25 REQUIREMENT TO PLAY FULL STRENGTH SIDES IN LEAGUE MATCHES
25.1 Each Club shall play its full strength in all Matches played under the auspices of The League unless some satisfactory reason is given. In the event of the explanation not being deemed satisfactory the Board shall refer the matter to a Disciplinary Commission which has the power to impose such penalties as it shall think fit.
26 MISCONDUCT IN PRE-ARRANGING THE RESULT OF MATCHES
26.1 No Club, Official or Player may, in connection with betting on an event in, or on the result of, any match played under the auspices of The League or any matches in competitions that form part of the Games Programmes or Professional Development League (as those terms are defined in Youth Development Rules):
26.1.1 offer or receive a payment or any form of inducement to or from any Club or the Official or Player of any Club; or
26.1.2 receive or seek to receive any payment or other form of inducement from any Person.
27 ADMINISTRATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF FIXTURES
27 .1 All League Matches shall be arranged as soon as practicable. The intellectual property rights and all other rights in all lists of arrangements of such fixtures (if any) shall be vested in The League .
27 .2 Any dispute between two or more Clubs as to the arrangement of League Matches shall be referred to and decided by The League, and The League shall have absolute discretion in that respect . All re-arrangements of League Matches must be submitted to and approved by The League.
Guidance
In cases where moves cannot be mutually agreed, Clubs can refer the matter to The League for determination.
On these occasions, the following non-exhaustive list of points all form part of The League’s consideration:
Whilst it is important to stress that each case will be treated in isolation and be judged on its merits, it should also be noted that in the absence of any specific and compelling footballing reasons being given by the away Club that would prevent a move, permission for such requests will in normal circumstances not be unreasonably withheld.
Clubs are also reminded that moves to a Friday evening would not discount either Club from participating in matches during the previous midweek where required to do so. Similarly, moves to a Sunday would not forego utilising the following midweek for a fixture.
27.3 However, where a Club is selected to play in a televised Match played under the auspices of The League on a Thursday evening, and that Club is also scheduled to play on the immediately following Saturday (‘Saturday Match’), the Club shall have the right to request that The League reschedule the Saturday Match to the immediately following Sunday i.e. a 24 hour postponement. Approval for any such request shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Where applicable the provisions of Regulation 27.4 will also apply.
27.4 Further, where:
27.4.1 a League Match is scheduled to be played on a Tuesday (‘Tuesday Match’);
27.4.2 the Home Club and/or the Away Club in that Tuesday Match is required to play on the immediately preceding Sunday (‘Sunday Match’) because of matters outside its control including, by way of example and without limitation, police requirements, television or cup commitments;
27.4.3 the Sunday Match was not scheduled to be played on that Sunday in the first i .e . the draft fixture list published by The League in the immediately preceding Close Season;
27.4.4 neither the Home Club nor the Away Club are scheduled to play on the immediately following Thursday or Friday; and
27.4.5 either the Home Club or Away Club in the Tuesday Match requests (giving not less than 28 Clear days’ notice prior to the originally scheduled Tuesday date) that the Tuesday Match be rescheduled,
(together the ‘Conditions’ and each a ‘Condition’) then, provided all Conditions are satisfied the Tuesday Match shall automatically be rescheduled to take place on the immediately following Wednesday i.e. a 24 hour postponement. For the avoidance of doubt, where one Condition (or more) is not satisfied, the matter shall be determined by The League in its absolute discretion, whose decision shall be final and binding.
Guidance
Selections will usually be made and be released with at least 5 weeks’ notice of the original fixture date.
Under the terms of our agreement Sky are at liberty to request the movement of any fixture to another date in close proximity to the original fixture date or make a change to the kick-off time.
It is worth noting that UEFA Article 48 (closed hours) restricts the televising of any matches in this country during the hours of 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday.
The movement of matches to facilitate live transmissions or as a result of circumstances beyond a clubs control could also result in secondary moves to subsequent midweek fixtures. For example movement from a Tuesday to a Wednesday as a result of a Saturday to a Sunday switch or such similar moves to ensure an equitable amount of recovery time and to maintain a 48 hour period where possible between games.
27.5 Dislocation of League Matches from any cause whatever shall be immediately reported to The League by the Clubs concerned and it shall be the duty of the Home Club in each instance immediately to notify the appointed Referee and Assistant Referees of such dislocation.
28 KICK-OFF TIMES
28 .1 The Home Club shall fix the time of kick-off:
28.1.1 between 11.30am and 3.15pm for Saturday matches;
28.1.2 between 7.00pm and 8.05pm for midweek matches; and
28.1.3 between 11.30am and 8.05pm for Bank Holiday matches.
Once the kick-off time has been fixed, any amendment or variation thereto can be made only by agreement with the Away Club and with the approval of The League .
Guidance
Should circumstances change which necessitate a request for a change of kick-off time (i.e. police intelligence) and it is not mutually agreed, The League will request and consider the views of both Clubs before determining whether to approve such request.
28.2 Home Clubs shall notify:
28.2.1 the Away Club at least seven days prior to; and
28.2.2 Match Officials, as soon as practicable after notification of their appointment,
of the date and time of kick-off the date of the Match concerned, and the Referee and Assistant Referees must acknowledge the receipt five days before such Match.
28.3 All kick-offs must adhere to the time advertised by the Home Club. Clubs and Referees must report any delays to The League. It is the responsibility of the Away Club to organise its travel arrangements so as to ensure that it arrives in sufficient time to enable the advertised kick- off time to be adhered to.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
28.4 Should a kick-off at 12.00 noon or earlier necessitate the Away Club incurring overnight hotel expenses, the Away Club shall (save where the match is scheduled to be broadcast live in the United Kingdom and the Club is entitled to receive a facility fee in accordance with the Articles) be entitled to claim the hotel expenses incurred (at the rate and as determined by The League from time to time, per person per night for a party not exceeding twenty four in number) against the gross gate, any dispute to be determined by The League.
Guidance
The allowable expenses are as follows:
Travel:
Hotel:
29 POSTPONEMENTS, ABANDONMENTS AND RE-ARRANGEMENTS
29.1 In the event of a fixture postponement no matter the cause, the EFL will decide the new date on which the fixture is to be played following consultation with both Clubs.
Guidance
It is not permissible for a club to make a decision to postpone a match and in the first instance Clubs should contact the Football Services Department for advice. The full guidance document is available in the Football Services section on the Club Portal.
Re-dating of Postponed Fixtures.
Detailed guidance is available in the Football Services section on the Club Portal, in summary:
29.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Regulation 29.1, The League reserves the right at any time to reschedule a League Match after consultation with and consideration of representations from the Clubs involved.
29.3 Each Club must ensure that both:
29.3.1 its home ground (being the ground that is registered in accordance with Regulation 13.5); and
29.3.2 any Registered Players,
remain available to the Club during the period of four days commencing with the day after the day of the Club’s last fixture in the League Competition (including play-off matches) so as to enable the fulfilment of any fixtures (in full or in part) ordered by The League to be played after the end of the Season (if any).
29.4 Every Club must have a publicly stated policy regarding ticket refunds or other arrangements for abandoned Matches.
Guidance
This would normally be in the Customer Charter and should include a details of what refunds / partial refunds / replacement tickets are available for both the home and away clubs and if required what arrangements are in place should supporters not be able to attend the rearranged fixture.
29.5 When a League Match is postponed or abandoned the Visiting Club shall be entitled to receive from the Home Club out of the gate of either game, one set of travelling and/or hotel expenses (at the rate and as determined by The League from time to time) necessarily incurred by a party not exceeding twenty four and which in the opinion of The League are caused solely by the postponement or abandonment. This amount shall be a charge against the gate when calculating the 3% levy under Article 36. A Club shall only be entitled to claim hotel expenses where it would be necessary or desirable for the Visiting Club to leave its headquarters before 9am on the day of the match, alternatively, not be possible to arrive back at its headquarters within five hours travelling time, including a stop of not more than 30 minutes, of the conclusion of the League Match.
30 TESTIMONIALS
30.1 A Club may, at its discretion and with the prior consent of The League, allow the use of its ground for the purpose of a testimonial match to be arranged on behalf of any Player who has completed ten years or more in the service of the Club.
31 RE-ARRANGEMENT OF FA CUP TIES
31.1 Football Association Cup Matches which from any cause are not decided on the dates for which they are scheduled, must be played on dates other than Saturdays except with the approval of The League.
32 PENALTY FOR NON-FULFILMENT OF FIXTURE OBLIGATIONS
32.1 Each Club will use its best endeavours to ensure that each match under the jurisdiction of The League takes place on the date and at the time fixed for it.
32.2 Any Club failing to fulfil its fixture obligations in respect of any match under the jurisdiction of The League on the appointed date or dates or causing The League to suspend any fixture shall be deemed guilty of misconduct, unless the Club is successfully able to demonstrate that Regulation 32.2 applies . The burden of proof will rest with the Club.
32.3 The Club will not be deemed to be guilty of misconduct in accordance with Regulation 32.1 where it is able to demonstrate that:
32.3.1 the dominant and effective cause of the non-fulfilment was the occurrence of an event which was outside the control of the Club (an ‘Event’); and
32.3.2 the Club could not have been reasonably foreseen or reasonably anticipated and remediedremedy the consequences of the Event prior to the match despite using its best endeavours to do so.
32.4 The Club failing to fulfil its fixture or causing The League to suspend such fixture shall be liable to pay compensation for any expenses actually incurred by the opposing Club as a direct result of the failure or suspension. The amount of compensation will be at the discretion of the Board who will consider every such case on its merits. The Board may refer the amount of compensation to be paid to the Disciplinary Commission dealing with the misconduct by the Club failing to fulfil its fixture or causing The League to suspend the same.
33 CLUBS NOT TO ARRANGE ACTIVITIES TO INTERFERE WITH LEAGUE COMPETITION FIXTURES
33.1 Except where these Regulations provide otherwise, Clubs must give priority to League Matches whether home or away. This means that a Club must not allow any matches or activities to interfere with or take precedence over League fixtures required to be played in accordance with these Regulations.
Guidance
Activities would include any event or booking that would interfere with Clubs’ ability to stage a fixture at their home venue on the appointed date and kick-off time.
34 CONDUCT OF MATCHES
34 .1 Behind closed doors. Save with the consent of The League or as a consequence of any disciplinary or regulatory proceedings, no Club may play any League or Cup Match behind closed doors so that the public are excluded from the ground.
34.2 Duration of Matches. All League Matches shall be of 90 (ninety) minutes’ duration but any League Match which from any cause whatever falls short of 90 (ninety) minutes’ duration may be ordered to count as a completed fixture or be replayed in full or in part on whatever terms and conditions the Board shall in their absolute discretion determine and shall be played in compliance with these Regulations and the Football Association Rules respectively and under the Laws of the Game as approved by the International Football Association Board. In the event of conflict between any such Rules, Regulations and Laws as aforesaid, the Football Association Rules shall prevail.
34.3 Duration of half-time interval. In all League Matches the half-time interval shall be fifteen minutes.
34.4 Substitute Players.
34.4.1 Subject to Regulation 34.4.2, in all League Competition Matches, each team is permitted up to seven substitutes of whom not more than five may take part in the Match. Each Club is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the Competition Match. A Club may make more than one substitution at each of its three opportunities. Clubs may make substitutions at half time and any substitutions made will not count towards the maximum of three opportunities.
34.4.2 In addition to the five substitutions permitted by Regulation 34.4.1, each Club shall also be permitted to utilise up to two ‘concussion substitutes’ and/or two ‘additional substitutes’ (as appropriate) from those substitutes listed on the Team Sheet, strictly in accordance with the provisions of the International Football Association Board’s ‘Additional permanent concussion substitutes – Protocol B’ (‘IFAB Protocol’) and any associated guidance issued by the League. Each Club must provide the League with such information as is necessary to ensure compliance with the IFAB Protocol in respect of any ‘concussion substitute’ made within 10 days of receiving such a request from the League.
34.4.3 All substitutes must be nominated and included on the official Team Sheet handed to the Referee prior to the Match.
34.4.4 Not more than three Players of each Club may warm up or warm down at the same time on the perimeter of the pitch on which the Match is being played.
34.5 List of Players to be handed to Referee. A representative of each Club must hand copies of a list of names of Players taking part in the game (including the name of the nominated substitute or substitutes) (‘Team Sheet’) to the Referee and a representative of the opponents in the presence of the Referee in the Referee’s dressing room at least 75 (seventy five) minutes before the advertised time of kick-off. The Team Sheet shall indicate the full names of Players and shall indicate the colour of the Goalkeeper’s shirt. Neither Club shall publish the teams or otherwise provide details of the teams to any third party (other than League appointed broadcast partners) until 60 (sixty) minutes before the advertised time of kick-off.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 87.
34.6 Pre Match Briefing with the Referee. At least 60 (sixty) minutes before the advertised time of kick-off of a match the Captain and either:
34.6.1 the person in charge of the team on the day (i.e. the Manager or Assistant Manager); or
34.6.2 another senior representative of the coaching staff,
shall attend a briefing with the Referee .
34.7 Replacement of injured Players prior to kick-off. Should any nominated Player or substitute sustain an injury or become otherwise incapacitated after the submission of the Team Sheet to the Referee and before the kick-off, he may be replaced; the Referee shall be informed. Should there be any other extenuating circumstances which require a nominated Player or substitute to be replaced during the aforementioned period, the Referee shall allow such replacement and report the full circumstances to The League. The League shall then initiate any inquiries it may deem fit so as to satisfy itself as to the bona fide nature of the replacement.
34.8 Home Grown Players. Each Club shall be required to nominate a minimum of seven Home Grown Players on their Team Sheet of Players for all League Competition Matches (including Play-Off Matches).
Guidance
League Cup, EFL Trophy and FA Cup matches are exempt from the Home Grown quota.
34.9 ‘Home Grown Player’ shall mean a Player who irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with:-
34.9.1 his current Club; and/or
34.9.2 a Club and/or any other football 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) . For the purposes of this definition of Home Grown Player only, a Season will be deemed to commence for all Clubs on the same date as the date on which the Summer Transfer Window in that Season closes for Clubs in Leagues One and Two, and expire on the date of the final League Match of the Season .
34.10 For the purposes of Regulation 34 .9 .2, but not otherwise, a Player who was at all times registered with a Club (or club) affiliated to the Football Association of Wales shall be treated as having been registered with a Club (or club) affiliated to The Football Association, and vice versa .
34.11 Club Developed Players. Subject to Regulation 34 .12, for League Matches which take place after the submission of the Club’s Squad List only, each Club shall be required to nominate at least one Club Developed Player on either the Squad List, or on the Team Sheet for all League Matches (including Play Off Matches) . Where a Club does not name a Club Developed Player on either it’s Squad List or Team Sheet, the Club will only be permitted to name up to six substitutes on the Team Sheet (rather than the seven as permitted by Regulation 34 .4) .
34.12 If any Club has prior to the date of the applicable League Competition Match (including Play Off Matches) transferred the registration of two or more Club Developed Players and:
34.12.1 in consideration for the transfer of each Club Developed Player’s registration, the Club receives an initial Transfer Fee, Compensation Fee and/or compensation in accordance with the Youth Development Rules on transfer of the registration; and
34.12.2 each of the transferred Club Developed Players:
(a) are either as at the date of the applicable Match registered as a:
(i) Contract Player with a Club (or club) in the same division or higher (including, in the case of a Championship Club, the Premier League); or
(ii) Scholar with a Club (or club) in the higher division (including, in the case of a Championship Club, the Premier League),
and
(b) are or will be aged 24 or over on January 1 in the Season in which the applicable Match occurs,
then, the Club will not be required to comply with the requirements of Regulation 33.11.
Guidance
For Season 2022/23, this means any Player aged 24 or under on 1 January 2023.
34.13 For the avoidance of doubt, the same Player may qualify as a Home Grown Player and a Club Developed Player for the purposes of this Regulation 34.
Guidance
For Players registered with your Club but sent out on loan, the time spent on loan will still count towards the 12 month period necessary to qualify as Club Developed.
Whilst the Regulation includes a built in consequence should a Club fail to name a Club Developed Player in the match day squad (i.e. reduce the number of substitutes by one), the situation could still arise where a Club fails to do that. Fixed fines are not considered appropriate for this type of breach, and any Club in breach would be charged with misconduct. The expected entry point for sanction on a first offence will be to treat the Club as having named (but not played) an ineligible player and this would ordinarily warrant a financial penalty. Where aggravating features (e.g. wilful disregard or multiple breaches) are present then more severe sanctions would be appropriate.
34.14 Numbering of Players’ Shirts. When playing in a Match each Player shall wear a shirt on the back of which shall be prominently displayed his shirt number and above that his name, so as to be clearly visible (and contrast with any design or pattern on the Shirt) in accordance with guidelines laid down by The League from time to time . At the start of each Season each Club must provide to The League on the appropriate form details of shirt numbers allocated to each squad Player. Each Player will retain his designated number for the Season unless his registration is:
34.14.1 permanently transferred; or
34.14.2 cancelled (other than for the purposes of going on international loan),
34.14.3 in which case his number may be re-allocated to a new Player. Each time a squad number is allocated during the Season the Club must provide full details on the appropriate form.
Guidance
The EFL will consult with Clubs as to the best ways to ensure that numbers are more visible ahead of Season 2022/23. One option will be that Clubs with striped shirts will be required to include panel, but the EFL will also review number design to see if additional improvements can be made.
34.15 Numbering of Players’ Shorts. Players’ shorts must be numbered to correspond with the number on his shirt . The number will be on the front left leg of the shorts, measure no more than 4 inches and be clear and visible .
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
The size, style, colour and design of shirt numbers and lettering appearing on a Player’s shirt and shorts shall be determined by The League from time to time.
34.17 The League may vary Regulations 34.14 and 34.15 in relation to a particular Division.
34.18 Identification of team captain. The Captain shall wear a distinguishing armband, provided by The League, to indicate his status.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
34.19 Match Balls. In all matches played under the auspices of The League, the Home Club shall provide and the participating Clubs shall use only the official ball approved from time to time by The League.
34.20 Multiple Balls. No Club shall be entitled to utilise a ‘multiple ball’ system in any League Match.
34.21 Clubs to take field of play together. For all matches under the jurisdiction of The League, Clubs shall be required to take the field of play together preceded by the Match Officials not less than 5 (five) minutes before the advertised time of kick-off.
35 FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED
35.1 Trainers’ bench facilities and conduct thereon. All Clubs must provide separate areas adjacent to the pitch for the exclusive use of team officials and substitute Players (and any substituted Players) for both the Home and Visiting Club. These areas shall have direct access to the pitch, shall be under cover and shall contain only thirteen seats (but from Season 2022/23 this shall, subject to any dispensations granted by the Board, increase to only fourteen). The layout, facilities and viewing positions for the Visiting Club bench shall be the same as for the Home Club. Only Officials whose names appear on the Team Sheet are permitted to sit on the trainers’ bench and they are the only persons who may communicate instructions to Players during the match.
35.2 Championship Clubs Only. In addition to the thirteen positions situated in the Visiting Club’s trainers’ bench (fourteen from 2022/23), each Championship Club shall provide at each League Match played at its Stadium eight positions for the sole use of coaching and medical staff of the Visiting Club. These positions must be in one self-contained area with access to the Visiting Club’s trainers’ bench.
Guidance
Prior to the start of Season 2020/21, a Championship Club may apply to the Board for dispensation from Regulation 34.2 which will be granted where it can demonstrate that its pre-sale of tickets to supporters in the area surrounding the trainers’ benches renders compliance impracticable. Such dispensation will (if granted) last only for the duration of Season 2020/21.
35.3 Facilities for visiting supporters
35.3.1 Each Club must make provision for at least 2,000 visiting supporters at every home match or such number as represents 10% of the Club’s certified capacity, if less than 2,000. The League may, on the prior written application of a Club, suspend this Regulation or reduce the figure either for a particular League Match or for a period of time. Each Club shall, subject to any dispensations granted by the Board, make provision for at least 200 of the visiting supporters (of which not less than 100 must be seats) to be accommodated under cover. Any Club which fails to meet the requirement of 200 visiting supporters being accommodated under cover and which does not have a dispensation granted by the Board shall have such amounts as the Board shall determine (in its absolute discretion) withheld from that Club’s central distributions from the Pool Account until such time as the Club can meet the requirement.
Guidance
Please note that with the exception of Directors’ Box seating and accommodation as prescribed in Appendix 1 Part 3 paragraph 18.1 there is no requirement for a home club to supply any complimentary stand tickets to the visiting club. Where complimentary tickets are made available for the use of the visiting club this is completely at the discretion of the home club and is often done on a reciprocal basis.
35.3.2 Clubs are required to sell tickets for their away matches if required to do so by the Home Club and similarly Home Clubs are required to supply tickets for their Home Matches to the Away Club for sale by the Away Club to its supporters if so requested by the Away Club. These tickets are to be made available on a sale or return basis and must be ordered by the Away Club at least five weeks before the League Match to which they relate. The Home Club must deliver those tickets to the Away Club at the latest four weeks before the League Match to which they relate. Where any match is arranged at shorter notice the above steps shall be taken as soon as is reasonably practicable. Visiting Supporters should also have the same opportunity to take advantage of pre-booking discounts that apply to home supporters.
35.3.3 For League Matches only, the Away Club shall be entitled to a commission representing 5 (five) per cent of the aggregate sales (exclusive of VAT) of tickets sold on behalf of the Home Club, unless otherwise agreed between the Clubs. The Away Club shall submit a VAT invoice, in respect of the commission due, to the Home Club within five working days of the date of the match taking place.
35.3.4 The Away Club may charge a booking fee or transaction charge to the customer providing this is exactly the same in every respect as that which it charges for tickets to its own home matches.
35.3.5 Each Club shall, not later than 30 June prior to the commencement of the following Season, provide to The League a ground/zone plan together with associated ticket prices (‘Pricing Plan’). The Pricing Plan shall be accompanied by the Club’s ground registration form.
35.3.6 The League shall provide copies of each Pricing Plan to all other Clubs within the relevant Division. For the avoidance of doubt this will only be done once all Pricing Plans have been received for the relevant Division.
35.3.7 A Club may not depart from the Pricing Plan without the prior consent of the relevant Away Club. In the event that the Home Club and Away Club are unable to reach agreement the dispute shall be referred to The League whose decision shall be final and binding.
35.3.8 No Club shall charge higher admission prices for visiting supporters for accommodation that is ranked as comparable with or inferior to that used by supporters of the Home Club in the same or next highest ranked accommodation. For the purposes of this Regulation, accommodation shall be allocated a ranking as indicated by the table below (where 1 represents the best available and 6 the lowest) having regard to the following criteria:
(a) Covered seating;
(b) Uncovered seating;
(c) Covered terracing;
(d) Uncovered terracing;
(e) Behind the touchline;
(f) Behind the goal line; and
(g) In the corners of the stadium (i.e. behind both the touchline and the goal line).
| Type of Accommodation | Covered Seats | Uncovered Seats | Covered Terrace | Uncovered Terrace |
| Area of Accommodation | ||||
| Touchline | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Goal line | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Corners | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Guidance
As per the information supplied under Regulation 35.3.5, Divisional Ticketing guides will be produced by the League at the start of each season. These guides will outline the comparable ticketing prices for home and away supporters at each club. The League will ensure that all club pricing plans adhere to the ticketing Regulations.
35.3.9 Notwithstanding the provisions of Regulation 35.3.8:
(a) where the Home Club provides a free of charge membership scheme for Home supporters that provides a discount on match tickets, that discount must be made available to supporters of the visiting Club.
(b) where the Home Club provides a paid membership scheme for Home supporters that provides discount on match tickets, that discount must be made available on a similar basis to supporters of the visiting Club, unless the discount provided is proportionate to the price paid for the membership.
Guidance
By similar basis we mean that the discounts should be offered to season ticket holders and (where applicable) members of the visiting Club membership scheme.
The basis on which proportionality is applied to the discount given on match tickets against the cost of membership is calculated by working out how many matches a supporter would need to attend to recoup the cost of the membership. On this basis the League considers a minimum attendance of 3 matches to be reasonable. For example if the cost of membership is £6 and the supporter receives £2 discount on the price of a match ticket, this would be deemed proportionate, however, if the supporter receives a £3 discount on the price of a match ticket, this would not be deemed proportionate.
(c) if the visiting supporters have use of the only standing area in the ground, the admission prices charged for this area must be at least 10 per cent lower than the price charged for the cheapest covered seats. This arrangement does not apply to designated family sections; and
(d) if the visiting supporters have use of accommodation that is of an equivalent or lower ranking (using the table set out in Regulation 35 .3 .8) to that available to the home supporters, but the accommodation used by visiting supporters is reasonably considered to be of a higher standard for other reasons then the admission prices charged for this accommodation may be higher than the price charged to those home supporters in the equivalently or lower ranked accommodation. Any such increase shall be limited to such amount as is reasonably justifiable but in any event shall be no greater than 10 per cent of the value of the price charged to those home supporters. In the event of any dispute between two Clubs as to what amount is reasonable, the dispute shall be referred to The League whose decision shall be final and binding.
35.3.10 Concessionary admission prices for senior citizens and children, if available to supporters of the Home Club, must also be available on a similar basis to visiting supporters.
35.3.11 Subject to Regulation 35.3.7, discounts or special promotions (in each case for up to a maximum of 4 matches in one promotion) made available to supporters of the Home Club must also be made available on a similar basis to visiting supporters.
Guidance
Under the Regulations should any Club wish to offer promotions or discounts for a specific match or across up to a maximum of 4 matches they must either (a) offer the discount or special promotion on a similar basis to visiting supporters or (b) seek the permission of the visiting club to run the promotion for home fans only. In the instance that an agreement cannot be reached it should be reported to the League for consideration. For example, if a Club offered supporters the chance to purchase tickets for 3 named matches at a discounted cost, i.e. 3 matches for £60, then permission should be gained from the 3 visiting Clubs to run the promotion or the pro rate price, i.e. £20 should be offered to the visiting supporters. Should the Club run an offer of buy two matches get the third match free, permission would only need to be sought from the visiting Club for the third match that is offered free of charge.
35.3.12 This does not affect any Club’s ability to offer full or part season tickets. There are no Local Promotions permitted under the Regulation as per previous seasons; any deviation away from the pricing plan submitted at the beginning of the season must adhere to the conditions mentioned above.
35.3.13 At every home match, a minimum of 10 per cent of the total disabled spectator accommodation must be made available to disabled supporters of the Away Club .
35.3.14 Payments for tickets sold by an Away Club together with details of tickets sold and the return of unsold tickets, must be made to (i.e. receipt of cleared funds by) the Home Club within seven working days of the date of the match taking place. Any Club making late payment shall:
(a) pay interest to the Home Club at the rate of 5 (five) per cent per annum over Barclays Bank base rate in force from time to time calculated on a daily basis, on the outstanding sum from the due date to the actual date of payment to the Home Club; and
(b) forfeit their entitlement to the 5 (five) per cent commission detailed in Regulation 34.3.3.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
35.4 Match Footage. Both Clubs and PGMO Officials will be provided, free of charge, by the League either a high-resolution and/or a low-resolution copy of the match footage of any Match played under the jurisdiction of The League. All footage is uploaded digitally to a secure file transfer protocol site, following the conclusion of the Match. Clubs shall not be permitted to:
35.4.1 duplicate any footage of such Video for financial gain; or
35.4.2 connect any recording device to any camera(s) or any other broadcast related network or equipment installed and/or operated by or on behalf of the League without first obtaining the written permission of The League.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
35.5 Giant Screens. Except with the prior written consent of The League, giant screens or the like at a Club’s ground shall not be used to relay to spectators closed circuit pictures of the Match at which they are present. Any consent given under this Regulation shall be subject to the following conditions:
35.5.1 the screen shall be located so that it does not interfere with the Match at which it is used or distract the Players and Match Officials;
35.5.2 the screen shall be operated by a responsible person who is fully aware of the conditions covering its use;
35.5.3 the screen may be used to show live action and, when the ball is not in play, action replays of positive incidents; decisions issued by Goal Line Technology (in such format as the League may specify from time to time) and/or any other systems intended to aid the decision of Match Officials on the field of play; and
35.5.4 the screen shall not be used to show:
(a) action replays of negative or controversial incidents;
(b) any incident which may bring into question the judgement of any Match Official;
(c) the area of the trainers’ bench;
(d) until substitute boards have been displayed, pictures of any substitute Player warming up or preparing to enter the field of play; and/or
(e) any material which would 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,
unless utilised in connection with the use of Goal Line Technology and/or video assistant referees (in accordance with the guidelines issued by The League from time to time).
Guidance
As part of the League’s commercial obligations to its Partners, Clubs are required to show commercial inventory as determined by the League on their Giant Screens from time to time; the League will provide Clubs’ with the relevant content and guidance in this instance.
36 MEDICAL PROVISIONS
36.1 Nothing in this Regulation, elsewhere in these Regulations or the Youth Development Rules replaces, reduces or affects in any way the obligations imposed on Clubs by statute and/or common law in the fields of medicine, occupational health and/or health and safety.
36.2 Emergency Aid Provision at Matches
36.2.1 It is the responsibility of the Home Club in matches played under the jurisdiction of The League to ensure that the following persons, as a minimum, are in attendance throughout the Match:
(a) a registered Medical Practitioner with the General Medical Council (‘Team Doctor’); and
(b) at least one paramedic trained in emergency medicine dedicated to dealing with on field matters (‘Paramedic’),
each of whom must be sat in positions which allow immediate access to the pitch.
36.3 Clubs participating in the Championship Division 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.
36.4 Team Doctors
36.4.1 Team Doctors must fulfil a programme of Continual Professional Development (CPD) as determined from time to time by the profession, attend education conferences and seminars organised by The Football Association and support the medical education functions of The Football Association.
Guidance
It is recommended that the Team Doctor should hold a recognised higher qualification in sports medicine i.e. UK Diploma as a minimum. If the Team Doctor does not hold a sports medicine qualification then it is recommended that a sports medicine qualified Doctor is brought in to the club at least once per week as a consultant and that the Team Doctor works within their scope of practice and refers on accordingly.
Additionally to further ensure an adequate level of care and as further risk mitigation all clubs should have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), signed and overseen by the head of the medical department who is GMC or HPCP registered, in addition to being ATMMiF qualified.
This Emergency action plan is the responsibility of the club and should be submitted to the League prior to the start of the season as part of the medical information survey.
36.4.2 Each Team Doctor shall have successfully undertaken the full Football Association Advanced Trauma Medical Management In Football (the ‘ATMMiF Certificate’) course (or an equivalent course that is recognised and approved by:
(a) the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care as equivalent to the ATMMiF Certificate); and
(b) the League),
in the preceding 36 months.
Guidance
Guidance issued by the Football Association confirms that the following courses will be recognised as equivalent qualifications to the AREA / ATMMiF course accepted under these Regulations are as follows:
Please note that although these equivalents will be accepted in accordance with the Regulations, any permanent member of staff will be expected to take the football specific qualification (ATMMiF) when their current qualification expires.
Clubs will be expected to provide the League via an online medical survey prior to the start of the season with the relevant details of their Team Doctor and any Cover Doctors’ to be utilised throughout the season.
It is the Clubs’ sole responsibility to ensure any medical qualifications for any medical personnel utilised on a match day are kept up to date and remain valid.
36.4.3 Clubs participating in the Championship Division shall ensure that (unless other appropriate arrangements are agreed with the Home Club) their Team Doctor also attends any first team away matches played under the auspices of The League.
Guidance
Whilst the Regulation does enable Clubs to make alternative arrangements between themselves, this is intended to cover the exceptional situations (e.g. unplanned absence) rather than a regular occurrence of the away team doctor not travelling with the team. The EFL will not seek to intervene in disagreements regarding proposed arrangements and if agreement cannot be reached, the default position is that the away Club must ensure it complies with the requirements of the Regulation.
36.5 Therapists
36.5.1 Each Club shall appoint at least one therapist at that Club as that Club’s ‘Senior Therapist’ .
36.5.2 Subject to Regulation 36.5.3, a Senior Therapist must be a registered physiotherapist member of The Health and Care Professions Council and hold as minimum, a current ATMMiF qualification or an equivalent or higher qualification as otherwise approved by the Football Association from time to time.
36.5.3 All other therapists at a Club must:
(a) be a registered physiotherapist member of The Health and Care Professions Council;
(b) hold a degree in sports therapy and/or be registered with a recognised body entitling them to use the title ‘sports therapist’;
(c) hold a degree in sports rehabilitation and be registered with the British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT); or
(d) where appointed prior to 1 June 2011, have passed, as a minimum, The Football Association Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injuries Course or an equivalent or higher professional qualification as otherwise approved by the Football Association from time to time,
and where involved in pitch side care or extrication, hold as a minimum a current ATMMiF qualification (or an equivalent or higher qualification as otherwise approved by the Football Association from time to time).
Guidance
As per guidance issued by the Football Association recognised qualifications to the ITMMi course accepted under our Regulations are as follows:
Equivalent:
Please note that although these equivalents will be accepted in accordance with the Regulations, any permanent member of staff will be expected to take the football specific qualification (ITMMiF/ATMMiF) when their current qualification expires.
36.6 Attending Players on the Field of Play.
36.6.1 Any doctor, therapist or other medical practitioner who is involved in pitch side care or extrication from matches played under the auspices of the League must hold a current ATMMiF qualification (or an equivalent or higher qualification as otherwise approved by the Football Association from time to time). All such individuals (other than doctors and registered physiotherapist member of The Health and Care Professions Council) must undergo annual re-accreditation to be regarded as having a current ATMMiF qualification.
Guidance
Clubs will be expected to provide the League via an online medical survey prior to the start of the season with the relevant details of their Senior Therapist and any other medical staff utilised on a match day.
It is the Clubs’ sole responsibility to ensure any medical qualifications for any medical personnel utilised on a match day are kept up to date and remain valid.
Recognised qualifications equivalent to the ATMMiF course accepted under our Regulations are as follows:
Please note that although these equivalents will be accepted in accordance with the Regulations, any permanent member of staff will be expected to take the football specific qualification (ATMMiF) when their current qualification expires.
36.7 Head Injuries and Concussion.
36.7.1 Each Team Doctor, Senior Therapist, Paramedic and any other Therapist shall, when present at any match or training, carry the pocket concussion tool as notified by The League from time to time.
36.7.2 Any Player who has sustained a concussive injury (whether in any match, at training or otherwise) shall not be allowed to resume playing or training (as the case may be) unless he has been examined and declared fit to do so by his Team Doctor or, if they are unavailable, by another medical practitioner who holds a current Football Association ATMMiF certificate or an equivalent or higher qualification as otherwise approved by the Football Association from time to time. In such circumstances, the welfare of the Player is paramount and the decision of the Team Doctor or other appropriately qualified medical practitioner as to whether the Player is fit to resume playing or training shall be final.
36.8 Non First Team Matches. For all matches at any level, other than the above (including at Academies), there must be in attendance, as a minimum, a holder of a valid Football Association Emergency First Aid in Football (‘EFAiF’).
Guidance
Pursuant to the Youth Development Rules, in matches at the Development and Foundation level the lead pitch side clinician provided by the home club should hold ITMMiF with annual reaccreditation and must be present on site at all times.
36.9 Crowd Safety. Clubs shall ensure that they have in place appropriate arrangements for the provision of Crowd Doctors, paramedics, ambulances and other medical facilities together with appropriate emergency plans as are required under the terms of the safety certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.
36.10 Return to Training Protocols. Each Club must comply with the Return to Training Protocols and Return to Match Day Protocol set out at Appendix 8. The League has the right to amend and/or replace the Return to Training Protocols and/or the Return to Match Day Protocol at any time provided that it provides Clubs with not less than 2 days’ written notice of such amendments.
Guidance
Any Protocols will be published on the EFL SharePoint site accessed via the Club Portal system.
36.11 Each Club shall pay to The League such amounts as are notified by The League for the costs associated, or arising in connection, with the implementation of the Return to Training Protocol.
36.12 The League shall be entitled to deduct any such costs from any amounts payable to a Club by The League in accordance with these Regulations and the Articles of Association (including but not limited to by way of Basic Award). For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that the costs associated, or that arise in connection, with the implementation of the Return to Training Protocol exceed the amounts payable to a Club by The League, the Club shall be liable to pay The League such excess costs.
37 NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS AND REFEREES’ MARKS
37.1 Clubs must submit the results of League Matches together with the names of the Players competing therein, in the manner directed by The League from time to time, within 72 hours of each League Match or no later than 12 noon on the next Normal Working Day immediately after the match (whichever is the earlier).
Guidance
This means that if you have had a game on Friday or Saturday you must have submitted your Teamsheet on iFAS via the Club Portal by 12 noon on Monday and if you have had a Mid-Week Match it must have been Submitted on iFAS via the Club Portal by 12 noon the next day, e.g. Tuesday night by Wednesday 12 noon, etc.
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
37.2 Clubs must submit their marking of the Referee’s performance, in the manner directed by The League from time to time, within six days of each League Match.
Guidance
The League requires all Referees marks and requests for feedback from PGMOL to be submitted through the MOAS system to be completed in a timely manner.
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
38 CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES AND MEDALS
38.1 The Club declared the Champion Club of each Division shall hold the Championship Trophy of that Division until the next Season’s League Competition is concluded. When the winners of the trophies shall have been ascertained they shall be handed over to such winners who shall return the same to The League on or before 1 May in the following year in like good order and condition, provided always that the winning Club shall, from time to time throughout the year, on request from The League, release the trophy to The League for such purposes as The League shall require.
Guidance
Upon return of the original to the League, the club will be presented with a 3⁄4 size replica of the winning trophy.
38.2 The League shall present to the Championship Club of each Division 30 souvenirs comprising 25 for the Players, one for the chief administrator/club secretary, one for the Manager, one for the Senior Therapist and two for staff other than Players. It shall be the responsibility of the Club to determine to which of its Players the souvenirs should be presented. Additional souvenirs may be presented with the consent of The League.
Guidance
To be eligible to receive a Championship, League One or Two winners medal, a player must have been named on the Team Sheet in at least 25% of the club’s league fixtures in that season. Any medals agreed over and above those detailed above will be at cost to the Club concerned.
39 REGISTRATION OF PLAYING KITS
39.1 During the Close Season, each Club shall notify The League in writing details of its ‘home’ and ‘away’ kit (shirt, shorts and socks) and if applicable any ‘third’ set of kit. Each set of kit registered must differ visibly from and contrast with each other kit registered by the Club in that Season. No changes either in the kit or combination of colours of kits shall be permitted during the course of the Season.
39.2 Save as, provided for in Regulation 39.3 and 39.4, the ‘home’ shirt registered by each Club will be worn for all Home Matches during the next following Season.
39.3 In circumstances where an ‘away’ Club cannot wear any of its kits (or combination of its kits) without causing a potential kit clash, the Home Club shall be able to wear any combination of its registered kit in order to avoid the potential kit clash (including but not limited to wearing an ‘away’ or ’third’ shirt for a Home Match). The League shall inform all other Clubs, Referees and Assistant Referees of such details.
Guidance
Clubs are required to notify the Football Services Department of their chosen colours for all new ‘home’, ‘away’ and ‘third’ sets of kit at the planning stage then the League can provide approval. When registering kits, Clubs must ensure that the colour of the shirt, shorts and socks for each kit is different to and would sufficiently contrast against the other kits registered by the Club.
For the avoidance of doubt, a ‘kit’ constitutes a set of shirt, shorts and socks.
When considering selection of colours of shirts / shorts / socks, Clubs should have regard to the guidance issued by the Football Association on helping those affected by colour blindness, a copy of which is available on the EFL SharePoint site accessed via the Club Portal system.
39.4 Each Club is authorised on one occasion per Season to play a Home Match in an alternative kit (in addition to any changes permitted in accordance with Regulation 39.3). The League reserves the right to relax this restriction in respect of play-off matches after consultation with Clubs.
39.5 The Away team will, not less than 7 days before the scheduled match, submit to The League, Match Referee and their opponents the details of the colours of shirts, shorts and socks of all players. In the event that The League requires either Club (Away or Home) make amendments to its selection, the Club will, within 24 hours of receiving the notification of the same, resubmit its selection to The League, Match Referee and opponent.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
39.6 The colour of the Goalkeeper’s shirt must, in all cases, be clearly distinguishable from the colours of the shirts worn by the Match Officials and all other Players.
39.7 In adverse weather conditions the Goalkeeper may wear tracksuit trousers acceptable to the Referee.
39.8 ‘Shirt’ in the context of this Regulation shall also include ‘Jersey’ where applicable.
39.9 The colours of clothing worn by ball assistants must not clash with the colours of either of the competing Clubs.
39.10 The shirts of all Players in matches played under the jurisdiction of The League shall include such sleeve badge(s) in such format as The League shall prescribe. There shall be no form of words, advertising, badge or other logo above or below the sleeve badge(s) except as permitted by The League.
Guidance
A breach of this Regulation is designated a strict liability offence as detailed in Regulation 88.
39.11 No other logos, words or other designs may be printed or embroidered on the shirts, shorts or socks without the prior written permission of The League. Permission will only be granted for:
39.11.1 local promotions, campaigns or charity initiatives;
39.11.2 supporting The League’s nominated charity partner and/or other initiatives (as notified by The League from time to time);
39.11.3 discrete inclusion of a unique number for each Player that represents their place in the chronological list of players to appear for that Club; and/or
39.11.4 a discreet logo or wording used in conjunction with the Club’s crest to commemorate significant matches or the Club’s history,
and where such permission will not cause the Club to breach the requirements of any Football Association regulations relating to kit advertising.
Guidance
Clubs are reminded that any advertising on any piece of playing kit or equipment must comply with the rules of the Football Association and any commercial restrictions and guidance supplied by the League.
Clubs shall be permitted to register a ‘third kit’ at any point during the season save that only one ‘third kit will be allowed to be registered in any one season.
In relation to Charity Shirts clubs should adhere to the Football Association guidelines.
Regulation B6.d. of The FA Kit and Advertising Regulations states ‘.....the officially designated name, logo or emblem of a registered charity may appear only once on shirts..........Before any such charity name, logo or emblem is used on a kit, permission must be granted from the Competition in which the kit is to be worn. Such permission may only be granted on a maximum of three occasions in any one season’.
40 REFEREES AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
The League shall compile each Season a list of Referees and Assistant Referees selected from the National Lists of Referees and Assistant Referees respectively. Assistant Referees shall be registered as Level 3 Referees with a County Football Association and be actively engaged in refereeing senior competitions.
41 Managers
41 .1 Subject to Regulations 41.4 and 41.5:
41.1.1 all Managers in the Championship must hold a minimum of the UEFA A Licence and be working towards completing the UEFA Pro-Licence within 3 years of appointment.
41.1.2 all Managers in League One and League Two must hold a minimum of the UEFA B Licence and be working towards completing the UEFA A Licence within 3 years of appointment.
41.2 Where a Club is promoted from League One to the Championship and that Club’s Manager does not hold the UEFA A Licence, the Manager shall have until 31 July in the following Season in which to obtain the UEFA A Licence.
41.3 Where a Club appoints a Manager on an interim basis that individual does not need to meet the qualifications set out in Regulation 41.1 above provided always that this dispensation shall not last beyond the end of the Season in which they are appointed. Further, Clubs may not appoint any individual who has already held an interim Manager position at a Club under this Regulation unless and until such time as they have acquired the qualification(s) required under Regulation 41.1.
Guidance
This only applies for any individual who does not meet the qualifications set out in Regulation 40.1. For the avoidance of any doubt if the individual holds the required qualification, there are no restrictions on the individual from holding the position of Manager on an interim basis.
41.4 Where a Manager at a Club held the role of Manager at a Club or Premier League Club (or any club in any other league of an equivalent standing to The League or Premier League, as determined by the League, acting reasonably) on or prior to the 10 June 2011 then that Manager does not need to comply with the provisions of Regulation 41.1 must instead hold the Football Association Coaching Diploma (or suitable alternative, as approved by The League).
41.5 References in this Regulation to a particular UEFA qualification may, subject to the prior approval of the League, include:
41.5.1 a ‘recognition of competence’ issued by UEFA (in accordance with the UEFA Coaching Convention) confirming that the individual has achieved an equivalent standard; and
41.5.2 any equivalent qualification recognised by any other Confederation of FIFA.
41.6 Contracts of employment between a Club and a Manager shall include the standard clauses set out in Appendix 7.
Guidance
All Clubs are expected to provide the League with confirmation of any managerial appointments made (both permanent and interim) and provide satisfactory evidence of any qualifications held.
Please see Regulation 127 for provisions relating to recruitment processes for first team managers.
42 PRE-SEASON MEETINGS
42.1 All Clubs are required to procure that their Managers attends, in person, an annual Pre-Season meeting organised by The League, and failure to do so without just cause shall be a breach of these Regulations.
42.2 By no later than 25 June in advance of each Season, each Club must notify the League of two dates (each of which shall be before the Club’s first League Match of the Season) on which each of its Contract Players will be available for a meeting to be attended by the League, Football Association and/or PGMOL. The League will then notify the Club as soon as possible thereafter on which of the two dates provided the meeting will take place. Failure to attend this meeting (in the case of a Contract Player) or to take reasonable steps to ensure the attendance of each of its Contract Players at this meeting (in the case of a Club), save in exceptional circumstances, shall be a breach of this Regulation.