.18

 

Assistant Manager/Head Coach

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

P.19.

 

A Club which applies for a UEFA Licence must, in addition to employing a Manager, employ an individual (such as an assistant manager or head coach) to assist the Manager in all football matters relating to the first team.

 

Q.19

 

141


 

 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION Q: SCOUTS

 

Definition

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Q.1.

 

Rules Q.1 to Q.8 shall not apply to a Scout whose duties are solely to identify to his Club Academy Players whose registration the Club may wish to secure (Youth Development Rules 194 to 206 being applicable to such Scouts).

 

 

 

Registration of Scouts

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Q.2.

 

The Secretary shall keep a register of Scouts.

 

P.2

 

 

 

 

 

Q.3.

 

Each Club upon employing or engaging a Scout shall within 5 days thereof apply to register him by duly completing Form 16, entering the appropriate information on the Extranet and submitting to the Secretary a copy of the document by which, in accordance with Rule J.2, the Club binds the Scout to comply with these Rules.

 

P.3

 

 

 

 

 

Q.4.

 

The Secretary shall register a Scout and shall notify the applicant Club to that effect upon being satisfied that:

 

P.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.4.1.

the Club has complied with Rule Q.3 above; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.4.2.

the Scout the subject of the application is not currently registered as the Scout of another Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.5.

 

Except during the period of 5 days mentioned in Rule Q.3 above, no Club shall employ a Scout who is not registered under the provisions of this Section of these Rules unless it has made an application to register him which has yet to be determined.

 

P.5

 

 

 

 

 

Q.6.

 

Upon a Club ceasing to employ or engage a registered Scout it shall within 5 days thereof give notice to that effect in Form 17 to the Secretary who shall thereupon remove the name of such Scout from the register.

 

P.6

 

Identification of Scouts

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Q.7.

 

Each Club shall issue to each of its registered Scouts a formal means of identification which shall include:

 

P.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.7.1.

the name of the Club by which it is issued; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.7.2.

the signature of an Authorised Signatory of the issuing club; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.7.3.

a photograph of the Scout; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.7.4.

the Scout’s signature.

 

 

 

Codes of Conduct

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Q.8.

 

Scouts shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Scouts set out in Appendix 5 and any failure to do so shall constitute a breach of this Rule.

 

P.8

 

142



 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION R: CUSTOMER RELATIONS

 

Supporter Liaison

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.1.

 

Each Club shall employ an Official or Officials whose responsibilities shall include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.1.1.

responsibility for the delivery of the Club’s policy with regard to its stakeholders insofar as that policy concerns supporters; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.1.2.

acting as a point of contact for supporters; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.1.3.

liaising regularly with the Club’s management (including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, on safety and security related issues).

 

 

 

Requirement for Customer Charter

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.2.

 

Each Club shall have a written customer charter in which shall be set out its policy with regard to ticketing, merchandise and its relations with its supporters, season ticket holders, shareholders, sponsors, local authority and others having an interest in the activities of the Club (together in this Section of these Rules called “stakeholders”).

 

J.1

 

 

 

 

 

R.3.

 

A copy of its customer charter and any amendments made thereto shall be furnished to the League by each Club and shall be made available to the public.

 

J.2

 

Reporting

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.4.

 

Each Club shall:

 

J.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.4.1.

submit a report annually to the League during the Close Season describing how each of its said policies has been implemented and the extent to which each has been achieved;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.4.2.

comply promptly with any request for information made by the League.

 

 

 

Ticketing

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.

 

A Club’s ticketing policy should:

 

J.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.1.

provide general information to the public about ticket availability and pricing, giving the earliest possible notice of any changes and the reasons therefore;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.2.

aim to promote greater accessibility by the adoption of flexible and imaginative ticketing schemes;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.3.

facilitate wider access to matches by the public by allowing for a broad range of ticket prices, the more expensive effectively subsidising the cheapest;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.4.

allow for a reduction in the price of tickets for seats with a restricted view of the pitch;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.5.

adopt a system of concessionary ticket prices tailored to the needs of the local community;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.6.

give details of the availability of seating for disabled spectators and their carers and the pricing policy in relation thereto;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.7.

set out particulars of any membership, loyalty, bond, debenture or similar scheme;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.8.

make available a method of payment for season tickets by instalments at competitive rates of interest;

 

 

 

143



 

 

 

R.5.9.

promote the availability of match tickets by reserving a reasonable proportion (at least 5 per cent.) of them for sale to non-season ticket holders;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.10.

deal with the return and distribution of unwanted tickets;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.11.

include the following provisions in respect of abandoned matches:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.11.1.

abandonment after spectators admitted to the ground but before kick-off — free admission to the rearranged match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.5.11.2.

abandonment after kick-off — half price admission to the rearranged match;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

refer to the obligations set out in Rules R.6 to R.11 below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.6.

 

Each Club shall provide an area of its ground for the exclusive use of family groups and junior supporters.

 

J.5

 

 

 

 

 

R.7.

 

Concessionary prices must be available for:

 

J.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.7.1. senior citizens; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.7.2. junior supporters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.8.

 

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board or between the Clubs, each Home Club shall make available to its Visiting Club:

 

J.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.8.1.

3,000 tickets or, if the capacity of the Home Club’s ground is less than 30,000, such number of tickets as is equal to 10 per cent. of its ground capacity; and, whether or not that allocation is taken up; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.8.2.

tickets for a minimum of 10 per cent. of the Home Club’s disabled spectator accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.9.

 

At least half of the tickets referred to in Rule R.8 above must be made available on a sale or return basis and the balance must be ordered by the Visiting Club (subject to the conditions set out in Rule R.10) at least 4 weeks before the League Match to which they relate.

 

J.8

 

 

 

 

 

R.10.

 

Unless otherwise agreed, the provision by a Home Club of tickets for sale by a Visiting Club shall be conditional upon:

 

C.100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.10.1.

the Visiting Club making the tickets available for purchase by the later of either 3 working days after receipt from the Home Club or the date that is 4 weeks before the date of the fixture;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.10.2.

any unsold tickets being returned by the Visiting Club to the Home Club not later than 7 days before the date fixed for the League Match to which they relate;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.10.3.

the proceeds of tickets sold and the face value of any unsold tickets not returned as aforesaid being paid by the Visiting Club to the Home Club within 4 days of the League Match taking place;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.10.4.

the Visiting Club paying to the Home Club daily interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum over the base rate for the time being of Barclays Bank Plc on any amount not paid in accordance with Rule R.10.3.

 

 

 

144



 

R.11.

 

A Home Club shall not charge admission prices to supporters of a Visiting Club which are higher than those charged to its own supporters for comparable accommodation and in particular concessionary rates offered to senior citizens and junior supporters shall apply to supporters of a Visiting Club.

 

J.9

 

 

 

 

 

R.12.

 

Each Club shall submit to the League details of its season ticket prices and ticket prices for individual League Matches upon announcing the same publicly.

 

J.10

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.13.

 

A Club’s merchandising policy should:

 

J.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.13.1.

allow for market research to be undertaken with regard to the frequency of Strip changes and to its design;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.13.2.

identify the intervals at which Strip changes are intended to take place and the date of the next intended change;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.13.3.

provide for swing tickets attached to replica Strip to state its launch date;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.13.4.

refer to the effect on the consumer of the obligations set out in Rules R.15 to R.18 below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.14.

 

Any numbers, lettering, badges and logos appearing on replica Strip shall be of the same style, colour and design as those appearing on Players’ Strip currently registered as required by Rule M.17.

 

J.12

 

 

 

 

 

R.15.

 

In any future contract to license a manufacturer to produce for retail sale replica Strip, each Club shall include the standard clauses set out in Appendix 1.

 

J.13

 

 

 

 

 

R.16.

 

Upon a promoted Club becoming a member of the League in accordance with the provisions of Rule B.5, it shall give notice to any manufacturer licensed to manufacture and distribute its replica Strip in the terms set out in Appendix 2 and request such manufacturer to convey the substance of the notice to its dealers forthwith and advise them that:

 

J.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.16.1.

they are free to sell, advertise and display for sale replica Strip supplied by such manufacturer at whatever price they may choose; and that

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.16.2.

they should inform the Office of Fair Trading if they are concerned that a minimum resale price is being imposed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.17.

 

No Club shall cause or procure any manufacturer with which it has a licensing agreement for the manufacture of replica Strip to do any act or cause to be done anything which would constitute a breach of the standard clauses referred to in Rule R.15.

 

J.15

 

 

 

 

 

R.18.

 

Each Club shall provide the Director General of Fair Trading with such information as he may need in order to satisfy himself that Rules R.15 to R.17 above have been complied with.

 

J.16

 

145



 

Relations with Stakeholders

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

R.19.

 

A Club’s policy with regard to its stakeholders should:

 

J.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.19.1.

provide for consultation with them on a regular basis through forums, questionnaires and focus groups and by the publication of current policies on major issues in an easily digested format;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.19.2.

promote supporter and community liaison and provide for the establishment of liaison structures where none exist.

 

 

 

146


 

 

 

CLUBS: OPERATIONS

SECTION S: THE SAFEGUARDING OF VULNERABLE GROUPS AND SAFE RECRUITMENT

 

Introduction

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.1.

 

This Section of these Rules sets out the League’s policy on and requirements for each Club’s arrangements for the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults (including as regards safe recruitment) who participate in an Activity arranged for them by or in the name of the Club.

 

O.1

 

 

 

 

 

S.2.

 

The Rules in this Section shall also apply to any Activity arranged by or in the name of the League and shall be construed so as to have that effect.

 

O.2

 

Definitions

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.

 

In this Section of these Rules:

 

O.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.1.       “Activity” means any activity or series of activities arranged for a Child, Children or a Vulnerable Adult or Adults by or in the name of a Club;

 

U.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.2.        “Child” and “Children” mean any person or persons under the age of 18 years;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.3.        “Children’s Safeguarding Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.14.11;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.4.        “Children’s Services’ Officer” means the member of Staff whose responsibilities are set out in Rule S.14.11;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.5.        “CRB” means the Criminal Records Bureau, being the executive agency of the Home Office which provides access to criminal records information, or any successor body which carries out its functions;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.6.        “Disclosure” means the service provided by the CRB to Persons registered with it;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.7.        “Local Authority Designated Officer” means the officer designated by the local authority in which the Club is situated to manage allegations of Child abuse;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.8.        “Local Safeguarding Children’s Board” means the body established by the local authority in which the Club is situated pursuant to sections 14 and 14A of the Children Act 2004 and to the Local Safeguarding Children Regulations 2006 for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in its area;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.9.        “Parents” means the people who have parental responsibility for the Child;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.10.      “Search and Intervention Steward” means a steward employed by a Club who regularly carries out, or who supervises those who carry out, either of the following duties in an area of the Club’s ground covered by a premises licence granted under the Licensing Act 2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.10.1.   the search of spectators on their entry to the ground; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.10.2.   the intervention against or ejection of spectators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.11.      “Staff” means any employee of a Club or volunteer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.11.1.   employed in any Activity on behalf of or with the authorisation of the Club, who has direct contact with a Child, Children or a Vulnerable Adult or Adults in the course of that Activity; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.11.2.   (for the purposes of Rules S.28 to S.39) employed as a Search and Intervention Steward; or

 

 

 

147



 

 

 

S.3.12.      “Vulnerable Adult” has the meaning set out in section 59 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.13.      “Vulnerable Adults’ Safeguarding Officer” has the meaning set out in Rule S.18.7;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.3.14.      “Vulnerable Adults’ Services Officer” means the member of Staff whose responsibilities are set out in Rule S.16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The League’s Policy for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.4.

 

The League:

 

O.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.4.1.       recognises that the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults must always be given the highest priority;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.4.2.       believes that concern for the general well-being and welfare of all Children and Vulnerable Adults participating in Activities is paramount;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.4.3.       requires Clubs to implement policies and procedures to ensure the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.4.4.       will develop and will encourage Clubs to develop and implement best practice in matters concerning the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.5.

 

The League adopts the Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport promoted by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (hereafter “the NSPCC Standards”).

 

O.5

 

 

 

 

 

Clubs’ Policies and Procedures for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.6.

 

Each Club shall prepare, implement, review regularly and have endorsed by its Local Safeguarding Children Board written policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Children.

 

O.6

 

 

 

 

 

S.7.

 

The Club’s policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Children shall:

 

O.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.7.1.       be in accordance with this Section of these Rules and shall have regard to Appendix 3 to these Rules; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.7.2.       meet the NSPCC Standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.8.

 

Each Club shall prepare and implement written policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults.

 

O.8

 

 

 

 

 

S.9.

 

The Club’s policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults shall be in accordance with this Section of the Rules and shall have regard to any guidance or policy published by the League.

 

O.9

 

 

 

 

 

Children’s Services’ Officer

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.10.

 

Each Club shall designate a member of staff as the Children’s Services’ Officer.

 

O.10

 

 

 

 

 

S.11.

 

The Children’s Services’ Officer shall be responsible for all arrangements for the safeguarding of Children undertaking any Activity and any sign or suspicion of abuse relating to Child shall be reported to him.

 

O.11

 

148



 

S.12.

 

The name of the Children’s Services’ Officer shall be notified by the Club to the League in Form 18.

 

O.12

 

 

 

 

 

S.13.

 

Each Children’s Services’ Officer and Safeguarding Officer shall:

 

O.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.13.1.      be trained in safeguarding of Children issues and procedures;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.13.2.      complete satisfactorily a safeguarding of Children awareness training programme approved by the League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.13.3.     be given a job description which shall properly record their responsibilities; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.13.4.      undertake in each calendar year continuing professional development training in the safeguarding of Children approved by the League and maintain a record thereof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.

 

Each Children’s Services’ Officer shall:

 

O.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.1.      liaise regularly with and be guided by the advice of the Local Safeguarding Children Board;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.2.      liaise and co-operate with the Local Authority Designated Officer as may from time to time be necessary;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.3.      ensure strict compliance with the Club’s policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Children;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.4.      promote awareness in the Club of safeguarding of Children issues generally and encourage and monitor the adoption of best practice procedures in that regard;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.5.      report on a regular basis on the effectiveness of, and the Club’s compliance with, its policies and procedures for the safeguarding of Children to a named member of the Club’s senior management who shall act as the Children’s Services’ Officer’s line manager;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.6.      act as the lead Club Official in any investigation of an allegation of Child abuse;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.7.      maintain the safeguarding of Children Staff register for each Activity in Form 19 (or in any other appropriate and sufficient format);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.8.      be made known to all Staff, and (by publication of his name and contact details on the Club’s website and in any handbook or the like which the Club produces to accompany any Activity) to children and parents of children engaged in each Activity and be available in person or by telephone to Staff and to such children and parents at all reasonable times;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.9.      provide written instructions to Staff engaged in each Activity in respect of good practice and what they are required to do if they detect any sign of Child abuse or if they suspect Child abuse is taking place;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.10.    provide guidance to and support for any member of Staff engaged in each Activity who reports suspected Child abuse;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.14.11.    in relation to a specific Activity, if appropriate, delegate any of the responsibilities listed in S.14.7 to S.14.10 to another member of staff (the “Children’s Safeguarding Officer”) and supervise the Children’s Safeguarding Officer;

 

 

 

149



 

 

 

S.14.12.    ensure that Children’s Safeguarding Officers are properly trained, supported and supervised including, without limitation, by way of regular, minuted meetings with each Children’s Safeguarding Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

S.15.

 

Each Club shall designate a member of staff as the Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer.

 

O.15

 

 

 

 

 

S.16.

 

The Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer shall be responsible for all arrangements for the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults undertaking any Activity and any sign or suspicion of abuse of a Vulnerable Adult shall be reported to them.

 

O.16

 

 

 

 

 

S.17.

 

The name of the Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer shall be notified by the Club to the League in Form 20.

 

O.17

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.

 

Each Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer shall:

 

O.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.1.     ensure strict compliance with the Club’s policy and procedures for the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.2.     promote awareness in the Club of safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults issues generally and encourage and monitor the adoption of best practice procedures in that regard;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.3.     report on a regular basis to the Club’s senior management on the effectiveness of, and the Club’s compliance with, its policies and procedures for the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.4.     act as the lead Club Official in any investigation of an allegation of abuse of a Vulnerable Adult;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.5.     maintain the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Staff register for each Activity in Form 21 (or in any other appropriate and sufficient format);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.6.     be made known to and be available in person or by telephone to all Staff at all reasonable times;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.7.     in relation to a specific Activity, if appropriate, delegate any of their responsibilities to another member of staff (the “Vulnerable Adults’ Safeguarding Officer”); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.18.8.     ensure that Vulnerable Adults’ Safeguarding Officers are properly trained, supported and supervised including, without limitation, by way of regular, minuted meetings with each Vulnerable Adults’ Safeguarding Officer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.19.

 

Each Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer and Vulnerable Adult’s Safeguarding Officer shall:

 

O.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.19.1.     be given a job description which shall properly record their responsibilities;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.19.2.     be trained in safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults issues and procedures; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.19.3.     undertake in each calendar year continuing professional development training in the safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults approved by the League and maintain a record thereof.

 

 

 

150



 

Staff

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.20.

 

Staff shall in all dealings with and on behalf of Children or Vulnerable Adults do what is reasonable in the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the safety and welfare of the Child or Vulnerable Adult.

 

O.20

 

 

 

 

 

S.21.

 

Each member of Staff shall be given training in the Club’s policies and procedures for the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults.

 

O.21

 

 

 

 

 

S.22.

 

Each member of Staff shall be given in writing:

 

O.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.22.1.     the name of the Club’s Children’s Services’ Officer and Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.22.2.     descriptions of what constitutes unsuitable behaviour to a Child or Vulnerable Adult and abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.22.3.     details of what he is required to do if there is any sign of unsuitable behaviour to a Child or Vulnerable Adult or abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult or if there is a suspicion that such abuse is taking place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parental Consent

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.23.

 

Before a Child participates in an Activity, the written consent of his Parents shall be obtained by their completing and returning to the Children’s Officer for the Activity Form 22.

 

O.23

 

 

 

 

 

Notification of Referrals to External Statutory Agencies

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.24.

 

On making any referral of an allegation of or incident of suspected Child abuse or unsuitable behaviour to a Child or Vulnerable Adult to any external agency (including without limitation the police, the Local Area Safeguarding Board, the Local Authority Designated Officer or the Independent Safeguarding Authority), the Children’s Services’ Officer, Vulnerable Adults’ Services Officer or other Official making the referral shall notify the Club’s most senior administrative officer in writing.

 

O.23

 

 

 

 

 

S.25.

 

So that the Football Association and the League may be aware of allegations of or incidents of suspected abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult, they shall be notified by the Club in Form 23 of any referral made to any external agency (as described in Rule S.24) in respect of any Child or Vulnerable Adult involved in any Activity.

 

O.24

 

 

 

 

 

Monitoring

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.26.

 

The League will monitor Clubs to ensure compliance with this Section of these Rules and will procure that each Club is visited at least twice each Season by a person appointed for this purpose by the League. Such person shall be entitled to have access to all records kept in accordance with the requirements of this Section of these Rules and shall be entitled to meet Staff, parents and Children.

 

O.26

 

 

 

 

 

S.27.

 

Such person shall:

 

O.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.27.1.     give written feedback to the Club concerned on each monitoring visit made, and if appropriate agree with the Club an action plan setting out actions to be taken by the Club to ensure compliance with these Rules S.1 to S.27;

 

 

 

151



 

 

 

S.27.2.     report on each visit in writing to the League; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.27.3.     at the end of each Season or as soon as practicable thereafter, present to the League and the Club a written annual report on the Club’s compliance with Rules S.1 to S.27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Criminal Records Bureau

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.28.

 

The League will undertake all matters connected with the use of the Disclosure service for those Clubs not registered with the CRB.

 

U.2

 

 

 

 

 

S.29.

 

Clubs not registered with the CRB agree to be bound by any guidance published by the League from time to time.

 

U.3

 

 

 

 

 

Lead Disclosure Officer and Countersignatories

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.30.

 

Each Club shall nominate an Official as lead disclosure officer.

 

U.4

 

 

 

 

 

S.31.

 

The lead disclosure officer of a Club which is not registered with the CRB shall:

 

U.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.31.1.     act as the Club’s principal point of contact with the League on all matters connected with the use of the Disclosure service and the Club shall notify his name to the League in Form 24; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.31.2.     ensure that the Disclosure application by a person seeking appointment or confirmation of appointment as a member of Staff at the Club is processed by the Club in such manner as the League may from time to time determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.32.

 

The lead disclosure officer of a Club registered with the CRB:

 

U.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.32.1.     shall countersign the Club’s application to register with the CRB;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.32.2.     may countersign Disclosure applications;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.32.3.     will act as the Club’s principal point of contact with the CRB on all matters connected with the registration and use of the Disclosure service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.33.

 

Each Club shall nominate one or more Officials (who may be the Children’s Services Officers or a Safeguarding Officer) as countersignatories who (in the case of a Club registered with the CRB) may countersign Disclosure applications and (in the case of all Clubs) carry out the procedures set out in Rule S.35.

 

U.7

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.

 

Subject to Rule S.36, no person shall be appointed as a member of Staff unless:

 

U.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.1.     he has completed and submitted to the Club a written application; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.2.     a written reference has been obtained by the Club from at least two referees named in the application; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.3.     he has applied to the CRB for Disclosure; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.4.     his Disclosure information has been received and the Club is satisfied that he is not unsuitable to work with Children or as a Search and Intervention Steward as the case may be; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.34.5.     his particulars have been entered in the staff register in Form 19 kept and maintained at the Club.

 

 

 

152



 

S.35.

 

Upon an application for Disclosure being made by a person seeking appointment or confirmation of his appointment as a member of Staff, the lead disclosure officer or a countersignatory shall:

 

U.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.35.1.     determine, in accordance with any guidance published by the CRB or by the League, the level of Disclosure information to be sought in respect of that person; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.35.2.     carry out such identity checks on that person as may be required pursuant to the guidance described in Rule S.35; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.35.3.     complete and submit that person’s application to the CRB or to the League (in the case of a Club not registered with the CRB); and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.35.4.     receive the Disclosure information from the CRB or from the League (in the case of a Club not registered with the CRB) in respect of that person; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.35.5.     report the content of that Disclosure information to the Official responsible for deciding whether that person shall be appointed or have his appointment confirmed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.36.

 

Between the date upon which his application to the CRB for Disclosure is received and the date upon which the procedures set out in Rule S.35 are completed, a person to whom that Rule applies may be permitted to take up his position as a member of Staff at the discretion of the Club’s lead countersignatory so long as he is accompanied by a member of Staff in respect of whom the Rule S.35 procedures have been complied with.

 

U.10

 

Monitoring

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

S.37.

 

The League will monitor Clubs to ensure compliance with Rules S.28 to S.39 and will procure that each Club is visited at least once each Season by a person appointed for this purpose by the League. Such personnel shall be entitled to have access to all records kept in accordance with the requirements of Rules S.28 to S.39.

 

U.11

 

 

 

 

 

S.38.

 

Each visit will be reported in writing to the League and to the Club concerned.

 

U.12

 

 

 

 

 

S.39.

 

There shall be made available for inspection by the person appointed by the League at all reasonable times:

 

U.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.39.1.     written evidence of the Club’s registration with the CRB (in the case of a Club so registered);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.39.2.     written evidence in relation to members of Staff to whom Rule S.35 applies that the procedures set out in that Rules have been complied with;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.39.3.     Form 19.

 

 

 

153


 

 

PLAYERS: CONTRACTS, REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFERS

SECTION T: PLAYERS — CONTRACTS

 

Approaches to Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.1.

 

A Club shall be at liberty at any time to make an approach to a Player with a view to negotiating a contract with such a Player:

 

K.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.1.1.                   if he is an Out of Contract Player; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.1.2.                   in the case of a Contract Player, with the prior written consent of the Club (or club) to which he is contracted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.2.

 

A Club shall be at liberty after the third Saturday in May in any year and before the 1st July next following to make such an approach to a Contract Player:

 

K.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.2.1.                   who will become an Out of Contract Player on that 1st July; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.2.2.                   who has received no offer from his Club under Rule V.17.1; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.2.3.                   who has received but has declined such offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.3.

 

Any Club which by itself, by any of its Officials, by any of its Players, by its Agent, by any other Person on its behalf or by any other means whatsoever makes an approach either directly or indirectly to a Contract Player except as permitted by either Rule T.1.2 or Rule T.2 shall be in breach of these Rules and may be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary).

 

K.3

 

 

 

 

 

T.4.

 

For the purposes of Rules T.2 and T.3, “Contract Player” shall include a player who has entered into a written contract of employment with a Football League club.

 

K.4

 

 

 

 

 

Approaches by Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.5.

 

An Out of Contract Player, or any Person on his behalf, shall be at liberty at any time to make an approach to a Club (or club) with a view to negotiating a contract with such Club (or club).

 

K.5

 

 

 

 

 

T.6.

 

Subject to Rule T.7, a Contract Player, either by himself or by any Person on his behalf, shall not either directly or indirectly make any such approach as is referred to in Rule T.5 without having obtained the prior written consent of his Club.

 

K.6

 

 

 

 

 

T.7.

 

After the third Saturday in May in any year and before the 1st July next following a Contract Player to whom Rule T.2 applies or any Person on his behalf may make such an approach as is referred to in Rule T.5.

 

K.7

 

 

 

 

 

Public Statements

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.8.

 

A statement made publicly by or on behalf of a Club expressing interest in acquiring the registration of a Contract Player or by a Contract Player expressing interest in transferring his registration to another Club (or club) shall in either case be treated as an indirect approach for the purposes of Rules T.3 and T.6.

 

K.8

 

 

 

 

 

Inducements

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.9.

 

Except as may be provided in a Player’s contract:

 

K.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.9.1.                   no Club shall induce or attempt to induce a Player to sign a contract by directly or indirectly offering him or any Person connected with him or his Agent a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind;

 

 

 

154



 

 

 

T.9.2.                   no Player shall either directly or indirectly accept or cause or permit his Agent to accept any such offer as is described in this Rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form of Contract

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.10.

 

Contracts between Clubs and Players signed before 5th June 2003 shall be in Form 25; such contracts signed on or after that date (or, in the case of a club promoted to the League from the Football League, on or after the date upon which it becomes a member of the League) shall be in Form 26.

 

K.10

 

 

 

 

 

Length of Contract

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.11.

 

Subject to the exceptions set out below, a contract between a Club and a Player may be for any period provided that its expiry date is 30th June. The exceptions to this Rule are:

 

K.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.11.1.             contracts with Contract Players under the age of 18 years which must not be capable of lasting for more than 3 years;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.11.2.             monthly contracts;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.11.3.             Week by Week Contracts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Players’ Remuneration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.12.

 

Full details of a Player’s remuneration including all benefits to which he is entitled whether in cash or in kind shall be set out in his contract.

 

K.12

 

 

 

 

 

T.13.

 

The terms of a contract between a Club and a Player shall be strictly adhered to.

 

K.13

 

 

 

 

 

T.14.

 

Not later than 30th June in each year each Club shall submit to the Secretary in Form 27 full particulars of all payments made to and all benefits provided to each of its Players in the previous tax year.

 

K.14

 

 

 

 

 

T.15.

 

If any Club acts in breach of Rule T.14, in addition to any penalty imposed Section W of these Rules (Disciplinary), the Board shall have power to refuse any application by that Club to register any Player until the breach has been remedied.

 

K.15

 

 

 

 

 

Signing-on Fees

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.16.

 

A Signing-on Fee may be paid only to a Contract Player whose contract:

 

K.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.16.1.             is for a period of not less than 3 months; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.16.2.             is not a monthly contract or a Conditional Contract or a Week by Week Contract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.17.

 

In the case of a contract between a Club and a Player lasting for more than one year, any Signing-on Fee shall be paid in equal annual instalments.

 

K.17

 

 

 

 

 

T.18.

 

If the registration of a Contract Player is transferred when any part of his Signing-on Fee remains unpaid, a sum equal to the unpaid balance thereof shall be paid to him forthwith by the Transferor Club unless:

 

K.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.18.1.             the transfer is consequent upon the Contract Player’s contract having been terminated by the Transferor Club by reason of the Contract Player’s breach of its terms and conditions; or

 

 

 

155



 

 

 

T.18.2.             the transfer is consequent upon the Contract Player’s written request to that effect; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.18.3.             the Board on the application of either the Transferor Club or the Contract Player otherwise decides and either party may appeal to the Premier League Appeals Committee against the decision of the Board in this respect in accordance with the provisions of Section Z of these Rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lump Sum Payments

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.19.

 

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board, no lump sum payment shall be paid or payable by a Club to a Player during the first year of his employment as a Contract Player with that Club save for:

 

K.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.19.1.             a Signing-on Fee (which must be paid in accordance with rules T.16 to T.18); or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.19.2.             a sum paid in respect of the player’s relocation expenses not exceeding the amount from time to time permitted by HM Revenue Customs to be paid for this purpose without income tax and national insurance liability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Contracts

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.20.

 

Particulars of any Image Contract Payment in respect of the Player shall be set out in the contract with his Club.

 

K.20

 

 

 

 

 

Signing the Contract

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.21.

 

A contract between a Club and a Player shall be signed in each case in the presence of a witness by:

 

K.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.21.1.             the Player;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.21.2.             the Player’s Parent if the Player is under the age of 18 years; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.21.3.             an Authorised Signatory on behalf of the Club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reporting Fines etc.

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.22.

 

A copy of any notice terminating a Player’s contract, whether given by the Club or the Player, and any notice given by a Club imposing a fine on a Player or suspending him shall be sent forthwith by the Club to the League and to the Football Association.

 

K.22

 

 

 

 

 

Submission to Secretary

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.23.

 

Subject to the provisions of Rules U.15, U.17, U.19 and V.11.3, Clubs shall submit to the Secretary copies of all contracts with Players within 5 days of their being entered into.

 

K.23

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Termination

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.24.

 

If the parties thereto agree to terminate a Player’s contract before its expiry date they shall forthwith notify the Football Association and the Secretary to that effect.

 

K.24

 

156



 

T.25.

 

A Club shall be at liberty at any time to reach agreement with a Contract Player to amend the terms of his contract. If such an agreement increases the Contract Player’s remuneration then, unless the agreement is made in the Close Season, it shall be a term thereof that the Contract Player’s current contract is extended by a minimum of one year.

 

K.30

 

 

 

 

 

Appeal Against Termination

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.26.

 

An appeal by a Player under the provisions of clause 16 of Form 25 or clause 10.3 of Form 26 or by a Club under the provisions of clause 17 of Form 25 or clause 11.2 of Form 26 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the other party to the contract and to the Secretary.

 

K.31

 

 

 

 

 

Appeal Against Disciplinary Decision

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.27.

 

An appeal by a Player under the provisions of clause 18 of Form 25 or paragraph 3.3.2 of Schedule 1, Part 1, of Form 26 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the Club and to the Secretary.

 

K.32

 

 

 

 

 

T.28.

 

Appeals pursuant to Rule T.26 or Rule T.27 shall be conducted in such manner as the Board may determine.

 

K.33

 

 

 

 

 

T.29.

 

The Board may allow or dismiss any such appeal and make such other order as it thinks fit.

 

K.34

 

 

 

 

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.30.

 

Any dispute or difference between a Club and a Player not otherwise expressly provided for in these Rules may be referred in writing by either party to the Board for consideration and adjudication in such manner as the Board may think fit. For the purpose of this Rule only, “Player” shall include one who was formerly employed by the Club with which the dispute or difference has arisen, whether or not he has been registered to play for another Club.

 

K.35

 

 

 

 

 

Orders for Costs

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.31.

 

The Board shall have power to make an order for costs:

 

K.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.31.1.             in determining appeals under Rule T.26 or Rule T.27; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.31.2.             in making an adjudication under Rule T.30; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.31.3.             if any proceedings under Rule T.26 or Rule T.27 or Rule T.30, having been commenced, are withdrawn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.32.

 

The Board shall have power to determine the amount of any such costs which may include, without limitation, those incurred by the League in the conduct of the proceedings.

 

K.37

 

 

 

 

 

T.33.

 

Costs ordered to be paid as aforesaid shall be recoverable:

 

K.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.33.1.             in the case of a Club, under the provisions of Rule E.21; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T.33.2.             in any other case, as a civil debt.

 

 

 

157



 

Appeal

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.34.

 

Within 14 days of a decision of the Board given under the provisions of either Rule T.29 or Rule T.30 either party may by notice in writing appeal against such decision to the Premier League Appeals Committee whose decision shall be final.

 

K.39

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Termination

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.35.

 

Upon the termination of a Player’s contract by a Club under the provisions of clause 16 of Form 25 or clause 10.1 of Form 26 becoming operative or upon the termination by a Player of his contract with his Club under the provisions of clause 17 of Form 25 or clause 11.1 of Form 26 becoming operative, the Club shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.

 

K.40

 

 

 

 

 

T.36.

 

Except in the case of a Retired Player to whom the provisions of Rule U.27.5 apply, upon a Player’s contract being terminated by mutual consent, his Club shall retain the Player’s registration for such period (if any) and on such terms (if any) as the parties may in writing agree. Should the Player sign for another Club (or Football League club) during that period, that Club (or Football League club) shall pay to the Club retaining the registration a compensation fee determined, in default of agreement, by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

 

K.41

 

 

 

 

 

Testimonial Matches

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

T.37.

 

Notwithstanding that it has no contractual obligation to do so, a Club in its absolute discretion and with the prior written consent of the Board may, in the case of a Player who has completed 10 or more years in its service as such, permit its ground to be used without charge for the purposes of a testimonial match.

 

K.42

 

158


 

 

 

PLAYERS: CONTRACTS, REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFERS

SECTION U: PLAYERS — REGISTRATIONS

 

Requirement for Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.1.

 

A Player shall not play for a Club in a League Match unless that Club holds his registration with effect from at least one hour before kick-off and for League Matches to be played between the close of the First Transfer Window and the end of the Season either:

 

L.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.1.1. his name is included on the Squad List; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.1.2. he is an Under 21 Player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.2.

 

A Club shall be deemed to hold the registration of a Player upon receipt of the Secretary’s certificate in writing to that effect.

 

L.2

 

 

 

 

 

U.3.

 

A Club shall apply to:

 

L.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.3.1. include a Player on its Squad List by submitting to the Secretary the requisite Form;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.3.2. remove a Player from its Squad List by submitting to the Secretary the requisite Form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.4.

 

A Player shall be deemed to have been included or removed from a Club’s Squad List on receipt of the Secretary’s written confirmation.

 

L.4

 

 

 

 

 

U.5.

 

Changes to a Squad List may be made:

 

L.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.5.1. during the period of a Transfer Window; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.5.2. at other times only with the permission of the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.6.

 

Each application to register a Player shall be subject to the approval of the Board.

 

L.6

 

 

 

 

 

U.7.

 

In addition to the forms and documents specifically required by these Rules, a Club shall submit to the Secretary:

 

L.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.7.1. any contract it proposes to enter into which gives the Club or any other party to the proposed contract any rights relating to the transfer of the registration of a player at a date in the future from or to the Club or any rights relating to the employment of the player by the Club; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.7.2. any contract it proposes to enter into, save for a Representation Contract or an Image Contract, which gives the Club or any other party to the proposed contract the right to receive payments in respect of a Player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any such proposed contract shall be subject to the approval of the Board. In deciding whether to give such approval the Board shall have regard to (without limitation) Rules I.4 and I.7.

 

 

 

Types of Registration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.8.

 

There shall be 4 types of registration governed by this Section of these Rules, namely:

 

L.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.8.1. amateur;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.8.2. contract;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.8.3. monthly contract; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.8.4. temporary.

 

 

 

159



 

U.9.

 

A Player under the age of 17 years may be registered only as an Academy Player.

 

L.9

 

 

 

 

 

U.10.

 

The registration of Academy Players shall be governed by the Youth Development Rules.

 

L.10

 

 

 

 

 

International Registration Transfer Certificates

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.11.

 

An application to register a player who last played for a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association shall be accompanied by written confirmation from the Football Association that an international registration transfer certificate has been issued in respect of the player.

 

L.11

 

 

 

 

 

Registration Procedure

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.12.

 

For the purpose of this Section of these Rules the New Registration of a Player shall mean his registration at a time when no other Club (or club) holds his registration either because no previous application to register the Player has been made or because a previous registration has been cancelled or has terminated or has expired.

 

L.11

 

 

 

 

 

U.13.

 

The New Registration of an Amateur Player shall be effected by completion of and submission to the Secretary of Form 28 signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory.

 

L.12

 

 

 

 

 

U.14.

 

The registration of an amateur Player is not transferable.

 

L.13

 

 

 

 

 

U.15.

 

The New Registration of a Contract Player shall be effected by completion and submission to the Secretary of a copy of the Player’s contract.

 

L.14

 

 

 

 

 

U.16.

 

The transfer of the registration of a Contract Player shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of Rule V.11.

 

L.15

 

 

 

 

 

U.17.

 

The New Registration of a Contract Player on a monthly contract basis shall be effected by completion of and submission to the Secretary of Football Association Form G(1), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, together with a copy of the Player’s contract.

 

L.16

 

 

 

 

 

U.18.

 

The transfer of the registration of a Contract Player on a monthly contract basis shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of Rule V.11.

 

L.18

 

 

 

 

 

U.19.

 

A monthly contract registration may be extended by one month by completion of and submission to the Secretary of Football Association Form G(1) (Extension), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, and, if any changes to it have been made, a copy of the Player’s contract.

 

L.19

 

 

 

 

 

U.20.

 

The Temporary Transfer of the registration of a Contract Player and any extension thereof shall be effected in accordance with the provisions of Rules V.6 to V.10.

 

L.20

 

 

 

 

 

U.21.

 

Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Secretary of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play.

 

L.21

 

 

 

 

 

U.22.

 

A Club which transfers or cancels the registration of a Player may not apply to register that Player within a year except with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

L.22

 

160



 

Multiplicity of Registrations

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.23.

 

A Player shall not apply to be registered by more than one Club (or club) at any one time and the Secretary shall refuse any application made in breach of this Rule.

 

L.23

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Registrations

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.24.

 

There shall be no limit to the number of times a monthly contract registration may be extended under Rule U.19 provided that a Club intending to apply to extend the monthly contract registration of a Player for a third or subsequent time shall give to the Player not less than 7 days’ notice of its intention to do so.

 

L.24

 

 

 

 

 

U.25.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule V.1, a Club may apply at any time to extend a monthly contract registration provided it has not been allowed to expire.

 

L.25

 

 

 

 

 

Termination of Registrations

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.26.

 

An amateur registration:

 

L.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.26.1. shall expire at the end of the Season in which it commenced;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.26.2. may be terminated before its expiry by agreement to that effect between the Club and the Player, such agreement to be notified in writing forthwith by the Club to the Secretary;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.26.3. may likewise be terminated by order of the Board on the application of either the Club or the Player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.

 

Subject to the provisions of Rules T.35 and T.36, a contract registration shall terminate:

 

L.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.1. in the case of a Contract Player, upon it being transferred in accordance with Rule V.11;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.2. in the case of an Out of Contract Player in respect of whom the conditions set out in Rule V.17 have been satisfied, upon a Transferee Club effecting his New Registration;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.3. in the case of an Out of Contract Player in respect of whom the said conditions have not been satisfied, upon the expiry of his contract;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.4. in the case of a Contract Player, upon his contract being terminated on the ground of his permanent incapacity;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.27.5. in the case of a Retired Player, on the expiry of a period of 30 months commencing at the end of the Season in which he stops playing competitive football.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Registrations Requiring Consent

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.28.

 

An application for the New Registration of a Contract Player whose contract has been terminated by a Club (or club) on the ground of his permanent incapacity shall be refused unless that Club (or club) consents.

 

L.28

 

 

 

 

 

U.29.

 

An application for the New Registration of a Contract Player who has received a lump sum disability benefit under the terms of the League’s personal accident insurance scheme shall be refused unless, upon being satisfied that the circumstances of such application are exceptional, the Board consents.

 

L.29

 

161



 

List of Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.

 

Except as provided in Rules U.31 and U.32, after the second Transfer Window in each year and on or before the third Saturday in May next following each Club shall confirm to the Secretary:

 

L.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.1. whether the list of players provided to it for these purposes via the Extranet is accurate in all material particulars;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.2. in the case of each Contract Player whose registration it holds and whose contract expires on the 30th June in that year, whether or not the Club has:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.2.1. offered him a new contract under the provisions of Rule V.17.2; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.2.2. implemented any option provision in respect of him; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.3. in the case of each Academy Player whose registration it holds and with whom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement, whether or not the Club has:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.3.1. (if the Academy Player is in the second year of his Scholarship Agreement) given him written notice, pursuant to clause 4.2 of the Scholarship Agreement, of the extension of the duration thereof by one year; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.30.3.2. (if the Academy Player is in the second or third year of his Scholarship Agreement) given him written notice, pursuant to clause 6.7 of the Scholarship Agreement, of its intention to offer him a professional contract as a Contract Player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.31.

 

The date by which each Club is required by Rule U.30 to give confirmation to the Secretary shall be extended in the case of a Club which on the third Saturday in May in any year is still participating in the F.A. Cup, [the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europe League] or has yet to play a League Match the outcome of which could affect:

 

L.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.31.1. identification of the League Champions in accordance with Rule C.8; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.31.2. identification of the Clubs to be relegated in accordance with Rule C.11; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.31.3. qualification for a UEFA competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.32.

 

In the circumstances mentioned in Rule U.31, the Club shall give the Secretary the information required by Rule U.30 within 4 days of the last relevant F.A. Cup match, [UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europe League] or League Match having been played.

 

L.32

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

 

The inclusion of the words in square brackets in Rules U.31 and U.32 is subject to the agreement of the PFA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.33.

 

The particulars contained in Clubs’ lists of Players shall be published by the Secretary by the second Saturday in June in each year.

 

L.34

 

162



 

Clubs Ceasing to be Members

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.34.

 

Upon a Club (in this Rule and Rule U.35 called “the Former Member”) ceasing to be a member of the League under the provisions of Rule B.6 (other than by reason of its relegation from the League in accordance with Rule C.11), the registrations of its Players (except those held in consequence of a Temporary Transfer) shall vest in the League and thereupon the League shall be at liberty to transfer those registrations as it shall think fit and shall receive any Compensation Fees to which the Former Member would otherwise have been entitled under the provisions of Section V of these Rules (Players — Transfers of Registrations).

 

L.35

 

 

 

 

 

U.35.

 

Such Compensation Fees shall belong to the League and out of them the Board shall have power to make a grant to either or both of:

 

L.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.35.1. any Club to which Compensation Fees are owed by the Former Member; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.35.2. the Former Member.

 

 

 

Prohibition of Third Party Investment

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.

 

Unless otherwise agreed by the Board and subject to Rule U.37, a Club may only make or receive a payment or incur any liability as a result of or in connection with the proposed or actual registration (whether permanent or temporary), transfer of registration or employment by it of a Player in the following circumstances:

 

L.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.1. by payment to a Transferor Club or receipt from a Transferee Club of a Compensation Fee, Contingent Sum, Loan Fee or sell-on fee;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.2. by payment of levy pursuant to Rule V.38 or Rule V.39;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.3. by receipt of all or part of a Compensation Fee, Contingent Sum, Loan Fee or sell-on fee, in default of payment of it by the Transferee Club from which it is due, from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.3.1. a financial institution or other guarantor; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.3.2. the League in accordance with the provisions of these Rules; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.3.3. the Football League in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations of the Football League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.4. by way of remuneration (including benefits in cash or kind and Image Contract Payments) to or for the benefit of a Contract Player whose registration it holds;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.5. by way of an allowance permitted by Youth Development Rule 253, to an Academy Player with whom it has entered into a Scholarship Agreement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.6. by way of payment to an ‘Authorised Agent” or ‘Exempt Solicitor” for ‘Agency Activity”, in each case as those terms are defined in the Football Association Football Agents’ Regulations, and provided that such payment is made in accordance with those Regulations;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.7. by payment of incidental expenses arising in respect thereof;

 

 

 

163



 

 

 

U.36.8.   by payment or receipt of training compensation or solidarity payment pursuant to the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players and any other levies or payments payable to or by a Club pursuant to the statutes or regulations of FIFA or any other football governing body from time to time, or otherwise properly due to or from such a governing body;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.9.   by payment of Value Added Tax payable in respect of any of the above payments or liabilities; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.36.10. in the case of a Transferor Club, by assignment of its entitlement to a Compensation Fee or Loan Fee to a Financial Institution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.37.

 

In respect of a player whom it applies to register as a Contract Player, a Club is permitted to make a payment to buy out the interest of a person or entity who, not being a Club or club, nevertheless has an agreement either with the club with which the player is registered, or with the player, granting it the right to receive money from a new Club or club for which that player becomes registered. Any such payment which is not dependent on the happening of a contingent event may be made either in one lump sum or in instalments provided that all such instalments are paid on or before the expiry date of the initial contract between the Club and the player. Any such payment which is payable upon the happening of a contingent event shall be payable within 7 days of the happening of that event.

 

L.38

 

164


 

 

 

PLAYERS: CONTRACTS, REGISTRATIONS AND TRANSFERS

SECTION V: PLAYERS — TRANSFERS OF REGISTRATIONS

 

Transfer Windows

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.1.

 

“Transfer Windows” means the 2 periods in a year during which, subject to Rule V.4, a Club may apply for the New Registration of a player or to have the registration of a player transferred to it or for a Temporary Transfer.

 

M.1

 

 

 

 

 

V.2.

 

The first Transfer Window in any year shall commence at midnight on the last day of the Season and shall end on 31st August next if a Working Day or, if not, on the first Working Day thereafter, at a time to be determined by the Board.

 

M.2

 

 

 

 

 

V.3.

 

The second Transfer Window in any year shall commence at midnight on 31st December and shall end on 31st January next if a Working Day or, if not, on the first Working Day thereafter, at a time to be determined by the Board.

 

M.3

 

 

 

 

 

V.4.

 

Outside a Transfer Window the Board in its absolute discretion may:

 

M.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.4.1.

refuse an application; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.4.2.

grant an application and, if thought fit, impose conditions by which the Club making the application and the player shall be bound.

 

 

 

Temporary Transfer

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

V.5.

 

A “Temporary Transfer” shall mean the transfer of a contract registration effected in accordance with Rules V.6 to V.10.

 

M.5

 

 

 

 

 

V.6.

 

Subject to the conditions set out below, a Temporary Transfer shall be permitted:

 

M.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.6.1.

between Clubs; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.6.2.

between a Club and a club in membership of the Football League, the Football Conference, the Northern Premier League, the Isthmian League and the Southern League.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.

 

The conditions referred to in Rule V.6 are:

 

M.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.1.

a Temporary Transfer to a Club may not take place in the Transfer Window in which the Transferor Club acquired the Player’s registration;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.2.

during the period of the Temporary Transfer of his contract registration a Player shall not play against the Transferor Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.3.

if during the period of a Temporary Transfer the Player’s registration is transferred permanently from the Transferor Club to the Transferee Club, the two Clubs may agree in writing (to be copied to the League) that the Player shall not play against the Transferor Club for the remainder of the Season;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.4.

subject to any conditions imposed by the Board in the exercise of its discretion under Rule V.4.2, the minimum period of a Temporary Transfer shall be the period between 2 consecutive Transfer Windows and the period of a Temporary Transfer shall not extend beyond 30th June next after it was entered into;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.5.

the maximum number of Temporary Transfers to any one Club registrable in the same Season shall be 4 and in no circumstances shall more than 1 be from the same Transferor Club save there shall be excluded from these numbers any Temporary Transfer of the kind described in V.7.6.1 or V.7.6.2;

 

 

 

165



 

 

 

V.7.6.

not more than 2 Temporary Transfers shall be registered by a Club at the same time except that there shall be excluded from that number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.6.1.

any Temporary Transfer which become permanent; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.6.2.

the Temporary Transfer of a goalkeeper which in its absolute discretion the Board may allow in circumstances it considers to be exceptional;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.7.

a Club may transfer the registration of no more than one of its goalkeepers by way of temporary Transfer to another Club each Season, subject to any further Temporary Transfer of one of its goalkeepers pursuant to Rule V.7.6.2;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.7.8.

any other conditions agreed between the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club or, in the exercise of its discretion, imposed by the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.8.

 

The Loan Fee payable on a Temporary Transfer shall be such sum (if any) as shall have been agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club and set out in Football Association Form H.2 or H.3 (as appropriate) or in a supplementary agreement.

 

M.8

 

 

 

 

 

V.9.

 

Any Loan Fee (including any instalments thereof) shall be paid on or before the date or dates agreed between the parties, the latest of which must be no later than 30th June immediately following the conclusion of the Season in which the Temporary Transfer expired.

 

M.9

 

 

 

 

 

V.10.

 

A Temporary Transfer shall be effected by submitting to the Secretary Football Association Form H.2 or Form H.3 duly completed and signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory.

 

M.10

 

 

 

 

 

Contract Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.11.

 

The transfer of the Registration of a Contract Player shall be effected in the following manner:

 

M.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.11.1.

the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club shall enter into a Transfer Agreement in Form 29 signed on behalf of each Club by an Authorised Signatory in which shall be set out full particulars of all financial and other arrangements agreed between the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club and, except as provided below, between the Transferor Club and the Contract Player in relation to the transfer of the Contract Player’s registration whether the same are to take effect upon completion of the transfer or at any time thereafter;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.11.2.

any such arrangements agreed between the Transferor Club and the Contract Player to which the Transferee Club is not privy may be omitted from Form 29 provided that they are forthwith notified in writing to the Secretary by the Transferor Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.11.3.

the Transfer Agreement shall be sent by the Transferee Club to the Secretary together with a copy of the contract entered into between the Transferee Club and the Contract Player;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.11.4.

the Transferee Club shall pay any Compensation Fee due to the Transferor Club under the terms of the Transfer Agreement in accordance with Rule V.29 and any levy payable under Rule V.38.

 

 

 

166



 

V.12.

 

All transfer arrangements in respect of Contract Players are subject to the approval of the Board.

 

M.12

 

 

 

 

 

V.13.

 

The Transferee Club will hold the registration of the Contract Player upon receipt of the Secretary’s certificate to that effect.

 

M.13

 

 

 

 

 

Retired Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.14.

 

A Club that, pursuant to Rule U.27.5, holds the registration of a Retired Player who is under the age of 24 years, shall be entitled if his registration is transferred to be paid a Compensation Fee by the Transferee Club.

 

M.14

 

 

 

 

 

Out of Contract Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.15.

 

An Out of Contract Player may seek to be registered by any Transferee Club.

 

M.15

 

 

 

 

 

V.16.

 

Upon receiving a formal written offer to effect the New Registration of an Out of Contract Player whose registration it holds, a Club shall forthwith notify the Player and the Secretary in writing to that effect.

 

M.16

 

 

 

 

 

V.17.

 

Provided that the following conditions are satisfied, a Compensation Fee shall be paid to a Transferor Club by a Transferee Club upon effecting the New Registration of an Out of Contract Player:

 

M.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.17.1.

the Out of Contract Player in question must be under the age of 24 years;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.17.2.

on or before the third Saturday in May in the year in which the Player’s contract is to expire or, in the circumstances mentioned in Rule U.31, within 4 days of the last relevant F.A. Cup match or League Match in that year having been played, the Transferor Club must send to the Player Form 30 offering him a new contract on the terms therein set out, which must be no less favourable than those in his current contract;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.17.3.

any offer made on Form 30 by a Club to a Player under the provisions of Rule V.17.2 shall remain open and capable of acceptance by the Player for a period of one month from the date upon which it was sent by the Club by ordinary first class post to his usual or last known address;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.17.4.

a copy of Form 30 must be sent forthwith to the Secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.18.

 

Contract terms shall be deemed to be no less favourable if, disregarding any provision for a Signing on Fee in the Player’s current contract which is stated to be a once only payment, they are at least equal in value to the most favourable terms to which the Player was or is entitled in any year of his current contract.

 

M.18

 

 

 

 

 

The Player’s Options

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.19.

 

Upon receiving an offer on Form 30 a Player may either:

 

M.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.19.1.

accept the same within one month of its date and enter into a new contract with his Club in the terms offered; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.19.2.

decline it in writing.

 

 

 

167



 

V.20.

 

If the Player considers that the terms offered by his Club and set out in Form 30 are less favourable than those in his current contract, he may give notice to that effect to his Club and the Secretary in Form 31 and apply for a free transfer.

 

M.20

 

 

 

 

 

V.21.

 

Such application shall be determined by the Board and if it succeeds:

 

M.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.21.1.

the Player’s Club will not be entitled to a Compensation Fee upon a Club effecting his New Registration; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.21.2.

the Player will receive severance pay in accordance with his contract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Club’s Options

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.22.

 

If a Club makes an offer to a Player on Form 30 and the Player declines it, upon the expiry of the Player’s contract the Club may either:

 

M.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.22.1.

enter into a Conditional Contract with the Player in such financial terms as may be agreed; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.22.2.

enter into a Week by Week Contract with the Player; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.22.3.

if neither a Conditional Contract nor a Week by Week Contract has been entered into or a Week by Week Contract has been determined by the Club, continue to pay the Player the amount of the basic wage under his expired contract;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and in any such case the Club shall be entitled to a Compensation Fee upon a Transferee Club effecting the Player’s New Registration provided he then remains under the age of 24 years and the other conditions set out in Rule V.17 have been satisfied.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.23.

 

The financial terms of a Week by Week Contract shall be those contained in the Player’s expired contract, excluding any Signing-on Fee, except that the Player shall be entitled to receive such incentives (if any) as are payable by the Club to its Contract Players with effect from the date of his new contract.

 

M.23

 

 

 

 

 

V.24.

 

An Out of Contract Player who continues to receive from his Club the amount of his basic wage under the provisions of Rule V.22.3 shall not be entitled to play for that Club. If such Out of Contract Player unreasonably refuses an offer of employment by another Club (or club), his Club may make application to the Premier League Appeals Committee for an order that payments to the Out of Contract Player may cease without affecting his Club’s entitlement to a Compensation Fee.

 

M.24

 

 

 

 

 

V.25.

 

A Club which having continued to pay the Player the amount of his basic wage under Rule V.22.3 intends to cease making such payments shall give to the Player 2 weeks’ notice to that effect and upon a Transferee Club effecting the Player’s New Registration the Club shall not be entitled to a Compensation Fee.

 

M.25

 

168



 

The Compensation Fee

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.26.

 

The Compensation Fee payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon the transfer of the registration of a Contract Player to the Transferee Club shall be such sum as shall have been agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club and set out in the Transfer Agreement.

 

M.26

 

 

 

 

 

V.27.

 

The Compensation Fee likewise payable in respect of an Out of Contract Player under the provisions of Rule V.17 shall be:

 

M.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.27.1.

such sum as shall have been agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club or in default of agreement;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.27.2.

such sum as the Professional Football Compensation Committee on the application of either Club shall determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.28.

 

A Club which is a Transferor Club shall provide to any previous Club or Football League club with which a player was registered, and which has a right to sell-on fee in respect of any transfer of that player, full details of any Compensation Fee and Contingent Sum(s) to which it becomes entitled. The Club receiving the information shall not disclose or divulge it directly or indirectly to any third party without the prior written consent of the Transferor Club save to statutory and regulatory authorities or as may be required by law or to its Auditors.

 

M.28

 

Method of Payment

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.29.

 

Subject to Rules V.30 and V.35, all Compensation Fees, Loan Fees (including in both cases instalments thereof) and Contingent Sums payable to a Club or to a Football League club shall be paid (together in each case with Value Added Tax at the then current rate) by the Transferee Club into the Compensation Fee Account by telegraphic transfer or by such other means as the Board may from time to time direct.

 

M.29

 

 

 

 

 

V.30.

 

If a Club assigns its entitlement to a Compensation Fee or Loan Fee instalment pursuant to Rule U.36.10:

 

M.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.30.1.

it shall procure by means of a legally enforceable agreement that monies payable by virtue of the assignment are paid into the Compensation Fee Account by the assignee; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.30.2.

it shall irrevocably and unconditionally instruct the Transferee Club to pay such monies to the assignee upon their becoming due.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.31.

 

Subject to Rule V.37.2, forthwith upon receiving monies into the Compensation Fee Account the Board shall pay the same to the Transferor Club entitled to receive them.

 

M.31

 

 

 

 

 

V.32.

 

A Transfer Agreement shall provide that the agreed Compensation Fee together with Value Added Tax at the then current rate shall be paid on or before the expiry date of the initial contract between the Transferee Club and the Contract Player. Compensation Fee instalments shall be paid on or before the dates set out in the Transfer Agreement (and if any such date is not a Working Day then the instalment shall be paid on the Working Day which immediately precedes that date).

 

M.32

 

169



 

V.33.

 

Where any Compensation Fee payable under the provisions of Rule V.17 is not agreed between the Transferee Club and the Transferor Club, the Transferee Club shall upon applying to register the Out of Contract Player pay into the Compensation Fee Account at least half the Compensation Fee offered to the Transferor Club and the balance shall likewise be paid as determined by the Professional Football Compensation Committee under Rule V.27.2.

 

M.33

 

 

 

 

 

V.34.

 

If the registration of a Player is further transferred before the Compensation Fee in respect of an earlier transfer is paid in full, the Transferee Club in that earlier transfer shall forthwith pay the balance of such Compensation Fee into the Compensation Fee Account save where it has received an instruction in accordance with Rule V.30.2, in which case it shall pay such balance to the assignee named in the instruction on the date or dates when it becomes due under the Transfer Agreement pursuant to which it acquired the registration of the Player.

 

M.34

 

 

 

 

 

V.35.

 

An agreement for an International Transfer and a Transfer Agreement with a Transferor Club which is not in membership of the League or the Football League shall provide that the Compensation Fee, any instalments thereof and any Contingent Sums payable by the Transferee Club shall be paid (together with any Value Added Tax payable in respect thereof) to the Football Association by telegraphic transfer or by such other means as the Board may from time to time direct for payment to the Transferor Club in accordance with the Football Association Rules.

 

M.35

 

 

 

 

 

V.36.

 

Upon the happening of a contingent event resulting in a Contingent Sum (including for the avoidance of doubt, contingent compensation payable pursuant to the Youth Development Rules) becoming payable:

 

M.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.36.1.

in the case of an International Transfer, the Transferee Club shall forthwith inform the Transferor Club in writing to that effect and within 7 days pay such Contingent Sum in accordance with Rule V.35;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.36.2.

in every other case, the Transferee Club shall forthwith inform the Transferor Club to that effect on Form 32 and within 7 days pay such Contingent Sum in accordance with Rule V.29.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.37.

 

If any Transferee Club acts in breach of Rules V.29 or V.32 to V.36 inclusive:

 

M.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.37.1.

the Board shall have power to refuse any application by that Transferee Club to register any Player until any sums then payable to its Transferor Club are paid;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.37.2.

the Board shall have the power set out at Rule E.24;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.37.3.

the Board shall have power to impose a penalty in accordance with the tariff of applicable penalties which it shall from time to time notify to Clubs;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.37.4.

that Transferee Club shall pay to its Transferor Club interest on any part of a Compensation Fee or Contingent Sum not paid on its due date at the rate of 5 per cent over the base rate from time to time of Barclays Bank Plc from that date until the date of payment together with such other penalty as the Board in its discretion may decide.

 

 

 

170



 

Transfer Levy

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

V.38.

 

Subject to Rule V.39, upon payment of a Compensation Fee, a Contingent Sum or a payment made pursuant to Rule U.37, a Club shall forthwith pay to the League a levy equal to 4 per cent. of the sum paid (net of any Value Added Tax) and in the case of a Compensation Fee payable by instalments, the levy upon the whole of it shall be paid as aforesaid upon the Transferee Club applying to register the Player to which it relates.

 

M.38

 

 

 

 

 

V.39.

 

Levy shall not be payable on a Loan Fee unless the registration of the Contract Player who is the subject of the Temporary Transfer is transferred on a permanent basis from the Transferor Club to the Transferee Club during, or within four months of the expiry of, the Temporary Transfer, in which case a levy equal to 4 per cent of the aggregate of any Loan Fee and Compensation Fee shall be paid to the League.

 

M.39

 

 

 

 

 

V.40.

 

The sums received by the League by way of levy shall be used to pay premiums due under the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme and any surplus shall be added to the Professional Game Youth Fund.

 

M.40

 

171


 

 

DISCIPLINARY AND THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

SECTION W: DISCIPLINARY

 

Power of Inquiry

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.1.

 

The Board shall have power to inquire into any suspected or alleged breach of these Rules and for that purpose may require any Manager, Match Official, Official or Player to appear before it and to produce documents.

 

R.1

 

 

 

 

 

W.2.

 

Any Manager, Match Official, Official or Player who fails to appear before or to produce documents to the Board when required to do so under Rule W.1 shall be in breach of these Rules.

 

R.2

 

Board’s Disciplinary Powers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.

 

The Board shall have power to deal with any suspected or alleged breach of these Rules by either:

 

R.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.1. issuing a reprimand; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.2. imposing a fixed penalty or other sanction where such provision is made in these Rules; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.3. exercising its summary jurisdiction; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.4. referring the matter to a Commission appointed under Rule W.21; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.3.5. referring the matter to the Football Association for determination under the Football Association Rules.

 

 

 

Fixed Penalty Procedure

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.4.

 

Upon being satisfied that a fixed penalty is payable under the provisions of these Rules, the Board shall give notice in Form 33 to the Club or person by whom it is payable.

 

R.4

 

 

 

 

 

W.5.

 

Within 14 days of the date of a notice in Form 33 the Club or person to whom it is addressed may either:

 

R.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.5.1. pay the fixed penalty; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.5.2. appeal under the provisions of Rule W.59.1 against the imposition of the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.6.

 

Failure to pay a fixed penalty as provided in Rule W.5.1 or forthwith upon an appeal against the same being dismissed shall in either case constitute a breach of these Rules.

 

R.6

 

Summary of Jurisdiction

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.7.

 

The Board’s summary jurisdiction shall extend to any suspected or alleged breach of these Rules (other than a breach for which a fixed penalty is prescribed) which in its absolute discretion the Board considers should not be referred to a Commission under Rule W.3.4 or to the Football Association under Rule W.5.

 

R.7

 

 

 

 

 

W.8.

 

In exercising its summary jurisdiction the Board shall be entitled to impose a fine not exceeding £25,000.00 or, in the case of a breach of these Rules by a Manager, such sum as may be set out in any tariff of fines, or other penalty, agreed in writing between the Board and the League Managers Association.

 

R.8

 

172



 

W.9.

 

The Board shall exercise its summary jurisdiction by giving notice in Form 34 to the Club or person allegedly in breach.

 

R.9

 

 

 

 

 

W.10.

 

Within 14 days of the date of a notice in Form 34 the Club or person to whom it is addressed may either:

 

R.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.10.1. submit to the Board’s jurisdiction and pay the fine imposed; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.10.2. elect to be dealt with by a Commission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.11.

 

Failure to comply with the requirement contained in a notice in Form 34 shall constitute a breach of these Rules.

 

R.11

 

Provision of Information

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.12.

 

It shall be no answer to a request from the Board to disclose documents or information pursuant to Rule W.1 that such documents or information requested are confidential. All Clubs and Persons subject to these Rules must ensure that any other obligations of confidentiality assumed are made expressly subject to the League’s right of inquiry under these Rules. No Club or Person shall be under an obligation to disclose any documents rendered confidential by either the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or by statute or statutory instrument.

 

R.12

 

 

 

 

 

W.13.

 

All persons who are requested to assist pursuant to Rule W.1 shall provide full, complete and prompt assistance to the Board in its exercise of its power of Inquiry

 

R.13

 

The Panel

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.14.

 

Subject in each case to the approval of Clubs in General Meeting, the Board shall establish a panel of such number of persons as it shall think fit (“the Panel”) each of whom shall be eligible to sit as either:

 

R.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.14.1. a member of an appeal tribunal appointed under the provisions of Rule E.38 or Rule F.16; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.14.2. a member of a Commission; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.14.3. in the case of an arbitration under Rules P.18 and Section Y of these Rules, as a member of a Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.14.4. in the case of an arbitration under Section X of these Rules (Arbitration), as a member of an arbitral tribunal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.

 

The Panel shall include:

 

R.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.1. authorised insolvency practitioners eligible under Rule E.38 to sit as a member of an appeal tribunal appointed thereunder; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.2. legally qualified persons eligible:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.2.1. under Rule E.38 or Rule F.16 to sit as chairmen of appeal tribunals appointed thereunder; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.2.2. under Rule Y.7 to sit as chairmen of Managers’ Arbitration Tribunals; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.2.3. under Rule W.21 to sit as chairmen of Commissions; or

 

 

 

173



 

 

 

W.15.2.4. under Rule X.12 as chairmen of arbitral tribunals other than Managers’ Arbitration Tribunals; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.15.2.5. under Rule X.16 as a single arbitrator; and persons who have held judicial office eligible under Rule W.60 to sit as chairmen of Appeals Boards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.16.

 

The Panel shall not include members of the Board or Officials but may include members of the Council of the Football Association who are not Officials.

 

R.16

 

 

 

 

 

W.17.

 

Subject to Rules W.18 and W.19, the term of office of each member of the Panel shall be 3 years (and for the avoidance of doubt at the end of that term a member of the Panel may be re-appointed as such pursuant to Rule W.14).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.18.

 

A member of the Panel appointed for any purpose provided by these Rules may continue to act on the matter for which he was so appointed notwithstanding that his term of office has expired pursuant to Rule W.17 since his appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.

 

Subject to Rule W.20, the term of office of a member of the Panel shall be terminated by the Board forthwith if:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.1. he is or becomes subject to any of the matters set out in Rule F.1; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.2. circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to whether he can discharge the duties of a member of the Panel impartially; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.3. he is physically or mentally incapable of discharging the duties of a member of the Panel; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.4. he has refused or failed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.4.1. properly to conduct proceedings pursuant to these Rules; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.19.4.2. to use all reasonable dispatch in conducting such proceedings;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and in either case substantial injustice has as a result been caused to a party to such proceedings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.20.

 

If a member of the Panel whose term of office is terminated by the Board pursuant to Rule W.19 wishes to challenge that termination, he may do so solely by way of commencing arbitration proceedings pursuant to Rule X.6.

 

 

 

Appointing a Commission

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.21.

 

A Commission shall be appointed by the Board and shall comprise 3 members of the Panel of whom one, who shall be legally qualified, shall sit as chairman of the Commission.

 

R.17

 

Commission Procedures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

W.22.

 

The parties to proceedings before a Commission shall be:

 

R.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.22.1. the Board; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.22.2. the Club, Manager, Match Official, Official or Player allegedly in breach of these Rules (“the Respondent”).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.23.

 

Proceedings shall be commenced by complaint which shall be drafted by or on behalf of the Board.

 

R.19

 

174



 

W.24.

 

The complaint shall be in Form 35 and shall identify the Rule allegedly breached, it shall contain a summary of the facts alleged and it shall have annexed to it copies of any documents relied upon by the Board.

 

R.20

 

 

 

 

 

W.25.

 

The complaint shall be sent by recorded delivery post by the Secretary to the Respondent. In the case of a Respondent who is a Manager, an Official or a Player it shall be sent to him care of his Club. A complaint shall be deemed to have been received by a Respondent on the third day after the date of posting. No defect in the service of a complaint shall invalidate all or any part of the proceedings if it can be shown that it is likely that the complaint has come to the attention of the Respondent.

 

R.21

 

 

 

 

 

W.26.

 

At any stage the Commission may determine (either of its own accord or as a result of representations from a Person, Club or club and in any event in its sole discretion), that if the complaint is upheld, it may wish to exercise its power under Rule W.52.5 to award compensation to any Person or to any Club (or club). If the Commission so determines, it shall notify the parties to the proceedings and the relevant Person, Club or club of this fact. The Commission may then make appropriate directions as to the receipt of evidence of loss from the relevant Person, Club or club as well as directions on the receipt of evidence in response from the parties to the proceedings.

 

R.22

 

 

 

 

 

W.27.

 

In the case of a Respondent which is a Club, if a Commission considers whether to exercise its power under Rule W.52.5 to award compensation to another Club (which term for the purposes of this Rule W.27 shall include a Relegated Club), but determines that the other Club has no entitlement to compensation, the other Club shall be entitled to appeal that determination to an Appeal Board. If it does not do so, or if the Appeal Board upholds the Commission’s decision that it has no entitlement to compensation, it shall not be entitled to bring any claim for compensation, whether under these Rules or otherwise, against the Respondent Club arising out of the breach of these Rules in respect of which the Commission was appointed.

 

R.23

 

 

 

 

 

W.28.

 

Within 14 days of receipt of the complaint the Respondent shall send to the Secretary by recorded delivery post a written answer in Form 36 in which the Respondent:

 

R.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.28.1. shall either admit or deny the complaint; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.28.2. may request that the complaint shall be determined by written representations in which case, if the complaint is denied, the written representations shall be contained in the answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.29.

 

The Secretary on behalf of the Board shall respond in writing to any such request within 14 days of receipt of the answer and if the request is denied the complaint shall be determined at a hearing.

 

R.25

 

 

 

 

 

W.30.

 

If the complaint is admitted, the Respondent may include in the answer any mitigation to be taken into account by the Commission.

 

R.26

 

 

 

 

 

W.31.

 

If the complaint is denied, the Respondent’s reasons shall be set out in the answer and copies of any documents on which the Respondent relies shall be annexed.

 

R.27

 

 

 

 

 

W.32.

 

Documentary evidence shall be admissible whether or not copies are attached to the complaint or the answer as long as such documents are:

 

R.28

 

175



 

 

 

W.32.1. relevant; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.32.2. submitted by a party to the Commission in sufficient time before the hearing,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

such that neither party will be prejudiced by their submission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.33.

 

The Secretary shall provide a copy of the answer to the chairman of the Commission together with a copy of his response to any request for determination by written representations.

 

R.29

 

 

 

 

 

W.34.

 

If the Respondent fails to send an answer in accordance with Rule W.28, the Respondent shall be deemed to have denied the complaint which shall be determined at a hearing.

 

R.30

 

 

 

 

 

W.35.

 

If the complaint is to be determined by written representations, forthwith upon receipt of the answer the chairman of the Commission shall convene a meeting of its members for that purpose.

 

R.31

 

 

 

 

 

W.36.

 

If the complaint is to be determined at a hearing, the chairman of the Commission may give directions for the future conduct of the complaint addressed in writing to the parties or require the parties to attend a directions hearing.

 

R.32

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.

 

A directions hearing shall be conducted by the chairman of the Commission sitting alone. He may give such directions as he thinks fit including directions for:

 

R.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.1. the Board to give further particulars of the complaint;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.2. the Respondent to give further particulars of the answer;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.3. either or both parties to produce and exchange documents;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.4. the submission of expert evidence;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.5. lists of witnesses and lodging and exchange of witness statements;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.6. witnesses to be summoned to attend the hearing;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.7. prior notice to be given of any authorities relied on by the parties;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.8. the parties to lodge and exchange an outline of their submissions;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.37.9. the assessment of the entitlement to and amount of compensation that may be ordered pursuant to Rule W.52.5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.38.

 

Notice of the date, time and place of the hearing shall be given in writing to the parties by the chairman of the Commission.

 

R.34

 

 

 

 

 

W.39.

 

If the Board or its representative fails to attend the hearing the chairman of the Commission may either adjourn it or proceed in the Board’s absence.

 

R.35

 

 

 

 

 

W.40.

 

If the Respondent fails to attend the hearing it shall proceed in the absence of the Respondent.

 

R.36

 

 

 

 

 

W.41.

 

Any witness who is bound by these Rules and who having been summoned by a Commission to attend a hearing fails to do so shall be in breach of these Rules.

 

R.37

 

 

 

 

 

W.42.

 

The chairman of the Commission shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which a hearing is conducted but, subject thereto:

 

R.38

 

176



 

 

 

W.42.1. where the complaint has been admitted, he shall invite the Board or its representative to outline the facts and shall give the Respondent the opportunity to add to any mitigation contained in the answer;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.42.2. where the complaint has been denied, the proceedings shall be conducted on an inquisitorial basis; the witnesses shall be taken through their evidence in chief by the party tendering such evidence and may be subject to cross-examination by the opposing party (at its option) and re-examination if required. Witnesses may also be examined by the chairman of the Commission and its members;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.42.3. the parties shall be permitted to put questions to witnesses;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.42.4. witnesses may be examined on oath;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.42.5. at the conclusion of the evidence the parties shall each be invited to address the Commission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.43.

 

The chairman of a Commission may order that a transcript of the proceedings be taken.

 

R.39

 

 

 

 

 

W.44.

 

The proceedings of a Commission shall be conducted in private.

 

R.40

 

 

 

 

 

W.45.

 

The Board shall have the onus of proof on a balance of probabilities.

 

R.41

 

 

 

 

 

W.46.

 

If the members of a Commission are not unanimous the decision of the majority of them shall prevail.

 

R.42

 

 

 

 

 

W.47.

 

In the case of a determination by written representations the Commission’s decision shall forthwith be communicated in writing by the chairman of the Commission to the parties.

 

R.43

 

 

 

 

 

W.48.

 

In the case of a determination at a hearing the Commission’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable thereafter and if possible at the end of the hearing and shall be confirmed in writing by the chairman of the Commission to the parties.

 

R.44

 

 

 

 

 

W.49.

 

In either case, unless the parties otherwise agree, the Commission shall give its reasons for its decision. In the event of a majority decision no minority opinion shall be produced.

 

R.45

 

 

 

 

 

W.50.

 

Members of a Commission shall be entitled to receive from the League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

 

R.46

 

Commission’s Powers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.51.

 

Upon finding a complaint to have been proved a Commission shall invite the Respondent to place any mitigating facts before the Commission.

 

R.47

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.

 

Having heard and considered such mitigation (if any) the Commission may:

 

R.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.1. reprimand the Respondent;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.2. impose upon the Respondent a fine unlimited in amount;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.3. in the case of a Respondent who is a Manager, Match Official, Official or Player, suspend him from operating as such for such period as it shall think fit;

 

 

 

177



 

 

 

W.52.4. in the case of a Respondent which is a Club:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.4.1. suspend it from playing in League Matches for such period as it thinks fit;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.4.2. deduct points scored or to be scored in League Matches;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.4.3. recommend that the Board orders that a League Match be replayed;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.4.4. recommend that the League expels the Respondent from membership in accordance with the provisions of Rule B.7;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.5. order the Respondent to pay compensation unlimited in amount to any Person or to any Club (or club);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.6. cancel or refuse the registration of a Player registered or attempted to be registered in contravention of these Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.7. impose upon the Respondent any combination of the foregoing or such other penalty as it shall think fit;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.8. order the Respondent to pay such sum by way of costs as it shall think fit which may include the fees and expenses of members of the Commission paid or payable under Rule W.50; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.52.9. make such other order as it thinks fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.53.

 

Where a Person, Club or club has been invited to address the Commission on compensation, the Commission may adjourn the hearing to allow all relevant parties to make submissions, or if it considers that it is in the interest of justice that the determination of the complaint be resolved before the issue of compensation is addressed, direct that a further hearing take place on the issue of compensation after the complaint has been determined.

 

R.49

 

 

 

 

 

W.54.

 

A Person, Club or club invited to make submissions on compensation shall be entitled to be present at the hearing, but may only make submissions or advance evidence or question witnesses if and to the extent that the Chairman of the Commission gives it leave.

 

R.50

 

 

 

 

 

W.55.

 

If the Board fails to prove a complaint a Commission may order the League to pay to the Respondent such sum by way of costs as it shall think fit.

 

R.51

 

 

 

 

 

W.56.

 

Where a Respondent Club is suspended from playing in League Matches under the provisions of Rule W.52.4.1, its opponents in League Matches which should have been played during the period of suspension, unless a Commission otherwise orders, shall be deemed to have won them.

 

R.52

 

 

 

 

 

W.57.

 

Fines and costs shall be recoverable by the Board as a civil debt; compensation shall likewise be recoverable by the person or Club entitled to receive it.

 

R.53

 

 

 

 

 

W.58.

 

Fines recovered by the Board shall be used towards the operating expenses of the League or, at the discretion of the Board, towards charitable purposes. Costs recovered by the Board shall be used to defray the costs of the Commission.

 

R.54

 

178



 

Appeals

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.59.

 

A Club (or club) or person aggrieved by:

 

R.55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.59.1. the decision of the Board to impose a fixed penalty; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.59.2. the decision of a Commission before which such Club or person appeared as Respondent; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.59.3. the amount of compensation (if any) which a Commission has, pursuant to Rule W.52.5, ordered either that it shall pay or that shall be paid in its favour;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

may appeal in accordance with the provisions of these Rules against the decision, the penalty or the amount of compensation (as appropriate).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.60.

 

An appeal shall lie to an Appeal Board which shall be appointed by the Board and, subject to Rule W.61, shall comprise 3 members of the Panel of whom one, who shall have held judicial office, shall sit as chairman of the Appeal Board, and the other two of whom shall be members of the Council of the Football Association who are not Officials.

 

R.56

 

 

 

 

 

W.61.

 

No member of the Panel shall be appointed to an Appeal Board to hear an appeal against the decision of a Commission of which he was a member.

 

R.57

 

 

 

 

 

W.62.

 

The parties to an appeal shall be:

 

R.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.62.1. a Respondent to a charge; and/or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.62.2. a Person, Club or club pursuant to Rule W.59.3; and/or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.62.3. the Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.63.

 

An appeal against the decision of the Board to impose a fixed penalty shall be in Form 37.

 

R.59

 

 

 

 

 

W.64.

 

An appeal against the decision of a Commission shall be in Form 38.

 

R.60

 

 

 

 

 

W.65.

 

An appeal shall be commenced by the appellant sending or delivering to the Secretary Form 37 or Form 38, as the case may be, so that he receives the same together with a deposit of £1,000 within 14 days of the date of the decision appealed against (time of the essence).

 

R.61

 

 

 

 

 

W.66.

 

The Appeal Board may give directions as it thinks fit for the future conduct of the appeal, addressed in writing to the parties, or require the parties to attend a directions hearing.

 

R.62

 

 

 

 

 

W.67.

 

Any party to an appeal may apply for permission to adduce fresh evidence. Such permission shall only be granted if it can be shown that the evidence was not available to the party and could not have been obtained by such party with reasonable diligence, at the time at which the Commission heard the complaint.

 

R.63

 

 

 

 

 

W.68.

 

Notice of the date, time and place of the appeal hearing shall be given in writing to the parties by the chairman of the Appeal Board.

 

R.64

 

 

 

 

 

W.69.

 

If a party fails, refuses or is unable to attend the hearing the Appeal Board may either adjourn it or proceed in the party’s absence.

 

R.65

 

179



 

W.70.

 

Except in cases in which the Appeal Board gives leave to adduce fresh evidence pursuant to Rule W.67, an appeal shall be by way of a review of the documents and the parties shall be entitled to make oral representations. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Rule, the Appeal Board shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which the hearing is conducted.

 

R.66

 

 

 

 

 

W.71.

 

The Appeal Board may permit the Appellant (or Person, Club or club pursuant to Rule W.59.3) at any time to withdraw the appeal on such terms as to costs and otherwise as the Appeal Board shall determine.

 

R.67

 

 

 

 

 

W.72.

 

If the members of the Appeal Board are not unanimous, the decision of the majority of them shall prevail.

 

R.68

 

 

 

 

 

W.73.

 

The Appeal Board’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable after the appeal hearing and if possible at the end thereof and shall be confirmed in writing by the chairman of the Appeal Board to the parties, giving reasons. If the decision reached by the Appeal Board was by a majority, no minority or dissenting opinion shall be produced or published.

 

R.69

 

 

 

 

 

W.74.

 

Members of an Appeal Board shall be entitled to receive from the League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

 

R.70

 

Appeal Board’s Powers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.

 

Upon the hearing of an appeal, an Appeal Board may:

 

R.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.1. allow the appeal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.2. dismiss the appeal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.3. except in the case of a fixed penalty, vary any penalty imposed or order made at first instance;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.4. vary or discharge any order for compensation made by the Commission;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.5. order the deposit to be forfeited to the League or repaid to the appellant;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.6. order a party to pay or contribute to the costs of the appeal including the fees and expenses of members of the Appeal Board paid or payable under Rule W.74;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.7. remit the matter back to the Commission with directions as to its future disposal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.75.8. make such other order as it thinks fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W.76.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section X of these Rules (Arbitration), the decision of an Appeal Board shall be final.

 

R.72

 

Admissibility of Evidence

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.77.

 

In the exercise of their powers under this Section of these Rules, a Commission or an Appeal Board shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence save as to relevance.

 

R.73

 

180



 

Legal Representation

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.78.

 

The parties to proceedings before a Commission or an Appeal Board shall be entitled to be represented by a solicitor or counsel provided that they shall have given to the other party and to the chairman of the Commission or of the Appeal Board as the case may be 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect identifying the solicitor or counsel instructed.

 

R.74

 

Publication and Privilege

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

W.79.

 

Without prejudice in any event to any form of privilege available in respect of any such publication, whether pursuant to the Defamation Act 1996 or otherwise, the Board, a Commission and an Appeal Board shall be entitled to publish as each of them shall think fit reports of their proceedings, whether or not they reflect adversely on the character or conduct of any Club, Manager, Match Official, Official or Player and any Club and any person bound by these Rules and any person bound by virtue of any obligation whether to the League or to any third party to observe these Rules shall be deemed to have provided their full and irrevocable consent to the publication of oral or written statements without limit in number by any of the Board, a Commission and an Appeal Board in any form or media as each of them shall think fit of details of any and all evidence tendered in any proceedings over which they have jurisdiction and of a full report of any finding or decision made by any of the said bodies.

 

R.75

 

181


 

 

DISCIPLINARY AND THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

SECTION X: ARBITRATION

 

Definitions

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.1.

 

In this Section of these Rules:

 

S.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.1.1. “the Act” means the Arbitration Act 1996 or any re-enactment or amendment thereof for the time being in force;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.1.2. “party” means a party to the arbitration;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.1.3. “the tribunal” means the arbitral tribunal;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.1.4. “the chairman” means the chairman of the tribunal.

 

 

 

Agreement to Arbitrate

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.2.

 

Membership of the League shall constitute an agreement in writing between the League and Clubs and between each Club for the purposes of section 5 of the Act in the following terms:

 

S.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.2.1. to submit all disputes which arise between them (including in the case of a Relegated Club any dispute between it and a Club or the League the cause of action of which arose while the Relegated Club was a member of the League), whether arising out of these Rules or otherwise, to final and binding arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Act and this Section of these Rules;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.2.2. that the seat of each such arbitration shall be in England and Wales;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.2.3. that the issues in each such arbitration shall be decided in accordance with English law;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.2.4. that no other system or mode of arbitration will be invoked to resolve any such dispute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.3.

 

Disputes under these Rules will be deemed to fall into one of three categories, being:

 

S.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.3.1. disputes arising from decisions of Commissions or Appeal Boards made pursuant to Rules W.1 to W.79 (Disciplinary Procedures) of these Rules (‘Disciplinary Disputes”);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.3.2. disputes arising from the exercise of the Board’s discretion (‘Board Disputes”);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.3.3. other disputes arising from these Rules or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.

 

In the case of a Disciplinary Dispute, the only grounds for review of a decision of a Commission or Appeal Board shall be that the decision was:

 

S.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.1. reached outside of the jurisdiction of the body that made the decision; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.2. reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.3. reached as a result of procedural errors so great that the rights of the applicant have been clearly and substantially prejudiced; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.4. reached as a result of a perverse interpretation of the law; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.4.5. one which could not reasonably have been reached by any tribunal which had applied its mind properly to the facts of the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.5.

 

In the case of a Board Dispute, the only grounds for review shall be that the decision:

 

S.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.5.1. was reached outside the jurisdiction of the Board; or

 

 

 

182



 

 

 

X.5.2. could not have been reached by any reasonable Board which had applied its mind properly to the issues to be decided; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.5.3. was reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.5.4. was contrary to English law; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

directly and foreseeably prejudices the interests of a person or persons who were in the contemplation of the Board at the time that the decision was made as being directly affected by it and who suffer loss as a result of that decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standing

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.6.

 

A person who is not a party to a Disciplinary Dispute or a Board Dispute may not invoke these arbitration provisions in respect of such a dispute, unless that party can show that they are sufficiently affected by the outcome of the dispute that it is right and proper for them to have standing before the tribunal.

 

S.6

 

 

 

 

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.7.

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players referred to arbitration in accordance with these Rules pursuant to the provision to that effect in Form 26 shall be determined in accordance with the procedures set out in this Section of these Rules.

 

S.7

 

 

 

 

 

Commencement of the Arbitration

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.8.

 

An arbitration shall be deemed to have commenced and for the purpose of Rules X.2 and X.7 a dispute shall be deemed to have arisen upon the party requesting an arbitration serving upon the other party a request in Form 39.

 

S.8

 

 

 

 

 

X.9.

 

The party requesting an arbitration shall send a copy of Form 39 to the Secretary who shall forthwith send to each party particulars of those persons who are members of the Panel.

 

S.9

 

 

 

 

 

Appointing the Arbitrators

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.10.

 

Subject to Rule X.16, the tribunal shall comprise 3 members of the Panel and there shall be no umpire.

 

S.10

 

 

 

 

 

X.11.

 

Within 14 days of service of the request in Form 39 each party shall by notice in Form 40 addressed to the Secretary appoint one Panel member to act as an arbitrator in the arbitration requested.

 

S.11

 

 

 

 

 

X.12.

 

Within 14 days of their appointment the 2 arbitrators so appointed shall appoint the third arbitrator who shall be a legally qualified member of the Panel and who shall sit as chairman. If the 2 arbitrators so appointed fail to agree on the appointment of the third arbitrator the Board (or the Football Association if the League is a party) shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to each party.

 

S.12

 

 

 

 

 

X.13.

 

If a party, other than the League or a Club, does not wish to appoint a member of the Panel as their nominated arbitrator, they may nominate some other person provided that:

 

S.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.13.1. that the person they nominate is a solicitor of no less than 10 years’ admission or a barrister of no less than 10 years’ call; and

 

 

 

183



 

 

 

X.13.2. such person is independent of the party appointing him and able to render an impartial decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.14.

 

If a party refuses or fails to appoint an arbitrator when it is obliged to do so in accordance with these Rules the Board (or the Football Association if the League is a party) shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to each party.

 

S.14

 

 

 

 

 

X.15.

 

Upon appointment all arbitrators must sign a statement of impartiality. Any arbitrator not signing such a statement within 7 days of appointment may not act and the party appointing him must nominate another arbitrator within 7 days.

 

S.15

 

 

 

 

 

Appointing a Single Arbitrator

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.16.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule X.10, the parties shall be at liberty to appoint a legally qualified member of the Panel to be a single arbitrator in which case:

 

S.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.16.1. Form 41 shall be substituted for Form 40; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.16.2. this Section of these Rules shall be interpreted on the basis that the tribunal comprises a single arbitrator who shall undertake the duties of the chairman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Replacing an Arbitrator

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.17.

 

If following his appointment an arbitrator refuses to act, becomes incapable of acting, is removed by order of a competent court or dies, or if his membership of the Panel is terminated pursuant to Rule W.19, the Board (or the Football Association if the League is a party) shall appoint a member of the Panel to replace him.

 

S.17

 

 

 

 

 

Communications

 

Old Rule

X.18.

 

All communications sent in the course of the arbitration by the arbitrators shall be signed on their behalf by the chairman.

 

S.18

 

 

 

 

 

X.19.

 

Such communications addressed by the arbitrators to one party shall be copied to the other.

 

S.19

 

 

 

 

 

X.20.

 

Any communication sent by either party to the arbitrators shall be addressed to the chairman and shall be copied to the other party.

 

S.20

 

 

 

 

 

Directions

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.

 

The chairman of the tribunal shall decide all procedural and evidential matters and for that purpose within 14 days of his appointment he shall either give directions for the conduct of the arbitration addressed in writing to each party or serve on each party Form 42 requiring their attendance at a preliminary meeting at which he will give directions. In either case the directions shall include without limitation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.1. whether and if so in what form and when statements of claim and defence are to be used;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.2. whether and if so to what extent discovery of documents between the parties is necessary;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.3. whether strict rules of evidence will apply and how the admissibility, relevance or weight of any material submitted by the parties on matters of fact or opinion shall be determined;

 

 

 

184



 

 

 

X.21.4. whether and if so to what extent there shall be oral or written evidence or submissions;

 

S.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.5. whether expert evidence is required;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.21.6. whether and if so to what extent the tribunal shall itself take the initiative in ascertaining the facts and the law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tribunal’s General Powers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.

 

The chairman of the tribunal shall have power to:

 

S.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.1.

allow either party upon such terms (as to costs and otherwise) as it shall think fit to amend any statement of claim and defence;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.2.

give directions in relation to the preservation, custody, detention, inspection or photographing of property owned by or in the possession of a party to the proceedings;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.3.

give directions as to the preservation of evidence in the custody or control of a party;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.4.

direct that a witness be examined on oath;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.5.

require each party to give notice of the identity of witnesses it intends to call;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.6.

require exchange of witness statements and any expert’s reports;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.7.

appoint one or more experts to report to it on specific issues;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.8.

require a party to give any such expert any relevant information or to produce or provide access to any relevant documents or property;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.9.

order that a transcript be taken of the proceedings;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.10.

extend or abbreviate any time limits provided by this Section of these Rules or by its directions;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.11.

require the parties to attend such procedural meetings as it deems necessary to identify or clarify the issues to be decided and the procedures to be adopted;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.22.12.

give such other lawful directions as it shall deem necessary to ensure the just, expeditious, economical and final determination of the dispute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duty of the Parties

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.23.

 

The parties shall do all things necessary for the proper and expeditious conduct of the arbitration and shall comply without delay with any direction of the chairman of the tribunal as to procedural or evidential matters.

 

S.23

 

 

 

 

 

Default of the Parties

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.24.

 

If either party is in breach of Rule X.23 the tribunal shall have power to:

 

S.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.24.1. make peremptory orders prescribing a time for compliance;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.24.2. make orders against a party which fails to comply with a peremptory order;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.24.3. dismiss a claim for want of prosecution in the event of inordinate or inexcusable delay by a party which appears likely to give rise to a substantial risk that it will not be possible to have a fair resolution of the issues or will cause serious prejudice to the other party;

 

 

 

185



 

 

 

X.24.4. debar that party from further participation and proceed with the arbitration and make an award but only after giving that party written notice of its intention to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hearing

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.25.

 

The chairman shall fix the date, time and place of the arbitration hearing and shall give the parties reasonable notice thereof.

 

S.25

 

 

 

 

 

X.26.

 

At or before the hearing the chairman shall determine the order in which the parties shall present their cases.

 

S.26

 

 

 

 

 

X.27.

 

Any witness who gives oral evidence may be questioned by the representative of each party and by each of the arbitrators.

 

S.27

 

 

 

 

 

Remedies

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.

 

The tribunal shall have power to:

 

S.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.1. determine any question of law or fact arising in the course of the arbitration;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.2. determine any question as to its own jurisdiction;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.3. make a declaration as to any matter to be determined in the proceedings;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.4. order the payment of a sum of money;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.5. award simple or compound interest;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.6. order a party to do or refrain from doing anything;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.7. order specific performance of a contract (other than a contract relating to land);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X.28.8. order the rectification, setting aside or cancellation of a deed or other document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Majority Decision

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.29.

 

If the arbitrators fail to agree on any issue they shall decide by a majority and a majority decision shall be binding on all of them. No dissenting judgment shall be produced.

 

S.29

 

 

 

 

 

Provisional Awards

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.30.

 

The tribunal shall have power to make provisional awards during the proceedings including without limitation requiring a party to make an interim payment on account of the claim or the costs of the arbitration. Any such provisional award shall be taken into account when the final award is made.

 

S.30

 

 

 

 

 

The Award

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.31.

 

If before the award is made the parties agree on a settlement of the dispute the tribunal shall record the settlement in the form of a consent award.

 

S.31

 

 

 

 

 

X.32.

 

The tribunal may make more than one award at different times on different aspects of the matters in dispute.

 

S.32

 

 

 

 

 

X.33.

 

The award shall be in writing and shall contain reasons for the tribunal’s decision.

 

S.33

 

186



 

Costs

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.34.

 

Until they are paid in full, the parties shall be jointly and severally liable to meet the arbitrators’ fees and expenses, the total amount of which shall be specified in the award.

 

S.34

 

 

 

 

 

X.35.

 

The tribunal shall award costs on the general principle that costs should follow the event except where it appears to the tribunal that in the circumstances this is not appropriate in relation to the whole or part of the costs.

 

S.35

 

 

 

 

 

X.36.

 

The party in favour of which an order for costs is made shall be allowed, subject to Rule X.37, a reasonable amount in respect of all costs reasonably incurred, any doubt as to reasonableness being resolved in favour of the paying party.

 

S.36

 

 

 

 

 

X.37.

 

In appropriate cases the tribunal may award costs on an indemnity basis.

 

S.37

 

 

 

 

 

X.38.

 

The chairman shall have power to tax, assess or determine the costs if requested to do so by either party.

 

S.38

 

 

 

 

 

Challenging the Award

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.39.

 

Subject to the provisions of Sections 67 to 71 of the Act, the award shall be final and binding on the parties and there shall be no right of appeal. There shall be no right of appeal on a point of law under Section 69 of the Act.

 

S.39

 

 

 

 

 

Representation

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.40.

 

A party may be represented before a tribunal by a solicitor or counsel provided that 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect identifying the solicitor or counsel instructed is given to the other party and to the chairman.

 

S.40

 

 

 

 

 

X.41.

 

A Club which is a party may be represented before a tribunal by one of its Officials. An Official shall not be prevented from representing his Club because he is or may be a witness in the proceedings.

 

S.41

 

 

 

 

 

Waiver

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

X.42.

 

A party which is aware of non-compliance with this Section of these Rules and yet proceeds with the arbitration without promptly stating its objection to such non-compliance to the chairman shall be deemed to have waived its right to object.

 

S.42

 

187



 

 

DISCIPLINARY AND THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

SECTION Y: MANAGERS’ ARBITRATION TRIBUNAL

 

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Y.1.

 

Any dispute arising between the parties to a Manager’s contract of employment shall be determined by the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal (in this Section of these Rules referred to as “the Tribunal”).

 

Q.18

 

 

 

 

 

Y.2.

 

The seat of each arbitration conducted by the Tribunal shall be in England and Wales. Each such arbitration shall be decided in accordance with English law.

 

Q.19

 

 

 

 

 

Y.3.

 

Such an arbitration shall be deemed to have commenced upon the party requesting it serving on the other party a request in Form 39.

 

Q.20

 

 

 

 

 

Y.4.

 

The party requesting such an arbitration shall send a copy of Form 39 together with a deposit of £5,000 to the Secretary who shall forthwith send to each party particulars of those persons who are members of the Panel.

 

Q.21

 

 

 

 

 

Y.5.

 

The Tribunal shall comprise 3 members of the Panel and there shall be no umpire.

 

Q.22

 

 

 

 

 

Y.6.

 

Within 14 days of service of the request in Form 39 each party shall by notice in Form 40 addressed to the Secretary appoint one Panel member to act as an arbitrator in the arbitration requested.

 

Q.23

 

 

 

 

 

Y.7.

 

If a party refuses or fails to appoint an arbitrator in accordance with Rule Y.6 the Board shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to each party.

 

Q.24

 

 

 

 

 

Y.8.

 

Within 14 days of their appointment the 2 arbitrators so appointed shall appoint a third arbitrator who shall be a legally qualified member of the Panel and who shall sit as chairman of the Tribunal. If the 2 arbitrators so appointed fail to agree on the appointment of the third arbitrator the Board shall make the appointment giving notice in writing to that effect to each party.

 

Q.25

 

 

 

 

 

Y.9.

 

If following his appointment an arbitrator refuses to act, becomes incapable of acting, is removed by order of a competent court or dies, the Board shall appoint a member of the Panel to replace him.

 

Q.26

 

 

 

 

 

Y.10.

 

All communications sent in the course of the arbitration by the Tribunal shall be signed on its behalf by its chairman.

 

Q.27

 

 

 

 

 

Y.11.

 

Such communications addressed by the Tribunal to one party shall be copied to the other.

 

Q.28

 

 

 

 

 

Y.12.

 

Any communications sent by either party to the Tribunal shall be addressed to its chairman and shall be copied to the other party.

 

Q.29

 

 

 

 

 

Y.13.

 

The chairman of the Tribunal shall decide all procedural and evidential matters and for that purpose within 14 days of his appointment he shall serve on each party Form 42 requiring their attendance at a preliminary meeting at which he will give directions including, but not limited to, those set out in Rule X.21.

 

Q.30

 

 

 

 

 

Y.14.

 

The chairman of the Tribunal shall have the powers set out in Rule X.22.

 

Q.31

 

 

 

 

 

Y.15.

 

The parties shall do all things necessary for the proper and expeditious conduct of the arbitration and shall comply without delay with any direction of the chairman of the Tribunal as to procedural or evidential matters.

 

Q.32

 

188



 

Y.16.

 

If either party is in breach of Rule Y.15 the Tribunal shall have power to:

 

Q.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.16.1.

make peremptory orders prescribing a time for compliance;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.16.2.

make orders against a party which fails to comply with a peremptory order;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.16.3.

dismiss a claim for want of prosecution in the event of inordinate or inexcusable delay by a party which appears likely to give rise to a substantial risk that it will not be possible to have a fair resolution of the issues or will cause serious prejudice to the other party;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.16.4.

debar that party from further participation and proceed with the arbitration and make an award but only after giving that party written notice of its intention to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.17.

 

The chairman of the Tribunal shall fix the date, time and place of the arbitration hearing and shall give the parties reasonable notice thereof. In order to allow the parties time in which to fulfil their obligation to attempt to reach a settlement of the dispute by mediation, the hearing shall not take place before the expiry of 42 days from the deemed commencement of the arbitration.

 

Q.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.18.

 

At or before the hearing the chairman of the Tribunal shall determine the order in which the parties shall present their cases.

 

Q.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.19.

 

Any witness who gives oral evidence may be questioned by the representative of each party and by each of the arbitrators.

 

Q.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.20.

 

Except for the power to order specific performance of a contract, the Tribunal shall have the powers set out in Rule X.28 together with the following additional powers:

 

Q.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.20.1.

to order the cancellation of the registration of the Manager’s contract of employment;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.20.2.

to order that the deposit be forfeited by or returned to the party paying it;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.20.3.

to make such other order as it thinks fit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Y.21.

 

The provisions of Rules X.29 to X.42 inclusive, substituting ‘Tribunal” for ‘tribunal” and ‘chairman of the Tribunal” for ‘chairman”, shall apply to proceedings of the Tribunal. In exercising its power to award costs the Tribunal shall have regard to the extent to which each of the parties fulfilled their obligation to attempt to reach a settlement of the dispute by mediation.

 

Q.38

 

189



 

 

DISCIPLINARY AND THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

SECTION Z: PREMIER LEAGUE APPEALS COMMITTEE

 

Jurisdiction

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.

 

The Premier League Appeals Committee (hereafter in this Section of these Rules called “the Committee”) shall determine the following matters:

 

T.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.1.

an appeal by a Club or a Contract Player under the provisions of clause 19(d) of Form 25 (Player’s Contract);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.2.

an appeal by a Club or an Academy Player under the provisions of Youth Development Rule 263;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.3.

an appeal by a Club or a Contract Player under the provisions of Rule T.18.3 against a decision of the Board regarding payment of the balance of a Signing-on Fee to the Contract Player;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.4.

an appeal by a Club or a Contract Player under the provisions of Rule T.34 against a decision of the Board given under either Rule T.29 or Rule T.30;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.1.5.

an application by a Club under the provisions of Rule V.22 that payments to an Out of Contract Player may cease without affecting the Club’s entitlement to a Compensation Fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Composition of the Committee

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Z.2.

 

The Committee shall be composed of:

 

T.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.2.1.

an independent chairman who holds or has held judicial office and who, with the prior approval of the Professional Footballers’ Association, shall be appointed by the Board in such terms as it thinks fit;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.2.2.

a member of the Panel appointed by the League;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.2.3.

an appointee of the Professional Footballers’ Association provided that in cases where an officer or employee of that Association is appearing before the Committee representing a party to the proceedings then the appointee shall not be an officer or employee of the Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.3.

 

If the chairman of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting as such in the determination of any matter, the Board shall appoint in his stead a member of the Panel who holds or has held judicial office.

 

T.3

 

 

 

 

 

Z.4.

 

If following his appointment any other member of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting, his appointer may appoint a replacement so that the composition of the Committee is maintained as provided in Rule Z.2.

 

T.4

 

 

 

 

 

Z.5.

 

If the members of the Committee fail to agree on any issue, they shall decide by a majority.

 

T.5

 

 

 

 

 

Committee Procedures

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.

 

The parties to proceedings before the Committee shall be:

 

T.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.1.

in an appeal under Rule Z.1.1, Z.1.2, Z.1.3 or Z.1.4:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.1.1. the appellant Club or Contract Player; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.1.2. the respondent Contract Player or Club;

 

 

 

190



 

 

 

Z.6.2.

in the determination of a dispute under Rule Z.1.4:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.2.1. the applicant Club or Player; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.2.2. the respondent Player or Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.3.

in an appeal under Rule Z.1.1:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.3.1. the appellant Club or Academy Player; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.3.2. the respondent Academy Player or Club;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.4.

in an application under Rule Z.1.5:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.4.1. the applicant Club; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.6.4.2. the respondent Out of Contract Player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.

 

Proceedings shall be commenced by an application in writing to the Secretary identifying:

 

T.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.1.

the respondent;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.2.

the Rule under the provisions of which the appeal or application is made;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.3.

the nature of the appeal or application and the facts surrounding it;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.4.

the remedy or relief sought; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.7.5.

any documents relied upon, copies of which shall be annexed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.8.

 

Except in the case of an application made by an Academy Player, an application made under the provisions of Rule Z.7 shall be accompanied by a deposit of £1,000.

 

T.8

 

 

 

 

 

Z.9.

 

Upon receipt of an application the Secretary shall:

 

T.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.9.1.

procure that for the purpose of determining the application the Committee is composed in accordance with Rule Z.2;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.9.2.

send a copy of the application and any documents annexed to it to the chairman and members of the Committee;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.9.3.

send a copy of the same by recorded delivery post to the respondent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.10.

 

Within 14 days of receipt of the copy application the respondent shall send to the Secretary by recorded delivery post a written response to the application, annexing thereto copies of any documents relied upon.

 

T.10

 

 

 

 

 

Z.11.

 

Upon receipt of the response the Secretary shall send a copy thereof together with a copy of any document annexed to:

 

T.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.11.1.

the chairman and members of the Committee; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.11.2.

the party making the application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.12.

 

The chairman of the Committee may give directions as he thinks fit for the future conduct of the proceedings addressed in writing to the parties with which the parties shall comply without delay.

 

T.12

 

 

 

 

 

Z.13.

 

The Committee by its chairman shall have power to summon any person to attend the hearing of the proceedings to give evidence and to produce documents and any person who is bound by these Rules and who, having been summoned, fails to attend or to give evidence or to produce documents shall be in breach of these Rules.

 

T.13

 

191



 

Z.14.

 

The Secretary shall make all necessary arrangements for the hearing of the proceedings and shall give written notice of the date, time and place thereof to the parties.

 

T.14

 

 

 

 

 

Z.15.

 

If a party to the proceedings fails to attend the hearing the Committee may either adjourn it or proceed in their absence.

 

T.15

 

 

 

 

 

Z.16.

 

The chairman of the Committee shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which the hearing of the proceedings shall be conducted.

 

T.16

 

 

 

 

 

Z.17.

 

The Committee shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law.

 

T.17

 

 

 

 

 

Z.18.

 

The hearing shall be conducted in private.

 

T.18

 

 

 

 

 

Z.19.

 

Each party shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or counsel provided that they shall have given to the other party and to the chairman of the Committee 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect.

 

T.19

 

 

 

 

 

Z.20.

 

The Committee’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable and if possible at the end of the hearing and shall be confirmed in writing by the Secretary to the parties.

 

T.20

 

 

 

 

 

Z.21.

 

The Committee shall give reasons for its decision.

 

T.21

 

 

 

 

 

Z.22.

 

The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

T.22

 

 

 

 

 

Fees and Expenses

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Z.23.

 

The chairman and members of the Committee shall be entitled to receive from the League a reasonable sum by way of fees and expenses.

 

T.23

 

 

 

 

 

Committee’s Powers

 

Old Rule

 

 

 

 

 

Z.24.

 

Upon determining an application made in accordance with the provisions of this Section of these Rules, the Committee may:

 

T.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.24.1.

order the deposit required by Rule Z.8 to be forfeited to the League or repaid to the applicant;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.24.2.

order either party to pay to the other such sum by way of costs as it shall think fit which may include the fees and expenses of the chairman and members of the Committee paid or payable under Rule Z.23;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z.24.3.

make such other order as it shall think fit.

 

 

 

192


 

 

DESTINATION TABLE

Showing old Rule numbers and their corresponding new number

 

SECTION A — INTRODUCTION

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Definitions

 

 

A.1

 

A.1

 

 

 

Interpretation

 

 

A.2 to A.3

 

A.3 to A.4

 

 

 

Headings

 

 

A.4

 

A.5

 

 

 

Board Powers

 

 

A.5 to A.6

 

B.12 to B.13

 

 

 

Procedure at General Meetings

 

 

A.7

 

B.14

 

 

 

Conflict

 

 

A.8

 

A.6

 

 

 

Extranet

 

 

A.9

 

A.7

 

 

 

SECTION B — THE LEAGUE

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Name

 

 

B.1

 

B.1

 

 

 

Membership

 

 

B.2 to B.3

 

B.2 to B.3

 

 

 

Becoming a Member

 

 

B.4 to B.5

 

B.4 to B.5

 

 

 

Ceasing to be a Member

 

 

B.6

 

B.6

 

 

 

Expulsion of a Member

 

 

B.7

 

B.7

 

 

 

Resignation

 

 

B.8 to B.11

 

B.8 to B.11

 

 

 

Relationship between Clubs and the League

 

 

B.12 to B.15

 

B.15 to B.18

 

 

 

Employment of Officials

 

 

B.16

 

J.1

 

 

 

Liability for Officials

 

 

B.17

 

J.2

 

193



 

The League Competition

 

 

B.18 to B.24

 

C.1 to C.7

 

 

 

The League Championship

 

 

B.25 to B.27

 

C.8 to C.10

 

 

 

Relegation

 

 

B.28 to B.30

 

C.11 to C.13

 

 

 

Play-offs

 

 

B.31

 

C.14

 

 

 

SECTION C — FINANCE

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Definitions

 

 

C.1 to C.19

 

A.1

 

 

 

Obligations of the Company

 

 

C.20 to C.21

 

D.1 to D.2

 

 

 

Obligations of Clubs

 

 

C.22 to C.27

 

D.3 to D.8

 

 

 

Accounting Practice

 

 

C.28 to C.29

 

D.9 to D.10

 

 

 

Operating and Other Expenses

 

 

C.30 to C.31

 

D.11 to D.12

 

 

 

Transmission of League Matches

 

 

C.32 to C.33

 

D.13 to D.14

 

 

 

Distribution of UK Broadcasting Money

 

 

C.34 to C.36

 

D.15 to D.17

 

 

 

Distribution of Overseas Broadcasting Money

 

 

C.37 to C.38

 

D.18 to D.19

 

 

 

Distribution of Title Sponsorship Money

 

 

C.39 to C.40

 

D.20 to D.21

 

 

 

Distribution of Commercial Contract Money

 

 

C.41 to C.43

 

D.22 to D.24

 

 

 

Distribution of Radio Contract Money

 

 

C.44 to C.45

 

D.25 to D.26

 

 

 

Relegated Clubs

 

 

C.46 to C.48

 

D.27 to D.29

 

 

 

Value Added Tax

 

 

C.49

 

D.30

 

194



 

Club Bank Accounts

 

 

C.50

 

E.2

 

 

 

Power to Deduct

 

 

C.51 to C.53

 

E.21 to E.23

 

 

 

Distribution Accounts

 

 

C.54

 

D.31

 

 

 

Assignments of Central Funds

 

 

C.55 to C.56

 

D.32 to D.33

 

 

 

Events of Insolvency

 

 

C.57 to C.66

 

E.25 to E.34

 

 

 

Sporting Sanction

 

 

C.67 to C.77

 

E.35 to E.45

 

 

 

Submission of Club Accounts

 

 

C.78 to C.92

 

E.3 to E.17

 

 

 

HMRC

 

 

C.93 to C.95

 

E.18 to E.20

 

 

 

UEFA Club Licence Applicants

 

 

C.96

 

J.7

 

 

 

Compensation for Postponed Matches

 

 

C.97 to C.99

 

L.44 to L.46

 

 

 

Ticket Sales

 

 

C.100

 

R.10

 

 

 

Power to Inspect

 

 

C.101

 

E.1

 

 

 

SECTION D — DIRECTORS & DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Definitions

 

 

D.1

 

A.1

 

 

 

Part 1 — Directors — Owners’ and Directors’ Test

 

 

D.2

 

F.1

 

 

 

Submission of Declaration

 

 

D.3 to D.5

 

F.2 to F.4

 

 

 

Change of Director’s Circumstances

 

 

D.6

 

F.5

 

 

 

Disqualification of a Director

 

 

D.7

 

F.6

 

195



 

Disciplinary Provisions

 

 

D.8 to D.9

 

F.7 to F.8

 

 

 

Suspension of the Club

 

 

D.10 to D.13

 

F.9 to F.12

 

 

 

Appeal against Disqualification of a Director

 

 

D.14 to D.24

 

F.13 to F.23

 

 

 

Persons Prohibited by Law from entering the United Kingdom
etc

D.25

 

F.24

 

 

 

Part 2 — Director’s Reports — Material Transactions

 

 

D.26

 

H.1

 

 

 

Record of Material Transactions

 

 

D.27 to D.28

 

H.2 to H.3

 

 

 

Preparation of the Report

 

 

D.29 to D.33

 

H.4 to H.8

 

 

 

Objectives

 

 

D.34

 

H.9

 

 

 

Submission of the Report

 

 

D.35

 

H.10

 

 

 

Disqualification

 

 

D.36 to D.39

 

H.11 to H.14

 

 

 

SECTION E — FIXTURES

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Arranging Fixtures

 

 

E.1 to E.5

 

L.1 to L.5

 

 

 

Rearranging Fixtures

 

 

E.6 to E.8

 

L.6 to L.8

 

 

 

Arranging other Matches

 

 

E.9

 

L.9

 

 

 

Other Competitions

 

 

E.10 to E.12

 

L.10 to L.12

 

 

 

Postponement of League Matches

 

 

E.13 to E.15

 

L.13 to L.15

 

 

 

Failure to play a League Match

 

 

E.16

 

L.16

 

 

 

Replaying a League Match

 

 

E.17

 

E.17

 

196



 

SECTION E — FIXTURES

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Match Delegate

 

 

E.18 to E.20

 

L.18 to L.20

 

 

 

Full Strength Teams

 

 

E.21

 

L.21

 

 

 

Minimum Age

 

 

E.22

 

L.22

 

 

 

Team Sheet

 

 

E.23 to E.26

 

L.23 to L.26

 

 

 

Substitute Players

 

 

E.27 to E.28

 

L.27 to L.28

 

 

 

Kick-Off

 

 

E.29 to E.30

 

L.29 to L.30

E.31

 

Deleted

E.32 to E.33

 

L.32 to L.33

 

 

 

Processional Entry

 

 

E.34

 

L.33

 

 

 

Use of Official Ball

 

 

E.35

 

L.34

 

 

 

Occupation of the Trainer’s Bench

 

 

E.36 to E.37

 

L.35 to L.36

 

 

 

Use of the Technical Area

 

 

E.38

 

L.37

 

 

 

Duration of League Matches

 

 

E.39 to E.41

 

L.38 to L.40

 

 

 

Notification of League Match results

 

 

E.42

 

L.41

 

 

 

Gate Statements

 

 

E.43

 

L.42

 

 

 

Penalties

 

 

E.44

 

L.43

 

 

 

SECTION F — PLAYERS IDENTIFICATION AND STRIP

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Player Identification

 

 

F.1 to F.12

 

M.1 to M.12

 

197



 

Home and Away Strip

 

 

F.13 to F.24

 

M.13 to M.27

 

 

 

Third Strip

 

 

F.25 to F.26

 

Deleted

 

 

 

Strip Advertising

 

 

F.27

 

M.28

 

 

 

SECTION G — MATCH OFFICIALS

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Appointment of Match Officials

 

 

G.1 to G.3

 

N.1 to N.3

G.4

 

Deleted

 

 

 

Rules binding on Match Officials

 

 

G.5

 

N.4

 

 

 

Fees and Expenses

 

 

G.6 to G.7

 

Deleted

G.8

 

N.5

 

 

 

Pre-Match Procedures

 

 

G.9

 

N.6

 

 

 

Compliance with Instructions

 

 

G.10

 

N.7

 

 

 

Post-Match Procedures

 

 

G.11 to G.14

 

N.8 to N.11

 

 

 

SECTION H — MEDICAL

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Appointment of Medical Personnel

 

 

H.1

 

O.1

 

 

 

Qualification of Medical Personnel

 

 

H.2 to H.5

 

O.2 to O.5

 

 

 

Continuing Professional Development

 

 

H.6

 

O.6

 

 

 

Attendance of Medical Personnel and Provision of Medical Facilities

 

O.7 to O.8

H.7 to H.8

 

 

 

 

 

Head Injuries

 

 

H.9

 

O.9

 

 

 

Medical Records

 

 

H.10 to H.11

 

O.10 to O.11

 

198


 

 

Medical Insurance

 

 

H.12

 

O.12

 

 

 

SECTION I — GROUND CRITERIA

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Safety Certificate

 

 

I.1 to I.2

 

K.1 to K.2

 

 

 

Ownership of Ground and Training Facilities

 

 

I.3

 

K.3

 

 

 

Ground Sharing

 

 

I.4

 

K.4

 

 

 

Ground Registration

 

 

I.5 to I.6

 

K.5 to K.6

 

 

 

All Seater Grounds

 

 

I.7

 

K.7

 

 

 

Ground Regulations

 

 

I.8

 

K.8

 

 

 

Covered Stadia

 

 

I.9 to I.10

 

K.9 to K.10

 

 

 

Dressing Rooms

 

 

I.11

 

K.11

 

 

 

Drug-testing Room

 

 

I.12

 

K.12

 

 

 

Media Facilities

 

 

I.13 to I.15

 

K.13 to K.15

 

 

 

Facilities for Photographers

 

 

I.16 to I.18

 

K.16 to K.18

 

 

 

Security

 

 

I.19 to I.20

 

K.19 to K.20

 

 

 

The Pitch

 

 

I.21 to I.27

 

K.21 to K.28

 

 

 

Pitch Protection

 

 

I.28

 

K.29

 

 

 

Artificial Surfaces

 

 

I.29

 

K.30

 

 

 

Trainer’s Bench Facilities

 

 

I.30

 

K.31

 

199



 

Technical Areas

 

 

I.31 to I.33

 

K.32 to K.34

 

 

 

Floodlights

 

 

I.34 to I.36

 

K.35 to K.37

 

 

 

Sanitary Facilities

 

 

I.37

 

K.38

 

 

 

Facilities for the Disabled

 

 

I.38

 

K.39

 

 

 

CCTV

 

 

I.39 to I.40

 

K.40 to K.41

 

 

 

Giant Screens

 

 

I.41 to I.42

 

K.42 to K.43

 

 

 

SECTION J — CUSTOMER CHARTER

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Requirement for Customer Charter

 

 

J.1 to J.2

 

R.2 to R.3

 

 

 

Reporting

 

 

J.3

 

R.4

 

 

 

Ticketing

 

 

J.4 to J.10

 

R.5 to R.9, R.11 to R.12

 

 

 

Merchandise

 

 

J.11 to J.16

 

R.13 to R.18

 

 

 

Relations with Stakeholders

 

 

J.17

 

R.19

 

 

 

SECTION K — PLAYERS’ CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Approaches to Players

 

 

K.1 to K.4

 

T.1 to T.4

 

 

 

Approaches by Players

 

 

K.5 to K.7

 

T.5 to T.7

 

 

 

Public Statements

 

 

K.8

 

T.8

 

 

 

Inducements

 

 

K.9

 

T.9

 

 

 

Form of Contract

 

 

K.10

 

T.10

 

200



 

Length of Contract

 

 

K.11

 

T.11

 

 

 

Players’ Remuneration

 

 

K.12 to K.15

 

T.12 to T.15

 

 

 

Signing-on Fees

 

 

K.16 to K.18

 

T.16 to T.18

 

 

 

Lump Sum Payments

 

 

K.19

 

T.19

 

 

 

Image Contracts

 

 

K.20

 

T.20

 

 

 

Signing the Contract

 

 

K.21

 

T.21

 

 

 

Reporting Fines etc

 

 

K.22

 

T.22

 

 

 

Submission to Secretary

 

 

K.23

 

T.23

 

 

 

Mutual Termination

 

 

K.24

 

T.24

 

 

 

Confidentiality

 

 

K.25

 

Deleted

 

 

 

Renegotiating the Contract

 

 

K.26 to K.29

 

Deleted

K.30

 

T.25

 

 

 

Appeal against Termination

 

 

K.31

 

T.26

 

 

 

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision

 

 

K.32 to K.34

 

T.27 to T.29

 

 

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

 

 

K.35

 

T.30

 

 

 

Orders for Costs

 

 

K.36 to K.38

 

T.31 to T.33

 

 

 

Appeal

 

 

K.39

 

T.34

 

 

 

Effect of Termination

 

 

K.40 to K.41

 

T.35 to T.36

 

 

 

Testimonial Matches

 

 

K.42

 

T.37

 

201



 

SECTION L — PLAYERS’ REGISTRATIONS

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Requirement for Registration

 

 

L.1 to L.7

 

U.1 to U.7

 

 

 

Types of Registration

 

 

L.8 to L.10

 

U.8 to U.10

 

 

 

International Registration Transfer Certificates

 

 

L.11

 

U.11

 

 

 

Registration Procedure

 

 

L.12 to L.22

 

U.12 to U.22

 

 

 

Multiplicity of Registrations

 

 

L.23

 

U.23

 

 

 

Monthly Registrations

 

 

L.24 to L.25

 

U.24 to U.25

 

 

 

Termination of Registrations

 

 

L.26 to L.27

 

U.26 to U.27

 

 

 

New Registrations Requiring Consent

 

 

L.28 to L.29

 

U.28 to U.29

 

 

 

List of Players

 

 

L.30 to L.32

 

U.30 to U.32

L.33

 

Deleted

L.34

 

U.33

 

 

 

Clubs Ceasing to be Members

 

 

L.35 to L.36

 

U.34 to U.35

 

 

 

Prohibition of Third Party Investment

 

 

L.37 to L.38

 

U.36 to U.37

 

 

 

SECTION M — TRANSFER OF PLAYERS’ REGISTRATIONS

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Transfer Windows

 

 

M.1 to M.4

 

V.1 to V.4

 

 

 

Temporary Transfers

 

 

M.5 to M.10

 

V.5 to V.10

 

 

 

Contract Players

 

 

M.11 to M.13

 

V.11 to V.13

 

 

 

Retired Players

 

 

M.14

 

V.14

 

202



 

Out of Contract Players

 

 

M.15 to M.18

 

V.15 to V.18

 

 

 

The Players’ Options

 

 

M.19 to M.21

 

V.19 to V.21

 

 

 

The Club’s Options

 

 

M.22 to M.25

 

V.22 to V.25

 

 

 

The Compensation Fee

 

 

M.26 to M.28

 

V.26 to V.28

 

 

 

Method of Payment

 

 

M.29 to M.37

 

V.29 to V.37

 

 

 

Transfer Levy

 

 

M.38 to M.40

 

V.38 to V.40

 

 

 

SECTION O — THE SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Introduction

 

 

O.1 to O.2

 

S.1 to S.2

 

 

 

Definitions

 

 

O.3

 

S.3

 

 

 

The League’s Policy for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

 

 

O.4 to O.5

 

S.4 to S.5

 

 

 

Clubs’ Policies and Procedures for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults

 

 

O.6 to O.9

 

S.6 to S.9

 

 

 

Children’s Services’ Officer

 

 

O.10 to O.14

 

S.10 to S.14

 

 

 

Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer

 

 

O.15 to O.19

 

S.15 to S.19

 

 

 

Staff

 

 

O.20 to O.22

 

S.20 to S.22

 

 

 

Parental Consent

 

 

O.23

 

S.23

 

 

 

Notification of Referrals to External Statutory Agencies

 

 

O.24 to O.25

 

S.24 to S.25

 

 

 

Monitoring

 

 

O.26 to O.27

 

S.26 to S.27

 

203



 

SECTION P — SCOUTS

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Definition

 

 

P.1

 

A.1.121

 

 

 

Registration of Scouts

 

 

P.2 to P.6

 

Q.2 to Q.6

 

 

 

Identification of Scouts

 

 

P.7

 

Q.7

 

 

 

Code of Conduct

 

 

P.8

 

Q.8

 

 

 

SECTION Q — MANAGERS

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Codes of Conduct

 

 

Q.1 to Q.3

 

P.1 to P.3

 

 

 

Coaching Qualifications

 

 

Q.4 to Q.5

 

P.4 to P.5

 

 

 

Caretaker Managers

 

 

Q.6

 

P.6

 

 

 

Contracts of Employment and Registration

 

 

Q.7

 

P.7

 

 

 

Contents of Contracts of Employment

 

 

Q.8

 

P.8

 

 

 

Procedure for Registration

 

 

Q.9 to Q.11

 

P.9 to P.11

 

 

 

Cancellation of Registration

 

 

Q.12 to Q.14

 

P.12 to P.14

 

 

 

Pre-Season Meeting

 

 

Q.15 to Q.16

 

P.15 to P.16

 

 

 

Broadcasters

 

 

Q.17

 

P.17

 

 

 

Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal

 

 

Q.18 to Q.38

 

Y.1 to Y.21

 

 

 

Assistant Manager / Head Coach

 

 

Q.39

 

P.19

 

204



 

SECTION R — DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Power of Inquiry

 

 

R.1 to R.2

 

W.1 to W.2

 

 

 

Board’s Disciplinary Powers

 

 

R.3

 

W.3

 

 

 

Fixed Penalty Procedure

 

 

R.4 to R.6

 

W.4 to W.6

 

 

 

Summary Jurisdiction

 

 

R.7 to R.11

 

W.7 to W.11

 

 

 

Provision of Information

 

 

R.12 to R.13

 

W.12 to W.13

 

 

 

The Panel

 

 

R.14 to R.16

 

W.14 to W.16

 

 

 

Appointment a Commission

 

 

R.17

 

W.21

 

 

 

Commission Procedures

 

 

R.18 to R.46

 

W.22 to W.50

 

 

 

Commission’s Powers

 

 

R.47 to R.54

 

W.51 to W.58

 

 

 

Appeals

 

 

R.55 to R.70

 

W.59 to W.74

 

 

 

Appeal Board’s Powers

 

 

R.71 to R.72

 

W.75 to W.76

 

 

 

Admissibility of Evidence

 

 

R.73

 

W.77

 

 

 

Legal Representation

 

 

R.74

 

W.78

 

 

 

Publication and Privilege

 

 

R.75

 

W.79

 

 

 

SECTION S — ARBITRATION

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Definitions

 

 

S.1

 

X.1

 

 

 

Agreement to Arbitrate

 

 

S.2 to S.5

 

X.2 to X.5

 

205



 

Standing

 

 

S.6

 

X.6

 

 

 

Disputes between Clubs and Players

 

 

S.7

 

X.7

 

 

 

Commencement of the Arbitration

 

 

S.8 to S.9

 

X.8 to X.9

 

 

 

Appointing the Arbitrators

 

 

S.10 to S.15

 

X.10 to X.15

 

 

 

Appointment a Single Arbitrator

 

 

S.16

 

X.16

 

 

 

Replacing an Arbitrator

 

 

S.17

 

X.17

 

 

 

Communications

 

 

S.18 to S.20

 

X.18 to X.20

 

 

 

Directions

 

 

S.21

 

X.21

 

 

 

Tribunal’s General Powers

 

 

S.22

 

X.22

 

 

 

Duty of the Parties

 

 

S.23

 

X.23

 

 

 

Default of the Parties

 

 

S.24

 

X.24

 

 

 

The Hearing

 

 

S.25 to S.27

 

X.25 to X.27

 

 

 

Remedies

 

 

S.28

 

X.28

 

 

 

Majority Decision

 

 

S.29

 

X.29

 

 

 

Provisional Awards

 

 

S.30

 

X.30

 

 

 

The Award

 

 

S.31 to S.33

 

X.31 to X.33

 

 

 

Costs

 

 

S.34 to S.38

 

X.34 to X.38

 

 

 

Challenging the Award

 

 

S.39

 

X.39

 

 

 

Representation

 

 

S.40 to S.41

 

X.40 to X.41

 

206



 

Waiver

 

 

S.42

 

X.42

 

 

 

SECTION T — PREMIER LEAGUE APPEALS COMMITTEE

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Jurisdiction

 

 

T.1

 

Z.1

 

 

 

Composition of the Committee

 

 

T.2 to T.5

 

Z.2 to Z.5

 

 

 

Committee Procedures

 

 

T.6 to T.22

 

Z.6 to Z.22

 

 

 

Fees and Expenses

 

 

T.23

 

Z.23

 

 

 

Committee’s Powers

 

 

T.24

 

Z.24

 

 

 

SECTION U — CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Criminal Records Bureau

 

 

U.1 to U.3

 

S.28 to S.29

 

 

 

Lead Disclosure Officer and Countersignatories

 

 

U.4 to U.10

 

S.30 to S.36

 

 

 

Monitoring

 

 

U.11 to U.13

 

S.37 to S.39

 

 

 

SECTION V — MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

 

 

Old Rule

 

New Rule

Football Association Council

 

 

V.1 to V.3

 

B.19 to B.21

 

 

 

Definitions

 

 

V.4

 

A.1.27

 

 

 

Associations between Clubs

 

 

V.5

 

I.1

 

 

 

Club Officials

 

 

V.6 to V.7

 

I.2 to I.3

 

 

 

Dual Interest

 

 

V.8 to V.10

 

I.4 to I.6

V11 to V.20

 

G.1 to G.10

 

 

 

Club Contracts

 

 

V.21

 

I.7

 

207



 

Employee’s Contracts

 

 

V.22

 

J.3

 

 

 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

 

 

V.23

 

J.4

 

 

 

Football Foundation Advertising Editorial

 

 

V.24

 

J.8

 

 

 

Betting

 

 

V.25 to V.26

 

J.5 to J.6

 

208


 

 

PREMIER LEAGUE FORMS

 



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 1

 

LIST OF AUTHORISED SIGNATORIES OF                                               FOOTBALL CLUB

(Rule A.1.13)

 

To:                             The Secretary

The Premier League

 

The following Officials of the Club are Authorised Signatories:

 

 

Print Name

 

Position

 

Signature

 

Limit of Authority (if any)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

210



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 2

 

NOTIFICATION  OF CLUB BANK ACCOUNT (Rule E.2)

 

To:          The Secretary

The Premier League

 

We confirm on behalf of the board of                                          Football Club that the following bank account is the Club’s bank account for the purposes of Rule E.2:

 

Name of Bank

 

 

 

Name of account holder

 

 

 

Title of account

 

 

 

Sort code

 

 

 

Account number

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by a Director of the Club

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by a Director of the Club

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

211



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 3

 

APPEAL UNDER RULE E.36

 

To:

The Secretary

Date:

 

The Premier League

 

 

 

We, [insert name of Club]                                                        the “Club”) hereby appeal against the deduction of 9 points notified to us by the Board on [date]                                              on the ground that the event of insolvency was caused by and resulted directly from circumstances, other than normal business risks, over which the Club could not reasonably be expected to have had control and its Officials had used all due diligence to avoid the happening of that event.

 

 

 

Brief details of the circumstances that led to the event of insolvency are set out on the attached sheet(s).

 

 

 

A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

212



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 4

 

OWNERS’ AND DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION (Rules A.1.44, F.2 and F.3)

 

To:          The Secretary

The Premier League

 

I, (full name)                                                                                                                                                                   of (address)                                                                                                                                          (postcode)                       hereby declare that:

 

1.              I am/propose to become* a Director of                                                  Football Club;

2.              I am/am not* a person having Control over the Club;

3.              I am/am not* either directly or indirectly involved in or have power to determine or influence the management or administration of another Club or Football League club;

4.              I hold/do not hold* either directly or indirectly a Significant Interest in a Club while either directly or indirectly holding an interest in any class of Shares of another Club;

5.              I am/am not* prohibited by law from being a Director;

6.              I have/have not* been convicted of an offence set out in Premier League Rule F.1.4;

7.              I have/have not* made an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or been the subject of an Interim Bankruptcy Order, a Bankruptcy Restriction Order or a Bankruptcy Order;

8.              I have/have not*been a Director of a Club or club which, while I have been a Director of it, suffered 2 or more unconnected Events of Insolvency;

9.              I have/have not*been a Director of 2 or more Clubs or clubs each of which, while I have been a Director of them, has suffered an Event of Insolvency;

10.       I am/am not* subject to a suspension or ban from involvement in the administration of a sport as set out in Rule F.1.8;

11.       I am/am not* subject to any form of suspension, disqualification or striking-off by a professional body as set out in Rule F.1.9;

12.       I am/am not* required to notify personal information pursuant to Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003;

13.       I have/have not*been found to have breached any of the rules set out in Rule F.1.11;

14.       this Declaration is true in every particular.

 

I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to the Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing the above personal data and sensitive data for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.

 

I understand that the words “Bankruptcy Order”, “Bankruptcy Restriction Order”, “Club”, “club”, “Control”, “Declaration”, “Director”, “Event of Insolvency”, “Holding”, “Individual Voluntary Arrangement”, “Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order”, “Shares” and “Significant Interest” (together with any other defined terms comprising any part of these definitions) have the meanings set out in the Rules of the Premier League.

 

 

Signed by the Director

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by an Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* delete  as appropriate

 

213



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 5

 

DUAL  INTEREST NOTICE (Rules G.1 and G.2)

 

To:

The Secretary

Date:

 

The Premier League

 

 

Pursuant to Rule V.11 we hereby  give notice that a Person

 

*holds

*has acquired

*has ceased to hold

 

a Significant Interest in                                                                                        Football Club.

 

The particulars required by Rule V.12 are as follows:

 

1.              The Person holding/acquiring/ceasing to hold* a Significant Interest in the Club is

 

(name)

of (address)

 

2.              The details of the Significant Interest are as follows

 

 

 

3.              The proportion (expressed in percentage terms) which the Shares bear to the total number of Shares of that class in issue is                           %

 

4.              The proportion (expressed in percentage terms) which the Shares bear to the total number of issued Shares of the Club is                             %

 

 

This notice is given on the basis that the words “Club” “Holding” “Person” “Shares” “Significant Interest” (together with any other defined terms comprising any part of the definitions set out therein) have the meanings set out in the Rules of the Premier League.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 


* delete  as appropriate

 

214



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 6

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (Rules A.1.115 and H.4)

 

To:                              The Football Association Premier League Limited (“the League”)

 

In accordance with the requirements of Section H of the Rules of the League, we, the Directors of                               Football Club Limited (“the Club”), hereby report in respect of the Club’s accounting period of               months ended on                  20     (“the Period of Review”) that [with the exception(s) noted below]:

 

(1)          the Club has operated internal financial control policies and procedures which are designed to meet the Objectives set out in Rule H.9 of the Rules of the League (“the Objectives”);

 

(2)          the Objectives have been achieved;

 

(3)          all Material Transactions complied with the Objectives and the Rules of the League.

 

[The exception(s) referred to above is/are as follows                       ]

 

[Signature of each Director and date of signing]

 

215



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 7

 

AUDITORS’ REPORT (Rules A.1.12 and H.10)

 

Report of [firm] to the XYZ Football Club Limited (“the Club”)

 

Further to the requirements of Section H of the Rules of the Premier League (“the Rules”), we have been engaged by the Club, under the terms of our engagement letter dated                      to provide to the Club the following accountant’s report. The following terms used in this report are defined by the Rules : “Material Transactions”, “Player”, “Agent”, “Third Party Payment”, “Compensation Fee”, and “Objectives”. We have examined the enclosed report of the directors of the Club (“the Report”) and the record of Material Transactions (“the Record”) for the accounting period of                           months ended on                                             .

 

Respective responsibilities of the directors and [firm]

 

The directors of the Club are responsible for designing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control to meet the requirements of the Rules. Both the Report and the Record have been prepared by or on behalf of the directors of the Club and are their sole responsibility. It is our responsibility to form an independent opinion, based on our work, of that Report and Record and to report our opinion to you.

 

Basis of opinion

 

Our work consisted primarily of the following procedures:

 

·                  inspection of a sample of Players’ contracts in relation to which Material Transactions are detailed in the Record;

·                  testing of a sample of Material Transactions undertaken by the Club with Agents and Third Party Payments;

·                  review of the Club’s written transfer policy and Compensation Fees paid pursuant thereto;

·                  enquiry of the directors about the Club’s internal financial control policies and procedures.

 

There are no practicable procedures that would enable us to identify any Material Transaction not shown in the Record or the accounting records of the Club or which is not otherwise brought to our attention. We have, however, obtained written representations from the directors of the Club that the Report and the Record are complete and accurate.

 

Our work was directed to those matters which in our view materially affect the Report and the Record, and was not directed to the discovery of errors or misstatements which we consider to be immaterial.

 

Opinion

 

In our opinion:

 

(a)          the Club’s internal financial control policies and procedures are suitably designed to meet the Objectives;

(b)         the said policies and procedures were applied during the said accounting period to Material Transactions shown in the Record and examined by us to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the Objectives were achieved in respect thereof.

 

In the course of the above work and our audit of the statutory accounts of the Club for the said accounting period, nothing came to our attention to suggest that the enclosed Report is not consistent with our knowledge thus derived.

 

This report is provided  on the basis that it is for your information only and that, except as required by the Rules, it will not be copied or disclosed to any third party or otherwise quoted or referred to, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent.

 

216



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 8

 

REGISTRATION OF PITCH DIMENSIONS BY

FOOTBALL CLUB (Rule K.24)

 

To:                            The Secretary

The Premier League

 

The dimensions of our pitch at [address of ground]                                                               

for Season 20     /20       are as follows:

 

Length:

 

yards

(

metres)

Width:

 

yards

(

metres)

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

217



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 9

 

TEAM SHEET OF                                                                                    FOOTBALL CLUB (Rule L.23)

 

Date

 

 

Kick-off time

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opponents

 

 F.C.

Referee

 

 

 

 

SHIRT NO.

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

TEAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHIRT NO.

 

NAME

 

REPLACED

 

TIME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSTITUTES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

JOB TITLE

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICIALS OCCUPYING THE TRAINER’S BENCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper’s

 

Goalkeeper’s

 

 

Shirts

 

Shorts

 

Stockings

 

Shirt

 

Stockings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLOUR OF STRIP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

218


 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 10

 

NOTIFICATION OF LEAGUE MATCH RESULT (Rule L.41)

SEASON 20      - 20

 

Date of Match

 

 

 

 

Home Club

 

 F.C.

 

Visiting Club

 

 F.C.

Result: Home Club

 

 goals

 

Visiting Club

 

 goals

Signed

 

 

Secretary of

 

 F.C.

 

TEAM

[Please complete in block letters]

 

Surname

 

Initials

 

Goalscorers*

Goalkeeper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominated Substitutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

was substitute for

was substitute for

was substitute for

 


* indicate time goal(s) scored and where goal(s) resulted from a penalty kick

 

219



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 11

 

GATE STATEMENT (Rule L.42)

 

Date of Match

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Club

 

 F.C.

 

Visiting Club

 

 F.C.

 

 

 

Home

 

Visiting

 

 

TICKETS ISSUED AND ATTENDANCE

 

Club

 

Club

 

TOTAL

Home — Adults

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home — Junior Concession

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home — Senior Concession

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home — Total Concessions

 

0

 

 

 

 

Home — Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Season tickets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complimentary — Season tickets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complimentary — Match day

 

 

 

 

 

 

Away tickets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total No. of tickets issued

 

0

 

0

 

0

No. of spectators attending*

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECEIPTS**

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value of ticket sales £

 

 

 

 

 

£

0

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


*

including hospitality

**

net of VAT

 

220



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 12

 

NOTIFICATION OF SHIRT NUMBERS ALLOCATED

BY                                                           FOOTBALL CLUB (Rule M.6)

 

To:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

The shirt numbers allocated to members of our First Team squad in Season 20       /20       are as follows:

 

Shirt No.

 

Name

1

 

 

2

 

 

3

 

 

4

 

 

5

 

 

6

 

 

7

 

 

8

 

 

9

 

 

10

 

 

11

 

 

12

 

 

13

 

 

14

 

 

15

 

 

16

 

 

17

 

 

18

 

 

19

 

 

20

 

 

21

 

 

22

 

 

23

 

 

24

 

 

25

 

 

26

 

 

27

 

 

28

 

 

29

 

 

30

 

 

31

 

 

32

 

 

33

 

 

34

 

 

35

 

 

36

 

 

37

 

 

38

 

 

39

 

 

40

 

 

41

 

 

42

 

 

43

 

 

44

 

 

45

 

 

46

 

 

 

I undertake to give your prompt notice of any deletions from or additions to the above list occurring during the Season.

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

221



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 13

 

REGISTRATION OF STRIPS

BY                                                                    FOOTBALL CLUB (Rule M.17)

 

To:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

I submit herewith samples or our home Strip, alternative Strip(s) and goalkeeper’s Strip for Season 20     /20     A brief description of each is as follows:

 

Home Strip

 

 

 

Shirts

:

 

 

 

 

Shorts

:

 

 

 

 

Stockings

:

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper

:

 

 

 

Alternative Strip 1

 

 

Shirts

:

 

 

 

 

Shorts

:

 

 

 

 

Stockings

:

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper

:

 

 

 

Alternative Strip 2*

 

 

Shirts

:

 

 

 

 

Shorts

:

 

 

 

 

Stockings

:

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper

:

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* delete if inapplicable

 

222



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 14

 

NOTIFICATION BY VISITING CLUB TO HOME CLUB OF STRIP (Rule M.24)

 

To:

[Name and address of Home Club]

 

 

 

 

 

Please take notice that at our League Match against you on [date of match]                       , our team will wear the following Strip:

 

Outfield Players

 

Shirts

:

 

 

 

 

Shorts

:

 

 

 

 

Stockings

:

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper

 

 

 

 

Shirts

:

 

 

 

 

Shorts

:

 

 

 

 

Stockings

:

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

223



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 15

 

APPOINTMENT OF MATCH OFFICIALS (Rule N.3)

 

To:

[Name and address of Match Official]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are hereby appointed to officiate as Referee/Assistant Referee/Reserve Official/Fourth Official* at the following League Matches:

 

Date

 

Home Club

 

Visiting Club

 

Venue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Home Club will in each case give you notice of the kick-off time.

Please acknowledge receipt of this appointment to me forthwith.

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Secretary

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* delete as appropriate

 

224



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 16

 

SCOUT REGISTRATION FORM (Rule Q.3)

 

Scout’s Particulars

 

 

Surname

 

 

Other name(s)

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post Code

 

Date of birth

 

 

 

 

Application to Register

 

We hereby apply for the above-named to be registered as a Scout whose registration is held by                                              Football Club.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Endorsement by Scout

 

I hereby consent to the above application. I certify that the above particulars are correct. I agree to be bound by the Rules of the Premier League.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Secretary’s Certificate

 

I hereby certify that I have this day registered [name of Scout]                                                                                        

as a Scout registered with                                                                 Football Club.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Secretary, the Premier League

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

225



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 17

 

CANCELLATION OF SCOUT REGISTRATION (Rule Q.6)

 

To:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

We,                                                                             Football Club, hereby give notice that on [date                                            we ceased to employ or engage [name of Scout]                                                                                                   and we hereby apply for his registration to be cancelled.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Secretary’s Certificate

 

I hereby certify that I have this day cancelled the registration of [name of Scout]                                                                                                            with                               Football Club and removed his name from the register of Scouts.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Secretary, the Premier League

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

226



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 18

 

CHILDREN’S OFFICER NOTIFICATION (Rule S.12)

 

To:

The Secretary

From:

Football Club

 

The Premier League

 

 

 

The following member of Staff has been designated as Children’s Services’ Officer:

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

227


 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 19

 

STAFF REGISTER (CHILDREN) (Rule S.14.7)

 

Name of Club

 

 

Staff Particulars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

Rule S.36.4

 

Date

 

Date

Name

 

Address

 

Held

 

Clearance

 

Started

 

Left

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

228



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 20

 

VULNERABLE ADULTS’ SERVICES’ OFFICER (Rule S.17)

 

To:

The Secretary

From:

Football Club

 

The Premier League

 

 

The following member of Staff has been designated as Vulnerable Adults’ Services’ Officer:

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

229



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 21

 

STAFF REGISTER — VULNERABLE ADULTS (Rule S.18.5)

 

Name of Club

 

 

Staff Particulars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

Rule S.36.4

 

Date

 

Date

Name

 

Address

 

Held

 

Clearance

 

Started

 

Left

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

230



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 22

 

PARENTS’ CONSENT FORM (Rule S.23)

 

PART 1 to be completed by the Club

 

 

Club name

 

Football Club

Description of activity

 

Date(s)

 

Time(s)

 

Place(s)

 

 

PART 2 to be completed by the Parent(s)

I/We [full name(s)]

 

 

of [address]

 

 

 

[post code]

 

the Parent(s) of [child’s full name]                                                                                                                     hereby consent to him/her taking part in the activity described above and consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing any and all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” relating to the aforementioned child contained within this Form 22 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football. I/We agree to bring him/her to and collect him/her from the activity. He/she understands that it is important, for safety reasons, to obey any instructions given by the staff in charge of the activity.

 

I/We agree to [child’s first name]                                                                  having emergency dental, medical or surgical treatment (including anaesthetic and blood transfusion) as considered necessary by the medical authorities present. Set out below are the further particulars requested.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

20

 

 

Child’s Particulars

Date of birth

 

NHS number

 

Name, address and telephone number of doctor

 

 

 

Date of last tetanus injection

 

Details of any medical treatment he/she is receiving

 

Details of any medicine he/she is taking

 

Details of any diet requirements or other special needs

 

 

 

My/our Particulars

Work address(es)

 

Work telephone number(s)

 

Home telephone number/Mobile(s)

 

Alternative contact person [name]

 

[address]

 

 

 

 

[telephone number(s)]

 

 

231



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

 

Form 23

 

NOTIFICATION OF REFERRAL (Rule S.25)

 

To:

The Head of Safeguarding, The Premier League

And to:

The Head of Education and Child Protection, The Football Association

 

We,                                           Football Club, hereby notify you that a referral has been made to the police or to Social Services in respect of a Child involved in an Activity. Particulars are as follows:

 

The Child

Full name

 

Address

 

 

Post Code

 

Date of birth

 

 

The Activity

Nature of the Activity

 

Date

 

Time

 

Place

 

 

The allegation or incident referred

 

 

 

 

 

The police

Date and time of referral

 

Police force

 

Address

 

Telephone

 

Name and rank of officer

 

Summary of advice received

 

 

 

 

Social Services

Date and time of referral

 

Local authority name

 

Address

 

Telephone

 

Name and designation of officer

 

Summary of advice received

 

 

 

 

ISA and/or County Safeguarding Lead

Date and time of referral

 

Local authority name

 

Address

 

Telephone

 

Name and designation of officer

 

Summary of advice received

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

232



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 24

 

LEAD DISCLOSURE OFFICER NOTIFICATION (Rule S.33.1)

 

To:

The Secretary

From:

 

Football Club

 

The Premier League

 

The following member of Staff has been designated as Lead Disclosure Officer:

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

233


 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 25

 

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CONTRACT

 

AN AGREEMENT made the

 

day of

 

20

 

 

Between

(name)

 

 

of

 

 

 

 

 

(address)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

acting pursuant to Resolution and Authority for and on behalf of the                                                                                            Football Club (hereinafter referred to as “the Club”)

 

(Company Registration No

                                              

)

 

 

 

of the one part and

(name)

 

 

of

 

(address)

 

 

 

Football Player (hereinafter referred to as (“the Player”) of the other part.

 

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:

 

1.     This Agreement shall remain in force until the 30th day of June 20         unless it shall have previously been terminated by substitution of a revised agreement of as hereinafter provided.

 

2.     The Player agrees to play to the best of his ability in all football matches in which he is selected to play for the Club and to attend at any reasonable place for the purpose of training in accordance with instructions given by any duly authorised official of the Club.

 

3.     The Player agrees to attend all matches in which the Club is engaged when directed by any duly authorised official of the Club.

 

4.     The Player shall play football solely for the Club or as authorised by the Club or as required under the Rules of The Football Association and either the Rules of The FA Premier League or the Regulations of The Football League* dependent on the League in which the Club is in membership. The Player undertakes to adhere to the Laws of the Game of Association Football in all matches in which he participates.

 

5.     The Player agreed to observe the Rules of the Club at all times. The Club and the Player shall observe and be subject to the Rules of The Football Association and either the Rules of The FA Premier League or the Regulations of The Football League* as appropriate. In the case of conflict such Rules and Regulations shall take precedence over this Agreement and over the Rules of the Club.

 

234



 

6.     The Club undertakes to provide the Payer at the earliest opportunity with copies of all relevant Football Association Rules and FA Premier League Rules or Football League* Regulations as appropriate, the Club Rules for players and any relevant insurance policy applicable to the Player and to provide him with any subsequent amendments to all the above.

 

7.     (a)   The Player shall not without the written consent of the Club participate professionally in any other sporting or athletic activity. The Player shall at all times have due regard for the necessity of his maintaining a high standard of physical fitness and agrees not to indulge in any sport, activity or practice that might endanger such fitness. The Player shall not infringe any provision in this regard in any policy of insurance taken out for his benefit or for the benefit of the Club.

 

(b)   The Player agrees to make himself available for community and public relations involvement as requested by the Club management, at reasonable times during the period of the contract (e.g. 2/3 hours per week).

 

8.     Any incapacity or sickness shall be reported by the Player to the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of any incapacity. The Player shall submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as the Club may reasonably require and shall undergo, at no expense to himself, such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisers of the Club in order to restore the Player to fitness. The Club shall arrange promptly such prescribed and shall ensure that such treatment is undertaken and completed without expense to the Player notwithstanding that this Agreement expires after such treatment has been prescribed.

 

9.     Subject to the provisions of Clause 10, in the event that the Player shall become incapacitated by reason of sickness or injury the Club shall, unless provision for the continuation of bonus payments be set out in the Schedule to this Agreement during the period of incapacity, pay to the Player for the first twenty-eight weeks of incapacity his basic wage as specified in the Schedule plus a sum equivalent to the amount of sickness benefit which the Club as able to recoup. After twenty-eight weeks of incapacity the Club shall, unless provision for the continuation of bonus payments be set out in the Schedule to this Agreement, pay to the Player his basic wage as specified in the Schedule without reduction for any state sickness or injury benefit that he may receive. The provisions of this Clause apply only to the playing Season. The Player agrees to notify the Club of any sickness benefit received after the end of the playing Season in order for the Club to deduct the amount from the Player’s gross wage.

 

10.  In the event that the Player shall suffer permanent incapacity the club shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Player terminating the Agreement. The Player’s minimum entitlement shall be to receive 6 month’s notice where the Agreement has not more than 3 years to run with an extra month’s notice for each year or part year in excess of the said 3 years, provided that the parties shall be able to negotiate a longer period of notice if they so wish.

 

The notice may be served at any time after:

 

(a)   the date on which the Player has declared permanently totally disabled in a case where the Player suffers incapacity within the terms of the Football League and/or FA Premier League Personal Accident Insurance Scheme; or

 

235



 

(b)   in any other case, the date on which the incapacity is established by independent medical examination.

 

Where the player is declared permanently totally disabled under the terms of The Football League an/or FA Premier League Personal Accident Insurance Scheme he will be entitled to receive a lump sum disability benefit in accordance with the terms of the relevant policy.

 

11.  (a)   The Player shall not reside at any place which the Club deems unsuitable for the performance of his duties under this Agreement.

 

(b)   The Player shall not without the previous consent of the Club be engaged either directly or indirectly in any trade, business or occupation other than his employment hereunder.

 

12.  The Player shall be given every opportunity compatible with his obligations under this Agreement to follow courses of further education or vocational training if he so desires. The Club agrees to give the Footballers’ Further Education and Vocational Training Society particulars of any such courses undertaken by the Player.

 

13.  The Player shall permit the Club to photograph him as a member of the squad of players and staff of the Club provided that such photographs are for use only as the official photographs of the Club. The Player may, save as otherwise mutually agreed and subject to the overriding obligation contained in the Rules of The Football Association not to bring the game of Association Football into disrepute, contribute to the public media in a responsible manner. The Player shall, whenever circumstances permit, give to the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make such contributions to the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him on behalf of the Club if it so desires.

 

14.  (a)   The Player shall not induce to attempt to induce any other Player employed by or registered by the Club, or by any other Club, to leave that employment or cease to be so registered for any reason whatsoever.

 

(b)   The Club and the Player shall arrange all contracts of service and transfers of registration to any other Football Club between themselves and shall make no payment to any other person or agent in this respect.

 

15.  No payment shall be made or received by either the Player or the Club to or from any person or organisation whatsoever as an inducement to win, lose or draw a match except for such payments to be made by the Club to the Player as are specifically provided for in the Schedule to this Agreement.

 

16.  If the Player shall be guilty of serious or persistent misconduct or serious or persistent breach of the Rules of the Club or of the terms and conditions of this Agreement the Club may on giving fourteen days’ written notice to the Player terminate this Agreement in accordance with the Rules of The Football Association and either the Rules of The FA Premier League or the Regulations of The Football League* as appropriate and the Club shall notify the Player in writing of the full reasons for the action taken. Such action shall be subject to the Player’s right of appeal (exercisable within seven days of the receipt by the Player of such notice and notification of reasons from the Club) as follows:

 

(a)   he may appeal to the Board of either The FA Premier League or The Football League, dependent on the League in which the Club is in membership, who shall hear the appeal within fourteen days of receipt of the notice of appeal;

 

236



 

(b)   either the Club or the Player may appeal against the decision of the Board to The Football League* Appeals Committee and such further appeal shall be made within seven days of the receipt of the Board’s decision and shall be heard within fourteen days of receipt of the notice of the further appeal.

 

Any such termination shall be subject to the rights of the parties provided for in the Rules of the FA Premier League or the Regulations of The Football League* as appropriate. The Club may at its discretion waive its rights under this Clause and take action under the provisions of Clause 18.

 

17.  If the Club is guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement the Player may on giving fourteen days’ written notice to the Club terminate this Agreement. The Player shall forward a copy of such notice to The Football Association and either The FA Premier League or The Football League* dependent on the League in which the Club is in membership. The Club shall have a right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(a) mutatis mutandis (exercisable within seven days of the receipts by the Club of such notice from the Player) and the Club or the Player as the case may be shall have a further right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(b).

 

18.  If the Player is guilty of misconduct or a breach of an of the training or disciplinary rules or lawful instructions of the Club or any of the provisions of this Agreement the Club may either impose a fine not exceeding two weeks’ basic wages or order the Player not to attend at the Club for a period not exceeding fourteen days. The Club shall inform the Player in writing of the action taken and the full reasons for it and this information shall be recorded in a register held at the Club. The Player shall have a right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(a) (exercisable within seven days of the receipt by the Player of such written notification from the Club) and the Club or the Player as the case may be shall have a further right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(b) of this Agreement. Any penalty imposed by the Club upon the Player shall not become operative until the appeals procedures have been exhausted.

 

19.  In the event of any grievance in connection with his employment under this Agreement the following procedures shall be available to the Player in the order set out:

 

(a)   the grievance shall be brought informally to the notice of the Manager of the Club in the first instance;

 

(b)   formal notice of the grievance may be given in writing to the Manager of the Club;

 

(c)   if the grievance is not settled to the Player’s satisfaction within fourteen days thereafter formal notice of the grievance may be given in writing to the Secretary of the Club so that this may be considered by the Board of Directors or Committee of the Club or by any duly authorised committee or sub-committee thereof. The matter shall thereupon be dealt with by the Board or Committee at its next convenient meeting and in any event within four weeks of receipt of the notice;

 

(d)   if the grievance is not settled by the Club to the Player’s satisfaction the Player shall have a right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(a) (exercisable within seven days of the Club notifying the Player of the decision of the Board or Committee) and the Club or the Player as the case may be shall have a further right of appeal as set out in Clause 16(b) of this Agreement.

 

20.  The Player may if he so desires be represented at any personal hearing of an appeal under this Agreement by an official or member of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

 

237



 

21.  Upon the execution of this Agreement the Club shall effect the Registration of the Player with The Football Association and The FA Premier League or The Football League* as appropriate in accordance with their Rules and Regulations. Such Registration may be transferred by mutual consent of the Club and the Player during the currency of this Agreement and this Agreement will be deemed to be terminated (but not so as to affect accrued rights) on the Registration by The Football Association and by The FA Premier League or The Football League* as appropriate of such transfer.

 

22.  The Rules and Regulations of The FA Premier League and The Football League* as to the reengagement and transfer of a registration shall apply to the Club and Player both during the currency and after the expiration of this Agreement.

 

23.  The remuneration of the Player shall be set out in a Schedule attached to this Agreement and signed by the parties. The Schedule shall include all remuneration to which the Player is or may be entitled. In the event of any dispute the remuneration set out in the Schedule shall be conclusively deemed to be the full entitlement of the Player.

 

24.  The Player shall be entitled to a minimum of four weeks’ paid holiday per year, such holiday to be taken at a time which the Club shall determine. The Player shall not participate in professional football during his holiday.

 

25.  Reference herein to Rules, Regulations or By-laws of The Football Association; The FA Premier League, The Football League*, the Club and any other body shall be treated as a reference to those Rules, Regulations and By-laws as from time to time amended.

 

26.  If by the expiry of this Contract the Club has not made the Player an offer of re-engagement or the Player has been granted a Free Transfer under the provisions of The FA Premier League Rules or The Football League* Regulations then he shall continue to receive from his Club as severance payment his weekly basic wage for a period of one month from the expiry date of this Contract or until he signs for another Club whichever period is the shorter provided that where the Player signs for a Club within the month at a reduced basic wage then his old Club shall make up the shortfall in basic wage for the remainder of the month.

 

27.  The terms and conditions of this Contract shall continue to apply in the event of the Club losing Football League status to join The Football Conference except that the references to “Football League” in Clauses 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 21, 25 and 26 shall be deemed to read “The Football Conference” and in Clause 22 the words “The Regulations of The Football League” shall be altered to read “The Rules of the Football Association”.

 

28.  All previous agreements between the Club and Player are hereby cancelled.

 

238



 

SCHEDULE

 

(a)       The Player’s employment with the Club began on the                 day of                       20                          

 

(b)      No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Player’s continuous period of employment hereunder.

 

(c)       The Player shall become or continue to be and during the continuance of his employment hereunder shall remain a member of the Football League Players’ Benefit Scheme (and a member of the Pension Scheme) and as such (in the latter case shall be liable to make such contribution and in each case) shall be entitled to such benefits and subject to such conditions as are set out in the definitive Trust Deed or Rules of the Scheme.

 

(d)      A contracting out certificate is not in force in respect of the Player’s employment under this Agreement.

 

(e)       Basic Wage.

 

£                    per week from                                           to                                          

£                    per week from                                           to                                          

£                    per week from                                           to                                          

£                    per week from                                           to                                          

£                    per week from                                           to                                          

 

(f)       Any other provisions:

 

Signed by the said

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Player)

 

 

 

 

in the presence of

 

 

 

(Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Club Signatory)

(Occupation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Position)

 

239


 

Form 26

 

No.

FA Copy

 

League Copy

 

Club Copy

 

Player Copy

 

PREMIER LEAGUE CONTRACT

 

Player’s surname

 

 

 

Player’s forename(s)

 

 

 

Present Postal Address

 

 

 

Date of Birth

 

 

 

Place of Birth*

 

 

 

Nationality

 

 

 

National Insurance Number

 

 

 

Club for which Player last played or registered

 

 


*The Player’s birth certificate must be provided to the League in the case of his first registration.

 

AN AGREEMENT made the (day)                        day of (month and year)                           Between                        Football Club/Company Limited/Plc whose registered office is at (address)                                                                   

 

(hereinafter referred to as “the Club”) of the one part and the above-named Player (hereinafter referred to as “the Player”) of the other part.

 

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:

 

1.                                      Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1                                 The words and phrases below shall have the following meaning.

 

“Agent” shall mean any person who represents negotiates on behalf of or otherwise acts for the Club or the Player (other than a solicitor giving professional legal advice only) in the context of either the registration or transfer of the registration of the Player or the employment and/or the terms of employment of the Player by the Club.

 

“Associated Company” shall mean any company which is a holding company or subsidiary (each as defined in Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985) of the Club or of any holding company of the Club.

 

“the Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Club for the time being or any duly authorised committee of such board of directors.

 

“Club Context” shall mean in relation to any representation of the Player and/or the Player’s Image a representation in connection or combination with the name colours Strip trade marks logos or other identifying characteristics of the Club (including trade marks and logos

 

240



 

relating to the Club and its activities which trade marks and logos are registered in the name of and/or exploited by any Associated Company) or in any manner referring to or taking advantage of any of the same.

 

“Club Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations affecting the Player from time to time in force and published by the Club.

 

“Code of Practice” shall mean the Code of Practice from time to time in force and produced jointly by the Football Association Premier League Limited and the PFA in conjunction with the FA.

 

“the FA Rules” shall mean the rules and regulations from time to time in force of the FA and including those of FIFA and UEFA to the extent they relate or apply to the Player or the Club.

 

“the FA” shall mean the Football Association Limited.

 

“FIFA” shall mean the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

 

“Gross Misconduct” shall mean serious or persistent conduct behaviour activity or omission by the Player involving one or more of the following:

 

(a)                    theft or fraud;

(b)                   deliberate and serious damage to the Club’s property;

(c)                    use or possession of or trafficking in a Prohibited Substance;

(d)                   incapacity through alcohol affecting the Player’s performance as a player;

(e)                    breach of or failure to comply with of any of the terms of this contract;

 

or such other similar or equivalent serious or persistent conduct behaviour activity or omission by the Player which the Board reasonably considers to amount to gross misconduct.

 

“Holiday Year” shall mean a period of twelve months from 1st July in one year to 30th June in the next year.

 

“Internet” shall mean the global network of computer systems using TCP/IP protocols including (without limitation) the World Wide Web.

 

“the Laws of the Game” shall mean the laws from time to time in force governing the game of association football as laid down by the International Football Association Board (as defined in the statutes of FIFA).

 

“the League” shall mean the football league of which the Club is a member from time to time.

 

“the League Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations from time to time in force of the League.

 

“Manager” shall mean the official of the Club responsible for selecting the Club’s first team.

 

“Media” shall mean any and all media whether now existing or hereafter invented including but not limited to any print and/or paper medium broadcast satellite or cable transmission and any visual and/or audio medium and including but not limited to the Internet any television or radio channel

 

241



 

Website webcast and/or any transmission made by any mobile or mobile telephony standard or technology or other media or broadcasting service.

 

“PFA” shall mean the Professional Footballers Association.

 

“Permanent Incapacity” shall mean either (a) “Permanent Total Disablement” as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance scheme or (b) incapacity of the Player by reason of or resulting from any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) where in the written opinion of an appropriately qualified medical consultant instructed by the Club (“the Initial Opinion”) and (if requested in writing either by the Club at any time or by the Player at any time but not later than twenty one days after receipt from the Club of notice in writing terminating this contract pursuant to clause 8.1) of a further such consultant approved or proposed by the Player (and in the absence of either an approval or proposal within 28 days of the request nominated on the application of either party by the President (“the President”) for the time being of the Royal College of Surgeons) (“the Further Opinion”) the Player will be unlikely by reason of such incapacity to play football to the same standard at which the Player would have played if not for such incapacity for a consecutive period of not less than twenty months commencing on the date of commencement of the incapacity PROVIDED that if the Initial Opinion and the Further Opinion disagree with one another then if the Further Opinion was given by a consultant nominated by the President it shall prevail but if not then a third opinion (“the Third Opinion”) from a consultant nominated by the President may be obtained on the application of either party and that opinion shall be final and binding for the purposes of this definition.

 

“Player’s Image” shall mean the Player’s name nickname fame image signature voice and film and photographic portrayal virtual and/or electronic representation reputation replica and all other characteristics of the Player including his shirt number.

 

“Player Injury” shall mean any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) other than any injury or illness which is directly caused by or results directly from a breach by the Player of his obligations under clause 3.2.1 of this contract or of any other of his obligations hereunder amounting to Gross Misconduct.

 

“Prohibited Substance” shall have the meaning set out in the FA Rules.

 

“the Rules” shall mean the statutes and regulations of FIFA and UEFA the FA Rules the League Rules the Code of Practice and the Club Rules.

 

“Strip” shall mean all versions from time to time of the Club’s official football clothing including shirts shorts socks and/or training kit track suits headwear and/or any other clothing displaying the Club’s name and/or official logo.

 

“UEFA” shall mean the Union des Associations Européennes de Football.

 

“Website” shall mean a site forming part of the Internet with a unique URL/domain name.

 

1.2                                 For the purposes of this contract and provided the context so permits:

 

1.2.1                        the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and any gender includes any other gender;

 

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1.2.2                        references to person shall include any entity business firm or unincorporated association; and

1.2.3                        references to statutory enactments or to the Rules shall include re-enactments and amendments of substantially the same intent as the original referenced enactment or Rule.

 

1.3         The headings of this contract are for convenience only and not interpretation.

1.4         In the event of any dispute as to the interpretation of any of the provisions of this contract reference shall be made (where appropriate) for clarification to the Code of Practice but so that in the event of any conflict the provisions of this contract shall prevail. Subject thereto wherever specific reference to the Code of Practice is made in this contract the relevant terms and provisions thereof are deemed incorporated herein as if set out in full.

 

2.              Appointment and duration

 

2.1         The Club engages the Player as a professional footballer on the terms and conditions of this contract and subject to the Rules.

2.2         This contract shall remain in force until the date specified in clause 2 of Schedule 2 hereto subject to any earlier determination pursuant to the terms of this contract.

 

3.              Duties and Obligations of the Player

 

3.1         The Player agrees:

 

3.1.1                        when directed by an authorised official of the Club:

 

3.1.1.1               to attend matches in which the Club is engaged;

3.1.1.2               to participate in any matches in which he is selected to play for the Club; and

3.1.1.3               to attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and match preparation;

 

3.1.2                        to play to the best of his skill and ability at all times;

3.1.3                        except to the extent prevented by injury or illness to maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times and not to indulge in any activity sport or practice which might endanger such fitness or inhibit his mental or physical ability to play practise or train;

3.1.4                        to undertake such other duties and to participate in such other activities as are consistent with the performance of his duties under clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.3 and as are reasonably required of the Player;

3.1.5                        that he has given all necessary authorities for the release to the Club of his medical records and will continue to make the same available as requested by the Club from time to time during the continuance of this contract;

3.1.6                        to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the Club;

3.1.7                        to play football solely for the Club or as authorised by the Club or as required by the Rules;

3.1.8                        to observe the Laws of the Game when playing football;

3.1.9                        to observe the Rules but in the case of the Club Rules to the extent only that they do not conflict with or seek to vary the express terms of this contract;

3.1.10                  to submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as the Club may reasonably require and to undergo at no expense to himself such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisers of the Club or the Club’s insurers;

 

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3.1.11                  on the termination of this contract for any cause to return to the Club in a reasonable and proper condition any property (including any car) which has been provided or made available by the Club to the Player in connection with his employment.

 

3.2                                 The Player agrees that he shall not:

 

3.2.1                        undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will knowingly cause to be void or voidable or which will invoke any exclusion of the Player’s cover pursuant to any policy of insurance maintained for the benefit of the Club on the life of the Player or covering his physical well-being (including injury and incapacity and treatment thereof);

3.2.2                        when playing or training wear anything (including jewellery) which is or could be dangerous to him or any other person;

3.2.3                        except to the extent specifically agreed in writing between the Club and the Player prior to the signing of this contract use as his regular place of residence any place which the Club reasonably deems unsuitable for the performance by the Player of his duties other than temporarily pending relocation;

3.2.4                        undertake or be engaged in any other employment or be engaged or involved in any trade business or occupation or participate professionally in any other sporting or athletic activity without the prior written consent of the Club PROVIDED THAT this shall not:

 

3.2.4.1               prevent the Player from making any investment in any business so long as it does not conflict or interfere with his obligations hereunder; or

3.2.4.2               limit the Player’s rights under clauses 4 and 6.1.8;

 

3.2.5                        knowingly or recklessly do write or say anything or omit to do anything which is likely to bring the Club or the game of football into disrepute cause the Player or the Club to be in breach of the Rules or cause damage to the Club or its officers or employees or any match official. Whenever circumstances permit the Player shall give to the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make any contributions to the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him on behalf of the Club if it so desires;

3.2.6                        except in the case of emergency arrange or undergo any medical treatment without first giving the Club proper details of the proposed treatment and physician/surgeon and requesting the Club’s consent which the Club will not unreasonably withhold having due regard to the provisions of the Code of Practice.

 

4.              Community public relations and marketing

 

4.1         For the purposes of the promotional community and public relations activities of the Club and/or (at the request of the Club) of any sponsors or commercial partners of the Club and/or of the League and/or of any main sponsors of the League the Player shall attend at and participate in such events as may reasonably be required by the Club including but not limited to appearances and the granting of interviews and photographic opportunities as authorised by the Club. The Club shall give reasonable notice to the Player of the Club’s requirements and the Player shall make himself available for up to six hours per week of which approximately half shall be devoted to the community and public relations activities of the Club. No photograph of the Player taken pursuant to the provisions of this clause 4.1 shall be used by the Club or any other person to imply any brand or product endorsement by the Player.

4.2         Whilst he is providing or performing the services set out in this contract (including travelling on Club business) the Player shall:

 

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4.2.1                        wear only such clothing as is approved by an authorised official of the Club; and

4.2.2                        not display any badge mark logo trading name or message on any item of clothing without the written consent of an authorised official of the Club provided that nothing in this clause shall prevent the Player wearing and/or promoting football boots and in the case of a goalkeeper gloves of his choice.

 

4.3         Subject in any event to clause 4.4 and except to the extent of any commitments already entered into by the Player as at the date hereof or when on international duty in relation to the Players’ national football association UEFA or FIFA he shall not (without the written consent of the Club) at any time during the term of this contract do anything to promote endorse or provide promotional marketing or advertising services or exploit the Player’s Image either (a) in relation to any person in respect of such person’s products brand or services which conflict or compete with any of the Club’s club branded or football related products (including the Strip) or any products brand or services of the Club’s two main sponsors/commercial partners or of the League’s one principal sponsor or (b) for the League.

4.4         The Player agrees that he will not either on his own behalf or with or through any third party undertake promotional activities in a Club Context nor exploit the Player’s Image in a Club Context in any manner and/or in any Media nor grant the right to do so to any third party.

4.5         Except to the extent specifically herein provided or otherwise specifically agreed with the Player nothing in this contract shall prevent the Player from undertaking promotional activities or from exploiting the Player’s Image so long as:

 

4.5.1                        the said promotional activities or exploitation do not interfere or conflict with the Player’s obligations under this contract; and

4.5.2                        the Player gives reasonable advance notice to the Club of any intended promotional activities or exploitation.

 

4.6         The Player hereby grants to the Club the right to photograph the Player both individually and as a member of a squad and to use such photographs and the Player’s Image in a Club Context in connection with the promotion of the Club and its playing activities and the promotion of the League and the manufacture sale distribution licensing advertising marketing and promotion of the Club’s club branded and football related products (including the Strip) or services (including such products or services which are endorsed by or produced under licence from the Club) and in relation to the League’s licensed products services and sponsors in such manner as the Club may reasonably think fit so long as:

 

4.6.1                        the use of the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image either alone or with not more than two other players at the Club shall be limited to no greater usage than the average for all players regularly in the Club’s first team;

4.6.2                        the Player’s photograph and/or Player’s Image shall not be used to imply any brand or product endorsement by the Player; and

4.6.3                        PROVIDED that all rights shall cease on termination of this contract save for the use and/or sale of any promotional materials or products as aforesaid as shall then already be manufactured or in the process of manufacture or required to satisfy any outstanding orders.

 

4.7         In its dealings with any person permitted by the Club to take photographs of the Player the Club shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that the copyright of the photographs so taken is vested in the Club and/or that no use is made of the said photographs without the Club’s consent and in accordance with the provisions of this contract.

 

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4.8         The Player shall be entitled to make a responsible and reasonable reply or response to any media comment or published statements likely to adversely affect the Player’s standing or reputation and subject as provided for in clause 3.2.5 to make contributions to the public media in a responsible manner.

4.9         In this clause 4 where the context so admits the expression “the Club” includes any Associated Company of the Club but only to the extent and in the context that such company directly or indirectly provides facilities to or undertakes commercial marketing or public relations activities for the Club and not so as to require the consent of any Associated Company when consent of the Club is required.

4.10   For the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 nothing in this clause 4 is intended to nor does it give to the League any right to enforce any of its provisions against the Club or the Player.

4.11   Nothing in this clause 4 shall prevent the Club from entering into other arrangements additional or supplemental hereto or in variance hereof in relation to advertising marketing and/or promotional services with the Player or with or for all or some of the Club’s players (including the Player) from time to time. Any other such arrangements which have been agreed as at the date of the signing of this contract and any image contract or similar contract required to be set out in this contract by the League Rules are set out in Schedule 2 paragraph 13.

 

5.              Remuneration and expenses

 

5.1         Throughout his engagement the Club shall pay to the Player the remuneration and shall provide the benefits (if any) as are set out in Schedule 2.

5.2         The Club shall reimburse the Player all reasonable hotel and other expenses wholly and exclusively incurred by him in or about the performance of his duties under this contract PROVIDED that the Player has obtained the prior authorisation of a director the Manager or the secretary of the Club and the Player furnishes the Club with receipts or other evidence of such expenses.

5.3         The Club may deduct from any remuneration payable to the Player:

 

5.3.1                        any monies disbursed and/or liabilities incurred by the Club on behalf of the Player with the Players prior consent;

5.3.2                        any other monies (but not claims for damages or compensation) which can be clearly established to be properly due from the Player to the Club.

 

5.4         If at a Disciplinary hearing conducted under Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto a fine is imposed on a player calculated by reference to the Player’s weekly wage, the fine shall take the form of a forfeiture of wages of a corresponding amount so that the amount forfeit shall not become payable to the Player. The forfeiture shall take effect in relation to the monthly instalment of the Player’s remuneration falling due next after the date on which the notice of the decision is given to him (“Pay Day”). But see clause 5.5 dealing with appeals. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount forfeit is the gross amount of the weekly wage.

5.5         If on Pay Day the time for appealing has not expired or if notice of appeal has been given, the reference to Pay Day shall be to the day on which the monthly instalment of remuneration becomes payable next after (i) the expiry of the time for appealing without any appeal having been made or (ii) if an appeal is made, the date on which the outcome of the appeal is notified to the Player. In the case of an appeal, the amount that is forfeit shall be the amount (if any) determined on appeal.

 

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6.              Obligations of the Club

 

6.1         The Club shall:

 

6.1.1                        observe the Rules all of which (other than the Club Rules) shall take precedence over the Club Rules;

6.1.2                        provide the Player each year with copies of all the Rules which affect the Player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of insurance in respect of or in relation to the Player with which the Player is expected to comply;

6.1.3                        promptly arrange appropriate medical and dental examinations and treatment for the Player at the Club’s expense in respect of any injury to or illness (including mental illness or disorder) of the Player save where such injury or illness is caused by an activity or practice on the part of the Player which breaches clause 3.2.1 hereof in which case the Club shall only be obliged to arrange and pay for treatment to the extent that the cost thereof remains covered by the Club’s policy of medical insurance or (if the Club does not maintain such a policy) then to the extent that it would remain covered by such a policy were one maintained upon normal industry terms commonly available within professional football and so that save as aforesaid this obligation shall continue in respect of any examinations and/or treatment the necessity for which arose during the currency of this contract notwithstanding its subsequent expiry or termination until the earlier of completion of the necessary examinations and/or prescribed treatment and a period of eighteen months from the date of expiry or termination hereof;

6.1.4                        The Club shall use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that any policy of insurance maintained by the Club for the benefit of the Player continues to provide cover for any examinations and/or treatment as are referred to in clause 6.1.3 until completion of any such examinations and/or treatment;

6.1.5                        comply with all relevant statutory provisions relating to industrial injury and any regulations made pursuant thereto;

6.1.6                        at all times maintain and observe a proper health and safety policy for the security safety and physical well being of the Player when carrying out his duties under this contract;

6.1.7                        in any case where the Club would otherwise be liable as employer for any acts or omissions of the Player in the lawful and proper performance of his playing practising or training duties under this contract defend the Player against any proceedings threatened or brought against him at any time arising out of the carrying out by him of any such acts or omissions and indemnify him from any damages awarded and this obligation and indemnity shall continue in relation to any such acts or omissions during the currency of this contract notwithstanding its expiry or termination before such proceedings are threatened and/or brought;

6.1.8                        give the Player every opportunity compatible with his obligations under this contract to follow any course of further education or vocational training which he wishes to undertake and give positive support to the Player in undertaking such education and training. The Player shall supply the Footballer’s Further Education and Vocational Training Society with particulars of any courses undertaken by him; and

6.1.9                        release the Player as required for the purposes of fulfilling the obligations in respect of representative matches to his national association pursuant to the statutes and regulations of FIFA.

 

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6.2           The Club shall not without the consent in writing of the Player:

 

6.2.1                        take or use or permit to be used photographs of the Player for any purposes save as permitted by clause 4; or

6.2.2                        use or reveal the contents of any medical reports or other medical information regarding the Player obtained by the Club save for the purpose of assessing the Player’s health and fitness obtaining medical and insurance cover and complying with the Club’s obligations under the Rules.

 

7.             Injury and Illness

 

7.1                                 Any injury to or illness of the Player shall be reported by him or on his behalf to the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such injury or illness.

7.2                                 In the event that the Player shall become incapacitated from playing by reason of any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) the Club shall pay to the Player during such period of incapacity or the period of this contract (whichever is the shorter) the following amounts of remuneration for the following periods:

 

7.2.1                        in the case of a Player Injury his basic wage over the first eighteen months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period of incapacity;

7.2.2                        in the case of any other injury or illness his basic wage over the first twelve months and one half of his basic wage for the remainder of his period of incapacity.

 

7.3                                 In each case specified in clause 7.2 above there shall be paid to the Player in addition to his basic wage all or the appropriate share of any bonus payments if and to the extent that payment or provision for continuation of the same is specifically provided for in Schedule 2 or in the Club’s Bonus Scheme.

7.4                                 The payments made by the Club pursuant to clause 7.2 shall be deemed to include all and any statutory sick pay and/or any other state benefits payable by reference to sickness to which the Player may be entitled.

7.5                                 Nothing in this clause 7 shall reduce or vary the entitlement of the Player to signing on fees and/or loyalty payments or any other payments of a similar nature due to him under this contract.

 

8.             Permanent or Prolonged Incapacity

 

8.1           In the event that:

 

8.1.1                        the Player shall suffer Permanent Incapacity; or

8.1.2                        the Player has been incapacitated from playing by reason of or resulting from the same injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) for a period (consecutive or in the aggregate) amounting to eighteen months in any consecutive period of twenty months;

 

the Club shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Player terminating this contract.

 

8.2                                 The length of such notice shall be twelve months in the case of an incapacity by reason of a Player Injury and six months in every other case.

8.3                                 The notice referred to in clause 8.1 may be served at any time after:

 

8.3.1                        the date on which the Player is declared to be suffering Permanent Total Disablement under the terms of the League’s personal accident insurance scheme; or

 

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8.3.2                        the date on which such Permanent Incapacity is established by the Initial Opinion; or

8.3.3                        in the case of any incapacity as is referred to in 8.1.2 the date on which the period of incapacity shall exceed eighteen months as aforesaid but so that the right to terminate pursuant to clause 8.1.2 shall only apply while such incapacity shall continue thereafter.

 

8.4                                 In the event that after the service of any notice pursuant to clause 8.1.1 Permanent Incapacity is not confirmed by the Further Opinion (if requested) or (where relevant) by the Third Opinion then such notice shall lapse and cease to be of effect.

8.5                                 In the case of any notice of termination given under this clause 8 the Club shall be entitled by further notice on or after serving notice of termination to terminate this contract forthwith on paying to the Player at the time of such termination the remainder of his remuneration and any other sums properly due to him under this contract and the value of any other benefits which would be payable or available to the Player during the remainder of the period of his notice of termination provided always that the Club’s obligations pursuant to clause 6.1.3 shall continue to apply during the remainder of the said notice period and for any further relevant period as provided therein.

8.6                                 Where the Club has made payment to the Player during any period of incapacity owing to illness or injury and the Player’s absence is due to the action of a third party other than of another club player or match official in relation to any damage or injury sustained on or about the field of play or during training or practising giving the Player a right of recovery against that third party then if the Player makes any claim against such third party the Player must where he is reasonably able to do so include as part of such claim from such third party a claim for recovery of any such payment and upon successful recovery repay to the Club the lesser of the total of the remuneration paid by the Club to the Player during the period of incapacity and the amount of any damages payable to or recovered by the Player in respect of such claim or otherwise by reference to loss of earnings under this contract under any compromise settlement or judgment. Any amounts paid by the Club to the Player in such circumstances shall constitute loans from the Club to be repaid to the Club to the extent aforesaid upon successful recovery as aforesaid.

 

9.             Disciplinary Procedure

 

Except in any case where the Club terminates the Player’s employment pursuant to the provisions of clause 10 hereof (when the procedure set out therein shall apply) the Club shall operate the disciplinary procedure set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto in relation to any breach or failure to observe the terms of this contract or of the Rules.

 

10.          Termination by the Club

 

10.1                           The Club shall be entitled to terminate the employment of the Player by fourteen days’ notice in writing to the Player if the Player:

 

10.1.1                  shall be guilty of Gross Misconduct;

10.1.2                  shall fail to heed any final written warning given under the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 1 hereto; or

10.1.3                  is convicted of any criminal offence where the punishment consists of a sentence of imprisonment of three months or more (which is not suspended).

 

10.2                           If the Club terminates the Player’s employment for any reason under clause 10.1 the Club shall within seven days thereafter notify the Player in writing of the full reasons for the action taken.

 

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10.3         The Player may by notice in writing served on the Club and the League at any time from the date of termination up to fourteen days after receipt by the Player of written notification under clause 10.2 give notice of appeal against the decision of the Club to the League and such appeal shall be determined in accordance with the procedures applicable pursuant to the League Rules.

10.4         If the Player exercises his right of appeal the termination of this contract by the Club shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been determined  that the Club was entitled to terminate this contract pursuant to clause 10.1 but so that if it is so determined then subject only to clause 10.5.3 the Player shall cease to be entitled to any remuneration or benefits with effect from the expiration of the period of notice referred to in clause 10.3 and any payment made by the Club in respect thereof shall forthwith become due from the Player to the Club.

10.5         Pending the hearing and determination of such appeal the Club may suspend the Player for up to a maximum of six weeks from the date of notice of termination and if the Board so determine such suspension shall be without pay provided that:

 

10.5.1      the payment due to the Player in respect of the fourteen days’ notice period under clause 10.1 is made to the Player forthwith;

10.5.2      pending the determination of the appeal an amount equal to the remuneration which would otherwise have been due to the Player but for the suspension without pay is paid to an escrow account held by the PFA as and when it would otherwise have become due for payment to the Player and following the determination of the appeal the PFA will either pay the money (including interest earned on the said account) to the Player or return it to the Club according to the appeal decision;

10.5.3      all other benefits for the Player under the provisions of clauses 6.1.3 and 6.1.4 of this contract shall be maintained and remain in force while the appeal is pending; and

10.5.4      during any such period of suspension the Club shall be under no obligation to assign to the Player any playing training or other duties and shall be entitled to exclude the Player from the Club’s premises including its ground and training ground.

 

10.6         Upon any termination of this contract by the Club becoming operative the Club shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.

 

11.          Termination by the Player

 

11.1         The Player shall be entitled to terminate this contract by fourteen days’ notice in writing to the Club if the Club:

 

11.1.1      shall be guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms and conditions of this contract; or

11.1.2      fails to pay any remuneration or other payments or bonuses due to the Player or make available any benefits due to him as it or they fall due or within fourteen days thereafter and has still failed to make payment in full or make the benefits available by the expiry of the said fourteen days’ notice.

 

11.2         The Club may within fourteen days of receipt of any notice of termination of this contract by the Player in accordance with clause 11.1 give written notice of appeal against such termination to the Player and to the League which shall hear such appeal in accordance with procedures applicable pursuant to the League Rules.

11.3         If the Club exercises its right of appeal pursuant to clause 11.2 the termination of this contract shall not become operative unless and until it shall have been determined that the Player was entitled to terminate this contract pursuant to clause 11.1.

 

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11.4         Upon any termination of this contract by the Player becoming operative the Club shall forthwith release the Player’s registration.

 

12.          Grievance Procedure

 

In the event that the Player has any grievance in connection with his employment under this contract the grievance procedures set out in Part 2 of the Schedule 1 hereto shall be available to the Player.

 

13.          Representation of Player

 

In any disciplinary or grievance procedure the Player shall be entitled to be accompanied by or represented by his Club captain or a PFA delegate and/or any officer of the PFA.

 

14.          Holidays

 

For each Holiday Year the Player shall be entitled to take in the aggregate the equivalent of five weeks paid holiday to be taken at a time or times and for such days during the Holiday Year as shall be determined by the Club but so that (subject to the Club’s first team and any international commitments) the Club shall not unreasonably refuse to permit the Player to take three of such weeks consecutively. Holidays not taken during any Holiday Year (or subject to agreement by the Club within one month of the end of such Holiday Year) may not be carried forward into any subsequent Holiday Year.

 

15.          Survival

 

The provisions of this contract shall remain in full force and effect in respect of any act or omission of either party during the period of this contract notwithstanding the termination of this contract.

 

16.          Confidentiality

 

This contract is to be treated as being private and confidential and its contents shall not be disclosed or divulged either directly or indirectly to any person firm or company whatsoever either by the Club the Player or any Agent of the Club or the Player except:

 

16.1         with the prior written agreement of both the Club and the Player; or

16.2         as may be required by any statutory regulatory governmental or quasi governmental authorities or as otherwise required by law or pursuant to the Rules including (where appropriate) any recognised stock exchange; or

16.3         in the case of the Player to his duly appointed Agent and professional advisers including the PFA; or

16.4         in the case of the Club to its duly appointed Agent and its professional advisers or to such of its directors secretary servants or representatives or auditors to whom such disclosure is strictly necessary for the purposes of their duties and then only to the extent so necessary.

 

17.          Arbitration

 

Any dispute between the Club and the Player not provided for in clauses 9, 10, 11,12 and Schedule 1 hereof shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the League Rules or (but only if mutually agreed by the Club and the Player) in accordance with the FA Rules.

 

18.          Specificity of Football

 

The parties hereto confirm and acknowledge that this contract the rights and obligations undertaken by the parties hereto and the fixed term period thereof reflect the special relationship and characteristics involved in the employment of football players and the participation by the parties in the game of football pursuant to the Rules and the parties accordingly agree that all matters of dispute in relation to the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and otherwise pursuant to the Rules including as to termination of this contract and any compensation payable in respect of termination or breach thereof shall be submitted to

 

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and the parties hereto accept the jurisdiction and all appropriate determinations of such tribunal panel or other body (including pursuant to any appeal therefrom) pursuant to the provisions of and in accordance with the procedures and practices under this contract and the Rules.

 

19.          Severance

 

19.1         If the Player shall not make an application to an Employment Tribunal for compensation in respect of unfair dismissal or redundancy as a result of not being offered a new contract either on terms at least as favourable as under this contract or at all then the following provisions of this clause 19 shall take effect.

19.2         If by the expiry of this contract the Club has not made to the Player an offer of re-engagement on terms at least as favourable to the Player as those applicable over the last twelve months of this contract (or the length of this contract if shorter) then subject to clauses 19.1 and 19.3 the Player shall continue to receive from his Club (as a separate payment representing compensation as more particularly referred to in the Code of Practice) a payment equal to his weekly basic wage (at the average amount of his weekly wage over the preceding 12 months of this contract or the whole of this contract if shorter) for a period of one month from the expiry of this contract or until the Player signs for another club whichever period is the shorter provided that where the Player signs for another club within that period of one month at a lower basic wage than such average then such payment shall in addition include a sum equal to the shortfall in such basic wage for the remainder of such period.

19.3         The maximum amount payable to the Player under sub-clause 19.2 is double the maximum sum which an Employment Tribunal can award from time to time as a compensatory award for unfair dismissal.

 

20.          Miscellaneous

 

20.1         This contract and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement between the Club and the Player and supersede any and all preceding agreements between the Club and the Player.

20.2         The further particulars of terms of employment not contained in the body of this contract which must be given to the Player in compliance with Part 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 are given in Schedule 2.

20.3         This contract is signed by the parties hereto in duplicate so that for this purpose each signed agreement shall constitute an original but taken together they shall constitute one agreement.

20.4         For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 the Player consents to the Club the League PFA and FA collecting Personal Data including Sensitive Personal Data (both as defined in the said Act) about the Player. The Club’s Data Protection Policy can be found in the Club’s employee handbook.

 

21.          Jurisdiction and Law

 

This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the parties submit to the non exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

 

252



 

SCHEDULE 1

 

Part 1

Disciplinary Procedure and Penalties

 

1.             Introduction

 

The disciplinary procedure aims to ensure that the Club behaves fairly in investigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct with a view to helping and encouraging all employees of the Club to achieve and maintain appropriate standards of conduct and performance. The Club nevertheless reserves the right to depart from the precise requirements of its disciplinary procedure where the Club considers it expedient to do so and where the Player’s resulting treatment is no less fair.

 

2.             Records

 

All cases of disciplinary action under this procedure will be recorded and placed in the Club’s records until deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. A copy of the Club’s disciplinary records concerning the Player will be supplied to the Player at his request.

 

3.             The Procedure

 

The following steps will be taken as appropriate in all cases of disciplinary action:

 

3.1           Investigation

 

No action will be taken before a proper investigation has been undertaken by the Club into the matter complained of. If the Club determines the same to be appropriate the Club may by written notice suspend the Player for up to fourteen days while the investigation takes place. If the Player is so suspended this contract will continue together with all the Player’s rights under it including the payment of the Player’s remuneration and benefits but during the period of suspension the Player will not be entitled to access to any of the Club’s premises except at the prior request or with the prior consent of the Club and subject to such conditions as the Club may impose. The decision to suspend the Player will be notified in writing to the Player by the Club.

 

3.2           Disciplinary Hearing

 

3.2.1        If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing about the matter complained of the Player will be given full details in writing of the complaint against him and reasonable notice of the date and time of the hearing. At the hearing the Player will be given an opportunity to state his case either personally or through his representative as provided for in clause 13 of this contract.

3.2.2        Subject as provided in paragraph 3.2.3 no disciplinary penalty will be imposed without first giving the Player the opportunity to state his case to the Manager or if the Player so requests to a director of the Club and where the Club considers it appropriate or where the Player requests the same without a disciplinary hearing.

3.2.3        A disciplinary hearing may proceed in the Player’s absence and a disciplinary penalty may be imposed if he fails to appear at such hearing after having received proper notice thereof.

 

253



 

3.3           Appeals

 

3.3.1        The Player shall have a right of appeal to the Board against any disciplinary decision. The Player should inform the Board in writing of his wish to appeal within fourteen days of the date of notification to him of the decision which forms the subject of such appeal. The Board will conduct an appeal hearing as soon as possible thereafter at which the Player will be given a further opportunity to state his case. The decision of the Board will be notified to the Player in writing within seven days and subject to paragraph 3.3.2 will be final and binding under this procedure.

3.3.2        In the event of any sanction being imposed or confirmed in excess of an oral warning the Player may by notice in writing served on the Club and the League within fourteen days of receipt by the Player of written notification of the decision of the Board give notice of appeal against it to the League who will determine the matter in accordance with the League Rules.

3.3.3        If the Player exercises any right of appeal as aforesaid any sanction imposed by the Club upon the Player shall not take effect until the appropriate appeal has been determined and the sanction confirmed varied or revoked as the case may be.

 

4.             Disciplinary Penalties

 

4.1           At a disciplinary hearing or on an appeal against a disciplinary decision the Club may dismiss the allegation or if it is proved to the Club’s satisfaction may:

 

4.1.1        give an oral warning a formal written warning or after a previous warning or warnings a final written warning to the Player;

4.1.2        impose a fine not exceeding the amount of the Player’s basic wage for a period of up to two weeks for a first offence (unless otherwise approved by the PFA in accordance with the Code of Practice) and up to four weeks for subsequent offences in any consecutive period of twelve months but only in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Practice;

4.1.3        order the Player not to attend at any of the Club’s premises for such period as the Club thinks fit not exceeding four weeks;

4.1.4        in any circumstances which would entitle the Club to dismiss the Player pursuant to any of the provisions of clause 10 of this contract dismiss the Player or impose such other disciplinary action (including suspension of the Player and/or a fine of all or part of the amount of the Player’s basic wage for a period not exceeding six weeks).

 

4.2           Any warning or sanction given under this disciplinary procedure will be deleted in the Club’s records after twelve months.

 

Part 2

Grievance Procedures

 

1.             The Player shall bring any grievance informally to the notice of the Manager in the first instance. The Player may be required by the Manager to put any such grievance in writing. Having enquired into such grievance the Manager will then notify the Player of his decision.

 

2.             If the grievance is not determined by the Manager to the Player’s satisfaction the Player may within fourteen days thereafter serve formal notice of the grievance in writing on the secretary of the Club and the matter shall thereupon be determined by the chairman of the Club or by the Board as soon as possible and in any event within four weeks of the receipt of the notice.

 

254



 

SCHEDULE 2

 

Supplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996

 

The following provisions shall apply to supplement the provisions of this contract and the information as set out herein in order to comply with the requirements of Part 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

 

1.        The Player’s employment with the Club began on                                                                                                              

 

2.        The date of termination of this contract is 30 June 20      

 

3.        No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Player’s continuous period of employment hereunder.

 

4.        The Player’s hours of work are such as the Club may from time to time reasonably require of him to carry out his duties and the Player shall not be entitled to any additional remuneration for work done outside normal working hours.

 

5.        The place of employment shall be at the Club’s ground and training ground but the Club shall be entitled to require the Player to play and to undertake his duties hereunder at any other place throughout the world.

 

6.        No contracting out certificate pursuant to the Pensions Scheme Act 1993 is in force in respect of the Player’s employment under this contract.

 

7.        The Player shall become or continue to be and during the continuance of his employment hereunder shall remain a member of the 2011 Section of the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme unless he notifies the Scheme Administrator in writing that he wishes to opt out of the Scheme. For as long as he remains a member of the 2011 Section, an annual contribution (funded by the levy on transfer fees) will be paid into the Scheme for the benefit of the Player. The annual contribution shall be £4750 or such other amount as determined by the Trustees of the Scheme from time to time. The Player shall not be required to contribute to the 2011 Section but may elect to contribute such amount as he notifies to the Scheme Administrator in writing. Where a Player decides to contribute to the 2011 Section he can agree with his Club and the Scheme Administrator for the contribution to be made through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

 

Where, by virtue of previous membership of the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme, the Player has built up benefits under its Cash Section and/or Income Section, those benefits will be frozen and revalued until his retirement from the Scheme. The Player shall be entitled to such benefits (including death benefits) from each section of the Scheme in which he has participated on such conditions as are set out in the Scheme’s definitive trust deed and rules as amended from time to time.

 

The Player further agrees that the Club may disclose his name, address, gender, date of birth, National Insurance number, salary information and dates of commencement and termination of employment to the League and the trustees of the Scheme for the purposes of facilitating the administration of the Scheme.

 

255



 

8.        Remuneration

 

The Player’s remuneration shall be:

 

8.1        Basic Wage:

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

£      per week/per annum payable by monthly installments in arrear

 

from               to               

 

8.2        Such of the bonuses and incentives as the Player shall be entitled to receive under the terms of the Club’s bonus and incentive scheme as are set out below/a copy of which is annexed hereto.

 

8.3        Any other payments as follows:

 

9.        Insurances (if any) maintained for the benefit of the Player subject to the terms and conditions thereof during currency of this contract the premiums of which are paid by the Club.

 

Nature of Policy

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

256



 

10.      Benefits (if any) to be provided to the Player during the currency of this contract

 

 

 

11.      The Player’s normal retirement age is 35 years.

 

12.      The terms and conditions of this contract form part of a number of collective agreements between the Club (through the League) and the Player (through the PFA) affecting the Player’s employment and full details thereof are set out in the Code of Practice.

 

13.      (If applicable) The following provisions which are additional or supplemental to those set out in clause 4 have been agreed between the Club and the Player as referred to in clause 4.11.

 

 

 

14.      Any other provisions:

 

 

 

257


 

SIGNED by the Player

 

 

 

in the presence of:

 

 

 

[Witness Signature]

 

[Address]

 

Occupation

 

 

 

SIGNED by the Player’s parent or guardian (if the player is under 18) 

 

 

 

in the presence of:

 

 

 

[Witness Signature]

 

[Address]

 

Occupation

 

 

 

SIGNED by [name]

 

 

 

for and on behalf of the

 

Club in the presence of:

 

 

 

[Witness Signature]

 

[Address]

 

Occupation

 

 

 

Did the Player use the sevices of an Agent

                                                                     yes/no

If yes, name of Agent

 

Signature of Agent

 

 

 

Did the Club use the services of an Agent

                                                                     yes/no

If yes, name of Agent

 

Signature of Agent

 

 

258



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 27

 

RETURN OF PLAYERS’ WAGES ETC.

BY                                                          FOOTBALL CLUB (Rule T.14)

 

To:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

 

 

Full particulars of all payments made to and all benefits provided to each of our Players in the tax year ended 5th April          are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

Indicate Loyalty

 

4

 

1

 

Total Earnings

 

Bonus and Signing

 

Period Earned

 

Name

 

(£s)

 

On Fee included in 2

 

From

 

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

259



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 28

 

AMATEUR REGISTRATION FORM (Rule U.13)

 

Player’s Particulars

Surname

 

 

Other name(s)

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post Code

 

Date of birth

 

 

Nationality*

 

 

Application to Register

 

We hereby apply for the above-named to be registered as an Amateur Player for                                      Football Club.

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Endorsement by Scout

 

I consent to the above application and consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing the above “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football. I certify that the above particulars are correct. I agree to be bound by the Rules of the Premier League. [Having been registered as a Contract Player, I confirm that at least 30 days has elapsed since my contract registration terminated. **]

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


*                 if the player last played for a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association, this Form must be accompanied by written confirmation from the Football Association that an international registration transfer certificate has been issued in respect of the player.

**          delete words in brackets if inapplicable

 

Secretary’s Certificate

 

I hereby certify that I have this day registered [name of Player]                           as an Amateur Player whose registration is held by                                            Football Club

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Secretary, the Premier League

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

260



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 29

 

TRANSFER AGREEMENT (Rule V.11.1)

 

The Parties

 

(1)

Football Club (the Transferor Club)

(2)

Football Club (the Transferee Club)

 

The Player

 

The full name of the Contract Player whose registration is hereby transferred by the Transferor Club to the Transferee Club is    

 

 

The Compensation Fee

 

The amount of the Compensation Fee payable by the Transferee Club to the Transferor Club is £               together with Value Added Tax amounting to £                   to be paid as follows:

 

 

 

Contingent Sums

 

Particulars of any Contingent Sums payable by the Transferee Club to the Transferor Club are as follows:

 

 

 

Any other terms

 

 

 

Agents

 

The particulars appear below of any Agent engaged in this transaction by

(1) the Player

(2) the Transferor Club

(3) the Transferee Club

 

 

Authorised Signatory

 

 

Authorised Signatory

on behalf of the

 

 

on behalf of the

Transferor Club

 

 

Transferee Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Date

 

 

261



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 30

 

OFFER OF NEW CONTRACT (Rule V.17.2)

 

To:    [name and address of Out of Contract Player]                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Copy to:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

Under the provisions of Rule V.17.2 of the Rules of the Premier League                                                       Football Club hereby offers you a new contract to commence on the 1st July                                  in the following terms:

 

 

 

This offer remains open and capable of acceptance for a period of one month within which time you may either accept it and enter into a new contract in the terms offered or decline it in writing. If you consider that the terms offered are less favourable than those in your current contract you may give notice to that effect in Form 31.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

262



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 31

 

APPLICATION FOR FREE TRANSFER (Rule V.20)

 

To:     [name of Club]                                                                                                                                 Football Club

 

And to:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

I acknowledge having received your offer of a new contract in Form 30 dated                                                                 

 

I consider that the terms offered are less favourable than those in my current contract dated                   and I hereby give notice to that effect and apply for a free transfer.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

263



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 32

 

CONTINGENT SUM NOTIFICATION (Rule V.36.2)

 

To:     [name of Transferor Club]                                                                                                     Football Club

 

Copy to:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

A Contingent Sum became payable to you on [date]                                                                       by virtue of the Transfer

Agreement between us relating to [name of Contract Player]                                                                                             

 

The contingent event resulting in the Contingent Sum becoming payable was                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

and the Contingent Sum which will be paid into the Compensation Fee Account within 7 days of it becoming due amounts to £                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

Signed on behalf of
the Transferee Club

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

264



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 33

 

FIXED PENALTY NOTICE (Rule W.4)

 

To:

 

 

Date:

 

 

You are in breach of Rule                                                  in that on [date]                                                                   

you [description of breach, indicating in appropriate cases whether it is a first, second or third breach of that Rule]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

You are required within 14 days of the date of this notice to pay a fixed penalty of £                               Alternatively, you are entitled within that period to appeal under the provisions of Rule W.59.1. If you appeal and your appeal is dismissed the fixed penalty becomes payable forthwith.

 

Failure to pay the fixed penalty as required  by this notice or forthwith upon any appeal being dismissed will constitute a breach of the Rules of the League in respect of which you will be liable to be dealt with under the provisions of Section W.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Secretary, for and on behalf of the Board

 

265



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 34

 

SUMMARY JURISDICTION NOTICE (Rule W.9)

 

To:

 

 

Date:

 

 

You are in breach of Rule                                                  in that on [date]                                  

you [description of breach]                                                                                                                                                         

 

 

The Board intends to exercise its summary jurisdiction and to impose on you a fine of £                                You are required within 14 days of the date of this notice to either:

(1)         submit to the Board’s jurisdiction and pay the fine imposed; or

(2)         elect to be dealt with by a Commission.

Any such election should be in writing addressed to me at the League Office.

 

Failure to comply with this requirement within the time limited will constitute a breach of the Rules of the League in respect of which you will be liable to be dealt with under the provisions of Section W.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Secretary, for and on behalf of the Board

 

266



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 35

 

COMPLAINT (Rule W.24)

 

To:

 

 

Date:

 

 

The Board’s complaint is that you are in breach of Rule                                                     in that on [date]                                 

you [description of breach]                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

A summary of the facts alleged is as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

*Annexed hereto are copies of the following documents upon which the Board relies:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

In accordance with Rule W.28, within 14 days of receipt of this complaint you are required to send to me by recorded delivery post a written answer in Form 36.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Secretary, for and on behalf of the Board

 


* delete if inapplicable

 

267


 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 36

 

ANSWER (Rule W.28)

 

To:

The Secretary

Date:

 

 

The Premier League

 

 

I/We* acknowledge having received the complaint dated                                                                                                                     

The complaint is admitted/denied*. I/We* request that the complaint be determined by written representations.*

 

*[If the complaint is admitted] I/We* ask the Commission to take into account the following mitigation:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

§

 

*[If the complaint is denied and is to be determined at a hearing] My/Our* reasons for denying the complaint are:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

§

 

*[If the complaint is denied and is to be determined by written representations] My/Our* representations are as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

§

 

Annexed hereto are copies of the following documents upon which I/We* rely:

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

§

 

I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing any or all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” contained above and/or annexed to this Form 36 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.**

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

[for and on behalf of*] the Respondent

 

 


*  delete as appropriate

§  continue on separate sheet if necessary

** delete where Respondent is not an individual

 

268



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 37

 

APPEAL AGAINST FIXED PENALTY (Rule W.63)

 

To:

The Secretary

Date:

 

 

The Premier League

 

 

I/We* hereby appeal against the fixed penalty imposed by the notice in Form 33 dated

 

My/our* appeal is

* against the decision of the Board to impose the fixed penalty.

* against the amount of the fixed penalty.

* against the decision of the Board to impose the fixed penalty and its amount.

 

The grounds of my/our* appeal are:

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

§

 

A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

 

I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited  holding and processing any and all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” contained above and/or annexed to this Form 37 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.**

 

 

 

Signed#

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

[for and on behalf of*] the Respondent

 


*  delete as appropriate

§  continue on separate sheet if necessary

** delete where Respondent is not an individual

#  state position if signed on behalf of a Club

 

269



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 38

 

APPEAL AGAINST COMMISSION DECISION (Rule W.64)

 

To:

The Secretary

Date:

 

 

The Premier League

 

 

I/We* hereby appeal against the decision of the Commission before which I/We* appeared dated

                                        

 

My/our* appeal is

* against the decision of the Commission.

* against the amount of the penalty.

* against the decision of the Commission and the penalty.

* against the amount of compensation ordered by the Commission.

 

The grounds of My/our* appeal are:                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                      §

 

*I/We intend to apply at the appeal hearing for leave to adduce the following fresh evidence                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                      §

 

The reasons for such application are                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                      §

 

A deposit of £1,000 is enclosed.

 

I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited  holding and processing any and all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” contained above and/or annexed to this Form 38 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.**

 

 

 

Signed#

 

 


*  delete whichever are inapplicable

§  continue on separate sheet if necessary

** delete where Respondent is not an individual

#  state position if signed on behalf of a Club

 

270



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 39

 

REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION (Rules X.8 or Y.3)

 

To:

                                                                                             

 

From:

                                                                                        

 

                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                                       

 

                                                                                             

 

 

                                                                                       

 

A dispute has arisen between us concerning (brief description of matters in dispute)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

I/We wish to have the dispute settled by arbitration in accordance with the provisions of Section [   ]§ of the Rules of the Premier League and you are hereby required to appoint an arbitrator pursuant thereto.* I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing any and all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” contained above and/or annexed to this Form 39 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position**

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


§  insert “Y” if the arbitration is to be determined by the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal; insert “X” in any other case.

*  delete if request for arbitration is made on behalf of a company

** to be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club.

 

Copy to:

The Secretary

 

 

The Premier League

 

 

271



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 40

 

APPOINTMENT OF ABBITRATOR (Rules X.11 or Y.6)

 

To:

The Secretary

From:

                                                                                       

 

The Premier League

 

                                                                                   

 

 

Pursuant to the request for arbitration made by                                                    and dated                                          , I/we hereby appoint (name of appointee)                                                 as an arbitrator in the arbitration requested.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position*

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

Copy to:

(the other party)

 

 

                                                                              

 

 

                                                                           

 

 


* to be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club.

 

272



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 41

 

APPOINTMENT OF SINGLE ARBITRATOR  (Rule X.16)

 

To:

The Secretary

 

The Premier League

 

Pursuant to the request for arbitration made by                                                   and dated                                    we, the parties to the arbitration, hereby jointly appoint (name of appointee)                                                                                         as the single arbitrator in the arbitration requested.

 

 

Signed

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

On behalf of

 

 

On behalf of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Position*

 

 

Position*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Date

 

 


* to be completed if the Form is signed on behalf of the League or a Club

 

273



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

Form 42

 

NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY MEETING (Rules X.21 or Y.13)

 

To:

                                                                                           

 

From:

                                                                                          

 

                                                                                           

 

 

                                                                                          

 

                                                                                           

 

 

                                                                                          

 

                                                                                           

 

 

                                                                                          

 

You are hereby required to attend a preliminary meeting at (place)                                         on (date)                           at (time)                                                          when the tribunal will give directions for the conduct of the arbitration to which each of you is a party.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Chairman

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

274


 

 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES

 



 

GENERAL

 

Note: throughout this document binding Premier League Rules are shaded in light blue. Guidance and other notes are also included for the assistance of Clubs. Such guidance and notes do not, however, form part of the Rules.

 

Definitions

 

Rule 1 sets out definitions used in the Youth Development Rules. All other capitalised terms used in this section of the Rules are defined in Premier League Rule A.1.

 

1.                                                               In this Section of the Rules the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

1.1.                                                      “Academy” means an establishment for the coaching and education of Academy Players operated by a Club in accordance with the requirements of this Section of the Rules and licensed by the PGB pursuant to Rule 10.

 

1.2.                                                      “Academy Doctor” means the Official referred to in Rule 92.

 

1.3.                                                      “Academy Financial Information” means a budget for the following season, together with a comparison of the budgeted and actual figures for the previous season, all of which information shall be set out in the format to be prescribed by the League.

 

1.4.                                                      “Academy Management Team” has the meaning set out in Rule 49.

 

1.5.                                                      “Academy Manager” means the person responsible for the strategic leadership and operation of a Club’s Academy, whose role and responsibilities are more particularly defined at Rules 51 to 57.

 

1.6.                                                      “Academy Performance Plan” means a document which sets out:

(a)     the goals, strategy and measurable short-term and long-term performance targets for all aspects of the work of the Club’s Academy, such strategy and performance targets to be consistent with the Club’s Football Philosophy; and

(B) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph a), how the Academy will deliver and integrate its Coaching, Education, Games and Sports Science and Medicine Programmes.

 

1.7.                                                      “Academy Player” means a male player (other than an Amateur Player or a Trialist) who is in an age group between Under 9 to Under 21 and who is registered for and who is coached by or plays football for or at a Club which operates an Academy pursuant to these Rules, save for any player who:

(a)     in the reasonable opinion of the Club which holds his registration has developed technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills of such a level that he would not benefit from participating or continuing to participate in its Academy’s Coaching Programme and Games Programme; and

(b)    is registered as a Contract Player for that Club; and

(c)     is aged at least 18.

 

Guidance

It is emphasised that Academy Players aged 18 or older may no longer be treated as such only where this is reasonable, and in the light of all the circumstances relevant to the particular Academy Player.

 

Clubs’ attention is drawn to Rule 69 which requires Clubs to develop and implement a procedure to enable the transition of Academy Players to the senior squad, and also to Rule 105.1 which provides that each Academy Player has access to coaching tailored to his individual needs. Any decision by a Club to cease treating an Academy Player as such where it is not reasonable to do so in the light of his overall development and skill level may be treated at being a breach of this Rule.

 

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1.8.                                                      “Academy Secretary” means the Official referred to in Rule 58.

 

1.9.                                                      “Academy Staff” means those Officials of a Club employed or otherwise engaged to work in the Club’s Academy.

 

Guidance

The term “employ” is used in the Rules with reference to Academy Staff, but it is accepted that the relationship need not necessarily be one of employment. For example, a Club may enter into a contract for services with Part Time youth coaches whereby no employment relationship will arise. Any references to “employ” or “employment” in this section of the Rules shall be interpreted accordingly.

 

1.10.                                                “Artificial Surface” means a playing surface which in the reasonable opinion of the League meets the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard.

 

1.11.                                                “Audit Tool” means the online application maintained by the League and approved by the PGB for the purpose of undertaking (in particular by the ISO) the evaluation and audit of Academies by the assessment of:

(a)     the extent to which a Club meets the minimum mandatory criteria for Academies set out in these Rules;

(b)    the extent to which it implements recommended best practice criteria which exceed the minimum mandatory criteria and which are set out in the Audit Tool; and

(c)     its Productivity Profile.

 

1.12.                                                “Authorised Games” means:

(a)     international matches arranged by a national association including preparation and trials therefor; or

(b)    matches in which the Academy Player plays for the Club holding his registration:

(i)             in its first teams; or

(ii)          which are comprised in a Games Programme; or

(iii)       which are comprised in Festivals or Tournaments, participation in which is limited to Academy teams or which are sanctioned by the Football Association or by a foreign national association; or

(c)     friendly matches organised by the Club holding the Academy Player’s registration and played at an Academy, participation in which is limited to Academy Players registered at an Academy or Trialists but excluding matches between two teams consisting of one Club’s Academy Players; or

(d)    friendly matches against any opposition played outside the season dates set out in the Games Programme Schedule in which the Academy Player plays for the Club holding his registration; or

(e)     matches organised by the English Schools Football Association or Independent Schools Football Association or an association affiliated to either of such Associations in which the Academy Player plays with the prior agreement of his Parents (in the case of an Academy Player under the age of 18 years) and the Club holding his registration; or

(f)       trial matches for other Clubs or Football League clubs in which the Academy Player plays with the prior written permission of the Club holding his registration; or

(g)    any other match authorised by the Board.

 

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1.13.                                                “Category” means one of the 4 categories into which each Academy shall be assigned in accordance with the criteria and procedures set out in this section of the Rules, and “Category 1”, “Category 2”, “Category 3” and “Category 4” shall be construed accordingly.

 

1.14.                                                “Chief Executive” means the Official referred to in Rule J.1.1.

 

1.15.                                                “Club Board” means those Directors of the Club whose particulars are registered under section 162 of the Act.

 

1.16.                                                “Coach Developer” means the Official referred to in Rule 74.

 

1.17.                                                “Coaching Programme” means a Club’s coaching curriculum which must be set out in writing and include:

(a)     the technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills that the Club wishes its Academy Players to develop;

(b)    the appropriate means of coaching Academy Players in order that they develop those skills (having due regard to their age); and

(c)     specific coaching curricula for each of the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase.

 

1.18.                                                “Continued Professional Development” means ongoing training for Academy Staff, relevant to their discipline, of such quality, content and frequency as is necessary to ensure that each member of Academy Staff has the necessary knowledge and expertise in order to fulfil his role.

 

1.19.                                                “Core Coaching Time” means between 9am and 5pm on Mondays to Fridays.

 

1.20.                                                “Development Centre” means an establishment operated by a Club in England or Wales for the coaching of Children which is not an Academy and includes any such establishment by whatever name or title it is known.

 

1.21.                                                “Education Programme” has the meaning set out in Rule 163.

 

1.22.                                                “Elite Player Performance Plan” means the document of that name dated May 2011 and presented to the General Meeting held on Thursday 2 June 2011.

 

1.23.                                                “FA Advanced Youth Award” means each of the age-specific qualifications for Academy coaches to be developed and awarded by the Football Association. There shall be three FA Advanced Youth Awards, each of which shall be specific to one of the three Development Phases.

 

1.24.                                                “FA Youth Award” means the non-age specific qualification for Academy coaches awarded by the Football Association.

 

1.25.                                                “Festival” means an event, which may be spread over more than one day, at which teams from three or more Clubs (or clubs) play a series of matches in an environment in which the matches are competitive but the results are not given any particular significance.

 

1.26.                                                “Football Philosophy” means the guiding principles, values, playing style and tactical approach of a Club’s teams, and in particular of its first team.

 

1.27.                                                “Foundation Phase” means the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups inclusive.

 

1.28.                                                “Foundation Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the League and the Football League for teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups as set out in Rules 123 to 127.

 

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1.29.                                                “Full Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where the working hours are at least 35 hours per week (subject to such additional hours as the Club may require). A Full Time role may be fulfilled by more than one Official (e.g. on a job-share basis) provided that the minimum hours stated above are undertaken.

 

Guidance

A Club will not be penalised should a member of its Academy Staff fulfilling one of the roles required by these Rules to be Full Time if working slightly less than 35 hours per week provided that the required outputs of that role are being satisfactorily delivered. See further, by way of comparison, Rule 44 and the guidance thereunder.

 

1.30.                                                “Full Time Education” means the education provided for registered pupils at primary or secondary schools or full-time equivalent students at colleges of further education.

 

1.31.                                                “Full Time Training Model” means a programme of coaching and education whereby the Academy Player’s academic education shall be scheduled to enable four hours of coaching per day (which may be split into two sessions of two hours each) to take place within the Core Coaching Time.

 

1.32.                                                “Futsal” means the variant of association football that is played in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game as published from time to time by FIFA (with any such variation thereto as the League may from time to time determine), the current such Laws being available at: http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/51/44/50/spielregelnfutsal_ 2010_11_e.pdf

 

1.33.                                                “Games Programme” means the Foundation Phase Games Programme, the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, or the Professional Development Phase Games Programme.

 

1.34.                                                “Games Programme Schedule” means the period during which matches in the Games Programmes shall take place. The League will by no later than 31 January in each year publish the Games Programme Schedule for the following Season.

 

Guidance

It is envisaged that the Games Programme Schedule will incorporate two periods of “downtime” for matches in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase Games Programmes. The first such period will generally encompass the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August, and the second will encompass two weeks over Christmas. The exact dates for each Season’s period of downtime will be set out in the Games Programme Schedule when it is published by the League in the preceding Season. A provisional date of 31 January in each Season has been set for the publication of the Games Programme Schedule (although it may be subject to amendment thereafter but before the start of the following Season to accommodate, for example, newly-classified or re-classified Academies).

 

1.35.                                                “Head of Academy Coaching” means the Official referred to in Rule 60.

 

1.36.                                                “Head of Education” means the Official referred to in Rule 97.

 

1.38.                                                “Hybrid Training Model” means a programme of coaching and education whereby the Academy Player’s coaching shall primarily take place outside of the Core Coaching Time but with at least four (4) hours per week of the specified hours of coaching taking place within the Core Coaching Time.

 

1.39.                                                “ISO” means the independent standards organisation to be appointed from time to time by the PGB for the purposes of undertaking the ISO Audits.

 

1.40.                                                “ISO Audit” has the meaning set out in Rule 6.

 

1.41.                                                “Lifestyle Management Skills” means the personal and social skills which it is considered desirable for Academy Players to develop.

 

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1.42.                                                “Parent” shall be interpreted to include, if appropriate, a guardian.

 

1.43.                                                “Parents’ Charter” means the information to be provided by the League to the Parent of each Academy Player upon each occasion of his registration for a Club and which will contain:

(a)     information about the consequences of the Academy Player becoming registered with a Club;

(b)    a summary of the Club’s obligations to the Academy Player, and the Academy Player’s obligations to the Club.

 

Guidance

The Parents’ Charter will be drafted by the League and circulated to Clubs prior to the end of Season 2011/12.

 

1.44.                                                “Part Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where the working hours are less than 35 hours per week. A Part Time role may be fulfilled by two or more Officials (e.g. on a job-share basis).

 

Guidance

No minimum number of hours is specified for Part Time roles required under these Rules. This is left to Clubs’ discretion. However, the League and the ISO will require to be satisfied that the required outputs and results are achieved by a Club’s staffing structure. See further, by way of comparison, Rule 44 and the Guidance thereunder.

 

1.45.                                                “Part Time Training Model” means a coaching programme whereby the coaching of Academy Players takes place outside Core Coaching Time.

 

1.46.                                                “Performance Analysis” means the analysis of the physiological, technical and tactical performance of each individual Player and, in a game, of the team as a whole. Performance Analysis shall be undertaken by means of such video and/or IT technology as the League shall from time to time determine.

 

1.47.                                                “Performance Analysts” means the Officials referred to in Rules 93 and 94.

 

1.48.                                                “Performance Clock” means the application utilised for recording, measuring, monitoring and evidencing all aspects of an Academy Player’s progression, development and education in accordance with the format and procedures to be set by the League.

 

1.49.                                                “Performance Management Application” means the online support service to be developed and maintained by the League and utilised by each Club for the purposes of assisting the management of the Academy and recording and analysing data. Such data shall include (without limitation):

(a)     each Academy Player’s Performance Clock;

(b)    key data on Academy Staff such as records of qualification and Continued Professional Development; and

(c)     such information as the League may from time to time require for the purposes of national or Category-wide benchmarking.

 

1.50.                                                “Performance Review” means a review of all aspects of a Academy Player’s football, athletic and educational performance and development and which shall include:

(a)     reports from all relevant Academy Staff (including from the coaching, education and sports science and medicine disciplines);

(b)    self-assessment by the Academy Player; and

(c)     short, medium and long-term performance and development targets for the Academy Player.

 

1.51.                                                “PGB” means the Professional Game Board of the Football Association.

 

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1.52.                                                “Productivity Methodology” means the methodology developed by the League for analysing the registration and playing history of each Player and, as a consequence thereof, for producing each Club’s Productivity Profile.

 

1.53.                                                “Productivity Profile” means an analysis, produced by the League using the Productivity Methodology, of each Club’s track record in developing Academy Players, that is to say:

(a) the extent to which Academy Players coached by or at its Academy have progressed to become established professional Players; and accordingly;

(b) the extent to which the Club is successful in contributing to the development of established professional Players.

 

1.54.                                                “Professional Development Leagues” means the leagues of that name managed, organised and controlled by the League (in the case of Clubs operating Category 1 and Category 2 Academies) or by the Football League (in the case of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies) and “Professional Development League 1”, “Professional Development League 2” and “Professional Development League 3” shall be construed accordingly.

 

1.55.                                                “Professional Development Phase” means the Under 17 to Under 21 age groups inclusive.

 

1.56.                                                “Professional Development Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the League and Football League for teams in the Professional Development Phase as set out in Rules 141 to 146.

 

1.57.                                                “Qualified Teacher Status” means the accreditation which an individual must obtain in order to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales.

 

1.58.                                                “Scholarship Agreement” means an agreement made between a Club and an Academy Player in PLYD Form 1.

 

1.59.                                                “Scout” means any person employed or engaged by a Club (whether on a Full Time or Part Time basis and whether or not he is remunerated in any way for his services) whose duties include identifying to his Club players whose registration as Academy Players the Club may wish to secure.

 

1.60.                                                “Scout Identification Card” means a formal means of identification to be issued by the League to each registered Scout which shall include:

(a)     the name of the Club which employs the Scout;

(b)    a photograph of the Scout; and

(c)     the Scout’s signature.

 

1.61.                                                “Senior Academy Physiotherapist” means the Official referred to in Rule 89.

 

1.62.                                                “Senior Professional Development Coach” means the Official referred to in Rule 68.

 

1.63.                                                “Sports Science and Medicine Programme” means an integrated, interdisciplinary programme for the provision of sports science and medical, services and analysis as more particularly described in Rules 184 to 193.

 

1.64.                                                “Technical Board” has the meaning set out in Rules 24 to 26.

 

1.65.                                                “Tournament” means a grouping of competitive matches between three or more clubs whose results are given significance (e.g. there may be a winner of the Tournament) and which are typically played together at one venue and over a short period of time (e.g. one day or a few days).

 

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1.66.                                                “Training Camp” means an event for the Academy Players of one Club and which lasts for one or more days and at which a variety of coaching and other on-pitch and off-pitch activities takes place.

 

1.67.                                                “Training Model” means the Full Time Training Model, the Hybrid Training Model or the Part Time Training Model.

 

1.68.                                                “Trialist” means a player playing in age groups Under 9 to Under 21 who is attending an Academy on trial under the provisions of Rule 213.

 

1.69.                                                “Youth Development Phase” means the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups inclusive.

 

1.70.                                                “Youth Development Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the League and Football League for teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups, full details of which are set out in Rules 128 to 140.

 

2.                                                               For the purpose of this section of these Rules:

2.1    Academy Players shall be placed in one of 13 age groups commencing with age group Under 9 and ending with age group Under 21; and

2.2    the age group into which each Academy Player shall be placed shall be determined by his age on 31 August in the year in question.

 

General

 

3.                                                               If a Club engages in the training and development of young players then it must:

3.1. obtain a licence to operate an Academy; and

3.2. operate its Academy in accordance with this section of the Rules.

 

4.                                                               The term of a licence to operate an Academy shall be three years, unless revoked earlier in accordance with these Rules.

 

5.                                                               There shall be four Categories of Academy.

 

6.                                                               In respect of each Club which applies for an Academy Licence, the ISO shall undertake an analysis (“the ISO Audit”) of the matters set out in Rule 1.11(a) to (c).

 

7.                                                               The ISO Audit shall utilise the Audit Tool by assessing and recording thereon a score in respect of the matters set out in Rule 1.11(a) to (c).

 

8.                                                               The Category of a Club’s Academy shall be determined by the percentage that the Club scores on the Audit Tool as determined by its ISO Audit as follows:

8.1. for Category 1, the Club must achieve a score of at least 75% on the Audit Tool;

8.2. for Category 2, the Club must achieve a score of between 65% and 74% on the Audit Tool;

8.3. for Category 3, the Club must achieve a score of between 50% and 64% on the Audit Tool; and

8.4. for Category 4, the Club must achieve a score of between 35% and 49% on the Audit Tool;

provided that in each case it also complies with the minimum mandatory criteria applicable to the relevant Category.

 

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9.                                                               Prior to an ISO Audit being presented to the PGB, the ISO shall:

9.1.      give a copy of it to the Club;

9.2.      thereafter hold a meeting with Officials of the Club and representatives of the League to discuss it; and

9.3.      consider any representations made by the Club or the League about the Club’s ISO Audit and make all appropriate amendments to the ISO Audit consequent upon those representations.

 

Guidance

It is expected that the Club Officials who will attend the meeting with the ISO and the League referred to in Rule 9.3 will include the Academy Manager and the Chief Executive.

 

10.                                                         The PGB, having given due consideration to a Club’s ISO Audit and to the advice of the League and the ISO, shall (where appropriate) issue all licences to operate Academies and shall determine the Category of each Academy in respect of which it grants a licence by reference to the most recent ISO Audit of the Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club shall only have the right to make representations to the PGB in connection with its application for an Academy licence if it believes that the ISO Audit contains manifest error.

 

11.                                                         The PGB shall not grant a Club a licence to operate an Academy unless the Club achieves a score on its ISO Audit of at least 35%.

 

Guidance

Obtaining an Academy licence and the categorisation of the Academy depends on three elements:

 

·                  compliance with the relevant minimum mandatory;

·                  score against the detailed best practice set out in the Audit Tool; and

·                  once established, the Club’s Productivity Profile.

 

In order to obtain an initial categorisation, an Academy will conduct a self-assessment, guided by the Premier League Youth Development Department, pursuant to Rule 27 (and utilising the Audit Tool) in order to determine which Category it considers the Academy falls into. This shall represent the Academy’s initial categorisation. In conducting the first ISO Audit of an Academy, the ISO shall review the Academy’s self-assessment and determine, again utilising the Audit Tool, whether the initial categorisation can be confirmed.

 

It shall be the results of the ISO Audit that the PGB will rely on to determine the Academy’s official categorisation, not the self- assessment conducted by the Academy itself. The ISO Audit will contain the assessment of the Club’s Productivity Profile.

 

12.                                                         Any appeal by a Club against:

12.1.   the decision of the PGB not to issue to it a licence to operate an Academy; or

12.2.   the PGB’s determination of the Category of its Academy;

shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule K (Arbitration) of the Rules of the Football Association.

 

13.                                                         A Club may not re-apply for a licence to operate an Academy within three years of the determination by the PGB of an application made by it unless:

13.1.          its previous application was either declined by the PGB or was granted but for a lower Category of Academy than that for which the Club now wishes to apply; and

13.2.          there has been a material change in any of the circumstances recorded on its last ISO Audit; and

13.3.          the Club bears any costs of the League, ISO and PGB reasonably incurred by any of those bodies in assessing and determining the Club’s further application.

 

14.                                                         Upon a Club making a further application pursuant to Rule 13, the ISO shall conduct a further ISO Audit of the Club.

 

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15.                                                         Any Club or Official making a false statement (whether made verbally or in writing) or falsifying a document in connection with:

15.1.        an application for an Academy licence;

15.2.        the League’s annual evaluation undertaken pursuant to Rule 28;

15.3.        an ISO Audit; or

15.4.        any other provision of these Rules;

shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W of the League’s Rules.

 

16.                                                         If, in breach of Rule 3.2, a Club fails to comply with any Rule in this section, then the PGB may:

16.1.        revoke the Club’s Academy licence; or

16.2.        suspend the Club’s Academy licence for such time as it shall determine during which the Club shall have the opportunity to ensure it becomes compliant with the relevant Rule; or

16.3.        determine that the Club’s Academy shall have a lower Category than its current Category;

16.4.        withdraw or suspend the Club’s entitlement to any central funding provided for the purposes of youth development; and

16.5.        in any of the above cases require the ISO to undertake an ISO Audit of the Club’s Academy as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

17.                                                         Without prejudice to Rules 16, 205 and 206, any breach of Rules 3.2, 15, 23.2, 31 35 to 42, 46, 47, 48.1, 104 to 107, 110.2, 114 to 116, 118, 119, 126, 127, 138, 139, 146 to 148, 155, 0, 160, 161, 164 to 168, 182, 187, 188, 190, 192 to 195, 198, 199, 214, 216, 219 to 222, 227, 233, 236 to 238, 247, 249, 252, 254, 264, 265, 267, 268 270 or 272 shall be liable to be dealt with under the provisions of Section W of the League’s Rules.

 

Guidance

Failure to comply with any of the Rules in this section, other than those specified in Rule 17 above, will not lead to liability to disciplinary action under Section W. However, such failure to comply may be dealt with pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Club’s Academy licence and may lead to the revocation, suspension or downgrading of that licence, or the withdrawal or suspension of central funding, pursuant to Rule 16.

 

The League considers that the Rules specified in Rule 17 are of such a nature that breach should open the possibility of disciplinary action under Section W because they impact upon other people or entities, and in particular, Academy Players and/or other Clubs.

 

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STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND  MANAGEMENT OF THE ACADEMY

 

Football Philosophy

 

18.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall document and make available to the League and to the ISO its Football Philosophy which shall be:

18.1.   drawn up under the guidance of the Academy Manager and with the involvement of (if the Club deems it appropriate) the Manager and any other relevant Officials (including, by way of example only, the Technical Director if the Club has appointed one or the Technical Board); and

18.2.   annually reviewed and approved by the Club Board.

 

Academy Performance Plan

 

19.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and make available to the League and to the ISO its Academy Performance Plan.

 

20.                   The Academy Performance Plan shall be drawn up under the guidance of the Academy Manager in consultation with such Officials as the Club may consider appropriate (including, by way of example only, the Manager, the Chief Executive, the Academy Management Team and the Technical Director if the Club has appointed one) and shall be reviewed annually by the Academy Manager.

 

21.                   The Club Board shall:

21.1.   annually review and approve the Academy Performance Plan;

21.2.   ensure that the Academy Performance Plan is communicated to all relevant Officials; and

21.3.   measure the performance of the Academy each year against the strategy and specific performance targets set out in the Academy Performance Plan and ensure that appropriate action is taken if the performance targets have not been met.

 

Performance Management Application

 

22.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall:

22.1.   use the Performance Management Application from the date of its implementation by the League;

22.2.   ensure that the data held on the Performance Management Application which is within the Club’s control is held securely and is only released to, or accessed by, those persons who require access to it pursuant to any of these Rules; and

22.3.   provide the League with such information  as it may from time to time require for the purposes of analysing and benchmarking on a national or Category-wide basis any aspect of the performance of Academy Players or Clubs.

 

23.                   Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall ensure that the Performance Management Application is available for access by the following individuals:

23.1.   relevant Academy Staff; and

23.2.   Parents of its Academy Players aged 17 and younger, and the Academy Players themselves, in relation to information contained on the Performance Management Application which relates to that Academy Player (but excluding information which in the Club’s reasonable opinion ought not to be so disclosed).

 

Guidance

The Performance Management Application will be developed in consultation with Clubs. The consultation and development process will also consider in detail what information has to be provided to Academy Players and/or their Parents. The League will provide further information regarding the types of benchmarking to be undertaken, the rationale underlying the benchmarking exercise, and the procedures that the League will implement to ensure confidentiality.

 

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The Audit Tool provides details of which members of Academy Staff should have access to the Performance Management Application, and this includes, amongst others, coaches, physiotherapists, the Academy Doctor and the Lead Sports Scientist.

 

Technical Board

 

24.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Technical Board.

 

25.                   The membership of the Technical Board shall consist of such Officials as the Club Board deems necessary in order for the Technical Board to properly perform the functions with which it is tasked by these Rules, and accordingly may include:

25.1.   the Chief Executive;

25.2.   the Manager;

25.3.   the Technical Director (if one has been appointed);

25.4.   the Academy Manager;

25.5.   such Officials as can give input from the following functional areas:

25.5.1. recruitment;

25.5.2. coaching; and

25.5.3. Professional Development Phase coaching; and

25.6.   any other Official that the Club deems appropriate.

 

26.                   The Technical Board shall provide technical advice and support in the development of the Club’s Football Philosophy and in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Academy Performance Plan.

 

Guidance

The Club may wish to give consideration to tasking the Technical Board with involvement in the following functions, in addition to those listed in the above Rule:

 

·     defining the profile/role of the Senior Professional Development Coach;

·     management of the transition of players into the first team squad;

·     defining the Club’s recruitment strategy (e.g. home-grown players v external recruitment);

·     playing opportunities for Academy Players at first team level; and

·     any other functions which the Club deems appropriate.

 

Each Club may wish to give consideration to employing a Technical Director. The employment of a Technical Director is not mandatory.

 

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EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENT

 

Academies: Evaluation and Audit

 

27.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall conduct an annual self-assessment of its Academy which shall:

27.1.   be led by its Academy Manager;

27.2.   assess the extent to which the Club meets and/or exceeds the criteria pertaining to the relevant Category of Academy set out in this section of the Rules and in the Audit Tool;

27.3.   utilise the Audit Tool; and

27.4.   be made available to the League, the ISO and, if required, the PGB.

 

28.                   The League shall conduct:

28.1.   on-going monitoring  of each Academy; and

28.2.   an annual evaluation of each Academy which shall:

28.2.1.   consider the Club’s annual self-assessment referred to in Rule 27 and its most recent Academy Financial Information;

28.2.2.   assess the extent to which the Club meets and/or exceeds the criteria pertaining to the relevant Category of Academy set out in this section of the Rules and in the Audit Tool;

28.2.3.   utilise the Audit Tool; and

28.2.4.   be made available to the Club, the ISO and, if required, the PGB.

 

29.                   The ISO shall conduct an ISO Audit of each Academy at least once every three years (subject to any requirement  of these  Rules which provides for ISO Audits  to be undertaken  more frequently), the results of which shall be made available to the Club, the League and the PGB.

 

30.                   A Club shall be entitled to publish the results of its ISO Audit.

 

31.                   Each Club which operates or applies to operate an Academy shall give the League and the ISO access to such facilities, personnel, documents and records as they reasonably require in order to undertake, respectively, the on-going monitoring and annual evaluation referred to in Rule 28 and the ISO Audit.

 

32.                   Each Club which wishes to operate an Academy must submit to the League an application to do so which shall be accompanied by a self-assessment described in Rule 27.

 

Transitional arrangements

 

33.                   Each Club which makes an application to operate an Academy with effect from the start of Season 2012/13:

33.1. must make its application by no later than 31 March 2012; and

33.2. shall be the subject of an ISO Audit by no later than 31 May 2012.

 

Guidance

1. With regard to Rule 33.2, it is recognised that if the ISO Audits commence in spring 2012, not all Clubs may yet have in place the staff posts required by these Rules. Any Club in this position will need to satisfy the ISO that the relevant staffing structure will be in place with effect from the start of Season 2012/13. It is similarly recognised that not all the facilities required pursuant to Rules 268 and 269 may be in place prior to 31 May 2012. In such a case, the Club will need to satisfy the ISO by production of appropriate evidence (e.g. planning consent, proof of funds, ITTs and/or building contracts) that the facilities will be in place with effect from the start of Season 2012/13.

 

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In either case, the League reserves the right to assess, following the start of Season 2012/13, whether the correct staffing structure and facilities are in place, and to require a further ISO Audit to be undertaken. Thereafter, if appropriate the Club may be referred to the PGB with a recommendation that its Academy Licence is withdrawn or that its Academy is given a lower Category. Clubs’ attention is drawn to Rules 243 to 244 and the powers of the Board concerning Academy Players’ registrations where this occurs.

 

2. The League envisages that the following timetable will apply for Football League clubs:

2.1. Each Football League club which makes an application to operate a Category  1 Academy  with effect from the start of Season 2012/13 must comply with the timetable set out in Rule 33.

2.2. Each Football League club which makes an application to operate a Category 2, 3 or 4 Academy with effect from the start of Season 2012/13 must make its application by no later than 31 May 2012. The applications will be assessed by the Premier League (applications  to operate Category 2 Academies) or the Football League (applications to operate Category 3 or 4 Academies). In undertaking the assessments, the League or Football League as appropriate will determine whether the club meets the relevant criteria under these Rules and, only if the club does so, grant it a provisional licence to operate an Academy. The club will then be the subject of an ISO Audit by no later than 31 May 2014, the results of which will be referred to the PGB. The equivalent Football League regulation to Rule 10 shall then apply.

 

Productivity Profile

 

34.                   Each year the League will provide each Club which operates an Academy with an up to date Productivity Profile, benchmarked (on an anonymised  basis) against other Clubs (and, if appropriate, Football League clubs).

 

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PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

 

Performance Clock

 

35.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall maintain a Performance Clock for each of its Academy Players and ensure that it is made available to:

35.1.   the Academy Player;

35.2.   his Parent (and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the Club shall provide to the Academy Player and his Parent a copy of his Performance Clock if he ceases to be registered with the Club);

35.3.   the League; and

35.4.   the ISO.

 

Guidance

1. The Performance Clock will record the player’s progress throughout his development. It is envisaged that the Performance Clock will be an embedded application in the Performance Management Application. Information will be carried forward year on year (and from club to club) to build into a comprehensive record of the player’s development. The Performance Clock should provide a breakdown of the time spent in individual and team technical and practical development, matches played, sports science and medicine (including psychological and social development) and educational progression. The Performance Clock will log qualitative information and evidence documented by both coach and player relating to a player’s successful progression in the above areas. The Performance Clock will also evidence the Academy Player’s Performance Reviews. The composition of the Performance Clock will be determined in consultation with Clubs.

2. It should be noted that while there is scope within the Performance Clock for the Academy Player to give feedback and comments, the primary responsibility to maintain Performance Clocks lies with the Club. Any Club which fails to maintain its Academy Players’ Performance Clocks, and make them available in accordance with Rule 35, may jeopardise its categorisation.

3. Discussions have commenced with the Football Association to develop a protocol for the sharing of information about an Academy Player who plays for an England representative side between the national coaching set-up and his Club. If this progresses, further consultation with Clubs shall take place.

 

Performance Reviews

 

36.                   Each Club which operates an Academy  shall ensure that each of its Academy Players receives a Performance Review:

36.1. every 12 weeks (if he is in one of the Under 9 to Under 12 age groups);

36.2. every 6 weeks (if he is in one of the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups); and

36.3. with such frequency as the Club deems appropriate (if he is one of the Under 19 to Under 21 age groups).

 

37.                   Each Performance Review shall assess the performance and development of the Academy Player against his performance targets set at previous Performance Reviews.

 

38.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that:

38.1.   it discusses each Academy  Player’s Performance Review with him;

38.2.   it takes appropriate action (for example by way of setting mutually agreed performance targets and/or such individual coaching, athletic development or educational support as may be necessary) as a result of each Performance Review.

 

39.                   Each Performance Review shall be recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.

 

40.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall meet with the Parent of each Academy Player under the age of 18 at least twice a year and provide to and discuss with the Parent a detailed review of all aspects of the Academy Player’s performance  and development based on his most recent Performance Reviews.

 

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41.                   A written record of the discussion referred to in Rule 40 shall be given to the Parent and noted on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.

 

42.                   Each Club which operates an Academy shall, between 1 May and 30 June in each year, provide to the Parent of each Academy Player under the age of 18 an annual written report on all aspects of the Academy Player’s performance and development over the preceding Season.

 

Guidance

It is recommended that one of the meetings referred to in Rule 40 is held at around the mid-season point and the other at the end of the season. The annual written report referred to in Rule 42 should form the basis of the end of season meeting.

 

Regular reviews of all aspects of an Academy Player’s development are a key part of the Elite Player Performance Plan. Each periodic Performance Review will have input from each discipline within the Academy (coaching, education and welfare, and sports science and medicine). The Performance Review must also allow input from the Academy Player.

 

The following best practice recommendations are made, which supplement the above minimum requirements.

 

1. Performance Reviews should not only measure the Academy Player’s progression against his own performance targets, but also benchmark his development against that of his peers.

2. The procedure for undertaking Performance Reviews with Academy Players should follow a standard protocol. The meeting should involve the head coach for the Academy Player’s Development Phase and the Head of Education (particularly if the Club is providing education to the Academy Player), plus any other relevant Academy Staff (e.g. sports scientists) as required.

3. Similar protocols may be adopted for the meetings with Parents. Thus, it is recommended that the meeting is attended by the head coach for the Academy Player’s Development Phase, the Head of Education and any other relevant Academy Staff.

 

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STAFF

 

General

 

43.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a staffing structure for its Academy which shall:

 

 

 

43.1.

subject to Rule 44 include the mandatory posts required by this section of the Rules for the Category applicable to its Academy; and

 

 

 

 

43.2.

have regard to the guidelines and best practice set out in the Elite Player Performance Plan.

 

 

44.

Save for the Academy Manager and the coaches described in Rules 63 and 64, a Club need not employ those Academy Staff whose employment is mandatory for the Category of its Academy pursuant to these Rules provided that the Club is able to demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate), that its staffing structure includes the same expertise and achieves the same results as if all the mandatory posts required by this section of the Rules were filled.

 

Guidance

 

The functions covered by the mandatory posts must be delivered by all Clubs operating an Academy. However, the League acknowledges that Clubs should have flexibility in the organisation of their staffing structure provided that the structure that is adopted delivers the same outputs and results as if the mandatory posts were filled. By way of example only, instead of appointing a specific Coach Developer, a Club may instead decide to appoint extra coaches above the mandatory minimum, and task more than one coach so appointed to spend a certain proportion of their time carrying out the functions of the Coach Developer.

 

The exceptions to this are the post of Academy Manager and the coaches set out in Rules 63 and 64: a Club must employ a Full Time Academy Manager in accordance with Rules 51 to 57 and coaches in accordance with Rules 63 and 64.

 

45.

The Club shall document its staffing structure in an organisational chart which shall:

 

 

 

 

45.1.

show the reporting lines of each member of Academy Staff; and

 

 

 

 

45.2.

be made available to Academy Staff, the League and the ISO.

 

 

 

46.

The relationship between a Club and each member of its Academy Staff shall be appropriately documented by way of:

 

 

 

46.1.

an employment contract; or

 

 

 

 

46.2.

a statement of terms of employment pursuant to Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996; or

 

 

 

 

46.3.

in the case of a non-employee, a contract for services.

 

 

 

47.

Each member of Academy Staff shall be given:

 

 

 

47.1.

a written job description (which may be contained in the document referred to in Rule 46); and

 

 

 

 

47.2.

an annual performance appraisal.

 

 

 

48.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall:

 

 

 

 

48.1.

provide Continued Professional Development to members of Academy Staff where required to do so pursuant to these Rules; and

 

 

 

 

48.2.

take all reasonable steps to ensure that each member of Academy Staff who is required by these Rules to undertake Continued Professional Development does so.

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that CPD will be delivered partly by Clubs and partly externally (e.g. by the Football Association).

 

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Academy Management Team

 

49.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Academy Management Team which shall:

 

 

 

49.1.

be led by the Academy Manager;

 

 

 

 

49.2.

in addition to the Academy Manager consist of such other Officials as the Club Board deems necessary in order for the Academy Management Team to properly perform the functions with which it is tasked by these Rules and otherwise, and which may accordingly include the Head of Education, the Head of Sports Science and Medicine, the Head of Recruitment, the Head of Academy Coaching, the Academy Secretary and, in the case of a Category 1 Academy, the Coach Developer.

 

 

 

50.

The Academy Management Team shall assist the Academy Manager in running the operations of the Academy in accordance with the Club’s Academy Performance Plan.

 

Guidance

 

This Section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44. If a Club does not employ one of the Officials described in Rule 49.2, Clubs should consider including representation from the relevant functional area on the Academy Management Team.

 

Academy Manager

 

51.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Full Time Academy Manager.

 

 

 

52.

The Academy Manager’s appointment shall be approved by the Club Board.

 

 

 

53.

The Academy Manager shall report to the Chief Executive or to such other senior administrative Official of the Club as the Club Board shall approve.

 

 

 

54.

The responsibilities of the Academy Manager shall include (unless otherwise approved by the Board):

 

 

 

54.1.

guiding the development of the Club’s Football Philosophy as set out in Rule 18;

 

 

 

 

54.2.

drawing up the Academy Performance Plan as set out in, and subject to the provisions of, Rule 20;

 

 

 

 

54.3.

implementing the Academy Performance Plan;

 

 

 

 

54.4.

advising the Club Board on:

 

 

 

 

 

54.4.1.

whether the Academy has met the performance targets set out in the Academy Performance Plan; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

54.4.2.

the action to be taken by the Club if the Academy has not met those performance targets;

 

 

 

 

54.5.

ensuring the effective use by all appropriate Academy Staff of the Performance Management Application, Performance Clocks, and the Audit Tool, including ensuring that all relevant data is recorded thereon;

 

 

 

 

54.6.

the design, implementation and management of the Academy’s Coaching Programme;

 

 

 

 

54.7.

conducting an annual self-assessment of the Academy in accordance with the provisions of Rule 27;

 

 

 

 

54.8.

providing all necessary assistance to the League in connection with its on-going monitoring and annual evaluations of the Academy and to the ISO in connection with the ISO Audits;

 

 

 

 

54.9.

ensuring that all Academy Staff undertake the Continued Professional Development required of them by this section of the Rules;

 

 

 

 

54.10.

being the line manager of the Head of Education, Head of Coaching, and Head of Recruitment; and

 

 

 

 

54.11.

liaising with the Club’s Manager as appropriate.

 

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Guidance

 

It is acknowledged that some Academy Managers may also have important roles as coaches and that the above responsibilities may limit the time they have for coaching. As a consequence, the Academy Manager will be entitled to delegate some of his functions to other staff at the Academy to enable him to continue to undertake coaching. In particular, if the Academy Manager also has coaching responsibilities, Clubs may wish to give consideration to appointing an Operations Manager, being a senior administrator who will have day-to-day responsibility for many of the executive and operational issues of the Academy. However, it should be borne in mind that the Academy Manager will remain ultimately responsible for all of the above matters regardless of any delegation.

 

55.

Subject to Rule 56, each Academy Manager must hold:

 

 

 

 

55.1.

an up to date UEFA A Licence; and

 

 

 

 

55.2.

an Academy Manager’s Licence; and

 

 

 

 

55.3.

an FA Youth Award; and

 

 

 

 

55.4.

an FA Advanced Youth Award.

 

Guidance

 

A new Academy Manager’s Licence will be developed by the FA, working with the League. This is unlikely to be in place for the commencement of Season 2012/13, and further advice will be given to Clubs in due course.

 

Rule 55.4 will be complied with regardless of which of the age-specific FA Advanced Youth Awards the Academy Manager holds, so long as he holds one.

 

56

A Club may appoint as Academy Manager a person who does not hold the qualifications set out in Rule 55 provided that the Head of Academy Coaching:

 

 

 

 

56.1.

holds these qualifications;

 

 

 

 

56.2.

is tasked with overseeing the Coaching Programme; and

 

 

 

 

56.3.

is a member of the Academy Management Team and sits on the Technical Board.

 

Guidance

 

Consideration is being given to a specific course/qualification for Academy Managers who do not hold the required coaching qualifications. This may become mandatory for such Academy Managers. Any such qualification will not be developed prior to the commencement of Season 2012/13, and further guidance will be given to Clubs in due course.

 

57.

The Academy Manager must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club. In addition, where the Academy Manager holds the qualifications set out in Rule 55.3 and 55.4, he must attend at least 5 hours of in-service training to be provided by the Football Association every year and the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by the Football Association at least once every three years.

 

Academy Secretary

 

58.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Secretary who shall be employed Full Time (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy), and at least Part Time (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy).

 

 

59.

The Academy Secretary shall:

 

 

 

59.1.

provide administrative support to the Academy Manager and the Academy Management Team;

 

 

 

 

59.2.

act as the point of contact between the Academy and the League for all administrative matters, including the submission of required information; and

 

 

 

 

59.3.

be familiar with all relevant provisions of these Youth Development Rules, as amended from time to time.

 

Guidance

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

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Head of Academy Coaching

 

60.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Academy Coaching who shall:

 

 

 

60.1.

report to the Academy Manager;

 

 

 

 

60.2.

subject to Rule 54.6, have responsibility for delivery of the Academy’s Coaching Programme;

 

 

 

 

60.3.

hold at least an up to date UEFA A Licence, an FA Youth Award, and an FA Advanced Youth Award and, in the circumstances set out in Rule 56, an Academy Manager’s Licence;

 

 

 

 

60.4.

have recent and relevant experience of coaching Academy Players in an Academy (or of a comparable environment);

 

 

 

 

60.5.

be employed Full Time (in the case of a Head of Academy Coaching employed in a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or at least Part Time (in the case of a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy).

 

 

61.

The Head of Academy Coaching must attend:

 

 

 

61.1.

at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the Football Association each year; and

 

 

 

 

61.2.

at least once every three years the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by the Football Association.

 

 

62.

In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 61, the Head of Academy Coaching must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that the Head of Academy Coaching will replace the current role of Assistant Academy Manager, which was formerly a requirement for Academies.

 

It is recommended (and mandatory in the circumstances set out in Rule 56) that the Head of Academy Coaching will be a senior appointment in the Academy and a member of the Academy Management Team and sit on the Technical Board.

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Coaches

 

63.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ as a minimum the number of Full Time coaches for each Development Phase in accordance with the Category of its Academy as set out in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth

 

Professional

 

 

 

 

Foundation

 

Development

 

Development

 

 

 

 

Phase

 

Phase

 

Phase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

 

Category 2

 

1

 

2

 

2

 

 

Category 3

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

 

Category 4

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

2

 

 

 

64.

In addition to the coaches set out in Rule 63 each Club shall employ sufficient additional coaching staff (Full Time or Part Time) to ensure that the coach to Academy Players ratios set out in Rule 106 are maintained.

 

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Goalkeeping Coaches

 

65.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ, either on a Full Time or Part Time basis, such goalkeeping coaches as are necessary to ensure that each Academy Player who is a goalkeeper receives the required hours of coaching set out in Rule 104.

 

 

66.

Each goalkeeping coach must:

 

 

 

66.1.

attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the Football Association each year;

 

 

 

 

66.2.

attend the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by the Football Association at least once every three years; and

 

 

 

 

66.3.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

 

67.

Each goalkeeping coach must hold an up to date UEFA B Licence and an FA Youth Award.

 

 

Guidance

 

 

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

 

Consideration is being given to the development of a bespoke FA goalkeeping (youth) qualification.

 

 

Senior Professional Development Coach

 

 

68.

Each Club shall appoint a Senior Professional Development Coach who shall:

 

 

 

68.1.

report to the Academy Manager;

 

 

 

 

68.2.

liaise with the Manager;

 

 

 

 

68.3.

by no later than the start of Season 2013/14 hold a UEFA A Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award specific to the Professional Development Phase;

 

 

 

 

68.4.

oversee on a day-to-day basis the Coaching Programme for the Under 19 to Under 21 age groups;

 

 

 

 

68.5.

manage the transition of Academy Players to the Club’s senior squad in accordance with the Club’s procedure for the same described in Rule 69;

 

 

 

 

68.6.

contribute to the Performance Reviews of all Academy Players in the Professional Development Phase; and

 

 

 

 

68.7.

manage the Club’s team which competes in the Professional Development League.

 

 

69.

Each Club shall develop, implement and provide evidence of a procedure to enable the transition of Academy Players to its senior squad.

 

 

Guidance

 

 

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

 

Coaches: Qualifications and Professional Development

 

 

70.

Each coach (excluding goalkeeping coaches to whom Rule 66 applies) must hold:

 

 

 

70.1.

an up to date UEFA B Licence (save where these Rules require a coach to hold an up to date UEFA A Licence); and

 

 

 

 

70.2.

an FA Youth Award; and

 

 

 

 

70.3.

an up to date FA Advanced Youth Award applicable to the Development Phase which he coaches.

 

 

71.

The FA Youth Award and FA Advanced Youth Award shall be acquired at the latest within 18 months of the start of the coach’s employment.

 

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Guidance

 

These Rules require the following Academy Staff to hold an up to date UEFA A Licence:

 

·              Head of Academy Coaching (Rule 60.3);

 

·              Coach Developer (Rule 75.3);

 

·              Senior Professional Development Coach (Rule 68.3).

 

The FA Youth Award (see Rule 1.24) has been introduced during Season 2011/12 and accordingly coaches can now enrol on the course to obtain this Award. It is recognised that a considerable number of coaches will need to progress through the FA course, and the FA’s current view is that it will take at least until the end of Season 2013/14 for all coaches to obtain it. A timetable for full implementation will be drawn up in consultation with the FA and Clubs and further advice given in due course. Accordingly Clubs shall not be penalised if coaches have not obtained this Award pending such further advice.

 

Similar points apply to the FA Advanced Youth Award which will be introduced in due course, and no Club will be penalised if its coaches do not hold it pending finalisation of the timetable for its introduction.

 

72.

Each coach (including goalkeeping coaches) must attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the Football Association each year and the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by the Football Association at least once every three years.

 

 

73.

In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 72, each coach must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

The Leagues and the FA will establish and maintain a national database of qualifications of coaches, and the in-service training they have undertaken.

 

Coach Developer

 

74.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall either:

 

 

 

74.1.

employ a Full Time Coach Developer; or

 

 

 

 

74.2.

demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, ISO or PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that it has a dedicated resource which is available at all times to the Academy coaching staff and which resource undertakes the same functions as the functions of the Coach Developer set out in Rule 75.

 

 

75.

The Coach Developer shall:

 

 

 

75.1.

be responsible for designing and delivering the Club’s Continued Professional Development, which shall reflect the Club’s Football Philosophy, for all Full Time and Part Time coaches;

 

 

 

 

75.2.

report to the Academy Manager; and

 

 

 

 

75.3.

hold at least an up to date UEFA A Licence, an FA Youth Award and an FA Advanced Youth Award.

 

 

76.

Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall either:

 

 

 

76.1.

employ a Coach Developer on at least a Part Time basis; or

 

 

 

 

76.2.

demonstrate to the reasonable opinion of the League or ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that it has a dedicated resource which is available to the Academy coaching staff and which resource undertakes the same functions as those of the Coach Developer.

 

 

77.

Coach Developers must attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the Football Association each year and the first aid training for coaches provided by the Football Association at least once every three years.

 

 

78.

In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 77, the Coach Developer must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

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Guidance

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44. In particular, it is recognised that Clubs may wish to appoint one Official to undertake the functions of both the Head of Academy Coaching and that of the Coach Developer. This may be acceptable provided that the required functions of those roles are delivered. It is envisaged that, in such a case, the Official would not undertake coaching as the duties of those two roles would occupy the overwhelming majority of his time.

 

Although the post of Coach Developer for Category 2 Academies is stated in the Rules to be Part Time, it is recommended that Category 2 Academies appoint the role on a Full Time basis.

 

Clubs operating Category 3 and 4 Academies shall be entitled to appoint Coach Developers if they so wish. If Coach Developers are not appointed, the Club must ensure that it is able to obtain, through the use of external resources, sufficient resource to provide a suitable Continued Professional Development programme for all of its coaches. One example of such a resource is the Football Association’s coach developers. Proper use of the Football Association’s coach developers would also discharge the obligation under Rule 76.2 for a Club operating a Category 2 Academy to ensure it has a dedicated coach developer resource.

 

Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

 

79.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 and Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine who shall report to either the Academy Manager or the Official who is responsible for Sports Science and Medicine for the entire Club (and whichever he reports to, he shall liaise closely with the other).

 

 

80.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that its Sports Science and Medicine Programme for Academy Players is appropriately managed and delivered.

 

Guidance

 

A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may choose to buy in support for this function on a part time basis.

 

81.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall be responsible for managing and delivering the Sports Science and Medicine Programme for all Academy Players registered with the Club.

 

 

82.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine:

 

 

 

82.1.

shall be either:

 

 

 

 

 

82.1.1.

a chartered physiotherapist and a member of the Health Professions Council; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

82.1.2.

a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical Council; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

82.1.3.

the holder of at least a master’s degree in sports science (or other relevant discipline) from a recognised university; and

 

 

 

 

82.2.

shall have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment.

 

 

83.

The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that the person who is appointed to this role shall have had recent relevant experience (which will be assessed by the League and/or the ISO), including managerial experience in a sports science environment.

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Lead Sports Scientist

 

84.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Lead Sports Scientist who shall:

 

 

 

84.1.

hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university;

 

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84.2.

have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment; and

 

 

 

 

84.3.

co-ordinate and lead the sports science services for the Academy.

 

 

85.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that it delivers sufficient and appropriate sports science services to its Academy Players.

 

 

86.

The Lead Sports Scientist must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

For Clubs’ obligations generally regarding the provision of sports science and medicine, see Rules 184 to 193.

 

It is envisaged that the person appointed to this role will have recent, relevant experience (which will be assessed by League and/or the ISO).

 

A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may choose to buy in support for this function on a part time basis. This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach

 

87.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 or 2 Academy shall employ a Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach who shall:

 

 

 

87.1.

in the case of a Category 1 Academy, be employed Full Time, and in the case of a Category 2 Academy, be employed at least Part Time;

 

 

 

 

87.2.

be responsible for providing to the Club’s Academy Players appropriate strength and conditioning training and monitoring as part of the Sports Science and Medicine Programme;

 

 

 

 

87.3.

hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university;

 

 

 

 

87.4.

have attended the following workshops run by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (or equivalent workshops run by any equivalent body):

 

 

 

 

 

87.4.1.

Foundation Workshop and Certification (Level 1);

 

 

 

 

 

 

87.4.2.

Weightlifting Workshop;

 

 

 

 

 

 

87.4.3.

Plyometric, Agility and Speed Workshop;

 

 

 

 

 

 

87.4.4.

Planning Effective Programmes Workshop; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

87.4.5.

report to the Lead Sports Scientist.

 

 

88.

The Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

It is recommended that Category 2 Academies employ the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach on a Full Time basis, but the League acknowledges that this may not always be possible, therefore, the minimum role is stated to be Part Time.

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Senior Academy Physiotherapist

 

89.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Senior Academy Physiotherapist who shall:

 

 

 

89.1.

be Full Time in the case of a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy and at least Part Time in the case of a Category 4 Academy;

 

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89.2.

be a chartered physiotherapist and a member of the Health Professions Council (save that a Club which operates a Category 3 Academy may continue to employ as its Senior Academy Physiotherapist any Person so employed at the time of these Rules coming into force who does not hold the qualifications specified in this Rule provided that he has successfully completed the Football Association’s Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injuries course or an equivalent or higher qualification. Any person appointed thereafter must hold the qualifications specified by this Rule);

 

 

 

 

89.3.

have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment;

 

 

 

 

89.4.

co-ordinate and lead the physiotherapy service within the Academy;

 

 

 

 

89.5.

ensure that Rules 192.1 and 193 are complied with; and

 

 

 

 

89.6.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Physiotherapists

 

90.

In addition to the Senior Academy Physiotherapist referred to at Rule 89, each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall employ at least one Full Time physiotherapist who shall be a chartered physiotherapist and a registered member of the Health Professions Council.

 

 

91.

Each physiotherapist employed pursuant to Rule 90 must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Academy Doctor

 

92.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Doctor who shall:

 

 

 

92.1.

be a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical Council;

 

 

 

 

92.2.

be available to assess and, if appropriate, undertake the treatment of any playing injuries suffered by an Academy Player;

 

 

 

 

92.3.

undertake Continued Professional Development;

 

 

 

 

92.4.

be on call during all Academy coaching and matches; and

 

 

 

 

92.5.

be available for consultation at the Academy on at least one occasion per week (in addition to any attendance at matches).

 

Guidance

 

1.

Whether the Academy Doctor should be Full Time or Part Time has not been specified, it being recognised that the role may be fulfilled by a doctor who also has responsibilities for the professional squad, or who has other professional responsibilities outside the Club.

 

 

2.

While the provisions of Rule 92.4 above (Academy Doctor to be on call) should be noted, see also Rule 192 and 193 concerning the medical cover at coaching and matches.

 

 

3.

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Performance Analysts

 

93.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ a minimum of two Full Time Performance Analysts.

 

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94.

Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall employ a minimum of two Performance Analysts, one on a Full Time basis, and the other at least Part Time.

 

Guidance

 

For Category 2 Academies, the Performance Analysts could be, for example, a student undertaking a Master’s degree in a sports science related field who is on a placement as part of their Master’s course.

 

95.

The Performance Analysts shall undertake Performance Analysis of Academy Players registered with the Club.

 

 

96.

The Performance Analysts must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Head of Education

 

97.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Head of Education who shall:

 

 

 

97.1.

report to the Academy Manager;

 

 

 

 

97.2.

have primary responsibility for:

 

 

 

 

 

97.2.1.

the organisation, management and delivery of the Club’s Education Programme; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

97.2.2.

the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club (subject to the duties of any educational establishment at which an Academy Player’s education is taking place);

 

 

 

 

97.3.

ensure that the Academy’s educational provision reflects the strategy and performance targets set out in the Club’s Academy Performance Plan;

 

 

 

 

97.4.

hold Qualified Teacher Status and have relevant experience (in the case of Category 1 and 2 Academies) or, as a minimum, possess a teaching qualification or further education teaching qualification (in the case of Category 3 and Category 4 Academies);

 

 

 

 

97.5.

be Full Time (in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies); and

 

 

 

 

97.6.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

 

Guidance

 

See also:

 

1.

Rule 181 which requires each Club to nominate a member of Academy Staff to be responsible for the management and delivery of the Club’s programme to educate Academy Players in Lifestyle Management Skills. It is recommended (although not mandatory) that the Head of Education and Welfare is tasked with this.

 

 

2.

Rule 182 pursuant to which the Head of Education and Welfare or other appropriate Official must manage the Club’s exit/release strategy.

 

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

Head of Recruitment

 

98.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Recruitment who shall:

 

 

 

98.1.

report to the Academy Manager;

 

 

 

 

98.2.

have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Club’s policies and procedures for the recruitment of Academy Players;

 

 

 

 

98.3.

have responsibility for the recruitment and training of the Club’s Scouts (including taking all reasonable steps to ensure that they comply with the requirements regarding qualifications, registration and Continued Professional Development set out at Rules 194 to 201);

 

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98.4.

be in possession of such qualification as the League may require from time to time;

 

 

 

 

98.5.

undertake at least 5 hours of in-service training each year;

 

 

 

 

98.6.

undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club; and

 

 

 

 

98.7.

be Full Time in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, and at least Part Time in the case of Category 3 and 4 Academies.

 

Guidance

 

1.

Ideally a Club’s strategy for talent identification and recruitment should flow from its Football Philosophy and be fully integrated into its Academy Performance Plan and the multi-disciplinary approach to youth development envisaged by the Elite Player Performance Plan. Clubs may wish to document a recruitment strategy which sets out:

 

 

 

·

the profile of the players it seeks to recruit in each age group, having regard to the desired technical, tactical, maturation, social and psychological characteristics required at each age;

 

 

 

 

·

its target groups (e.g. local v national recruitment, players attending Development Centres or local schools/boys’ clubs etc);

 

 

 

 

·

synchronisation between coaches and recruiters to ensure that, for example, assessment procedures match those by which the Academy’s existing Academy Players are assessed, and that new recruits transit easily into the Academy environment;

 

 

 

 

·

a strategy for late developers (including the Academy’s own Academy Players whose maturation rates are slow but who eventually catch up with their peers); and ensuring accurate scouting records are maintained.

 

 

 

 

Clubs may then wish to develop an activity plan to implement the recruitment strategy.

 

 

2.

With regard to Rule 98.4 above, it is envisaged that a new qualification for scouts will be developed in due course. For the moment, the qualification required is the Football Association’s Scouting Talent Identification Course (i.e. the qualification for Scouts currently required by Premier League Rules).

 

 

3.

This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.

 

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COACHING

 

Coaching Programme

 

99.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare (and make available to the League and to the ISO on request) a Coaching Programme which shall have regard to:

 

 

 

99.1.

the Club’s Football Philosophy;

 

 

 

 

99.2.

the Club’s Academy Performance Plan;

 

 

 

 

99.3.

sections 6.6 – 6.8 of the Elite Player Performance Plan (save as regards the reference to minimum hours of coaching, as to which see Rule 104); and

 

 

 

 

99.4.

these Rules.

 

 

100.

The Club’s Coaching Programme shall be drawn up by the Academy Manager (or, in the circumstances set out in Rule 56, the Head of Academy Coaching) who shall consult with all appropriate Club Officials (which may include the Manager, the Chief Executive, coaching staff, the Academy Management Team and the Technical Director if the Club has appointed one).

 

 

101.

The Club’s Technical Board shall approve the Club’s Coaching Programme.

 

Guidance

 

Reference is made in the Rule to sections 6.6 to 6.8 of the Elite Player Performance Plan, which set out further detail about the Coaching Programme in the Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase, and Professional Development Phase.

 

It is recommended that the Coaching Programme gives particular consideration to desired outcomes and the coaching strategies needed to achieve them at each of the Development Phases.

 

See also Rule 54.6 (role of Academy Manager in the Coaching Programme) and Rule 60.2 (role of the Head of Academy Coaching).

 

Coaching Hours

 

102.

The coaching of age groups Under 15 and older in Category 1 and Category 2 Academies shall take place over 46 weeks of each year, such weeks to be determined by reference to the Games Programme Schedule (including the two periods set out therein during which no matches in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase Games Programmes shall take place).

 

 

103.

All other coaching in Academies shall take place over 40 weeks of each year.

 

 

104.

The minimum hours of coaching to be delivered by Academies each week to each Academy Player (subject to his fitness) and the permitted Training Model per Category and per Development Phase are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation

 

Youth

 

Professional

 

 

 

 

 

Phase (Under 9

 

Development

 

Development

 

 

 

 

 

to Under 11)

 

Phase

 

Phase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

Coaching hours per week

 

4 rising to 8 for older Academy Players

 

10 rising to 12 for older Academy Players

 

14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who have commitments to the professional squad during the Professional Development Phase

 

 

 

Permitted Training Model

 

Part Time, Hybrid

 

Part Time, Hybrid, Full Time

 

Full Time

 

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Foundation

 

Youth

 

Professional

 

 

 

 

 

Phase (Under 9

 

Development

 

Development

 

 

 

 

 

to Under 11)

 

Phase

 

Phase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 2

 

Coaching hours per week

 

3 rising to 5 for older Academy Players

 

6 rising to 12 for older Academy Players

 

14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who have commitments to the professional squad during the Professional Development Phase

 

 

 

Permitted Training Model

 

Part Time, Hybrid

 

Part Time, Hybrid, Full Time

 

Full Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 3

 

Coaching hours per week

 

3

 

4 rising to 6 for older Academy Players (See Guidance overleaf)

 

12

 

 

 

Permitted Training Model

 

Part Time

 

Part Time

 

Full Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 4

 

Coaching hours per week

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who have commitments to the professional squad during the Professional Development Phase Games Programmes

 

 

 

Permitted Training Model

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Full Time

 

Guidance

 

1.

The above hours of coaching are the minimum the Rules require per week, subject to the Academy Player’s fitness. It is acknowledged, however, that Academies can alter these hours as they see fit, provided that the above stated hours are achieved on average over each six or 12 week Performance Review period (as relevant). As regards “subject to fitness”, this includes not only where an Academy Player is recuperating from injury, but also where in the opinion of the coaching staff and/or the medical and sports science staff, his coaching hours need to be reduced for him to receive adequate rest and recovery and/or avoid overuse injuries.

 

 

 

Coaching in the above tables refers to on-the-pitch coaching (and for the avoidance of doubt exclude time in matches). It is expected that Clubs will need to spend additional time in other environments off the pitch in order to work with Academy Players to assist them in developing the key technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills.

 

 

 

Where an Academy falls short of providing its Academy Players with the above hours of coaching, the Academy will need to demonstrate that despite this, its Academy Players are being provided with a proper coaching programme. This can be demonstrated by the progression of the Academy Player at each stage of the development process.

 

 

2.

For Category 3 Clubs in the Youth Development Phase, the hours stated above should be applied as follows:

 

 

 

U12 and U13 – 4 hours

 

 

 

U14 – 5 hours

 

 

 

U15 and U16 – 6 hours

 

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105.

Each Club shall ensure that:

 

 

 

105.1.

each Academy Player has access to individual coaching tailored to his specific needs; and

 

 

 

 

105.2.

all coaching is recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.

 

 

106.

Each Club shall ensure that a coach to Academy Players ratio of 1:10 is maintained for all coaching sessions (save that the ratio for Category 1 Academies using the Full Time Training Model shall be 1:8).

 

 

107.

Each Club shall ensure that each Academy Player in age groups Under 9 and older participates at least once a year in a Festival (or other coaching event such as a Training Camp or a Tournament) which lasts for at least two days.

 

 

108.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its coaches plans each coaching session by setting out the learning objectives which the session is designed to achieve and the coaching which will be given in order to achieve them.

 

Development Centres

 

109.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy may operate one or more Development Centres, to be located within one hour’s travelling time of the location of its principal venue for the provision of coaching and education to Academy Players.

 

 

110.

A Child being coached at a Club’s Development Centre:

 

 

 

 

110.1.

may not be registered for that Club;

 

 

 

 

110.2.

may not play in matches for that Club unless registered as a Trialist; and

 

 

 

 

110.3.

will be free to play for other teams.

 

 

111.

Clubs which operate Development Centres shall keep an attendance record of all the Children who participate in coaching sessions thereat.

 

 

112.

Each Development Centre operated by a Club may be inspected from time to time by the League and by the ISO.

 

 

113.

Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 112, the inspection referred to in that Rule may include:

 

 

 

 

113.1.

inspection of the facilities provided; and

 

 

 

 

113.2.

assessment of whether the coaching provided at the Development Centre is in accordance with the Club’s coaching syllabus.

 

 

114.

No Club shall cause or permit a Child whose registration is held by another Club (or club) or with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current to attend its Development Centre.

 

 

115.

No Club shall cause or permit a team representing its Development Centre to play football against a team representing another Club (or a Football League club).

 

Guidance Note

 

The above Rules are based on the existing provisions concerning Development Centres. It is proposed that further consultation is undertaken with Clubs to explore and redefine the future role of Development Centres. It is anticipated that this consultation will take place during season 2012/13.

 

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GAMES PROGRAMME

 

General

 

116.

Save as permitted by the Board, Clubs shall not affiliate to any other youth leagues or enter any cup competitions except the Football Association Youth Challenge Cup.

 

 

117.

An Academy Player whose registration is held by a Club which operates an Academy shall play football only in a Games Programme or in Authorised Games and in coaching and training games (participation in which is limited to registered Academy Players and Trialists) organised by and played at an Academy.

 

 

118.

A Club which operates an Academy shall not require, cause or allow an Academy Player whose registration it holds to play football except as permitted by Rule 117.

 

 

119.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall record in each Academy Player’s Performance Clock:

 

 

 

 

119.1.

each match in which he has played; and

 

 

 

 

119.2.

his playing time in each match.

 

Guidance

 

The Performance Clock may be used to record other playing information about the Academy Player, e.g. substitutions, cautions, position played in. It forms part of the Performance Management Application which, as set out in the guidance note under Rule 23, will be developed in consultation with Clubs. Until such time as the Performance Management Application is finalised (likely to be July 2013), Clubs will be asked to use existing methods of information capture.

 

Performance Analysis

 

120.

Each Club operating a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall:

 

 

 

 

120.1.

have such technical facilities as are necessary to undertake the Performance Analysis required of it by Rule 120.2;

 

 

 

 

120.2.

undertake Performance Analysis (including, in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 Academy, by undertaking GPS evaluation in the Professional Development Phase and in the Youth Development Phase if the Full Time Training Model is utilised) of training activity and matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the Professional Development Phase Games Programme and the Professional Development League;

 

 

 

 

120.3.

use the results of such Performance Analysis in its monitoring of the coaching and development of Academy Players in the Youth Development Phase and the Professional Development Phase; and

 

 

 

 

120.4.

make available to the League such Performance Analysis data as it reasonably shall require to undertake the benchmarking of data for that Academy against national trends.

 

 

121.

Each Club operating a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall comply with Rule 120 but only in respect of players in the Under 17 to Under 18 age groups.

 

 

122.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 120 or 121 (as appropriate depending on the Category of its Academy), and to a sufficient number of Clubs (and Football League Clubs) likewise complying, the League will make available to it benchmarked data derived from comparing the Performance Analysis data it has submitted to the League with that submitted by other Clubs (on an anonymised basis).

 

Guidance

 

The League will produce further detail of the proposed national programme of Performance Analysis for the older Academy age groups. The proposals in this regard will be presented to Clubs in due course. If Clubs approve these proposals, then (subject to Club approval) a requirement will be inserted in the Rules for Clubs to contribute information to this national programme.

 

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Foundation Phase Games Programme

 

123.

The League will organise a games programme for teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in this games programme).

 

 

124.

The Football League will organise a games programme for teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3 Academies.

 

 

125.

The games programmes referred to in Rules 123 and 124 shall consist of matches which:

 

 

 

 

125.1.

shall be competitive but whose results shall not give any particular competitive significance between Academies (for example, no league table or the like shall be produced);

 

 

 

 

125.2.

subject to Rule 125.3 shall be organised on a local basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than one hour to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the games programme;

 

 

 

 

125.3.

shall include one or more Festivals for each Club organised on a local, regional or national basis;

 

 

 

 

125.4.

shall take place during the Games Programme Schedule;

 

 

 

 

125.5.

may include matches against representative county schoolboy sides (being sides selected by the English Schools’ Football Association);

 

 

 

 

125.6.

shall be played outdoors, except during the second half of December and the whole of both January and February, when they shall be played indoors;

 

 

 

 

125.7.

may be played in Festivals; and

 

 

 

 

125.8.

shall consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats (save that some matches played indoors may be played as Futsal games):

 

 

Age
group

 

Team
size

 

Pitch size
(yards)

 

Goal size
(feet)

 

Ball size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 9

 

4v4, 5v5 or 7v7

 

30x20 to 40x30 (4v4 and 5v5)

 

12x6

 

3 (or 4 at the Home Club’s option)

 

 

 

 

 

 

50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 10

 

4v4, 5v5 or 7v7

 

30x20 to 40x30 (4v4 and 5v5)

 

12x6 (4v4 and 5v5)

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 11

 

7v7 or 9v9

 

50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)

 

12x6 to 16x7 (7v7) 16x7 (9v9)

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

70x40 to 80x50 (9v9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The participating Clubs shall endeavour to agree which of the above formats shall be utilised, but in default of agreement the home Club shall decide.

 

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Guidance

 

The League will organise a regional indoor programme during the second half of December, and the entirety of January and February. In particular, a programme of Futsal will be delivered for Category 1 and Category 2 Academies. Clubs will be free to apply to organise Authorised Games outside pursuant to Rule 126.2.

 

In order to deliver the Foundation Phase Games Programme to all Clubs it is likely that the target travel time of 1 hour may be exceeded from time to time, in particular in order to accommodate those Clubs whose home “locality” is small.

 

Both Leagues will co-operate to create cross-Category festivals from time to time which shall include all Categories of Academy and be regionally based.

 

126.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:

 

 

 

 

126.1.

must participate fully in the Foundation Phase Games Programme; and

 

 

 

 

126.2.

may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of the types listed in paragraphs c), d), f), g) and h) of that definition only (which shall be notified to the League (if the Club operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or the Football League (if it operates a Category 3 Academy) no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place).

 

Guidance

 

The Games Programme Schedule will incorporate free weeks (in addition to those referred to in Rule 162) during which no fixtures will be arranged by the Leagues. This will allow Clubs to organise additional fixtures pursuant to Rule 126.2. In addition, Clubs will be able to rearrange fixtures in the Foundation Phase Games Programme in order to attend tournaments and Festivals provided suitable notice is given, the integrity of the Games Programme is maintained, and a suitable date for the rearrangement of the fixture is agreed.

 

127.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Foundation Phase shall, subject to fitness, participate in at least half the playing time in any one Season of matches in the Foundation Phase Games Programme and any other matches organised by the Club pursuant to Rule 126.2 such playing time to be reasonably spread out over the Season.

 

Guidance

 

An Academy Player in the Foundation Phase may still play for his school team or school representative county side.

 

When assessing whether Rule 127 has been complied with, each Academy Player’s playing time over the course of the Season will be assessed and an average calculated (i.e. the Academy Player need not play in half the time of every match). In addition, Rule 127 requires that the playing time is spread relatively evenly over the course of the fixture programme. This is to ensure Clubs do not try to backload playing time at the end of the Season simply to ensure the average is met.

 

Youth Development Phase Games Programme

 

128.

The League will organise a games programme for teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups of Clubs operating Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in this games programme).

 

 

129.

The Football League will organise a games programme for teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3 Academies.

 

 

130.

The games programmes referred to in Rules 128 and 129 shall consist of matches which shall:

 

 

 

 

130.1.

be competitive but whose results shall not be given any particular competitive significance between Academies (for example, no league table or the like shall be produced);

 

 

 

 

130.2.

(in the case of the games programme referred to in Rule 128) be organised on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the games programme);

 

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130.3.

(in the case of the games programme referred to in Rule 129) be organised on a local basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than one hour to an away match and/or regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that in both cases longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the games programme);

 

 

 

 

130.4.

shall include one or more Festivals or Tournaments for each Club organised on a regional, national or international basis (which may include matches organised pursuant to Rule 135), with the number of such Festivals and Tournaments increasing for the older age groups in the Youth Development Phase;

 

 

 

 

130.5.

take place during the Games Programme Schedule;

 

 

 

 

130.6.

be played outdoors, except for matches for age groups Under 12 to Under 14 during the second half of December and the whole of both January and February involving teams of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, which shall be played indoors; and

 

 

 

 

130.7.

consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats (save that some matches played indoors may be played as Futsal games):

 

 

Age
group

 

Team
size

 

Pitch size
(yards)

 

Goal size
(feet)

 

Ball size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 12

 

11v11 (or 9v9 if both Clubs so agree)

 

90x60 (11v11)
70x40 to 80x50 (9v9)

 

21x7 (11v11)
16x7 (9v9)

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 13

 

11v11

 

90x60

 

21x7

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 14

 

11v11

 

90x60 to 100x60

 

21x7 to 24x8

 

5

 

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that in order to deliver the Youth Development Phase Games Programme to all Clubs it is likely that the target travel time of 2 hours may be exceeded from time to time, particularly in order to accommodate those Clubs whose home geographical “region” is small.

 

The League will organise a regional indoor programme for teams in the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups during the second half of December and the whole of both January and February. In particular, a programme of Futsal will be delivered for Category 1 and Category 2 Academies for these age groups. Clubs will be free to apply to organise Authorised Games outside pursuant to Rule 138.2. For the avoidance of doubt Under 15/16 matches (see Rule 131) shall be scheduled to be played outside throughout the season.

 

A pilot project will take place during Season 2012/13 to provide playing opportunities for players of similar biological age. Participation in this pilot project will be voluntary. It is accepted that participation in the pilot project may mean that a Club cannot comply in full with Rule 138.1 and accordingly participating Clubs will not be sanctioned for breach of that Rule on the grounds of their participation in the pilot project. The League will endeavour to arrange fixtures in the pilot project so that they have as little impact as possible on fixtures in the Youth Development Games Programme.

 

131.

The League shall organise a games programme for teams consisting of Academy Players in the Under 15 and Under 16 age groups (both age groups playing together) of Clubs operating Category 1 Academies, and another for teams of Academy Players in these age groups of Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.

 

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132.

Save for any matches played abroad pursuant to Rule 135, the games programme for Category 1 Clubs referred to in Rule 131 shall:

 

 

 

132.1.

for Season 2012/13, be constituted on a national basis (and the League shall have the power to determine that a match between two teams who are geographically distant from each other may be played at a neutral venue located at a reasonably equal distance from both) unless a majority of those Clubs (and Football League clubs) who have by 31 March 2012 applied for licences to operate Category 1 Academies determine by no later than 31 May 2012 that it shall be constituted on a regional basis (as that term is defined in Rule 133); and

 

 

 

 

132.2.

for subsequent Seasons, be constituted either on a national basis or, if a majority of those Clubs (and Football League clubs) which operate Category 1 Academies so determine by no later than 31 March in the preceding Season, on a regional basis (as that term is defined in Rule 133; and

 

 

 

 

132.3.

be competitive but whose results shall not be given any particular competitive significance between Academies (for example, no league table or the like shall be produced).

 

 

 

133.

The games programme for Category 2 Clubs referred to in Rule 131 shall be organised on a regional basis, that is to say so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the games programme).

 

 

134.

Matches in the games programmes for Category 1 and Category 2 Clubs referred to in Rule 131 shall, unless the Board otherwise permits, be played on Saturdays and arranged so that as far as possible a Club’s fixtures in it mirror those of its teams in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme.

 

 

135.

As part of the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the League shall organise matches (which may be organised as Tournaments) against teams from clubs in membership of a national association other than the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales. Such matches shall be organised regularly for Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and from time to time for Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.

 

 

136.

The Football League shall organise a games programme for teams consisting of players in the Under 15 and Under 16 age groups of Clubs operating Category 3 Academies, to be played on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the games programme).

 

 

137.

Matches played pursuant to Rules 131 to 136 shall, when played outdoors, be played in accordance with the following format:

 

 

Age
group

 

Team
size

 

Pitch size
(yards)

 

Goal size
(feet)

 

Ball size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 15 & Under 16

 

11v11

 

110x70

 

24x8

 

5

 

 

138.

Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:

 

 

 

138.1.

must participate fully in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme; and

 

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138.2.

may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of the types listed in paragraphs c), d), f), g) and h) of that definition only (which shall be notified to the League (in the case of a Club operating a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or the Football League (in the case of a Club operating a Category 3 Academy) no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place).

 

Guidance

 

The Games Programme Schedule will incorporate free weeks (in addition to those referred to in Rule 162) during which no matches will be arranged by the Leagues. This will allow Clubs to organise additional matches pursuant to Rule 138.2.

 

139.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate in half the playing time of matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme and any other matches organised by his Club pursuant to Rule 138.2, the Academy Player’s playing time to be reasonably spread over the Season.

 

 

140.

Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 15 to Under 16 age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate in at least 20 matches per Season (being matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme or any other matches organised by his Club pursuant to Rule 138.2). Participation in a match shall for the purposes of this Rule mean playing at least 50% of the game time.

 

Guidance

 

When assessing whether Rule 139 has been complied with, each Academy Player’s playing time over the course of the Season will be assessed and an average calculated (i.e. the Academy Player need not play in half the time of every match). In addition, Rule 139 requires that the playing time is spread relatively evenly over the course of the fixture programme. This is to ensure clubs do not try to backload playing time at the end of the Season simply to ensure the average is met.

 

Professional Development Phase Games Programme

 

141.

The League will organise two games programmes, one for teams of Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and one for teams of Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.

 

 

142.

The Football League will organise a games programme for teams of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies.

 

 

143.

The games programmes organised by the League and the Football League pursuant to Rules 141 and 142 will be constituted on the following geographical bases:

 

 

 

143.1.

Category 1: a national league, with some international matches against teams representing clubs in membership of national associations other than the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales (and such matches may be played either in England or abroad);

 

 

 

 

143.2.

Category 2:

 

 

 

 

 

143.2.1.

in two leagues, each of which shall be constituted on a geographical basis (for example one league of northern based teams and one of southern based teams), the exact constitution of each league to be determined by the Board in its absolute discretion having regard to those Clubs (and Football League clubs) which operate Category 2 Academies;

 

 

 

 

 

 

143.2.2.

where practical, international matches against teams representing clubs in membership of a national association other than the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales (and such matches may be played either in England or abroad);

 

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143.3.

Categories 3 and 4:

 

 

 

 

 

 

143.3.1.

in two or more leagues, each of which shall be constituted on a geographical basis (for example one league of northern based teams and one of southern based teams), the exact number of leagues and their geographical constitution to be determined by the Football League in its absolute discretion and having regard to those Football League clubs (and Clubs) which operate Category 3 and 4 Academies.

 

 

 

 

144.

Matches in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme:

 

 

 

144.1.

shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game (and for the avoidance of doubt shall be in the 11v11 format);

 

 

 

 

144.2.

shall be for Players in the Under 18 age group (and younger) only, save that a Club may name in its team sheet a goalkeeper in the Under 19 age group;

 

 

 

 

144.3.

shall only have five substitutes named on the team sheet (and for the avoidance of doubt three substitutes may enter the field of play);

 

 

 

 

144.4.

shall consist of competitive leagues and Tournaments; and

 

 

 

 

144.5.

may include of an optional Futsal programme organised by the League (for Clubs operating Category 1 and Category 2 Academies) in the months of December, January and February.

 

 

 

145.

Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in the Leagues referred to in Rule 144.4 shall be set out in the rules of those Leagues.

 

 

146.

Each Club which operates an Academy:

 

 

 

 

146.1.

must participate fully in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme;

 

 

 

 

146.2.

may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games (which shall be notified to the relevant League no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place).

 

Professional Development League

 

147.

Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall compete in Professional Development League 1.

 

 

148.

Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall compete in Professional Development League 2 unless it is able to demonstrate to the League that its starting 11s in its first team matches during the preceding Season in those competitions set in Rule L.10.1 to Rule L.10.5 included on average at least five Players in the Under 21 age group or younger.

 

 

149.

Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may compete in the development league to be organised by the Football League.

 

 

150.

The League will organise Professional Development League 1, which shall consist of a national league competition played on a competitive basis with a minimum of 24 matches per Club.

 

 

151.

The League will organise Professional Development League 2, which shall consist of a league or leagues played on a competitive basis with a minimum of 24 matches per Club organised on a regional basis, the composition of such regional league(s) to be at the absolute discretion of the Board who shall so far as reasonably possible determine the composition of each such league to ensure that each Club has to travel no more than three hours to each match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in Professional Development League 2).

 

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152.

The Football League will organise Professional Development League 3, which shall consist of a league or leagues played on a competitive basis and organised on a regional basis, the composition of such regional league(s) and the minimum number of matches to be played by each Club to be at the absolute discretion of the Football League who shall so far as reasonably possible determine the composition of each such league to ensure that each Club has to travel no more than three hours to each match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in Professional Development League 3). For the avoidance of doubt teams of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies shall compete together in Professional Development League 3.

 

 

153.

Eligibility in each of the Professional Development Leagues shall be limited to players in age group Under 21 or younger, save that each Club may nominate on its team sheet for any match in a Professional Development League no more than:

 

 

 

 

153.1.

one older goalkeeper; and

 

 

 

 

153.2.

the number of older outfield players determined pursuant to Rule 155.

 

 

 

154.

The number of older outfield players referred to in Rule 153 shall be determined as follows (and in any case shall be no fewer than three and no greater than five);

 

 

 

 

154.1.

in respect of Professional Development League 1 for Season 2012/13, such number as a majority of those Clubs (and Football League clubs) who have by 31 March 2012 applied for licences to operate Category 1 Academies determine by no later than 31 May 2012; and

 

 

 

 

154.2.

in respect of Professional Development Leagues 2 and 3 for Season 2012/13 such number as a majority of those Clubs (and Football League clubs) who have by 31 May 2012 applied for licences to operate Category 2 and Category 3 Academies respectively determine by no later than 30 June 2012; and

 

 

 

 

154.3.

in respect of Professional Development Leagues 1, 2 and 3 for subsequent Seasons, such number as a majority of those Clubs (and Football League clubs) who compete in each Professional Development League so determine by no later than 31 March in the preceding Season.

 

 

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any reference in this Rule 154 to a determination to be made in respect of one of the Professional Development Leagues shall only be made by the Clubs (and the Football League clubs) who compete in that Professional Development League.

 

Guidance

 

The number of over-age outfield players to be permitted in the Professional Development Leagues has been discussed extensively with Clubs. There was a consensus that over-age players should be permitted, but lack of agreement as to how many. There is a marginally greater support for Clubs being able to include 3 such players on the team sheet (rather than the alternative proposal of 5). It is accordingly proposed that the Clubs (and Football League clubs) competing in each of the Professional Development Leagues shall decide by a majority how many (up to a maximum of 5) shall be permitted in each League. (This may of course result in there being a different number in each of the Professional Development Leagues, depending on the votes of the clubs in membership of each). Interim provisions to determine the numbers for Season 2012/13 have been included in the Rule.

 

Rules concerning the number of permitted substitutes will be developed in consultation with Clubs participating in each Professional Development League.

 

155.

At least two matches in the Professional Development League shall be played at the Club’s ground registered pursuant to Rule K.5, and other matches may be played at an alternative ground subject to the approval of the Board or the Football League (as appropriate). Such alternative grounds may include a pitch at the Club’s Academy provided that it is floodlit, has a fenced off pitch and provides a spectator area.

 

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Guidance

 

The Board will need to be satisfied, prior to approving any alternative ground (including one at an Academy) that it provides satisfactory facilities for the playing of matches in the Professional Development League. Such facilities include the pitch, floodlight levels, changing rooms for the teams and Match Officials, and spectator areas. Further consultation on these issues will be undertaken in due course.

 

156.

Unless otherwise authorised by the Board, and subject to any transitional arrangements authorised by the Board in respect of Season 2012/13 pursuant to which some midweek matches may be scheduled, matches in the Professional Development Leagues shall be played on Saturdays, save that the home Club shall, subject to the rules of the Professional Development Leagues, have discretion to change the date and kick-off time of a match to Friday evening, or any time on Sunday or Monday.

 

 

157.

Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in the Professional Development League shall be set out in the rules of those Leagues.

 

 

158.

The League will in addition organise international matches (which may take place by way of Tournaments) for teams competing in Professional Development Leagues 1 and 2.

 

Guidance

 

Clubs will be free to move the days of their matches from Saturday to Friday evening, Sunday (any time) or Monday (any time). Competition rules will specify that the away club will have the ability to either object to the moving of the match or request that it is moved, in either case in defined circumstances (e.g. to prevent fixture congestion for the away club).

 

With regard to Rules 151 and 152, it is likely that the target travel time of 3 hours may be exceeded from time to time, particularly in order to accommodate those Clubs whose home geographical “region” is small.

 

With regard to Rule 158, the Premier League intends to organise a competitive European fixture programme involving leading clubs in other European countries. The Premier League will be taking these issues forward in consultation with Clubs. It is intended that, in due course, such matches will become an established part of the Professional Development League. If so, this will necessitate appropriate amendments to these rules in due course.

 

Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches

 

159.

A match in the games programme between Academy teams in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 inclusive shall not be cancelled, postponed or abandoned except with the written consent of the Board or on the instructions of the officiating referee (or if the officiating referee is a minor, the official of the county FA who has accompanied him to the match) who shall be empowered to instruct that such match be cancelled, postponed or abandoned only if he considers that the pitch is unfit for, or if adverse weather conditions preclude, the playing of the match in which event the Club at whose ground the match should have been played shall within seven days give to the Secretary notice in writing to that effect.

 

 

160.

Except in the case of an Under 9 to Under 16 games programme match which, without either participating Club being at fault, is cancelled, postponed or abandoned under the provisions of Rule 159, any Club which causes the cancellation, postponement or abandonment of such a match will be in breach of these Rules.

 

 

161.

The Board shall have power to specify the equipment and facilities to be provided by Clubs for the playing of matches between Academies.

 

 

162.

In consultation with the Football Association, a minimum of four weekends each Season will be identified by the League upon which there will be no fixtures for Academy teams, such weekends being devoted to international development, selected players’ courses and in-service training of coaches and staff.

 

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EDUCATION AND WELFARE

 

General

 

163.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Education Programme which shall set out the activities to be undertaken by the Club to ensure that the education of its Academy Players is supported effectively and which:

 

 

 

 

163.1.

is appropriate to the Category of its Academy;

 

 

 

 

163.2.

complies with all applicable requirements set out in this section of the Rules;

 

 

 

 

163.3.

is approved by the League; and

 

 

 

 

163.4.

is evaluated by the Club within each Development Phase to ensure it is meeting its objectives as set out therein.

 

 

 

164.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players receives a formal education programme which:

 

 

 

 

164.1.

is appropriate to his age;

 

 

 

 

164.2.

meets his specific academic needs;

 

 

 

 

164.3.

complies with all legal requirements;

 

 

 

 

164.4.

is structured to ensure that his academic development is not compromised as a result of his being coached by the Club’s Academy;

 

 

 

 

164.5.

in the case of an Academy Player who is entered into a Scholarship Agreement with the Club, consists of either the advanced apprenticeship framework for sporting excellence (AASE) or any other programme of education approved in writing by the League in conjunction with the PFA;

 

 

 

 

164.6.

shall continue notwithstanding that the Academy Player signs a professional contract.

 

 

165.

Each Academy Player’s educational progression under his Education programme shall be recorded on his Performance Clock.

 

 

166.

Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it protects the welfare of each of its Academy Players by offering support for his wellbeing and pastoral care generally.

 

 

167.

The provisions of Section S of the League’s Rules (concerning the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups and Safe Recruitment) apply to Academies and Development Centres.

 

 

168.

Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 167 each Club shall appoint an Academy Safeguarding Officer who shall:

 

 

 

168.1.

undertake the functions set out in Rule S.13 specifically with regard to the Academy; and

 

 

 

 

168.2.

liaise with the Club’s Children’s Services’ Officer.

 

 

 

169.

Clubs and Academy Staff shall observe and comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice entitled “The Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals, Tournaments and Visits” set out in Appendix 3 and any breach thereof shall be treated as a breach of these Rules.

 

 

170.

Clubs shall ensure that their Academy Players are insured in accordance with advice circulated by the League from time to time.

 

 

171.

Clubs shall establish, maintain and, when necessary, implement a complaints procedure for Academy Players and Parents, a copy of which shall be submitted to the League.

 

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172.

The Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 4 shall be binding on Academy Players of compulsory school age attending Academies and their Parents and on Clubs and Officials and any breach thereof by such Academy Players or by Clubs or Officials shall be treated as a breach of these Rules.

 

Reports on Educational Progression

 

173.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall provide progress reports to the Parent of each Academy Player to whom it provides education.

 

 

174.

The progress reports shall:

 

 

 

 

174.1.

detail the educational progression of the Academy Player; and

 

 

 

 

174.2.

be provided as and when necessary, but as a minimum at least once every 12 weeks.

 

Guidance

 

With regard to Rule 174.2, Rule 36.2 states that Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups shall receive a Performance Review every six weeks. The educational progress report need only be undertaken once every 12 weeks (i.e. not for each Performance Review) but must be undertaken as part of a Performance Review.

 

Delivery of the Education Programme

 

Part Time Training Model

 

175.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players being trained under the Part Time Training Model:

 

 

 

 

175.1.

inform the Academy Player’s school that he is being so trained; and

 

 

 

 

175.2.

liaise with the school at such intervals as may be necessary in order to discuss and address any issues concerning the Academy Player’s education which arise as a consequence.

 

Guidance

 

The Part Time Training Model may be used by Category 1, 2 and 3 Academies in the Foundation Phase (Under 9 to Under 11), and by Category 2 and 3 Academies in the Youth Development Phase: see further Rule 104.

 

The Part Time Training Model envisages that coaching will take place outside the Core Coaching Time, but Clubs should nevertheless establish good communication with each Academy Player’s school and address any relevant issues which arise as a result of the Academy Player being coached at the Academy (and in particular any conflict between the demands of his coaching and those of his academic education).

 

Hybrid Training Model

 

176.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players being trained under the Hybrid Training Model, undertake all necessary liaison and co-operation with the Academy Player’s school to ensure that:

 

 

 

 

176.1.

the required element of coaching can take place within the Core Coaching Time; and

 

 

 

 

176.2.

such coaching does not interfere with the Academy Player’s education.

 

Guidance

 

The Hybrid Training Model may be used by Category 1 Academies in the Foundation Phase (Under 9 to Under 11), and by Category 1 and Category 2 Academies in the Youth Development Phase: see further Rule 104.

 

Clubs’ attention is drawn to the following comments in section 7.3.1 of the EPPP. Although these comments refer to the Foundation Phase, they are relevant to the Hybrid Training Model generally.

 

“It is assumed that the majority of the coaching will be delivered after school and at weekends. Flexing the season will also enable Academies to gain greater access to players. It is recommended that wherever possible and particularly in the case of Category 1 Academies where the contact time is highest, the after school sessions are established inside the Core Coaching Time and this may require some negotiation with schools and parents to establish the programme effectively. Close liaison with schools to ensure that players are managing the joint workloads is appropriate but no other specific education interventions are being proposed in this phase.”

 

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Full Time Training Model

 

177.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players in the Youth Development Phase being trained under the Full Time Training Model, ensure that it provides the Academy Player with education in accordance with one of the four options set out below or in accordance with such other proposals as the League may approve.

 

Guidance

 

The Full Time Training Model may be used by Category 1 Academies in the Youth Development Phase, and must be used by all Academies in the Professional Development Phase: see further Rule 104.

 

The four options referred to in Rule 177 are as follows. This list of options is not exhaustive, and Clubs are free to develop other models which deliver the same results as the options set out in the Elite Player Performance Plan. Any such model must be approved by the League.

 

Option 1

 

Entering into contractual relationships with an identified school or schools in which the players are based for their education will be a familiar solution. This approach will extend the types of relationships that already exist with schools.

 

The relationship will need to be flexed in terms of the amount of time that Academies would require players to be available for daily coaching. Where Academies implement the Hybrid or Full Time Training Models the school day will need to be flexed to accommodate the Coaching Programme whilst ensuring that boy’s educational development does not suffer.

 

Specific tutor support for the Education Programme will be required for all players engaged in the Hybrid and Full Time Training Model over and above the normal curriculum. Additional tutor support will need to be individually tailored to the players’ needs.

 

Academies will need to decide how and where players will be coached. The optimum environment is at the club’s dedicated training facilities but this will require a school in Education Option 1 to be in close proximity to the club’s training facility so that the players can move easily between the school and the club. If an Academy plans to deliver a Full Time Training Model then the school will need to be in close proximity to the training ground or else the training will need to be accommodated at the school.

 

The other major consideration for Category 1 Academies will be the need to provide dedicated housing, house parents and a secure environment in which to live and work whilst staying with the club. This will need to apply to all players who live outside a short commute from their club’s training ground.

 

Option 2

 

In this option, clubs may choose to develop and extend their own educational facilities at the training ground and, in effect, develop an onsite school facility. For the Category 1 Academy, accommodation would still be required on or near the training ground to house the players and the associated social and welfare support would need to be factored into the delivery of this approach. Clubs may continue to contract an educational partner/provider but the schooling would take place at the club.

 

Option 3

 

Clubs may wish to establish their own schools. These schools may be general in their recruitment with specialist classes or groups of classes catering for the Academy Players’ specialist needs. In this Education Option the same issues regarding the location of the school on or near the training ground remain relevant as does the need to provide appropriate housing and care.

 

Option 4

 

Where two or three Academies are clustered together, especially in urban areas, it may be possible to identify a single school where each of the clubs send their players. This school would then become the hub for the Academies. The Coaching Programme may be split between the training ground and the school premises subject to the sighting of the school in relation to the club.

 

Further guidance in respect of education in the Professional Development Phase, where all Clubs must utilise the Full Time Training Model, is set out in paragraph 7.3.3 of the Elite Player Performance Plan.

 

All Academies in the Professional Development Phase will be required to deliver the Full Time Training Model. Players will have access to training up to four hours a day in two separate sessions. The season will be developed increasingly to mirror the professional game so there will be less opportunity to flex the season for purposes of creating greater Coaching Contact Time during the summer months.

 

Category 1 and 2 Academies will have the necessary infrastructure at their training grounds to enable them to provide Formal Education provision for players U17 and U18 which may be delivered principally at the Training Ground rather than offsite at a school or college.

 

This approach envisages the delivery of the Formal Education components at the training ground in purpose built facilities and as part of an integrated flexible weekly programme which compliments and supports the Coaching Programme. The delivery of the Formal Education Programme may be either through fully qualified in house staff or through an outside provider who is able to meet the needs and demands of the integrated programme. Delivering the Education Programme in this way will provide maximum flexibility allowing coaches to flex and stretch the Coaching Programme to suit the particular needs of each player.

 

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Category 3 and 4 Academies will not necessarily be equipped to provide the Formal Education component at the training ground. Category 3 and 4 Academies may choose to deliver the Formal Education Programme off site at a local education provider. This will require Heads of Education to ensure that as flexible an Education Programme as possible can be created in partnership with a school/college so that coaches can gain access to the required time for coaching.

 

Welfare, Social Development and Lifestyle Management

 

178.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a programme to educate each of its Academy Players in Lifestyle Management Skills.

 

 

179.

The programme referred to in Rule 178 shall ensure that each Academy Player trained under the Full Time Training Model and/or in the Professional Development Phase has the opportunity to engage in activities outside the Academy which will encourage him to take an active part in the community and develop an understanding of good citizenship.

 

 

180.

Each Academy Player shall engage in the activities referred to in Rule 179 unless he has good cause not to do so and each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that each of its Academy Players does so engage.

 

 

181.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall nominate a member of Academy Staff to manage and deliver the said programme.

 

Player Exit/Release Strategy

 

182.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise and implement a programme, to be managed by its Head of Education and Welfare or other appropriate Official to assist its Academy Players released from the Academy at completion of their Under 16, Under 17 or Under 18 year in circumstances where it appears they will not be joining another Club (or club).

 

 

183.

Any such programme in respect of Academy Players being released at the completion of their Under 18 year shall be designed so that it dovetails with the support programme for such released Academy Players to be operated by the League.

 

317



 

SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE

 

Sports Science and Medicine Programme

 

184.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Sports Science and Medicine Programme (in accordance with the criteria set out in these Rules which apply to the Category of its Academy) for the benefit of its Academy Players.

 

 

185.

Each Club’s Sport Science and Medicine Programme shall be managed by its Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or by an appropriately qualified Official (in the case of the Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy).

 

 

186.

The Sports Science and Medicine Programme of each Club should detail the planned provision to each of its Academy Players of at least the following areas:

 

 

 

186.1.

sports science (including physiology, biomechanics, physical testing and measurement);

 

 

 

 

186.2.

physiotherapy (including hydrotherapy and sports massage);

 

 

 

 

186.3.

medical services (including the prevention and treatment of injury and diet and nutrition);

 

 

 

 

186.4.

Performance Analysis; and

 

 

 

 

186.5.

psychology.

 

 

 

187.

The progress and development of each Academy Player under the Sports Science and Medicine Programme (including without limitation the results of the tests set out in Rule 188, and full details of any injuries, the treatment thereof, and the length of any period of rehabilitation) shall be noted in his Performance Review and recorded in his Performance Clock.

 

 

188.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players undergoes the following tests to measure physical and physiological fitness (as such tests are defined in the Audit Tool):

 

 

 

188.1.

age-appropriate medical and physical screening;

 

 

 

 

188.2.

anthropometric assessments;

 

 

 

 

188.3.

physiological/fitness testing;

 

 

 

 

188.4.

movement and posture/functional screening;

 

 

 

 

188.5.

predictive testing of size and shape/maturation measurement (save that a Club operating a Category 4 Academy shall not be obliged to conduct such tests);

 

 

 

 

188.6.

psychological profiling (Category 1 Academies only); and

 

 

 

 

188.7.

monitoring of physical exertion (Category 1 Academies only);

 

 

 

 

and shall submit to the League such information as it may from time to time require in order to establish a national database of athletic development.

 

 

189.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 188, the League will make available to it (on an anonymised basis) benchmarked data derived from the information provided to it by all Clubs.

 

 

190.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that details of all injuries suffered by its Academy Players and of all rehabilitation are recorded and provided to the League and the FA in order that a national audit of injury and rehabilitation may be maintained.

 

 

191.

Subject to a Club complying with Rule 190, the League will make available to it benchmarked data derived from the national audit of injury and rehabilitation.

 

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192.

Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that there is available at all games involving Academy teams appropriate first aid or primary care provision and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, that:

 

 

 

192.1.

a doctor or paramedic (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or a physiotherapist who holds the Intermediate First Aid for Sport qualification (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy) is present at each game in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme; and

 

 

 

 

192.2.

a defibrillator is maintained at each venue at which matches are played and at which coaching takes place and that at all times a member of staff qualified in its use is present during matches and coaching.

 

 

193.

A physiotherapist qualified as set out in Rule 89.2 or Rule 90 or a coach who holds the Football Association’s Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injuries or an equivalent or higher qualification or a member of staff who holds a current emergency first aid qualification awarded by the FA, the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance (or by another entity provided it is approved by the Health and Safety Executive as an emergency first aid qualification) shall be present at all coaching and matches taking place in Academies (without prejudice to the requirements of Rule 192).

 

Guidance

 

Rule 193

 

If there is more than one Academy match taking place at an Academy on a given day, Rule 192 will be complied with provided that each Club has at least one physiotherapist present at the match venue, and another member of Academy Staff holding an appropriate first aid qualification on the touchline of each game.

 

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TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT

 

Scouts: Qualifications

 

194.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Scouts:

 

194.1.      is in possession of such qualification as the League may require from time to time;

 

194.2.      understands and complies in full with these Rules and the Code of Conduct for Scouts; and

 

194.3.      undertakes Continued Professional Development each year.

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that a new qualification for scouts will be developed in due course. For the moment, the qualification required by Rule 194.1 above is the Football Association’s Scouting Talent Identification Course (i.e. the qualification for Scouts currently required by Premier League Rules).

 

195.           Each Club which operates an Academy upon employing or engaging a Scout shall within five days thereof apply to register him with the League in the manner prescribed by the Board and providing to the League evidence that the Scout holds the qualification required by Rule 194.1.

 

Guidance

 

It is envisaged that Clubs will be able to enter Scouts’ details via the Extranet rather than by submitting a form. An Extranet application is being developed for this purpose.

 

196.           The League shall register a Scout and shall notify the applicant Club to that effect upon being satisfied that:

 

196.1.      the Scout holds the qualification required by Rule 194.1;

 

196.2.      the Scout is not currently registered as the Scout of another Club.

 

197.           At the start of each season the League shall issue a Scout Identification Card to each registered Scout.

 

198.           Except during the period of five days referred to in Rule 195, no Club shall employ a Scout who is not registered with the League pursuant to Rule 196 unless it has made an application to register him which has yet to be determined.

 

199.           Upon a Club which operates an Academy ceasing to employ or engage a registered Scout, it shall within five days thereof:

 

199.1.      give notice to that effect to the League who shall thereupon remove his name from the register; and

 

199.2.      return his Scout Identification Card to the League.

 

200.           Scouts shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Scouts set out in Appendix 5.

 

201.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall take all reasonable endeavours to ensure that its Scouts comply in all respects with Rule 200 and the Code of Conduct for Scouts.

 

Scouts: Attendance at Matches

 

202.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall permit the Scouts of other Clubs to attend at matches played in the Games Programmes provided that:

 

202.1.      the Club which has employed or engaged the Scout notifies both Clubs involved in the match of the Scout’s proposed attendance by no later than 5:00pm on the day before the published date of the match; and

 

202.2.      the Scout is able to produce on demand to the home Club his Scout Identification Card.

 

203.           Each Scout shall inform the home Club of his arrival at a match.

 

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204.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and produce a document setting out the process of how Scouts employed by that Club should approach players and the process thereafter. Such process should comply in full with the Rules and the Code of Conduct for Scouts and should build upon the training that the Scout received while obtaining the relevant scouting qualification referred to in Rule 194.1.

 

Scouts: Disciplinary Action

 

205.           Any breach by a Scout of Rule 200 shall amount to a breach of these Rules and the League shall be entitled to take disciplinary action against the Scout and/or his Club for such breach in accordance with Section W of these Rules. In addition to the sanctions available under Section W, an additional sanction of the removal of a Scout’s registration shall also be available at the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, should a breach be held to exist.

 

206.           Any breach by a Club of Rule 198 or Rule 201 shall amount to a breach of these Rules and the League shall be entitled to take disciplinary action against the Club for such breach in accordance with Section W of the League’s Rules. In addition to the sanctions available under Section W, an additional sanction of the removal of a Scout’s registration shall also be available at the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, should a breach be held to exist.

 

Registrations and Provision of Information by the League

 

207.           Upon receiving an application by a Club to register an Academy Player, the League shall immediately provide to the Academy Player’s Parent a copy of these Rules and of the Parent’s Charter.

 

208.           The League will undertake the registration (which shall be backdated to the date of application) of the Academy Player if:

 

208.1.      7 days have elapsed from the date the League sent the Parent the documents referred to above; and

 

208.2.      during that time, the League has not been contacted by the Academy Player or his Parent to inform the League that he no longer wishes to be registered as an Academy Player for that Club.

 

209.           The Academy Player may be coached by and play for the Club during the period of 7 days referred to in Rule 208.1.

 

210.           The provisions of Rules 264 to 267 shall apply during the period referred to in Rule 208.1.

 

211.           If, contrary to Rule 210, the Academy Player directly or indirectly contacts another Club, and such contact results in the Academy Player becoming registered with that other Club without the consent of the Club referred to in Rule 207, the other Club shall be presumed to have breached Rule 264.

 

Guidance

 

Rule 207

 

It is envisaged that an amendment will be made to Form 27 (now PLYD Form 5) to include a statement that where the child is to be registered as an Academy Player, the Parent will receive from the League a copy of these Rules and the Parent’s Charter. In signing the Consent Form, the Parent agrees to acknowledges receipt forthwith of the Charter and to read the Charter.

 

The League will where possible send the Rules and Charter to Parents by email with a read-receipt, or by recorded delivery if no email address is provided. PLYD Form 5 will be amended to include space for the provision of the Parent’s email address.

 

Rule 211

 

The presumption set out in this Rule is rebuttable if the new Club can establish to the satisfaction of the Board that it did not in fact breach Rule 264.

 

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Time/Distance Rules

 

212.

Subject to Rule 234, each Club which operates an Academy shall be permitted to register Academy Players who reside within the travel times measured from the location of the Club’s principal venue for the provision of coaching and education set out in the following table.

 

 

 

 

Permitted Recruitment time/distance

 

 

 

Foundation
Phase

 

Youth
Development
Phase

 

Professional
Development
Phase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1

 

1 hour

 

Seasons 2012/13 and 2013/2014:

 

no limit

 

 

 

 

 

· Under 15-under 16:
no limit for Academy Players engaged in the Full Time Training Model;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· 11/2 hours for all other Academy Players in the Youth Development Phase.

Season 2014/15 onwards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· No limit for Academy Players engaged in the Full Time Training Model;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· 11/2 hours for all other Academy Players in the Youth Development Phase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 2

 

1 hour

 

1 1/2

 

no limit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 3

 

1 hour

 

1 1/2

 

no limit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 4

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

no limit

 

Trials

 

213.

Subject to the conditions set out in Rule 214, a Trialist may attend an Academy for up to six consecutive weeks in any one Season without being registered provided that:

 

 

 

 

213.1.

at least seven days’ prior written notice to that effect shall be given to any junior club of which such Trialist is a member; and

 

 

 

 

213.2.

before the trial commences his particulars shall be notified forthwith to the League by sending to the Secretary PLYD Form 2 duly completed.

 

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Guidance

 

It is considered that the requirement that a trial be six consecutive weeks may no longer be appropriate in the case of a Club which recruits nationally, even when read together with Rule 215. Consultation will be undertaken with Clubs to develop an appropriate amendment to this Rule.

 

214.

The conditions referred to in Rule 213 are as follows:

 

 

 

214.1.

a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 9 to Under 11 inclusive who has his permanent residence within one hour’s travelling time of the Club’s Academy;

 

 

 

 

214.2.

a trial may be offered or given by a Club which is permitted to recruit nationally (because it operates a Category 1 Academy and is permitted to recruit nationally pursuant to Rule 212) to anyone in age groups Under 12 and Under 13;

 

 

 

 

214.3.

a trial may be offered or given by any Club to which Rule 214.2 does not apply to anyone in age groups Under 12 and Under 13 who has his permanent residence within one and a half hours’ travelling time of the Club’s Academy;

 

 

 

 

214.4.

a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 14 to Under 16 inclusive;

 

 

 

 

214.5.

subject to Rule 214.6.2 a trial may be offered or given by one or more Clubs to an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who has been informed by the Club holding his registration that it will not offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with him; any such trial or series of trials may not in the aggregate exceed six weeks;

 

 

 

 

214.6.

a trial may not be offered or given to anyone:

 

 

 

 

 

214.6.1.

who is on trial at another Academy; or

 

 

 

 

 

 

214.6.2.

whose registration is held by another Club (or club) except with the written consent of such Club (or club) or in the case of an Academy Player who is exercising his entitlement under either Rule 239, Rule 240 or Rule 241 to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of another Club (or club).

 

 

 

Any question or dispute concerning the travelling time requirements in this Rule shall be determined by the Board in its absolute discretion.

 

 

215.

If a Trialist attending an Academy is injured so that he cannot be coached or play football or if the period of his trial is interrupted by any other occurrence, application may be made to the Board in writing to extend the period of his trial, giving full reasons therefor, and the Board shall have power to extend such period in such terms as it may think fit.

 

 

216.

If before the date upon which a Trialist’s trial period is due to end his trial is terminated, notice to that effect shall be given to the League by sending to the Secretary PLYD Form 3 duly completed.

 

 

217.

Upon a Trialist commencing a trial, the League shall provide to him and his Parent a copy of these Rules and of the Parents’ Charter.

 

Pre-Registration Agreements

 

218.

Subject to the provisions of Art. 19 of the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, on or after 1st January in any Season a Club may enter into a pre-registration agreement with a player who does not reside within one and a half hours’ travelling time of its Academy provided that such a player is then:

 

 

 

 

218.1.

in his Under 16, Under 17 or Under 18 year; and

 

 

 

 

218.2.

in Full Time Education; and

 

 

 

 

218.3.

not registered with another Club or Football League club.

 

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219.           A pre-registration agreement shall be in PLYD Form 4 and shall include an undertaking by the Club to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with the player upon the Club having acquired the player’s registration and

 

219.1.      in the case of a player in his Under 16 year, upon his having reached the statutory school leaving age applicable in England; or

 

219.2.      in the case of a player in his Under 17 or Under 18 year, upon his ceasing Full Time Education.

 

Unless authorised in writing by the Board, a breach of such an undertaking will constitute a (breach of these Rules).

 

220.           Clubs shall submit to the Secretary copies of all pre-registration agreements within five days of their being entered into.

 

221.           A written coaching programme shall be annexed to each pre-registration agreement and the player shall not be coached by or at the Club’s Academy or participate in its matches, tours, Festivals, Training Camps or Tournaments until the programme has been approved in writing by the Board and then only to the extent set out in the programme.

 

Registrations

 

222.           Except for Trialists attending trials in accordance with Rule 213, and players attending Development Centres and players with whom a Club has entered into a pre-registration agreement in accordance with Rule 218, no player shall be coached by or at an Academy or participate in matches, tours, Festivals, Training Camps or Tournaments in which the Club operating that Academy is involved unless that Club holds his registration.

 

223.           Subject to Rule 224, players in age groups Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 shall be registered for one year and those in age groups Under 13 and Under 15 for two years.

 

224.           The registration of an Academy Player engaged in the Full Time Training Model shall endure until he reaches the statutory school leaving age.

 

225.           The registration of Academy Players will be undertaken by the League.

 

226.           Registrations of Academy Players undertaken by the Football League which are held by Clubs promoted to the League shall be treated as having been undertaken by the League provided all circumstances surrounding that registration comply with these Rules, failing which the League shall be at liberty to reject that registration unless otherwise determined by the Board.

 

227.           An application for the registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall be made by completing and submitting to the Secretary PLYD Form 5 signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory together with a copy of the Code of Conduct referred to in Rule 237.

 

228.           A Club shall request each Academy Player (or if he is a minor his Parent) to complete PLYD Form 6 at the same time that he completes PLYD Form 5. If he does so the Club shall submit the completed PLYD Form 6 to the Secretary at the same time that it submits PLYD Form 5.

 

229.           An application in PLYD Form 5 shall be refused if it is made in respect of a player with whom a Club (or club), other than the applicant Club, has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current.

 

230.           Except in the case of a Scholar, a player shall not be registered as an Academy Player unless he is in Full Time Education.

 

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231.           The Board may from time to time direct the minimum number of Academy Players to be registered by each Club in each age group, and each Club shall comply with any such direction.

 

232.           The maximum numbers of Academy Players registrable by a Club at any one time are as follows:

 

Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive:

30 in each age group

Age groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive:

20 in each age group

Age groups Under 17 to Under 21 inclusive:

15 in each age group

 

233.           No Club shall be permitted to register any Academy Player in the Under 9 age group before the third Saturday in April immediately preceding his Under 9 year.

 

234.           A player in age groups Under 14 to Under 16 inclusive who resides more than one and a half hours’ travelling time from the nearest Academy may be registered as an Academy Player at the nearest Club which operates an Academy of the appropriate Category subject to the following conditions:

 

234.1.      an application for registration of an Academy Player under the provisions of this Rule shall be accompanied by a written coaching programme which shall include full particulars of any coaching the Academy Player will receive at or in the locality of his place of residence;

 

234.2.      the coaching programme shall be designed so as to ensure that it does not cause the Academy Player to be absent from school;

 

234.3.      in the case of an Academy Player registered under the provisions of this Rule at an Academy, the Head of Education shall make enquiries of the Academy Player’s school at least four times each Season during the currency of his registration so as to satisfy himself that the Academy Player’s best interests are being served by the coaching programme and that it is not adversely affecting his education; the result of each enquiry shall be reported in writing to the Academy Manager who in the event of an adverse report shall apply to the Board for the cancellation of the Academy Player’s registration;

 

234.4.      unless any other travelling arrangements have been submitted to and approved in writing by or on behalf of the Board, on the occasion of each visit by the Academy Player to the Academy at which he is registered he shall be accompanied on both the outward and the return journey by his Parent.

 

235.           An application to register an Academy Player shall be refused if:

 

235.1.      the Academy Player is in age groups Under 10, Under 11 or Under 12; and

 

235.2.      the registration of that Academy Player was held by another Club or Football League club (“the former Club”) within the period of 12 months prior to the making of the application; and

 

235.3.      the former Club had given notice to that Academy Player under the provisions of Rules 238.1 or 238.2 that it intended to retain his registration; and

 

235.4.      the Club making the application had within the said period of 12 months registered two Academy Players in age groups Under 10, Under 11 or Under 12 whose registrations had been held by the former Club;

 

unless the Club making the application and the former Club agree otherwise.

 

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236.           On or before the third Saturday in May in every year each Club shall send to the Secretary a list in PLYD Form 7 containing the names of each of the Academy Players whose registration it then holds (other than those who have entered into a Scholarship Agreement whose names are included in the list required by Rule L.30), indicating which it retains, which it intends to retain and which it intends to terminate with effect from the date of the last match in the Games Programme of the age group of that Academy Player.

 

237.           The Code of Conduct set out in Appendix 4 shall be binding on Academy Players of compulsory school age attending Academies and their Parents and on Clubs and Officials and any breach thereof by such students or by Clubs or Officials shall be treated as a breach of these Rules.

 

End of Season Procedure

 

238.           Except in the case of an Academy Player who has been offered and has accepted a Scholarship Agreement in accordance with Rule 246:

 

238.1.      on or before the third Saturday in May in every year in which his registration is held, each Club shall give or send to each of its Academy Players in age groups Under 9 to Under 11 PLYD Form 8 notifying him whether it intends to retain or to terminate his registration with effect from the date set out in Rule 236;

 

238.2.      on or before the third Saturday in May, each Club shall give or send to each of its Academy Players in age groups Under 12 and Under 14 PLYD Form 9 notifying him whether it intends to retain his registration for the next two seasons or to terminate it with effect from the date set out in Rule 236.

 

239.           An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 238.1 or Rule 238.2 of his Club’s intention to terminate his registration shall be at liberty following receipt of such notification to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or club).

 

240.           An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 238.1 or Rule 238.2 of his Club’s intention to retain his registration shall likewise be at liberty after the date of the last match of the Games Programme in which he participates to seek registration as a student at the Academy of any other Club (or club) provided that:

 

240.1.      by the date of the last match of the Games Programme in which he participates he has given written notice to his Club and the Secretary terminating his registration; and

 

240.2.      he has received the Secretary’s written acknowledgement of the same.

 

241.           An Academy Player in age group Under 16 who has not received an offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement by 1 March shall thereafter be at liberty to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or club).

 

Termination of Registration

 

242.           Subject to Rule 243, the registration of an Academy Player who has not entered into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall terminate upon the happening of the earliest of the following events:

 

242.1.      the Academy Player completing his Full Time Education; or

 

242.2.      the receipt by the Secretary at any time of a mutual cancellation notification in PLYD Form 10 duly completed and signed by the Academy Player and his Parent and on behalf of the Club holding his registration; or

 

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242.3.      the receipt by the Secretary of the Academy Player’s notice duly given in accordance with the provisions of Rule 240.1; or

 

242.4.      the date set out in Rule 236 following the receipt by the Secretary of PLYD Form 7 upon which his Club has indicated its intention to terminate the Academy Player’s registration; or

 

242.5.      the expiry, surrender, suspension or revocation of the Academy licence of the Club holding the registration.

 

243.           The Board shall have power at any time to cancel the registration of an Academy Player upon the written application of either:

 

243.1.      the Academy Player or, if the Academy Player is a Child, his Parent on his behalf (and one of the grounds, but not the only ground, on which such an application may be made is that the categorisation of the Club’s Academy has been lowered pursuant to Rule 16.3); or

 

243.2.      the Club holding his registration.

 

244.           The Board shall determine such an application in such manner as it shall think fit and, in particular, shall have power to appoint one or more suitably qualified persons to enquire into all the circumstances of the application (adopting such procedures as are considered appropriate) and to report to the Board, recommending whether the application should be granted or refused. If the application is granted, the Board may impose conditions (e.g. as to compensation) on the cancellation of the registration.

 

245.           Upon an Academy Player’s registration terminating by virtue of the provisions of Rule 242.2, the Secretary shall provide him with a copy of PLYD Form 10 as evidence thereof.

 

Scholarships

 

246.           On or after 1 January in the year in which he attains the age of 14 years and in any event on or before 1 March in his Under 16 year, a Club may offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player whose registration it holds.

 

247.           Failure by a Club to honour any offer of a scholarship made pursuant to Rule 246 shall render that Club liable to disciplinary action pursuant to Section W of the League’s Rules.

 

248.           A Club may likewise offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who is seeking registration under the provisions of Rule 241.

 

249.           Any offer made under the provisions of Rules 246 or 248 shall be in PLYD Form 11, a copy of which shall be sent to the Secretary by the Club making the offer within five days of it being made.

 

250.           An Academy Player receiving an offer in PLYD Form 11 shall respond thereto within 28 days by completing and submitting to the Club making the offer PLYD Form 12, a copy of which shall be sent to the Secretary by the Club within five days of receipt. An Academy Player who does not accept the offer shall be at liberty after the second Saturday in May to seek registration at any other Club (or club).

 

251.           An Academy Player who fails to respond as required by Rule 250 shall be deemed to have not accepted the offer.

 

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252.           A Club may enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player if:

 

252.1.      it holds his registration; or

 

252.2.      his registration is not held by another Club (or club); and

 

252.3.      (except in the case of an Academy Player who has entered into a Scholarship Agreement with another Club (or club) which has been cancelled by mutual agreement) he is under the age of 18 years; and

 

252.4.      the Scholarship Agreement commences no earlier than the last Friday in June in the academic year in which the Academy Player reaches the age of 16.

 

253.           An Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall be:

 

253.1.      entitled to receive such remuneration as shall be determined by the Board from time to time; and

 

253.2.      required to complete his Education Programme (as defined in PLYD Form 1).

 

254.           The registration of an Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall be effected by completion of and submission to the Secretary of Football Association Form G(4), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, together with copies of the Academy Player’s Scholarship Agreement and birth certificate.

 

255.           If the parties to a Scholarship Agreement have agreed in writing that they will enter into a contract of employment in Form 26 prior to or immediately upon the termination of the Scholarship Agreement, and provided that the written agreement between them specifies the length of the contract and full details of all the remuneration and benefits payable under it, the Club shall not be obliged to complete and sign a mutual cancellation notification upon the Academy Player’s application for cancellation of his registration pursuant to clause 13.1 of the Scholarship Agreement. If the Club chooses not to cancel the Academy Player’s registration, the Academy Player shall remain registered with the Club and the Scholarship Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Appeal against Termination

 

256.           An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of clause 10.3 or by a Club under the provisions of clause 12.3 of PLYD Form 1 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the other party to the agreement and to the Secretary.

 

Appeal against Disciplinary Decision

 

257.           An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of paragraph 3.3.2 of the Schedule to PLYD Form 1 shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the Club and to the Secretary.

 

258.           Appeals pursuant to Rule 256 or Rule 257 shall be conducted in such manner as the Board may determine.

 

259.           The Board may allow or dismiss any such appeal and make such other order as it thinks fit.

 

Order for Costs

 

260.           The Board shall have power to make an order for costs:

 

260.1.      in determining appeals under Rule 256 or Rule 257; and

 

260.2.      if any such appeal, having been commenced, is withdrawn.

 

261.           The Board shall have power to determine the amount of any such costs which may include, without limitation, those incurred by the Company in the conduct of the appeal.

 

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262.           Costs ordered to be paid as aforesaid shall be recoverable:

 

262.1.      in the case of a Club, under the provisions of Rule E.21; or

 

262.2.      in the case of an Academy Player, as a civil debt.

 

Further Appeal

 

263.           Within 14 days of a decision of the Board given under the provisions of Rule 259 either party may by notice in writing appeal against such decision to the Premier League Appeals Committee whose decision shall be final.

 

Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements

 

264.           A Club shall not, either directly or indirectly, make any approach to or communicate with:

 

264.1.      an Academy Player registered with another Club (or club); or

 

264.2.      a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current.

 

265.           A public statement made by an Official of or Agent for a Club expressing interest in an Academy Player whose registration is held by another Club (or club) or a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current shall be deemed for the purpose of Rule 264 to be an indirect approach in breach of that Rule.

 

266.           Except as permitted by Rules 239 and 240, an Academy Player whose registration is held by a Club shall not, either directly or indirectly, make any approach to another Club (or club).

 

267.           Except that a Club may, not earlier than 1 January next following the commencement of his Under 16 year, offer an Academy Player a contract as a Contract Player upon his attaining the age of 17 years and subject to Rules 218 and 246:

 

267.1.      no Club shall induce or attempt to induce a player to become registered as an Academy Player by that Club by offering him, or any person connected with him, either directly or indirectly, a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind;

 

267.2.      no Club shall likewise induce or attempt to induce an Academy Player to enter into a Scholarship Agreement and in particular no Club shall pay or offer to pay to an Academy Player upon his entering into a Scholarship Agreement remuneration in excess of the remuneration referred to in Rule 253.1;

 

267.3.      no Academy Player shall, either directly or indirectly, accept any such inducement.

 

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FACILITIES

 

Facilities

 

268.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that:

 

268.1.      it provides as a minimum the facilities and accommodation set out in this section of the Rules; and

 

268.2.      in respect of Category 1 Academies, such facilities and accommodation are available for the exclusive use of its Academy at all times when it requires access to them in order to comply with these Rules.

 

269.           The facilities and accommodation to be provided by each Academy (as referred to in Rule 268.1) are set out in the following tables. Save where otherwise indicated, or with the permission of the Board, all such facilities and accommodation shall be provided at the Club’s principal venue for the coaching and education of Academy Players.

 

269.1.      Grass pitches

 

Category 1

a)

A sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as regards coaching. Rule K.27 shall apply to Academy pitches. Without prejudice to the generality of the Rule, each Club shall ensure that the quality of its pitches used for matches in the Games Programmes is not adversely affected by coaching taking place on them. Clubs may accordingly need to have a greater number of pitches than the bare minimum necessary to fulfil matches in the Games Programme.

 

 

 

 

 

Rule K.27 shall apply to Academy pitches.

 

 

 

 

b)

One floodlit grass pitch enclosed with perimeter fencing and with designated areas for spectator attendance (save that if a Club is unable to obtain planning permission for floodlighting then the requirement for floodlighting shall be waived);

 

 

 

 

c)

A designated area (on grass) for the coaching of goalkeepers.

 

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Category 2 and 3

a)

A sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as regards coaching. Rule K.27 shall apply to Academy pitches. Without prejudice to the generality of the Rule, each Club shall ensure that the quality of its pitches used for matches in the Games Programmes is not adversely affected by coaching taking place on them. Clubs may accordingly need to have a greater number of pitches than the bare minimum necessary to fulfil matches in the Games Programme.

 

 

 

 

b)

A designated area for the coaching of goalkeepers.

 

 

 

Category 4

 

a) A sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as regards coaching. Rule K.27 shall apply to Academy pitches. Without prejudice to the generality of the Rule, each Club shall ensure that the quality of its pitches used for matches in the Games Programmes is not adversely affected by coaching taking place on them. Clubs may accordingly need to have a greater number of pitches than the bare minimum necessary to fulfil matches in the Games Programme.

 

 

 

 

b)

A designated area (on grass) for the coaching of goalkeepers.

 

269.2. Artificial Surface pitch

 

Categories 1 and 2

 

One floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (save that if a Club is unable to obtain planning permission for floodlighting then the requirement for floodlighting shall be waived). It is recommended (but not mandatory) that this pitch complies with Rule K.27.

 

 

 

Categories 3 and 4

 

Access to one floodlight outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (which need not be at the principal venue).

 

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269.3. Indoor area for training and the playing of matches

 

Note: ideally a Club’s indoor facility should be located at its principal venue for the coaching of Academy Players but it is accepted that a number of Clubs have existing indoor facilities which are located elsewhere. Provided that the Rules relating to the maximum travel time from an Academy Player’s residence to the coaching venue are complied with, this is acceptable However, it is recommended that any new facility is located at the principal venue.

 

Categories 1 and 2

 

One indoor pitch measuring a minimum of 60 yards by 40 yards which shall be owned by the Club (or alternatively the Club must have a legally enforceable agreement with the owner of the facility for its use by the Club, expiring not earlier than the end of the current Season) and which shall be for the exclusive use of the Academy at all times. (Note: an indoor pitch which complies with the size requirements set out in Rule K.21 is recommended).

 

 

 

Categories 3 and 4

 

Access to one indoor pitch measuring 60 yards by 40 yards during the months of November to April. Alternatively, the pitch may measure 30 yards by 20 yards but if so the Club shall only be permitted to coach the following maximum numbers of Academy Players at any one time:

 

 

 

 

 

Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive:

 

 

18 in each age group

 

 

 

 

 

Age groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive:

 

 

15 in each age group

 

 

 

 

 

Age groups Under 17 to Under 21 inclusive:

 

 

12 in each age group

 

269.4. Changing rooms and washing facilities

 

Categories 1 to 4

a)

suitably-sized changing rooms equal in number to the number of teams (including visiting teams) playing at the Academy at any one time so that each such team has exclusive use of a changing room;

 

 

 

 

b)

a sufficient number of washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of all registered Academy Players;

 

 

 

 

c)

a sufficient number of separate washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the use of visiting teams;

 

 

 

 

d)

a sufficient number of separate changing rooms and washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of Match Officials;

 

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e)

(in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only) a sufficient number of changing rooms and washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of therapists and coaches employed at the Academy and other relevant Academy Staff;

 

 

 

 

Note: sufficient and suitable facilities must be provided at all venues. Thus, if a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy utilises an Artificial Surface pitch or an indoor pitch which is located away from its principal venue, it must ensure that there is substantial compliance with this Rule 269.4 with regard to changing room and washing facilities.

 

A changing room may not be used as any of the other rooms (e.g. team meeting room) required by these Rules.

 

269.5. Team meeting room

 

Categories 1 to 4

A dedicated room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped with individual desks (one per person), audio/visual projection equipment and a large screen, internet access and computers.

 

 

 

 

Note: in Category 3 and 4 Academies, this room:

 

 

 

 

a)

need not be located at the principal venue; but

 

 

 

 

b)

if it is so located (but not otherwise), may also be used as the guest lounge described in Rule 269.6.

 

269.6. Guest lounge

 

Categories 1 to 4

A guest lounge for the use of Parents at each training session and match that is open to Parents. The guest lounge shall be large enough to hold 50 people and have access to refreshments and toilet facilities.

 

 

 

Note: in Category 3 and 4 Academies, this room may also be used as the team meeting room described in Rule 269.5 provided that it is large enough.

 

269.7. Match analysis suite

 

Categories 1 and 2

A room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped with such appropriate video and IT technology as is necessary to undertake, and present the results of, Performance Analysis.

 

 

Category 3

A match analysis suite is recommended but not mandatory.

 

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269.8. Medical facilities

 

Such medical facilities as the Club requires to deliver its Sports Science and Medicine Programme.

 

269.9. Administration office space

 

Categories 1 to 4

a)

Such office space and access to IT, email and the internet as each member of Academy Staff requires in order to perform the responsibilities set out in his job description;

 

 

 

 

b)

A private meeting room.

 

 

 

 

Note: for Category 3 and Category 4 Academies, these can be provided at a place other than the principal venue (e.g. at the Club’s stadium).

 

269.10. Academy Player accommodation

 

Categories 1 to 4

Sufficient and adequate accommodation for all registered Academy Players and Trialists under the age of 18 not residing with their Parents. Clubs shall comply with any guidelines about Academy Player accommodation published by the League from time to time and with all applicable legal requirements in relation to the provision of such accommodation.

 

 

 

Such accommodation shall be located in as close proximity as is reasonably practicable to the Club’s principal venue for the coaching and education of Academy Players and to the place at which Academy Players undertake their education (if this is not the principal venue).

 

 

 

Note: Clubs may provide such accommodation by lodging students with private households (subject to compliance with all applicable legal requirements including as to CRB checks) or by operating their own dedicated facilities (such as hostels).

 

269.11. Classrooms

 

 

 

 

 

Category 1                                  A minimum of three classrooms which shall each:

 

·        contain sufficient desks for 20 students;

·        contain 20 computers with access to the internet;

·        conform in all respects with any requirements for classrooms issued by the Department for Education and Skills.

 

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Category 2                                  A minimum of two classrooms which shall each:

 

·        contain sufficient desks for 20 students;

·        contain 20 computers with internet access.

 

At least one of the classrooms must conform in all respects with any requirements for classrooms issued by the Department for Education and Skills.

 

Categories 3 and 4                    Access for Academy Players and Trialists to a study area large enough to hold 20 people and which contains at least 20 computers with internet access.

 

Note: in Category 3 and 4 Academies, this may also be used as the team meeting room provided that the timetabling of lessons in the classrooms allows.

 

Guidance

 

Flexibility will be accorded to a Club’s provision of classrooms depending on the number of Academy Players that are engaged in each Training Model.

 

Clubs which operate a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy who have in place an artificial surface which does not meet the requirements of such a pitch as defined in Rule 1.10 may continue to use such a pitch until the end of its natural life. Thereafter however, they must use a pitch which complies with the definition.

 

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FINANCE

 

Finance

 

270.           Each Club which operates an Academy shall by 31 March in each Season submit to the League its Academy Financial Information for its Academy for the following Season.

 

271.           The Academy Financial Information required by Rule 270 shall be submitted in the format required by the League.

 

272.           The League may, at its discretion, require (and the Club shall deliver), such further information and explanations as it deems fit in connection with the Academy Financial Information submitted by the Club pursuant to Rules 270 and 272.

 

273.           The League shall have the power to obtain an independent audit of a Club’s Academy Financial Information submitted pursuant to these Rules.

 

274.           Each Club’s Academy Financial Information shall be assessed by the Board in order to determine whether to award to the Club a grant from the Professional Youth Game Fund.

 

Guidance

 

The financial template to be used for the submission of Academy Financial Information is being developed by the League and will be provided to Clubs as soon as possible.

 

The League will produce benchmarked Club by Club information (on an anonymised basis) with regards to expenditure on youth development on an annual basis.

 

By Rule E.11, Clubs must submit “Future Financial Information” (broadly, budgetary information in respect of the whole Club) to the Premier League by 31 March in each year. It is anticipated that preparation of the Academy budgets will be intrinsically linked to preparation of Future Financial Information on a practical level, and hence the same submission date is suggested.

 

The League will keep the Academy Financial Information provided to it pursuant to Rules 270 and 271 confidential save that:

 

1. the League may disclose the Information if properly required to do so by law or by any regulatory authority;

 

2. the League may disclose the Information to the ISO or the PGB (and if it does so, the League shall use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the ISO or PGB keeps the Information confidential);

 

3. the League may disclose the Information to any person or entity retained to undertake an audit of a Club’s Academy Financial Information pursuant to Rule 273 (and if it does so, the League shall use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the person or entity so retained keeps the Information confidential); and

 

4. the League may use the Information to develop and publish benchmarked information on an anonymised basis.

 

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COMPENSATION

 

Compensation

 

275.           The registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall impose an obligation on the applicant Club or Football League club (“the Applicant Club”) to pay compensation for the training and development of that Academy Player to any Club or Football League club which previously held his registration (“the Training Club”) provided that:

 

275.1.                the Training Club had indicated in Form 26 (or, in the case of a Football League club, the equivalent Football League form) its intention to retain the Academy Player’s registration; or

 

275.2.                the Training Club had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement pursuant to Rule 246 with the Academy Player which the Academy Player had not accepted; or

 

275.3.                the Academy Player sought registration at the Applicant Club because he had moved residence outside the permitted travelling time from his last Training Club; or

 

275.4.                the Training Club and Academy Player mutually agreed to terminate the Academy Player’s registration pursuant to Rule 242.2 and agreed that the Training Club should retain the right to receive compensation should the Academy Player sign for another Club (or club); or

 

275.5.                the Board has made a determination to that effect pursuant to Rule 244; and

 

275.6.                in all the above cases, the Training Club held a valid licence to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules (or to operate a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence in accordance with the Rules pertaining to youth development which these Rules replaced).

 

Guidance

 

Consideration is being given to the deemed categorisation of Academies/Centres of Excellence up until the end of Season 2011/12 for the purposes of the new compensation Rules. A proposal will be presented to the Legal Advisory Group on 1 February 2012 and to the Shareholders’ Meeting on 2 February 2012.

 

276.           The amount of compensation referred to in Rule 275 shall be:

 

276.1.                such sum as shall be due pursuant to this section of the Rules; or

 

276.2.                as regards the compensation payable by the Applicant Club to the most recent Training Club, such sum as shall have been agreed between them.

 

277.           Rules 279 to 289 govern the compensation due in respect of an Academy Player who is in any age group between Under 9 and Under 16 at the time when he is first registered with the Applicant Club save for an Academy Player with whom the Training Club has agreed, pursuant to Rule 246, to enter into a Scholarship Agreement.

 

278.           In default of agreement between the Applicant Club and the Academy Player’s most recent Training Club, the Professional Football Compensation Committee shall determine the compensation payable to the latter in respect of an Academy Player:

 

278.1.                who is in any age group between Under 17 and Under 21 when he is registered for the Applicant Club; or

 

278.2.                with whom the training Club has agreed, pursuant to Rule 246, to enter into a Scholarship Agreement.

 

279.           The compensation due to in respect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 277 applies shall consist of an initial fee payable to the most recent Training Club and, if the Academy Player is in age group Under 12 or older, contingent compensation payable to all qualifying Training Clubs in accordance with these Rules.

 

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280.           The initial fee referred to in Rule 279 shall be calculated by:

 

280.1.                multiplying the applicable annual fixed fee (or fees) calculated in accordance with Rule 281 by the applicable number of years; and

 

280.2.                adding thereto any initial fee (capped at such sum as would have been payable when calculated in accordance with this section of the Rules) paid by the most recent Training Club when it acquired the registration of the Academy Player.

 

281.           In Rule 280:

 

281.1.                the “applicable annual fixed fee” means the fee set out in the table in Rule 282 referable to:

 

281.1.1.                the age group of the Academy Player during any year that he was registered with the Training Club; and

 

281.1.2.                the Category of the Training Club’s Academy during that year; and

 

281.2.                the “applicable number of years” means the number of years for which the Academy Player was registered for the Training Club (subject to Rule 288).

 

Guidance

 

There may be two “applicable fixed fees”. For example, if an Academy Player was registered with a Category 2 Training Club from the age of Under 9 to Under 16, then the applicable fixed fee is £3,000 for each of his initial three years of development (totalling £9,000) and £25,000 for each of the five subsequent years (totalling £125,000) making a total initial fee of £134,000.

 

282.           The applicable annual fixed fees by reference to the age group of the Academy Player and the Category of Academy are as follows:

 

 

 

Category of the

 

 

 

Age group of the

 

Academy of the Training

 

Applicable Annual

 

Academy Player

 

Club at the relevant time

 

Fixed Fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 9 to Under 11

 

All Categories

 

£

3,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 12 to Under 16

 

Category 1

 

£

40,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 12 to Under 16

 

Category 2

 

£

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under 12 to Under 16

 

Category 3

 

£

12,500

 

 

283.           The contingent compensation referred to in Rule 279 shall consist of:

 

283.1.                appearance fees calculated by reference to the number of First Team Appearances (up to a maximum of 100) made by the Academy Player for the Applicant Club or any other Club or Football League club for whom the Academy Player subsequently becomes registered (including by way of a Temporary Transfer or other loan) and to the divisional status of the relevant Club as set out in the table in Rule 284;

 

283.2.                if the Academy Player’s registration is transferred prior to his twenty-third birthday to a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the League, the Football League or the Premier Division of the Football Conference), 20% of any Compensation Fee, Loan Fee and Contingent Sum that the Applicant Club receives which is in excess of:

 

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283.2.1.                any amounts of training compensation and/or solidarity payment paid to the Applicant Club and the Training Club pursuant to the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players; and

 

283.2.2.                the actual sum (if any) paid by the Applicant Club to the Training Club to acquire the Academy Player’s registration;

 

283.3.                5% of all Compensation Fees, Loan Fees and Contingent Sums paid in respect of:

 

283.3.1.                all future transfers of the Academy Player’s registration to Clubs (or clubs) in membership of the League, the Football League or the Premier Division of the Football Conference; and

 

283.3.2.                all future transfers on loan to a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the League, the Football League or the Premier Division of the Football Conference).

 

Guidance

 

Clubs will be obliged to pay contingent compensation as it falls due in accordance with Rule V.36 (payment within seven days of the triggering event). Any amendments to the drafting of Rule V.36 (or to defined terms used within it) which are necessary to give effect to this will be presented to Clubs in due course.

 

284.           The appearance fees referred to in Rule 283.1 are as follows:

 

 

 

Divisional Status of the Club

 

Number of

 

Premier

 

Football League

 

Football

 

Football

 

First Team

 

League

 

Championship

 

League 1

 

League 2

 

Appearances

 

Club

 

Club

 

Club

 

Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

 

£

150,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70

 

£

100,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

 

£

100,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

90

 

£

100,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

£

100,000

 

£

25,000

 

£

10,000

 

£

5,000

 

 

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285.           In Rule 283:

 

285.1.                “First Team Appearance” means an appearance either in the starting eleven or as a playing substitute in a first team fixture in the Premier League, the Football League Championship and Football Leagues 1 and 2 (including play-offs), the Football League Cup, the FA Cup, the Football League Trophy, the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Champions League;

 

285.2.                in the event that the Academy Player’s registration at a Club (or Football League club) is terminated (whether by efluxion of time, cancellation, transfer or otherwise) prior to his having made sufficient appearances to trigger one of the payments set out in Rule 284, that Club (or Football League club) shall pay a pro rata amount to the relevant Training Club(s) and the obligation to pay future sums pursuant to that Rule shall transfer to any new Club (or Football League club) for whom the Academy Player subsequently becomes registered; and

 

285.3.                “Compensation Fee”, “Loan Fee” and “Contingent Sum” shall be interpreted to exclude compensation payable pursuant to Rule 275.

 

286.           Reference in Rules 283 and 285 to the transfer or termination of an Academy Player’s registration shall be interpreted to include transfers or terminations of his registration after he has ceased to be an Academy Player and Clubs who subsequently sign the Academy Player shall be bound to comply with Rules 283.1 and 283.3 and for the avoidance of doubt the original Applicant Club shall not be liable to the Training Club in respect of:

 

286.1.                any appearance fees payable pursuant to Rule 283.1 and due in respect of appearances made by the Academy Player after he has ceased to be permanently registered for the Applicant Club;

 

286.2.                sums payable pursuant to Rule 283.2 and 283.3 arising from transfers in respect of which the Applicant Club was not the Transferor Club.

 

287.           Any agreement between a Club and another Club (or club) as to the compensation payable on the transfer of a registration, whether pursuant to Rule 276.2 or otherwise, may not take effect so as to vary the contingent compensation payable pursuant to this section of the Rules to any other Club (or Football League club).

 

288.           If an Academy Player has spent part only of any year at the Training Club, the amount of compensation in respect of that year shall be calculated pro rata (taking into account whether or not the Training Club’s Academy was operational or not during the Close Season or any part of it).

 

289.           If the Academy Player has been registered for a Training Club for part only of the period between the start of his Under 12 year to the conclusion of his Under 16 year, the amount of contingent compensation payable to that Training Club calculated in accordance with these Rules shall be paid pro rata to the Training Club.

 

Guidance

 

Rule 289 covers the following situations:

 

1. Where an Academy Player has been registered for only one Training Club but not for the entirety of the period from the start of his Under 12 year to the conclusion of his Under 16 year; and

 

2. Where the Academy Player has been registered for more than one Training Club during the period.

 

In either case, the Training Club(s) receive(s) contingent compensation pro rata to the period that it/they held the Academy Player’s registration.

 

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290.           The compensation set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee in respect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 278 applies shall be determined in accordance with the Committee’s Regulations.

 

291.           The new registration of a Contract Player under Rule U.15 shall impose an obligation on the Club next holding his registration to pay to the former Club (or club) compensation for the training and development of that Player if the Club (or club):

 

291.1.                had held that Player’s registration as an Academy Player;

 

291.2.                had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with him which offer he had not accepted; or

 

291.3.                had entered into a Scholarship Agreement with him; and either

 

291.4.                the Scholarship Agreement had been terminated at the Player’s request; or

 

291.5.                in accordance with the terms thereof the former Club (or club) had offered him a contract as a Contract Player which offer he had not accepted.

 

292.           The amount of compensation payable pursuant to Rule 291 shall be:

 

292.1.                such sum as shall have been agreed between the applicant Club (or club) and the former Club; or

 

292.2.                such sum as the Professional Football Compensation Committee on the application of either Club (or club) shall determine pursuant to Rule 290.

 

Guidance

 

The fixed fees set out in Rules 282 and 284 are to be revised annually by the PGB.

 

The Regulations of the Professional Football Compensation Committee referred to in Rule 290 are in Appendix 11 to Premier League Rules. They remain unchanged as regards the calculation of compensation for:

 

·      Academy Players in the Under 18 and older age groups;

·      an Academy Player with whom the Training Club had agreed to enter into a Scholarship Agreement; and

·      an Academy Player with whom the Applicant Club enters into a Scholarship Agreement.

 

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FORMS

 



 

PREMIER LEAGUE AND THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PLYD Form 1

 

SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT

 

AN AGREEMENT made the (day)                                     day of (month and year)                                    Between (club company name)                                                 whose registered office is at (address)                                                                          (hereinafter called “the Club”) of the one part and (Scholar’s full name)                                             of (address)                                     (hereinafter called “the Scholar”) of the other part

 

WHEREBY it is agreed as follows:

 

1.                                      Definitions and Interpretation

 

1.1              The words and phrases below shall have the following meanings:

 

“Authorised Games” shall have the meaning set out in the League Rules;

“the Board” shall mean the board of directors of the Club for the time being or any duly authorised committee of such board of directors;

“the Club Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations affecting the Scholar from time to time in force and published by the Club;

“Contract Player” shall mean any player (other than a Academy Player or Scholar or Youth Player) who has entered into a written contract of employment with a Club as defined by the League Rules;

“Education Programme” shall mean the programme of education provided by the Club being either the advanced apprenticeship framework for sporting excellence (AASE) or any other programme of education approved in writing by the League in conjunction with the PFA;

“the FA” shall mean The Football Association Limited;

“the FA Rules” shall mean the rules and regulations from time to time in force of the FA;

“Football Development Programme” shall mean the programme of football training provided by the Club including the Scholar’s participation in Authorised Games;

“Gross Misconduct” shall mean serious or persistent conduct, behaviour, activity or omission by the Scholar involving one or more of the following:

(a) theft or fraud;

(b) deliberate and serious damage to the Club’s property;

(c) use or possession of or trafficking in a Prohibited Substance;

(d) incapacity through alcohol affecting the Scholar’s performance as a player;

(e) breach of or failure to comply with any of the terms of this agreement;

or such other similar or equivalent serious or persistent conduct, behaviour, activity or omission by the Scholar which the Board reasonably considers to amount to gross misconduct;

“the League” shall mean the football league of which the Club is a member from time to time;

“the League Rules” shall mean the rules or regulations from time to time in force of the League;

“National Minimum Wage” means the National Minimum Wage as determined by the Low Pay Commission from time to time;

“Parent” means a person who has parental responsibility for the Scholar;

“PFA” shall mean the Professional Footballers Association;

“Player” shall have the meaning set out in the League Rules;

“Prohibited Substance” shall have the meaning set out in the FA Rules;

 

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“the Rules” shall mean the FA Rules, the League Rules and the Club Rules.

 

1.2             For the purpose of this agreement and provided the context so permits, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and any gender includes any other gender.

 

2.                                      Purpose

 

2.1             The purpose of this agreement is to provide the Scholar’s with a period of work-based learning in preparation for a possible future career as a professional association football player.

 

3.                                      Duration

 

3.1             Subject as hereinafter provided, this agreement shall remain in force from the date set out in Schedule One for two years.

3.2             If during the currency of this agreement the Club wishes to offer the Scholar a contract as a Contract Player it may only do so on the condition that the Scholar continues his Education Programme.

 

4.                                      Extension of Agreement

 

4.1             If by reason of illness or injury the Scholar is prevented from participating in the Football Development Programme for a period in excess of five weeks (hereafter “the excess period”):

 

4.1.1             the duration of this agreement shall be extended by the length of the excess period or, if earlier, until the Scholar’s nineteenth birthday; and

4.1.2             within fourteen days of the end of the excess period the Club shall give written notice to the League and to the FA indicating the date to which the duration of the agreement is extended.

 

4.2             The Club shall be entitled to extend the duration of this agreement by one year by giving to the Scholar written notice to that effect on or before the third Saturday in May in the second year of the agreement and a copy of any such notice shall be sent to the League and to the FA within fourteen days of the date on which it was given.

 

5.                                      Obligations of the Scholar

 

5.1             The Scholar shall:

 

5.1.1             participate in the Football Development Programme and the Education Programme;

5.1.2             when directed by an authorised official of the Club:

 

5.1.2.1                    attend at any reasonable place for the purposes of and to participate in training and match preparation;

5.1.2.2                    play in any Authorised Games in which he is selected to play for the Club;

5.1.2.3                    attend other matches in which the Club is engaged;

 

5.1.3             train and play to the best of his skill and ability at all times;

5.1.4             except to the extent prevented by injury or illness, maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times;

5.1.5             observe the Laws of the Game when playing football;

5.1.6             observe the Rules but in the case of the Club Rules to the extent only that they do not conflict with or seek to vary the express terms of this agreement;

5.1.7             submit promptly to such medical and dental examinations as the Club may reasonably require and undergo such treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisers of the Club and/or the Club’s insurers;

 

344



 

5.1.8             permit the Club to photograph him individually or as a member of a squad of players and staff of the Club provided that such photographs are for use as the official photographs of the Club;

5.1.9             comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the Club.

 

5.2             Subject to Clause 5.3.4 below, the Scholar may contribute to the media in a responsible manner but whenever circumstances permit the Scholar shall give to the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make any contribution to the public media in order to allow representations to be made to him on behalf of the Club if it so desires.

5.3             The Scholar shall not:

 

5.3.1             reside at any place which the Club reasonably deems unsuitable for the performance of his obligations under this agreement;

5.3.2             undertake or be engaged in any employment or be engaged or involved in any trade, business or occupation;

5.3.3             indulge in any activity or practice which might endanger his fitness or inhibit his mental or physical ability to train or play or which might cause to be void or voidable any policy of insurance provided for the Scholar by the Club in compliance with the Rules;

5.3.4             knowingly or recklessly do, write or say anything which is likely to bring the Club or the game of football into disrepute.

 

6.                                      Obligations of the Club

 

The Club shall:

 

6.1             provide the Football Development Programme and the Education Programme;

6.2             observe the Rules, save that the FA Rules and League Rules shall take precedence over the Club Rules;

6.3             pay to the Scholar throughout the duration of this agreement (and during agreed holiday periods) the remuneration which by virtue of the League Rules he is entitled to receive as more particularly set out in Schedule One. Such remuneration shall not be less than the National Minimum Wage and shall not exceed any maximum amount specified pursuant to the League Rules;

6.4             provide the Scholar each year with copies of all the Rules which affect the Scholar and the terms and conditions of the policy of insurance referred to in clause 5.3.3;

6.5             arrange promptly such medical and dental examinations and treatment as may be prescribed by the medical or dental advisors of the Club in respect of any injury to or illness of the Scholar and shall ensure that any such treatment for any football related injury is undertaken and completed without expense to the Scholar notwithstanding that this agreement expires after such treatment is prescribed;

6.6             comply with all relevant statutory provisions relating to industrial injury and any regulations made pursuant thereto; and

6.7             on or before the third Saturday in May in the final year of this agreement give written notice to the Scholar indicating whether or not upon the expiry of this agreement it intends offering to the Scholar a professional contract as a Contract Player and if so setting out the terms thereof, which offer shall remain open and capable of acceptance by the Scholar for a period of one month from the date upon which the Club gave it to him.

 

7.                                      Illness and Injury

 

7.1             Any injury to or illness of the Scholar shall be reported by him or on his behalf to the Club immediately and the Club shall keep a record of such illness or injury.

 

345



 

8.                                      Permanent Incapacity

 

8.1             In the event that the Scholar shall be permanently incapacitated the Club shall be entitled to serve a notice upon the Scholar terminating this agreement;

8.2             the minimum length of such notice shall be three months;

8.3             the notice may be served at any time after:

 

8.3.1             the Scholar is declared to suffer from Permanent Total Disablement as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance scheme; or

8.3.2             an appropriately qualified independent medical consultant (the identity of whom shall be agreed between the Club and the Scholar, each acting reasonably, save that in the event that the parties are unable to agree, such individual as shall be appointed by the President or next available officer of the Royal College of Surgeons) certifies that the Scholar has suffered permanent incapacity.

 

9.                                      Disciplinary Procedure

 

9.1             The Club shall operate the disciplinary procedure set out in Schedule Two hereto in relation to any allegation that there has been a breach of or failure to observe the terms of this agreement or the Rules.

 

10.                               Termination by the Club

 

10.1       The Club shall be entitled to terminate this agreement by fourteen days’ notice in writing to the Scholar if after due investigation and enquiry it is reasonably satisfied that he:

 

10.1.1      shall be guilty of Gross Misconduct; or

10.1.2      has failed to heed any final written warning given under the provisions of Schedule Two hereto; or

10.1.3      is convicted of any criminal offence where the punishment consists of an immediate custodial sentence of or exceeding three months.

 

10.2       There shall be included in any such notice full particulars of the Club’s reasons for terminating the agreement and a copy of it shall be sent to the League, the FA and the PFA.

10.3       Within seven days of receiving a termination notice the Scholar by written notice served on the Club and the League may appeal against the decision of the Club to the League in accordance with the League Rules and the parties shall seek to ensure that such appeal shall be heard within a further 28 days.

10.4       If the Scholar exercises his right of appeal the termination of this agreement shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been determined that the Club was entitled to terminate the agreement pursuant to clause 10.1. Pending such determination the Club may suspend the Scholar.

10.5       Any such termination shall be subject to the rights of the parties provided for in the League Rules.

 

11.                               Grievance Procedure

 

11.1       In the event of any grievance in connection with his education under this agreement and/or its operation the following procedures shall be available to the Scholar in the order set out:

 

11.1.1      the grievance shall in the first instance be brought informally to the notice of such person as the Club identifies as the person dealing with grievances, failing which to any member of the Club’s youth management;

11.1.2      if the grievance is not settled to the Scholar’s satisfaction within 14 days thereafter formal notice of the grievance may be given in writing to the Secretary of the Club requiring it to be considered by the Board. The matter shall thereupon be dealt with by the Board at its next convenient meeting and in any event within 4 weeks of receipt of the notice;

 

346



 

11.1.3      if the grievance is not settled by the Club to the Scholar’s satisfaction the Scholar shall have a right of appeal to the League exercisable within 7 days of receipt by the Scholar of written notice of the decision of the Board by notice in writing to the Club and the League and such appeal shall be determined in accordance with the League Rules.

 

12.                               Termination by the Scholar

 

12.1      The Scholar shall be entitled to terminate this agreement by fourteen days’ notice in writing to the Club if the Club shall be guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement.

12.2      There shall be included in any such notice full particulars of the Scholar’s reasons for terminating the agreement and a copy of it shall be sent to the League, the FA and the PFA.

12.3      Within seven days of receiving a termination notice the Club by written notice served on the Scholar and the League may appeal against the termination and the appeal shall be determined in accordance with the League Rules and the parties shall seek to ensure that such appeal shall be heard within a further 28 days.

12.4      If the Club exercises its right of appeal the termination of this agreement shall not become effective unless and until it shall have been determined that the Scholar was entitled to terminate the agreement pursuant to clause 12.1.

12.5      Any such termination shall be subject to the rights of the parties provided for in the League Rules.

 

13.                               Cancellation of Registration

 

13.1       At any time during the currency of this agreement the Scholar without giving any reason therefore may apply to the Club for cancellation of his registration, whereupon the Club shall complete and sign a mutual cancellation notification in accordance with the League Rules whereupon this agreement shall terminate.

13.2       In consequence of such a termination, the Scholar shall not be permitted by the League to be registered as a Player until the expiry of two years from its effective date unless either:

 

13.2.1      the Club gives its written consent; or

13.2.2      the Club has received compensation for the training and development of the Scholar in accordance with the League Rules.

 

14.                               Holidays

 

14.1       The Scholar shall be entitled to five weeks holiday a year, to be taken at a time or times as shall be determined by the Club.

 

15.                               Miscellaneous

 

15.1       This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Club and the Scholar and supersedes any and all preceding agreements between the Club and the Scholar.

15.2       For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 the Scholar consents to the Club processing Personal Data including Sensitive Personal Data (both as defined in the said Act) about the Scholar and using it for all relevant administrative and statistical purposes connected with the Scholar’s education and potential future in professional football and sharing such Data with the League, the FA, the PFA and any relevant training body for the same purposes.

 

16.                               Jurisdiction and Law

 

16.1      This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

 

347



 

SCHEDULE ONE

 

SCHOLARSHIP ALLOWANCE

 

Supplemental Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996

 

1.                        This Scholarship Agreement commences on             and terminates on         .

 

2.                        The Scholar’s employment with the Club began on the date set out in paragraph 1 [replace the words in italics with the appropriate date if it began earlier].

 

3.                        No employment with a previous employer shall count as part of the Scholar’s continuous period of employment hereunder.

 

4.                        The Scholar’s hours of work are such as the Club may from time to time reasonably require of him to carry out his duties and the Scholar shall not be entitled to any additional remuneration for work done outside normal working hours.

 

5.                        The place of employment shall be at the Club’s ground and training ground but the Club shall be entitled to require the Scholar to play and to undertake his duties hereunder at any other place throughout the world.

 

6.                        The terms and conditions of this contract form part of a number of collective agreements between the Club (through the League) and the Scholar (through the PFA) affecting the Scholar’s employment.

 

7.                        No contracting out certificate pursuant to the Pensions Scheme Act 1993 is in force in respect of the Scholar’s employment under this contract.

 

8.                        There is no entitlement to pensions benefit in relation to the Scholar’s employment. However, the Club shall provide access to a designated stakeholder pension scheme as required by law. For the avoidance of doubt, the Club will not make any contributions to such stakeholder scheme.

 

9.                        The wage payable by virtue of Clause 6.3 of this agreement is calculated as follows and shall be paid monthly in arrears:

 

£        per week from           to

£        per week from           to

 

If the agreement is extended pursuant to the exercise by the Club of the option set out in Clause 4.2, the rate of wage will be as follows:

 

£        per week from           to

 

Any other provisions:

 

 

 

348



 

SCHEDULE TWO

 

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE AND PENALTIES

 

1.                                      Introduction

 

The disciplinary procedure aims to ensure that the Club behaves fairly in investigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct with a view to helping and encouraging all Scholars to achieve and maintain appropriate standards of conduct and performance. The Club nevertheless reserves the right to depart from the precise requirements of its disciplinary procedure where the Club considers it expedient to do so and where the Scholar’s resulting treatment is no less fair.

 

2.                                      Records

 

All cases of disciplinary action under this procedure will be recorded and placed in the Club’s records until deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. A copy of the Club’s disciplinary records concerning the Scholar will be supplied to the Scholar at his request.

 

3.                                      The Procedure

 

The following steps will be taken as appropriate in all cases of disciplinary action

 

3.1             Investigation

 

No action will be taken before a proper investigation has been undertaken by the Club into the matter complained of. If the Club determines the same to be appropriate the Club may by written notice suspend the Scholar for up to fourteen days while the investigation takes place. If the Scholar is so suspended this agreement will continue together with all the Scholar’s rights under it except that during the period of suspension the Scholar will not be entitled to access to any of the Club’s premises except at the prior request or with the prior consent of the Club and subject to such conditions as the Club may impose. The decision to suspend the Scholar will be notified in writing to the Scholar by the Club.

 

3.2             Disciplinary Hearing

 

3.2.1             If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing about the matter complained of the Scholar will be given full details in writing of the complaint against him and reasonable notice of the date and time of the hearing. At the hearing the Scholar will be given an opportunity to state his case either personally, through his representative or the PFA.

3.2.2             Subject as provided in paragraph 3.2.3 no disciplinary penalty will be imposed without first giving the Scholar the opportunity to state his case.

3.2.3             A disciplinary hearing may proceed in the Scholar’s absence and a disciplinary penalty may be imposed if he fails to appear at such hearing after having received proper notice thereof.

 

3.3             Appeals

 

3.3.1             The Scholar shall have a right of appeal to the Board against any disciplinary decision. The Scholar should inform the Board in writing of his wish to appeal within seven days of the date of notification to him of the decision which forms the subject of such appeal. The Board will conduct an appeal hearing as soon as possible thereafter at which the Scholar will be given a further opportunity to state his case either personally or through his representative. The decision of the Board will be notified to the Scholar in writing within seven days and subject to paragraph 3.3.2 will be final and binding under this procedure.

 

349



 

3.3.2             In the event of any sanction being imposed or confirmed in excess of an oral warning the Scholar may by notice in writing served on the Club and the League within seven days of receipt by the Scholar of written notification of the decision of the Board appeal against it to the League and such appeal shall be determined in accordance with the League Rules.

3.3.3             If the Scholar exercises any right of appeal as aforesaid any sanction imposed by the Club upon the Scholar shall not take effect until the appeal has been determined and the sanction confirmed, varied or revoked as the case may be.

 

4.                                      Disciplinary Penalties and Termination

 

4.1             At a disciplinary hearing or on an appeal to the Board against a disciplinary decision the Club may dismiss the allegation or if it is proved to the Club’s satisfaction may:

 

4.1.1             give an oral warning, a formal written warning or after a previous warning or warnings a final written warning to the Scholar;

4.1.2             impose a fine not exceeding the amount of the basic wage for a period of up to two weeks;

4.1.3             order the Scholar not to attend at any of the Club’s premises for such period as the Club thinks fit not exceeding two weeks; or

4.1.4             where the circumstances set out in Clause 10.1 of this agreement apply, terminate this agreement.

 

4.2             Any warning or sanction given under this disciplinary procedure will be deleted in the Club’s records after twelve months.

 

SIGNED by the Scholar

 

in the presence of his Parent:

 

[Signature ]

 

[Address]

 

[Occupation]

 

 

 

SIGNED by [insert name]

 

for and on behalf of the Club in the presence of:

 

[Signature ]

 

[Address]

 

[Occupation]

 

 

350



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 2

 

NOTIFICATION OF TRIALIST’S PARTICULARS (Youth Development Rule 213.2)

 

To:                            The Secretary

The Premier League

 

We hereby give notice that the Trialist whose particulars appear below is attending the Academy of                                                                                                                                       Football Club:

Surname                                                  Other name(s)                                           

Address                                                                                                                           

                                                                        Post Code                                                               

Parents’ email address                                                                                          

Travelling time from this address to the Academy #                                                   

Date of Birth                                      Place of Birth                                   Nationality                           

Date of commencement of trial period                                                                                              

Date trial period is due to end §                                                                                                      

Other clubs (if any) at whose Academy the Trialist has attended for a trial during the current Season

 

Other clubs (if any) at whose Academy the Trialist has been registered:

Club

From

To

Club

From

To

 

Endorsement by Parent+

 

I, (full name)                                                        of (address)                                                                                                                                Post Code                                                 being the Parent (as defined in Youth Development Rule 1.42) of the above-named Trialist, hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application, to the conduct of drug testing on him in accordance with the Football Association’s Memorandum on Drug Testing and to his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as considered necessary by the medical authorities present. I further consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing any and all “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” relating to the above-named Trialist contained within this Form 24 for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football. I further certify that I have provided to the above-named Club full written particulars of any medical condition from which the above-named Trialist suffers and I undertake to inform the Club forthwith in writing if any such medical condition arises during the trial period.

 

Signed by the Parent

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countersigned by the Trialist

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed on behalf of the Club

 

 

Position

 

 

Date

 

 


# to be completed if the Trialist is in age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive (subject to the exception in Youth Development Rule 214.2)

 

§ not more than 6 consecutive weeks from the date of commencement

 

+ to be completed if the Trialist is a minor

 

351


 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 3

 

NOTICE OF ENDING OF TRIAL PERIOD (Youth Development Rule 216)

 

To:                              The Secretary
The Premier League

 

We hereby give notice that the trial period of [name of Trialist]                                                                      who has been attending the Football Academy/Centre of Excellence* of                Football Club on trial ended on [date]

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

352



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 4

 

PRE–REGISTRATION AGREEMENT (Youth Development Rule 219)

 

Date

 

 

 

Parties

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

Football Club of

 

 

(“the Club”)

(2)

 

of

 

(“the player”)

whose date of birth is

 

 

 

 

 

Undertakings by the Club

 

Pursuant to Rule 220 of the Premier League Youth Development Rules (“the Rules”), the Club hereby undertakes that:

 

1.              upon the player reaching the statutory school leaving age applicable in England/ceasing Full Time Education* it will apply to register the player as an Academy Player at its Academy and having acquired the registration will enter into a Scholarship Agreement with the player in the form annexed to the Rules;

 

2.              upon the player’s coaching programme (of which a copy is annexed hereto) or any variation of it being approved under the provisions of Rule 222 of the Rules, to coach the player in accordance therewith until the said Scholarship Agreement is entered into.

 

Undertakings by the Player

 

The player hereby undertakes that:

 

1.              he is not registered with nor during the currency of this agreement will he consent to becoming registered with any Premier League or Football League club other than the Club;

 

2.              upon his coaching programme or any variation of it being approved as aforesaid, he will participate in the same to the very best of his ability.

 

I consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing the above “personal data” and any and all “sensitive personal data” which may be contained in and/or referred to in the annexed player’s coaching programme for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football.

 

 

Signed on behalf of the Club

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Signed on behalf of the player

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by his Parent

 

 


*delete as appropriate

 

Secretary’s Certificate

 

I certify that the coaching programme annexed to the Pre-Registration Agreement of which this is a copy has been approved/not approved* by the Board.

 

 

Signed on behalf of the Club

 

 

 

Secretary, the Premier League

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

353



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 5

 

ACADEMY PLAYER REGISTRATION APPLICATION (Youth Development Rule 227)

 

Academy Player’s Particulars

 

Surname

 

Other name(s)

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Post Code

 

 

 

Parents’ email address

 

 

 

Travelling time from this address to the Academy §

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth

 

Place of Birth

 

Nationality†

 

 

Other clubs (if any) at whose Academy, Football Academy or Centre of Excellence the Academy Player has been registered:

 

Club

 

 

From

 

 

To

 

Club

 

 

From

 

 

To

 

School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Application to Register

 

We,                              Football Club, hereby apply for the above-named Academy Player [who is engaged in the Full Time Training Model+] to be registered at our Academy for                                        year(s) (subject to Youth Development Rules 242 and 243). We certify that we have not, either directly or indirectly, made an improper approach to him nor have we improperly induced him to become registered as an Academy Player.

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

Endorsement by Academy Player

 

I consent to the above application and consent pursuant to Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 1998 to The Football Association Premier League Limited holding and processing the above “personal data” and “sensitive personal data” for the purpose of discharging its functions as a regulatory and governing body of football. I certify that the above particulars are correct. I agree to be bound by the Rules of the Premier League.

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

354



 

Endorsement by Parent*

 

I, (full name)                                                               of (address)                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Post Code                                                                             (and of the above email address) being the person having parental responsibility for the above-named Academy Player, hereby certify that the above particulars are correct and consent to this application, to the conduct of drug testing on him in accordance with the Football Association’s Memorandum on Drug Testing and to his receiving medication as instructed and any emergency dental, medical or surgical treatment, including anaesthetic or blood transfusion, as considered necessary by the medical authorities present.

 

Signed

 

 

Date

 

 

 

Secretary’s Certificate

I hereby certify that I have this day registered (name of Academy Player)                                                                         as an Academy Player at the Academy of                                                                                Football Club

 

 

Signed on behalf of the Club

 

 

 

Secretary, the Premier League

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


§ to be completed if the Academy Player is in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 inclusive and time restrictions apply to the Club’s registration of Academy Players (see Youth Development Rule 212)

 

† if the Academy Player last played for a club affiliated to a national association other than the Football Association, unless the Academy Player is aged under 12 years, this Form must be accompanied by written confirmation from the Football Association that an international registration transfer certificate has been issued in respect of the Academy Player

 

* to be completed if the Academy Player is a minor

 

+ Delete if inapplicable

 

355



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 6

 

ACADEMY ETHNICITY MONITORING QUESTIONNAIRE

(Youth Development Rule 228)

 

USE OF INFORMATION

 

Completion of this questionnaire is voluntary. If you provide the information it will be used as set out below and will not be used for selection or any other purposes.

 

The information provided on this ethnicity questionnaire will be recorded on a computer system shared by the Football Association Premier League Limited (“Premier League”) and The Football League Limited against the Academy Player’s record and will be used:

 

·                                          to help ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (a copy of which is in Appendix 9 of the Premier League’s Rules)

·                                          to compile aggregate statistics and reports

 

·                                          on a club by club basis which we may wish to share with the relevant club only and The Football Association Limited

·                                          on a league basis which we may wish to publish for public interest and to share with other bodies that have a legitimate interest in equal opportunities such as the Professional Footballers Association and the Commission for Racial Equality

 

What is your ethnic group?

 

(Choose ONE section from A to E, then tick the appropriate box to indicate your cultural background)

 

A. White                                                                                                                                                                                                                B. Mixed

 

 

 

please write in

 

 

 

 

 

please write in

 

 

 

C. Asian or Asian British                                                                                                                     D. Black or Black British

 

 

please write in

 

please write in

 

 

 

E. Chinese or other ethnic group

 

 

please write in

 

 

 

 

Name of Academy Player

 

 

Signed

 

 

Date

 

 

(Parent / Guardian to sign if Academy Player is a minor)

 

 

356



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 7

 

LIST OF ACADEMY PLAYERS (Youth Development Rule 236)

 

To:                              The Secretary
The Premier League

 

The registrations of the following Academy Players (other than those who have signed a Scholarship agreement) are held by                                                                                                                                     Football Club as at the third Saturday in May (year)

 

Full Name

 

Current Age Group

 

Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


Note : The categories of Academy Players are :

1. Academy Players whose registration has been retained (indicate “1F” if on Full Time Training Model).

2. Academy Players whose registration it is intended to retain (indicate “2F” if on Full Time Training Model).

3. Academy Players whose registration it is intended to terminate.

 

357



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 8

 

RETENTION/TERMINATION NOTIFICATION (Youth Development Rules 238.1)

FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS ENTERING INTO AGE GROUPS UNDER 10, UNDER 11, UNDER 12 AND UNDER 14

 

To:

[name and address of Academy Player]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We,                                                                                                                                                    Football Club, hereby give you notice that it is our intention to retain/terminate* your registration with effect from                                               [insert the date of the last match in the Games Programme of the age group of the Academy Player].

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained, it is for a period of 1 year pursuant to Rule 223 (subject to Rule 224).

 

358



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 9

 

RETENTION/TERMINATION NOTIFICATION (Youth Development Rule 249)

FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS ENTERING INTO AGE GROUPS UNDER 13 AND UNDER 15

 

To:

[name and address of Academy Player]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We,                                                                                                                                                       Football Club, hereby give you notice that it is our intention to retain/terminate* your registration with effect from                                                 [insert the date of the last match in the Games Programme of the age group of the Academy Player]. [Your registration will be retained on the Full Time Training Model+.]

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* delete as appropriate. If the registration is retained,  it is for a period of 2 years pursuant to Youth Development Rule 223 (subject to Rule 224).

+ delete if inapplicable

 

359



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 10

 

ACADEMY PLAYER’S REGISTRATION:

MUTUAL CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION (Youth Development Rule 242.2)

 

To:                              The Secretary
The Premier League

 

The registration of [name of Academy Player]                                                              held by                                         Football Club has today been cancelled by mutual agreement.

 

 

 

Signed by the Academy Player

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by the Parent*

 

 

 

 

 

Signed on behalf of the Club

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 


* if the Academy Player is aged under 18 years

 

360



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 11

 

SCHOLARSHIP OFFER (Youth Development Rule 249)

 

To:

[name and address of Academy Player]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We,                                                                                                                      Football Club, hereby offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with you upon your reaching the statutory school leaving age applicable in England.

 

The Scholarship Agreement will be in PLYD Form 1.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

361



 

PREMIER LEAGUE

PLYD Form 12

 

RESPONSE TO SCHOLARSHIP OFFER (Youth Development Rule 250)

 

To:

 

Football Club.

 

 

I, [name of Academy Player]                                                                                        hereby accept/refuse* your offer in PLYD Form 11 dated                         .

 

 

 

Signed by the Academy Player

 

 

 

 

 

Signed by his Parent

 

 


* delete as appropriate

 

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APPENDICES TO THE RULES

 



 

APPENDIX 1

 

STANDARD CLAUSES

for inclusion in replica Strip manufacturers’ contracts

 

(Rule R.15)

 

1.                         [The manufacturer’s name] (“the Company”) will not itself or through any officer of the Company or any person authorised to act on behalf of the Company:

 

1.1                   include in a contract for sale or agreement relating to the sale of replica football kit a term or condition which purports to establish or provide for the establishment of minimum prices to be charged on the resale of replica football kit in the United Kingdom; or

1.2                   require, as a condition of supplying replica football kit to a dealer, the inclusion in a contract or agreement of any such term or condition, or the giving of any undertaking to the like effect; or

1.3                   notify to dealers, or otherwise publish on or in relation to replica football kit, a price stated or calculated to be understood as the minimum price which may be charged on the resale of those goods the replica football kit in the United Kingdom; or

1.4                   withhold supplies of replica football kit from a dealer seeking to obtain them for resale in the United Kingdom on the ground that the dealer:

 

1.4.1                   has sold in the United Kingdom at a price below the resale price replica football kit obtained, either directly or indirectly, from the Company, or has supplied such replica football kit, either directly or indirectly, to a third party who had done so; or

1.4.2                   is likely, if the replica football kit is supplied to him, to sell it in the United Kingdom at a price below that price, or supply it, either directly or indirectly, to a third party who would be likely to do so.

 

In this subclause 1.4, “resale price” in relation to a sale of any description, means any price notified to the dealer or otherwise published by or on behalf of the Company as the price or minimum price which is to be charged on or is recommended as appropriate for a sale of that description, or any price prescribed or purporting to be prescribed for that purpose by a contract or agreement between the dealer and the Company.

 

2.                         For the avoidance of doubt, nothing shall prevent the Company from recommending resale prices to dealers provided no impression is given that, in doing so, the Company is notifying a minimum price.

 

3.                         The Company may, notwithstanding any of the foregoing, withhold supplies from a dealer, or cause or procure a supplier to do so, if it has reasonable cause to believe that within the previous 12 months the dealer, or any other dealer to whom the dealer supplies goods, has been using as a loss-leader any replica football kit whether or not obtained from the Club.

 

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APPENDIX 2

 

NOTICE TO MANUFACTURER LICENSED TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE CLUB REPLICA STRIP

 

(Rule R.16)

 

1.                         You will not:

 

1.1                   include in a contract for sale or agreement relating to the sale of replica football kit a term or condition which purports to establish or provide for the establishment of minimum prices to be charged on the resale of replica football kit in the United Kingdom; or

1.2                   require, as a condition of supplying replica football kit to a dealer, the inclusion in a contract or agreement of any such term or condition, or the giving of any undertaking to the like effect; or

1.3                   notify to dealers, or otherwise publish on or in relation to replica football kit, a price stated or calculated to be understood as the minimum price which may be charged on the resale of replica football kit in the United Kingdom; or

1.4                   withhold supplies of replica football kit from a dealer seeking to obtain them for resale in the

United Kingdom on the ground that the dealer:

 

1.4.1                   has sold in the United Kingdom at a price below the resale price* replica football kit obtained, either directly or indirectly, from you, or has supplied such replica football kit, either directly or indirectly, to a third party who had done so; or

1.4.2                   is likely, if the replica football kit is supplied to him, to sell it in the United Kingdom at a price below that price, or supply it, either directly or indirectly, to a third party who would be likely to do so.

 

2.                         You shall not be prevented from recommending resale prices to dealers provided no impression is given that, in doing so, you are notifying a minimum price.

 

3.                         You may, notwithstanding any of the foregoing, withhold supplies from a dealer, or cause or procure a supplier to do so, if it has reasonable cause to believe that within the previous 12 months the dealer, or any other dealer to whom the dealer supplies goods has been using as a loss-leader any replica football kit whether or not obtained from the Club.

 


*In this paragraph 1.4.1 “resale price” in relation to a sale of any description means any price notified to the dealer or otherwise published by you as the price or minimum price which is to be charged on or is recommended as appropriate for a sale of that description, or any price prescribed or purporting to be prescribed for that purpose by a contract or agreement between the dealer and you.

 

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APPENDIX 3

 

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ACADEMY PLAYERS ON RESIDENTIAL TOURS, FESTIVALS, TOURNAMENTS AND VISITS CODE OF PRACTICE

 

(Youth Development Rule 169)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1.1                    The health and safety of Academy Players is the prime consideration of Academies.

 

1.2                    Academy Players may be particularly vulnerable on Tours. Academy Managers must therefore ensure detailed planning of Tours and careful supervision of Academy Players taking part in them. Special attention must be paid to safety. Safety must always over-ride cost.

 

1.3                    The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) sets out guidance and recommended practice relevant to the conduct of Tours. This advice is available on the DfES website. Academy Managers, Tours Co-ordinators and Tour Leaders should familiarise themselves with this advice, and it should also be drawn to the attention of all Staff who accompany Tours.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

2.                         In this Code definitions from Premier League Rules (including the Youth Development Rules) are adopted, together with following additional definitions:

 

“Academy Player” has the meaning set out in Youth Development Rule 1.7 save that in this Code it also includes a Trialist and all Contract Players under the age of 18.

 

“Club Secretary” is the title applied to the club’s senior administrative officer.

 

“Home Contact Person” is the person designated by the Tour Leader to remain near the Football Academy for the duration of the Tour.

 

“Scholar” means an Academy Player registered with a Club on a Scholarship Agreement.

 

“Staff” includes employees of the Club and volunteers accompanying the Tour.

 

“Tour” includes any series of matches, Festival, Tournament or other visit arranged by the Academy involving its Academy Players either in the United Kingdom or abroad.

 

“Tours Co-ordinator” is the person designated by the Academy Manager to undertake the duties set out in paragraph 3.3.

 

“Tour Leader” is the person in charge of planning and running a Tour.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

3.1                    The Club is legally responsible for everything its Academy does. The Club Secretary must always be notified, on behalf of the Club, in advance of any Academy Tour.

 

3.2                    The Academy Manager is responsible to the Club for the safety of Academy Players at all times. The Academy Manager must:

 

3.2.1           designate a member of staff of the Academy (who may be the Academy Manager) to be Tours Co-ordinator;

 

3.2.2           notify the League of the name of the Tours Co-ordinator in Form T1;

 

3.2.3                                select as Tour Leader a person whose qualifications, experience and competence are suitable (the Tour Leader may not be the Tour Co-ordinator);

 

3.2.4                                notify the Club Secretary in Form T2 that the Tour is to take place;

 

3.2.5                                be satisfied that the Tour has been planned and run properly and that a risk assessment has been carried out by the Tours Co-ordinator prior to each Tour.

 

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3.3                    Each Club shall nominate a Tours Co-ordinator. This post must be a non-coaching role and must not be the Tour Leader. The Tours Co-ordinator shall be competent in the organisation of Tours through experience of planning and practical leadership of Tours. The Tours Co-ordinator shall be responsible to the Academy Manager for ensuring that:

 

3.3.1                        he accompanies each Tour co-ordinated by him;

 

3.3.2                        he maintains the Club’s Tours and Tournaments records and sends all applicable notifications to the League;

 

3.3.3                        a risk assessment is carried out using Form T4 and all necessary measures identified as a result are put in place prior to each Tour;

 

3.3.4                        the competence of the Tour Leader and other Staff proposed for a Tour is assessed;

 

3.3.5                        competent people to act as the Tour Leader or as Staff are assigned to a Tour;

 

3.3.6                        training of the Tour Leader and Staff is provided;

 

3.3.7                        Enhanced CRB disclosure certificates accepted by the Club are in place for the Tour Leader and Staff;

 

3.3.8                        a Home Contact Person is designated for each Tour;

 

3.3.9                        records of individual Tours, including reports of accidents and near-accidents are kept;

 

3.3.10                  systems are reviewed and practice is monitored.

 

3.4       The Tour Leader is responsible to the Academy Manager for every aspect of the Tour. The Tour Leader must:

 

3.4.1                        have experience in supervising Academy Players of the age group(s) participating in the Tour;

 

3.4.2                        be capable of organising effectively the Tour, the accompanying Staff and the Academy Players;

 

3.4.3                        read and always act in accordance with the principles of this Appendix 3;

 

3.4.4                        ensure Staff who accompany Tours are aware of their responsibilities.

 

3.5                    The Staff who accompany Tours are responsible to the Tour Leader. As employees of or as volunteers well known to the Club, they must declare in Form T3 (Reply) that they:

 

3.5.1                        accept the invitation to accompany the Tour as a member of Staff;

 

3.5.2                        understand that their participation in the Tour is not a holiday or reward;

 

3.5.3                        are aware of their responsibilities on the Tour;

 

3.5.4                        they have read and understood the Premier League Rules, Policy and Code of Practice on the Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals, Tournaments and Visits;

 

3.5.5                        hold an enhanced CRB disclosure certificate accepted by the Club.

 

3.6                    The Home Contact Person is the contact at any time of emergency between those on the Tour and those at the Club or at home. The Home Contact Person must:

 

3.6.1                        have the authority to make significant decisions;

 

3.6.2                        be contactable and available at all times for the full duration of the Tour either in person or through the back-up person referred to below;

 

3.6.3                        in liaison with the Club Secretary and Tours Co-ordinator have responsibility for contacts with the media and the Health and Safety Executive, if appropriate, in the event of death or serious accident, injury or emergency on the Tour;

 

3.6.4                        have a back-up person and telephone number.

 

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RISK ASSESSMENT

 

4.1                    The Tour Leader is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment for the Tour. The Tour Leader may delegate this to the Tours Co-ordinator provided that the latter has sufficient expertise and experience to undertake it but the Tour Leader shall retain ultimate responsibility for the risk assessment. The risk assessment must be recorded in writing in Form T4 and both it and all other records must be filed at the Academy. The Tour Leader must consider potential hazards and what safety measures should be taken to avoid them. The Tour Leader must consider what will be done in the event of a serious accident, injury or emergency.

 

4.2                    If Academy Players are to be allowed to swim or be involved in any water activity whilst on the Tour, the Tour Leader must establish the swimming competence of each Academy Player. The Tour Leader must arrange lifeguard supervision.

 

4.3                    If the Tour is to involve experience of adventure or other high risk activity the Tour Leader must act in accordance with the guidance in the DfES supplement Part 2 — Standards for Adventure. If a specialist provider is engaged, the Tour Leader must obtain written confirmation from that provider that a current licence issued by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority is held for the activity in question.

 

Note:

 

The Health and Safety Executive has produced a leaflet “5 Steps to Risk Assessment” as a simple guide. This leaflet is available from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf.

 

ADVANCE VISIT

 

5.                         Unless previously visited by or otherwise known to the Tour Leader, the Tour Leader must visit the Tour venue(s) in advance. The Tour Leader must check arrangements for travel, accommodation (including food and drink), playing and training and medical facilities, communications, laundry and opportunities for recreation.

 

THE TOUR PLANS

 

6.          The Tour Leader’s plans must include consideration of the

 

·                             age of Academy Players

·                             nature of the Tour, particularly if non football activities are involved

·                             ratio of Staff to Academy Players

·                             qualifications and experience of Staff

·                             description and rota of Staff duties, including designation of Staff to carry and use first aid equipment

·                             medical or other special needs of individual Academy Players

·                             travel arrangements

·                             contingency measures for a change of plan or late return including arrangements for sending a Academy Player home early

·                             insurances

·                             communication arrangements

·                             emergency procedures

·                             designation and briefing of the Home Contact Person

 

MEDICAL SUPPORT AND EQUIPMENT

 

7.1                    One member of the Staff should be a physiotherapist who should meet the requirements for physiotherapists’ qualifications set out in the Youth Development Rules. The physiotherapist should be responsible for taking first aid equipment and treating Academy Players on the Tour.

 

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7.2                    If a qualified physiotherapist does not accompany the Tour, one or more members of Staff must hold a current recognised First Aid at Work qualification. In this case, the Tour Leader must arrange for a qualified physiotherapist to provide the first aid equipment to be taken on the Tour and for first aid to be administered by these Staff.

 

7.3                    All Staff must know how to contact emergency services.

 

7.4                    A smart phone capable of receiving email must be carried with the group at all times.

 

SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS

 

8.1                    The minimum number of Staff accompanying the Tour must be 1 to every 8 Academy Players.

 

8.2                    The Tour Leader must tell Staff what their supervisory responsibilities are. All Staff must carry at all times a list of the names of Academy Players on the Tour.

 

8.3                    No member of Staff should be left alone with a Academy Player, particularly in bedrooms and changing/shower areas.

 

8.4                    The Tour Leader should tell Staff about Academy Players who need closer supervision, whether due to special medical, behaviour or other reasons.

 

8.5                    Roll calls should take place frequently and must be made before the group leaves a venue. Academy Players must be given rendezvous points and told what to do if they become separated from the group. Academy Players should carry the address and telephone number of their accommodation.

 

8.6                    During Academy Players’ free time, Staff must continue to supervise them. This should be explained to the Academy Players.

 

8.7                    Academy Players on the Tour should be easily identifiable and should wear Club kit unless the Tour Leader is advised otherwise. Academy Players should not wear name badges unless these are required by a tournament or festival organiser.

 

TRAVEL

 

9.1                    Only vehicles fitted with appropriate seat restraints shall be used for transporting Academy Players and Clubs shall comply with all legal requirements concerning the use of seat restraints and seatbelts by children.

 

9.2                    Drivers should not travel alone with a Academy Player. If this is unavoidable, the Academy Player should sit in a rear seat.

 

9.3                    A driver of a vehicle carrying a group of Academy Players should not be given responsibility for their supervision. A member of Staff should travel in the vehicle for this purpose.

 

9.4                    In the case of vehicles owned by the Club or hired without a driver the Tour Leader must be satisfied that the vehicle is insured appropriately and that the driver is competent to drive the particular vehicle and holds the correct driving licence.

 

Note:

 

Academy Managers should consider requiring all Staff drivers of minibuses owned or hired by the Club to pass a Passenger Carrying Vehicle test.

 

9.5                    In the case of vehicles hired with a driver, the hire contract must be in writing with a reputable operator. It must require that the appropriate insurance applies and that the driver is competent to drive the particular vehicle and holds the correct driving licence.

 

INSURANCE FOR THE TOUR

 

10.1              The Tours Co-ordinator should establish with the Club Secretary what insurance cover the Club has in place for Football Academy Academy Players (as defined in this Code) and Staff (as defined in this Code) on Tours.

 

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The following are examples

 

·                            employer’s liability

·                            public liability

·                            personal accident cover for Staff and Academy Players

·                            cost of medical treatment and the cost of evacuation for medical reasons when abroad

·                            programmed and non-programmed activities

·                            transport and accommodation expenses in case of emergency

·                            compensation for cancellation or delay

·                            compensation for loss of baggage and personal effects including money

·                            legal assistance in the recovery of claims

 

The Club Secretary’s advice should include information about conditions, limitation of cover and exclusion of certain people or activities from the insurance policies and should be filed at the Football Academy.

 

10.2                    If the Tour is to involve experience of adventure or other high risk activity (for instance mountaineering and other sports and adventure experiences) particular care should be taken to ensure that Academy Players and Staff are covered.

 

10.3                    The Tours Co-ordinator must ascertain the details of insurances held by the Club.

 

10.4                    The Tours Co-ordinator must ascertain the details of the Department of Trade and Industry approved bonding and any insurances held by any travel or tour operator involved in the Tour.

 

10.5                    Additional insurance may be necessary for Staff or Academy Players with known medical conditions.

 

The Tours Co-ordinator should check this, well before the departure date.

 

Notes:

 

·                            Tours Co-ordinators should ensure that Parents are advised that whilst insurance compensation for serious disabling accidental injuries to Academy Players may be substantial, compensation for accidental death of children is usually limited.

·                            For foreign Tours and for Tours involving experience of adventure or other high risk activity the advice of insurance companies and travel firms on suitable insurance should also be sought.

 

ACCOMMODATION

 

11.1              Where Academy Players are to stay with host families, the Tour Leader must seek to ensure that the suitability of family members has been checked. To this end:

 

11.1.1                   the Tour Leader must send a written request to the organiser of the host accommodation for written assurance that a suitability check has been carried out;

11.1.2      the request and reply must be kept on file at the Academy.

 

11.2              If an appropriate assurance is not given, the Tour Leader must reconsider whether the Tour should take place.

 

11.3              If group accommodation is used, the Tour Leader must be satisfied that buildings meet health and safety standards.

 

11.4              In such accommodation, rooms occupied by Staff should be close to Academy Players’ rooms. On arrival, Academy Players should be shown the accommodation plan including the location of Staff rooms and fire exits. A fire drill must be carried out as soon as possible.

 

11.5              Staff must use changing, shower and cloakroom facilities separately from Academy Players.

 

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SCHOOL AGE ACADEMY PLAYERS CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION FOR A TOUR

Communications with Parents

 

12.1              The Tour Leader must obtain the consent in Form T5 of the Parents of all Academy Players to be considered for the Tour.

 

12.2              When Form T5 is sent to Parents, preliminary details of the Tour, including pick up and set down arrangements for Academy Players at the beginning and end of the Tour, must be attached.

 

12.3              If his Parents do not complete and return Form T5 to the Academy, the Academy Player must not be selected for the Tour.

 

Communications with schools

 

12.4              Tours for school age Academy Players should normally be arranged in school holidays.

 

12.5              If the Tour is in school time, then, for Academy Players being considered for the Tour, the Tour Leader must:

 

12.51                     obtain in Form T5 permission from the Academy Player’s Parents to approach the school attended by the Academy Player; and

 

12.5.2                  request in Form T6 the headteacher of the Academy Player’s school to give consent to the Academy Player’s release from school.

 

SCHOOL AGE ACADEMY PLAYERS SELECTED FOR THE TOUR

Communications with Parents

 

13.1              The Tour Leader should invite Parents to a briefing meeting about the Tour. This is particularly important in the case of younger Academy Players or those Academy Players going on a Tour for the first time.

 

13.2              The Tour Leader must give to Parents written details of the Tour including the

 

·                  dates of the Tour

·                  times of the departure and return

·                  pick up and set down points for Academy Players at the beginning and at the end of the Tour

·                  names of the Tour Leader and accompanying Staff

·                  details of football and non-football activities (adventure or other potentially hazardous activities on the Tour must be emphasised)

·                  addresses and telephone numbers of the accommodation at which Academy Players will stay

·                  security arrangements

·                  telephone numbers of the Home Contact Person

·                  insurances

·                  standards of behaviour and dress

·                  clothing and playing equipment to be taken

·                  maximum amount of pocket money allowed

 

Communications with schools

 

13.3         If the Tour is in school time, the Tour Leader

 

13.3.1                  must ensure that the Academy Player’s Parents send confirmation to the head teacher of the school attended by the Academy Player that the Academy Player will be absent;

13.3.2                  should liaise with the Head of Education of the Academy in order to facilitate and support the completion by the Academy Player of any work set by the school.

 

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SCHOLARS AND CONTRACT PLAYERS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

Communications with Parents

 

14.1              The Parents of Scholars and Contract Players under 18 years of age must be informed in writing by the Academy Manager that the Academy Player may go on Tours from time to time. The Parents must be asked to give their general consent in Form T7. If the parents do not give that general consent, the Academy Player must not go on Tours.

 

14.2              When the Academy Player is selected for a Tour, the Parents must be notified by the Tour Leader in writing of

 

·                             the Tour dates

·                             details of football and non-football activities (adventure or other potentially hazardous activities on the Tour must be emphasised)

·                             venues

·                             accommodation addresses

·                             details of the Home Contact Person for the Tour

 

PREPARING ACADEMY PLAYERS FOR THE TOUR

 

15.        The Tour Leader must tell Academy Players

 

·                             the standards of behaviour and dress expected of them, both on and off the football field

·                             the safety precautions, including supervision arrangements, to be taken

·                             to wear seatbelts, when fitted, whilst travelling in cars, minibuses or coaches

·                             which expenses will be their own responsibility and which will be met by the Academy.

 

DOCUMENTATION ON THE TOUR

 

16.        The Tour Leader must carry the following documentation on the Tour

 

·                             a list of all group members (Staff and Academy Players) and their personal details, including addresses and telephone numbers of Academy Players’ Parents

·                             Parents’ consent Forms (these are necessary for dental, medical and surgical purposes)

·                             day and night phone numbers of the Home Contact Person

·                             name(s), (address(es) and phone number(s) of the group’s accommodation

·                             the Academy’s accident forms

·                             Emergency Procedure Card – Form T8

 

DOCUMENTATION AT HOME

 

17.1       The Home Contact Person and back-up person must keep

 

·                             the itinerary

·                             names, addresses and telephone number of Parents

·                             contact addresses and telephone numbers for Staff

·                             a copy of the Emergency Procedure Card carried by the Tour Leader

 

17.2       The Academy must keep

 

·                             copies of the documentation carried on the Tour by the Tour Leader

 

EMERGENCY AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES

 

18.1              The Academy Manager, Tours Co-ordinator, Home Contact Person and back-up person and Tour Leader must make themselves familiar with the procedures listed in Form T8 – the Emergency Procedures Card.

 

18.2              The Tour Leader must carry the Emergency Procedures Card at all times on the Tour.

 

18.3              If the Tour Leader is not with the group, a member of Staff with the group must carry the Emergency Procedures Card.

 

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AFTER THE TOUR

 

19.                  The Tours Co-ordinator must notify the Premier League in Form T9 no later than 7 days after a Tour of the names of all registered Academy Players, contract players, trialists, and Staff who went on the Tour.

 

FOREIGN TOURS – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Tour matches played against foreign clubs

 

20.1              Except in the case of matches against clubs in membership of the Scottish, Welsh or Irish Football Associations, Clubs wishing to play a match or series of matches against members of another national association must comply with Football Association Rule B4(b). This requires them to apply on the prescribed forms to the Association at least 28 days before the intended match or the first of a series of matches.

 

20.2              So that the Premier League may be aware of Tours that Clubs intend to undertake, on making a Rule B4(b) application to the Football Association Clubs must send a copy of the prescribed application form to the League.

 

Risk Assessment

 

20.3              In addition to the risk assessment carried out in Form T2, the Tour Leader should obtain the advice of the Premier League Youth Department who may have relevant information on foreign clubs and venues. Foreign Tour organisers should be asked whether and if so to what extent adults having direct contact with children on the Tour have been screened in respect of their suitability for that purpose.

 

European Health Insurance Card – Free or reduced cost medical treatment

 

20.4              The European Health Insurance Card (“EHIC”) is the certificate of entitlement to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment for EU nationals in most European countries. It replaced Form E111 with effect from 1 January 2006. For Tours to those countries, an EHIC for each Academy Player should be carried by the Tour Leader.

 

20.5              Each member of Staff should also carry his/her own EHIC.

 

Notes:

 

·                            Further information about EHICs (including as to each country’s different rules about state medical provision) and application forms can be obtained from www.dh.gov.uk/policyand guidance/healthadvicefortravellers.

·                            Application forms can also be obtained from Post Offices and applications can also be made by phone (tel. no. 0845 606 2030). EHICs will be delivered within 7 days (if the application is made on line), 10 days (if the application is made by phone) or 21 days (if the application is made by post).

·                            Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of any children aged 15 or younge.

·                            For ease of administration, Academy Managers should ask Parents of all Academy Players likely to travel on a foreign Tour to obtain and return an EHIC for the Academy to issue to the Tour Leader for the duration of the particular Tour.

 

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Passports, visas and vaccinations

 

20.7              The Tour Leader must check

 

20.7.1                  whether the state(s) to be visited will allow in travellers whose passport will expire within a few months of entry;

 

20.7.2                  the validity of passports of all members of the Tour.

 

Notes:

 

Academy Players who are not British nationals

 

·                            may need a visa to travel to another EU member state

·                            are not eligible for inclusion in a Collective Passport.

 

Some tournaments require passports with photographs for player identification purposes. Collective Passports do not contain photographs.

 

20.8              If any Academy Player is subject to a care order or is a ward of court, the social services department of the local authority or the court must be consulted well in advance.

 

20.9              In the case of a Tour to (a) country(ies) which require(s) a visa and/or vaccinations, the Tour Leader must ensure that the Home Contact Person or some other responsible member of staff of the Club is also in possession of a valid visa for the country(ies) and has had the necessary vaccinations.

 

Money and valuables

 

20.10        The Tour Leader must tell Academy Players how to carry money and valuables discreetly. The group’s money, including Academy Players’ own pocket money should be held at a secure central location and distributed on a regular basis by a member of Staff.

 

Home contacts

 

20.11        The Tour Leader should tell Academy Players how to use local phones and give them the code(s) for phoning home.

 

Documentation

 

20.12        In addition to the documentation carried on Tours in the United Kingdom the Tour Leader must also carry

 

·                            travel tickets

·                            passports, visas and vaccination certificates

·                            if a Collective Passport is being used, a head and shoulders photograph of each Academy Player

 

Note:

 

A sight of these photographs may be required by the Tour organiser for identification purposes. They may also be of value in case of emergency.

 

·                            EHICs (if the Tour is to a European country) and significant medical histories

·                            insurance arrangements and contact telephone numbers

·                            address and phone number of the British Embassy or Consulate

·                            location of hospital(s) and medical services and how to contact them

·                            a separate list of the numbers of any documents and passports

 

20.13   The Home Contact Person must be provided with appropriate matching documentation.

 

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Mobile phone

 

20.14                     The mobile phone carried with the group must be capable of use in the country concerned.

 

Contingency funds

 

20.15                     Contingency funds (or access to them) must be taken.

 

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ACADEMY TOURS

Form T1

 

 

TOURS CO-ORDINATOR NOTIFICATION (Appx.3 paragraph 3.2.2)

 

To:

The Secretary

From:

 

Football Club

 

The Premier League

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that I have appointed (name) to be Tours

 

 

 

Co-ordinator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Academy Manager

 

 

Date

 

 

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ACADEMY TOURS

Form T2

 

 

TOUR NOTIFICATION (Appx.3 paragraph 3.2.4)

 

The Academy Manager must complete this form and return it to the Club Secretary in advance of the Tour. Copies should be retained by the Academy Manager, the Tours Co-ordinator and the Tour Leader. The Club Secretary should be informed of any subsequent material changes in the Tour arrangements.

 

1.

Tour Leader

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile Phone Number when on Tour

 

 

 

 

 

Email address* when on Tour

 

 


 

*email address to be accessible via a smart phone which must be taken on the Tour

 

 

2.

Purpose of Tour

 

 

 

 

3.

Places to be visited

 

 

 

 

4.

Dates and times

 

 

 

 

5.

Transport arrangements

 

Staff drivers

 

Names

 

 

 

 

Vehicle registration number(s)

 

 

 

 

 

Name of transport company (if any)

 

 

 

6.

Tour Operator (if any)

 

 

 

 

7.

Insurance

 

Club Insurance Policies (list those which apply)

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Policies (specify)

 

 

 

377



 

8.

Accommodation to be used (addresses and phone numbers)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Details of the programme of activities (attach Tour itinerary)

 

 

 

 

10.

Details of any potentially hazardous activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licence reference number if a provider is registered with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority

 

 

 

 

11.

Names and any special responsibilities (e.g. medical) of Staff

 

 

 

Name

 

 

Responsibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Name, address and telephone numbers of the Home Contact Person

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Existing knowledge of places to be visited and whether an exploratory visit is intended

 

 

 

378



 

14.

Size and composition of the group

 

 

 

Age Group(s)

 

 

 

 

Number of Academy Players:

 

 

 

 

 

Staff to Academy Player ratio:

 

 

 

15.

Parents’ Consent

 

 

 

(a)

Attach a copy of information sent to Parents.

 

(b)

Either

 

 

I certify that Parents’ consents have been obtained

 

 

Or

 

 

I certify that Parents’ consents will be obtained before the Tour.

 

 

16.

Names of Academy Players with special or medical needs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.

Certification

 

I certify that the Tour Leader has read the DfES document “Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits: A Good Practice Guide” and the accompanying supplement and that a risk assessment for the Tour has been carried out and has been filed in the Academy.

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Academy Manager

 

 

Date

 

 

379



 

ACADEMY TOURS

Form T3

 

 

STAFF DECLARATION (Appx.3 paragraph 3.5)

 

A copy of the Premier League Code of Practice on the Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals, Tournaments and Visits must be attached to this Form.

 

 

Football Club

 

 

To all staff accompanying the tour to

 

 

 

 

 

On

 

 

 

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ACADEMY PLAYERS

This confirms the invitation to you to accompany the above Tour as a member of Staff. All employees of the Academy and volunteers accompanying the Tour on behalf of the Academy are regarded as members of Staff. The safety of Academy Players on the Tour is paramount. I strongly advise you to read the Department for Education and Skills booklet “Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits: A Good Practice Guide” and the accompanying supplement. A copy is available in the Football Academy office. You must read the Premier League Code of Practice referred to above, which is attached, and you must complete and return to me the attached Form T3 Reply.

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

Tour Leader

 

 

Date

 

 

380



 

 

Form T3 Reply

 

To:                                       The Tour Leader

 

 

Football Club

 

 

I accept the invitation to accompany the proposed Tour to

 

 

 

 

 

 

on

 

 

I have received and have read the Premier League Code of Practice.

 

I declare that:

 

·                                I understand that my participation in the Tour is not a holiday or reward

·                                I am aware of my responsibilities on the Tour

·                                I have read and understood the Premier League Rules, Policy and Code of Practice on the Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals, Tournaments and Visits

·                                I hold a CRB enhanced Disclosure certificate

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

381


 

ACADEMY TOURS

 

Form T4

 

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM (Appx.3 paragraph 4.1)

 

For Tours in the United Kingdom, this Form must be completed and returned to the Tours Co-ordinator at least two weeks before the Tour. For Tours abroad, this Form must be completed and returned to the Tours Co-ordinator at least six weeks before the Tour. For Tours involving adventure or other potentially hazardous activities, this Form must be completed and returned to the Tours Co-ordinator at least six weeks before the Tour. Copies of this Form should be given to all Staff accompanying the Tour.

 

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR

 

 

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT UNDERTAKEN

 

 

 

On

 

 

 

 

 

By (Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name

 

 

Tour Leader

 

 

382



 

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR TOUR TO                                                                        

 

What are the hazards?

 

Who is at risk?

 

What safety measures are needed?

 

Who is responsible?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e.g. setting, travel, accomodation, weather, behaviour)

 

(e.g. Academy Players, Staff)

 

List existing controls. Identify extra action needed for risks for which these controls are not adequate. (e.g. administering medicines, accident procedures)

 

(This could be specific members of Staff)

 

383



 

ACADEMY TOURS

 

Form T5

 

PARENTS’ CONSENT: SCHOOL AGE ACADEMY PLAYERS (Appx.3 paragraph 12.1)

 

Dear Parents

 

I attach some information regarding a Tour                                   (name of Club) proposes to arrange.

 

If you wish your child to be considered for selection for the Tour, please complete and sign this Form and return it to the Club by                                        If you do not complete the Form, your child cannot be considered.

 

I shall let you know as soon as possible if your child has been selected for the Tour.

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

  Academy Manager

 

 

 

  Football Club

 

 

Date

 

 

 

1.

Child’s Full Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Date of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Home Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Phone Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Child’s NHS Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

How can you be contacted in an emergency

 

 

384



 

 

(a) In the day time

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Phone number

 

 

 

 

(b) At night

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Phone number

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Mobile Phone

 

 

 

7.

Is there an alternative person to contact if you can’t be reached?

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

Phone Number

 

 

 

8.

Is your child receiving any medical treatment? If so, please give details:

 

 

 

 

9.

Is your child taking any medicine? If so, please give details:

 

 

 

 

10.

Does your child have any particular diet requirements or any other special needs? If so, please give details:

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

When did your child last have a tetanus injection?

 

 

 

 

12.

Please give your child’s Doctor’s name, address and telephone number:

 

 

 

 

 

385



 

I acknowledge receipt of the information regarding the proposed Academy Tour to

 

   on

 

 

and consent to my child taking part, if selected.

 

I agree to your asking my child’s school for time off if the Tour is in Term time.

 

I agree to staff on the Tour giving permission for my child to have dental, medical or surgical treatment.

 

I agree to inform the Club of any changes in my child’s health before departure.

 

I will bring my child to                                       and collect him from                                          at the beginning of the Tour.

 

My child understands that it is important, for safety reasons, to obey any rules and instructions given by the staff in charge of the party.

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

386



 

ACADEMY TOURS

Form T6

 

SCHOOL CONSENT FORM (Appx.3 paragraph 12.5.2)

 

(This form must be reproduced on the Club’s headed notepaper.)

 

Dear (Insert name of headteacher)

(Insert name of Academy Player)

 

As you know, (First name) is a Academy Player at our Academy.

 

As part of his Academy experience, (First name) is being considered for selection for a Tour to (Venue). I am leading the Tour and am currently making the arrangements for it.  The Tour will leave on                                                                          and return on                                                                           

 

We always try to run our Tours in school holidays but on this occasion, the dates are in term time.

 

(First name)’s parents have agreed that I should write to you to ask if (First name) could be released from school. It will be very helpful if you can let me have your reply as soon as possible.

 

If there are school assignments he would miss but must complete, could you send me the details? I shall then ask our Head of Education, (Name), to do his best to see that (First name) does his work satisfactorily, if he is selected.

 

If (First name) is selected for the tour, his parents will tell you.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Tour Leader

 

(Copy to Academy Head of Education)

 

387



 

ACADEMY TOURS

Form T7

 

PARENTS’ CONSENT: SCHOLARS & CONTRACT PLAYERS UNDER AGE 18 (Appx.3 paragraph 14.1)

 

 

 

  Football Club

 

Tours, Festivals and Tournaments

 

Academy Players and Contract Players under the age of 18 may be selected to represent the Club in residential Tours festivals and tournaments, other matches and visits both in the United Kingdom and abroad. We shall give you details of particular events that your son is to attend.

 

We require your general consent to your son’s taking part in these events and to our giving permission for him to have dental, medical or surgical treatment if necessary.

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Academy Manager

 

Date

 

 

 

I give consent for (enter name)                                      to take part in residential Tours, festivals, tournaments and other matches in the United Kingdom and abroad and agree to staff giving permission for dental, medical or surgical treatment.

 

His Doctor’s name, address and telephone number is

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

388



 

ACADEMY TOURS

Form T8

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CARD (Appx.3 paragraph 16)

 

(FORM TO BE PRINTED ON YELLOW CARD)

 

FILL IN THE DETAILS ON THE BACK OF THE CARD BEFORE THE TOUR STARTS. CARRY THE CARD AND THE INFORMATION AND MEANS TO USE IT, AT ALL TIMES. USE IT FOLLOWING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT, THAT IS

 

·              an accident leading to death, serious or multiple fractures, amputation or other serious injury

·              any circumstances in which a party member might be at serious risk or serious illness

·              any unusual circumstance in which the press or media are involved or might become involved.

 

1.             FIRST STEPS — CARE OF THE GROUP

 

·              ensure their safety from further danger

·              arrange search, rescue, medical care or hospitalisation of casualties as necessary

 

2.             NEXT STEPS — WHAT HAPPENED?

 

Listen carefully. Using the Academy accident form if possible, write down:

What happened?

To whom?

Where?

When?

What has happened since?

Who witnessed it? (Get witnesses to sign and give their addresses)

 

3.             TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT THE INCIDENT

 

As soon as possible

·              inform the Home Contact Person or, if not available, the Academy office or the Club Secretary

·              (for Tours outside the United Kingdom) notify the British Embassy or Consulate

 

Whoever you contact will need to know

 

·              what happened

·              to whom

·              where

·              when

·              what has happened since

·              a telephone number where you can be contacted

 

4.             DO

 

·              keep a written record of all that happens

 

5.             DON’T

 

·              speak to the press or media. Refer them to the Home Contact Person

·              admit any liability

·              let anyone talk to any Academy Players involved in the incident without a member of Staff being present

 

389



 

6.             REMEMBER

 

·                                          nobody, unless they have an official capacity (e.g. the police), has a right to see anyone who does not want to see them

·              if anyone tries to force a confrontation, do not do anything but call the police

·              try your best to be compassionate with everyone involved

 

(REVERSE OF THE CARD)

 

The

 

  Football Club

Tour to

 

 

Dates

 

 

Name of the Tour Leader

 

 

 

390



 

Home Contact Person

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Phone No 1

 

 

 

Phone No 2

 

 

 

Email address

 

 

 

 

 

Academy Office

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Phone No 1

 

 

 

Phone No 2

 

 

 

Email address

 

 

 

 

 

Club Secretary

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Phone No 1

 

 

 

Email address

 

 

 

 

(For Tours Outside the United Kingdom)

British Embassy(ies) or Consulate(s)

 

 

Address

 

 

 

Phone No

 

 

391



 

Names of group members

 

Staff:

 

 

Academy Players:

 

 

392


 

ACADEMY TOURS

Form T9

 

TOUR REPORT (Appx.3 paragraph 19)

 

This Form is to be returned to the Premier League not later than 7 days after the return of the group.

 

 

FOOTBALL CLUB

TOUR TO

 

PLAYING DATES

From

To

 

TRAVELLING DATES

Out

Return

 

METHOD OF TRAVEL

 

TRAVEL TIME

Time of leaving home base

Arrival at accomodation

Time of accomodation

Arrival at home base

 

TOUR LEADER AND POSITION HELD AT FOOTBALL CLUB

 

 

 

NAMES OF ALL ACCOMPANYING STAFF (INCLUDING VOLUNTEERS) & POSITIONS HELD ON TOUR (e.g. Physiotherapist)

 

 

 

 

393



 

LIST OF PLAYERS — Please indicate whether Contract (C), Scholar (Sc), Academy Player (S) or Trialist (T)

 

 

 

NAMES OF ANY OTHER ACCOMPANYING PERSON(S)

 

 

 

DETAILS OF ANY ACCIDENTS OR NEAR ACCIDENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Signed

 

 

 

Tours Co-ordinator

 

Date

 

 

394



 

FOR THE YOUTH TEAM TOURS CO-ORDINATOR’S DATABASE

 

Tours Co-ordinators are requested to complete and attach the Youth Team Tours Co-ordinator’s Questionnaire on quality aspects of the Tour.

 

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Club

 

 

Name of Tour

 

 

Final position obtained (if any)

 

 

 

 

 

What time of year does the Tour usually take place?

 

o Easter

o Whitsun

o Summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate cost to the Club

 

 

(if any)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mode of travel

 

o Air

o Coach

o Train

o Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Tournaments: How would you rate the overall organisation?

 

o Poor

o Fair

o Good

o Very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Games

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrangement and planning of games

 

o Poor

o Fair

o Good

o Very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opposition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quality of pitches

 

o Poor

o Fair

o Good

o Very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was an English speaking person present?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodation

 

o Hotel

o Hostel

o Home stay

o Other

 

395



 

Food:

 

 

 

 

 

Did you have the ability to arrange meal times to suit your games?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was the standard of the changing facilities?

 

o Poor

o Fair

o Good

o Very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was there adequate medical provision?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was the security good?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was there provision for kit storage?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What arrangements were made for training, planning and debriefing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was the standard of referees?

 

o Poor

o Fair

o Good

o Very good

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Tournaments: what pre-tournament information was provided?

 

 

 

Do they produce a programme?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are any facilities available for any other activities?

 

o YES

o NO

 

 

If YES, please specify

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any other comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

396



 

APPENDIX 4

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE

 

(Youth Development Rule 237)

 

Prior to signing this Code of Conduct and registering the Academy Player at its Academy, full discussion has taken place and agreement has been reached between the Academy, the Academy Player and the parents as to the educational, technical and match programme to be provided by the Academy to the Academy Player.

 

 

 

(“the Academy Player”) has the potential to become a footballer at the highest level and will be registered as an Academy Player at the                                                                                                               FC (“the Club”).

 

Both the Academy Player and the Academy Player’s parents understand that the Club is committed to the Academy Player’s well being, future development and realisation of potential, but that the level of achievement ultimately reached cannot be guaranteed.

 

In registering the Academy Player at its Football Academy, the Club, the parents and the Academy Player agree to the following Code of Conduct.

 

THE CLUB AGREES TO PROVIDE

 

·              a safe environment in which the Academy Player can learn and develop without fear of abuse

·              medical screening, monitoring and support for the Academy Player

·                                          a structured football learning programme, appropriate to the age, ability and growth of the Academy Player

·                                          participation in football matches arranged or approved by the Premier League

·                                          trained, screened and qualified coaching and other staff and facilities as determined by the rules governing Academies

·                                          guidelines to the Academy Player and parents on the best ways for them to contribute to the Academy Player’s football and personal development

·                                          educational support (in consultation with the Academy Player’s school) for the continued academic and personal development of the Academy Player

·                                          regular communication and reports to the Academy Player and parents on the Student’s progress

·                                          a Code of Conduct and Rules for its Academy

 

THE ACADEMY PLAYER AGREES TO

 

·                                          attend the Academy regularly and punctually, behave with self-discipline and give notice of and reasons for any absence

·              practise the techniques and skills taught by the Academy and attempt to apply them in matches

·              participate in football matches outside normal school hours only as specified by the Academy

·              attend school regularly and punctually, complete school assignments and behave at school as at the Academy

·                                          follow a lifestyle appropriate to development — spending leisure time positively; eating, drinking, relaxing and sleeping sensibly

·              adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct and Rules for its Academy

 

397



 

THE PARENTS AGREE TO

 

·                                          encourage and help the Academy Player meet targets, including this Code of Conduct and the Club’s Code of Conduct and Rules for its Academy

·                                          support the Academy Player without pressure, praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses

·                                          set a good example to the Academy Player

·                                          respect the opportunity given to the Academy Player and not approach or permit any other person to approach any other club during the currency of this registration except as allowed under the Rules governing Academies

·                                          communicate with the Academy staff, keeping them informed about matters affecting the Academy Player

·                                          permit the Academy Player to play only football matches outside normal school hours as specified by the Academy

·                                          adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct and Rules for its Academy

 

398



 

We, the undersigned, agree to the Academy Code of Conduct

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Football Club

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academy Player

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents

Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

 

This Code of Conduct should be signed in quadruplicate, one copy being provided to the Academy Player, one to his parents, one being submitted to the Secretary of the League in accordance with Youth Development Rule 227 and the fourth being retained by the Club.

 

399



 

APPENDIX 5

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCOUTS

 

(Rule Q.8)

 

1.                                      The function of a Scout is to identify to his Club players with whom his Club may wish to enter into negotiations with a view to securing their registration. Scouts are not themselves entitled to enter into any such negotiations nor are they able to make promises to or offer inducements to any players whom they approach.

 

2.                                      Scouts are employed by and represent their Clubs and are Officials within the meaning of the Rules of the Premier League (“the Rules”) by which they are bound.

 

3.                                      Scouts must therefore be familiar with the Rules and in particular those relating to Youth Development. They must maintain an awareness of and at all times comply with the Rules setting out the circumstances in which their Club may make an approach to a Player or Student (as defined in the Rules) whose registration is held by another Club.

 

4.                                      When acting in the course of his duties a Scout shall at all times carry the formal means of identification issued to him by his Club and shall produce the same upon demand.

 

5.                                      Scouts are responsible for the conduct of their contacts and shall be liable for any act or omission by a contact which constitutes a breach of the Rules.

 

6.                                      Scouts shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as Officials of their Clubs and shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of association football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute.

 

7.                                      A Scout shall forthwith disclose to his Club the nature and extent of any direct or indirect interest he may have in any transaction or arrangement involving his Club and he shall account to his Club for any benefit which either directly or indirectly he derives therefrom.

 

8.                                      A Scout shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing.

 

400



 

APPENDIX 6

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MANAGERS

 

(Rule P.1)

 

1.                                      A Manager shall strictly observe the terms of his contract with his Club and shall not (either by himself or through any third party) enter into negotiations with another Club relating to his employment without having first obtained the permission of his Club to do so.

 

2.                                      A Manager shall not, either directly or indirectly (including by making any statement to the media):

 

2.1                                 make an approach to a Contract Player with a view to the Manager’s Club negotiating a contract with such Player except as permitted by either Rule T.1 or Rule T.2; or

2.2.                              make an approach to a Student registered by another Club (or club) at its Football Academy or Centre of Excellence or a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current; or

2.3                                 make an approach to any other employee of another Club (or club) with a view to inducing or attempting to induce such employee to terminate a contract of employment with that Club (or club), whether or not by breach of that contract, except with the written consent of the Club (or club) by which he is employed.

 

3.                                      A Manager shall comply with the Laws of the Game, the Rules and Regulations of the Football Association (including, without limitation, the Football Association Football Agents’ Regulations), the Rules of the Premier League, the rules of any competition in which his Club participates and his Club Rules (collectively “the Rules”) and he shall not encourage or invite any person (including Players and other employees of his Club) to act in breach of the same but shall take all possible steps to ensure that they comply with them.

 

4.                                      A Manager shall use his best endeavours to ensure that there is in force at his Club a fair and effective disciplinary policy applicable to Players and other employees under his control and that it is applied consistently.

 

5.                                      A Manager shall not use racist or other discriminatory language. A Manager’s behaviour should demonstrate to Players and other employees under his control that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. A Manager shall use all possible steps to ensure that others in his control adopt the same standards of behaviour in this regard.

 

6.                                      A Manager shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that Players and other employees under his control accept and observe the authority and decisions of Match Officials and to promote the highest standards on the field of play generally.

 

7.                                      A Manager shall not make public any unfair criticism of any Match Official or any other Manager or any Player, Official or employee of his or another Club.

 

8.                                      A Manager shall ensure that he understands and acts in accordance with his Club’s written transfer policy (see Rule H.9.1.1).

 

401



 

9.                                      In all discussions, negotiations, transactions and arrangements relating to the employment of Players by his Club (“Player Transactions”) including, without limitation, the renewal or renegotiation of existing contracts or any related contracts or arrangements involving his Club and a Player and/or third party (for example, involving his Club’s or a Player’s intellectual property rights, including the exploitation of name or image), a Manager shall, in addition to his duty to act in accordance with the club’s written transfer policy, act with the utmost good faith and in accordance with his primary duty to act in the best interests of his Club.

 

10.                               A Manager shall at all times observe the principles of honesty, transparency, accountability and personal impartiality (whether financial or otherwise) in his dealings involving Player Transactions.

 

11.                               A Manager shall forthwith disclose to his Club the nature and extent of any direct or indirect interest or any conflict or potential conflict of interest he may have in any transaction or arrangement involving his Club (including, without limitation, any Player Transaction), he shall not be involved in the same without the written consent of his Club, and, if such consent is granted, he shall account to his Club for any benefit which either directly or indirectly he derives therefrom.

 

12.                               If a Manager is in any doubt as to whether there exists any interest or conflict (actual or potential) to be disclosed as required by paragraph 10 above, he may consult with the League Managers Association for guidance and advice.

 

13.                               Upon becoming aware of any breach of the Rules, including by way of example only, any financial or other benefit or inducement offered in connection with a Player Transaction in breach of the Rules, a Manager shall immediately report such breach in writing to the League.

 

14.                               A Manager shall conduct himself at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair dealing.

 

15.                               A Manager shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation of the game of Association Football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute.

 

402


 

APPENDIX 7

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUBS

 

(Rule P.2)

 

1.                                      In all discussions, negotiations and transactions relating to the employment of Managers, each Club shall behave towards each other Club with the utmost good faith.

 

2.                                      A Club shall not (either directly or through any third party) enter into negotiations relating to the employment of another Club’s Manager without the prior permission of that Club.

 

3.                                      A Club shall not take any steps (including the making of statements to the media) to induce another Club’s Manager to act in breach of the terms of his contract with his Club.

 

4.                                      A Club shall strictly observe the terms of its contract with its Manager and, in particular, if on the determination of the contract any sum is payable by the Club to the Manager, the Club shall ensure that prompt settlement is made.

 

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APPENDIX 8

 

STANDARD CLAUSES

for inclusion in Managers’ Contracts of Employment

 

(Rule R.8.1)

 

1.                                      The Manager shall observe and comply with the rules and regulations for the time being in force of any organisation or body the rules and regulations of which the Club is bound to observe including those of The Football Association and the League and in particular he shall at all times act in accordance with the League’s Code of Conduct for Managers.

 

2.                                      The Manager shall comply with all reasonable instructions and requests

 

(a)                                  given to Club Managers by the League; or

(b)                                 given to the Manager by the Club;

 

which arise in the first case out of any commercial contract entered into by the League for the benefit of its members or in the second case out of any such contract entered into by the Club for its own benefit and the Manager shall not himself enter into any such contract which conflicts or competes or is reasonably likely to conflict or compete with those entered into by the League or by the Club as aforesaid.

 

3.                                      Any dispute or difference arising between the parties hereto as to the construction of this Agreement or the rights duties or obligations of either party hereunder or any matter arising out of or concerning the same or the Manager’s employment hereunder shall be referred to the Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal in accordance with the Rules of the League for the time being in force. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this clause 3 and without prejudice thereto, the parties shall use and until the conclusion of the arbitration shall continue to use their best endeavours to attempt to reach a settlement of their dispute by mediation.

 

[Note:

The names and addresses of organisations offering an appropriate mediation service are available upon application to the League.]

 

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APPENDIX 9

 

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

(Rule J.4)

 

1.                                      In undertaking the organisation and management of the nation’s major professional league, the League has a duty to set standards and values which will have a beneficial influence on the game played at other levels. Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. The League shares with the Football Association a commitment to confront and eliminate discrimination, whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

 

2.                                      The League is an equal opportunities employer. It is committed to equality of opportunity within its organisation and to encouraging similar commitment from every other organisation or individual acting within the game.

 

3.                                      Equality of opportunity means that in none of its activities will the League discriminate against, or in any way treat less favourably, any person on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. This policy will be applicable to:

 

·                                          the advertising of jobs

·                                          the selection of candidates for employment or promotion

·                                          job location or working environment

·                                          pay and employment terms and conditions

·                                          internal training and development activities

·                                          external coaching and education activities and awards

·                                          football development activities

 

4.                                      The League will not tolerate sexual or racially-based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and the Board will ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate disciplinary action whenever it occurs.

 

5.                                      The League supports the Football Association in its commitment to develop a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within football.

 

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APPENDIX 10

 

RULES GOVERNING APPLICATIONS FOR UEFA CLUB LICENCES

 

1.                                      Rule A.1 — “Licensing Manual” means the manual in which are set out procedures agreed between the Football Association and the League relating to applications for and the granting of licences enabling Clubs (or clubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions.

 

2.                                      Rule A.1 — “UEFA Club Licence” means the licence granted by the Football Association in accordance with the procedures set out in the Licensing Manual enabling Clubs (or clubs) to play in UEFA Club Competitions.

 

3.                                      Rule E.3 — Each Club shall by 1st March in each Season submit to the Secretary a copy of its annual accounts in respect of its most recent financial year or if the Club considers it appropriate or the Secretary so requests the Group Accounts of the Group of which it is a member (in either case such accounts to be prepared and audited in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements) together with a copy of the directors’ report for that year and a copy of the auditors’ report on those accounts.

 

4.                                      Rule E.4 — The accounts referred to in Rule E.3 shall:

 

4.1                                 include separate disclosure within the balance sheet or notes to the accounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of the total sums payable and receivable in respect of Compensation Fees, Contingent Sums and Loan Fees;

4.2                                 include a breakdown within the profit and loss account or the notes to theaccounts, or by way of supplementary information separately reported on by its auditors by way of procedures specified by the Board, of revenue in appropriate categories such as gate receipts, sponsorship and advertising, broadcasting rights, commercial income and other income.

 

5.                                      Rule E.5 — If the auditors’ report on the accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.3 contains anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification, the Club shall at the Board’s request submit such further documentary evidence as the Board shall require (including but not limited to Future Financial Information).

 

6.                                      Rule E.6 — If the annual accounts of a Club or Group Accounts submitted pursuant to Rule C.78 are prepared to a date prior to 30th November in the Season of submission, such Club or Group shall by the following 31st March submit to the Secretary interim accounts covering the period commencing from its accounting reference date and ending on a date between the following 30th November and 1st March.

 

7.                                      Rule E.7 — The interim accounts shall:

 

7.1                                 comprise a balance sheet, a profit and loss account, a cash flow statement and relevant explanatory notes;

7.2                                 be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the preparation of the Club’s annual accounts;

7.3                                 be presented in a similar format to the annual accounts including as regards the matters set out in Rule E.4;

 

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7.4                                 include in the profit and loss account and cashflow statement comparative figures for the same period in the preceding year;

7.5                                 include a balance sheet as of the end of the preceding financial year;

7.6                                 be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which they relate; and

7.7                                 be reviewed or audited in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

8.                                      Rule E.8 — Rule E.5 shall apply to the interim accounts (with appropriate modification) if the auditors have issued anything other than an unqualified opinion without modification on them.

 

9.                                      Rule E.9 — Each Club must by 1st March in each Season prove that, subject to Rule E.10:

 

9.1                                 no Compensation Fee, Loan Fee or Contingent Sum; and

9.2                                 no sum payable to or in respect of an employee employed during the year to 31 December of that Season (including national insurance contributions and income tax deducted under the “pay as you earn” system) is or was overdue as at that 31st December.

 

10.                               Rule E.10 — For the purpose of Rule E.9:

 

10.1                           “employee” means a Player, a Manager, any Official referred to in Rule J.1, an Academy Manager, an Assistant Academy Manager, a team doctor and senior physiotherapist referred to in Rule O.1 and a safety officer;

10.2                           an amount overdue as at 31st December shall not be treated as such if by the following 31st March it has been paid or the date for payment has been extended by means of a written agreement with the creditor or it is the subject of current litigation or arbitration proceedings or has been submitted to a dispute resolution procedure of the League, the Football Association, UEFA or FIFA.

 

11.                               Rule E.11 — By 31st March in each Season, each Club shall submit to the Secretary in respect of itself (or if the Club considers it appropriate or the Secretary so requests in respect of the Group of which it is a member) future financial information (“Future Financial Information”) comprising projected profit and loss accounts, cash flow, balance sheets and relevant explanatory notes commencing from its accounting reference date or, if it has submitted interim accounts pursuant to Rule E.6, from the date to which those interim accounts were prepared and expiring on the next accounting reference date after the end of the following Season. The projected profit and loss accounts, cash flow and balance sheets shall be prepared at a maximum of six-monthly intervals.

 

12.                               Rule E.12 — The Future Financial Information shall:

 

12.1                           be prepared in accordance with the accounting principles adopted in the preparation of the Club’s annual accounts (except where the accounting principles and policies are to be changed in the subsequent annual accounts, in which case the new accounting principles and polices should be followed);

12.2                           be approved in writing by the board of directors of the company to which they relate; and

12.3                           to include in the explanatory notes thereto principal assumptions and risks; and

12.4                           include for comparison profit and loss accounts for the period covered by the annual accounts and interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rules E.3 and E.6, a forecast for the current financial year and a balance sheet as at the date of the interim accounts submitted pursuant to Rule E.6.

 

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13.                               Rule J.7 — Any Club, Authorised Signatory or other Official making a false statement (whether made verbally or in writing) in or in connection with an application for a UEFA Club Licence or falsifying a document produced in support of or in connection with such an application shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section W.

 

14.                               Rule L.12 — Qualification for UEFA club competitions shall be on sporting merit through domestic competitions controlled or sanctioned by the Football Association. Clubs qualifying for a UEFA club competition must apply for a UEFA Club Licence in accordance with the Licensing Manual.

 

15.                               Rule K.23 — For UEFA Club Competitions the pitch must measure 105 metres in length by 68 metres in breadth exactly. If for technical reasons of a construction related nature it is impossible to achieve the required dimensions a UEFA Club Licence may nevertheless be granted provided that the pitch is minimum 100 metres to maximum 105 metres in length by minimum 64 metres to maximum 68 metres in breadth.

 

16.                               Rule P.19 — A Club which applies for a UEFA Licence must, in addition to employing a Manager, employ an individual (such as an assistant manager or head coach) to assist the Manager in all football matters relating to the first team.

 

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APPENDIX 11

 

REGULATIONS OF THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

Definitions

 

1.             In these Regulations:

 

1.1                                 “Club” means a football club in membership of the Premier League or the Football League;

1.2                                 “Compensation Fee” means any sum of money (exclusive of Value Added Tax) payable by a Transferee Club to a Transferor Club upon the transfer of the registration of a Player;

1.3                                 “the Football League” means The Football League Limited

1.4                                 “PFNCC” means the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee;

1.5                                 “Player” means a player who is the subject of an application to the Professional Football Compensation Committee (“the Committee”) pursuant to Regulation 2 of these Regulations;

1.6                                 “the Premier League” means The Football Association Premier League Limited;

1.7                                 “Secretary” means the person or body appointed by the PFNCC to administer these Regulations;

1.8                                 “Transferee Club” means a Club to which the registration of a Player has been transferred;

1.9                                 “Transferor Club” means a Club from which the registration of a Player has been transferred.

 

Jurisdiction

 

2.             The Committee shall determine applications made pursuant to:

 

2.1                                 Premier League Rules T.36, V.27.2 and Youth Development Rules 278 and 292.2;

2.2                                 Football League Regulations 60.20, 60.21, 60.22, 64.5 and Football League Youth Development Rule s 278 and 292.2;

2.3                                 appeals from a decision of the Board of the Football League made pursuant to Football League Regulation 63.1.

 

3.                                      In making a determination as aforesaid, the Committee shall take into account the costs set out in Regulation 4 and any of the following criteria:

 

3.1                                 the status of each of the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club;

3.2                                 the age of the Player;

3.3                                 the amount of any fee paid by the Transferor Club upon acquiring the registration of the Player;

3.4                                 the length of time during which the Transferor Club held the registration of the Player;

3.5                                 the terms of the new contract offered to him by both the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club;

3.6                                 his playing record including any international appearances;

3.7                                 substantiated interest shown by other clubs in acquiring the registration of the Player.

 

4.                                      The costs to be taken into account under Regulation 3 shall be:

 

4.1                                 any cost incurred by either Club in operating an Academy, a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence including (without limitation) the cost of providing for players attending thereat:

 

4.1.1                        living accommodation

4.1.2                        training and playing facilities;

4.1.3                        scouting, coaching, administrative and other staff;

4.1.4                        education and welfare requirements;

 

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4.1.5                        playing and training strip and other clothing;

4.1.6                        medical and first aid facilities;

4.1.7                        friendly and competitive matches and overseas tours;

 

4.2                                 any other cost incurred by either Club directly or indirectly attributable to the training and development of players including any fee referred to in Regulation 3.3.

 

Composition of the Committee

 

5.             The Committee shall be composed of:

 

5.1                                 an independent chairman with an appropriate legal background who, subject to the prior written approval of the Premier League, the Football League and The Professional Footballers’ Association, shall be appointed by the PFNCC in such terms as it thinks fit;

5.2                                 an appointee of each of the leagues of which the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club are members or, if the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club are both members of the same league, an appointee of that league;

5.3                                 an appointee of The Professional Footballers’ Association;

5.4                                 an appointee of The League Managers’ Association.

 

6.                                      If the chairman of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting as such in the determination of any application, the PFNCC shall appoint in his stead a person with an appropriate legal background.

 

7.                                      If following his appointment any other member of the Committee is unable to act or to continue acting, his appointor may appoint a replacement so that the composition of the Committee is maintained as provided in Regulation 5.

 

8.                                      If the members of the Committee fail to agree, they shall decide by a majority provided that, if the Committee is composed of an even number of members, the chairman shall have a second or casting vote.

 

Committee Procedures

 

9.             The parties to proceedings before the Committee shall be the Transferor Club and the Transferee Club.

10.          Proceedings shall be commenced by either party making a written application to the Secretary:

 

10.1                           identifying the respondent Club and the Player;

10.2                           setting out the facts surrounding the application including the criteria referred to in Regulation 3;

10.3                           identifying any documents relied upon, copies of which shall be annexed; and

10.4                           in the case of an application made by a Transferor Club, giving full particulars of the costs set out in Regulation 4.

 

11.                               Each Club which is a party in proceedings shall pay an administration fee to the Secretary the amount of which will be determined by the PFNCC from time to time.

 

12.                               Upon receipt of an application the Secretary shall:

 

12.1                           procure that for the purpose of determining the application the Committee is composed in accordance with Regulation 5;

12.2                           send a copy of the application and any documents annexed to it to the chairman and members of the Committee;

 

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12.3                           send a copy of the same by recorded delivery post to the respondent.

 

13.                               Within 14 days of receipt of the copy application the respondent shall send to the Secretary by recorded delivery post a written response to the application, annexing thereto copies of any documents relied upon, and, in the case of a response by a Transferor Club, giving full particulars of the costs set out in Regulation 4.

 

14.                               Upon receipt of the response the Secretary shall send a copy thereof together with a copy of any document annexed to:

 

14.1                           the chairman and members of the Committee and

14.2                           the party making the application.

 

15.                               The chairman of the Committee may give directions as he thinks fit for the future conduct of the proceedings addressed in writing to the parties with which the parties shall comply without delay.

 

16.                               The Committee by its chairman shall have power to summon any person to attend the hearing of the proceedings to give evidence and to produce documents and any person who is bound by these Regulations and who, having been summoned, fails to attend or to give evidence or to produce documents shall be in breach of these Regulations.

 

17.                               The Secretary shall make all necessary arrangements for the hearing of the proceedings and shall give written notice of the date, time and place thereof to the parties.

 

18.                               If a party to the proceedings fails to attend the hearing the Committee may either adjourn it or proceed in their absence.

 

19.                               The chairman of the Committee shall have an overriding discretion as to the manner in which the hearing of the proceedings shall be conducted.

 

20.                               The Committee shall not be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law.

 

21.                               The hearing shall be conducted in private.

 

22.                               Each party shall be entitled to be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or counsel provided that they shall have given to the other party and to the chairman of the Committee 14 days’ prior written notice to that effect.

 

23.                               The Committee’s decision shall be announced as soon as practicable and if possible at the end of the hearing and shall be confirmed in writing by the Secretary to the parties.

 

24.                               The Committee shall give reasons for its decision.

 

25.                               The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

26.                               The chairman and members of the Committee shall be entitled to receive fees and expenses in such sum or sums as shall be determined by the PFNCC from time to time.

 

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Committee’s Powers

 

27.                               Upon determining an application made in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations, the Committee may make an order with regard to the amount and payment of a Compensation Fee and any other order as it thinks fit.

 

Amendments

 

28.                               No amendment to these Regulations shall be proposed or made without the prior written approval of the Premier League, the Football League and the Professional Footballers’ Association.

 

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APPENDIX 12

 

SCHEDULE OF OFFENCES

 

(Rule F.1.4.3)

 

OFFENCE

 

CONTRARY TO

 

 

 

Dishonestly receiving a programme broadcast from within the UK with intent to avoid payment

 

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 s.297

 

 

 

Admitting spectators to watch a football match at unlicensed premises

 

Football Spectators Act 1989 s.9

 

 

 

Persons subject to a banning order (as defined)

 

Football Spectators Act 2000 Schedule 1

 

 

 

Ticket touting — football tickets

 

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 s.166

 

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APPENDIX 13

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON CONTRACT PLAYERS AND STUDENTS REGISTERED ON SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENTS

 

(Rule O.10)

 

A) PERSONAL FOOTBALL HISTORY

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Total number of matches played in previous season

 

 

(inc. friendly matches)

 

 

 

 

Annually

2.

Dominant leg

(Recommended)

 

 

 

3.

Position on the field

 

 

 

 

B) MEDICAL HISTORY AND HEREDITY OF THE PLAYER

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Family history (1st generation, i.e. parents,brothers and sisters)

 

 

(a)

Hypertension, stroke;

 

 

(b)

Heart conditions incl. sudden cardiac death;

 

 

(c)

Vascular problems, varicose, deep venous thrombosis;

To be updated

 

(d)

Diabetes;

annually

 

(e)

Allergies, asthma;

(Mandatory)

 

(f)

Cancer, blood disease;

 

 

(g)

Chronic joint or muscle problems;

 

 

(h)

Hormonal problems.

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Medical history of the player

 

 

(a)

Heart problems, arrhythmias, syncope;

 

 

(b)

Concussion;

 

 

(c)

Allergies, asthma;

To be updated

 

(d)

Recurrent infections;

annually

 

(e)

Major diseases;

(Mandatory)

 

(f)

Major injuries causing surgery, hospitalisation, absence from football of more than 1 month.

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Present complaints

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Symptoms such as pain in general (muscle, articulation);

 

 

(b)

Chest pain, dyspnoea, palpitations, arrhythmia;

 

 

(c)

Dizziness, syncope;

Annually

 

(d)

Flu-like symptoms, cough, expectoration;

(Mandatory)

 

(e)

Loss of appetite, weight loss;

 

 

(f)

Sleeplessness;

 

 

(g)

Gastrointestinal upset.

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Medication/supplements

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Current specific medication being taken by the player;

 

 

(b)

Evidence that a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) has been granted
(if required);

Annually
(Mandatory)

 

(c)

Nutritional supplements being taken by the player;

 

 

(d)

Player educated about Anti-Doping Codes.

 

 

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5.

Vaccination

 

 

Record of status of vaccination (incl. date);

To be updated

 

Strongly recommended:

annually

 

Vaccination against Tetanus and Hepatitis A and B.

(Mandatory)

 

 

 

C) GENERAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION

 

 

 

 

1.

Height

 

 

 

 

2.

Weight

 

 

 

 

3.

Blood pressure (to ensure validity of continuous testing, it is recommended to always use the same arm and to specify it in the player’s medical records)

 

 

 

 

4.

Head and neck (eyes with vision test, nose, ears, teeth, throat, thyroid gland)

 

 

 

 

5.

Lymph nodes

 

 

 

 

6.

Chest and lungs (inspection, auscultation, percussion, inspiratory and expiratory chest expansion)

Annually
(Mandatory)

 

 

 

7.

Heart (sounds, murmurs, pulse, arrhythmias)

 

 

 

 

8.

Abdomen (incl. hernia, scars)

 

 

 

 

9.

Blood vessels (e.g. peripheral pulses, vascular murmurs, varicoses)

 

 

 

 

10.

Skin inspection

 

 

 

 

11.

Nervous system (e.g. reflexes, sensory abnormalities)

 

 

 

 

12.

Motor system (e.g. weakness, atrophy)

 

 

 

 

D) SPECIAL CARDIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

 

As a principal, a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiography must be performed at the earliest opportunity during the career of a player and in particular if indicated by clinical examination. If indicated by anamnestic and clinical indication it is recommended to perform repeated testing including an Exercise – ECG and an echocardiography

 

 

It is obligatory to perform one standard 12-lead ECG and one echocardiography

 

 

 

 

I.

to all professional Players at the latest before their 21st birthday; and

 

II.

to all professional Players who are older than 21 years if they have not yet had an ECG and echocardiography in their personal medical records.

 

The result of the performed examinations must be contained in the player’s medical records.

 

1.

Electrocardiogram (12-lead ECG)

 

 

 

Mandatory

2.

Echocardiography

 

 

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E) LABORATORY EXAMINATION

 

 

 

All laboratory tests must be conducted with the informed consent of the player and be in accordance with national law (cf. confidentially, discrimination issues etc.).

 

 

1.

Blood count (haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes)

Annually

 

 

(Mandatory)

2.

Urine test (‘dipstick test’ to determine level of protein and sugar)

 

 

 

 

3.

Sedimentation rate

 

 

 

 

4.

CRP

 

 

 

 

5.

Blood fats (cholesterol, HDL – and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides)

 

 

 

 

6.

Glucose

 

 

 

 

7.

Uric acid

 

 

 

 

8.

Creatinine

 

 

 

 

9.

Aspartate amino-transferase

 

 

 

 

10.

Alanine amino-transferase

 

 

 

 

11.

Gamma-glutamyl-transferase

 

 

 

Annually

12.

Creatine kinase

(Recommended)

 

 

 

13.

Potassium

 

 

 

 

14.

Sodium

 

 

 

 

15.

Magnesium

 

 

 

 

16.

Iron

 

 

 

 

17.

Ferritin

 

 

 

 

18.

Blood group

 

 

 

 

19.

HIV test

 

 

 

 

20.

Hepatitis screening

 

 

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F) ORTHOPAEDIC EXAMINATION AND FUNCTIONAL TESTS

 

The mandatory checks are common in a sports medical examination.

 

Points 7 to 9 are recommended to assist club doctors with preventive strategies and tests in the rehabilitation of injured players.

 

In addition, the club doctors are advised to consider the exclusion of the condition of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.

 

References to further assistance in respect of functional tests:

 

·

Simple but reliable functional tests: Ekstrand J, Karlsson J, Hodson A. Football Medicine. London: Martin Dunitz (Taylor & Francis Group), 2003:562;

·

Range of motion and tests for muscle tightness: Ekstrand J, Wiktorsson M, Öberg B et al. Lower extremity goniometric measurements: a study to determine their reliability. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1982;63:171-5;

·

One-leg hop test: Ageberg E, Zatterstrom R, Moritz U. Stabilometry and one-leg hop test have high test-retest reliability. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1998;8-4:198-202;

·

SOLEC test: Ageberg E, Zatterstrom R, Moritz U. Stabilometry and one-leg hop test have high test-retest reliability. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1998;8-4:198-202.

 

 

1.

Spinal column: inspection and functional examination (tenderness, pain, range of movement)

 

 

2.

Shoulder: pain, mobility and stability

 

 

 

3.

Hip, groin and thigh: pain and mobility

Annually

 

 

(Mandatory)

4.

Knee: pain, mobility, stability and effusion

 

 

 

 

5.

Lower leg: pain (shin splint syndrome, achilles tendon)

 

 

 

 

6.

Ankle and foot: pain, mobility, stability and effusion

 

 

 

 

7.

Range of motion (ROM) and test for muscle tightness

 

 

(a) Adductors

 

 

(b) Hamstrings

 

 

(c) Lliopsoas

 

 

(d) Quadriceps

Recommended

 

(e) Gastrocnemius

 

 

(f) Soleus

 

 

 

 

8.

Muscle strength (one-leg hop test)

 

 

 

 

9.

Muscle balance test (SOLEC-test: standing one leg eyes closed)

 

 

 

 

G) RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION AND ULTRASOUND SCAN

 

 

 

If indicated by clinical and functional findings out of the medical examination performed, a radiological examination including ultrasound scan, X-ray and MRI may be appropriate.

 

Performed radiographies, particularly after injuries, must be part of the player’s medical records.

 

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MATCH OFFICIALS

 



 

NATIONAL LIST OF REFEREES

SEASON 2012/13

 

ADCOCK, JG (James) Nottinghamshire

ATKINSON, M (Martin) West Yorkshire

ATTWELL, SB (Stuart) Warwickshire

BATES, A (Tony) Staffordshire

BERRY, CJ (Carl) Surrey

BOND, DS (Darren) Lancashire

BOOTH, R (Russell) Nottinghamshire

BOYESON, C (Carl) East Yorkshire

BRATT, SJ (Steve) West Midlands

BROWN, M (Mark) East Yorkshire

CLATTENBURG, M (Mark) County Durham

CLARK, RM (Richard) Northumberland

COLLINS, LM (Lee) Surrey

COOTE, D (David) Nottinghamshire

DAVIES, A (Andy) Hampshire

DEADMAN, D (Darren) Cambridgeshire

DEAN, ML (Mike) Wirral

DOWD, P (Phil) Staffordshire

DRYSDALE, D (Darren) Lincolnshire

DUNCAN, SAJ (Scott) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

D’URSO, AP (Andy) Essex

EAST, R (Roger) Wiltshire

ELTRINGHAM, G (Geoff) Tyne & Wear

FOY, CJ (Chris) Merseyside

FRIEND, KA (Kevin) Leicestershire

GIBBS, PN (Phil) West Midlands

GRAHAM, F (Fred) Essex

HAINES, A (Andy) Tyne & Wear

HALSEY, MR (Mark) Lancashire

HARRINGTON, T (Tony) Cleveland

HAYWOOD, M (Mark) West Yorkshire

HEYWOOD, M (Mark) Cheshire

HOOPER, SA (Simon) Wiltshire

ILDERTON, EL (Eddie) Tyne & Wear

JONES, MJ (Michael) Cheshire

KETTLE, TM (Trevor) Rutland

LANGFORD, O (Oliver) West Midlands

LEWIS, RL (Rob) Shropshire

LININGTON, JJ (James) Isle of Wight

MADLEY, AJ (Andy) West Yorkshire

MADLEY, RJ (Bobby) West Yorkshire

MALONE, BJ (Brendan) Wiltshire

MARRINER, AM (André) West Midlands

MARTIN, SJ (Stephen) Staffordshire

MASON, LS (Lee) Lancashire

MATHIESON, SW (Scott) Cheshire

MILLER, NS (Nigel) County Durham

MILLER, P (Pat) Bedfordshire

MOHAREB, D (Dean) Cheshire

MOSS, J (Jon) West Yorkshire

NAYLOR, MA (Michael) South Yorkshire

OLIVER, M (Michael) Northumberland

PAWSON, CL (Craig) South Yorkshire

PHILLIPS, DJ (David) West Sussex

PROBERT, LW (Lee) Wiltshire

ROBINSON, TJ (Tim) West Sussex

RUSHTON, SJ (Steve) Staffordshire

RUSSELL, MP (Mick) Hertfordshire

SALISBURY, G (Graham) Lancashire

SARGINSON, CD (Chris) Staffordshire

SCOTT, GD (Graham) Oxfordshire

SHELDRAKE, D (Darren) Surrey

SHOEBRIDGE, RL (Rob) Derbyshire

SIMPSON, J (Jeremy) Lancashire

STROUD, KP (Keith) Hampshire

SUTTON, GJ (Gary) Lincolnshire

SWARBRICK, ND (Neil) Lancashire

TANNER, SJ (Steve) Somerset

TAYLOR, A (Anthony) Cheshire

TIERNEY, P (Paul) Lancashire

WARD, GL (Gavin) Surrey

WAUGH, J (Jock) South Yorkshire

WEBB, D (David) County Durham

WEBB, HM (Howard) South Yorkshire

WHITESTONE, D (Dean) Northamptonshire

WILLIAMSON, IG (Iain) Berkshire

WOOLMER, KA (Andy) Northamptonshire

WRIGHT, KK (Kevin) Cambridgeshire

 

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NATIONAL LIST OF ASSISTANT REFEREES

SEASON 2012/13

 

AKERS, C (Chris) – South Yorkshire

AMEY, JR (Justin) – Dorset

AMPHLETT, MJ (Marvyn) – Worcestershire

ARTIS, SG (Stephen) – Norfolk

ASTLEY, MA (Mark) – Manchester

ATKIN, R (Robert) – Lincolnshire

ATKIN, RT (Ryan) – London

ATKIN, W (Warren) – Sussex

AVENT, D (David) – Northamptonshire

BACKHOUSE, A (Anthony) – Cumbria

BANKES, P (Peter) – Merseyside

BARRATT, W (Wayne) – Worcestershire

BARROW, SJ (Simon) – Staffordshire

BARTLETT, R (Richard) – Cheshire

BECK, SP (Simon) – Bedfordshire

BENNETT, A (Andrew) – Devon

BENNETT, SP (Simon) – Staffordshire

BENTON, DK (David) – South Yorkshire

BESWICK, G (Gary) – County Durham

BETTS, L (Lee) – Norfolk

BINGHAM, M (Michael) – Birmingham

BLACKLEDGE, M (Mike) – Cambridgeshire

BLUNDEN, D (Darren) – Kent

BREAKSPEAR, CT (Charles) – Surrey

BRISTOW, M (Matthew) – Manchester

BROADBENT, W (Warren) – Durham

BROMLEY, A (Adam) – Devon

BROOK, C (Carl) – East Sussex

BROOKS, J (John) – Leicestershire

BRYAN, DS (Dave) – Lincolnshire

BULL, M (Michael) – Essex

BULL, W (William) – Hampshire

BUONASSISI, M (Mathew) – Northamptonshire

BURT, S (Stuart) – Northamptonshire

BUSBY, J (John) – Oxfordshire

BUSHELL, DD (David) – London

BUTLER, S (Stuart) – Kent

CAIRNS, MJ (Mike) – Somerset

CANN, DJ (Darren) – Norfolk

CHILD, SA (Stephen) – Kent

CLARK, J (Joseph) – Staffordshire

CLAYTON, A (Alan) – Cheshire

CLAYTON, S (Simon) – County Durham

COGGINS, A (Anthony) – Oxfordshire

COLLIN, J (Jake) – Liverpool

COOK, D (Daniel) – Hampshire

COOK, P (Paul) – East Riding

COOK, SJ (Steve) – Derbyshire

COOPER, IJ (Ian) – Kent

COOPER, N (Nicholas) – Suffolk

COPELAND, SJ (Steven) – Merseyside

COY, M (Martin) – Durham

CROPP, B (Barry) – Lancashire

CROUCH, IJ (Ian) – Kent

CRYSELL, A (Adam) – Essex

CURRY, PE (Paul) – Northumberland

DALY, SDJ (Stephen) – Middlesex

DAVIES, N (Neil) – Cheshire

DAVISON, PA (Paul) – Cleveland

DENTON, MJ (Michael) – Lancashire

DERMOTT, P (Philip) – Cheshire

DERRIEN, M (Mark) – Dorset

DICICCO, M (Matthew) – North Riding

DUDLEY, IA (Ian) – Nottinghamshire

DUNCAN, M (Mark) – Cheshire

DUNN, C (Carl) – Staffordshire

DWYER, M (Mark) – West Riding

EATON, D (Derek) – Gloucestershire

ELLIS, R (Rob) – West Midlands

ENGLAND, DJH (Darren) – South Yorkshire

EVANS, K (Karl) – Lancashire

EVETTS, GS (Gary) – Hertfordshire

FARRIES, J (John) – Oxfordshire

FEARN, AE (Amy) – Leicestershire

FISSENDEN, I (Ian) – Kent

FITCH, C (Carl) – Suffolk

FLETCHER, R (Russell) – Derbyshire

FLYNN, J (John) – Wiltshire

 

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FOLEY, MJ (Matt) – London

FORD, D (Declan) – Lincolnshire

FOX, A (Andrew) – Birmingham

GANFIELD, RS (Ron) – Somerset

GARRATT, AM (Andy) – West Midlands

GARRATT, S (Sarah) – Birmingham

GEORGE, M (Mike) – Norfolk

GIBBONS, N (Nicholas) – Lancashire

GILLETT, A (Adrian) – Berkshire & Buckinghamshire

GOOCH, P (Peter) – Lancashire

GORDON, B (Barry) – County Durham

GRAHAM, P (Paul) – Manchester

GRATTON, D (Danny) – Staffordshire

GREENHALGH, N (Nick) – Lancashire

GREENWOOD, AH (Alf) – North Yorkshire

GRIFFITHS, M (Mark) – South Yorkshire

GRUNNILL, W (Wayne) – Yorkshire

HAIR, NA (Neil) – Cambridgeshire

HALLIDAY, A (Andy) – North Yorkshire

HANDLEY, D (Darren) – Lancashire

HARRIS, P (Paul) – Kent

HART, G (Glen) – Durham

HATZIDAKIS, C (Constantine) – Kent

HAYCOCK, KW (Ken) – West Yorkshire

HAYWARD, K (Kevin) Staffordshire

HENDLEY, AR (Andy) – West Midlands

HICKS, C (Craig) – Surrey

HILLIER, J(Jake) – Hertfordshire

HILTON, G (Gary) – Lancashire

HOBBIS, N (Nick) – Birmingham

HOBDAY, P (Paul) – Birmingham

HODGES, R (Robert) – Berkshire & Buckinghamshire

HODSKINSON, P (Paul) – Lancashire

HOLDERNESS, BC (Barry) – Essex

HOLMES, AR (Adrian) – West Yorkshire

HOPKINS, AJ (Adam) – Devon

HOPKINS, JD (John) – Essex

HORWOOD, GD (Graham) – Bedfordshire

HOWES, M (Mark) – Birmingham

HUDSON, S (Shaun) – Durham

HULL, J (Joe) – Cheshire

HULME, R (Richard) – Somerset

HUNT, J (Jonathan) – Liverpool

HUSSIN, (Ian) – Liverpool

HUTCHINSON, AD (Andrew) – Cheshire

HUXTABLE, B (Brett) – Devon

HYDE, RA (Robert) – London

IHRINGOVA, A (Sasa) – Shropshire

JERDEN, GJN (Gary) – Essex

JOHNSON, G (Gordon) – Liverpool

JOHNSON, KA (Kevin) – Somerset

JOHNSON, RL (Ryan) – Manchester

JONES, MT (Mark) – Nottinghamshire

JONES, RJ (Robert) – Merseyside

JOYCE, R (Ross) – Cleveland

KAVANAGH, C (Chris) – Lancashire

KAYE, E (Elliott) – Essex

KELLY, P (Paul) – Kent

KENDALL, R (Richard) – Bedfordshire

KETTLEWELL, PT (Paul) – Lancashire

KHATIB, B (Billy) – Sunderland

KINSELEY, N (Nick) – Essex

KIRKUP, PJ (Peter) – Northamptonshire

KNAPP, SC (Simon) – Bristol

KNOWLES, CJ (Chris) – Northamptonshire

LAVER, AA (Andrew) – Hampshire

LAW, GC (Geoff) – Leicestershire

LAW, J (John) – Worcestershire

LAWSON, KD (Keith) – South Humberside

LEACH, D (Daniel) – Oxfordshire

LEDGER, S (Scott) – Yorkshire

LENNARD, HW (Harry) – East Sussex

LIDDLE, G (Geoffrey) – Durham

LINDEN, W (Wes) – Middlesex

LONG, SJ (Simon) – Suffolk

LUCAS, S (Simeon) – Lancashire

LUGG, N (Nigel) – Surrey

LYMER, C (Colin) – Hampshire

 

421



 

McCALLUM, DA (Dave) – Tyne & Wear

McDONOUGH, M (Mick) – Newcastle-upon-Tyne

MACKAY, R (Rob) – Bedfordshire

MAGILL, JP (John) – Essex

MARGETTS, DS (David) – Essex

MARKHAM, DR (Danny) – Tyne & Wear

MARSDEN, PR (Paul) – Lancashire

MARTIN, RJ (Richard) – Weston-super-Mare

MASSEY, SL (Sian) – Coventry

MATTHEWS, A (Adam) – Gloucestershire

MATTOCKS, KJ (Kevin) – Lancashire

MCGRATH, M (Matthew) – East Riding

MEESON, DP (Daniel) – Staffordshire

MELLOR, M (Mark) – Hertfordshire

MERCHANT, R (Rob) – Staffordshire

MEREDITH, S (Steven) – Nottinghamshire

METCALFE, RL (Lee) – Lancashire

MUGE, G (Gavin) – Bedfordshire

MULLARKEY, M (Mike) – Devon

MURPHY, N (Nigel) – Nottinghamshire

NEWBOLD, AM (Andy) – Leicestershire

NORCOTT, WG (Wade) – Essex

NUNN, AJ (Adam) – Wiltshire

O’BRIEN, J (John) – London

O’DONNELL, CJ (Chris) – Bedfordshire

OLDHAM, SA (Scott) – Lancashire

PARRY, MJ (Matthew) – Liverpool

PEART, T (Tony) – North Yorkshire

PERRY, MS (Marc) – West Midlands

PLANE, S (Steven) – Worcestershire

PLOWRIGHT, DP (David) – Nottinghamshire

POLLOCK, RM (Bob) – Merseyside

PORTER, W (Wayne) – Lincolnshire

POTTAGE, M (Mark) – Dorset

POWELL, CI (Chris) – Dorset

RADFORD, N (Neil) – Worcester

RAMSEY, T (Thomas) – Essex

RATHBONE, I (Ian) – Northamptonshire

REES, P (Paul) – Bristol

RICHARDS, DC (Ceri) – Carmarthenshire

RICHARDSON, D (David) – West Yorkshire

ROBATHAN, DM (Daniel) – Surrey

ROBERTS, B (Bob) – Lancashire

ROCK, DK (David) – Hertfordshire

RODGERS, T (Thomas) – Durham

ROSS, SJ (Stephen) – Lincolnshire

RUBERY, SP (Steve) – Essex

RUSSELL, GR (Geoff) – Northampton

RUSSELL, M (Mark) – Bristol

SALISBURY, M (Michael) – Lancashire

SALIY, O (Oleksandr) – Middlesex

SANNERUDE, A (Adrian) – Suffolk

SCHOLES, MS (Mark) – Buckinghamshire

SCOTT, JW (John) – Buckinghamshire

SCREGG, AJ (Andrew) – Liverpool

SHARP, N (Neil) – Durham

SIDDALL, I (Iain) – Lancashire

SLAUGHTER, A (Ashley) – Sussex

SMALLWOOD, W (William) – Cheshire

SMART, E (Edward) – Birmingham

SMITH, N (Nigel) – Derbyshire

SMITH, S (Stephen) – County Durham

STOCKBRIDGE, SM (Seb) – Tyne & Wear

STORRIE, D (David) – West Yorkshire

STOTT, GT (Gary) – Manchester

STREET, DR (Duncan) – West Yorkshire

STRETTON, GS (Guy) – Leicestershire

SWABEY, L (Lee) – Devon

TANKARD, A (Anthony) – South Yorkshire

TAYLOR, G (Grant) – Birmingham

THOMPSON, PI (Paul) – Chesterfield

TONER, B (Ben) – Lancashire

TRANTER, A (Adrian) – Dorset

TRELEAVEN, D (Dean) – West Sussex

TURNER, A (Andrew) – Devon

TURNER, GB (Glenn) – Derbyshire

TYAS, J (Jason) – West Yorkshire

VENAMORE, L (Lee) – Kent

 

422



 

WATTS, AS (Adam) – Worcestershire

WEBB, MP (Michael) – Surrey

WEST, RJ (Richard) – East Yorkshire

WHITELEY, J (Jason) – West Yorkshire

WHITTON, RP (Rob) – Essex

WIGGLESWORTH, RJ (Richard) – Doncaster

WILKES, MJ (Matthew) – West Midlands

WILSON, J (James) – Manchester

WILSON, M (Marc) – Cambridgeshire

WOOD, T (Tim) – Gloucestershire

WOOLFORD, DM (David) – Hampshire

WOOTTON, R (Ricky) – West Riding

WRIGHT, P (Peter) – Merseyside

YATES, O (Oliver) – Staffordshire

YOUNG, A (Alan) – Cambridgeshire

 

423


 

 

MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

 



 

 

No. 2719699

 

THE COMPANIES ACT 1985

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

of

 

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED

 

1.              The name of the Company is “THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED”.

 

2.              The registered office of the Company will be situated in England.

 

3.              The objects for which the Company is established are:

 

(a)          to organise and manage under the jurisdiction of The Football Association a league of association football clubs to be known as “The Football Association Premier League” or such other name as the Company may from time to time adopt (“the Premier League”);

 

(b)         to make, adopt, vary and publish rules, regulations and conditions for the management of the Premier League and matters relating thereto, and to take all such steps as shall be deemed necessary or advisable for enforcing such rules, regulations and conditions;

 

(c)          to promote, provide for, regulate and manage all or any details or arrangements or other things as may be considered necessary or desirable for, or ancillary to, the comfort, conduct, convenience or benefit of football players and of the public or of any other persons concerned or engaged in or associated with the Premier League;

 

(d)         to enter into television, broadcasting, sponsorship, commercial or other transactions of any kind in connection with the Premier League;

 

(e)          to co-operate with The Football Association and the International Football Association Board in all matters relating to international competitions or relating to the laws of the game of association football and generally to adhere to and comply with the applicable rules and regulations of The Football Association;

 

(f)            to carry out operations and to produce or deal with goods and to purchase or otherwise acquire, construct, lease, hold or deal with property, rights or privileges;

 

(g)         to carry out any other transactions or things as can be advantageously carried on in connection with or ancillary to the Premier League or as may be calculated directly or indirectly to enhance the value of or render profitable any of the property or rights of the Company;

 

(h)         to invest and deal with the monies of the Company not immediately required in any manner and hold and deal with any investment so made;

 

(i)             to pay or to provide or to make arrangements for providing gratuities, pensions, benefits, loans and other matters and to establish, support, subsidise and subscribe to any institution, association, club, scheme, fund or trust;

 

(j)             to raise or borrow money and to give security over the Company’s assets;

 

425



 

(k)          to lend or advance money and to give credit and to enter (whether gratuitously or otherwise) into guarantees or indemnities of all kinds, whether secured or unsecured, and whether in respect of its own obligations or those of some other person or company;

 

(l)             to pay or agree to pay all or any of the promotion, formation and registration expenses of the Company;

 

(m)       to contribute to or support any charitable, benevolent or useful object relating to association football, or participants therein;

 

(n)         to do all other things to further the objects of the Company or as may be deemed incidental or conducive to the attainment of such objects or any of them.

 

It is hereby declared that (except where the context expressly so requires) none of the several paragraphs of this clause, or the objects therein specified, or the powers thereby conferred shall be limited by, or be deemed merely subsidiary or auxiliary to, any other paragraph of this clause, or the objects in such other paragraph specified, or the powers thereby conferred.

 

4.              The liability of the members is limited.

 

5.              The share capital of the Company is £100 divided into 99 Ordinary Shares of £1 each and 1 Special Rights Preference Share of £1.

 

We, the several persons whose names, addresses and descriptions are subscribed, are desirous of being formed into a Company in pursuance of this Memorandum of Association and we respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the Company set opposite our respective names.

 

Names, Addresses and

 

Number and class of

Descriptions of Subscribers

 

shares taken by each subscriber

 

 

 

Rick N. Parry

 

22 Ordinary Shares

Chief Executive — F.A. Premier League

 

 

14 Dormer Close

 

 

Rowton

 

 

Chester CH3 7SA

 

 

 

 

 

R.H.G. Kelly

 

1 Special Rights Preference Share

Chief Executive — Football Association

 

 

16 Lancaster Gate

 

 

London W2 3LW

 

 

Dated the 22nd day of May 1992

 

 

 

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Witness to the above signatures:

 

I.L. Hewitt

Graeme E.C. Sloan

Solicitor

Solicitor

65 Fleet Street

65 Fleet Street

London EC4Y 1HS

London EC4Y 1HS

 

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No. 2719699

 

THE COMPANIES ACT 1985

PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

of

 

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE LIMITED

(As amended by Special Resolution passed on 31st May 2007)

 

Interpretation

 

1.1                 The regulations contained in Table A (as prescribed pursuant to Section 8 of the Companies Act 1985) in force at the date of adoption of these Articles shall not apply to the Company but the regulations contained in the following clauses (as originally adopted or as from time to time altered by Special Resolution) shall be the Articles of Association of the Company.

 

1.2                 In these Articles:

 

“the Act” means the Companies Act 1985 including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force;

 

“the Articles” means the Articles of Association of the Company and reference to a number following the word “Article” is a reference to an article so numbered in the Articles;

 

“Association Football” means the game of football as played in accordance with the rules and regulations of, or adopted by, the Football Association;

 

“the Board” means the board of directors for the time being of the Company;

 

“Chairman” means the person appointed as the Chairman pursuant to Article 42 or any acting Chairman appointed pursuant to Article 56.1;

 

“Chief Executive” means the person appointed as the Chief Executive pursuant to Article 42 or any acting Chief Executive appointed pursuant to Article 56.1;

 

“Club” means an Association Football club which is for the time being a Member;

 

“the Company” means the The Football Association Premier League Limited;

 

“clear days” in relation to the period of a notice means that period excluding the day for which the notice is given or on which it is to take effect but including the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given;

 

“Director” means a director of the Company;

 

“the Football Association” means The Football Association Limited;

 

“the Football Association Rules” means the rules and regulations for the time being of the Football Association;

 

“F.A Cup” means the Football Association Challenge Cup competition;

 

“the Football League” means The Football League Limited;

 

“Former Companies Acts” has the meaning set out in section 735(1) of the Act;

 

428



 

“General Meeting” means any meeting of the Members and shall include for the purpose of the Articles (except where expressly stated) the annual general meeting and a separate class meeting of the holders of Ordinary Shares in the Company;

 

“the League” means the Association Football league managed by the Company and consisting of Association Football clubs which are from time to time Members;

 

“League Office” means the registered office for the time being of the Company;

 

“Member” means an Association Football club the name of which is entered in the register of Members as the holder of an Ordinary Share;

 

“the Memorandum” means the Memorandum of Association of the Company;

 

“Ordinary Share” means an ordinary share of £1 in the capital of the Company;

 

“Representative” means any director or the secretary of a Club or any person who has been authorised to act as the representative of a Club as referred to in Article 36.1;

 

“Resolution” means a resolution of the Company which has been passed at a General Meeting by a majority of Members as specified in Article 27 or a resolution of the Members passed pursuant to the provisions of Article 33;

 

“the Rules” means the rules of the League as made, adopted or amended from time to time pursuant to the provisions of Article 16;

 

“the Seal” means the common seal of the Company;

 

“Secretary” means the secretary of the Company or any other person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the Company, including a joint, assistant or deputy secretary;

 

“Special Share” means the one special rights preference share of £1 referred to in Article 3;

 

“Successor” means any manager, receiver, administrative receiver or liquidator appointed in any of the circumstances referred to in Article 10.1;

 

“the Special Shareholder” means the holder of the Special Share;

 

“the United Kingdom” means Great Britain and Northern Ireland;

 

“written” or “in writing” shall include without limitation telex telegram cable facsimile transmission or other means of telecommunication in permanent written form.

 

A reference to a person includes a body corporate and an unincorporated body of persons.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in the Articles bear the same meaning as in the Act but excluding any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof not in force when the Articles or the relevant parts thereof are adopted.

 

Headings

 

2.                        The headings in the Articles are for the convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of the Articles.

 

Share Capital

 

3.                        The authorised share capital of the Company at the date of adoption of the Articles is £100 divided into 99 Ordinary Shares and one special rights preference share of £1.

 

429



 

4.                        Subject as provided in Article 12, an Ordinary Share shall only be issued, allotted or transferred to an Association Football club entitled, pursuant to the Articles and the Rules, to be a Member and such club shall, on issue, allotment or transfer to it of an Ordinary Share, become a Member.

 

5.                        No person shall be entitled to be a Member unless that person is:

 

5.1                  a company limited by shares formed and registered in England and Wales under the Act; or

 

5.2                  a company limited by shares formed and registered in England and Wales under any of the Former Companies Acts; or

 

5.3                  any other person which the Board may determine, in its discretion, shall be entitled to be a Member.

 

6.                        No member shall be entitled to own, or have a beneficial interest in, more than one Ordinary Share.

 

The Special Share

 

7.1                 The Special Share may only be issued to and held by the Football Association.

 

7.2                 Notwithstanding any provision in the Articles or the Rules to the contrary, each of the following matters shall be deemed to be a variation of the rights attaching to the Special Share and shall accordingly be effective only with the consent in writing of the Special Shareholder and without such consent shall not be done or caused to be done:

 

7.2.1              the amendment, or removal, or the alteration of the effect of (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be taken to include the ratification of any breach of) all or any of the following:

 

(a) the objects of the Company set out in clause 3 of the Memorandum;

 

(b) in Article 1 the definition of “Special Share” or “the Special Shareholder”;

 

(c) Article 4 (issue of Ordinary Shares);

 

(d) this Article 7 (rights attaching to the Special Share);

 

(e) Article 42 (number of Directors);

 

(f) Article 44 (appointment and re-appointment of Directors);

 

(g) Article 79 (adherence to the Football Association Rules); and

 

(h) Articles 80 and 81 (winding-up);

 

7.2.2              any change of the name of the Company;

 

7.2.3              the variation of any voting rights attaching to any shares in the Company;

 

7.2.4              the making and adoption of or any amendment to, removal of or waiver of any of the provisions of the Rules which relate to:

 

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(a)                    the name of the League;

 

(b)                   the number of Members and promotion to and relegation from the League;

 

(c)                    the criteria for membership of the League;

 

(d)                   the arranging of fixtures on or prior to specified international match dates and commitment to support the Football Association in relation to international matches;

 

(e)                    the obligation of each Club to enter the F.A. Cup;

 

(f)                      the ownership of more than one club;

 

(g)                   any rules common to the League and the Football League.

 

7.3                 The Special Shareholder shall have all the rights of a Member in relation to receiving notice of, and attending and speaking at General Meetings and to receiving minutes of General Meetings. The Special Shareholder shall have no right to vote at General Meetings.

 

7.4                 On any distribution of capital on a winding up of the Company, the Special Shareholder shall be entitled to repayment of the capital paid up or treated for the purposes of the Act or the Insolvency Act 1986 as paid up on the Special Share in priority to any repayment of capital to any Member. The Special Share shall carry no other right to participate in the capital, and no right to participate in the profits, of the Company.

 

Share Certificates

 

8.1                 Every Club, upon being registered as the holder of an Ordinary Share, shall be entitled without payment to one certificate for the Ordinary Share so held. Every certificate shall be sealed with the Seal and shall specify the distinguishing number of the Ordinary Share to which it relates and the amount paid up thereon.

 

8.2                 If a share certificate is defaced, worn-out, lost or destroyed, it may be renewed on such terms (if any) as to evidence and indemnity and payment of the expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in investigating such evidence as the Board may determine but otherwise free of charge, and (in the case of defacement or wearing-out of the share certificate) subject to delivery up of the old certificate.

 

Transfer of Shares

 

9.1                 The instrument of transfer of an Ordinary Share may be in any usual form or in any other form which the Board may approve and shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and, unless the share is fully paid, by or on behalf of the transferee.

 

9.2                 The Board shall refuse to register the transfer of an Ordinary Share to a person who is not entitled, pursuant to the Articles or the Rules, to be a Member.

 

431



 

9.3                 The Board may also refuse to register the transfer of an Ordinary Share unless:

 

9.3.1              the instrument of transfer relating thereto is lodged at the League Office or at such other place as the Board may appoint and is accompanied by the certificate for the Ordinary Share to which it relates and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; and

 

9.3.2              it is in respect of only one Ordinary Share.

 

10.1          If a Member

 

10.1.1        enters into a Company Voluntary Arrangement pursuant to Part 1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (“the 1986 Act” which expression shall include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force) or a compromise or arrangement with its creditors under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006, or it enters into any compromise agreement with its creditors as a whole; or

 

10.1.2        lodges, or its shareholders or directors lodge, a Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator or a Notice of Appointment of an Administrator at the Court in accordance with paragraphs 26 and 29 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act or it or its shareholders or directors make an application to the Court for an Administration Order under paragraph 12 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act or where an Administrator is appointed or an Administration Order is made in respect of it (“Administrator” and “Administration Order” having the meanings attributed to them respectively by paragraphs 1 and 10 of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act); or

 

10.1.3        has an Administrative Receiver (as defined by section 251 of the 1986 Act) or a Law of Property Act Receiver (appointed under section 109 of the Law of Property Act 1925) or any Receiver appointed by the Court under the Supreme Court Act 1981 or any court appointed Receiver or any other Receiver appointed over any of its assets which, in the opinion of the Board, are material to the Club’s ability to fulfill its obligations as a Member; or

 

10.1.4        has its shareholders pass a resolution pursuant to section 84(1) of the 1986 Act to voluntarily wind it up; or

 

10.1.5        has a meeting of its creditors convened pursuant to section 95 or section 98 of the 1986 Act; or

 

10.1.6        has a winding up order made against it by the Court under section 122 of the 1986 Act or a provisional liquidator is appointed over it under section 135 of the 1986 Act; or

 

10.1.7        ceases or forms an intention to cease wholly or substantially to carry on its business save for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation otherwise in accordance with a scheme of proposals which have previously been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board; or

 

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10.1.8        enters into or is placed into any insolvency regime in any jurisdiction outside England and Wales which is analogous with the insolvency regimes detailed in Articles 10.1.1 to Articles 10.1.6 hereof

 

then the Board may at any time thereafter by notice in writing call upon the relevant Successor to transfer the Ordinary Share held by such Member to such person as the Board shall direct at a price of £1 and on receipt of such notice the Member shall thereupon cease to be entitled to be a Member of the League.

 

10.2          If any Member shall cease to be entitled to be a member of the League pursuant to the provisions of the Rules, then that Member, shall, on receiving notice in writing from the Board to that effect, transfer its Ordinary Share to such person as the Board shall direct at a price of £1.

 

10.3          Any Member ceasing to be entitled to be a member of the League as referred to in Article 10.1 or 10.2 shall, as from the date of receiving the notice therein referred to, have no rights in relation to the Ordinary Share held by it save in relation to Articles 80 and 81.

 

10.4          If any Member or its Successor (as the case may be) shall fail to transfer such Member’s Ordinary Share in accordance with and within seven days of the notice in writing by the Board calling for the transfer of the same, the Board may authorise either Director to execute a transfer thereof in favour of a person entitled to be a member of the League and a transfer so executed shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been executed by the Member or its Successor (as the case may be) and the transferee shall be entered into the register of Members as the holder of such Ordinary Share accordingly.

 

10.5          On registration of the transfer of an Ordinary Share held by a Member, executed by such Member, its Successor or either Director (as the case may be) pursuant to the provisions of this Article 10, the Member shall cease to be a Member.

 

11.1          No fee shall be charged for the registration of any instrument of transfer or other document relating to or affecting the title to any Ordinary Share.

 

11.2          If the Board refuses to register a transfer of an Ordinary Share, the Board shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged with the Company, send to the transferee notice of the refusal.

 

11.3          The Company shall be entitled to retain any instrument of transfer which is registered, but any instrument of transfer which the Board refuses to register shall be returned to the person lodging it when notice of the refusal is given.

 

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Excess Shares

 

12.1          In the event that the maximum number of Association Football clubs entitled to be members of the League in accordance with the Articles or the Rules is less than the number of Ordinary Shares then in issue then, unless the excess of such Ordinary Shares shall be purchased by the Company or otherwise redeemed in accordance with the provisions of the Act, such excess Ordinary Shares shall be transferred to and be registered in the name of the Secretary and, whilst so registered, such Ordinary Shares shall carry no voting, dividend or other rights, including on any winding up of the Company.

 

12.2          On any change of the Secretary, any Ordinary Shares so registered in the name of the Secretary shall forthwith be transferred into the name of the person holding such office following such change and in the event that such shares shall not be so transferred within fourteen days of the change of the Secretary, the Board may authorise either the Director to execute a transfer of such shares in favour of the Secretary for the time being of the Company and a transfer so executed shall be as valid and effective as if the same had been executed by the holder of such shares and the transferee Secretary shall be entered in the register as the holder of such Ordinary Shares accordingly.

 

Alteration of Share Capital

 

13.                 The Company may by Resolution cancel Ordinary Shares which, at the date of the passing of the Resolution, have not been issued and allotted or agreed to be issued and allotted to any Association Football club entitled thereto and diminish the amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.

 

14.                 Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may by special resolution reduce its share capital, any capital redemption reserve and any share premium account.

 

Purchase of Own Shares

 

15.                 Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Company may purchase its own shares (including any redeemable shares) and make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own shares otherwise than out of distributable profits of the Company or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares.

 

Rules

 

16.1          The Company may by Resolution make and adopt and from time to time amend the Rules for the purpose of regulating all matters affecting the organisation and management of the League to the extent not provided for in, and so far as the same do not conflict with, the provisions of the Articles.

 

16.2          Unless otherwise stated in the Articles or the Rules, the provisions of the Articles shall prevail in the event of any conflict with any of the provisions of the Rules.

 

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General Meetings

 

17.1          A General Meeting may be convened by the Board at any time.

 

17.2          If there are at any time less than two Directors then a continuing Director or the Secretary may convene a General Meeting for the purposes referred to in Article 56.1.

 

17.3          The Board shall convene each year at approximately quarterly intervals not less than four General Meetings (to include an annual general meeting) to be held at such time and at such place as the Board shall determine.

 

17.4          The Board (and if there are less than two Directors, a continuing Director or the Secretary) shall on receipt by the Company of the requisition to that effect from two or more Members forthwith proceed to convene a General Meeting (other than an annual general meeting) for a date not later than:

 

17.4.1                twenty eight clear days after the receipt of such requisition if it is signed by less than two thirds in number of the Members; or

17.4.2                fourteen clear days after the receipt of such requisition if it is signed by two thirds or more in number of the Members; or

17.4.3                twenty one clear days after receipt of such requisition if the meeting is for any of the purposes referred to in Articles 18.1.2, 18.1.3, or 18.1.4.

 

Notice of General Meetings(1)

 

18.1          At least twenty one clear days’ notice in writing shall be given for:

 

18.1.1                any annual general meeting;

18.1.2                any meeting at which it is proposed to pass a special resolution or an elective resolution;

18.1.3                any meeting at which it is proposed to pass a Resolution appointing a person as a Director;

18.1.4                any meeting at which it is proposed to make, adopt or amend the Rules.

 

18.2          At least fourteen clear days’ notice in writing shall be given for any other General Meeting.

 

19.                 The notice of a General Meeting shall specify the time and place of the meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted and shall include a statement that a Member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint one or two proxies to attend and vote instead of that Member and that a proxy need not also be a Member and, in the case of an annual general meeting, shall specify the meeting as such.

 


(1) By elective resolution passed at a General Meeting of Shareholders held on 3rd December 1998 it was resolved that the provisions of Section 369(4) and Section 378(3) of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended by the Companies Act 1989) are to have effect in relation to the Company as if, for the references, in those sections, to 95%, there were substituted references to 90%.

 

Accordingly any agreement of the members to the calling of a general meeting on short notice (Section 369) or to consider a special resolution at a General Meeting on short notice, requires the agreement of a majority of 90% (rather than 95%) in number, of the members having the right to attend and vote at a meeting.

 

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20.                 Notice of any General Meeting shall be given to the Special Shareholder, all the Members, any Successor of a Member and to each Director and the auditors.

 

21.                 The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, any member or person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

 

Proceedings at General Meetings

 

22.                 No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum is present. Save as otherwise provided in these Articles, two thirds in number of the Members who are present by a Representative or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for all purposes.

 

23.                 If such a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, or if during a meeting such a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place or to such time and place as the Board may determine. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting the notice of the meeting shall be deemed to be, and the meeting shall be, cancelled.

 

24.                 The Chairman, or, in his absence, the Chief Executive, shall preside as chairman of the meeting. If neither Director is willing to act as chairman, or if neither Director is present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Members present shall elect one of the Representatives of a Member who is present to be the chairman of the meeting.

 

25.                 Notwithstanding that he is not a Member, a Director shall be entitled to attend and speak at any General Meeting.

 

26.                 The chairman of the meeting may, with the consent of a General Meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall, if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than business which might properly have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not taken place. When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more notice shall be given in accordance with Article 18 specifying the time and place of the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. Otherwise it shall not be necessary to give any such notice.

 

27.                 Except where the Act specifies that a particular resolution of the Company requires a greater majority, two-thirds of such Members who are present and who vote by their Representative or by proxy at a General Meeting of which notice has been duly given shall be required for the passing of all resolutions of the Company.

 

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28.                               A resolution put to the vote of a General Meeting shall be decided on a show of hands unless before, or on the declaration of the result of, the show of hands, a poll is duly demanded. Subject to the provisions of the Act, a poll may be demanded:

 

28.1                      by the chairman of the meeting; or

28.2                      by at least two Members;

 

and a demand by a person as Representative of or proxy for a Member shall be the same as a demand by the Member.

 

29.                               Unless a poll is duly demanded, a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or carried unanimously or by a particular majority or lost, or not carried by a particular majority, and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the General Meeting shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.

 

30.                               The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn, but only with the consent of the chairman of the meeting and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to have invalidated the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made.

 

31.                               A poll shall be taken as the chairman of the meeting directs and he may fix a time and place for declaring the result of the poll. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.

 

32.1                        A poll demanded on the election of a chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment shall be taken forthwith. A poll demanded on any other question shall be taken either forthwith or at such time and place as the chairman of the meeting directs not being more than thirty days after the poll is demanded. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuance of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll was demanded. If a poll is demanded before the declaration of the result of a show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting shall continue as if the demand had not been made.

 

32.2                        No notice need be given of a poll not taken immediately if the time and place at which it is to be taken are announced at the meeting at which it is demanded. In any other case at least seven clear days’ notice shall be given specifying the time and place at which the poll is to be taken.

 

33.                               A resolution in writing signed on behalf of all the Members by a Representative of each of them shall be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a General Meeting duly convened by notice appropriate thereto and held. Any such resolution may consist of several documents in the like form each signed on behalf of one or more of the Members by a Representative of each of them.

 

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Votes of Members

 

34.                               Every Member present at a General Meeting by a Representative or proxy shall have one vote whether on a show of hands or on a poll.

 

35.                               No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any Representative or proxy except at the General Meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting shall be valid. Any objection made in due time shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

 

Representatives

 

36.1                        Any director or the secretary of a Club shall be entitled to act as the Representative of the Club at, and for all the purposes of business at, any General Meeting. A Club may separately or additionally, by resolution of its directors, authorise any other person as it thinks fit (not being a director or the secretary as aforesaid) to act as the Representative of the Club at any General Meeting. The Board may require reasonable evidence of any such authorisation.

 

36.2                        A Representative shall be entitled to exercise all the powers of a Member for whom he acts as Representative.

 

36.3                        Each Club shall, on becoming a Member, or when so requested by the Secretary, give notice to the Secretary, setting out, in such order or priority as the Club shall determine, details of each of its directors, secretary and any other individual who has been authorised by the Club to act as its Representative at General Meetings and shall from time to time send to the Secretary details of any changes in such persons.

 

36.4                        A Representative shall be entitled to attend and where appropriate vote at a General Meeting notwithstanding that the member of which he is the Representative has appointed a proxy to attend the same.

 

Proxies

 

37.1                        An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing, signed on behalf of the Member by one of its directors or its secretary or any person authorised by the Member to sign the same and shall be in the usual common form or in such form as the Board shall approve.

 

37.2                        Unless otherwise indicated on the instrument appointing the proxy, the proxy may vote or abstain from voting as such proxy shall think fit.

 

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38.                               The instrument appointing a proxy and (where such instrument is not signed by a director or the secretary of a Member)  a copy of the authority under which it is signed shall be in writing and may:

 

38.1                         be deposited at the League Office or with the Secretary at any time before the time of the General Meeting which the person or persons named in the instrument propose to attend unless otherwise specified in the notice convening such General Meeting; or

38.2                         in the case of a poll taken more than forty eight hours after it is demanded, be deposited as aforesaid after the poll has been demanded and before the time appointed for the taking of the poll; or

38.3                         where the poll is not taken forthwith but is taken not more than forty eight hours after it was demanded, be delivered at the General Meeting at which the poll was demanded to the chairman of the meeting or to the Secretary.

 

39.                               The chairman of the meeting may in his discretion permit the appointment of a proxy other than as provided herein if the circumstances arise which prevent a Member attending a General Meeting.

 

Voting

 

40.1                        A maximum of two Representatives or proxies of a Club shall be entitled to attend General Meetings but, in the event that more than one of such Representatives or proxies shall attend then, whilst such Representatives or proxies shall be entitled to speak, only the Representative present who is senior in order of priority in the notice referred to in Article 36.3 or, (if no Representative but more than one proxy is present), only the first named proxy shall be entitled to vote at such General Meeting on behalf of the Club.

 

40.2                        Unless otherwise agreed by the Board or by a majority of the Members present at any General Meeting, no other Representative, proxy or any other person representing a Club shall be entitled to attend General Meetings and in any event such person, shall not be entitled to speak thereat unless invited to do so by the chairman of the meeting.

 

41.                               A vote given or poll demanded by the Representative or proxy of a Member shall be valid notwithstanding the previous termination of the authority of the person voting or demanding a poll unless notice of such termination was received by the Company at the League Office (or at such other place at which the instrument of proxy was duly deposited) before the commencement of the General Meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote is given or the poll demanded or (in the case of a poll taken otherwise than on the same day as the General Meeting or adjourned meeting) the time appointed for taking the poll.

 

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Number and Appointment of Directors

 

42.                               The Board shall consist of two Directors one of whom shall be the Chairman (who shall be non executive) and the other shall be the Chief Executive.

 

43.                               A Director need not hold any shares of the Company to qualify him as a Director but he shall be entitled to attend and speak at all General Meetings.

 

44.                               No person shall be appointed or re-appointed as Chairman or as Chief Executive except pursuant to a Resolution and unless:

 

44.1                         such person is proposed by the Board and notice of intention to propose such person is included in the notice of the General Meeting at which the Resolution is to be proposed; or

44.2                         where the General Meeting has already been convened, not less than fourteen and, where the General Meeting has not already been convened, not less than twenty two and, in any case not, more than thirty five clear days before the date appointed for a General Meeting, a notice signed by a Member has been given to the Company of the intention to propose that person for appointment or re-appointment; and

44.3                         in either case, his appointment or re-appointment has been or is endorsed by the Special Shareholder (such endorsement not to be unreasonably withheld, refused or delayed).

 

45.                               The terms and conditions relating to the appointment or re-appointment of, and the remuneration and other terms and other conditions of service of, the Chairman and the Chief Executive shall be determined or confirmed by Resolution.

 

46.                               Subject to the requirements of the Act, and without prejudice to any claim or rights in respect of any breach of contract between the Company and such person, the Members may by Resolution terminate the appointment of the Chairman or Chief Executive (as the case may be).

 

Powers of the Board

 

47.                               Subject to the Memorandum and the Articles the affairs of the Company shall be managed by the Board subject always to any directions from time to time given and any policy resolved upon by the Members in General Meeting.

 

48.                               The Board shall:

 

48.1                         manage the affairs of the Company including the operation of the League and the operation and implementation of the Rules;

48.2                         exercise all powers of the Company but subject always to such powers of supervision and policy direction as the Members in General Meeting may from time to time exercise or give;

 

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48.3                         take such executive steps as it considers necessary to give effect to any policy resolved upon by the Members in General Meeting;

48.4                         make such recommendations to the Members on such matters of importance to the Company as it considers appropriate; and

48.5                         subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Act, determine any and all matters of procedure to be followed by the Company.

 

49.                               The Board shall not in relation to any dealings relating to television, broadcasting, sponsorship or like transactions or other matters materially affecting the commercial interests of the Members enter into any contract or agreement or conduct themselves in any way as would bind the Company to any contract or agreement without the prior authority or approval by Resolution of the Members.

 

50.                               No alteration of the Memorandum or the Articles nor any direction of the Members shall invalidate any prior act of the Board which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given.

 

Delegation of the Board’s Powers

 

51.                               The Board may delegate to the Chief Executive such of its powers as the Board considers desirable to be exercised by him.

 

52.                               Any such delegate under Article 51 may be made subject to any conditions the Board or the Members by Resolution may impose, and either collaterally with or to the exclusion of the Board’s own powers and any such delegation may be revoked or altered.

 

53.                               The Board may appoint any person or group of persons (including any person who is a Representative of a Club) to carry out or undertake such specific duties for the Company with such powers and authority as it shall determine and, in relation thereto, the Board shall be entitled to remunerate or pay such fees to such person for such duties on such basis and on such terms and conditions, as the Board shall determine.

 

Borrowing Powers

 

54.                               The Board may with the prior approval or authority of a Resolution exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow or raise money and to mortgage or charge its assets and, subject to Section 80 of the Act, to issue debenture stock and other debt securities as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

 

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Disqualification and Removal of Directors

 

55.                               The office of a Director shall be vacated upon the happening of any of the following events:

 

55.1                           if he resigns his office by notice in writing under his hand to the Secretary sent to or left at the League Office;

55.2                           if he becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally;

55.3                           if he is, or may be, suffering form mental disorder and either:

 

55.3.1                  he is admitted to hospital in pursuance of an application for admission for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 or, in Scotland, an application for admission under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984, or

55.3.2                  an order is made by a court having jurisdiction (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder for his detention or for the appointment of a receiver, curator bonis or other person to exercise powers with respect to his property or affairs;

55.4                           if he dies;

55.5                           if he ceases for any cause to hold office as Chairman or Chief Executive (as the case may be);

55.6                           if he ceases to be a Director by virtue of any provision of the Act or becomes prohibited bylaw from being a director;

55.7                           if he attains the age of 70.

 

56.1(2)          In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Board, the continuing Director shall forthwith convene a General Meeting for the purpose of appointing a Director to fill that vacancy and may appoint as a Director a person who is willing to act to be the acting Chairman or Chief Executive, as the case may be. The acting Chairman or Chief Executive so appointed shall hold office until the General Meeting convened as aforesaid shall be held and if not reappointed thereat shall vacate office at the conclusion thereof.

 

56.2                        Pending such General Meeting an acting Chairman or Chief Executive (as the case may be) appointed as aforesaid shall be treated as and shall have all the powers and duties of the Chairman or the Chief Executive (as the case may be) for all the purposes of the Articles.

 


(2) By Resolution signed by all the Members on 11th March 1999 the words “(not then being an officers of a Club)” were deleted from this Article.

 

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Directors’ Expenses

 

57.                               A Director and any person appointed by the Board under Article 53 may be paid all reasonable travelling, hotel, and other expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at meetings of the Board or otherwise in connection with the discharge of their duties.

 

Directors’ Interests

 

58.                               Subject to the provisions of the Act and provided that he has disclosed to the Members the nature and extent of any material interest which he has, and obtained the consent of the Members by Resolution, a Director notwithstanding his office:

 

58.1                         may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested;

58.2                         may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate promoted by the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and

58.3                         shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from any such transaction or arrangement and no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.

 

59.                               For the purpose of Article 58:

 

59.1                         a general notice given to the Members that a Director is to be regarded as having an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in any transaction or arrangement in which a specified person or class of persons is interested shall be deemed to be a disclosure that the Director has an interest in any such transaction of the nature and extent so specified; and

59.2                         an interest of which a Director has no knowledge and of which it is unreasonable to expect him to have knowledge shall not be treated as an interest of his.

 

Proceedings of the Board

 

60.                               Subject to the provisions of the Articles and the Rules, the Board may regulate its proceedings as it thinks fit. A Director may, and the Secretary at the request of a Director shall, call a meeting of the Board. Any question arising at a meeting of the Board on which the Directors are not unanimous shall be referred to the Members at the next General Meeting.

 

61.                               The quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board shall be two Directors.

 

62.                               If the number of Directors is less than two, the continuing Director may act only for the purpose of calling a General Meeting or for the purposes referred to in Article 56.1.

 

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63.                               The Chairman shall be the chairman of all meetings of the Board.

 

64.                               All acts done by a meeting of the Board, or by a person acting as a Director (as provided by the Articles) shall, notwithstanding that it be afterwards discovered that there was a defect in the appointment of the Director or such other person or that any of them was disqualified from holding office, or if a Director, had vacated office, or was not entitled to vote, be as valid as if every such person had been duly appointed and was qualified and, if a Director, had continued to be a Director and had been entitled to vote.

 

65.                               A resolution in writing signed by the Directors shall be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board and may consist of several documents in the like form each signed by one of the Directors.

 

66.                               Without prejudice to Article 65, a meeting of the Board may consist of a conference between the Chairman and the Chief Executive who are not both in one place, but where each is able (directly or by telephonic communication) to speak to the other, and to be heard by the other simultaneously. A Director taking part in such a conference shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in a quorum accordingly. Such a meeting shall be deemed to take place where the Chairman then is and the Chief Executive shall be required to prepare a minute of such meeting. In relation to any meeting of the Board reference to the word “meeting” in the Articles shall be construed accordingly.

 

67.                               Unless authorised by a Resolution to do so, a Director shall not vote at any meeting of the Board or on any resolution concerning a matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, an interest or duty which is material and which conflicts or may conflict with the interests of the Company but shall nevertheless be counted in the quorum of Directors present at that meeting.

 

Secretary

 

68.                               Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Secretary shall be appointed by the Board subject to ratification by the Members in General Meeting for such term, at such remuneration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board thinks fit and any Secretary so appointed may be removed by the Board or by Resolution of the Members.

 

Minutes

 

69.                               The Board shall cause minutes to be made in books kept for the purpose of all proceedings at General Meetings, of all Resolutions passed by the Members and of all meetings of the Board, including the names of the Directors present at each of such Board meetings. The Board shall cause all such minutes to be circulated to Members within fourteen days of the date of any such meeting.

 

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Execution of Documents

 

70.                               The Seal shall only be used pursuant to the authority of the Board. The Board may determine who shall sign any instrument to which the Seal is affixed and unless otherwise so determined it shall be signed by the two Directors or one Director and the Secretary. Any document signed by two Directors or one Director and the Secretary and expressed (in whatever form of words) to be executed by the Company has the same effect as if executed under the Seal.

 

Dividends

 

71.1                        No dividend shall be declared or paid in respect of any share except pursuant to a Resolution in General Meeting.

 

71.2                        For the avoidance of doubt, Article 71.1 shall not affect the provisions relating to payments to Members in respect of broadcasting or sponsorship or other income received by the Company which shall be as laid down from time to time in the Rules and which shall be implemented by the Board in accordance with the Rules.

 

Accounts

 

72.                               No member or other person has any right to inspect any accounting record or book or document of the Company unless:

 

72.1                           he is entitled by law;

72.2                           he is authorised to do so by the Board; or

72.3                           he is authorised to do so by a Resolution.

 

Notices

 

73.1                        A notice calling a meeting of the Board need not be in writing.

 

73.2                        Any other notice to be given to or by any person pursuant to the Articles shall be in writing.

 

74.                               Any notice or other document may be served or delivered by the Company on or to any Member or any Director either personally, or by sending it by post addressed to the Member or Director at his registered address or by facsimile transmission or electronic mail or other instantaneous means of transmission to the number or other transmission address or identification provided by the Member or the Director for this purpose, or by leaving it at its registered address addressed to the Member or the Director, or by any other means authorised in writing by the Member or Director concerned.

 

75.                               Any notice or other document, which is sent by post, shall be deemed to have been served or delivered twenty four hours after posting and, in proving such service or delivery, it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice or document was properly addressed, stamped and put in the post. Any notice or other document left at a registered address otherwise than by post, or sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail or other instantaneous means of transmission, shall be deemed to have been served or delivered when it was left or sent.

 

445



 

76.                               Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 75 relating to service or delivery of any notice or document any notice or document not posted or delivered personally shall also be confirmed by sending or delivering a copy thereof by post or personally as provided in Article 74 but so that, in any such case, the accidental omission to so post or serve the same or non receipt of the same shall not invalidate the due service or delivery of the notice or other document in question.

 

77.                               A Member present, either by Representative or by proxy, at any General Meeting shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.

 

78.                               A notice may be given by the Company to a Successor of a Member in consequence of the insolvency, administration or receivership of a Member, by sending or delivering it, in any manner authorised by the Articles for the giving of notice to a Member, addressed to the Member by name or to the Successor at the address, if any, within the United Kingdom supplied for that purpose by the Successor. Until such an address has been supplied, a notice may be given in any manner in which it might have been given if the insolvency, administration or receivership had not occurred.

 

Rules of The Football Association

 

79.                               The Company shall adhere to and comply with the Football Association Rules.

 

Winding Up

 

80.                               On the winding-up of the Company the surplus assets shall be applied first, in repaying to the Members the amount paid on their shares respectively and, if such assets shall be insufficient to repay the said amount in full, they shall be applied rateably.

 

81.                               If the surplus assets shall be more than sufficient to pay to the Members the whole amount paid upon their shares, the balance shall be paid over to The Football Association Benevolent Fund or to such other charitable or benevolent object connected with Association Football as shall be determined by Resolution at or before the time of winding-up and approved by The Football Association.

 

Indemnity

 

82.                               Subject to the provisions of the Act, but without prejudice to any indemnity to which a Director may otherwise be entitled, every Director or other officer or auditor of the Company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in connection with any application in which relief is granted to him by the court from liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the affairs of the Company.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

 



 

POINTS BASED SYSTEM

 

GOVERNING BODY ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYERS

 

Background

 

This document explains the criteria necessary for football clubs to become Sponsors and obtain Governing Body Endorsements for individual players under Tiers 2 and 5 of the UK Border Agency Points Based System for the 2012/13 season.

 

Consultation

 

The following criteria have been agreed by the UK Border Agency following consultation between the FA, the Premier League, the Football League, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the League Managers’ Association and the other Home Associations of the Scottish FA, the FA of Wales and the Irish FA.

 

Duration

 

The criteria will apply for season 2012/13 and will be effective from 1st May 2012 through to 30th April 2013. The criteria will be reviewed in early 2013 in order that revised criteria may be issued by the 1st May 2013 to operate for season 2013/14.

 

Sponsorship

 

To be eligible to become a Sponsor and issue Certificates of Sponsorship a club must be in membership of the Premier League or the Football League. A Sponsor’s licence issued under Tier 2 or Tier 5 is valid for a period of 4 years, after which time it may be renewed. Clubs should note that a Sponsor’s licence may be revoked at any time if the Sponsor is seen to be failing in its compliance with its duties.

 

Length of Season

 

For the purposes of PBS, the playing season for this sport is from August to May. This may vary slightly from season to season depending on the arrangement of the first and last matches.

 

Criteria for Players

 

To be eligible for a Governing Body Endorsement under PBS:

 

1.        The applicant club must be in membership of the Premier League or Football League.  During the period of endorsement, the player may only play for clubs in membership of those leagues (i.e. the player may not be loaned to a club below the Football League);

2.        The player must have participated in at least 75% of his home country’s senior competitive international matches where he was available for selection during the two years preceding the date of the application; and

3.        The player’s National Association must be at or above 70th place in the official FIFA World Rankings when averaged over the two years preceding the date of the application.

 

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Competitive matches

 

The definition of a senior competitive international match is a:

 

·            FIFA World Cup Finals match;

·            FIFA World Cup Qualifying group match;

·            FIFA Confederations Cup matches; and

·            Continental Cup Qualifiers and Finals matches, for example:

·            UEFA European Championships and Qualifiers;

·            CAF African Cup of Nations and Qualifiers;

·            AFC Asia Nations Cup and Qualifiers;

·            CONCACAF Gold Cup;

·            CONCACAF Copa Caribe;

·            UNCAF Nations Cup;

·            CONMEBOL Copa America;

·            OFC Nations Cup.

 

International appearances

 

When submitting an application, clubs should provide written confirmation of the player’s international appearance record over the preceding two years, highlighting those matches where the player took part, as well as those for which he was unavailable for selection due to injury or suspension. Confirmation of the player’s appearances should be obtained from his National Association. If this is not possible, the information will be independently verified by the FA through all available sources. A decision cannot be made until this process has been completed and any relevant supporting evidence is submitted.

 

Injury and suspension

 

If a player was not available for selection for a match or series of matches due to injury or suspension and provided that written evidence is submitted to this effect, those games will be excluded from the total when calculating the player’s appearance percentage. Ideally, evidence should be obtained from the player’s National Association or club doctor, stipulating which games the player missed through injury.

 

Please note that, where a player does not take part in a match, he will not be considered as injured if he was listed as a substitute and therefore any such matches will be counted as non-appearances when calculating the player’s appearance percentage.

 

FIFA rankings

 

There are currently 209 international teams listed in the official FIFA World Rankings. Those countries which have regularly achieved a 70th placing or higher over a period of two years are regarded as nations who have competed regularly at a highly competitive international level and have players of the highest standard who have contributed consistently to the achievement of that ranking.

 

449



 

The FA will produce the aggregated two-year rankings list on a monthly basis when the FIFA World Rankings are published. These will be made available on TheFA.com and those countries ranked at 70th or above in the most recent list at the time of application will be considered to have met the criterion.

 

Length of issue

 

Governing Body Endorsements should be issued for a period appropriate to the tier under which the application is being made, that is:

 

·              Tier 2 (Sport)

 

Initial application — for the length of the player’s contract or up to three years, whichever is the shorter period. Extension application — for the length of the player’s contract or up to two years, whichever is the shorter period.

 

A subsequent extension of a further two years is possible when the first extension is about to expire. Where a player is currently registered under a work permit and an extension will transfer him into the Points Based System, his initial period of leave under Tier 2 may be for a maximum of three years; thereafter, any extensions will be for a maximum of two years.

 

Please note that applications made under Tier 2 will be subject to any player who is not from a majority English-speaking country passing an accredited English Language Test.

 

·              Tier 5 (Sporting)

 

Length of the player’s contract or up to 12 months, whichever is the shorter period. No in-country extensions are possible of more than a total period of 12 months. For example if a player initially had six months approval he would be allowed to apply for an extension in-country up to another six months. If a club wishes to continue to employ a player beyond 12 months, the individual will have to return overseas to make a new application.

 

Tier 5 to Tier 2 switching

 

Players may enter under Tier 5 without the need to demonstrate the competency in English required under Tier 2. Players may then apply to switch to Tier 2 once they have passed the English Language Test. For this, the club will need to submit a new application so that they may be issued with a new endorsement and subsequently produce a new Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2. The application to switch into Tier 2 may be made in-country.

 

450



 

If, at the end of the 12 month period, the player has been unable to meet the English language requirement, he will need to return home and obtain entry clearance for a further 12 month period under Tier 5.

 

Where a player wishes to switch into Tier 2 for the remainder of his employment and he does not meet the criteria for initial applications, the application will be dealt with by consultation with the relevant football governing bodies in a similar way to extension applications. If approval is not given for the application to be progressed automatically, however, an appeal panel will be required.

 

Extension applications

 

Where the player is extending his employment with the same club

 

If a club wishes to retain the services of a player, they should submit a new application before the work permit or Certificate of Sponsorship expires. If the criteria are satisfied, an endorsement will be issued for the period of their contract, up to a maximum of two years.

 

Where the player does not satisfy the criteria, the FA will consult with the other relevant football bodies by email, providing any details put forward by the club in favour of that individual. If it is their unanimous recommendation that the application does not need to be considered by a panel, then the case can be processed without.

 

If the football bodies do not unanimously agree to the renewal then the club may request that it be considered by a panel.

 

Changes during the period of approval

 

Change of employment

 

A club wishing to sign a player from another United Kingdom club must submit an application to the FA. If the criteria are satisfied, a Governing Body Endorsement will be issued for a maximum of three years in respect of his employment with the new club.

 

If the criteria are not satisfied, the FA will consult with the relevant football bodies by email, providing any details put forward by the club in favour of the player, such as his appearance record for that club and details of how far he meets the criteria. If it is their unanimous recommendation that the application does not need to be considered by a panel, then the case can be processed without. If any party expresses concern about the application, an appeal panel will be required.

 

451



 

Temporary transfer of registration (loans)

 

For the purpose of these requirements, loans are defined as temporary transfers which do not extend beyond the end of the season in which the registration is temporarily transferred. Loans are only permissible within the player’s current period of approval and should not be used to avoid making extension or change of employment applications.

 

·              To another club in the UK

If a player on a work permit or Certificate of Sponsorship is moving to another club in the UK on a loan basis, his parent club must notify UKBA of the fact that he has temporarily moved location. This should be done via the Sponsor Management System for players with approval under the Points Based System or by Notification of a Technical Change of Employment for players currently registered under a work permit.

 

There is no requirement for the loanee club to submit an application to the FA or for the player to meet any conditions such as the English Language Test. The loaning club retains overall responsibility for the player as his employer and Sponsor and he is granted permission to move temporarily under the provisions of his current leave, provided that the Certificate of Sponsorship issued by the loaning club is valid for the duration of the loan period. If the loan is later made permanent, the new club will, at this time, have to make a fresh application on behalf of the player. Clubs should note that the change of employment process must be fully completed before the player can play as a permanent employee of the new club.

 

·              To a club outside the UK

Where a player is moving to a club outside the UK on a temporary transfer basis, his parent club must again inform UKBA of the player’s technical change of employment. When the player returns to his parent club after the loan period, he does not need to be tested again against the entry criteria and may simply resume his employment with his original club (providing his existing leave remains valid beyond the date of his return), on the basis that he has an existing Certificate of Sponsorship and has already met the entry requirements at the beginning of his employment with that club.

 

·              From a club outside the UK

Any player joining an English club on loan from an overseas club (outside the UK) must meet all the requirements of Tier 2 or Tier 5 and therefore an application must be submitted to the FA. International loan players are also subject to appeal panels if they do not meet the criteria.

 

452



 

Contract changes or re-negotiation during the period of approval

 

Where a club wishes make significant changes to the terms and conditions of the player’s contract, for instance to improve his salary or length of contract part-way through the approved period, the club should notify UKBA of this. Where the player is registered under the work permits system, the club should submit a new application. Where the player is registered under the Points Based System, the club may report the change through the Sponsor Management System.

 

If a new application is required and the criteria are not met:

 

·              Where the player’s initial contract was for 12 months or longer, the FA will consult with the other relevant football bodies by email. They will ask whether the application needs to be considered at a panel. If the football bodies recommend unanimously they are satisfied that the changes do not need to be considered by a panel, then the case can be processed without one. If any of the governing bodies have concerns with the application, a panel will be arranged.

 

·              Where the player’s initial contract was for less than 12 months, a panel will be arranged as normal.

 

Trials arrangements

 

GBEs will not be issued to clubs for the purpose of having players to trial with them. Clubs may wish to approach the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766 for further information should they wish to consider taking a non-European Economic Area (EEA) player on trial.

 

International transfer windows

 

Governing Body Endorsements may be applied for by clubs at any time and will be considered against the criteria as above. Clubs should take into consideration the fact that a Governing Body Endorsement for a player, once issued, must be used within two months, unless that club has the express approval of the FA.

 

Panels

 

Where an application does not meet the published criteria, a club may request an appeal panel to consider the player’s skills and experience. In these cases the FA will refer the club’s evidence to an independent panel (please see Panel Terms of Reference and Operating Procedures).

 

The remit of the panel is:

 

·              To consider whether the player is of the highest calibre.

·              To consider whether the player is able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England.

 

453



 

Clubs should note that, in respect of any application, there will only be one panel available (i.e. a panel and recommendation, followed by a decision). A club should therefore ensure that all evidence it wishes to present in support of its application is presented to the panel.

 

If the club has previously made an application that was unsuccessful at panel a further panel cannot be requested for the same player within four months of the original appeal date.

 

Ceasing the employment of players

 

If a club ceases to employ a player prematurely, they must inform the UK Border Agency.

 

Fees

 

An administration fee of £400 plus VAT will be charged for each application for a GBE.

 

The cost of an application that is referred to a panel will be £1000 plus VAT to cover the fees and travel of the independent experts. The costs of the representatives of the FA, League and PFA will be met by their own organisations. Each club will meet its own costs of appeal.

 

Leave to remain/Visas

 

This guidance should be used in conjunction with the relevant advice issued by the UK Border Agency. The FA is not registered to give advice on immigration routes or processes or to advise on an individual’s immigration status. Information on aspects of immigration policy and law can be found on the UK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or you may wish to seek advice from an OISC registered advisor or someone who is otherwise exempt from such a registration requirement, for example, a qualified solicitor.

 

Clubs are advised to allow sufficient time for entry clearance to be granted. The time taken may vary depending upon where the player is making his application. A guide to Visa processing times for specific overseas posts can be found at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/general-info/processing-times/.

 

Please note that an individual’s personal and immigration history may be taken into account when their application is being considered.

 

Further information

 

This guidance is available on the websites of the FA (www.thefa.com) the Premier League (www.premierleague.com) and the Football League (www.football-league.co.uk).

 

454



 

Contacts

 

For any queries regarding these criteria or to discuss the application process for football, please contact:

 

Laura Taylor

Registrations Officer (PBS)

The Football Association

Wembley Stadium

PO Box 1966

London

SW1P 9EQ

 

Tel: 0844 980 8200 # 4629

Fax: 0844 980 0663

Laura.Taylor@TheFA.com

 

Please note that if your query extends beyond football and into immigration, you will be directed to the UK Border Agency.

 

UK Border Agency Help

 

If you are an employer or Sponsor and have a general query about the Sponsor application process under Tier 2 or Tier 5, please call the UKBA helpline on 0300 123 4699 or email SponsorshipPBSenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk.

 

For specific enquiries regarding individual applications or about the migrant application process in general, please call the Immigration Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766 or email UKBApublicenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk.

 

For any technical problems with the Sponsor Management System, please call the SMS helpline on 0114 207 2900.

 

Details of the procedure in relation to Managers, Coaches and Directors of Football can be found on the Premier League website: www.premierleague.com

 

455



 

CONSTITUTION OF THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL NEGOTIATING AND CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (ENGLAND AND WALES)

 

Title

 

1.             The committee shall be called the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (P.F.N.C.C.).

 

Membership

 

2.             The committee shall consist of

(a)           four representatives from the Professional Footballers’ Association;

(b)           two representatives from The Football League Limited;

(c)           two representatives from The FA Premier League Limited;

(d)           one representative from The Football Association Limited;

(e)           the Chief Executive/Officers of each of the four bodies listed above.

 

Scope

 

3.             The committee shall have within its scope Professional Association Football Players employed by clubs in membership of The Football League Limited and The FA Premier League Limited.

 

Function

 

4.             The function of the committee shall be:

 

(a)           to consider questions concerning players’ remuneration and other terms and conditions of employment, including contractual obligations, minimum pay, bonuses governed by League rules, pensions, fringe benefits, holidays, standard working conditions and insurance, as well as procedural matters involving the negotiating machinery, and the contract appeals machinery. This should not be regarded as an exhaustive list. No major changes in the regulations of the Leagues affecting a player’s terms and conditions of employment shall take place without full discussion and agreement in the P.F.N.C.C.;

and

(b)           to facilitate consultation between the parties on any matter relating to professional Association Football upon which any of the parties considers that the view of the P.F.N.C.C. would be desirable to help further the best interests of the game.

 

Chairman

 

5.             (a)           The committee shall appoint an independent chairman.

(b)           In the event of the unavoidable absence of the independent chairman, a meeting may be chaired by a member of the Committee by agreement of all the four bodies listed in Clause 2.

 

456



 

Secretary

 

6.             (a)           The Secretary of the Football League and the Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association shall act as joint secretaries of the P.F.N.C.C.

(b)           The administration and secretarial services to be provided by The Football League.

 

Executive Officer

 

7.             The persons listed in clause 2(e) above shall meet as and when necessary and in any event shall meet before any meeting of the P.F.N.C.C. in order to give preliminary consideration to items which are to appear on the Agenda for the next P.F.N.C.C. meeting.

 

Meetings

 

8.             (a)           There shall be four ordinary meetings of the P.F.N.C.C. each year. They shall take place on the first Thursday in July, October and April, and the second Thursday in January.

At least 14 days’ notice of an ordinary meeting shall be given and the business of the meeting shall be stated in the notice.

(b)           Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the chairman at the request of any member. At least seven days’ notice of such meetings shall be given and the business of the meeting shall be stated in the notice.

(c)           Other parties may be invited to attend any meeting of the P.F.N.C.C. at the request of any member and at the Chairman’s discretion. The Chairman shall also be empowered to invite third parties to any meeting following consultation with the members.

(d)           The Football League and The FA Premier League shall communicate with those clubs employing the representatives of the Professional Footballers’ Association, and their deputies, and request that such representatives and deputies be given reasonable facilities to attend meetings of the P.F.N.C.C.

 

Minutes

 

9.             Full minutes of all meetings shall be drafted by the joint secretaries and chairman.

 

Resolution of differences

 

10.           (a)           It shall be the duty of the members of the committee to take all reasonable steps to ensure the acceptance of agreements reached. Where appropriate, any of the bodies listed in Clause 2 may seek the assistance of the chairman in expounding and explaining agreements reached.

(b)           The parties to any dispute may by agreement seek the advice of the chairman on any matter before the committee.

 

457



 

(c)           The parties to any dispute may by agreement seek independent arbitration by the Conciliation and Arbitration Service or any other agreed independent arbitrator.

 

Sub-Committees

 

11.           The committee shall have power to set up such sub-committees or joint working parties not restricted to members of the committee as it considers necessary. Full minutes of sub-committee meetings shall be kept and appended to minutes of meetings of the P.F.N.C.C. for distribution to members.

 

Finance

 

12.           (a)           Each of the bodies listed in Clause 2 shall be responsible for meeting the expenses of its representative(s) for attending meetings.

(b)           The expenses of the chairman shall be shared equally by the bodies listed in Clause 2.

(c)           Any other expense shall be shared equally by the bodies listed in Clause 2, including the charges of The Football League Ltd for secretarial services.

 

Amendment of constitution

 

13.           Alteration in the constitution of the committee shall only be considered at a meeting called specifically for that purpose and notice of any proposed alteration shall be given in writing 28 days previous to such meeting. Any alteration to the constitution shall only take effect after approval to it has been given by each of the bodies listed in Clause 2.

 

Press notice

 

14.           After each meeting, where appropriate, an agreed press statement shall be made available and members shall refrain from any critical comment in the press, radio or on television.

 

Status of constitution

 

15.           This constitution shall be presented to the next general meeting of the bodies listed in Clause 2. If approved by each of them it shall be regarded as an agreement binding on each and all of them and shall be appended to the rules of each body.

 

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STATISTICS

 



 

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

 

SEASON 2011/12

 

 

 

 

 

HOME

 

AWAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester City

 

38

 

18

 

1

 

0

 

55

 

12

 

10

 

4

 

5

 

38

 

17

 

+64

 

89

 

2

Manchester United

 

38

 

15

 

2

 

2

 

52

 

19

 

13

 

3

 

3

 

37

 

14

 

+56

 

89

 

3

Arsenal

 

38

 

12

 

4

 

3

 

39

 

17

 

9

 

3

 

7

 

35

 

32

 

+25

 

70

 

4

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

13

 

3

 

3

 

39

 

17

 

7

 

6

 

6

 

27

 

24

 

+25

 

69

 

5

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

5

 

3

 

29

 

17

 

8

 

3

 

8

 

27

 

34

 

+5

 

65

 

6

Chelsea

 

38

 

12

 

3

 

4

 

41

 

24

 

6

 

7

 

6

 

24

 

22

 

+19

 

64

 

7

Everton

 

38

 

10

 

3

 

6

 

28

 

15

 

5

 

8

 

6

 

22

 

25

 

+10

 

56

 

8

Liverpool

 

38

 

6

 

9

 

4

 

24

 

16

 

8

 

1

 

10

 

23

 

24

 

+7

 

52

 

9

Fulham

 

38

 

10

 

5

 

4

 

36

 

26

 

4

 

5

 

10

 

12

 

25

 

-3

 

52

 

10

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

6

 

3

 

10

 

21

 

22

 

7

 

5

 

7

 

24

 

30

 

-7

 

47

 

11

Swansea City

 

38

 

8

 

7

 

4

 

27

 

18

 

4

 

4

 

11

 

17

 

33

 

-7

 

47

 

12

Norwich City

 

38

 

7

 

6

 

6

 

28

 

30

 

5

 

5

 

9

 

24

 

36

 

-14

 

47

 

13

Sunderland

 

38

 

7

 

7

 

5

 

26

 

17

 

4

 

5

 

10

 

19

 

29

 

-1

 

45

 

14

Stoke City

 

38

 

7

 

8

 

4

 

25

 

20

 

4

 

4

 

11

 

11

 

33

 

-17

 

45

 

15

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

5

 

7

 

7

 

22

 

27

 

6

 

3

 

10

 

20

 

35

 

-20

 

43

 

16

Aston Villa

 

38

 

4

 

7

 

8

 

20

 

25

 

3

 

10

 

6

 

17

 

28

 

-16

 

38

 

17

Queens Park Rangers

 

38

 

7

 

5

 

7

 

24

 

25

 

3

 

2

 

14

 

19

 

41

 

-23

 

37

 

18

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

4

 

4

 

11

 

23

 

39

 

6

 

2

 

11

 

23

 

38

 

-31

 

36

 

19

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

6

 

1

 

12

 

26

 

33

 

2

 

6

 

11

 

22

 

45

 

-30

 

31

 

20

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

38

 

3

 

3

 

13

 

19

 

43

 

2

 

7

 

10

 

21

 

39

 

-42

 

25

 

 

460



 

PREMIER LEAGUE ATTENDANCES

 

SEASON 2011/12

 

Club

 

Average

 

Highest

 

 

Arsenal

 

60,001

 

60,111

 

v Chelsea

Aston Villa

 

33,873

 

40,053

 

v Manchester United

Blackburn Rovers

 

22,652

 

26,532

 

v Manchester United

Bolton Wanderers

 

23,670

 

26,901

 

v Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea

 

41,495

 

41,830

 

v Tottenham Hotspur

Everton

 

33,231

 

39,517

 

v Newcastle United

Fulham

 

25,293

 

25,700

 

v Aston Villa, Manchester United, Arsenal, Norwich City

Liverpool

 

44,420

 

45,071

 

v Manchester City

Manchester City

 

47,045

 

47,435

 

v Queens Park Rangers

Manchester United

 

75,387

 

75,627

 

v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Newcastle United

 

50,280

 

52,944

 

v Bolton Wanderers

Norwich City

 

26,606

 

26,819

 

v Liverpool

Queens Park Rangers

 

17,328

 

18,224

 

v Arsenal

Stoke City

 

27,219

 

27,739

 

v Aston Villa

Sunderland

 

39,095

 

47,747

 

v Newcastle United

Swansea City

 

19,949

 

20,605

 

v Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur

 

36,053

 

36,274

 

v Arsenal

West Bromwich Albion

 

24,817

 

26,358

 

v Arsenal

Wigan Athletic

 

18,832

 

22,352

 

v Newcastle United

Wolverhampton Wanderers*

 

25,670

 

27,494

 

v Manchester United

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Attendance

 

34,646

 

 

 

 

Total Aggregate Attendance

 

13,165,416

 

 

 

 

 


* average capacity for 2011/12 due to stadium alterations

 

461


 

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

 

SEASON 2011/12

 

 

 

Arsenal

 

Aston
Villa

 

Blackburn
Rovers

 

Bolton
Wanderers

 

Chelsea

 

Everton

 

Fulham

 

Liverpool

 

Manchester
City

 

Manchester
United

 

Newcastle
United

 

Norwich
City

 

Queens
Park
Rangers

 

Stoke
City

 

Sunderland

 

Swansea
City

 

Tottenham
Hotspur

 

West
Bromwich
Albion

 

Wigan
Athletic

 

Wolverhampton
Wdrs

Arsenal

 

 

 

3-0

 

7-1

 

3-0

 

0-0

 

1-0

 

1-1

 

0-2

 

1-0

 

1-2

 

2-1

 

3-3

 

1-0

 

3-1

 

2-1

 

1-0

 

5-2

 

3-0

 

1-2

 

1-1

Aston Villa

 

1-2

 

 

 

3-1

 

1-2

 

2-4

 

1-1

 

1-0

 

0-2

 

0-1

 

0-1

 

1-1

 

3-2

 

2-2

 

1-1

 

0-0

 

0-2

 

1-1

 

1-2

 

2-0

 

0-0

Blackburn Rovers

 

4-3

 

1-1

 

 

 

1-2

 

0-1

 

0-1

 

3-1

 

2-3

 

0-4

 

0-2

 

0-2

 

2-0

 

3-2

 

1-2

 

2-0

 

4-2

 

1-2

 

1-2

 

0-1

 

1-2

Bolton Wanderers

 

0-0

 

1-2

 

2-1

 

 

 

1-5

 

0-2

 

0-3

 

3-1

 

2-3

 

0-5

 

0-2

 

1-2

 

2-1

 

5-0

 

0-2

 

1-1

 

1-4

 

2-2

 

1-2

 

1-1

Chelsea

 

3-5

 

1-3

 

2-1

 

3-0

 

 

 

3-1

 

1-1

 

1-2

 

2-1

 

3-3

 

0-2

 

3-1

 

6-1

 

1-0

 

1-0

 

4-1

 

0-0

 

2-1

 

2-1

 

3-0

Everton

 

0-1

 

2-2

 

1-1

 

1-2

 

2-0

 

 

 

4-0

 

0-2

 

1-0

 

0-1

 

3-1

 

1-1

 

0-1

 

0-1

 

4-0

 

1-0

 

1-0

 

2-0

 

3-1

 

2-1

Fulham

 

2-1

 

0-0

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

1-1

 

1-3

 

 

 

1-0

 

2-2

 

0-5

 

5-2

 

2-1

 

6-0

 

2-1

 

2-1

 

0-3

 

1-3

 

1-1

 

2-1

 

5-0

Liverpool

 

1-2

 

1-1

 

1-1

 

3-1

 

4-1

 

3-0

 

0-1

 

 

 

1-1

 

1-1

 

3-1

 

1-1

 

1-0

 

0-0

 

1-1

 

0-0

 

0-0

 

0-1

 

1-2

 

2-1

Manchester City

 

1-0

 

4-1

 

3-0

 

2-0

 

2-1

 

2-0

 

3-0

 

3-0

 

 

 

1-0

 

3-1

 

5-1

 

3-2

 

3-0

 

3-3

 

4-0

 

3-2

 

4-0

 

3-0

 

3-1

Manchester United

 

8-2

 

4-0

 

2-3

 

3-0

 

3-1

 

4-4

 

1-0

 

2-1

 

1-6

 

 

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

2-0

 

2-0

 

1-0

 

2-0

 

3-0

 

2-0

 

5-0

 

4-1

Newcastle United

 

0-0

 

2-1

 

3-1

 

2-0

 

0-3

 

2-1

 

2-1

 

2-0

 

0-2

 

3-0

 

 

 

1-0

 

1-0

 

3-0

 

1-1

 

0-0

 

2-2

 

2-3

 

1-0

 

2-2

Norwich City

 

1-2

 

2-0

 

3-3

 

2-0

 

0-0

 

2-2

 

1-1

 

0-3

 

1-6

 

1-2

 

4-2

 

 

 

2-1

 

1-1

 

2-1

 

3-1

 

0-2

 

0-1

 

1-1

 

2-1

Queens Park Rangers

 

2-1

 

1-1

 

1-1

 

0-4

 

1-0

 

1-1

 

0-1

 

3-2

 

2-3

 

0-2

 

0-0

 

1-2

 

 

 

1-0

 

2-3

 

3-0

 

1-0

 

1-1

 

3-1

 

1-2

Stoke City

 

1-1

 

0-0

 

3-1

 

2-2

 

0-0

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

1-0

 

1-1

 

1-1

 

1-3

 

1-0

 

2-3

 

 

 

0-1

 

2-0

 

2-1

 

1-2

 

2-2

 

2-1

Sunderland

 

1-2

 

2-2

 

2-1

 

2-2

 

1-2

 

1-1

 

0-0

 

1-0

 

1-0

 

0-1

 

0-1

 

3-0

 

3-1

 

4-0

 

 

 

2-0

 

0-0

 

2-2

 

1-2

 

0-0

Swansea City

 

3-2

 

0-0

 

3-0

 

3-1

 

1-1

 

0-2

 

2-0

 

1-0

 

1-0

 

0-1

 

0-2

 

2-3

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

0-0

 

 

 

1-1

 

3-0

 

0-0

 

4-4

Tottenham Hotspur

 

2-1

 

2-0

 

2-0

 

3-0

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

2-0

 

4-0

 

1-5

 

1-3

 

5-0

 

1-2

 

3-1

 

1-1

 

1-0

 

3-1

 

 

 

1-0

 

3-1

 

1-1

West Bromwich Albion

 

2-3

 

0-0

 

3-0

 

2-1

 

1-0

 

0-1

 

0-0

 

0-2

 

0-0

 

1-2

 

1-3

 

1-2

 

1-0

 

0-1

 

4-0

 

1-2

 

1-3

 

 

 

1-2

 

2-0

Wigan Athletic

 

0-4

 

0-0

 

3-3

 

1-3

 

1-1

 

1-1

 

0-2

 

0-0

 

0-1

 

1-0

 

4-0

 

1-1

 

2-0

 

2-0

 

1-4

 

0-2

 

1-2

 

1-1

 

 

 

3-2

Wolverhampton Wdrs

 

0-3

 

2-3

 

0-2

 

2-3

 

1-2

 

0-0

 

2-0

 

0-3

 

0-2

 

0-5

 

1-2

 

2-2

 

0-3

 

1-2

 

2-1

 

2-2

 

0-2

 

1-5

 

3-1

 

 

 

462


 

PLAYER APPEARANCES AND GOALS

 

SEASON 2011/12

 

Arsenal

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Almunia, Manuel

 

0

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

Arshavin, Andrey

 

8

 

11

 

6

 

1

 

Arteta Amatriain, Mikel

 

29

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

Benayoun, Yossi

 

10

 

9

 

13

 

4

 

Bendtner, Nicklas

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Chamakh, Maroune

 

1

 

10

 

18

 

1

 

Clarindo Dos Santos, Andre

 

10

 

5

 

7

 

2

 

Coquelin, Francis

 

6

 

4

 

7

 

0

 

Diaby, Vassiriki Abou

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

0

 

Djourou-Gbadjere, Johan Danon

 

14

 

4

 

10

 

0

 

Fabianski, Lukasz

 

0

 

0

 

30

 

0

 

Frimpong, Emmanuel Yan

 

3

 

3

 

6

 

0

 

Gibbs, Kieran James Ricardo

 

15

 

1

 

3

 

1

 

Henry, Thierry

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

1

 

Jenkinson, Carl Daniel

 

5

 

4

 

4

 

0

 

Koscielny, Laurent

 

33

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

Lansbury, Henri George

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Mertesacker, Per

 

21

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Miquel-Pons, Ignasi

 

1

 

3

 

6

 

0

 

Miyaichi, Ryo

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Nasri, Samir

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexander M D

 

6

 

10

 

10

 

2

 

Ozyakup, Oguzhan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Park, Chu Young

 

0

 

1

 

12

 

0

 

Ramsey, Aaron James

 

27

 

7

 

1

 

2

 

Rosicky, Tomas

 

19

 

9

 

4

 

1

 

Sagna, Bacary

 

20

 

1

 

0

 

1

 

Song Bilong, Alexandre Dimitri

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Squillaci, Sebastien

 

0

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Sunu, Gilles

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Szczesny, Wojciech Tomasz

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Traore, Armand

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Van Persie, Robin

 

37

 

1

 

0

 

30

 

Vermaelen, Thomas

 

28

 

1

 

0

 

6

 

Walcott, Theo James

 

32

 

3

 

0

 

8

 

Yao, Gervais Kouassi

 

19

 

9

 

0

 

4

 

Yennaris, Nicholas

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

 

Aston Villa

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Agbonlahor, Gabriel

 

32

 

1

 

0

 

5

 

Albrighton, Marc Kevin

 

15

 

11

 

3

 

2

 

Baker, Nathan Luke

 

6

 

2

 

7

 

0

 

Bannan, Barry

 

10

 

18

 

8

 

1

 

Bent, Darren Ashley

 

21

 

1

 

0

 

9

 

Beye, Habib

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Burke, Graham Dylan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Carruthers, Samir Badre

 

0

 

3

 

7

 

0

 

Clark, Ciaran

 

13

 

2

 

12

 

1

 

Collins, James Michael

 

31

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

Cuellar Jimenez, Carlos Javier

 

17

 

1

 

10

 

0

 

Delfouneso, Nathan

 

1

 

5

 

13

 

0

 

Delph, Fabian

 

10

 

1

 

5

 

0

 

Dunne, Richard Patrick

 

28

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Gardner, Gary

 

5

 

9

 

9

 

0

 

Given, Shay John James

 

32

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Grealish, Jack

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Guzan, Bradley Edwin

 

6

 

1

 

31

 

0

 

Herd, Christopher

 

19

 

0

 

5

 

1

 

Heskey, Emile William Ivanhoe

 

18

 

10

 

4

 

1

 

Hutton, Alan

 

29

 

2

 

1

 

0

 

Ireland, Stephen James

 

19

 

5

 

10

 

1

 

Jenas, Jermaine Anthony

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Johnson, Daniel Anthony

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Keane, Robert David

 

5

 

1

 

0

 

3

 

Lichaj, Eric Joseph

 

9

 

1

 

4

 

1

 

Lowry, Shane Thomas

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Makoun, Jean II

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Marshall, Andrew John

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

N’Zogbia, Charles

 

24

 

6

 

3

 

2

 

Petrov, Stiliyian Alyoshev

 

26

 

1

 

0

 

4

 

Stevens, Enda

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Warnock, Stephen

 

34

 

1

 

2

 

2

 

Weimann, Andreas

 

5

 

9

 

12

 

2

 

Williams, Derrick

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Young, Luke Paul

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

 

463



 

Blackburn Rovers

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Anderson, Myles

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Blackman, Nicholas Alexander

 

0

 

1

 

10

 

0

 

Bunn, Mark John

 

3

 

0

 

28

 

0

 

Dann, Scott

 

27

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

De Paula Ribeiro Ingracia, Bruno

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Dunn, David John Ian

 

21

 

5

 

2

 

2

 

Emerton, Brett Michael

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Formica, Mauro Abel

 

25

 

9

 

4

 

4

 

Givet-Viaros, Gael

 

21

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

Goodwillie, David

 

4

 

16

 

14

 

2

 

Grella, Vincenzo

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Hanley, Grant

 

19

 

4

 

10

 

1

 

Henley, Adam David

 

4

 

3

 

11

 

0

 

Hoilett, David Wayne

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

7

 

Kean, Jacob Kendall

 

1

 

0

 

9

 

0

 

Linganzi Koumba, Amine

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Lowe, Jason John

 

30

 

2

 

2

 

0

 

Modeste, Anthony

 

3

 

6

 

7

 

0

 

Morris, Joshua Francis

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

Nelsen, Ryan William

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Nzonzi, Steven Nkemboanza M C

 

31

 

1

 

3

 

2

 

Olsson, Martin Tony Waikwa

 

23

 

4

 

2

 

0

 

Olsson, Marcus Jonas Munuhe

 

10

 

2

 

1

 

0

 

Orr, Bradley James

 

10

 

2

 

1

 

0

 

Pedersen, Morten Gamst

 

33

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

Petrovic, Radosav

 

10

 

9

 

17

 

0

 

Roberts, Jason Andre Davis

 

5

 

5

 

6

 

0

 

Robinson, Paul William

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Rochina Naixes, Ruben

 

9

 

9

 

14

 

2

 

Salgado Fernandez, Miguel Angel

 

9

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Samba, Veijeany Christopher

 

16

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Slew, Jordan Michael

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Usai, Sebastian

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Vukcevic, Simon

 

4

 

3

 

18

 

1

 

Yakubu, Ayegbeni

 

29

 

1

 

2

 

17

 

 

Bolton Wanderers

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Alonso Mendoza, Marcos

 

4

 

1

 

9

 

1

 

Blake, Robert James

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Blakeman, Adam John

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Bogdan, Adam

 

20

 

0

 

18

 

0

 

Boyata, Anga Dedryck

 

13

 

1

 

8

 

1

 

Cahill, Gary James

 

19

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Davies, Kevin Cyril

 

21

 

10

 

5

 

6

 

Davies, Mark Nicholas

 

29

 

6

 

2

 

4

 

Eagles, Christopher Mark

 

26

 

8

 

4

 

4

 

Gardner, Ricardo

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

0

 

Jaaskelainen, Juusi Albert

 

18

 

0

 

16

 

0

 

Kakuta, Gael

 

0

 

4

 

7

 

0

 

Klasnic, Ivan

 

16

 

13

 

6

 

8

 

Knight, Zatyiah

 

21

 

4

 

13

 

0

 

Lainton, Robert

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Lee, Chung Yong

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Lynch, Jay

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Mears, Tyrone

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Miyaichi, Ryo

 

8

 

4

 

2

 

0

 

Muamba, Fabrice Ndala

 

18

 

2

 

6

 

1

 

Ngog, David

 

24

 

9

 

1

 

3

 

O’Halloran, Michael Francis

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

Petrov, Martin

 

30

 

1

 

6

 

4

 

Pratley, Darren Antony

 

14

 

11

 

5

 

1

 

Ream, Timothy Michael

 

13

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Reo-Coker, Nigel Shola Andre

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

Ricketts, Samuel Derek

 

20

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

Riley, Joseph

 

2

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Robinson, Paul Peter

 

15

 

2

 

5

 

0

 

Sanli, Tuncay

 

3

 

13

 

7

 

0

 

Sordell, Marvin Anthony

 

0

 

3

 

10

 

0

 

Steinsson, Gretar Rafn

 

20

 

3

 

2

 

1

 

Vela, Joshua James

 

0

 

3

 

5

 

0

 

Wheater, David James

 

24

 

0

 

8

 

2

 

 

464



 

Chelsea

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Anelka, Nicolas

 

3

 

6

 

1

 

1

 

Benayoun, Yossi

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Bertrand, Ryan

 

6

 

1

 

9

 

0

 

Blackman, Jamal Clint-Ross

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Bosingwa Da Silva, Jose

 

24

 

3

 

6

 

1

 

Cahill, Gary James

 

9

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

Cech, Petr

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Chalobah, Nathaniel Nyakie

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Cole, Ashley

 

31

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Dias Costa, Alex Rodrigo

 

3

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Drogba, Didier

 

16

 

8

 

1

 

5

 

Essien, Michael

 

10

 

4

 

3

 

0

 

Ferreira, Paulo Renato Rebocho

 

3

 

3

 

11

 

0

 

Hilario Meireles Alves Sampaio, H

 

2

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

Hutchinson, Samuel Edward

 

1

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Ivanovic, Branislav

 

26

 

3

 

2

 

3

 

Kalou, Salomon

 

7

 

5

 

12

 

1

 

Lampard, Frank James

 

26

 

4

 

4

 

11

 

Luiz Moreira Marinho, David

 

18

 

2

 

4

 

2

 

Lukaku, Romelu Menama

 

1

 

7

 

7

 

0

 

Malouda, Florent Johan

 

11

 

15

 

10

 

2

 

Mata Garcia, Juan Manuel

 

29

 

5

 

1

 

6

 

McEachran, Joshua Mark

 

0

 

2

 

7

 

0

 

Meireles, Raul Jose Trindade

 

23

 

5

 

5

 

2

 

Mikel, John Obi

 

15

 

7

 

4

 

0

 

Piazon, Lucas Domingues

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Santos Do Nascimento, Ramires

 

28

 

2

 

0

 

5

 

Sturridge, Daniel

 

28

 

2

 

3

 

11

 

Terry, John George

 

31

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

Torres Sanz, Fernando Jose

 

20

 

12

 

3

 

6

 

Turnbull, Ross

 

2

 

0

 

33

 

0

 

Vidal, Oriol Romeu

 

11

 

5

 

12

 

0

 

 

Everton

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Anichebe, Victor Chinedu

 

5

 

7

 

6

 

4

 

Arteta Amatriain, Mikel

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

1

 

Baines, Leighton John

 

33

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

Barkley, Ross

 

2

 

4

 

16

 

0

 

Baxter, Jose

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Beckford, Jermaine Paul Alexander

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Bilyaletdinov, Diniyar

 

7

 

3

 

10

 

0

 

Cahill, Timothy

 

27

 

8

 

1

 

2

 

Coleman, Seamus

 

14

 

4

 

3

 

0

 

Distin, Sylvain

 

24

 

3

 

5

 

0

 

Donovan, Landon Timothy

 

7

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Drenthe, Royston Ricky

 

10

 

11

 

1

 

3

 

Duffy, Shane Patrick Michael

 

2

 

2

 

5

 

0

 

Fellaini-Bakkioui, Marouane

 

31

 

3

 

0

 

3

 

Forshaw, Adam

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Gibson, Darron Thomas Daniel

 

11

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

Gueye, Magaye Serigne Falilou D N

 

3

 

14

 

12

 

1

 

Heitinga, John Gijsbert Alan

 

29

 

1

 

6

 

1

 

Hibbert, Anthony James

 

31

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

Howard, Timothy Matthew

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Jagielka, Philip Nikodem

 

29

 

1

 

2

 

2

 

Jelavic, Nikica

 

10

 

3

 

0

 

9

 

McAleny, Conor Michael

 

0

 

2

 

1

 

0

 

McFadden, James

 

2

 

5

 

10

 

0

 

Mucha, Jan

 

0

 

0

 

38

 

0

 

Mustafi, Shkodran

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Neville, Philip John

 

24

 

3

 

6

 

0

 

Osman, Leon

 

28

 

2

 

0

 

4

 

Pienaar, Steven

 

14

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

Rodwell, Jack

 

11

 

3

 

1

 

2

 

Saha, Louis Laurent

 

15

 

3

 

0

 

1

 

Stracqualursi, Denis Andres

 

7

 

14

 

15

 

1

 

Vellios, Apostolos

 

2

 

11

 

6

 

3

 

 

465



 

Fulham

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Baird, Christopher

 

13

 

6

 

9

 

0

 

Braga De Sa, Orlando Carlos

 

3

 

4

 

8

 

1

 

Briggs, Matthew

 

1

 

1

 

16

 

0

 

Davies, Simon

 

3

 

3

 

2

 

0

 

Dembele, Moussa

 

33

 

3

 

0

 

2

 

Dempsey, Clinton Drew

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

17

 

Diarra, Mahamadou

 

8

 

3

 

0

 

1

 

Duff, Damien Anthony

 

23

 

5

 

5

 

2

 

Etheridge, Neil

 

0

 

0

 

23

 

0

 

Etuhu, Dickson Paul

 

9

 

13

 

8

 

0

 

Frei, Kerim

 

 6

 

10

 

13

 

0

 

Gecov, Marcel

 

0

 

2

 

15

 

0

 

Grygera, Zdenek

 

5

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Halliche, Rafik

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Hangeland, Brede Paulsen

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Hughes, Aaron William

 

18

 

1

 

13

 

0

 

Johnson, Andrew

 

13

 

7

 

1

 

3

 

Kacaniklic, Alexander

 

2

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

Kasami, Pajtim

 

3

 

4

 

16

 

0

 

Kelly, Stephen Michael

 

21

 

3

 

9

 

0

 

Murphy, Daniel Ben

 

33

 

3

 

0

 

2

 

Pogrebnyak, Pavel Viktorovich

 

12

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

Riise, John Arne

 

35

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Riise, Bjorn Helge Semundseth

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Ruiz Gonzalez, Bryan Jafet

 

17

 

10

 

0

 

2

 

Schwarzer, Mark

 

30

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Senderos, Philippe

 

21

 

0

 

11

 

1

 

Sidwell, Steven James

 

12

 

2

 

3

 

1

 

Stockdale, David Adam

 

8

 

0

 

15

 

0

 

Trotta, Marcello

 

0

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Zamora, Robert Lester

 

14

 

1

 

0

 

5

 

 

Liverpool

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Adam, Charles Graham

 

27

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Agger, Daniel Munthe

 

24

 

3

 

1

 

1

 

Aurelio Rodrigues, Fabio

 

1

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Bellamy, Craig Douglas

 

12

 

15

 

3

 

6

 

Carragher, James Lee

 

19

 

2

 

15

 

0

 

Carroll, Andrew Thomas

 

21

 

14

 

2

 

4

 

Coates Nion, Sebastian

 

4

 

3

 

21

 

1

 

Downing, Stewart

 

28

 

8

 

1

 

0

 

Eccleston, Nathan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Flanagan, John

 

5

 

0

 

11

 

0

 

Gerrard MBE, Steven George

 

12

 

6

 

0

 

5

 

Henderson, Jordan Brian

 

31

 

6

 

1

 

2

 

Johnson, Glen McLeod Cooper

 

22

 

1

 

0

 

1

 

Jones, Bradley

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Kelly, Martin Ronald

 

12

 

0

 

18

 

0

 

Kuyt, Dirk

 

22

 

12

 

4

 

2

 

Marangon, Donieber Alexander

 

4

 

0

 

34

 

0

 

Meireles, Raul Jose Trindade

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Ngog, David

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Pezzini Leiva, Lucas

 

12

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Reina Paez, Jose Manuel

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Robinson, Jack

 

0

 

0

 

5

 

0

 

Rodriguez, Maximiliano

 

10

 

2

 

16

 

4

 

Sanchez Diaz, Jose Enrique

 

33

 

2

 

1

 

0

 

Shelvey, Jonjo

 

8

 

5

 

10

 

1

 

Skrtel, Martin

 

33

 

1

 

2

 

2

 

Spearing, Jay Francis

 

15

 

1

 

16

 

0

 

Sterling, Raheem Shaquille

 

0

 

3

 

1

 

0

 

Suarez Diaz, Luis Alberto

 

29

 

2

 

1

 

11

 

 

466



 

Manchester City

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Aguero Del Castillo, Sergio

 

31

 

3

 

1

 

23

 

Balotelli, Mario Barwuah

 

14

 

9

 

5

 

13

 

Barry, Gareth

 

31

 

3

 

2

 

1

 

Clichy, Gael

 

28

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

De Jong, Nigel

 

11

 

10

 

10

 

0

 

Dzeko, Edin

 

16

 

14

 

7

 

14

 

Hargreaves, Owen

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Hart, Charles Joseph John

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Jimenez Silva, David Josue

 

33

 

3

 

1

 

6

 

Johnson, Adam

 

10

 

16

 

6

 

6

 

Kolarov, Aleksandar

 

9

 

3

 

18

 

2

 

Kompany, Vincent

 

31

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

Lescott, Joleon Patrick

 

30

 

1

 

3

 

2

 

Milner, James Philip

 

17

 

9

 

11

 

3

 

Nasri, Samir

 

26

 

4

 

4

 

5

 

Onuoha, Chinedum

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Pantilimon, Costel Fane

 

0

 

0

 

37

 

0

 

Pizarro Cortez, David Marcelo

 

1

 

4

 

3

 

0

 

Razak, Abdul

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Rekik, Kerim

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Richards, Micah

 

23

 

6

 

3

 

1

 

Savic, Stefan

 

5

 

6

 

11

 

1

 

Taylor, Stuart James

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Tevez, Carlos

 

7

 

6

 

2

 

4

 

Toure, Kolo Abib

 

8

 

6

 

5

 

0

 

Toure, Gnegneri Yaya

 

31

 

1

 

0

 

6

 

Zabaleta Girod, Pablo Javier

 

18

 

3

 

13

 

1

 

 

Manchester United

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Almedia Da Cunha, Luis Carlos

 

24

 

5

 

1

 

8

 

Amos, Benjamin Paul

 

1

 

0

 

15

 

0

 

Berbatov, Dimitar

 

5

 

7

 

16

 

7

 

Carrick, Michael

 

27

 

3

 

4

 

2

 

Cleverley, Thomas William

 

5

 

5

 

2

 

0

 

Cole, Larnell James

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

De Abreu Oliveira, Anderson Luis

 

8

 

2

 

2

 

2

 

De Gea Quinta, David

 

29

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

Diouf, Mame Biram

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Evans, Jonathan Grant

 

28

 

1

 

4

 

1

 

Evra, Patrice Latyr

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Ferdinand, Rio Gavin

 

29

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Fletcher, Darren Barr

 

7

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

Fryers, Ezekiel David

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

Gibson, Darron Thomas Daniel

 

1

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Giggs, Ryan Joseph

 

14

 

11

 

9

 

2

 

Hernandez Balcazar, Javier

 

18

 

10

 

8

 

10

 

Jones, Philip Anthony

 

25

 

4

 

2

 

1

 

Keane, William David

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Kuszczak, Tomasz

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Lindegaard, Anders Rozenkrantz

 

8

 

0

 

14

 

0

 

Lingard, Jesse Ellis

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Macheda, Federico

 

0

 

3

 

1

 

0

 

Owen, Michael James

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Park, Ji-Sung

 

10

 

7

 

19

 

2

 

Pereira da Silva, Rafael

 

10

 

2

 

9

 

0

 

Pereira da Silva, Fabio

 

2

 

3

 

14

 

0

 

Pogba, Paul Labile

 

0

 

3

 

8

 

0

 

Rooney, Wayne Mark

 

32

 

2

 

0

 

27

 

Scholes, Paul

 

14

 

3

 

0

 

4

 

Smalling, Christopher

 

14

 

5

 

3

 

1

 

Valencia Mosquera, Luis Antonio

 

22

 

5

 

4

 

4

 

Vidic, Nemanja

 

6

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Welbeck, Daniel

 

23

 

7

 

2

 

9

 

Young, Ashley Simon

 

19

 

6

 

3

 

6

 

 

467


 

Newcastle United

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Abeid, Mehdi

 

0

 

0

 

9

 

0

 

Ameobi, Foluwashola

 

8

 

19

 

6

 

2

 

Ameobi, Samuel

 

1

 

9

 

7

 

0

 

Ba, Demba

 

32

 

2

 

1

 

16

 

Barton, Joseph

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Ben Arfa, Hatem

 

16

 

10

 

7

 

5

 

Best, Leon Julian Brendan

 

16

 

2

 

6

 

4

 

Cabaye, Yohan

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

Cisse, Papiss Demba

 

13

 

1

 

1

 

13

 

Coloccini, Fabricio

 

35

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Donaldson, Ryan Mark

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Elliot, Robert

 

0

 

0

 

30

 

0

 

Ferguson, Shane Kevin

 

0

 

7

 

11

 

0

 

Forster, Fraser Gerard

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Gosling, Daniel

 

1

 

11

 

13

 

1

 

Guthrie, Danny Sean

 

13

 

3

 

4

 

1

 

Gutierrez, Jonas Manuel

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Harper, Stephen Alan

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Krul, Timothy Michael

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Lovenkrands, Peter Rosenkrands

 

2

 

7

 

8

 

0

 

Marveaux, Sylvain

 

1

 

6

 

6

 

0

 

Obertan, Gabriel Antoine

 

18

 

5

 

6

 

1

 

Perch, James Robert

 

13

 

12

 

7

 

0

 

Santon, Davide

 

19

 

5

 

8

 

0

 

Simpson, Daniel Peter

 

35

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Smith, Alan

 

0

 

2

 

2

 

0

 

Soderberg, Ole Petter

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Tavernier, James Henry

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Taylor, Ryan Anthony

 

23

 

8

 

2

 

2

 

Taylor, Steven Vincent

 

14

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Tiote, Cheik Ismael

 

24

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Vuckic, Haris

 

2

 

2

 

6

 

0

 

Williamson, Michael James

 

21

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

 

Norwich City

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Ayala, Daniel Sanchez

 

6

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Barnett, Leon Peter

 

13

 

4

 

5

 

1

 

Bennett, Elliott

 

22

 

11

 

5

 

1

 

Bennett, Ryan

 

8

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Crofts, Andrew Lawrence

 

13

 

11

 

8

 

0

 

De Laet, Ritchie Ria Alfons

 

6

 

0

 

6

 

1

 

Drury, Adam James

 

12

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Fox, David Lee

 

23

 

5

 

9

 

0

 

Holt, Grant

 

24

 

12

 

1

 

15

 

Hoolahan, Wesley

 

25

 

8

 

5

 

4

 

Howson, Jonathan Mark

 

11

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Jackson, Simeon Alexander

 

10

 

12

 

12

 

3

 

Johnson, Bradley Paul

 

25

 

3

 

10

 

2

 

Lappin, Simon

 

4

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Martin, Christopher Hugh

 

3

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Martin, Russell Kenneth Alexander

 

30

 

3

 

4

 

2

 

Morison, Steven William

 

22

 

12

 

3

 

9

 

Naughton, Kyle

 

29

 

3

 

4

 

0

 

Pilkington, Anthony Neil James

 

23

 

7

 

3

 

8

 

Rudd, Declan

 

1

 

1

 

18

 

0

 

Ruddy, John Thomas Gordon

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Steer, Jed John

 

0

 

0

 

18

 

0

 

Surman, Andrew Ronald Edward

 

21

 

4

 

12

 

4

 

Tierney, Marc Peter

 

17

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Vaughan, James Oliver

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

0

 

Ward, Elliott Leslie

 

12

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Whitbread, Zak Benjamin

 

18

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Wilbraham, Aaron Thomas

 

2

 

9

 

20

 

1

 

 

468



 

Queens Park Rangers

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Agyemang, Patrick

 

2

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Andrade, Bruno Miguel Carvalho

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

0

 

Balanta, Angelo Jasiel

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Barton, Joseph

 

31

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

Bothroyd, Jay

 

12

 

9

 

10

 

2

 

Buzsaky, Akos

 

10

 

8

 

12

 

2

 

Caldini Perone, Bruno

 

1

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Campbell, Dudley Junior

 

2

 

9

 

6

 

1

 

Cerny, Radek

 

5

 

0

 

21

 

0

 

Cisse, Djibril

 

7

 

1

 

1

 

6

 

Connolly, Matthew Thomas Martin

 

5

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Derry, Shaun Peter

 

28

 

1

 

8

 

1

 

Diakite, Samba

 

9

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Dyer, Kieron Courtney

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Ephraim, Hogan

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

Faurlin, Alejandro Damian

 

20

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Ferdinand, Anton Julian

 

31

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Gabbidon, Daniel Leon

 

15

 

2

 

14

 

0

 

Gorkss, Kaspars

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Hall, Fitz

 

11

 

3

 

5

 

0

 

Harriman, Michael Grant

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Helguson, Heidar

 

13

 

3

 

4

 

8

 

Hewitt, Troy Roger

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Hill, Clinton Scott

 

19

 

3

 

8

 

0

 

Hulse, Robert William

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Kenny, Patrick

 

33

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Macheda, Federico

 

0

 

3

 

1

 

0

 

Mackie, James Charles

 

24

 

7

 

1

 

7

 

Moen, Petter Vaagan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Murphy, Brian

 

0

 

0

 

13

 

0

 

Onuoha, Chinedum

 

16

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Orr, Bradley James

 

2

 

4

 

11

 

0

 

Puncheon, Jason David Ian

 

0

 

2

 

4

 

0

 

Putnins, Elvijs

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Ramage, Peter Iain

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Smith, Thomas William

 

4

 

13

 

12

 

2

 

Taarabt, Adel

 

24

 

3

 

2

 

2

 

Taiwo, Taye Ismaila

 

13

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

Traore, Armand

 

18

 

5

 

2

 

0

 

Wright-Phillips, Shaun Cameron

 

24

 

8

 

3

 

0

 

Young, Luke Paul

 

23

 

0

 

7

 

2

 

Zamora, Robert Lester

 

14

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

 

Stoke City

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Arismendi Ciapparetta, Hugo Diego

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Begovic, Asmir

 

22

 

1

 

15

 

0

 

Collins, Daniel

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Crouch, Peter James

 

31

 

1

 

1

 

10

 

Delap, Rory John

 

18

 

8

 

4

 

2

 

Diao, Salif

 

2

 

4

 

6

 

0

 

Etherington, Matthew

 

30

 

0

 

3

 

3

 

Fuller, Ricardo Dwayne

 

3

 

10

 

9

 

0

 

Higginbotham, Daniel John

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Huth, Robert

 

31

 

3

 

2

 

3

 

Jones, Kenwyne Joel

 

10

 

11

 

15

 

1

 

Palacios Suazo, Wilson Roberto

 

9

 

9

 

10

 

0

 

Pennant, Jermaine Lloyd

 

18

 

9

 

5

 

0

 

Pugh, Daniel Adam

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

Rana-Jerome, Cameron Zishan

 

7

 

16

 

11

 

4

 

Shawcross, Ryan James

 

36

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Shotton, Ryan Colin

 

14

 

9

 

9

 

1

 

Sidibe, Mamady

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Soares, Thomas James

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Sorensen, Thomas

 

16

 

0

 

22

 

0

 

Upson, Matthew James

 

10

 

4

 

19

 

1

 

Walters, Jonathan Ronald

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

7

 

Whelan, Glenn David

 

27

 

3

 

3

 

1

 

Whitehead, Dean

 

24

 

9

 

5

 

0

 

Wilkinson, Andrew Gordon

 

20

 

5

 

4

 

0

 

Wilson, Marc David

 

35

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Woodgate, Jonathan Simon

 

16

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

 

469



 

Sunderland

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Bardsley, Phillip Anthony

 

29

 

2

 

0

 

1

 

Bendtner, Nicklas

 

25

 

3

 

0

 

8

 

Bramble, Titus Malachi

 

8

 

0

 

5

 

1

 

Bridge, Wayne Michael

 

3

 

5

 

7

 

0

 

Brown, Wesley Michael

 

20

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Campbell, Fraizer Lee

 

6

 

6

 

2

 

1

 

Carson, Trevor

 

0

 

0

 

10

 

0

 

Cattermole, Lee Barry

 

23

 

0

 

5

 

0

 

Colback, Jack Raymond

 

29

 

6

 

1

 

1

 

Cook, Jordan Alan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Egan, John

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Eissa, Ahmed Elmehamady A A

 

7

 

11

 

13

 

1

 

Ferdinand, Anton Julian

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Gardner, Craig

 

22

 

8

 

6

 

3

 

Gordon, Craig

 

1

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

Gyan, Asamoah

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Ji, Dong Won

 

2

 

17

 

16

 

2

 

Kilgallon, Matthew

 

9

 

1

 

8

 

0

 

Kyrgiakos, Sotiris

 

2

 

1

 

10

 

0

 

Laing, Louis Mark

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Larsson, Sebastian Bengt Ulf

 

32

 

0

 

0

 

7

 

Lynch, Craig Thomas

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

McClean, James

 

20

 

3

 

9

 

5

 

Meyler, David

 

1

 

6

 

21

 

0

 

Mignolet, Simon

 

29

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Noble, Ryan

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

O’Shea, John Francis

 

29

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Richardson, Kieran Edward

 

26

 

3

 

1

 

2

 

Sessegnon, Stephane

 

36

 

0

 

0

 

7

 

Turner, Michael Thomas

 

23

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

Vaughan, David Owen

 

17

 

5

 

9

 

2

 

Westwood, Keiren

 

8

 

1

 

23

 

0

 

Wickham, Connor Neil Ralph

 

5

 

11

 

6

 

1

 

 

Swansea City

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Agustien, Germaine

 

7

 

6

 

3

 

0

 

Allen, Joseph Michael

 

31

 

5

 

0

 

4

 

Bessone, Federico Luna

 

0

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Bohari Lita, Leroy Halirou

 

4

 

12

 

16

 

2

 

Britton, Leon James

 

35

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Caulker, Steven Roy

 

26

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Dobbie, Stephen

 

2

 

6

 

8

 

0

 

Dyer, Nathan Antone Jonah

 

29

 

5

 

0

 

5

 

Edwards, Gwion Dafydd Rhys

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Gower, Mark

 

14

 

6

 

12

 

0

 

Graham, Daniel Anthony William

 

32

 

4

 

0

 

12

 

Lucas, Lee Paul

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

McEachran, Joshua Mark

 

1

 

3

 

11

 

0

 

Monk, Garry Alan

 

14

 

2

 

18

 

0

 

Moore, Luke Isaac

 

3

 

17

 

18

 

2

 

Moras, Evangelos

 

0

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Moreira, Jose Filipe Da Silva

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Orlandi Stabilin, Andrea

 

2

 

1

 

2

 

1

 

Richards, Ashley Darel Jazz

 

6

 

2

 

14

 

0

 

Routledge, Wayne Neville Anthony

 

17

 

11

 

9

 

1

 

Sigurdsson, Gylfi Thor

 

17

 

1

 

0

 

7

 

Sinclair, Scott Andrew

 

35

 

3

 

0

 

8

 

Tate, Alan

 

1

 

4

 

8

 

0

 

Taylor, Neil John

 

35

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Tremmel, Gerhard

 

1

 

0

 

34

 

0

 

Vorm, Michel

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Williams, Ashley Errol

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

Zaragoza, Angel Rangel

 

32

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

 

470



 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Adebayor, Emmanuel

 

32

 

1

 

0

 

17

 

Assou-Ekotto, Benoit

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Bale, Gareth Frank

 

36

 

0

 

0

 

9

 

Bassong Nguena, Sebastian Aymar

 

1

 

4

 

16

 

0

 

Carroll, Thomas James

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Cordiero, Sandro Raniere Guimaraes

 

17

 

6

 

4

 

0

 

Corluka, Vedran

 

1

 

2

 

5

 

0

 

Crouch, Peter James

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Cudicini, Carlo

 

0

 

0

 

34

 

0

 

Dawson, Michael Richard

 

6

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

Defoe, Jermain Colin

 

11

 

14

 

7

 

11

 

Dos Santos Ramirez, Giovanni

 

0

 

7

 

8

 

0

 

Falque, Yago

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Fredericks, Ryan

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Friedel, Bradley Howard

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Gallas, William

 

15

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Gomes, Heurelho Da Silva

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

Huddlestone, Thomas Andrew

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Jenas, Jermaine Anthony

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Kaboul, Younes

 

33

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

Kane, Harry

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Khumalo, Bongani

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

King, Ledley Brenton

 

21

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Kranjcar, Niko

 

9

 

3

 

10

 

1

 

Lancaster, Cameron Paul

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Lennon, Aaron

 

19

 

4

 

1

 

3

 

Livermore, Jake Cyril

 

7

 

17

 

11

 

0

 

Luongo, Massimo

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Modric, Luka

 

36

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

Nelsen, Ryan William

 

0

 

5

 

8

 

0

 

Parker, Scott Matthew

 

28

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Pavlyuchenko, Roman

 

0

 

5

 

11

 

1

 

Pienaar, Steven

 

0

 

2

 

9

 

0

 

Rose, Daniel Lee

 

3

 

8

 

12

 

0

 

Saha, Louis Laurent

 

5

 

5

 

4

 

3

 

Smith, Adam James

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

0

 

Townsend, Andros

 

0

 

0

 

5

 

0

 

Van Der Vaart, Rafael

 

28

 

5

 

0

 

11

 

Walker, Kyle Andrew

 

37

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

 

West Bromwich Albion

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Allan, Scott

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Andrews, Keith Joseph

 

8

 

6

 

1

 

2

 

Brunt, Christopher

 

25

 

4

 

0

 

2

 

Cech, Marek

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Cox, Simon Richard

 

7

 

11

 

20

 

0

 

Daniels, Luke Matthew

 

0

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

Dawson, Craig

 

6

 

2

 

23

 

0

 

Dorrans, Graham

 

16

 

15

 

5

 

3

 

Fortune, Marc-Antoine

 

12

 

5

 

9

 

2

 

Foster, Ben

 

37

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Fulop, Marton

 

1

 

0

 

30

 

0

 

Gera, Zoltan

 

3

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Hurst, James

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Jara Reyes, Gonzalo Alejandro

 

1

 

3

 

3

 

0

 

Jones, Billy

 

17

 

1

 

12

 

0

 

Long, Shane Patrick

 

24

 

8

 

1

 

8

 

Mantom, Samuel Stephen

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Mattock, Joseph William

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

McAuley, Gareth Gerald

 

32

 

0

 

3

 

2

 

Morrison, James Clark

 

23

 

7

 

0

 

5

 

Mulumbu, Youssouf

 

34

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

Odemwingie, Peter

 

25

 

5

 

2

 

10

 

Olsson, Jonas

 

33

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Reid, Steven John

 

21

 

1

 

0

 

1

 

Ridgewell, Liam Matthew

 

13

 

0

 

1

 

1

 

Roofe, Kemar

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Scharner, Paul Josef Herbert

 

18

 

11

 

3

 

3

 

Shorey, Nicholas

 

22

 

3

 

12

 

0

 

Tamas, Gabriel Sebastian

 

7

 

1

 

5

 

0

 

Tchoyi, Somen

 

6

 

12

 

8

 

1

 

Thomas, Jerome William

 

26

 

3

 

0

 

1

 

Thorne, George Louis Elliot

 

1

 

2

 

5

 

0

 

 

471



 

Wigan Athletic

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Alcaraz, Antolin

 

25

 

0

 

1

 

2

 

Al-Habsi, Ali

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Beausejour Coliqueo, Jean A E

 

16

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Boyce, Emmerson Orlando

 

26

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

Caldwell, Gary

 

36

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

Crusat Domene, Albert

 

4

 

11

 

15

 

1

 

Di Santo, Franco

 

24

 

8

 

4

 

7

 

Diame, Mohamed

 

18

 

8

 

6

 

3

 

Figueroa Rochez, Maynor Alexis

 

37

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Gohouri, Steve

 

8

 

2

 

5

 

0

 

Gomez Garcia-Penche, Jordi

 

24

 

4

 

9

 

5

 

Jones, David Frank Llwyd

 

13

 

3

 

12

 

0

 

Kirkland, Christopher Edmund

 

0

 

0

 

11

 

0

 

Lopez Rodriguez, Adrian

 

5

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

Maloney, Shaun Richard

 

8

 

5

 

5

 

3

 

McArthur, James

 

18

 

13

 

7

 

3

 

McCarthy, James

 

33

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

McManaman, Callum Henry

 

0

 

2

 

3

 

0

 

Moses, Victor

 

36

 

2

 

0

 

6

 

Nicholls, Lee Anthony

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Pollitt, Michael Francis

 

0

 

0

 

26

 

0

 

Rodallega Martinez, Hugo

 

11

 

12

 

6

 

2

 

Sammon, Conor

 

8

 

17

 

8

 

0

 

Stam, Ronnie Theodorous

 

13

 

7

 

10

 

0

 

Thomas Suazo, Hendry Bernardo

 

0

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Van Aanholt, Patrick John Miguel

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Watson, Ben

 

14

 

7

 

16

 

3

 

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

P

 

Sub
P

 

Sub
NP

 

GS

 

Bassong Nguena, Sebastian Aymar

 

9

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Berra, Christophe

 

29

 

3

 

6

 

0

 

Craddock, Jody Darryl

 

1

 

0

 

6

 

0

 

Davis, David Lowell

 

6

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

De Vries, Dorus

 

4

 

0

 

34

 

0

 

Doherty, Matthew James

 

0

 

1

 

4

 

0

 

Doyle, Kevin Edward

 

26

 

7

 

4

 

4

 

Ebanks-Blake, Sylvan

 

8

 

15

 

9

 

1

 

Edwards, David Alexander

 

24

 

2

 

1

 

3

 

Elokobi, George Nganyuo

 

3

 

6

 

14

 

0

 

Fletcher, Steven Kenneth

 

26

 

6

 

1

 

12

 

Foley, Kevin Patrick

 

11

 

5

 

4

 

0

 

Forde, Anthony

 

3

 

3

 

4

 

0

 

Frimpong, Emmanuel Yan

 

5

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Gorman, Rory John

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Guedioura, Adlene

 

2

 

8

 

3

 

0

 

Hammill, Adam

 

3

 

6

 

11

 

0

 

Hennessey, Wayne Robert

 

34

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Henry, Karl Levi Daniel

 

30

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Hunt, Stephen Patrick

 

16

 

8

 

7

 

3

 

Ikeme, Carl

 

0

 

1

 

3

 

0

 

Jarvis, Matthew Thomas

 

31

 

6

 

0

 

8

 

Johnson, Roger

 

26

 

1

 

11

 

0

 

Jonsson, Eggert Gunnthor

 

2

 

1

 

6

 

0

 

Kightly, Michael John

 

14

 

4

 

1

 

3

 

Maierhofer, Stefan

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Milijas, Nenad

 

6

 

14

 

12

 

0

 

O’Hara, Jamie Darryl

 

19

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

Price, Jack Alexander

 

0

 

0

 

1

 

0

 

Stearman, Richard James

 

28

 

2

 

7

 

0

 

Vokes, Samuel Michael

 

0

 

4

 

3

 

0

 

Ward, Stephen Robert

 

38

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

Zubar, Ronald

 

14

 

1

 

5

 

1

 

 

472


 

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1992/93

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

42

 

24

 

12

 

6

 

67

 

31

 

+36

 

84

 

2

Aston Villa

 

42

 

21

 

11

 

10

 

57

 

40

 

+17

 

74

 

3

Norwich City

 

42

 

21

 

9

 

12

 

61

 

65

 

-4

 

72

 

4

Blackburn Rovers

 

42

 

20

 

11

 

11

 

68

 

46

 

+22

 

71

 

5

Queens Park Rangers

 

42

 

17

 

12

 

13

 

63

 

55

 

+8

 

63

 

6

Liverpool

 

42

 

16

 

11

 

15

 

62

 

55

 

+7

 

59

 

7

Sheffield Wednesday

 

42

 

15

 

14

 

13

 

55

 

51

 

+4

 

59

 

8

Tottenham Hotspur

 

42

 

16

 

11

 

15

 

60

 

66

 

-6

 

59

 

9

Manchester City

 

42

 

15

 

12

 

15

 

56

 

51

 

+5

 

57

 

10

Arsenal

 

42

 

15

 

11

 

16

 

40

 

38

 

+2

 

56

 

11

Chelsea

 

42

 

14

 

14

 

14

 

51

 

54

 

-3

 

56

 

12

Wimbledon

 

42

 

14

 

12

 

16

 

56

 

55

 

+1

 

54

 

13

Everton

 

42

 

15

 

8

 

19

 

53

 

55

 

-2

 

53

 

14

Sheffield United

 

42

 

14

 

10

 

18

 

54

 

53

 

+1

 

52

 

15

Coventry City

 

42

 

13

 

13

 

16

 

52

 

57

 

-5

 

52

 

16

Ipswich Town

 

42

 

12

 

16

 

14

 

50

 

55

 

-5

 

52

 

17

Leeds United

 

42

 

12

 

15

 

15

 

57

 

62

 

-5

 

51

 

18

Southampton

 

42

 

13

 

11

 

18

 

54

 

61

 

-7

 

50

 

19

Oldham Athletic

 

42

 

13

 

10

 

19

 

63

 

74

 

-11

 

49

 

20

Crystal Palace

 

42

 

11

 

16

 

15

 

48

 

61

 

-13

 

49

 

21

Middlesbrough

 

42

 

11

 

11

 

20

 

54

 

75

 

-21

 

44

 

22

Nottingham Forest

 

42

 

10

 

10

 

22

 

41

 

62

 

-21

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1993/94

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

42

 

27

 

11

 

4

 

80

 

38

 

+42

 

92

 

2

Blackburn Rovers

 

42

 

25

 

9

 

8

 

63

 

36

 

+27

 

84

 

3

Newcastle United

 

42

 

23

 

8

 

11

 

82

 

41

 

+41

 

77

 

4

Arsenal

 

42

 

18

 

17

 

7

 

53

 

28

 

+25

 

71

 

5

Leeds United

 

42

 

18

 

16

 

8

 

65

 

39

 

+26

 

70

 

6

Wimbledon

 

42

 

18

 

11

 

13

 

56

 

53

 

+3

 

65

 

7

Sheffield Wednesday

 

42

 

16

 

16

 

10

 

76

 

54

 

+22

 

64

 

8

Liverpool

 

42

 

17

 

9

 

16

 

59

 

55

 

+4

 

60

 

9

Queens Park Rangers

 

42

 

16

 

12

 

14

 

62

 

61

 

+1

 

60

 

10

Aston Villa

 

42

 

15

 

12

 

15

 

46

 

50

 

-4

 

57

 

11

Coventry City

 

42

 

14

 

14

 

14

 

43

 

45

 

-2

 

56

 

12

Norwich City

 

42

 

12

 

17

 

13

 

65

 

61

 

+4

 

53

 

13

West Ham United

 

42

 

13

 

13

 

16

 

47

 

58

 

-11

 

52

 

14

Chelsea

 

42

 

13

 

12

 

17

 

49

 

53

 

-4

 

51

 

15

Tottenham Hotspur

 

42

 

11

 

12

 

19

 

54

 

59

 

-5

 

45

 

16

Manchester City

 

42

 

9

 

18

 

15

 

38

 

49

 

-11

 

45

 

17

Everton

 

42

 

12

 

8

 

22

 

42

 

63

 

-21

 

44

 

18

Southampton

 

42

 

12

 

7

 

23

 

49

 

66

 

-17

 

43

 

19

Ipswich Town

 

42

 

9

 

16

 

17

 

35

 

58

 

-23

 

43

 

20

Sheffield United

 

42

 

8

 

18

 

16

 

42

 

60

 

-18

 

42

 

21

Oldham Athletic

 

42

 

9

 

13

 

20

 

42

 

68

 

-26

 

40

 

22

Swindon Town

 

42

 

5

 

15

 

22

 

47

 

100

 

-53

 

30

 

 

473



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1994/95

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Blackburn Rovers

 

42

 

27

 

8

 

7

 

80

 

39

 

+41

 

89

 

2

Manchester United

 

42

 

26

 

10

 

6

 

77

 

28

 

+49

 

88

 

3

Nottingham Forest

 

42

 

22

 

11

 

9

 

72

 

43

 

+29

 

77

 

4

Liverpool

 

42

 

21

 

11

 

10

 

65

 

37

 

+28

 

74

 

5

Leeds United

 

42

 

20

 

13

 

9

 

59

 

38

 

+21

 

73

 

6

Newcastle United

 

42

 

20

 

12

 

10

 

67

 

47

 

+20

 

72

 

7

Tottenham Hotspur

 

42

 

16

 

14

 

12

 

66

 

58

 

+8

 

62

 

8

Queens Park Rangers

 

42

 

17

 

9

 

16

 

61

 

59

 

+2

 

60

 

9

Wimbledon

 

42

 

15

 

11

 

16

 

48

 

65

 

-17

 

56

 

10

Southampton

 

42

 

12

 

18

 

12

 

61

 

63

 

-2

 

54

 

11

Chelsea

 

42

 

13

 

15

 

14

 

50

 

55

 

-5

 

54

 

12

Arsenal

 

42

 

13

 

12

 

17

 

52

 

49

 

+3

 

51

 

13

Sheffield Wednesday

 

42

 

13

 

12

 

17

 

49

 

57

 

-8

 

51

 

14

West Ham United

 

42

 

13

 

11

 

18

 

44

 

48

 

-4

 

50

 

15

Everton

 

42

 

11

 

17

 

14

 

44

 

51

 

-7

 

50

 

16

Coventry City

 

42

 

12

 

14

 

16

 

44

 

62

 

-18

 

50

 

17

Manchester City

 

42

 

12

 

13

 

17

 

53

 

64

 

-11

 

49

 

18

Aston Villa

 

42

 

11

 

15

 

16

 

51

 

56

 

-5

 

48

 

19

Crystal Palace

 

42

 

11

 

12

 

19

 

34

 

49

 

-15

 

45

 

20

Norwich City

 

42

 

10

 

13

 

19

 

37

 

54

 

-17

 

43

 

21

Leicester City

 

42

 

6

 

11

 

25

 

45

 

80

 

-35

 

29

 

22

Ipswich Town

 

42

 

7

 

6

 

29

 

36

 

93

 

-57

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1995/96

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

25

 

7

 

6

 

73

 

35

 

+38

 

82

 

2

Newcastle United

 

38

 

24

 

6

 

8

 

66

 

37

 

+29

 

78

 

3

Liverpool

 

38

 

20

 

11

 

7

 

70

 

34

 

+36

 

71

 

4

Aston Villa

 

38

 

18

 

9

 

11

 

52

 

35

 

+17

 

63

 

5

Arsenal

 

38

 

17

 

12

 

9

 

49

 

32

 

+17

 

63

 

6

Everton

 

38

 

17

 

10

 

11

 

64

 

44

 

+20

 

61

 

7

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

18

 

7

 

13

 

61

 

47

 

+14

 

61

 

8

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

16

 

13

 

9

 

50

 

38

 

+12

 

61

 

9

Nottingham Forest

 

38

 

15

 

13

 

10

 

50

 

54

 

-4

 

58

 

10

West Ham United

 

38

 

14

 

9

 

15

 

43

 

52

 

-9

 

51

 

11

Chelsea

 

38

 

12

 

14

 

12

 

46

 

44

 

+2

 

50

 

12

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

35

 

50

 

-15

 

43

 

13

Leeds United

 

38

 

12

 

7

 

19

 

40

 

57

 

-17

 

43

 

14

Wimbledon

 

38

 

10

 

11

 

17

 

55

 

70

 

-15

 

41

 

15

Sheffield Wednesday

 

38

 

10

 

10

 

18

 

48

 

61

 

-13

 

40

 

16

Coventry City

 

38

 

8

 

14

 

16

 

42

 

60

 

-18

 

38

 

17

Southampton

 

38

 

9

 

11

 

18

 

34

 

52

 

-18

 

38

 

18

Manchester City

 

38

 

9

 

11

 

18

 

33

 

58

 

-25

 

38

 

19

Queens Park Rangers

 

38

 

9

 

6

 

23

 

38

 

57

 

-19

 

33

 

20

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

8

 

5

 

25

 

39

 

71

 

-32

 

29

 

 

474



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1996/97

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

21

 

12

 

5

 

76

 

44

 

+32

 

75

 

2

Newcastle United

 

38

 

19

 

11

 

8

 

73

 

40

 

+33

 

68

 

3

Arsenal

 

38

 

19

 

11

 

8

 

62

 

32

 

+30

 

68

 

4

Liverpool

 

38

 

19

 

11

 

8

 

62

 

37

 

+25

 

68

 

5

Aston Villa

 

38

 

17

 

10

 

11

 

47

 

34

 

+13

 

61

 

6

Chelsea

 

38

 

16

 

11

 

11

 

58

 

55

 

+3

 

59

 

7

Sheffield Wednesday

 

38

 

14

 

15

 

9

 

50

 

51

 

-1

 

57

 

8

Wimbledon

 

38

 

15

 

11

 

12

 

49

 

46

 

+3

 

56

 

9

Leicester City

 

38

 

12

 

11

 

15

 

46

 

54

 

-8

 

47

 

10

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

13

 

7

 

18

 

44

 

51

 

-7

 

46

 

11

Leeds United

 

38

 

11

 

13

 

14

 

28

 

38

 

-10

 

46

 

12

Derby County

 

38

 

11

 

13

 

14

 

45

 

58

 

-13

 

46

 

13

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

9

 

15

 

14

 

42

 

43

 

-1

 

42

 

14

West Ham United

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

39

 

48

 

-9

 

42

 

15

Everton

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

44

 

57

 

-13

 

42

 

16

Southampton

 

38

 

10

 

11

 

17

 

50

 

56

 

-6

 

41

 

17

Coventry City

 

38

 

9

 

14

 

15

 

38

 

54

 

-16

 

41

 

18

Sunderland

 

38

 

10

 

10

 

18

 

35

 

53

 

-18

 

40

 

19

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

51

 

60

 

-9

 

39

*

20

Nottingham Forest

 

38

 

6

 

16

 

16

 

31

 

59

 

-28

 

34

 

 


*Middlesbrough deducted 3 points

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1997/98

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Arsenal

 

38

 

23

 

9

 

6

 

68

 

33

 

+35

 

78

 

2

Manchester United

 

38

 

23

 

8

 

7

 

73

 

26

 

+47

 

77

 

3

Liverpool

 

38

 

18

 

11

 

9

 

68

 

42

 

+26

 

65

 

4

Chelsea

 

38

 

20

 

3

 

15

 

71

 

43

 

+28

 

63

 

5

Leeds United

 

38

 

17

 

8

 

13

 

57

 

46

 

+11

 

59

 

6

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

16

 

10

 

12

 

57

 

52

 

+5

 

58

 

7

Aston Villa

 

38

 

17

 

6

 

15

 

49

 

48

 

+1

 

57

 

8

West Ham United

 

38

 

16

 

8

 

14

 

56

 

57

 

-1

 

56

 

9

Derby County

 

38

 

16

 

7

 

15

 

52

 

49

 

+3

 

55

 

10

Leicester City

 

38

 

13

 

14

 

11

 

51

 

41

 

+10

 

53

 

11

Coventry City

 

38

 

12

 

16

 

10

 

46

 

44

 

+2

 

52

 

12

Southampton

 

38

 

14

 

6

 

18

 

50

 

55

 

-5

 

48

 

13

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

11

 

16

 

35

 

44

 

-9

 

44

 

14

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

11

 

11

 

16

 

44

 

56

 

-12

 

44

 

15

Wimbledon

 

38

 

10

 

14

 

14

 

34

 

46

 

-12

 

44

 

16

Sheffield Wednesday

 

38

 

12

 

8

 

18

 

52

 

67

 

-15

 

44

 

17

Everton

 

38

 

9

 

13

 

16

 

41

 

56

 

-15

 

40

 

18

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

9

 

13

 

16

 

41

 

61

 

-20

 

40

 

19

Barnsley

 

38

 

10

 

5

 

23

 

37

 

82

 

-45

 

35

 

20

Crystal Palace

 

38

 

8

 

9

 

21

 

37

 

71

 

-34

 

33

 

 

475



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1998/99

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

22

 

13

 

3

 

80

 

37

 

+43

 

79

 

2

Arsenal

 

38

 

22

 

12

 

4

 

59

 

17

 

+42

 

78

 

3

Chelsea

 

38

 

20

 

15

 

3

 

57

 

30

 

+27

 

75

 

4

Leeds United

 

38

 

18

 

13

 

7

 

62

 

34

 

+28

 

67

 

5

West Ham United

 

38

 

16

 

9

 

13

 

46

 

53

 

-7

 

57

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

15

 

10

 

13

 

51

 

46

 

+5

 

55

 

7

Liverpool

 

38

 

15

 

9

 

14

 

68

 

49

 

+19

 

54

 

8

Derby County

 

38

 

13

 

13

 

12

 

40

 

45

 

-5

 

52

 

9

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

12

 

15

 

11

 

48

 

54

 

-6

 

51

 

10

Leicester City

 

38

 

12

 

13

 

13

 

40

 

46

 

-6

 

49

 

11

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

11

 

14

 

13

 

47

 

50

 

-3

 

47

 

12

Sheffield Wednesday

 

38

 

13

 

7

 

18

 

41

 

42

 

-1

 

46

 

13

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

13

 

14

 

48

 

54

 

-6

 

46

 

14

Everton

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

42

 

47

 

-5

 

43

 

15

Coventry City

 

38

 

11

 

9

 

18

 

39

 

51

 

-12

 

42

 

16

Wimbledon

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

40

 

63

 

-23

 

42

 

17

Southampton

 

38

 

11

 

8

 

19

 

37

 

64

 

-27

 

41

 

18

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

8

 

12

 

18

 

41

 

56

 

-15

 

36

 

19

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

7

 

14

 

17

 

38

 

52

 

-14

 

35

 

20

Nottingham Forest

 

38

 

7

 

9

 

22

 

35

 

69

 

-34

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 1999/2000

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

28

 

7

 

3

 

97

 

45

 

+52

 

91

 

2

Arsenal

 

38

 

22

 

7

 

9

 

73

 

43

 

+30

 

73

 

3

Leeds United

 

38

 

21

 

6

 

11

 

58

 

43

 

+15

 

69

 

4

Liverpool

 

38

 

19

 

10

 

9

 

51

 

30

 

+21

 

67

 

5

Chelsea

 

38

 

18

 

11

 

9

 

53

 

34

 

+19

 

65

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

15

 

13

 

10

 

46

 

35

 

+11

 

58

 

7

Sunderland

 

38

 

16

 

10

 

12

 

57

 

56

 

+1

 

58

 

8

Leicester City

 

38

 

16

 

7

 

15

 

55

 

55

 

0

 

55

 

9

West Ham United

 

38

 

15

 

10

 

13

 

52

 

53

 

-1

 

55

 

10

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

15

 

8

 

15

 

57

 

49

 

+8

 

53

 

11

Newcastle United

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

63

 

54

 

+9

 

52

 

12

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

46

 

52

 

-6

 

52

 

13

Everton

 

38

 

12

 

14

 

12

 

59

 

49

 

+10

 

50

 

14

Coventry City

 

38

 

12

 

8

 

18

 

47

 

54

 

-7

 

44

 

15

Southampton

 

38

 

12

 

8

 

18

 

45

 

62

 

-17

 

44

 

16

Derby County

 

38

 

9

 

11

 

18

 

44

 

57

 

-13

 

38

 

17

Bradford City

 

38

 

9

 

9

 

20

 

38

 

68

 

-30

 

36

 

18

Wimbledon

 

38

 

7

 

12

 

19

 

46

 

74

 

-28

 

33

 

19

Sheffield Wednesday

 

38

 

8

 

7

 

23

 

38

 

70

 

-32

 

31

 

20

Watford

 

38

 

6

 

6

 

26

 

35

 

77

 

-42

 

24

 

 

476



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2000/01

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

24

 

8

 

6

 

79

 

31

 

+48

 

80

 

2

Arsenal

 

38

 

20

 

10

 

8

 

63

 

38

 

+25

 

70

 

3

Liverpool

 

38

 

20

 

9

 

9

 

71

 

39

 

+32

 

69

 

4

Leeds United

 

38

 

20

 

8

 

10

 

64

 

43

 

+21

 

68

 

5

Ipswich Town

 

38

 

20

 

6

 

12

 

57

 

42

 

+15

 

66

 

6

Chelsea

 

38

 

17

 

10

 

11

 

68

 

45

 

+23

 

61

 

7

Sunderland

 

38

 

15

 

12

 

11

 

46

 

41

 

+5

 

57

 

8

Aston Villa

 

38

 

13

 

15

 

10

 

46

 

43

 

+3

 

54

 

9

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

50

 

57

 

-7

 

52

 

10

Southampton

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

40

 

48

 

-8

 

52

 

11

Newcastle United

 

38

 

14

 

9

 

15

 

44

 

50

 

-6

 

51

 

12

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

13

 

10

 

15

 

47

 

54

 

-7

 

49

 

13

Leicester City

 

38

 

14

 

6

 

18

 

39

 

51

 

-12

 

48

 

14

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

9

 

15

 

14

 

44

 

44

 

0

 

42

 

15

West Ham United

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

45

 

50

 

-5

 

42

 

16

Everton

 

38

 

11

 

9

 

18

 

45

 

59

 

-14

 

42

 

17

Derby County

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

37

 

59

 

-22

 

42

 

18

Manchester City

 

38

 

8

 

10

 

20

 

41

 

65

 

-24

 

34

 

19

Coventry City

 

38

 

8

 

10

 

20

 

36

 

63

 

-27

 

34

 

20

Bradford City

 

38

 

5

 

11

 

22

 

30

 

70

 

-40

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2001/02

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Arsenal

 

38

 

26

 

9

 

3

 

79

 

36

 

+43

 

87

 

2

Liverpool

 

38

 

24

 

8

 

6

 

67

 

30

 

+37

 

80

 

3

Manchester United

 

38

 

24

 

5

 

9

 

87

 

45

 

+42

 

77

 

4

Newcastle United

 

38

 

21

 

8

 

9

 

74

 

52

 

+22

 

71

 

5

Leeds United

 

38

 

18

 

12

 

8

 

53

 

37

 

+16

 

66

 

6

Chelsea

 

38

 

17

 

13

 

8

 

66

 

38

 

+28

 

64

 

7

West Ham United

 

38

 

15

 

8

 

15

 

48

 

57

 

-9

 

53

 

8

Aston Villa

 

38

 

12

 

14

 

12

 

46

 

47

 

-1

 

50

 

9

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

14

 

8

 

16

 

49

 

53

 

-4

 

50

 

10

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

12

 

10

 

16

 

55

 

51

 

+4

 

46

 

11

Southampton

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

46

 

54

 

-8

 

45

 

12

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

35

 

47

 

-12

 

45

 

13

Fulham

 

38

 

10

 

14

 

14

 

36

 

44

 

-8

 

44

 

14

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

10

 

14

 

14

 

38

 

49

 

-11

 

44

 

15

Everton

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

45

 

57

 

-12

 

43

 

16

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

9

 

13

 

16

 

44

 

62

 

-18

 

40

 

17

Sunderland

 

38

 

10

 

10

 

18

 

29

 

51

 

-22

 

40

 

18

Ipswich Town

 

38

 

9

 

9

 

20

 

41

 

64

 

-23

 

36

 

19

Derby County

 

38

 

8

 

6

 

24

 

33

 

63

 

-30

 

30

 

20

Leicester City

 

38

 

5

 

13

 

20

 

30

 

64

 

-34

 

28

 

 

477


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2002/03

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

25

 

8

 

5

 

74

 

34

 

+40

 

83

 

2

Arsenal

 

38

 

23

 

9

 

6

 

85

 

42

 

+43

 

78

 

3

Newcastle United

 

38

 

21

 

6

 

11

 

63

 

48

 

+15

 

69

 

4

Chelsea

 

38

 

19

 

10

 

9

 

68

 

38

 

+30

 

67

 

5

Liverpool

 

38

 

18

 

10

 

10

 

61

 

41

 

+20

 

64

 

6

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

16

 

12

 

10

 

52

 

43

 

+9

 

60

 

7

Everton

 

38

 

17

 

8

 

13

 

48

 

49

 

-1

 

59

 

8

Southampton

 

38

 

13

 

13

 

12

 

43

 

46

 

-3

 

52

 

9

Manchester City

 

38

 

15

 

6

 

17

 

47

 

54

 

-7

 

51

 

10

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

14

 

8

 

16

 

51

 

62

 

-11

 

50

 

11

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

13

 

10

 

15

 

48

 

44

 

+4

 

49

 

12

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

14

 

7

 

17

 

45

 

56

 

-11

 

49

 

13

Birmingham City

 

38

 

13

 

9

 

16

 

41

 

49

 

-8

 

48

 

14

Fulham

 

38

 

13

 

9

 

16

 

41

 

50

 

-9

 

48

 

15

Leeds United

 

38

 

14

 

5

 

19

 

58

 

57

 

1

 

47

 

16

Aston Villa

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

42

 

47

 

-5

 

45

 

17

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

10

 

14

 

14

 

41

 

51

 

-10

 

44

 

18

West Ham United

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

42

 

59

 

-17

 

42

 

19

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

6

 

8

 

24

 

29

 

65

 

-36

 

26

 

20

Sunderland

 

38

 

4

 

7

 

27

 

21

 

65

 

-44

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2003/04

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Arsenal

 

38

 

26

 

12

 

0

 

73

 

26

 

+47

 

90

 

2

Chelsea

 

38

 

24

 

7

 

7

 

67

 

30

 

+37

 

79

 

3

Manchester United

 

38

 

23

 

6

 

9

 

64

 

35

 

+29

 

75

 

4

Liverpool

 

38

 

16

 

12

 

10

 

55

 

37

 

+18

 

60

 

5

Newcastle United

 

38

 

13

 

17

 

8

 

52

 

40

 

+12

 

56

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

15

 

11

 

12

 

48

 

44

 

+4

 

56

 

7

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

14

 

11

 

13

 

51

 

51

 

0

 

53

 

8

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

14

 

11

 

13

 

48

 

56

 

-8

 

53

 

9

Fulham

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

52

 

46

 

+6

 

52

 

10

Birmingham City

 

38

 

12

 

14

 

12

 

43

 

48

 

-5

 

50

 

11

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

13

 

9

 

16

 

44

 

52

 

-8

 

48

 

12

Southampton

 

38

 

12

 

11

 

15

 

44

 

45

 

-1

 

47

 

13

Portsmouth

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

47

 

54

 

-7

 

45

 

14

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

13

 

6

 

19

 

47

 

57

 

-10

 

45

 

15

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

12

 

8

 

18

 

51

 

59

 

-8

 

44

 

16

Manchester City

 

38

 

9

 

14

 

15

 

55

 

54

 

+1

 

41

 

17

Everton

 

38

 

9

 

12

 

17

 

45

 

57

 

-12

 

39

 

18

Leicester City

 

38

 

6

 

15

 

17

 

48

 

65

 

-17

 

33

 

19

Leeds United

 

38

 

8

 

9

 

21

 

40

 

79

 

-39

 

33

 

20

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

38

 

7

 

12

 

19

 

38

 

77

 

-39

 

33

 

 

478



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2004/05

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Chelsea

 

38

 

29

 

8

 

1

 

72

 

15

 

+57

 

95

 

2

Arsenal

 

38

 

25

 

8

 

5

 

87

 

36

 

+51

 

83

 

3

Manchester United

 

38

 

22

 

11

 

5

 

58

 

26

 

+32

 

77

 

4

Everton

 

38

 

18

 

7

 

13

 

45

 

46

 

-1

 

61

 

5

Liverpool

 

38

 

17

 

7

 

14

 

52

 

41

 

+11

 

58

 

6

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

16

 

10

 

12

 

49

 

44

 

+5

 

58

 

7

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

14

 

13

 

11

 

53

 

46

 

+7

 

55

 

8

Manchester City

 

38

 

13

 

13

 

12

 

47

 

39

 

+8

 

52

 

9

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

14

 

10

 

14

 

47

 

41

 

+6

 

52

 

10

Aston Villa

 

38

 

12

 

11

 

15

 

45

 

52

 

-7

 

47

 

11

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

12

 

10

 

16

 

42

 

58

 

-16

 

46

 

12

Birmingham City

 

38

 

11

 

12

 

15

 

40

 

46

 

-6

 

45

 

13

Fulham

 

38

 

12

 

8

 

18

 

52

 

60

 

-8

 

44

 

14

Newcastle United

 

38

 

10

 

14

 

14

 

47

 

57

 

-10

 

44

 

15

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

9

 

15

 

14

 

32

 

43

 

-11

 

42

 

16

Portsmouth

 

38

 

10

 

9

 

19

 

43

 

59

 

-16

 

39

 

17

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

6

 

16

 

16

 

36

 

61

 

-25

 

34

 

18

Crystal Palace

 

38

 

7

 

12

 

19

 

41

 

62

 

-21

 

33

 

19

Norwich City

 

38

 

7

 

12

 

19

 

42

 

77

 

-35

 

33

 

20

Southampton

 

38

 

6

 

14

 

18

 

45

 

66

 

-21

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2005/06

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Chelsea

 

38

 

29

 

4

 

5

 

72

 

22

 

+50

 

91

 

2

Manchester United

 

38

 

25

 

8

 

5

 

72

 

34

 

+38

 

83

 

3

Liverpool

 

38

 

25

 

7

 

6

 

57

 

25

 

+32

 

82

 

4

Arsenal

 

38

 

20

 

7

 

11

 

68

 

31

 

+37

 

67

 

5

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

18

 

11

 

9

 

53

 

38

 

+15

 

65

 

6

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

19

 

6

 

13

 

51

 

42

 

+9

 

63

 

7

Newcastle United

 

38

 

17

 

7

 

14

 

47

 

42

 

+5

 

58

 

8

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

15

 

11

 

12

 

49

 

41

 

+8

 

56

 

9

West Ham United

 

38

 

16

 

7

 

15

 

52

 

55

 

-3

 

55

 

10

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

15

 

6

 

17

 

45

 

52

 

-7

 

51

 

11

Everton

 

38

 

14

 

8

 

16

 

34

 

49

 

-15

 

50

 

12

Fulham

 

38

 

14

 

6

 

18

 

48

 

58

 

-10

 

48

 

13

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

13

 

8

 

17

 

41

 

55

 

-14

 

47

 

14

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

48

 

58

 

-10

 

45

 

15

Manchester City

 

38

 

13

 

4

 

21

 

43

 

48

 

-5

 

43

 

16

Aston Villa

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

42

 

55

 

-13

 

42

 

17

Portsmouth

 

38

 

10

 

8

 

20

 

37

 

62

 

-25

 

38

 

18

Birmingham City

 

38

 

8

 

10

 

20

 

28

 

50

 

-22

 

34

 

19

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

7

 

9

 

22

 

31

 

58

 

-27

 

30

 

20

Sunderland

 

38

 

3

 

6

 

29

 

26

 

69

 

-43

 

15

 

 

479



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2006/07

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

28

 

5

 

5

 

83

 

27

 

+56

 

89

 

2

Chelsea

 

38

 

24

 

11

 

3

 

64

 

24

 

+40

 

83

 

3

Liverpool

 

38

 

20

 

8

 

10

 

57

 

27

 

+30

 

68

 

4

Arsenal

 

38

 

19

 

11

 

8

 

63

 

35

 

+28

 

68

 

5

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

17

 

9

 

12

 

57

 

54

 

+3

 

60

 

6

Everton

 

38

 

15

 

13

 

10

 

52

 

36

 

+16

 

58

 

7

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

16

 

8

 

14

 

47

 

52

 

-5

 

56

 

8

Reading

 

38

 

16

 

7

 

15

 

52

 

47

 

+5

 

55

 

9

Portsmouth

 

38

 

14

 

12

 

12

 

45

 

42

 

+3

 

54

 

10

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

15

 

7

 

16

 

52

 

54

 

-2

 

52

 

11

Aston Villa

 

38

 

11

 

17

 

10

 

43

 

41

 

+2

 

50

 

12

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

12

 

10

 

16

 

44

 

49

 

-5

 

46

 

13

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

38

 

47

 

-9

 

43

 

14

Manchester City

 

38

 

11

 

9

 

18

 

29

 

44

 

-15

 

42

 

15

West Ham United

 

38

 

12

 

5

 

21

 

35

 

59

 

-24

 

41

 

16

Fulham

 

38

 

8

 

15

 

15

 

38

 

60

 

-22

 

39

 

17

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

10

 

8

 

20

 

37

 

59

 

-22

 

38

 

18

Sheffield United

 

38

 

10

 

8

 

20

 

32

 

55

 

-23

 

38

 

19

Charlton Athletic

 

38

 

8

 

10

 

20

 

34

 

60

 

-26

 

34

 

20

Watford

 

38

 

5

 

13

 

20

 

29

 

59

 

-30

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2007/08

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

27

 

6

 

5

 

80

 

22

 

+58

 

87

 

2

Chelsea

 

38

 

25

 

10

 

3

 

65

 

26

 

+39

 

85

 

3

Arsenal

 

38

 

24

 

11

 

3

 

74

 

31

 

+43

 

83

 

4

Liverpool

 

38

 

21

 

13

 

4

 

67

 

28

 

+39

 

76

 

5

Everton

 

38

 

19

 

8

 

11

 

55

 

33

 

+22

 

65

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

16

 

12

 

10

 

71

 

51

 

+20

 

60

 

7

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

15

 

13

 

10

 

50

 

48

 

+2

 

58

 

8

Portsmouth

 

38

 

16

 

9

 

13

 

48

 

40

 

+8

 

57

 

9

Manchester City

 

38

 

15

 

10

 

13

 

45

 

53

 

-8

 

55

 

10

West Ham United

 

38

 

13

 

10

 

15

 

42

 

50

 

-8

 

49

 

11

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

11

 

13

 

14

 

66

 

61

 

+5

 

46

 

12

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

45

 

65

 

-20

 

43

 

13

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

10

 

12

 

16

 

43

 

53

 

-10

 

42

 

14

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

10

 

10

 

18

 

34

 

51

 

-17

 

40

 

15

Sunderland

 

38

 

11

 

6

 

21

 

36

 

59

 

-23

 

39

 

16

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

9

 

10

 

19

 

36

 

54

 

-18

 

37

 

17

Fulham

 

38

 

8

 

12

 

18

 

38

 

60

 

-22

 

36

 

18

Reading

 

38

 

10

 

6

 

22

 

41

 

66

 

-25

 

36

 

19

Birmingham City

 

38

 

8

 

11

 

19

 

46

 

62

 

-16

 

35

 

20

Derby County

 

38

 

1

 

8

 

29

 

20

 

89

 

-69

 

11

 

 

480



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2008/09

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

28

 

6

 

4

 

68

 

24

 

+44

 

90

 

2

Liverpool

 

38

 

25

 

11

 

2

 

77

 

27

 

+50

 

86

 

3

Chelsea

 

38

 

25

 

8

 

5

 

68

 

24

 

+44

 

83

 

4

Arsenal

 

38

 

20

 

12

 

6

 

68

 

37

 

+31

 

72

 

5

Everton

 

38

 

17

 

12

 

9

 

55

 

37

 

+18

 

63

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

17

 

11

 

10

 

54

 

48

 

+6

 

62

 

7

Fulham

 

38

 

14

 

11

 

13

 

39

 

34

 

+5

 

53

 

8

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

14

 

9

 

15

 

45

 

45

 

0

 

51

 

9

West Ham United

 

38

 

14

 

9

 

15

 

42

 

45

 

-3

 

51

 

10

Manchester City

 

38

 

15

 

5

 

18

 

58

 

50

 

+8

 

50

 

11

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

34

 

45

 

-11

 

45

 

12

Stoke City

 

38

 

12

 

9

 

17

 

38

 

55

 

-17

 

45

 

13

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

11

 

8

 

19

 

41

 

53

 

-12

 

41

 

14

Portsmouth

 

38

 

10

 

11

 

17

 

38

 

57

 

-19

 

41

 

15

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

10

 

11

 

17

 

40

 

60

 

-20

 

41

 

16

Sunderland

 

38

 

9

 

9

 

20

 

34

 

54

 

-20

 

36

 

17

Hull City

 

38

 

8

 

11

 

19

 

39

 

64

 

-25

 

35

 

18

Newcastle United

 

38

 

7

 

13

 

18

 

40

 

59

 

-19

 

34

 

19

Middlesbrough

 

38

 

7

 

11

 

20

 

28

 

57

 

-29

 

32

 

20

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

8

 

8

 

22

 

36

 

67

 

-31

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2009/10

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Chelsea

 

38

 

27

 

5

 

6

 

103

 

32

 

+71

 

86

 

2

Manchester United

 

38

 

27

 

4

 

7

 

86

 

28

 

+58

 

85

 

3

Arsenal

 

38

 

23

 

6

 

9

 

83

 

41

 

+42

 

75

 

4

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

21

 

7

 

10

 

67

 

41

 

+26

 

70

 

5

Manchester City

 

38

 

18

 

13

 

7

 

73

 

45

 

+28

 

67

 

6

Aston Villa

 

38

 

17

 

13

 

8

 

52

 

39

 

+13

 

64

 

7

Liverpool

 

38

 

18

 

9

 

11

 

61

 

35

 

+26

 

63

 

8

Everton

 

38

 

16

 

13

 

9

 

60

 

49

 

+11

 

61

 

9

Birmingham City

 

38

 

13

 

11

 

14

 

38

 

47

 

-9

 

50

 

10

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

13

 

11

 

14

 

41

 

55

 

-14

 

50

 

11

Stoke City

 

38

 

11

 

14

 

13

 

34

 

48

 

-14

 

47

 

12

Fulham

 

38

 

12

 

10

 

16

 

39

 

46

 

-7

 

46

 

13

Sunderland

 

38

 

11

 

11

 

16

 

48

 

56

 

-8

 

44

 

14

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

10

 

9

 

19

 

42

 

67

 

-25

 

39

 

15

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

38

 

9

 

11

 

18

 

32

 

56

 

-24

 

38

 

16

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

9

 

9

 

20

 

37

 

79

 

-42

 

36

 

17

West Ham United

 

38

 

8

 

11

 

19

 

47

 

66

 

-19

 

35

 

18

Burnley

 

38

 

8

 

6

 

24

 

42

 

82

 

-40

 

30

 

19

Hull City

 

38

 

6

 

12

 

20

 

34

 

75

 

-41

 

30

 

20

Portsmouth

 

38

 

7

 

7

 

24

 

34

 

66

 

-32

 

19

*

 


*Portsmouth deducted 9 points

 

481



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier League 2010/11

 

P

 

W

 

D

 

L

 

GF

 

GA

 

GD

 

PTS

 

1

Manchester United

 

38

 

23

 

11

 

4

 

78

 

37

 

+41

 

80

 

2

Chelsea

 

38

 

21

 

8

 

9

 

69

 

33

 

+36

 

71

 

3

Manchester City

 

38

 

21

 

8

 

9

 

60

 

33

 

+27

 

71

 

4

Arsenal

 

38

 

19

 

11

 

8

 

72

 

43

 

+29

 

68

 

5

Tottenham Hotspur

 

38

 

16

 

14

 

8

 

55

 

46

 

+9

 

62

 

6

Liverpool

 

38

 

17

 

7

 

14

 

59

 

44

 

+15

 

58

 

7

Everton

 

38

 

13

 

15

 

10

 

51

 

45

 

+6

 

54

 

8

Fulham

 

38

 

11

 

16

 

11

 

49

 

43

 

+6

 

49

 

9

Aston Villa

 

38

 

12

 

12

 

14

 

48

 

59

 

-11

 

48

 

10

Sunderland

 

38

 

12

 

11

 

15

 

45

 

56

 

-11

 

47

 

11

West Bromwich Albion

 

38

 

12

 

11

 

15

 

56

 

71

 

-15

 

47

 

12

Newcastle United

 

38

 

11

 

13

 

14

 

56

 

57

 

-1

 

46

 

13

Stoke City

 

38

 

13

 

7

 

18

 

46

 

48

 

-2

 

46

 

14

Bolton Wanderers

 

38

 

12

 

10

 

16

 

52

 

56

 

-4

 

46

 

15

Blackburn Rovers

 

38

 

11

 

10

 

17

 

46

 

59

 

-13

 

43

 

16

Wigan Athletic

 

38

 

9

 

15

 

14

 

40

 

61

 

-21

 

42

 

17

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

38

 

11

 

7

 

20

 

46

 

66

 

-20

 

40

 

18

Birmingham City

 

38

 

8

 

15

 

15

 

37

 

58

 

-21

 

39

 

19

Blackpool

 

38

 

10

 

9

 

19

 

55

 

78

 

-23

 

39

 

20

West Ham United

 

38

 

7

 

12

 

19

 

43

 

70

 

-27

 

33

 

 

482



 

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