League Rules

These rules are subject to change as needed.

1. Match Format and Duration

  • Game Duration: 80 minutes, split into two 40-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime. If the match starts late, the final duration must be agreed upon by both teams and the referees.
  • Match Officials: Two referees are required. In cases where only one referee is available (beyond the home team’s control), both teams must agree on whether to proceed, play a friendly, or reschedule.
  • Match Fees: The home team is responsible for referee fees—ZAR 300 per referee or ZAR 450 if only one referee officiates.
  • Substitutions: Rolling substitutions are allowed without the need for referee signals. Each team may list up to 18 players, with a maximum of 7 substitutes on the bench.

2. Player Eligibility and Verification

  • Age Requirement: All players must be 35 years or older, or turning 35 within the current year. Fielding underage players results in immediate team expulsion or point deductions.
  • Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players. Referees may bar players from participating without shin guards.
  • Pre-game card checks are no longer required; however, printed team sheets are mandatory. Each team must provide one copy to the referee and one to the opposing team.
  • Player Verification: Teams may request verification if they suspect an underage or unregistered player. If the player cannot verify, their team forfeits 0-3.

3. Conduct and Discipline

  • Sin Bin: Yellow cards result in a 10-minute sin-bin. Refusal to leave the field may lead to a 3-0 forfeit.
  • Red Cards: Issued only for violent conduct, particularly towards referees, resulting in a 3-0 match loss.
  • Prohibited Behavior: The league has zero tolerance for racial insults, violence, or weapon threats. Such actions lead to immediate disciplinary review, possible expulsion, and significant fines (over ZAR 10,000).
  • Referee Safety: Any physical altercation with a referee results in immediate match suspension, a 3-0 loss, and disciplinary review for the offending team.

4. Game Environment and Setup

  • Field Requirements: Home teams must provide well-maintained fields with visible lines, goals, nets, and corner flags. Poor field conditions may award a 3-0 win to the away team.
  • Game Cancellations: Postponement or cancellation requests must be submitted by Tuesday 12 PM, with mutual agreement by Wednesday. Late cancellations without agreement result in a 3-0 forfeit.

5. Cup and League Tiebreakers

  • Cup Matches: In case of a draw, matches proceed directly to penalties; no extra time is played.
  • League Tiebreakers: For teams tied on points, the following criteria determine standings: (1) head-to-head results, (2) goal difference, (3) total goals scored.

6. Complaint and Feedback System

  • Complaints: Teams may submit complaints via email at vets.complaints@gmail.com.
  • Referee Feedback: Referees can reach out to the committee at vets.referees.rclfa@gmail.com.
  • Public Suspension Page: A public list of suspended players will display their suspension durations.
  • Disciplinary Committee: An external committee reviews complaints impartially, with final decisions binding for all parties.
  • Fines: Monetary penalties may be imposed for disciplinary breaches, with funds directed to charity. Non-payment results in a 3-0 forfeit for each game missed due to an outstanding fine.

7. Referee Assessment and Observer Program

  • Referee Ratings: Team managers may rate referees post-match on a 1-3 scale, contributing to a Best Referee Award.
  • Observer Program: Randomly selected games each round include a league observer who monitors referee performance and team conduct.

8. Team Leadership

  • Team Captain: Each team must appoint a captain, identifiable by an armband (not the goalkeeper). Only the captain may communicate with referees; any other player doing so receives a yellow card.

Rules for Game Postponement

The league has introduced new rules for postponements to ensure fair play and prevent issues arising from game delays. With the elimination of double headers, these rules help teams manage their schedules effectively.

1. Catch-Up Weeks

  • Scheduled Catch-Up Weeks: Every three rounds, there is a designated catch-up week. This week is reserved for teams to play any postponed games.
  • Single Postponement Rule: A game may only be postponed once. If a team fails to play the rescheduled match during the catch-up week, they will receive a default loss.

2. Postponement Requirements

  • Mutual Agreement: Postponements must be agreed upon by both teams. If both teams cannot agree, no points will be awarded to either team.
  • Notification to the League: When teams agree to postpone a game, they must inform the league, specifying which team requested the postponement and the reason for the delay. This helps maintain transparency and prevent unnecessary postponements.

3. Examples of Postponement Scenarios

  • Case 1: Team-Initiated Postponement
    • Scenario: Team A vs. Team B
    • Details: Team A requests a postponement due to player availability issues, and Team B agrees. The match is then rescheduled for the next catch-up week.
    • Outcome: If Team A cannot play the game during the catch-up week, they will receive a default loss, as they have already postponed the game once.
  • Case 2: Postponement Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
    • Scenario: Team A vs. Team B
    • Details: If inclement weather or power outages (loadshedding) render the field unplayable, the game will be automatically rescheduled for the catch-up week.
    • Outcome: Neither team is held responsible for the postponement, and no points will be awarded until the game is played. If the game cannot take place on the catch-up week, no points will be awarded to either team.

4. Responsibilities and Final Decisions

  • Team Responsibility: It is each team’s responsibility to ensure they can field a full team on game day. Catch-up weeks are limited, so teams should avoid relying on rescheduling.
  • Other Scenarios: For any postponement scenarios not covered here, the League Committee will review the case and determine the game’s outcome.

These guidelines aim to balance flexibility with fairness, ensuring all teams adhere to a consistent standard throughout the season.

These rules ensure fair play, safety, and enjoyment for all participants in the Over-35 Veterans League.

Latest revision: 07 November 2024