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Rules and Constitution

Rules & Constitution

(As amended 5th May 2021)

 

Rule 1 Title

The League shall be called “The Kildare and District

Football League” hereinafter referred to as “The

League.”

 

Rule 2 Affiliation

The League shall be affiliated to The Leinster

Football Association and The Football Association of

Ireland.

 

Rule 3 Objects

The objects of the League shall be to co-operate with

The Bodies mentioned in Rule 2 in their efforts to promote, foster

and develop the game of Association Football in The

Kildare & District Football League area, and to take

such steps as may be deemed necessary or advisable

to prevent any infringements of the rules of the game

or other improper methods or practices in the game

and to protect it from abuse and to do all such things

as are incidental or inductive to the attainment of

these objects.

 

Rule 4 Membership

a) Clubs having their own grounds, public grounds, or

use of, shall be eligible for membership subject to the

approval of the League. On admission to the League

each club, their respective officials, representatives,

players and members shall be bound by the decisions

of the League which shall be final and binding on all

concerned, subject to all existing rights of appeal to the Leinster Football Association, in the first instance and then to the Football Association of Ireland and or independent arbitration thereafter. 

b) A club shall not be admitted to the League if it

cannot provide a permanent home venue for its

fixtures. The League will inspect these facilities in

order to ensure that they are of the required standard.

The league may in exceptional circumstances allow a

club to play its’ home games at the away venue on a

temporary basis. 

c) All new teams/clubs wishing to enter the league must ensure they have adequate internal structures in place within their clubs (ie. Committee/security of grounds/financial)

d) The League to allow the naming of a designated youth team by Clubs in addition to an existing team/s.

e) Clubs must have their pitch roped off/barriers in place for all senior League and senior cup games. 

c) Senior division clubs must have suitable dressing facilities in place by the commencement of the 2015 season.

 

Rule 5 Application for Membership

Application from intending Clubs for admission to

the League, which must be made in writing on the

Official Club Registration Form, not later than February 15th each year should include the following particulars:

a) Situation of grounds and whether public or

private

b) Club colours

c) Names and addresses of club secretary and

members of the committee

d) Telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of officers.

e) Proof that the club holds a current Public

Liability Insurance Policy.

Teams changing secretaries or secretaries changing

their addresses must notify the Hon. Secretary of The

League, Hon. Secretary of each League Club and the

Secretaries of The L.F.A. and the F.A.I. immediately.

Failure to do so may render a team liable to removal

from competition.

(f) All Clubs to submit with their application a copy of their current Rules and Constitution. 

(g) All Clubs adopt, if they do not have already, a generic email address with multiple log ins. 

 

Rule 6 Control of League

a) The control of the League shall be vested in the

Executive Committee, hereinafter called The

Executive, which shall consist of President,

Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar and

other Committee members as shall be deemed

necessary, all of whom shall be elected at the Annual

General Meeting. Any three of the Executive shall

form a quorum.

b)The Executive shall appoint a manager and / or

other technical staff to select, manage, train and

coach all teams representing the League.

 

Rule 7 Vacancies in Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall fill by co-option any

vacancies arising in the Committee during their term

of office. Should there be no nomination for a vacant

position on the Executive Committee to the League

Annual General Meeting the incoming Committee

may fill the position by appointing one of its number

or by co-option.

 

Rule 8 Access to Books etc.

Every member of the Executive shall have the right of

access, at all reasonable times, to the books,

documents, accounts and vouchers of the League and

shall be entitled to receive from the Committee and

the Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer such

information and explanation as he/she may consider

necessary in connection with any item of items of

expenditure.

 

Rule 9 Meetings

a) The Executive Committee shall meet at least

once a month for the purpose of transacting

any business that may arise and to receive a

monthly financial statement from the Hon.

Treasurer.

b) A Meeting of Club Representatives,

hereinafter referred to as the League Council,

shall be held bi-monthly or as often as

necessary at which the business to be

transacted will consist of the reading of

minutes, correspondence, financial statement

and any other business that may arise. These

meetings shall be held on Wednesday. Each

affiliated Club must send a representative to

these meetings and only those bearing the

authorisation of the Club will be allowed to

attend. A deputy delegate may be appointed in

writing but in no case may two or more Clubs

be represented by the same delegate.

c) The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-

Chairman shall preside over all meetings of

the League at which he/she is present and

shall conduct the business in accordance with

the ordinary rules of procedure of which

he/she, shall be the judge. Should a vacancy

occur in the Office of Chairman or Vice-

Chairman, the Executive Committee shall

have the power to fill the vacancy from

amongst its members. In the absence of both

Chairman and Vice-Chairman they shall

appoint a member of the Executive Committee

to act as Chairman. In the case of equality of

votes on any motion the presiding Chairman

shall have a casting vote as well as an original

one.

 

Rule 10 Non Attendance at Meetings

Should any member of the Executive Committee

absent himself/herself for three successive meetings

without special leave of absence or reason, deemed

satisfactory to the Committee, he/she shall be deemed

to have resigned. In the event of a member of the

League Council absenting himself/herself from a

League Management meeting his/her club shall be

fined an amount as prescribed in the standard

Schedule of Fines.

 

Rule 11 Annual General Meeting

a) Notification of the date of the Annual General

Meeting and all matters which it is intended to

include in the agenda, together with details of

resolutions and proposed alterations and/or

additions to the Rules must be sent in writing

to each club by the League Hon. Secretary

not less than 7 calendar (seven) days before

the date of the Annual General Meeting. Each

affiliated club shall be entitled to

representation at the Annual General Meeting

by 3 (three) delegates but no two or more

clubs may be represented by the same

delegate. The AGM shall take place at a date in February / March each year.

b) Members of the outgoing Executive

Committee shall be present at the Annual

General Meeting and shall have full voting

powers.

c) A Special General Meeting may be called by

the Executive Committee as may be deemed

necessary or a Special General Meeting shall

also be called upon receipt by the Hon.

Secretary of the League of a Requisition

signed by the secretaries of at least half of the

affiliated Clubs. The only business to be

transacted at such meeting shall be that

specified on the requisition or contained in the

agenda issued by the Hon. Secretary of the

League. 7 calendar (seven) days notice of any

such meeting shall be given to the secretaries

of all clubs in the League.

d) Any alteration or addition to these rules being

deemed necessary, notice of the proposed

alteration/addition must be sent to the Hon.

Secretary of the League, bearing a postmark

not less than 21 calendar (twenty-one) days

before the date of the Annual General

Meeting, signed on behalf of the club

concerned by the Hon. Secretary and Hon.

Chairman of that club. Such

alteration/addition shall not be made unless

supported by a two-third majority of those

present and voting at the A.G.M.

e)The Hon. Treasurer of the League shall furnish to the

secretary of each club an audited statement of

accounts with the League for the previous year not

less than 7 calendar (seven) days prior to the date of

the A.G.M.

f) The business of the Annual General Meeting

shall be:

1) To receive a report from the

Committee of the working of the

League during the Season.

2) To consider the Statement of Accounts

3) To elect an Executive Committee for

the following Season.

4) To transact any other business that

may arise.

5) To debate all motions (which are

deemed in order by the Executive

Committee) which have been

submitted by clubs or the Executive

Committee.

6) Nominations for election to the

Executive Committee shall be

submitted to the League Secretary not

less than 21 calendar (twenty-one)

days before the date of the A.G.M.

such nominations must be signed by at

least 2 (two) officers of the

nominating Club.

7) The League Secretary shall issue a list

of outgoing and retiring officers and

Committee personnel at least 30

calendar (thirty) days in advance of the

A.G.M. Outgoing personnel need not

be nominated by Clubs.

8) The A.G.M. shall elect the patrons

(Not more than eight) from the

nominations put forward through the

Executive Committee at least two

months (61 days) in advance of the

A.G.M. They shall be subject to

approval by the Executive Committee

before the A.G.M.

9) Any Club whose account is not paid in full prior to the AGM shall not have any voting right at the AGM or subsequent meetings until their account is clear.

 

Rule 12 Matches for League Purposes

The Executive Committee may arrange a

match/matches each season, the proceeds of which

will be devoted to League funds.

 

Rule 13 Competitions

a) The Executive Committee shall have the power to

organise competitions and to frame such rules as may

be necessary for these competitions.

b) The finals of the League and the Senior Division

cups shall be held in the best available ground. The

Committee shall decide on this issue.

 

Rule 14 Sub-Committees

All sub-committees shall be appointed by the

Executive Committee.

 

Rule 15 Inducement to act contrary to rules

Any club, team, official or player deemed guilty of

inducing or attempting to induce other clubs, teams

or officials to act contrary to the rules and decisions

of the Kildare and District Football League may be

liable to expulsion from the League. Or be otherwise dealt with as the Executive may decide.

 

Rule 16 Suspension

Any club or team suspended from the League shall

not take part in any competition under the auspices of

the League.

 

Rule 17 Notification of suspensions

Clubs shall be notified by email of notice of

suspensions affecting them except in the case of

serious misconduct where the decision will be

delivered by hand to a member of the executive of the

club involved the suspension becomes effective on

delivery. 


 

Rule 18 Finance

a) The Finances of the League shall be

controlled by the Executive Committee and

audited by recognised auditors who are

approved by the A.G.M.

b) The Financial year of the League shall

commence on the 1st January and end on 31st.

of December each year.

c) The Annual Player registration fee shall be decided by the incoming Executive Committee at their first meeting after the AGM, the player registration fee shall incorporate the League affiliation fee/s.

d) All financial commitments to the League must

be paid in the timeframe decided by the

Executive Committee. Any club in default

may be liable to forfeiture of ties or removal

from the League. All Club’s financial Commitments to the League for the previous season must be paid on or before the end of the financial year 31st December each year. Failure to do so will result in their application for membership being refused. 

e) A player stands suspended until any fines

attaching to him are paid in full.


 

Rule 19 Banking

The Hon. Treasurer shall take control of all funds. All

monies received must be lodged in an approved

Bank/s to the account/s of the K.D.F.L. Lodgements

to be made immediately so that no cash remains on

hand except outside of banking hours. The Chairman,

Treasurer and Secretary shall operate the account/s.

All drawings save as hereinafter provided, must be

made by cheque with the exception of authorised

petty cash expenditure in respect of postage and such

like. Any two of the above signatories are necessary

to operate the account/s.

 

Rule 20 Books

The Treasurer shall keep such books, which shall be

audited, as required by the Executive Committee.

He/She shall enter in a proper Analysis cashbook the

date of receipt of such monies as may be handed to

him/her, together with details of each withdrawal

from the bank.

 

Rule 21 League Secretary’s Expenses

The Hon. Secretary of the League shall be allowed

such sums as may be considered necessary to meet

his/her expenses during the season. He/she must

keep a true record of his/her receipts and expenditure

in a recognised account book complete with the dates

on which the expenditure was incurred. He/she must

submit his/her accounts to the Treasurer as and when

required but not later than 31st December each year.

 

Rule 22 League Trustees

The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer shall for the

time being be for all intents and purposes owners of

all Cups, Trophies, Monies and Property of the

League and shall deal with the same in accordance

with the direction of the Executive Committee.

 

Rule 23 Club Accounts/Records

a) Clubs shall keep minutes of their meetings,

showing names and dates of election of

members and enter details in their cashbooks

of all financial transactions.

b) The Executive Committee of the League shall

have power to call on clubs, their officers,

members or players to produce any books,

letters or documents and/or other evidence,

which may be desired.

c) All clubs in the League shall supply a true

copy of the Minutes of their A.G.M. and also

a copy of the club’s financial report to the

Executive Committee each Season.

 

Rule 24 Vacancies in the League

The Executive Committee alone has power to elect

clubs and to fill vacancies, which may arise and may

curtail or extend competitions at their discretion.

 

Rule 25 Right to Refuse Application

The Executive Committee reserve the right to refuse

an application for membership and to suspend, fine,

expel or otherwise deal with any club or members or

officials of a club for failing to comply with any order or

decision made by the Executive Committee or whose

conduct is considered prejudicial to the interest of the

League.

 

Rule 26 Notice of Suspension

The League Secretary upon approval of the

Disciplinary committee shall be empowered to inform

any Club, which is in breach of Rule 25 of immediate,

notice of suspension (per hand, post or email).

 

Rule 27 Conduct of League Officials

The Committee shall have power to investigate

charges against League Officials and to remove from

office any person whose conduct in the management

of League affairs has been proved objectionable.

 

Rule 28 Registration of Players

a) Players shall be registered on a form supplied by the League or downloaded in batch form from FAINet. Clubs must ensure all player registrations are logged on the FAINet registration system and uploaded, the registration is paid and the registration is approved by the FAINet League administrators before a player/s take part in competition.

b) The Registration Period shall be from the 1st.

of December to the 30th. of September

inclusive.

c) The Transfer Period shall be from 1st of June

to 30th. September inclusive.

d) If a player’s Registration expires naturally at

the end of the current season (i.e 31st. May for

the Winter Season / 30th. November for the

Summer Season )a transfer is not required for

the player to register with another club in

another League. Players registered with clubs

whose fixtures extend beyond the above dates

are committed to these clubs until their

fixtures are completed.

e) A player who is registered with a club playing

a Winter Season and who wishes to transfer to

a club playing a Summer Season must receive

a transfer from his club before 31st. January.

f) An Amateur player may be signed on a

Professional Contract for the Professional

game during the Professional Registration

periods.

g) A bona-fide player of a club is one who

otherwise being eligible is registered with the

Registrar of the League.

h)  A player cannot sign for a second club

without receiving a transfer from his first.

Clubs should note that a player who intends to

transfer cannot be registered unless he has

first received a transfer.

i) In accordance with FAI Rules all players must

be registered at least one calendar day between the date of receipt of the registration by the league and the date of the match  and at least 14 days before a

domestic cup/shield/play off game. For purposes of this rule Cup and

Shield games carry the same status.

j) A minor signing for the first time must complete  the

country of birth section of the form and also the date of

birth section. Players under the age of 18  wishing to compete must complete the date of birth section on the Registration form.

 

Rule 29 Transfers

All transfers shall be requested on the Official Form

supplied by the League or downloaded from www.fai.ie  and shall be granted or

rejected by the Executive Committee.The relevant transfer  fee to be paid to the

Treasurer with the transfer request. The Transfer request must also be logged on the FAINet registration system, uploaded and approved by FAINet League administrators prior to the player/s taking part in competition. 


 

Rule 30  Player Inducement

Any Club/Team deemed guilty of inducing or

attempting to induce a player from another

Club/Clubs may be liable to removal from the League

or otherwise dealt with as the Executive Committee

see fit.

 

Rule 31 Ineligible Players

Clubs proved guilty of playing ineligible players in

any competition under the auspices of K.D.F.L. shall

be fined an amount to be decided by the Executive

Committee for each offence and be otherwise dealt

with as the Executive Committee may determine. (eg

points deduction etc). Clubs have the right to purchase

from the League a “Signature Check Sheet”. This Sheet 

may be used at the club’s games to prove the identity / 

eligibility of up to four players on the opposing team via the

Match Official. Each Signature Check Sheet can be used for 

one game only. Extra Sheets can be purchased from the

League if required. The completed Signature Check Sheet

should then be lodged with the Protest in accordance with

Rule . The cost of the Signature Check Sheets shall be 

Decided by the League Committee from time to time.

The League in association with the Kildare Laois Branch of the ISRS have agreed in the interest of the game that a team can request a snap shot of the completed match card following any game played domestically. The person requesting the snap shot MUST be an official member of their Club, preferably the person who has completed the card initially.


 

Rule 32 Fixtures

a) Clubs will be notified of fixtures by publication of

the same in a National and/or Provincial newspaper,

for the time being the fixtures carried in The Leinster

Leader are deemed to be the official fixtures. The

Fixtures Secretary will advise clubs of any alteration

to this arrangement. The Fixtures Secretary at his/her

discretion may order teams to play evening games if

necessary.


 

Rule 33 Regrading

If a player has played  five or more games for a

team of his Clubs/Club in a high Division he can no

longer play for a team competing in a lower Division

without being re-graded. Not more than 5 (five)

players can be re-graded to a team in any one Season.

The final date for such re-grading shall be 30th.

September each year. Requests for re-grading must be

made on the official form supplied by the League.

 

Rule 34 Power to Alter Fixtures

The League Secretary/Fixtures Secretary shall

arrange all matches and he/she shall fix the time and

kick-off. No club shall have the power to postpone or

break a fixture or change the venue or time without

the prior consent of the League/Fixtures Secretary.

Postponements may not be granted.

Note: The kick-off time indicated by a club in its Application for

Membership of the League is a preferred kick-off time only and may be

altered by the Fixtures Secretary if the need arises.

In the event of a game being cancelled a club should be notified of

the cancellation by phone (not by email) 

 

Rule 35 Refusal of Clubs to Fulfil Fixture

a) Any Club refusing to fulfil a fixture as directed by

the League Fixtures Secretary may be adjudged to

have lost the match and be otherwise dealt with as the

Executive Committee may determine.

b) A team failing to fulfil a fixture in the Senior

division, without having a reason acceptable to the

committee, shall be deducted three points

c) A team in the Senior division which causes the

cancellation of a game, due to an inadequately

prepared ground shall be deducted three points.

d)Any team conceding a walkover shall be deducted three points.

 

Rule 36 Abandoned Matches

If for any cause whatever a match has been

abandoned before the completion of the full period of

time the Executive Committee shall have power at its

discretion to:

a) Order the match to be replayed in its entirety

b) Leave the result stand

c) If a Match Official has to abandon a match due to the conduct of members of a team, including their Officials, the offending team may forfeit the match and the team and/or Officials may be sanctioned (Reference Rule 13.2 FAI Rules of the Association)


 

Rule 37 Requirements for Match Day

All clubs must provide the following requirements on match

Day: 

Proper pitch markings

Regulation goalposts and nets

Four corner flags, (minimum five feet high)

Suitable playing surface

Proper access to the ground

and any other items the Executive Committee may deem necessary

Both clubs must provide:

Two playable match balls, which must be FIFA approved/FIFA Standard

First aid kit

Eighteen numbered shirts.

The match card must be properly and legibly completed giving the

Full first names and surnames of all players.

The match card must be completed prior to kick off.

The referee must receive prompt payment prior to kick off of the fees 

laid down elsewhere in this booklet.


 

Rule 38 Choice of Colours

In the event of the two clubs registering the same

colours the home club shall change when the clubs

meet in competition. In the event of such clubs

having to play a test or other match on neutral

grounds the choice of colours shall be decided by the

toss of a coin.

 

Rule 39 Tournaments

Clubs/Teams/Players/Organisations or Firms wishing

to run/organise or participate in Tournaments must

seek the permission of the Executive Committee and

The Leinster Football Association. Parties taking part

in unauthorised tournaments may be suspended and

otherwise dealt with as directed by the League, The

L.F.A. and/or the F.A.I.

 

Rule 40 Referees: Appointment of

The League Secretary or the Fixtures Secretary shall

appoint referees, at the discretion of the League. 

In the absence of the appointed Referee the two clubs

may agree to the appointment of an Official at the

Venue and such referee shall be considered a League

official for the time being. In the event of an

appointed Referee being unable to attend he / she shall

notify the League / Fixtures Secretary of the League as early as

possible.

 

Rule 41 Referees: Complaints Against

Any complaints against Referees must be lodged with

the Referees committee of the Football Association of Ireland and a copy sent to the League Secretary

within 4 (four) days of the cause of the complaint.

 

Rule 42 Referees to decide fitness of ground

In the case of unfavourable weather the Referee must

inspect the ground previous to the advertised time of

kick off and on appeal by either of the competing

teams must give a decision as to whether the ground

is playable, his decision being final. The Hon. Sec. of

the League shall also be empowered to authorise a

delegate to visit the ground in order to obviate the

necessity of a team travelling. The League shall pay

the cost of such inspection.

 

Rule 43 Referees: Fees

Referees fees shall be laid down by the F.A.I.

Referees Committee from time to time. Each team

shall pay 50% of the fees for all games under the

jurisdiction of the League except for cup and shield

finals and playoff finals, where the cost will be borne 

by the League. The referee’s fee should be paid in 

advance of the game.

 

Rule 44 Referees: Duties

All Referees officiating in the K.D.F.L. shall be

obliged to carry out the instructions on the official

match card and return same to the League Hon.

Secretary by first post on Tuesday. The card is the

property of the league and must be produced by the

match official on demand to any member of the

Executive Committee. A detailed report of cautions,

dismissals and any other incident/s before during or

after the game must be furnished to the League with

the match card.

 

Rule 45 Referees: Appointment for Major Matches

The League Fixture Secretary and the area Referees

Inspector shall appoint all referees for semi-finals and

finals, two weeks in advance of the match date.

 

Rule 46 Representative Games

Each club when required shall place its players and

grounds at the disposal of the Executive Committee.

Any player selected to play in a match arranged by

the Executive Committee, The L.F.A. or F.A.I. who

without good and sufficient cause refuses to comply

with the arrangements of the Committee for the

playing of the match, or fails to play in such a match,

may be adjudged by the Committee to be guilty of

misconduct and any player or club which may be

deemed to have encouraged or instigated such player

to such miss-conduct may be dealt with as the

Committee sees fit.

 

Rule 47 Intimidation by Spectators

When it can be proved to the satisfaction of the

Executive Committee that the supporters of a club

which has choice of ground systematically interfere

with the play of the opposing club by using obscene

language or inciting the home team to use violence

towards their opponents etc. the Executive Committee

on the application of the visiting club shall have

power to order the match to be replayed at another

ground, neutral if possible, and shall deal with the

offending club as they see fit.

 

Rule 48 Suspended Players & Clubs

Clubs playing against suspended clubs shall be dealt

with by the Executive Committee, who shall have

power to suspend, fine or otherwise deal with such

offence.

 

Rule 49 Protests

a) Protests must be received by the Hon.

Secretary of the League per registered mail

bearing a post mark within 4 (four) days

(Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

excluded) after the cause of the protest and

must be accompanied by a deposit, in the form

of a money order or bank draft, the amount of

which shall be laid down by the League from

time to time. This fee will be returned only in

the event of the protest being upheld or not

heard. A copy of the protest must be sent by

registered mail to the secretary of the club

protested against, within the period aforesaid.

A period of 48 hours after the receipt of

protest shall be afforded to the club protested

against to lodge a cross protest. A protest may

not be withdrawn without the consent of the

Executive Committee.

b) If the Executive Committee has any doubt as

to the qualifications of a player his club may

be required to prove that he qualified

according to the Rules and failing satisfactory

proof the Executive Committee may deal

further with the offending player/club.

c) In cases of protests or investigations of any

kind members of the Executive Committee

concerned with the interested clubs shall not

have the privilege of voting thereon. A

member of the Committee shall not vote or

take part in any discussion on any matter

affecting a club or player with which he

himself may be concerned.

d) Clubs concerned in a protest must receive 48

hours notice of the hearing and the protesting

club must produce all evidence at the first

meeting. The protester has the right of

personal attendance provided he advises the

League Secretary accordingly.

 

Rule 50

Disciplinary measures are under the control 

of the Executive Committee who may delegate powers to a

Disciplinary Committee of  the Kildare and District Football League.


 

Rule 51 Appeals to the LFA / FAI

Decisions of the KDFL Executive/Disciplinary Committee on all matters shall be final

and binding but clubs shall have the right to appeal

firstly to the Leinster Football Association and then to

the Football Association of Ireland. Any such appeal

must be forwarded to the Secretary of such

association per registered letter, bearing a postmark

within four clear days of the date on which the

notification was sent to the appellant and must be

accompanied by the appeal fee the amount of which

shall be the same as that laid down in the rules of the

Association being appealed to. A copy of such appeal

must be sent per registered post within the same

period to the Hon. Secretary of the League and/or

club or clubs concerned.

 

Rule 52 Free admission to matches

Members of the Executive Committee shall be

entitled to free admission to all matches under the

jurisdiction of the League.

 

Rule 53 Receipt of Trophies

All Clubs winning trophies will be required to sign a

receipt on behalf of their Club for such trophies

(Collection & Return of Trophy Form).

 

Rule 54 League Competitions

a) The League Competition shall be divided into

sections as decided by the Executive

Committee each Season.

b) All Youth / underage League and Cup Competitions 

shall be confined to players who are under age on the 

dates as set down by the Football Association of Ireland.

c) The Fixtures Secretary shall arrange all

matches and venues and teams shall play

home and away matches except as otherwise

directed.

d) Midweek fixtures shall be played on a day stipulated by the fixtures Secretary.

e) In the event of a fixture postponement being

granted to a Club the onus is on the Club to

notify the Secretary of the opposing Club and

the match official.

f) Any Club failing to fulfil a match, unless such

Club has withdrawn from the competition,

shall be fined a sum equivalent to the amount

of travelling and other reasonable expenses

incurred by their opponents. Such fines shall

be paid through the Executive Committee to

the Club, which has incurred such expenses.

g) The League Shield shall be an optional

competition for clubs with teams in the Senior

Division

h) Any club that has not satisfied its financial

commitments to the League to the satisfaction of 

the Executive Committee may not be considered

for entry into the Divisional / League Cup and Shield

competitions.

i) Where possible, teams shall be given two weeks notice of any divisional or League Cup/Shield finals. 

 

Rule 55  Club Withdrawing From League

a)In the event of a team withdrawing from competition before the end of the season, their club may be required to lodge a bond (Amount to be decided by the Executive Committee) before being allowed to compete in the following season. The amount of this bond will be refunded to the club on the satisfactory completion by that team of their full compliment of fixtures.

b)If the club/clubs have played one half

or more of their League fixtures their record in

the League shall stand. Points for un-played

matches shall be credited to other clubs as

they accrue. If clubs have not completed one

half of their League fixtures their record shall

be expunged from the League table.

c) Players of a club, which has withdrawn from

the League may sign for another club, subject

to the normal rules of registration / regarding.

In addition to the registration fee the club shall

pay a levy, which shall be calculated as

follows. An amount equal to the total debts to

the League (if any) of the disbanded club

divided by the total number of players

registered by that club in the season in

question.

 

Rule 56 Sharing of Gate Receipts

The home team shall retain all gate receipts in all

League matches, but in knockout competitions the

gate receipts shall be equally divided after expenses

have been deducted. Where it is evident that the

financial circumstances of the League warrant it the

Executive Committee in agreement with the Clubs

shall the power to review the question of gate

receipts.



 

Rule 57 Points System

The League Tables shall be calculated on the basis of

3 points per win and 1 point per draw. In the event of

two or more clubs being equal on points at the

conclusion of the Championship the Clubs concerned

must play off to decide the winner. In the event of a

tie for runners-up the position may be decided on goal

difference.



 

Rule 58 Cups and Shields

Cups or such Trophies as may from time to time be

available shall be competed for annually as may be

determined by the Executive Committee. Such

competitions shall be restricted to Clubs, which are

members of The Kildare and District Football

League.

All KDFL Cup and Shield Finals should, where possible, be played at grounds that have changing room and shower facilities.

 

Rule 59 Promotion/Relegation

The Executive Committee shall decide the format from

time to time and publish their decision before

competition commences. 

 

Rule 60 Knock-out competitions

Any cup Knock-Out competition under the auspices

of the Kildare and District Football League may be

open to all member Clubs or may be confined to a

particular Division/s as may from time to time be

determined by the Executive Committee.

 

Rule 61 Cup tied players

A player, who plays in a lower division Cup, shall not

be “cup tied” and shall be able to play in a higher

Divisional Cup for the same Club. A player who plays in a higher divisional cup shall not be permitted to play in a lower Divisional cup for the same team. 

 

Rule 62 Cup Draws etc.

The names of the Clubs entered for these

competitions shall be drawn in couples and in drawn

matches the Club last drawn in the ballot shall have

choice of ground in the second match and so on

alternately. The Committee may draw subsequent

rounds before the winners of the previous rounds

have been declared. The Committee shall have the

power to exempt any number of clubs from any

number of rounds and byes may be given so that for

clubs may compete in the semi-final rounds.

 

Rule 63 League Cup Semi Finals

The League Cup Semi Finals shall be played over

One leg at a suitable neutral venue.

 

Rule 64 Byes

In the event of a Club getting a bye in any of the

drawings the Executive Committee at the subsequent

drawing shall first draw a Club to play against it from

the lot. The two shall again be put in the ballot box

and drawn again and the Club first out shall have

choice of grounds but the Committee must arrange for

four Clubs to compete in the semi-final rounds. The

semi-finals and finals of all Cup & Shield matches

and test matches shall be played at a ground to be

selected by the Executive Committee.

 

Rule 65 Competition Winners

When the winners of a competition have been

declared the Executive Committee will present them

with the Cup. Medals may also be awarded to the

winners and runners-up in all League Cup and shield

competitions.

 

Rule 66 Presentation of Cups / Shields

Where a League Division can be won exclusively at one

venue the trophy should be available for presentation

to the winning team following the final whistle. 

 

Rule 67 Prize Money

Prize money for League winners shall be presented to

the winning club in the form of a cheque made payable to 

the winning club, provided that clubs account with the 

League is in order. The prize money shall be paid not

later than fourteen days after the final game in the

Senior division is played.  All other Divisional League prize money shall be credited to the Club involved prior to the commencement of the following season. 

 

Rule 68 Public Liability Insurance

All clubs must have a current Public Liability

Insurance policy. If proof of cover is not provided to

the league within seven days of the expiry date of the

policy fixtures will be cancelled and the tie will be

forfeited.

 

Rule 69 (From the Football Association of Ireland Rules of the Association – as amended 12th February 2019)

 

FAI RULE 40. THE PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF CHILDREN (PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18) AND VULNERABLE PERSONS. 

1. General 

a) The protection and welfare of children and vulnerable persons as defined in the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy is of paramount importance to the FAI. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child/children or vulnerable persons, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child/children or vulnerable persons, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute. The FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy sets out how all matters pertaining to the protection and welfare of children and vulnerable persons are governed. 

b) It is mandatory that all Members and Participants shall comply with all FAI rules, regulations, codes, policies and guidelines in respect of child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and the welfare of both. 

c) It is mandatory that all Members and Participants shall comply with all legislation and guidelines issued by any Statutory Authority in respect of child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and the welfare of both. 

d) All Members and Participants are responsible for ensuring that their members are made aware of and understand their legal and football obligations in respect of child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and the welfare of both. 

2. (Designated Liaison Persons and Children’s Officers) 

a) All Affiliated Members shall appoint a person to be responsible for all child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and welfare matters within their organisation. In accordance with legislation, this person shall be known as the “Designated Liaison Person”. The Designated Liaison Person shall be the person holding the highest office within the football body however day to day duties may be delegated to a suitable person who shall be known as a “Children’s Officer””. In accordance with legislation, the Children’s Officer will also be referred to as the “relevant person” within the affiliated member’s organisation with regards the organisation’s child safeguarding statement. 

b) The Designated Liaison Person and Children’s Officer shall ensure that they discharge their duties in accordance with any legislation and all FAI rules, regulations, codes, policies and guidelines in respect of child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and the welfare of both. 

3. Vetting Obligations 

a) All those engaging with persons under the age of eighteen (18) and/or vulnerable persons shall be Garda Vetted. 

b) All Designated Children’s Officers, Designated Liaison Persons, Chairpersons and Secretaries of each Affiliated Member involved with teams that are competing in any age group up to and including Under 18’s and/or vulnerable persons shall be Garda Vetted. 

Part B) Football Association of Ireland Rules effective from 12th February 2019 

29

 

c) All coaches or those involved with the management of any team that are competing in any age group up to and including Under 18’s and/or vulnerable persons shall be Garda Vetted. 

d) Any other person working or volunteering with children and/or vulnerable persons in any capacity on behalf of an Affiliated Member shall be Garda Vetted. It is the responsibility of the football body concerned to determine the persons within their organisation who this applies to subject to the relevant legislation and guidelines. 

e) Failure to ensure that persons are vetted in accordance with Rules and/or legislation may result in disciplinary action against the individual and/or Affiliated Member and may also constitute a legal offence under relevant legislation. 

f) Affiliated Members shall not accept confirmation of the Garda Vetting status of any individual prior to confirmation being received by the individual from the FAI that the Garda Vetting of the individual is in order, which the individual will receive in the form of written correspondence. It is the responsibility of each Club, League and Provincial Association, who engage individuals, to ensure that they have received a copy of a completed vetting application letter issued by the FAI from the individual. No letter other than that issued by the FAI can be accepted. 

g) In addition to carrying out Garda Vetting, all Affiliated Members shall follow safe recruitment practices, as outlined in the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy, when engaging persons to work or volunteer with children and/or vulnerable persons within their organisation. 

4. Vetting Applications 

a) The FAI shall provide a Garda Vetting service to all Members. Applications for vetting may be made through the Children’s Officer of the relevant football body or the person responsible for the vetting applications with the relevant football body or directly through the FAI. 

b) The FAI shall be solely responsible for the approval of all vetting applications and final determination on disclosures provided by the National Vetting Bureau in accordance with the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy. 

c) All persons shall complete their vetting application in good faith and shall ensure all information provided is accurate, complete and up to date. Providing false or incorrect information carries legal penalties. 

d) All matters, disclosed as part of the Garda Vetting application shall remain confidential to FAI authorised personnel, the applicant, the Child Welfare and Safeguarding Committee, Statutory Authorities, and are stored in line with General Data Protection Regulations. However, approvals and rejections shall be notified to all relevant football personnel in accordance with the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy. 

5. Education and Training 

a) All coaches or those involved with the management of any team that are competing in any age group up to and including Under 18 or vulnerable persons shall complete an FAI approved Safeguarding One “Basic Awareness” training course. 

Part B) Football Association of Ireland Rules effective from 12th February 2019 

30 

 

b) Any person working or volunteering with children or vulnerable persons in any capacity on behalf of an Affiliated Member shall complete an FAI approved Safeguarding One “Basic Awareness” training course. It is the responsibility of the football body concerned to determine the appropriate persons within their organisation who this applies to, subject to the relevant legislation and guidelines. 

c) Failure to ensure that the appropriate persons have completed the FAI approved training course may result in disciplinary action against the individual and/or Affiliated Member and may also constitute a legal offence under relevant legislation. 

d) Affiliated Members shall not accept confirmation of completion of an approved FAI training course from any individual prior to the individual receiving confirmation from the FAI in the form of a certificate which should be presented to the Affiliated Member from the FAI. 

6. Stand Down Orders 

a) Any person who is the subject of a complaint or inquiry by a Statutory Authority in relation to any child welfare, young person or vulnerable person concern shall be issued with a stand down order from all football activities. This order shall be issued by the Child Welfare and Safeguarding Manager of the FAI or any Affiliated Member, pending the outcome of any inquiry and any subsequent internal disciplinary proceedings. Terms of a Stand Down Order must be complied with. 

b) Affiliated Members shall immediately notify the FAI of any Stand Down Order issued. 

 

c) The FAI may also issue a stand down order in circumstances where concerns are raised with the FAI outside of a Statutory Authority investigation. An Affiliated Member may also issue a Stand Down Order in these circumstances, however the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Manager must immediately be informed as per the Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy. 

 

d) Stand Down Orders shall be issued, managed and lifted in accordance with FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Policy. 

 

7. Disciplinary 

 

Anyone who breaches these Rules or commits any other offence relating to child protection, the protection of vulnerable persons and welfare may be subject to sanction, up to and including a ban from membership, by the FAI Child Welfare and Safeguarding Committee and/or FAI Disciplinary Bodies.

 

FAI RULE 42. DATA PROTECTION 

All information collected by the FAI shall be held and maintained in accordance with legislation and the FAI Data Protection Policy. This policy shall be available from the FAI on request.


 

Rule 70  General

a) All questions of eligibility or qualification of

competitors or of the application of these rules

or the laws of the game shall be referred to the

Executive Committee whose decision shall be

final, subject to the right of appeal to the Leinster FA

and / or the Football Association of Ireland.

b) The Executive Committee shall have power to 

decide on all matters not provided for in the rules of 

the League and Cup competitions (subject to the right 

of appeal to the Leinster FA and / or the Football 

Association of Ireland) but must submit a proposal 

for a rule change at the next AGM.

c) Each Club shall have a least 5 current

Rule Books in its possession each Season and

shall be bound thereby.

d) The foregoing Constitution and rules shall not

be amended, suspended or added to except at

the A.G.M. of the League Management

committee or at a Special General Meeting (SGM) 

of the League and any proposal to do so must be

notified in writing to the Hon. Secretary of the

League bearing a postmark not less than 21

days before the date of the Annual General

Meeting or the proposed date of a Special General

Meeting (SGM)

e) The Kildare and District Football League is

subject to any Rules of the Leinster Football

Association and the Football Association of

Ireland, which are not contained in the

foregoing. Each club must have at least one

current copy of both L.F.A. and F.A.I. Rule

books in their possession and shall be bound

thereby. Each Club shall also have at least one

current copy of the “Laws of the Game”,

which is available from the FAI.

These Rules shall be reprinted and updated as often as

the Executive Committee deem necessary, but at least

every five years.

Any rule in this book, which contravenes a rule of the

L.F.A. or the F.A.I. shall be declared null and void.

For your guidance:

In the interpretation of these rules, unless the context

otherwise requires, the following words and

expressions shall have the meanings so defined and

words importing the singular shall include the plural,

and vice versa. Words importing the masculine

include the feminine and words importing persons

shall include bodies corporate.

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