Points of Contact: Fixture Secretary - Malc KERSHAW, Referees Secretary - Russell HOYTE, League Secretary - Scott WHITE, Discipline Secretary - John MELIA

 

Who pays the match official's match fee?

 

For all league fixtures, the home team will pay the match fee, and for cup ties, the match fee is split equally between the two teams.

 

For cup ties, match fees are split between the two clubs 50-50.

 

Clubs should note that match officials are instructed by the FA to report the non-payment of a match fee as misconduct, which may mean disciplinary action against the club(s).

 

What happens where there is a clash of kit?

 

The away team is required to change where there is a clash of kit. This situation should be avoided through the Match Confirmation process.

 

All teams are STRONGLY advised to have a spare set of different coloured socks with them on matchdays which are NOT black.

 

In exceptional circumstances, NUMBERED BIBS may be used, but these should not be used if there is a colour clash.

 

What happens if the match official does not arrive?

 

You should notify the Referee's Secretary as soon as possible, and if a replacement match official cannot be provided, the teams MUST agree on an individual to referee the game. For clarity, the agreed referee MUST officiate for the FULL fixture and will have the same powers and responsibilities as a match official appointed by the League.

 

It is NOT PERMITTED for teams to appoint a different referee for each half of the game.

 

What should we do if we, or our opponents, know in advance that that we/they cannot fulfil a fixture?

 

If you are the AWAY TEAM and cannot fulfil the fixture, you should notify the HOME TEAM IMMEDIATELY.

 

If you are the HOME CLUB, you should notify their opponents (where you cannot fulfil the fixture), the match official, Fixture Secretary and Referees Secretary IMMEDIATELY. Any delay in notifying all participants and League Officers that causes unnecessary expense may be clawed back from the home club.

 

What should we do if our opponents do not turn up?

 

Firstly, the home club should pay the match official the FULL match fee if they have arrived for the fixture, which will be reimbursed by the League and then clawed back. You should also notify the Fixture Secretary and Referees Secretary as soon as possible.

 

What should we do if the game is abandoned?

 

If the match referee abandons a fixture, you should reflect this when reporting your result via SMS text message, and you should send details to the Fixture Secretary of the approximate time the fixture was abandoned, the scoreline at that time, and the reason for the abandonment, if known.

 

Once the county FA have concluded their investigation into responsibility for the abandonment, the LMC will use their decision to determine whether; the result stands, a home win is awarded, an away win is awarded or the match is to be replayed, as well as any points deductions.

 

What should we do if we have concerns about the playing area (size, condition, etc)?

 

You should lodge your concerns with the match referee BEFORE kick-off and then notify the League Secretary in writing. No objections will be considered if the concerns are not lodged before kick-off.

 

Where Assistant Referees are appointed, who pays their match fees?

 

Where Assistant Referees are appointed due to a breach of league discipline at a previous fixture, you will be notified in writing by the Discipline Secretary.

 

Where their appointment relates to a team having had two qualifying dismissals in a previous fixture, the offending club is responsible for payment of the Assistant Referee's match fees ON THE DAY.

 

Where their appointment relates to an ongoing E20/E21 Misconduct allegation, the League will pay their match fees and recharge the club if the allegations are subsequently found PROVEN.

 

The League also appoints Assistant Referees to fixtures each week at its discretion and covers their match fees for these fixtures.

 

What do we do if we are subjected to discriminatory language or behaviour?

 

You should notify the match referee IMMEDIATELY and provide them with full details. Even if the match referee did not hear or witness your allegations, they will submit it to the county FA for their assessment.

 

If a club requires support following such an event, please contact the EDI Officer or League Secretary who will assist.

 

What do we do if we have a complaint about the opposition?

 

Any complaints about your opposition should be addressed to your county FA who will investigate. Match discipline is not under League jurisdiction, so we cannot consider any complaints made until the county FA have concluded their investigation.

 

We do, however, ask that where clubs take this action, that the League Secretary is made aware of the complaint and is updated on progress.

 

What do we do if we have a complaint about a match official?

 

If a match official is late, does not turn up for a fixture or does not comply in any other way with the League's administrative procedures, you should notify the Referees Secretary in writing.

 

All other complaints about a match official should be addressed to your county FA who will investigate. All such matters relating to match officials come under county FA jurisdiction.

 

Clubs may notify the Referees Secretary, if they wish, where such a complaint is made for information purposes only.