A member association of Auckland Football Federation (Inc.)
New Zealand Football (Inc.), and F.I.F.A. 
PO Box 40-582, Glenfield

RULES

Rule 1   The Association and Memberships
Rule 2   Annual and Special General Meetings
Rule 3   Standing Orders
Rule 4   The Executive Committee and Officers of the Association
Rule 5   Finance
Rule 6   Winding Up
Rule 7   General

REGULATIONS

Regulation 1  Registration, Clearances and Transfers
Regulation 2  Competitions
Regulation 3  Composition of Divisions
Regulation 4  Matches
Regulation 5  Knock-out Competitions and Tournaments
Regulation 6  Trophies & Awards
Regulation 7  Colours and Uniform
Regulation 8  Referees
Regulation 9  Results
Regulation 10  Ground Fees
Regulation 11  Misconducts
Regulation 12  Judicial Sub-committee and Hearings
Regulation 13  Appeals and Disputes

PART ONE: RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION

RULE 1: The Association and Membership

1. The association shall be known as the “Auckland Sunday Football Association Incorporated”.
2. The registered office of the “Auckland Sunday Football Association Incorporated”, hereafter referred to as the ASFA or the Association shall be at such a place as appointed by the Executive Committee of the Association.
3. The objective of the Association is to promote and administer the game of association football within the Auckland region, as applied to Sunday football, under the ‘Laws of the Game’ as defined by Auckland Football Federation (AFF), New Zealand Football (NZF) and F.I.F.A.
4. The Association shall be affiliated to Auckland Football Federation, New Zealand Football Incorporated and F.I.F.A., and shall be governed by the Rules and Regulations of those bodies.  Where the Rules and Regulations of the Association are at odds with those of AFF, NZF or FIFA, these shall each and in turn have precedence.
5. Membership of the Association shall be any individual person who is a member of a team or club under the control of, and financially affiliated to the Association, Life Members, current serving members of the Executive Committee, any individual co-opted to sit on any sub-committee of the executive Committee, and any entity, team or club financially affiliated to the Association.  For the purposes of Regulation 11 all coaches, managers, supporters or any other person connected with but not a financial member of a club or team shall also be deemed to be a member of the Association.
6. Each team or club affiliated to the ASFA shall be free to govern itself in such a manner as it decides, subject in all cases to the overriding jurisdiction of these rules and regulations.
7. Teams and clubs may charge such membership fees to their members as defined by the management body of that entity.
8. Any individual member, team or club who is not a current financial member of the Association, as defined under Rule 5, shall forfeit all rights to exercise any privileges of membership of the Association.
9. A team or club is considered financial for the period of one year, running from one AGM to the next AGM (the following year) but only once the registration fees or deposit for all teams under the control of an entity of club have been received by the treasurer or another Executive Committee member at or before the first-mentioned AGM.  Clubs or teams with unpaid liabilities to the Association arising during a year between AGM’s which have existed for more than sixty (60) days will be declared unfinancial for the purposes of any Special or Emergency General Meeting held during that period and for as long as the liability exists.
10. The Association may, by a majority vote of its Executive Committee at a meeting properly constituted under these Rules, expel any member, team or club guilty of violating these Rules or Regulations, which has brought the game or Association into disrepute.
11. Any member, team or club may resign from the Association at any time, by giving three weeks’ notice in writing to the Secretary of the Association.

 

RULE 2: Annual and Special General Meetings 

1. The Annual General Meeting (hereafter called the AGM) shall be held no later than 31^st March of each year. Twenty eight (28) days notice shall be given prior to the meeting.
2. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the written request of not less than six (6) financial teams. Seven (7) days notice shall be given.
3. An Emergency General Meeting may be called by any Executive Committee member, after consultation with two other Executive Committee members, by giving at least 24 hours notice, advising the venue, time and the business to be considered. The nature of business for an Emergency General Meeting shall be such that the matter is of sufficient importance or urgency that the time necessary to call a Special General Meeting is not in the Association’s interest. No other business will be placed before such meetings.
4. It shall be compulsory for a representative of each club to be present at any AGM, SGM or EGM. Failure to attend may result in such penalties as may be imposed by the Executive from time to time.
5. The ordinary business transacted at an AGM shall be the consideration and adoption of the minutes of the last Annual and/or Special General Meeting, receipt of the annual report and duly audited accounts, the election of officers for the following year, and any other business as may be brought before the meeting in accordance with these Rules.
6. Notice of any business to be transacted at an Annual or Special General Meeting, other than ordinary business, shall be given in writing, bearing the names of the proposer and seconder, to the Secretary of the Association no less than twenty eight (28) days before the meeting. Such business will be notified to members no less than seven (7) days prior to the AGM or SGM.
7. Attendance at an Annual or Special General Meeting shall be restricted to current financial members of any team or club which is in turn a current financial member of the Association.   Attendance by non-financial members of teams or clubs or financial members of non-financial teams or clubs shall be at the sole discretion of the Chairperson.
8. Nomination of Officers of the Association shall be made in writing no less than fourteen (14) days before an Annual General Meeting.

• The nominee and the proposer must sign such nominations.
• Should only one nomination be received for any position, no vote shall be required and that person shall be declared to the office.
• Should no nomination be received for a position, the Chairperson may call nominations from the floor of the AGM.

9. The right to speak and vote at General Meetings shall be limited to current financial members and representatives of financial teams or clubs only, subject to standing orders. Any person with the right to speak at the meeting may do so only with the permission of the Chairperson.

10. Voting powers shall be restricted to one vote for a duly appointed representative of each team or club financial at the time of the meeting, one vote per member of the Executive Committee, and one vote per Life Member of the ASFA either present or having personally appointed a proxy.  Entities or clubs with more than one team shall have one vote per team. Voting powers may be exercised by proxy by the delegate of another club or team or an Executive or Life Member entitled to vote, providing such proxy has been notified to the Secretary prior to the commencement of the meeting.
11. Amendments or recessions to the Rules may only be made at an Annual or Special General Meeting after a vote carried by three-fifths of those present and entitled to vote.
12. Amendments and recessions to any Regulation may only be made at an Annual or Special General Meeting after a vote carried by majority of those present and entitled to vote.
13. Any Annual or Special General Meeting may be adjourned for up to a period of seven (7) days to complete unfinished business on the agenda only.

RULE 3: Standing Orders

1. The order of business at all Annual General Meetings shall be:

• Apologies
• Confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting
• Business arising from the minutes of the previous meeting
• Correspondence (inward and outward
• Presentation of annual financial statements and Auditors report(AGM only)
• Sub Committee reports
• Election of Officers
• Appointment of Auditor
• Notices of Motion properly received
• General Business

2. A quorum at any General Meeting shall be at least one half of those members entitled to vote. No business shall be conducted until a quorum is present. Should a quorum not be attained within 30 minutes of the scheduled meeting time, the meeting shall be abandoned and rescheduled within fourteen (14) days with a minimum seven (7) days notice.

3. Any person who disrupts a meeting, or fails to abide by the Rules may be suspended or ejected from the meeting at the sole discretion of the Chairperson. Such persons may be subject to disciplinary action under regulation 11.
4. Speaking rights at any meeting shall be in accordance with the following conditions:

• Initial speaking rights to any motion shall be afforded to the proposer and seconder of the motion before the meeting.
• General discussion shall be limited to each person wishing to speak to the motion being allowed to state his or her case one at a time.
• The promoter and seconder shall have the right of closure after general discussion.
• Speaking shall be restricted to a maximum of 3 minutes and be related to the motion.
• The Chairperson shall decide when discussion is at an end and a vote is to be called.

5. Voting on general matters and the election of Officers and members of the Committee shall be by show of hands, or by secret ballot following a motion (proposed and seconded and duly passed by the Meeting) to hold a ballot. The Meeting shall elect two people to act as scrutineers for any secret ballot.  Declaration by the Chairperson of the number of votes cast for and against the motion or election shall be conclusive.  All voting papers shall be destroyed following the declaration of the ballot.

6. In the event of equal voting at any meeting, the Chairperson shall have the casting vote.
7. All business at any General Meeting shall be concluded within 3 hours of the commencement of the meeting and by no later than 10.00 p.m. A motion may be carried to suspend discussion in order to finalise business before the meeting at the time. No discussion or transaction on any other business may be commenced.

RULE 4: The Executive Committee and Officers of the Association

1. The Executive Committee is the controlling body of the Association and shall have the right to exercise all powers and privileges of the Association. All decisions of any sub-committee shall be subacute to the overriding jurisdiction of the Executive Committee.
2. The Executive Committee of the Association shall comprise:

• Chairperson

• Secretary
• Treasurer
• A minimum of four additional  members co-opted by the Executive Committee

3. The positions of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer shall be voted at the Annual General Meeting. The holders of other offices shall be assigned at the first meeting of the Executive Committee, and notified to clubs.  All positions on the Executive Committee shall be held for one year until the following AGM.  All Executive Committee members shall be eligible for re-election.

4. Eligibility for election to an elected position on the Executive Committee shall be restricted to members of a club or team that is currently a financial member of the Association and Life Members.  The Executive Committee at its sole discretion may co-opt other members to the Committee from outside this qualification who it believes will well serve the interests of the members of the Association.
5. Should a position not be filled at the time of election, or a vacancy occurs during the term of the committee, the Executive Committee shall have the sole power to co-opt members to the committee.
6. The Executive Committee shall meet on a regular basis on a schedule to be defined by the Committee, but at an interval of no less than once every eight weeks, to discuss business relating to the Association. A quorum at any Executive Committee meeting shall be one half of those members of the Committee entitled to vote.
7. Where applicable, Executive Committee Members will attend any relevant meetings of Auckland Football Federation to promote the interests of the Association.
8. The Executive Committee may call upon any person as deemed necessary to appear before the Committee as matters arise.
9. The Executive Committee or any of its members shall not be held liable or accountable, wholly or personally, for any costs or damages incurred by any event, action or person, to any person or any applicant or any witness in any judicial hearing or appeal.
10. Any elected or co-opted member of the Executive Committee who is absent from two consecutive meetings, or fails to attend two-thirds of meetings within a 12 month period between any two AGM’s, without notification or just cause may be removed as a member of the Executive Committee by the Committee.
11. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to:

• Manage the affairs and assets of the Association, in accordance with the Rules

• Define the structure of any competitions held under the control of the Association.

12. The duties of the Chairperson of the Association shall be to:

• Act as Chairperson of any Annual or Special General Meeting, and all Executive Committee Meetings
• Ensure that all meetings are held in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Association, and that order is maintained at all meetings
• Uphold the Rules and Regulations of the Association, to the best of their ability
• Act as a spokesperson for the Association in all matters
• Act as delegate or to appoint another Executive Committee member in his absence to promote the rights and objectives of the Association to the Regional and/or National Associations.

13. The duties of the Secretary of the Association shall be to:

• Be responsible for the correspondence and records of the Association
• Give notice of meetings in accordance with the Rules and Regulations
• Keep accurate minutes of all proceedings and resolutions at meetings (with the exception of Judicial meetings) and distribute minutes to attendees
• Hold custody of all property of the Association, including deeds and papers
• In the event of the Chairperson being unavailable or unable to complete the tenure of office, the Secretary shall automatically assume the position of Chairperson until the return of the Chairperson or the election of a replacement

14. The duties of the Treasurer of the Association shall be to:

• Collect and receive all monies due to the Association, and lodging of all monies into the Association’s bank accounts
• Disburse funds to service all debts and accounts contracted, after receiving approval from the Executive Committee
• Maintain accurate accounts and statements regarding the financial status of the Association and its members, and advise the Executive Committee of the financial status of the Association on a regular basis
• Prepare and present an annual statement of accounts, duly audited, for the previous financial year to the Annual General Meeting of the Association.

15. The duties of the Registrations Officer shall be to:

• Process and administer the registration records of the Association
• Liaise with other associations to ensure that all player transfers, clearances and registrations are completed in an efficient manner, and in accordance with the Regulations of the Association and governing bodies.

16. The duties of the Fixtures and Results Officer shall be to:

• Draft the structure of any competition under the control of the Association, for approval by the Executive Committee
• Maintain records of the results of all games played under the Associations control, and monitor any fixtures not played that may require rescheduling
• Liaise with local authorities and clubs to monitor ground availability and condition
• Promote the Association’s competitions and activities to Auckland Football Federation
• Impose penalties against teams guilty of late results or defaulted games, as defined in the Regulations.

17. The duties of the Judicial Officer shall be to:

• Chair the judicial sub-committee,  and control the sub-committee’s meetings
• Maintain records of all cautions and misconducts arising from matches under the control of the Association, and any automatic suspensions imposed as a result
• Arbitrate and adjudicate all cases brought before the Judiciary on merit
• Maintain records of all decisions of the sub-committee.

18. The duties of the Referees Liaison Officer shall be to:

• Liaise with the Fixtures and Results Officer and AFF in order to  have referees appointed where possible to any fixtures under the jurisdiction of the Association
• Liaise with AFF to ensure that referees are of a competent standard for the level of fixture to which they are appointed
• Co-ordinate any specific training of referees for clubs or teams in conjunction with AFF
• Liaise with AFF on all matters pertaining to referees.

19.  The duties of the Divisions Representative shall be to:

• Liaise with the representatives of clubs or teams regarding any issues that relate to divisional or matters pertaining to the Laws of the Game.
• Ensure representatives of all clubs and teams are informed of all Rules and Regulations of the association that pertain to the Laws of the Game.
• Be the main point of contact for representatives of all clubs and teams for any issues that may need to be brought to the Executive Committee’s attention

20. The Executive Committee shall assign responsibility for the above duties and positions, and other duties, such as public relations, Webmaster and Divisional Liaison Officer, as and when necessary. Such appointments can be made to co-opted members of the Executive Committee.  No person shall hold more than two positions on the Executive Committee.

RULE 5: Finance

1. The funds of the Association shall be devoted to the interests of the Association.
2. All funds shall be paid into bank accounts to the credit of the Association. The Association’s accounts shall be subject to the directives of the Executive Committee. Funds may be transferred between Association accounts, or placed on term deposits at the discretion of the Executive Committee to attain maximum benefit from funds lodged.
3. Any payment of expenses or withdrawal of Association funds must be approved by the Executive Committee, and authorised by two of the following officers: Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, or one of two appointed Executive members.
4. The Association will reimburse any reasonable expenses incurred by a member of the Association and/or Executive Committee, where such expenses have been incurred during the execution of such business approved by the Association.
5. The Association shall be responsible for all debts incurred by the Association, and no liability shall be held to the appointed officers of the Association. The exception shall be in the case of criminal acts by a person or persons, in which case liability shall rest with the person responsible for the criminal act.
6. The Association shall have the power to hold, lease, sell, exchange or mortgage land, or build on it with the power to alter, demolish or re-erect it. The Association shall also have the power to lay out such land as necessary for playing fields, to charge an admission fee to such land, and to so deal with such land as if a private person in the execution of its duties to fulfil Rule 1.3.
7. The Association may raise, borrow or secure the repayments of any sum of money for the furtherance of its objects, in such a manner and upon such terms and conditions by debentures or debenture stock charged upon or not charged upon any or all property of the Association.
8. The Association shall have the power to advance monies to affiliated clubs under such conditions and on such terms as the Executive Committee considers advisable, either without security or with security as may be advisable.
9. Subscription and membership fees shall be determined by the Executive Committee to cover the expenses of the Association and ratified at the Annual General Meeting.
10. The Association shall require all clubs or teams to subscribe to any fees as may be levied by Auckland Football Federation or New Zealand Football.
11. Upon ratification at an Annual, Special or Emergency General Meeting, The Association may call upon affiliated clubs to subscribe to any fees to cover any extraordinary expenses of the Association.
12. All invoices issued by the Association shall be due for payment within fourteen (14) days of issue. Any team or club with outstanding debts may be suspended or ejected from the Association, at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee.
13. Teams suspended for non-payment (of any fees, fines or invoices) may not participate in any competition or tournament organised by the Association. Any fixtures scheduled during such suspensions will be deemed as being defaulted and the fixture awarded to the opposing team. Additional penalties as defined by Regulation 2 will also be applied.
14. The common seal of the Association shall be held by the Secretary, and affixed to any documents authorised by the Executive Committee, and in the presence of any two members of that committee.
15. An auditor appointed by an Annual General Meeting shall audit each year’s accounts. The Auditor may not hold an office of the Association at any time during the audit period.
16. Notwithstanding anything expressed or implied in these Rules the activities of the Association shall not be carried on for the personal pecuniary profit or benefit of any member or individual or associated person.
17. No member of the Association or any person associated with a member shall participate in or materially influence any decision made by the Association in respect of the payment to or on behalf of that member or associated person of any income, benefit or advantage whatsoever.  Any such income paid shall be reasonable and relative to that which would be paid in an arm’s length transaction (being the open market value).  The provisions and effect of this clause shall not be removed from this document, and shall be included and implied into any document replacing this document.

RULE 6: Winding Up

1. The Association may be wound up in any matter provided by the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 (and any subsequent amendments), and the regulation therein. If upon the winding up or dissolution of the Association there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities any property whatsoever the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Association but shall be given or transferred to some other organisation or body having objects similar to the objects of the Association, or to some other charitable organisation or purpose, within New Zealand.

RULE 7: General

1. Each club shall be entitled once per year, upon application to the Executive Committee, to be supplied with a copy of these Rules and Regulations.
2. No team may play in any match, competition or tournament, or travel overseas without notification to the Executive Committee at least 10 days prior to the event.
3. No addition or alteration to the aims/objects, payments to member’s clause or the winding-up clause shall be approved without the approval of the Inland Revenue.  The provisions and effect of this clause shall not be removed from this document and shall be included and implied into any document replacing this document.

REGULATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION

REGULATION 1: Registration, Clearances and Transfers

1. Prior to the commencement of the season, all teams will notify the Registrations Officer of all players intending to play for the team in the forthcoming season. All such players must be currently registered for the team concerned.
2. Each team shall be entitled to maintain a list of registered players per team from which to call.
3. Whereby a club has deregistered a player and registered another player to comply with clause 2, above, the club may not re-register the initial player unless approved by the Registrations Officer, after sufficient reason must be provided by the club, in writing. No player may be deregistered and then re-registered more than once within a season.
4. Players shall be registered for a particular team only. Transfers between teams within an entity or club may only be made after approval from the Registrations Officer, prior to the player playing in the new team. Once transferred between teams of the same club, a player must wait for a minimum of three matches before being allowed to transfer to another team (if required), subject to the regulations applicable to knockout competitions.
5. All new players must be registered with their intended club prior to playing their first game for the club. No deviations from this rule will be accommodated.
6. A team may register a current “Saturday” player as a guest player providing it has supplied all relevant details to the Registrations Officer (subject to all conditions outlined in Regulation 1) prior to playing their first game. The match card must show the player as a guest of that team in any match in which he participates.  All players playing Sunday football only will be further registered with AFF and NZF on their databases as an ASFA member.  Should any such player subsequently wish to play Saturday football (either instead of or as well as Sunday football), they must transfer from ASFA to their Saturday club on the AFF/NZF database, and change their status to Guest for any Sunday team.
7. Any player who has played in the Northern Regional Football League (NRFL) divisions which comprise of: NRFL Premier Division, NRFL 1^st Division, NRFL 2^nd Division (or corresponding level from another region) may not participate in any game under the control of the ASFA at any time within nine (9) days of them having played for their non ASFA team. Any team playing unregistered guest players, or players ineligible through having played in an NRFL team (or another regional equivalent) in the restricted period beforehand as outlined above may face expulsion from the league.
8. No player who has been registered with any Saturday team or club in the same year may be registered for or transfer to any club or team under the control of the ASFA after the 1st July. A player registered in an ASFA club or team may not transfer from ASFA to a Saturday team (and change their status to guest on Sunday as at 1.6 above) after 1^st July.
9. Each registration application must be submitted in writing to the Registrations Officer. The application must be completed in full and accompanied by a formal transfer request if applicable. Note: All applications will be vetted through the Auckland Football Federation and New Zealand Football databases to verify that a transfer or clearance is not required.
10. No transfer or re-registration shall be granted to any player currently registered for another team until clearance has been granted from the player’s former team advising that all outstanding monies have been paid and property returned. Such circumstances shall be the only reason for withholding transfer approval, subject to clauses 10-12, below.
11. No transfers or registrations shall be granted to any player who is currently suspended or banned from playing by their former club or team and/or by any other association.
12. The ASFA, or any club or team within its control, will not approve a transfer to any other club or team within the ASFA, for any player subject to suspension or ban, and will not approve a transfer to any other association without ensuring that the details of that suspension are noted on the response for the attention of the new association.
13. Any club or association may decline a transfer request for one or more of its players and such disapproval shall be upheld by the Executive Committee should satisfactory proof be submitted that the transfer is not in the best interests of the code.
14. A player who has been eligible for play, but not utilised by his team for three consecutive games may apply in writing to the Executive Committee for a transfer to another team, provided that the criteria in clauses 8 and 9 have been satisfied.
15. All appeals against any declined transfer request must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee, and accompanied by copies of all documentation. The Executive Committee will consider such appeals and all decisions will be final. The player may not participate in any match under the control of the Association until clearance is approved.
16. Each player will be required to carry photo identification of themselves (Drivers Licence, 18+ Card or similar) for the purposes of player identification. This identification must be produced when required by a match official, opposition official or member of the Executive Committee.
17. A player’s registration shall be cancelled in the event that his club or team has become defunct. Notice must be given in writing to the Registrations Officer advising the situation. Such players shall be eligible for a transfer to any other club or team.
18. Once a player has been registered to a team the registration shall be regarded as permanent, unless written notification to the contrary is received from a team official to the Registrations Officer.
19. Any team fielding an unregistered or ineligible player shall be subject to such disciplinary actions and penalties set by the Judicial Officer and/or the Executive Committee.
20. No player shall be eligible to play for any team for which the player is not registered. Players may however be transferred between clubs, subject to all other conditions of registration as defined in clauses 1-20 (above) being satisfied.

REGULATION 2: Competitions

1. The Executive Committee shall conduct and control all competitions held under the auspices of the Association.
2. The Executive Committee may designate such name and conditions, as it deems necessary, to each or any competition within its control.
3. In all championship competitions, teams shall play each other twice within each division, on a home and away basis, or as otherwise defined by the Executive Committee.  All teams permitted to participate in ASFA competition must provide adequate changing facilities before and after games.  This must include changing rooms and showers that are able to be accessed from one hour before kickoff for both teams and referees until both teams and referees have left. Request to locate adequate grounds or possible expulsion from ASFA league. All teams this year must now have changing facilities.
4. If for any reason the cup/plate fixtures have been postponed and reappointed any other week following which falls on a normal league round, the complete round will be rescheduled to the end of the season after the final scheduled round.
5. If in the event that all games are unable to be completed during the period of the regular season, all remaining unplayed fixtures shall be recorded as a 1-1 result with the stipulation all teams have played each other at least once during the regular season in their respective divisions. In the event that teams have not played each other in their respective divisions at least once, a catch up fixture shall be arranged at the expense of the home team in question.
6. Points for the championship matches shall be awarded as follows :

• 3 points for a win
• 1 point for a draw
• 0 points for a loss

7. In the event of a team defaulting a game, the following penalties shall be applied at the discretion of the Fixtures and Results Officer, acting under the authority of the Executive Committee :

• 1^st default: 0-2 loss, and deduction of 3 competition points from the accumulated table
• 2^nd default: 0-2 loss, and the deduction of an additional 3 competition points from the accumulated table.
• 3^rd default: expulsion from the competition.

Where the Executive Committee deems that a repeated pattern of offending occurs each season, additional penalties and/or relegation to a lower division may be imposed, or expulsion from the league.

8:         Over 35’s Competition

1. The ASFA Over 35’s competition shall be controlled in the same manner as the regular competition.
2. All players, except for four (4) allowed under 35’s, must be aged 35 or over, or turn 35 within the calendar year, to be eligible to participate in the Over 35’s competition.  The allocated dates are on or after 1^st January up to or on December 31^st.  If a player, other than the four (4) allowed under 35’s, are younger than 35 within the calendar year as stated then they are ineligible to play.
3. A team may only register four (4) players under the age of 35 but over the age of 30. These four (4) players must turn 30 before 1^st January of that calendar year to be eligible to play.
4. No more than two (2) of the under 35 players may take the field at any one time.
5. The penalty for playing more than two (2) of the four (4) registered under-aged players at any one time, or any other player not meeting the required age regulations will result in a loss of 3 points and the fixture awarded to the opposition 2-0.

REGULATION 3: Composition of Divisions 

1. The composition and structure of any competition under the control of the Association shall be at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee, who shall define the number of teams to compete in each division and the teams to compete in each division.
2. The maximum total number or teams involved in any competition shall be defined by the Executive Committee prior to the start of that season.
3. Promotion and relegation between divisions shall be awarded whereby the two teams finishing lowest from Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2 and replace the two teams finishing highest in Division 2, who shall be promoted to Division 1.

Similar promotion-relegation criteria will be applied to all other Divisions.

4. In the case of equal points, promotion or relegation shall be decided on goal difference. Where this fails to decide the matter, the greatest number of goals scored shall be the deciding factor. If this still does not decide the matter then the head-to-head results of those teams involved will be considered.
5. All teams must apply in writing, on an annual basis, for entry into any competition under the control of the Association. The deadline for such applications shall be 28 days prior to the scheduled commencement of the competition. Late applications will only be accepted at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Entry forms must be accompanied by a deposit as defined each year by the Executive Committee.
6. Any new team will normally enter at the lowest division. Written application may be made to the Executive Committee to enter at a higher level. Such applications will be considered by the Executive Committee, based on merit and with consideration of vacancies and existing teams eligible for such higher levels.
7. Where a team eligible to play in a division retires before the commencement of the new season, the relegation criteria defined in clause 3:3 will still apply and the next highest team from the division below will be promoted to fill the vacancy, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Should such teams not be promoted for any reason, the Executive Committee shall appoint another team to fill the vacancy at its discretion.
8. Any team may apply in writing to fill a vacancy occurring in any division. The Executive Committee shall rule a decision, which shall be final.
9. In all cases, any decision of the Executive Committee will be final, and without appeal.

REGULATION 4: Matches

1. In all cases, an official of the ‘home team’ shall contact an official of the ‘away team’ no less than 5 days prior to the match, to confirm all details.
2. An official of the ‘away team’ shall contact an official of the ‘home team’ on the day of the match to re-confirm the fixture.
3. No team may postpone or cancel a fixture. If a field closure should occur an official from the home team must contact the Fixtures and Results Officer for an alternate ground. Should an alternate ground be available, reasonable notice to both teams must be given and, if necessary, commencement of play delayed by no more than 1 hour to allow travelling time to the ground and field preparation time. The overriding factor, for the sole consideration by the referee, shall be that the proposed field is suitable for play and that the fixture can be completed with good light and without disruption to subsequent fixtures on the same field.
4. A refusal to transfer a fixture by either team when an approved alternate ground is available, and reasonable notice has been given, shall be regarded as a default against the team refusing to play, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. In the case of disputes advised to the Fixtures and Results Officer prior to the match, any decision by the Fixtures and Results Officer shall be binding on both teams.
5. All matches shall be played on suitable grounds, as determined by the referee. All playing fields shall comply with the Laws of the Game, including the provision of:

• Goal Posts (to a standard complying with the Laws of the Game) with nets.
• Corner posts with a minimum height of 1.5 metres.
• Correct field markings and boundaries to the satisfaction of the referee.

6. The playing pitch shall be prepared (with posts, nets and corner posts) and available for inspection by the referee at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off time.

7. All matches will have a normal duration of 90 minutes, comprised of two equal halves.

• No result will be recorded if less than 70 minutes of cumulative play has elapsed.
• Should play be stopped for any reason, the decision to suspend play for any time, or abandon the match shall be at the sole discretion of the referee.
• No extra time other than referee’s added time, shall be played.  The referee is the sole judge of time.
• Match results will be recorded as being the score at the end of scheduled play, subject to any appeals and protests being upheld by the Executive Committee.

8. All players intending to participate in any competition under the control of the Association must be named on a team card which shall be presented to the referee no less than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled commencement of play. The team card shall identify the team, opposition, venue, and the full names and shirt numbers of each player, including substitutes.

9. Any player not listed on the Team Card before the commencement of play shall not be permitted to play in the fixture.
10. A maximum of 20 players, including up to 9 named substitutes may be recorded on the team card.  A maximum of 14 players, including 3 substitutes, may be used during the the match.  A substituted player may not re-enter the field.
11. In competitions where rolling substitutes are permitted, a maximum number of 20 players, including up to 9 named substitutes may be recorded on the team card.  A maximum of 14 players, including 3 substitutes may be used during the match unless agreed to in advance by both teams and with the agreement of the Referee.
12. Any substitutions must be made with the referee’s permission during a break in play and from the half-way line. The substituted player must leave the field of play before the replacement player enters.
13. All teams shall be present and ready to play, having not less than 9 players per team, at the scheduled commencement of play.

Either team shall, upon notification to the referee and opposition captain, be allowed a period of grace of no more than 10 minutes beyond the scheduled commencement of play in order to be ready to play.

However, in any event that both teams have acquired a minimum of 9 players present, the game will commence.

14. Should either team for any reason, be reduced to less than 7 players, then the match is to be abandoned. The referee shall record the score and elapsed playing time and the reason for the abandonment on the team card of each team, notwithstanding regulations referred to in clause 4:7.
15. All players shall wear suitable footwear, shin guards, numbered shirt, shorts (the goalkeeper may wear long pants) and socks to the satisfaction of the referee, and in accordance with the conditions defined in Regulation 7. All players must remove any personal item considered dangerous by the referee.
16. The home team shall, at the commencement of play, be in possession of three (3) match-balls fit for play in the opinion of the referee.

REGULATION 5: Knock-out Competitions and Tournaments

1. The Executive shall control all ASFA knockout competitions and tournaments.
2. The Executive Committee may, at its discretion set a fee for entry to any knockout competition or tournament.
3. The Executive Committee shall control the structure and draw of the teams competing in any ASFA knockout competition or tournament.
4. All players intending to participate in any ASFA knockout match shall be named on a match card, which shall be presented to the referee before the commencement of play.

The team card shall identify the team, opposition, venue, and the full names and shirt numbers of each player, including substitutes.

5. No player may play for more than one team in an ASFA knock-out competition or tournament during the same season.
6. Should a team retire for any reason from any knockout competition during the preliminary rounds, the opposition for the subsequent preliminary round shall be awarded a bye and progress to the next round of the competition.

Should a team retire after the preliminary round but prior to the commencement of the semi-final or final, the scheduled opposition shall be awarded the match by default.

7. Normal play in all knockout competitions shall consist of 90 minutes of play, divided into two equal halves. Should play be stopped for any reason, the decision to suspend play for any time, reduce time, or abandon the match shall be at the discretion of the referee.
8. In the event that the match cannot be decided after normal time then extra time shall be played. Extra time shall consist of two halves of 15 minutes each with the team having scored the most goals after this extra period being deemed the winner.
9. Should the score remain equal at the conclusion of extra time, the result shall be determined by the taking of five penalty kicks per team. Each team is responsible for selecting the players from those on the field of play at the end of the match and the order in which they will take the kicks. A player other than the goalkeeper who is injured may not be substituted during the taking of kicks from the penalty mark. If a goalkeeper is sent off during the taking of kicks from the penalty mark, he must be replaced by a player who finished the match. Each penalty kick shall be taken by a different player, each player having been on the field at the conclusion of extra time. After the taking of five penalty kicks per team, the team with the most goals shall be declared the winner. Should more than five kicks be necessary, the taking of penalty kicks shall continue with a different player each time, until one team has scored more goals after the taking of an equal number of penalty kicks. Once all eligible players have taken a kick from the penalty mark, the same sequence does not have to be followed as in the first round of kicks. The team with the most goals shall be the winner
10. Venues and kick-off times for Semi-finals and Finals matches will be determined by the Executive Committee.
11. Normal rules of play, and the Rules and Regulations of the Association shall apply to all matches played in knockout competitions.
12. The conditions of play for any tournament shall be defined by the Executive Committee and shall apply solely to that tournament.
13. Any team found to have played an illegal player will be expelled from the cup/plate competition for the remainder of the season and their place taken by the team played in the previous round.
14. In the event of a full cup/plate round not being able to be played, the full cup/plate round will be postponed until the next available weekend.

REGULATION 6: Trophies & Awards

1. All trophies shall be held by the winning team until no later than 7 days prior to the conclusion of the current competition. All trophies must be cleaned and engraved prior to them being returned to a member of the Executive Committee.
2. The club shall be responsible for the safe custody of any trophy held and shall be responsible for repairing any damage.
3. Any damage must be reported to the Secretary within 72 hours.
4. Clubs failing to return trophies within the due time may be liable to any costs incurred by the Association and/or fines imposed by the Executive Committee.

5. The award of Life Membership of the Association can be offered to any member who has given ten- (10) year’s service on the Executive Committee. Life Membership shall be offered by the current Executive Committee.

REGULATION 7: Colours and Uniform/Equipment

1. The representative colours of the ASFA shall be blue and white.
2. Each team or club must register their colours with the Association no later than 28 days prior to the commencement of any competition.
3. Any changes to team or club colours are to be advised in writing to the Secretary and Divisions Representative of the Association, before such change is affected.
4. In the case of colour conflict, it is the responsibility of the away team to provide a suitable change strip. This must comprise of completely different coloured shirts, shorts and socks to those of the opposition. Failure to do so will result in the home team being awarded the fixture. However, in all cases, the referee shall rule on the suitability of colours.
5. All teams participating in any matches controlled by the Association must be clothed in a matching strip, with similarly coloured shirts, shorts and socks. All shirts shall be numbered with a unique number, without duplication within the same set of colours.
6. All items of clothing or equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the referee and determined not to be dangerous. Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.  Undergarments may be worn but must where visible be of the same colour as the team uniform.  If they are not of the same colour as the uniform they must be kept out of sight or completely removed.
7. In view of the new technology that has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the wearer and for other players, referees should show tolerance when authorising their use, particularly for younger players. If an item of clothing or equipment that has been inspected at the start of a match and determined not to be dangerous becomes dangerous or is used in a dangerous manner during the match, its use must no longer be allowed.
8. All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.

Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery (except for a watch or similar device for timing the match).

REGULATION 8: Referees

1. Wherever possible, qualified referees will be appointed to matches under the control of the Association by the AFF Referee Appointments Officer.
2. A referee shall be defined as any person who has attended and passed a referee’s course held by an approved referee’s group or association in a Federation of NZF.  The opposition captain may require evidence of the referee’s qualification. The production of the referee’s badge and name will be sufficient evidence.
3. Any referee officiating at any match under the control of the Association shall be the holder of an Attainment Badge, as a minimum requirement.
4. The home team shall be responsible for payment of any fees charged with respect to reimbursement of expenses of the referee and any other officials appointed to the fixture.
5. Should an official referee not be appointed to a fixture, it shall be the responsibility of the home team to supply a referee.
6. Each team shall be required to have a minimum of two Referee course qualified persons capable of performing the refereeing duties if required.
7. Should a home team be unable to provide an Attainment Badge Referee course qualified referee, then the opposition team shall be requested to supply an Attainment Badge Referee course holder to referee the fixture.

Should this not be possible, the home team captain or manager, and no other person, shall referee the match. This shall be so, even if the home team is required to play without a full squad, subject to the conditions in regulation 4 and 5.

8. In the event that two teams cannot agree on the person refereeing the match, other than an appointed official, the Fixtures and Results Officer, or alternatively the Referees Liaison Officer shall be contacted immediately and before the commencement of play.
9. After play has commenced, a referee cannot be changed, with the exception of an injury to the referee or with the intervention of a member of the Executive Committee.
10. In all cases the decision of the referee, whether appointed officially or as a Club Based Referee or as a member or official of one of the clubs or teams involved in the game, with relation to on field decisions concerning fact and the Laws of the Game, shall be final and no appeal or protest will be acted upon.

REGULATION 9: Results

1. The home team shall be responsible for notifying the result of the match to the Fixtures and Results Officer, no later than 7.00 pm on the day of the match. Where a team has won a match by default, or where the match has been abandoned, before or after the commencement of play, the result details must be notified. The results of all games under the control of the ASFA, including knock-out competitions and tournaments, must be reported to the Fixtures and Results Officer.
2. Where no match has been scheduled, no result is necessary.
3. Completed and signed team cards are to be posted to the Association, to arrive with a postmark dated no more than 5 days after the fixture. Any team card that has been altered or tampered with after it has been signed by both the team managers and the match official will be deemed invalid and will result in that team defaulting the fixture.
4. Failure to comply with the above clauses shall result in the team being penalised 1 point for each offence, to be imposed by the Fixtures Secretary, acting under the authority of the Executive Committee. Continual offending may result in further penalties being imposed.
5. All teams will be granted one instance of grace within a season should they breach clause 9.4. Further breaches will result in the deduction of 1 point for each offence (without exception). No team will be entitled to have points returned after they have been deducted from the league table if they have breached clause 9.4.

REGULATION 10: Ground Fees

1. All teams shall be responsible for payment of any ground fees charged with respect to any home fixtures played.
2. The Association will be responsible for such ground fees as may be charged in the case of its knock-out finals and Representative fixtures.

REGULATION 11: Misconducts

1. Every individual member, club or team affiliated to the Association shall be responsible and accountable to the Association for their conduct, according to the Laws of the Game and the Rules and Regulations of the Association and the NZF Code of Conduct.
2. Teams and clubs shall furthermore be responsible and accountable for the conduct of any player, official, supporter or spectator affiliated in any way to their team, at any ground. This shall apply whether the fixture is played at their designated home ground or any other venue. Teams shall furthermore be responsible and accountable for the conduct of any player, official, supporter or spectator affiliated to their club in any way at any away fixture. However, this does not preclude the home team’s responsibility for the overall conduct of all persons, whether connected to their team or not, at any home fixture.  Clubs and teams are responsible for passing on the NZF Code of Conduct to their members and associated persons.
3. All fixtures under the control of the Association will be subject to the Laws of the Game, and as such any offences shall be dealt in accordance with those laws.
4. All misconducts, cautions, orderings-off during any match under the control of the Association shall be reported to the Judicial Officer on a Match Report from the referee or in writing from the team official in the event of any off-the-field misconducts. All misconduct reports must be received no later than 48 hours after the fixture.

NOTE: No verbal reports will be investigated or acted upon by the Association.

5. All reports must clearly state the facts, including venue, teams involved, the alleged misconduct being reported, names of any persons involved (including any witnesses), the time of the misconduct, any action taken, and reply (name and phone) details.
6. Misconducts shall be defined as:

• Any breach of the Rules and Regulations of the Association.
• Any offences committed as defined under Law 12 of the Laws of the Game.
• Any breach of the NZF Code of Conduct
• Objectionable or improper behaviour before, during, after, or in any way connected with any fixture or event under the control of the Association.
• Any physical or verbal abuse toward the referee or any match official, whether appointed or management on or away from the field of play shall be regarded as a serious misconduct.
• The playing of any person not registered for the team or club, and/or playing of any person while suspended or banned from the game by this or any association.
• Failure to provide any documentation or evidence as may be reasonably required by the Executive Committee or the Judicial Sub-committee.
• Such other acts that in the opinion of the Executive Committee shall constitute misconduct, and/or bring the association or the game into disrepute.

7. Any protest or complaint against alleged misconducts by any player or club shall be copied to the opposing club within 72 hours of the fixture.

8. Any misconduct resulting in a player being shown a yellow card (caution) or red card (sending off) will be subject to a monetary fine being imposed. The ASFA will charge the player’s team for each offence. The value of each caution will be charged at the rate noted in NZF Regulation 7 (including any administration fees) at that time. Red card offences will be charged at this rate per each week of a player’s suspension. The ASFA may use monies collected from fines for the purpose of improving disciplinary issues.
9. Cup and league misconducts will be dealt with separately and penalised within that competition. For a red card offence, the player(s) involved will be stood down from the next ASFA sanctioned game(s) regardless of it being a league or cup fixture. Players cumulating 5 yellows shall stand down for 1 (one) ASFA game. League or Cup.

REGULATION 12: Judicial Sub-Committee and Hearings

1. The judicial function shall consist of a Judicial Officer, who shall be appointed by the Executive Committee, who shall co-opt two or more members of the Executive Committee or any such individuals from time to time considered by the Executive Committee to be able to hear judicial matters on their behalf, to jointly consider any matters before the Judicial Sub-committee.
2. All matters considered, and any penalties imposed shall be binding on all parties, subject to the rights of appeals as set out in Regulation 12. In the event of any appeal being lodged, the penalties imposed by the Judicial Sub-committee shall remain in effect until rescinded.
3. The Judicial Officer, and the sub-committee, shall have the following authority:

• To call upon any witnesses as necessary in considering each case.
• To investigate and adjudicate any matter reported on a misconduct report or letter.
• To investigate and adjudicate any matter referred to it by the Executive Committee.
• To impose penalties, fines or suspensions on any player, official, member or team who has been found guilty of any misconduct under Regulation 9.

4. For all misconduct reports received against any person or team, the Judicial Officer shall notify the team against which the misconduct is alleged within 48 hours of receiving the written misconduct report or letter of complaint.

5. Should a complaint or protest be received against a referee, the Judicial Officer shall notify the Referees Liaison Officer within 48 hours of receipt.
6. In all cases the Judicial Officer shall investigate misconduct:

• In cases where an offence has been committed and a caution or ordering-off has been initiated by the match referee for misconducts considered to be not serious, the Judicial Officer has the authority to impose an instant penalty including loss of points for a caution, and suspensions for any orderings-off, in accordance with NZF Regulation 7.
• In cases of serious or persistent misconduct, the Judicial Officer shall call a Judicial Hearing to fully investigate the complaint. In such cases, the defendant and any witnesses shall be given a minimum of 3 days notice of the hearing. In such cases, the Judicial Officer has the authority to suspend indefinitely from ASFA competitions any player accused of such serious misconducts, should such action be considered in the best interests of the code.  The Judicial Officer shall further refer such serious cases to AFF for their consideration according to processes set out in AFF and NZF Rules and Regulations, and any such penalties as may be handed down from further Judicial proceedings at AFF or NZF level shall also apply to ASFA competition.

7. Should a Judicial Hearing be called, the defendant has the right to have present any representative or relevant witnesses to hear all evidence submitted. It shall not be policy to provide any evidence prior to a judicial hearing. Should the defendant or the defendant’s representative fail to appear at the hearing, the Judicial Officer may impose such penalties as would have been ruled had the case been proved at the hearing.

8. Any person or team making a charge may call upon any relevant witnesses in support of the charges laid.
9. The Judicial Officer may call upon relevant witnesses in support of the charges laid.
10. The Judicial Officer shall convene all hearings and ensure that due process is observed, and that each party is given a fair hearing in which to state any evidence to be presented. The Judicial Officer has the right to discard any evidence that may be circumstantial, hearsay, or irrelevant to the case.
11. The Judicial Sub-committee will consider each case on the facts presented, and impose any penalty, fine or suspension as considered appropriate to the case, Such decisions will be considered binding on all parties, but with the right of appeal by either party.
12. In all cases, the Judicial Officer shall notify all parties, within 72 hours of any decision.

REGULATION 13: Appeals and Disputes

1. All appeals and protests against decisions of the Judicial Sub-committee or the Executive Committee shall be referred in the first instance to the full Executive Committee of the Association within TEN (10) DAYS of the Judicial Committee’s decision, including any bond or fee payable as set out from time to time by the Association. by the rules of the
2. The manager or captain of the appellant’s team or club only may make an appeal.
3. In all appeals, the complainant must state the applicable Rules and Regulation of this Association, AFF or NZF that is the basis for the appeal.
4. Until such time that an appeal is heard, the initial penalty imposed shall remain in effect.
5. The full Executive Committee shall hear the appeal, notwithstanding that the Judicial Officer and any other Executive member who was part of the initial Judicial sub-committee formed to sit on the initial hearing shall be able to present evidence to the full Executive Committee, but may not sit in determination of the appeal.  Appellant individual members or their teams or clubs shall have the same rights of representation at any appeal as set out in Regulation 12 for the initial judicial hearing.  The Executive Committee have absolute powers to reverse any decision of the Judicial Sub-committee, reduce or extend any penalty, fine or suspension imposed by the Judicial Sub-committee, or call for a new hearing.  The Executive Committee may at its sole discretion order the refund of any appeal fee in the event of a successful appeal.  The Executive Committee shall notify all parties of its decision within 72 hours of the appeal hearing.
6. The Executive Committee shall not be held liable or accountable for any costs incurred by an applicant or witness in any appeal, and shall furthermore not be held accountable or liable for any costs or damages caused to any person.
7. In cases where suspensions or bans are imposed, the Secretary of the Association shall also advise the local regional and national associations.
8. Any decision of the Executive Committee sitting in appeal against a decision of the Judicial subcommittee may be further appealed to Auckland Football Federation, subject to AFF Rules and Regulations as published from time to time, in writing to the AFF to be received no later than 14 days after the date of the decision and on payment of any further applicable appeal fee which may be imposed by AFF.

Please refer to the NZF CODE OF CONDUCT.