RULES OF SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION TWO SPRING CUP
- The Competition shall be called the Spring Cup competition which is open to clubs in Division Two in the current season, on a voluntary basis.
- The Competition shall be organised in accordance with the Standard Code of Rules as determined from time to time by the Football Association, except where varied by these rules.
- The Competition shall be organised into two groups initially, with each club playing each other once. On completion of the group matches, the winner of each group will play the runner up of the opposite group in the semi-final, with the winners of these matches progressing to the final. If teams in either position are level on points, goal difference to decide, if this is the same, goals scored to decide. Should this still not decide the winner, then the result of the match between the two clubs shall decide the winner or then failing resolution, the toss of a coin. The winner of each group shall have home advantage in the semi-final.
- To take part in the Competition, only players registered by 11 March 2021 can play in this Competition.
- Any club found to have played an ineligible player, or players, in a match or matches, shall, in the group matches, have any points gained from the match or matches be deducted from its record up to a maximum of 12 points. If a club is found to have played an ineligible player in the semi-final, they shall be removed from the Competition.
- During the matches each team may use at its discretion up to a maximum of 5 substitutes, from 5 nominated, at any time in a match. Each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during normal time in the match (excluding half time).
- The management of the Competition shall be vested in the Management Committee who shall have power to deal with any matter(s) not covered within these Rules.
- All group matches shall be of 90 minutes duration, with 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. In the semi-final and final the matches shall be of 90 minutes duration, if after 90 minutes a match ends in a draw, the winning team shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedures laid down from time to time by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
- When a match is postponed or abandoned before the completion of 90 minutes, with neither club being at fault, it must be played or replayed on the same ground within 5 days of the original fixture. Any match abandoned through the fault of either or both clubs, shall be dealt with as determined by the Management Committee, including removal of the club(s) from the Competition.
- Any club failing to fulfil its fixture on the appointed date shall forfeit the match to their opponents and may be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff, with, in the group matches, their opponents awarded 3 points. Any expenses unavoidably incurred shall be paid by the offending club to their opponents.
- A Referee and Assistant Referees will be appointed for all matches. A fourth or reserve official will be appointed for the final tie. The costs of the match officials will be the responsibility of the home club, except in the final, where the League will be responsible. All-inclusive Match Officials fees to be as follows: Referee £33, Assistant Referees £32, fourth official, where appointed, £32.
- All protests, claims or complaints relating to these Rules shall be heard and determined by the Board, or a sub-committee duly appointed by the Board. All such protests, claims, complaints and appeals must be received in writing by the Competition Secretary within seven days of the event or decision causing any of these to be submitted. The decision of the Board is final.
- Any appeal against a decision of the Board must be lodged with the Sanctioning Authority within fourteen days of the posting of the written notification of the decision causing the appeal, accompanied by a fee which may be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld. A copy of the appeal must also be sent to the Competition Secretary. All appeals to the Sanctioning Authority must be lodged in accordance with the appeals procedure.
ADDENDUM TO RULES OF SPRING CUP
- You must follow FA Guidance on the Return of Grassroots Football, already circulated to you.
- These include:
- No use of changing rooms – change outside or come ready changed
- Toilets allowed to open 30 minutes before kick off and 30 minutes after matches
- All government guidance on hygiene and social distancing measures must be followed
- No spectators are allowed
- Home clubs are allowed sufficient officials/committee to manage the home fixture
- Clubs must apply their current Covid Risk Assessment arrangements for home games, to incorporate the requirements of the updated guidance
- Number of away officials allowed to attend their matches limited to a maximum of 8
- No other persons allowed into the ground apart from League Officials
It is extremely important that clubs, players, managers, coaches, physios, match officials, League officials, volunteers, any parents and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government’s latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.
Division Two Spring Cup
GROUP A
Saturday 10 April
Berkhamsted Raiders v Sarratt (@ Kings Langley FC)
Tring Corinthians AFC v Bovingdon
Saturday 17 April
Berkhamsted Raiders v Tring Corinthians AFC (@ Kings Langley FC)
Bovingdon v Totternhoe
Saturday 24 April
Sarratt v Bovingdon
Tring Corinthians AFC v Totternhoe
Saturday 1 May
Sarratt v Tring Corinthians AFC
Totternhoe v Berkhamsted Raiders
Saturday 8 May
Bovingdon v Berkhamsted Raiders
Totternhoe v Sarratt
Saturday 15 May
Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B
Winner Group B v Runner Up Group A
GROUP B
Saturday 10 April
New Bradwell St Peter v Buckingham United
Old Bradwell United v Mursley United
Saturday 17 April
Mursley United v MK Gallacticos
Old Bradwell United v New Bradwell St Peter
Saturday 24 April
MK Gallacticos v Buckingham United
Mursley United v New Bradwell St Peter
Saturday 1 May
Buckingham United v Old Bradwell United
Monday 3 May
New Bradwell St Peter v MK Gallacticos
Saturday 8 May
Buckingham United v Mursley United
MK Gallacticos v Old Bradwell United
Saturday 15 May
Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B
Winner Group B v Runner Up Group A