South Wales FA Handbook 2021/22
South Wales FA Handbook 2021/22
CONTENTS
Disciplinary Procedures – Adults Senior and Reserve Leagues (not including Sunday or Veterans Football)
Criteria for admittance to and retention within the South Wales Alliance League Premier Division
Advice to Referees
Affiliated Leagues
Referees’ Societies
THE SOUTH WALES FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
(Affiliated to The Football Association of Wales Ltd.)
Founded 1890
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President:
Mr. R. Davies, 46 Springwood, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff CF23 6UB (2004) Tel: 029 2073 3251
Life Vice-Presidents:
W. E. Davies, 52b Dinas Road, Tonypandy CF40 1JQ Tel: 01443 687865
A. Jones, 28 Brynheulog Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9UY
A. J. E. Phillips, 4 Heol Penderyn, Brackla, .Bridgend CF31 2EA Tel: 01656 656434
L. Smith-Phillips, 38 Maesycoed Road, Heath, Cardiff CF14 4HQ
Chair of Council:
Mr. D. G. King, 201 Western Avenue, Sandfields, Port Talbot SA12 7NE (2012)
Tel: 01639 885107
Auditors:
Clifton House Partnership, Clifton House, Four Elms Road, Cardiff CF24 1LE
Legal Advisors:
Loosemores Solicitors, Alliance House, 18/19 High Street, Cardiff CF10 2PT
Councillors:
Mrs S. BERRY, 46 Pwllygarth Street, Kenfig Hill, Bridgend CF33 6ES (2016) 01656 741946
Mr. G. ELLIOTT, 35 Parry Street, Ton Pentre, RCT CF41 7AH (2015) Tel: 07449 535985
Mr. D. GILLINGHAM, 31 West Terrace, Penarth CF64 2TX (2013) 029 2030 0283
Mr. G. GIROLAMI, 33 Clos Nant Gaswg, Pontprennau, Cardiff CF23 8NB (2007) 029 2073 6059
Mrs C. HUMPHREYS, 17 Morgan Terrace, Porth, RCT CF39 9LR (2019) 07979 859986
Mr. D. J. MATTHEWS, 70 Graham Court, Lansbury Park, Caerphilly CF83 1RF (2012) 029 2088
0392
Mr. P.SWEET, 13 Nant y Dall Avenue, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd CF37 5LE (2020) Tel: 01443 406808
Mr. P. THOMAS, 17 Alfred Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9SX (2019) 07908 103200
Mr. R. WALTERS, 19 Heol Y Mynydd, Hendreforgan, Gilfach Goch CF39 8UW (2019) 07934 192505
Mrs. D. WILLIAMS, 18 Glyn Bedw, Llanbradach, Caerphilly CF83 8PE (2004) Tel: 029 2088
0498
Mr. R. WILLIAMS, 25 Badgers Brook Drive, Ystradowen, Cowbridge CF71 7TX (2017) Tel: 07800
829187
Members of Sub-Committees:
Note - Holders of the following Officer posts are entitled to attend all sub-committee
meetings: President, Chair of Council, Hon. General Secretary, Hon. Assistant Secretary
(Finance), Hon. Assistant Secretary (Discipline), Hon. Assistant Secretary (Competitions)
Hon. Secretary:
Mr. CHAS AXTELL (1890-1907) (dec’d) Mr. D. A. LANGLEY (1983-2006) (dec’d)
Mr. T. E. RUSSELL, FCCS (1936-1960) (dec’d) Mr. A. J. E. PHILLIPS (2006-2013)
Mr. BRYN ASHTON (1960-1962) (dec’d) Mr. M. ADAMS (2013-)
Mr. E. M. DANTER (1962-1983) (dec’d)
Secretary:
Mr. H. HART (1907-36) (deceased)
Hon. Assistant Secretary - Discipline: Hon. Assistant Secretary - Competitions:
Mr. M. ADAMS (2006-2013) Mrs. E. BENNETT (2009-)
Mr. G. BUCKINGHAM (2013-)
Hon. Treasurer:
Mr. CHAS AXTELL (1890-1908) (dec’d) Mr. E. M. DANTER (1960-1962) (dec’d)
Mr. GEO. MERCER (1908-1934) (dec’d) Mr. A. J. THOMAS (1962-1987) (dec’d)
Mr. T. H. PRICE (1934-1954) (dec’d) Mr. A. J. E. PHILLIPS (1987-2006)
Mr. B. ASHTON (1955-1960) (dec’d) Mr. P. JENNINGS (2006-2017)
Chair of Council:
THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTH WALES FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Company Number 04224343
(Adopted by special resolution 31st day of May 2018)
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PRELIMINARY
In these Articles, any reference to a provision of the Companies Act 2006 shall be deemed to include a
reference to any statutory modification or re-enactment of that provision for the time being in force.
The headings used in these Articles are included for the sake of convenience only and shall be ignored in
construing the language or meaning of these Articles.
In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires, references to nouns in the plural form shall be
deemed to include the singular and vice versa.
DEFINED TERMS
In the Articles, unless the context requires otherwise -
’’Articles’’ means the Company’s articles of association;
’’bankruptcy’’ includes individual insolvency proceedings in a jurisdiction other than England and Wales or
Northern Ireland which have an effect similar to that of bankruptcy;
’’business day’’ means a day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or any day that is a public holiday in Wales;
’’chairman’’ has the meaning given in article 17;
’’chairman of the general meeting’’ has the meaning given in article 30;
’’Club Accreditation Programme’’ means the FAW accreditation programme in force from time to time relating
to matters affecting junior clubs in areas including safeguarding and the qualification of coaches;
’’Company’’ means The South Wales Football Association Limited;
’’Companies Acts’’ means the Companies Acts (as defined in section 2 of the Companies Act 2006), in so far
as they apply to the Company;
’’Council’’ means the members of the Company;
’’director’’ means a director of the Company, and includes any person occupying the position of director, by
whatever name called;
’’document’’ includes, unless otherwise specified, any document sent or supplied in electronic form;
’’electronic form’’ has the meaning given in section 1168 of the Companies Act 2006;
’’FAW Rules’’ means the rules and regulations of the Football Association of Wales Limited (’’FAW’’) as
amended from time to time and all bylaws, orders, codes, policies, procedures and any other directive or
information issued by the FAW from time to time;
’’FIFA Rules’’ means the statutes of Federation Internationale de Football Association (’’FIFA’’) as amended
from time to time and all rules, regulations, orders and other directives issued by FIFA from time to time;
’’Laws of the Game’’ means the laws and other rules for playing association football as prescribed by the
International Football Association Board from time to time;
’’Life Vice-President’’ means a former President of the Company as prescribed in the Rules;
’’Life Member’’ means a life member as prescribed in the Rules;
’’member’’ means the members of the Company and has the meaning given in section 112 of the Companies
Act 2006;
’’Officers’’ means the president, the chairman of the board of directors, the honorary general secretary of the
Company, the honorary assistant secretary (discipline) of the Company, the honorary assistant secretary
(competitions) and the honorary treasurer of the Company, all of who shall be appointed in accordance with
the Rules;
’’ordinary resolution’’ has the meaning given in section 282 of the Companies Act 2006;
’’participate’’, in relation to a directors’ meeting, has the meaning given in Article 15;
’’President’’ means the president of the Company as prescribed in the Rules;
’’proxy notice’’ has the meaning given in Article 37;
’’Qualifying League Representative’’ means the representative of each league affiliated to the Company and
each league’s representative shall be as prescribed in the Rules;
’’Rules’’ means the rules of the Company as amended from time to time;
’’special resolution’’ has the meaning given in section 283 of the Companies Act 2006;
’’subsidiary’’ has the meaning given in section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006;
’’UEFA Rules’’ means the statutes of Union des Association Europeannes de Football (’’UEFA’’) as amended
from time to time and all rules, regulations, orders and other directives issued by UEFA from time to time; and
’’writing’’ means the representation or reproduction of words, symbols or other information in a visible form by
any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
3. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
3.1 The liability of each member is limited to £1, being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to
the assets of the Company in the event of its being wound up while he is a member or within one year after he
ceases to be a member, for:-
3.1.1 payment of the Company’s debts and liabilities contracted before he ceases to be a member,
3.1.2 payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and
3.1.3 adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.
4. OBJECTS
4.1 Throughout south Wales, to improve the game of association football constantly and promote, regulate and
control it in accordance with the FAW Rules and in the light of fair play and its unifying, educational, cultural
and humanitarian values.
4.2 Throughout south Wales, to organise competitions, and authorise others to organise competitions, in
association football in all its forms at all levels under its authority, by defining precisely, as required, the areas
of authority of its various leagues and other affiliated bodies.
4.3 To draw up all necessary regulations to implement its rights, powers and objectives set out under the FAW
Rules and such measures and procedures as may be necessary to ensure their enforcement.
4.4 To protect the interest of its members and the leagues and clubs affiliated to the Company in acccordance with
the Rules.
4.5 To comply with and prevent any infringement of the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the FAW Rules and all
decisions of FIFA, UEFA and the FAW as well as the Laws of the Game and ensure compliance with these by
its members and the leagues and clubs affiliated to the Company in accordance with the Rules.
4.6 To support, promote and enforce the FAW’s Club Accreditation Programme.
4.7 Throughout south Wales, to prevent all methods or practices which might jeopardise the integrity of football
matches or competitions or give rise to abuse of association football under its authority.
4.8 To manage the sporting relations of the Company connected with association football in all its forms.
4.9 To be neutral in matters of politics and religion and in discharging its functions, the Company will not
discriminate against a private person, or group of people, or other entity, on account of ethnic origin, gender,
language, religion, politics, age or any other reason and will ensure compliance with these obligations by its
members and the leagues and clubs affiliated to the Company in accordance with the Rules.
4.10 To promote friendly relations between its members and the leagues and clubs affiliated to the Company in
accordance with the Rules and in society for humanitarian objectives.
5. POWERS
in pursuance of the objects set out in Article 4, the Company has the power to:-
5.1 buy, lease or otherwise acquire and deal with any property real or personal and any rights or privileges of any
kind over or in respect of any property real or personal and to improve, manage, develop, construct, repair, sell,
lease, mortgage, charge, surrender or dispose of or otherwise deal with all or any part of such property and
any and all rights of the Company;
5.2 borrow and raise money in such a manner as the directors shall think fit and secure the repayment of any
money borrowed, raised or owing by mortgage, charge, lien or other security on the Company’s property and
assets;
5.3 invest and deal with the funds of the Company not immediately required for its operations in or upon such
investments, securities or property as may be thought fit;
5.4 subscribe for, take, buy or otherwise acquire, hold, sell, deal with and dispose of, place and underwrite
shares, stocks, debentures, debenture stocks, bonds, obligations or securities issued or guaranteed by any
government or authority in any part of the world;
5.5 lend and advance money or give credit on such terms as may seem expedient and with or without security to
customers and others, to enter into guarantees, contracts of indemnity and suretyships of all kinds to receive
money on deposit or loan upon such terms as the Company may approve and to secure or guarantee the
payment of any sums of money or the performance of any obligation by any company, firm or person including
any holding company or subsidiary;
5.6 lobby, advertise, publish, educate, examine, research and survey in respect of all matters of law, regulation,
economics, accounting, governance, politics and/or other issues and to hold meetings, events and other
procedures and co-operate with or assist any other body or organisation in each case in such way or by such
means as may, in the opinion of the directors, affect or advance the principal object in any way;
pay all or any expenses incurred in connection with the promotion, formation and incorporation of the Company
5.7 and to contract with any person, firm or company to pay the same;
enter into contracts to provide services to or on behalf of other bodies;
5.8
provide and assist in the provision of money, materials or other help;
5.9
open and operate bank accounts and other facilities for banking and draw, accept, endorse, issue or
5.10 execute promissory notes, bills of exchange, cheques and other instruments;
incorporate subsidiary companies to carry on any trade; and
5.11
do all such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the pursuit or to the attainment of any of the
5.12 object set out in Article 4.
INCOME
6.
The income and property of the Company from wherever derived shall be applied solely in promoting the
6.1 Company’s objects.
No distribution shall be paid or capital otherwise returned to the members in cash or otherwise. Nothing in
6.2 these Articles shall prevent any payment in good faith by the Company of:-
6.2.1 reasonable and proper remuneration to any member, officer or servant of the Company for any
services rendered to the Company;
6.2.2 any interest on money lent by any member or any director at a reasonable and proper rate;
6.2.3 reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any member or director; or
6.2.4 reasonable out-of-pocket expenses properly incurred by any director.
7. WINDING UP
7.1 In the event of a winding up or other dissolution of the Company, any funds and assets remaining after
satisfaction of its debts and liabilities and the costs of any winding up or other dissolution:-
7.1.1 may not be paid or distributed to the members; and
7.1.2 must be transferred to one or more entities (whether incorporated or unincorporated) that:-
7.1.2.1 have the principal purpose of the administration and development of association football in
south Wales; and
7.1.2.2 have restrictions on the application of their property (including, without limitation, any dividend,
bonus or other distribution of any kind whether as income or capital or in the form of cash or
otherwise) at least equivalent to the restrictions applicable under these Articles.
7.2 If that is not possible, they shall be transferred to or applied towards some other purpose or purposes that
are charitable in the promotion of sport in south Wales under the law of England and Wales.
8. DIRECTORS’ GENERAL AUTHORITY
8.1 Subject to the Articles, the directors are responsible for the management of the Company’s business in
accordance with its objects, for which purpose they may exercise all the powers of the Company.
8.2 The directors shall act upon the Rules so far as the same are consistent with these Articles. If any conflict or
ambiguity arises between these Articles and the Rules, these Articles shall prevail.
9. MEMBERS’ RESERVE POWER
9.1 The members may, by special resolution, direct the directors to take, or refrain from taking, specified action.
9.2 No such special resolution invalidates anything which the directors have done before the passing of the
resolution.
10. DIRECTORS’ MAY DELEGATE
10.1 Subject to the Articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the
Articles:-
10.1.1 to a committee consisting of no more than 6 directors (who must be members). The directors shall
have the power to fill any interim vacancy prior to the next meeting of the members and the directors
shall have the power to co-opt up to 2 additional persons onto the committee with full voting rights. The
quorum for meetings of a committee shall be 3, of which 2 must be members;
10.1.2 by such means (including by power of attorney);
10.1.3 to such an extent;
10.1.4 in relation to such matters or territories; and
10.1.5 on such terms and conditions,
PROVIDED THAT such delegation shall not be made without the prior approval of the members.
10.2 If the directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of the directors’ powers by
any person to whom they are delegated.
10.3 The directors may revoke any delegation in whole or part, or alter its terms and conditions.
11. COMMITTEES
11.1 Committees to which the directors delegate any of their powers must follow procedures which are based as
far as they are applicable on those provisions of the Articles which govern the taking of decisions by directors.
11.2 The directors may make rules of procedure for themselves and any person, committee or other body to whom
they delegate any of their powers. These Articles shall prevail over such rules of procedure if they are not
consistent with these Articles.
12. DIRECTORS TO TAKE DECISIONS COLLECTIVELY
12.1 The general rule about decision-making by directors is that any decision of the directors must be either a
majority decision at a meeting or a decision taken in accordance with Article 13.
12.2 If:-
12.2.1 the Company only has one director for the time being, and
12.2.2 no provision of the Articles requires it to have more than one director,
the general rule does not apply, and the director may (for so long as he remains the sole director) take
decisions without regard to any of the provisions of the Articles relating to directors’ decision-making.
13. UNANIMOUS DECISIONS
13.1 A decision of the directors is taken in accordance with this Article when all eligible directors indicate to each
other by any means that they share a common view on a matter.
13.2 Such a decision may take the form of a resolution in writing, copies of which have been signed by each
eligible director or to which each eligible director has otherwise indicated agreement in writing.
13.3 References in this article to eligible directors are to directors who would have been entitled to vote on the
matter had it been proposed as a resolution at a directors’ meeting.
13.4 A decision may not be taken in accordance with this Article if the eligible directors would not have formed a
quorum at such a meeting.
14. CALLING A DIRECTORS’ MEETING
14.1 Any director may call a directors’ meeting by giving not less than 7 calendar days’ notice of the meeting to
the directors or by authorising the Company secretary (if any) to give such a meeting.
14.2 Notice of any directors’ meeting must indicate:-
14.2.1 its proposed date and time;
14.2.2 where it is to take place; and
14.2.3 if it is anticipated that directors participating in the meeting will not be in the same place, how it is
proposed that they should communicate with each other during the meeting.
14.3 Notice of a directors’ meeting must be given to each director in writing.
14.4 Notice of a directors’ meeting need not be given to directors who waive their entitlement to notice of that
meeting, by giving notice to that effect to the Company not more than 7 days after the date on which the
meeting is held. Where such notice is given after the meeting has been held, that does not affect the validity
of the meeting, or of any business conducted at it.
15. PARTICIPATION IN DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS
15.1 Subject to the Articles, directors participate in a directors’ meeting, or part of a directors’ meeting, when:-
15.1.1 the meeting has been called and takes place in accordance with the Articles, and
15.1.2 they can each communicate to the others any information or opinions they have on any particular
item of the business of the meeting.
15.2 In determining whether directors are participating in a directors’ meeting, it is irrelevant where any director
is or how they communicate with each other.
15.3 If all the directors participating in a meeting are not in the same place, they may decide that the meeting is
to be treated as taking place wherever any of them is.
19.2.1 not be counted in the quorum present at the meeting to consider such matter;
19.2.2 have no vote on such matter; and
19.2.3 leave the room and take no further part in the discussion on such matter.
19.3 The provisions of Article 19.2 shall not apply to:-
19.3.1 any arrangement for giving any director security or indemnity in respect of money lent by him to the
Company or to obligations undertaken by him for the benefit of the Company;
19.3.2 any arrangement for the giving by the Company of any security to a third party in respect of a debt or
obligation of the Company for which the director himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in
part under guarantee or indemnity or by the deposit of a security;
19.3.3 any contract by a director to subscribe for or underwrite shares or debentures of the Company; or
19.3.4 any contract, proposed contract or other matter involving the Company in which such interest arises
solely because the director is appointed, nominated or elected a director of the Company as the
representative of any league.
19.4 The directors may direct that the provisions of Article 19.2 be suspended or relaxed in respect of a specific
matter for any director who has made the necessary declaration in respect of the matter under Article 19.1.
20. RECORDS OF DECISIONS TO BE KEPT
The directors must ensure that the Company keeps a record, in writing, for at least 10 years from the date of
20.1 the decision recorded, of every unanimous or majority decision taken by the directors.
21.1.1 shall be those persons who from time to time pursuant to the Rules are the Officers;
21.1.2 4 other members of the Company who are not Officers and who are appointed by the members of the
Company in accordance with the Rules; and
21.1.3 at the discretion of the directors up to 2 other persons appointed by the directors who need not be
members of, or have any other connection with, the Company and the directors shall have the power
to fill any vacancy arising in such appointments.
21.2 The appointment of a director shall be for a term of 3 years and at the end of such period (and any
subsequent re-election) the director shall be eligible to stand for re-election.
22. TERMINATION OF DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENT
22.1 A person ceases to be a director as soon as:-
22.1.1 that person ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Companies Act 2006 or is prohibited
from being a director by law;
22.1.2 a bankruptcy order is made against that person;
22.1.3 a composition is made with that person’s creditors generally in satisfaction of that person’s debts;
22.1.4 a registered medical practitioner who is treating that person gives a written opinion to the Company
stating that that person has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director and may
remain so for more than three months;
22.1.5 notification is received by the Company from the director that the director is resigning from office, and
such resignation has taken effect immediately on the date the notification is received by the Company
irrespective of a later date stipulated in the notification unless the directors (in their absolute discretion)
agree another date;
22.1.6 that person shall have been absent from three consecutive meetings of the directors without permission
of the directors;
22.1.7 that person is suspended from taking part in football and/or football management;
22.1.8 that person becomes a referee on the active list of the Company; or
22.1.9 that person does any act or thing which in the opinion of the directors brings the Company into
disrepute.
22.2 An Officer who resigns as a director of the Company automatically ceases to be an Officer and member of
the Company.
23. DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
23.1 Directors may undertake any services for the Company that the directors decide.
23.2 Directors are entitled to such remuneration as the members of the Company determine:-
23.2.1 for their services to the Company as directors, and
23.2.2 for any other service which they undertake for the Company.
23.3 Subject to the Articles, a director’s remuneration may:-
23.3.1 take any form, and
23.3.2 include any arrangements in connection with the payment of a pension, allowance or gratuity, or any
death, sickness or disability benefits, to or in respect of that director.
23.4 Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors’ remuneration accrues from day to day.
23.5 Unless the directors decide otherwise, directors are not accountable to the Company for any remuneration
which they receive as directors or other officers or employees of the Company’s subsidiaries or of any other
body corporate in which the Company is interested.
24. DIRECTORS’ EXPENSES
24.1 The Company may pay any reasonable expenses which the directors (and the secretary) properly incur in
connection with their attendance at:-
24.1.1 meetings of directors or committees of directors,
24.1.2 general meetings of the members,
or otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in
relation to the Company.
25. SECRETARY
25.1 The members of the Company may appoint any person who is willing to act as the secretary for such term, at
such remuneration and upon such conditions as they may think fit and from time to time remove such person
and, if the directors so decide, appoint a replacement, in each case by a decision of the directors.
26. MEMBERSHIP
26.1 The members of the Company shall be those persons who, from time to time are:-
28.3.1 that person is able to vote, during the meeting, on resolutions put to the vote at the meeting, and
28.3.2 that person’s vote can be taken into account in determining whether or not such resolutions are
passed at the same time as the votes of all the other persons attending the meeting.
28.4 The directors may make whatever arrangements they consider appropriate to enable those attending a general
meeting to exercise their rights to speak or vote at it.
28.5 In determining attendance at a general meeting, it is immaterial whether any two or more members attending
it are in the same place as each other.
28.6 Two or more persons who are not in the same place as each other attend a general meeting if their
circumstances are such that if they have (or were to have) the rights to speak and vote at the meeting, they
are (or would be) able to exercise them.
29. QUORUM FOR GENERAL MEETINGS
29.1 The quorum of a general meeting may be fixed by the general meeting from time to time, but it must never be
less than two, and unless otherwise fixed it is 5.
29.2 No business other than the appointment of the chairman of the meeting is to be transacted at a general meeting
if the persons attending it do not constitute a quorum.
30. CHAIRING GENERAL MEETINGS
The chair of general meetings of the members of the Company shall be the President.
30.1
30.2 If the President is unwilling to chair the meeting or is not present within 10 minutes of the time at which the
meeting was due to start:-
30.2.1 the directors present, or
30.2.2 (if no directors are present), the meeting, must appoint a director or member to chair the meeting,
and the appointment of the chairman of the general meeting must be the first business of the meeting.
30.3 The person chairing a meeting in accordance with this article is referred to as ’’the chairman of the general
meeting’’.
31. ATTENDANCE AND SPEAKING BY DIRECTORS AND NON-MEMBERS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
31.1 Directors may attend and speak at general meetings, whether or not they are members of the Company.
31.2 The chairman of the general meeting may permit other persons who are not members of the Company to
attend and speak at a general meeting.
32. ADJOURNMENT OF GENERAL MEETING
32.1 If the persons attending a general meeting within half an hour of the time at which the meeting was due to start
do not constitute a quorum, or if during the meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the chairman of the general
meeting must adjourn it.
32.2 The chairman of the general meeting may adjourn a general meeting at which a quorum is present if:-
32.6 No business may be transacted at an adjourned general meeting which could not properly have been transacted
at the meeting if the adjournment had not taken place.
33. VOTING AT GENERAL MEETINGS
33.1 Subject to the Act, at any general meeting every member who is present in person (or by proxy) shall on a
show of hands have one vote and every member present in person (or by proxy) shall on a poll have one vote.
33.2 No objection may be raised to the qualification of any person voting at a general meeting except at the meeting
or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is tendered, and every vote not disallowed at the meeting
is valid. Any such objection must be referred to the chairman of the general meeting whose decision is final.
33.3 If the number of votes for and against a resolution at a general meeting are equal, the chairman of the general
meeting shall have a casting vote but only if the chairman of the general meeting voted in the initial resolution.
34. POLL VOTES AT GENERAL MEETINGS
34.1 A poll on a resolution may be demanded:-
34.1.1 in advance of the general meeting where it is to be put to the vote, or
34.1.2 at a general meeting, either before a show of hands on that resolution or immediately after the
result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared.
34.2 A poll may be demanded by:-
34.2.1 the chairman of the general meeting;
34.2.2 the directors;
34.2.3 2 or more persons having the right to vote on the resolution; or
34.2.4 a person or persons representing not less than one tenth of the total voting rights of all the
members having the right to vote on the resolution.
34.3 A demand for a poll made by a person as proxy for a member is the same as a demand made by the
member.
34.4 A demand for a poll may be withdrawn if:-
34.4.1 the poll has not yet been taken, and
34.4.2 the chairman of the general meeting consents to the withdrawal.
34.5 Polls must be taken immediately and in such manner as the chairman of the general meeting directs.
35.4.1 allowing the person appointed under it as a proxy discretion as to how to vote on any ancillary or
procedural resolutions put to the meeting, and
35.4.2 appointing that person as a proxy in relation to any adjournment of the general meeting to which it
relates as well as the meeting itself.
36. DELIVERY OF PROXY NOTICES AT GENERAL MEETINGS
36.1 Any proxy notice received at such address as is referred to in Article 37.1.4 less than 48 hours before the
time for holding the general meeting or adjourned general meeting shall be invalid.
36.2 A person who is entitled to attend, speak or vote (either on a show of hands or on a poll) at a general meeting
remains so entitled in respect of that meeting or any adjournment of it, even though a valid proxy notice has
been delivered to the Company by or on behalf of that person.
36.3 An appointment under a proxy notice may be revoked by delivering to the Company a notice in writing given
by or on behalf of the person by whom on whose behalf the proxy notice was given.
36.4 A notice revoking a proxy appointment only takes effect if it is delivered before the start of the meeting or
adjourned meeting to which it relates.
36.5 If a proxy notice is not executed by the person appointing the proxy, it must be accompanied by written
evidence of the authority of the person who executed it to execute it on the appointor’s behalf.
37. AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTIONS AT GENERAL MEETINGS
37.1 An ordinary resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution if:-
37.1.1 notice of the proposed amendment is given to the Company in writing by a person entitled to vote at
the general meeting at which it is to be proposed not less than 48 hours before the meeting is to take
place (or such later time as the chairman of the general meeting may determine), and
37.1.2 the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the general meeting,
materially alter the scope of the resolution.
37.2 A special resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution, if:-
37.2.1 the chairman of the general meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which the
resolution is to be proposed, and
37.2.2 the amendment does not go beyond what is necessary to correct a grammatical or other non-
substantive error in the resolution.
37.3 If the Chairman of the general meeting, acting in good faith, wrongly decides that an amendment to a
resolution is out of order, the chairman’s error does not invalidate the vote on that resolution.
38. MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO BE USED
38.1 Subject to the Articles, anything sent or supplied by or to the Company under the Articles may be sent or
supplied in any way in which the Companies Act 2006 provides for documents or information which are
authorised or required by any provision of that Act to be sent or supplied by or to the Company.
38.2 Subject to the Articles, any notice or document to be sent or supplied to a director in connection with the
taking of decisions by directors may also be sent or supplied by the means by which that director has asked
to be sent or supplied with such notices or documents for the time being.
38.3 A director may agree with the Company that notices or documents sent to that director in a particular way are
to be deemed to have been received within a specified time of their being sent, and for the specified time to
be less than 48 hours.
38.4 A member whose address is not within the United Kingdom and who gives to the Company an address within
the United Kingdom at which notices under these Articles may be sent to him/her or an address to which
notices may be sent by electronic means is entitled to have notices sent to him/her at that address, but
otherwise no such member is entitled to receive any notices from the Company.
38.5 If the Company sends or supplies notices or other documents under these Articles by first class post and the
Company proves that such notices or other documents were properly addressed, prepaid and posted, the
intended recipient is deemed to have received such notices or other documents 24 hours after posting.
38.6 If the Company sends or supplies notices or other documents under these Articles by electronic means and
the Company proves that such notices or other documents were properly addressed, the intended recipient
is deemed to have received such notices or other documents 24 hours after they were sent or supplied.
For the purposes of this Article 38, no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a business day.
38.7
NO RIGHT TO INSPECT ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECORDS
39. Except as provided by law or authorised by the directors or an ordinary resolution of the Company, no person
39.1 is entitled to inspect any of the Company’s accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of
being a member.
PROVISION FOR EMPLOYEES ON CESSATION OF BUSINESS
40.
The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the
40.1 Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a director or former director or shadow director) in connection
with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or that
subsidiary.
INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
41.
Subject to Article 41.2 but without prejudice to any indemnity to which a relevant officer is otherwise entitled:-
41.1 41.1.1 each relevant officer shall be indemnified out of the Company’s assets against all cost, charges,
losses, expenses and liabilities incurred by him as a relevant officer:-
41.1.1.1 in the actual or purported execution and/or discharge of his duties, or in relation to them; and
41.1.1.2 in relation to the Company’s (or any associated company’s) activities as trustee of an
occupational pension scheme (as defined in section 235(6) of the Act),
including (in each case) any liability incurred by him in defending any civil or criminal proceedings, in
which judgement is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or the proceedings are otherwise
disposed of without any finding or admission of any material breach of duty on his part or in connection
with any application in which the court grants him, in his capacity as a relevant officer, relief from liability
for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Company’s (or any associated
company’s) affairs; and
41.1.2 the Company may provide any relevant officer with funds to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred
by him in connection with any proceedings or application referred to in Article 41.1.1 and otherwise
may take any action to enable any such relevant officer to avoid incurring such expenditure.
41.2 This Article does not authorise any indemnity to the extent that such indemnity would be prohibited or rendered
void by any provision of the Act or by any other provision of law and any such indemnity is limited accordingly.
41.3 The directors may decide to purchase and maintain insurance, at the expense of the Company, for the benefit
of any relevant officer in respect of any relevant loss.
41.4 In this Article:-
41.4.1 companies are associated if one is a subsidiary of the other or both are subsidiaries of the same body
corporate; and
41.4.2 a relevant loss means any loss or liability which has been or may be incurred by a relevant officer in
connection with that relevant officer’s duties or powers in relation to the Company, any associated
company or any pension fund or employees’ share scheme of the Company or associated company;
and
41.4.3 a relevant officer means any director or other officer or former director or other officer of the Company
or an associated company (including any company which is a trustee of an occupational pension
scheme (as defined by section 235(6) of the Act), but excluding in each case any person engaged by
the Company (or associated company) as auditor (whether or not he is also a director or other officer),
to the extent he acts in his capacity as auditor).
FAW STANDARD RULES OF THE AREA ASSOCIATIONS
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DEFINITIONS:
Area Association: any regional football association defined under the FAW Rules. The
Association: South Wales Football Association Ltd.
Association Football: the game controlled by FIFA and organised in accordance with the Laws of the Game. any day of
Business Day: the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales.
Chief Executive Officer: the senior employee of The Football Association of Wales Ltd.
Closed Friendly Match:
a game of Association Football (or a modified version of the game) which is not an Official Match
which is played between two (2) teams (whether or not from different Clubs) but is not made open
Club: for the public to attend.
College Team: any club admitted into membership or associate membership of the Association.
a team of a further or higher education establishment (including, but not limited to University teams)
and during any relevant Playing Season only plays Association Football exclusively in matches
organised for teams from such further or higher education establishments.
Council: the supreme executive body of the Association.
Councillor: each member of the Council.
Disciplinary Notice: a written notice from the Association stipulating the nature of the alleged Disciplinary Offence.
Futsal Laws of the Game: the laws and other rules for playing Futsal prescribed by FIFA from time to time.
IFAB: the International Football Association Board.
Laws of the Game: the laws and other rules for playing Association Football as prescribed by IFAB from time to time.
any league admitted into membership or associate membership of the Association.
League: Member: a League or Club that has been admitted into membership or associate membership of the
Association.
Official Match: a game of Association Football played within the framework of organised football under the
jurisdiction of the Association, in league, cup or other format but not including Open Friendly
Matches or Closed Friendly matches or matches played under the FAW’s Mini Football Regulations
or Futsal matches or Walking Football.
a game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two
Open Friendly Match: (2) teams (whether or not from different clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
a player of Association Football registered with the FAW, the Association, an Area Association,
Player: League, Club or any other league or club.
the period in each year when Official Matches may be played in Wales as determined by the FAW.
Playing Season: the regulations, byelaws, orders, codes, policies, procedures and any other directive or instruction
issued by the Association from time to time.
Regulations: the appropriate sum pursuant to the Rules of the Association.
a written notice stipulating the nature of the matter complained of and requesting that such matter
be referred to the Disciplinary Panel.
Request Fee:
these rules of the Association as amended from time to time. shall
Request Notice: mean:-
any director, member, representative, official, employee, all coaching and technical staff or any
Rules: other playing official of a Club or League;
Subordinate: any referee, match observer, match assessor or match delegate:
any player
every spectator at a game of Association Football in which a team of a Club plays, or in which a
representative team of the Association or league plays, and any person purporting to be a
supporter or follower of such League. Club or the Association PROVIDED THAT the provisions
of Rules 5, 24.1.3, 24.1.4, 24.1.4(A), 24.1.5(A), 24.1.6, 24.1.8, 24.1.10, 24.1.14,
46 and 47 shall not apply to such spectators, supporters or followers;
all other organisations, clubs, bodies, entities or persons who the Association exercises
or purports to exercise control.
Sunday Club: A club which during any relevant Playing Season only plays Association Football on a
Sunday.
Trialist: a Player who is under assessment and evaluation by a Club as to their ability and fitness
to play Association Football for a Club but who is not registered with the Association to
play for that Club..
UEFA: Union des Association Européennes de Football.
UEFA Rules: the statutes of UEFA as amended from time to time and all rules, regulations, orders and
other directives issued by UEFA from time to time.
Veteran Club: a Club which during any relevant Playing Season only plays Association Football in
matches organised exclusively for persons over thirty-five (35) years of age.
Walking Football: a version of Association Football in which Players of all ages can participate and in which
the Players must not run and/or jog and must have one foot on the ground at all times in
accordance with the guidelines set by the FAW from time to time.
OBJECTIVES
1. throughout The South Wales Football Association Limited, to improve the game of Association Football
constantly and promote, regulate and control it in accordance with the FAW Rules and in the light of fair play
and its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values;
2. throughout The South Wales Football Association Limited, to organise competitions, and authorise others to
organise competitions, in Association Football in all its forms at all levels under its authority, by defining
precisely, as required, the areas of authority of its various leagues and other affiliated bodies;
3. to draw up all necessary regulations to implement its rights, powers and objectives set out under the FAW
Rules and such measures and procedures as may be necessary to ensure their enforcement;
4. to protect the interest of its Members;
5. to comply with and prevent any infringement of the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the FAW Rules and all
decisions of FIFA, UEFA, and the FAW as well as the Laws of the Game and ensure compliance with these by
its Members;
6. to support, promote and enforce the Football Association of Wales’ Club Accreditation Programme.
7. throughout The South Wales Football Association Limited, to prevent all methods or practices which might
jeopardise the integrity of football matches or competitions or give rise to abuse of Association Football under
its authority;
8. to manage the sporting relations of The South Wales Football Association Limited connected with Association
Football in all its forms;
9. to be neutral in matters of politics and religion and in discharging its functions, The South Wales Football
Association Limited will not discriminate against a private person, or group of people, or other entity, on
account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics, age or any other reason and will ensure
compliance with these obligations by its Members;
10. to promote friendly relations between its Members, Subordinates and in society for humanitarian objectives.
OBLIGATIONS
11. to comply fully with the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the FAW Rules at all times and to ensure that these are
also complied with fully by its Members and Subordinates;
12. to ensure fairness in the election of its decision-making bodies;
13. to take part in competitions and other sports activities organised by the FAW;
14. to pay its membership subscriptions to the FAW;
15. to respect the Laws of the Game and to ensure that these are also respected by its Members and Subordinates
through an appropriate provision in its own membership rules;
16. to adopt and enforce an appropriate provision in its own membership rules specifying that any dispute requiring
resolution involving itself or one of its Members or Subordinates and relation to its Rules and Regulations or
the FAW Rules and any decisions of the Association shall, at the appropriate stage in the dispute, come solely
under the jurisdiction of the appropriate Disciplinary Body or the panel under FAW Rule 146, as the case may
be;
17. not to make any change or any amendment of its own membership rules without the approval of the FAW;
18. to communicate to its own Members any amendment of its own membership rules and the FAW Rules;
19. not to maintain any relations of a sporting nature with entities that are not recognised by FIFA, UEFA or the
FAW or with Members or Subordinates that have been suspended or expelled by the FAW;
20. to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and good sporting behaviour as an expression of fair play
through an appropriate provision in its own membership rules;
21. to keep and update regularly a register of its Members;
22. to comply fully with all other duties arising from the FIFA Rules, UEFA Rules and the FAW Rules. including
the recommendations of the 2016 Area Associations Review Group and its Improvement Plan.
SEASON 2021/2022
Referees must submit to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the completion
of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the procedures set
by the Association from time to time.
Referees must submit a report to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the
completion of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the
procedures set by the Association from time to time.
(c) If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player or team official, this
will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the referee will be drawn to
the correct procedure.
2. CAUTION OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through their club by this
Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the player or team official under these procedures during
the current Season; and
(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment will take effect
regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take
effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own
records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of processing each
report.
3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified through
their club by this Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of processing each report.
(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player or team official cautioned or sent-
off in a match, the club, on behalf of the individual, must:-
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via or e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit
a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the South Wales
Football Association written statements and evidence (including video/DVD where available) in
support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1. A signed statement
by the player or team official reported by the referee that they were not responsible for the offence
reported and identifying specifically the name of the person responsible must be included. Where
possible a written statement from the player or team official responsible for the offence should
also be supplied.
(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Mistaken
Identity shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must be faxed ([insert fax number]) or e-mailed ([email protected])
to the South Wales Football Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 4(a)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play and/or
participate in the second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is
appropriately submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has
been sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be
paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(c) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing
and/or participating whilst under suspension.
(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official reported by the referee serves the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the Disciplinary Panel
will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to twice that of the standard
punishment.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is transferred
from the record of the player or team official reported by the referee to the appropriate identified
offender.
(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs against the claimant(s).
(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by the South Wales
Football Association if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an advantage by remaining silent on
the matter.
(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(a) A player or team official and their club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal
of a player or team official from the Field-of-Play by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal
was wrongful.
(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for on-field offences which result in a sending-off,
except for two cautions leading to a dismissal.
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit
a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written statements
and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in support of the claim
together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.
(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter on any
relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim
of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether any sanction of a suspension from
play is one which should be imposed in view of the facts of the case. It must be noted that in accordance
with the Laws of the Game, the match referee’s decision is final and the player’s or team official’s
dismissal from the field of play will remain on the record of the player or team official and the club. The
offence will remain the subject of the administration fee and the club will accrue the appropriate number
of penalty points for the sending-off. Consequently, the club, player or team official and match official(s)
will not attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.
(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Wrongful
Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football
Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 5(c)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play in the second
match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately submitted. A
club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been sent via fax or e-mail
to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in
respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(f) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing and/or
participating whilst under suspension.
(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal are as
follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official serves the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel will have
the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is withdrawn
and Section 6(g) or Section 7(g) (as the case may be) will not be invoked in relation to this
dismissal if the player or team official is sent-off again following the offence.
(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs against the claimant(s).
(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(i) If a player accumulates five (5) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the
player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised
match in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final
match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates ten (10) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition under
the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association anytime during the season, the player will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division Competition only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised matches in the
same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football
Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of
the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates fifteen (15) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next THREE (3)
recognised matches in the same League Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player shall also be required
to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same
procedure will apply for every further five (5) cautions recorded against a player.
(iv) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under
the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(v) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(vi) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a player accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match in the Cup Competition and final match
in the same Cup Competition of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iv) If a player accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is under the
direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time as the player
has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player
shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions.
The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a player.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the caution
count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed to
them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed
to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the Quarter
Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for a second cautionable offence after having
received a caution will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior &
Reserve Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the
Team that the player received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in
Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and
final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION
(see Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a player receives a second caution during
kicks from the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the player will not be
dismissed from the field of play as the caution count from the match is reset before the shootout
commences. For clarity, both cautions shall count towards the number of cautions that the player
has accumulated in the league competition. The player will also be liable for the second
administration fee as set out in Section 2.
(iii) If the player receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be
dismissed and suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in 6(c)(i)
shall apply for the suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt, the
administration fee from the caution received during the match and the administration fee for the
sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will both be payable.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity
to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender’s goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick, or by deliberately handling the ball, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly
Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match
with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in
Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match
of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive, insulting or abusive
language/gestures, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s
next TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct
jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or Spitting at an
opponent or any other person whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed
his/her club’s next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card,
under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions(see Appendix 2) during the
period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
Players dismissed from the field of play for a second time in the same Season in any Senior & Reserve
Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly
match, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra
match.
A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Senior & Reserve Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly match will be suspended for
an extra two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the Team with which the player committed the
offence. If a club has more than one Team that participates within League Competitions listed in Appendix
2, then the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the player committed the offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any player serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended from
all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association as listed in Appendix 2 whilst
serving their suspension. Any player serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions (as set out
in section 6(a) & 6(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from playing in the same League
Division or Cup Competition in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a player receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly match
(see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup Competitions
(whichever comes first).
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the player is registered.
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a player commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence under Law 12 (1), (2), (3),
(4), (5) or (6) of the Laws of the Game whilst on the field of play which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the player in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs may fine players in Senior & Reserve Football for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales
Football Association, without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
A Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the
completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the club with a view to
enabling the player to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to play in a specific match. The
decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all parties
and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the administration fees from the players concerned. Clubs
will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each player’s £10.00 administration fee as and from
the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the £10.00 administration fee within
31 calendar days, then the player will become ineligible from playing in all Association Football and Futsal
matches until payment is received. The administration fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any
other system as prescribed by the Association from time to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by players of the club may refer such matters
to the South Wales Football Association.
(i) If a team official accumulates three (3) recorded cautions in the same League Division
Competition which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the
same League Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her
club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same League Division Competition under the direct
jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next TWO
(2) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of
the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates nine (9) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next
THREE (3) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct
jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates twelve (12) recorded cautions in the same League Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next FOUR
(4) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of
the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official shall also be required to attend
a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will
apply for every further three (3) cautions recorded against a team official.
(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(vi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a team official accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match in the Cup Competition and final match in the same Cup Competition of the
2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is
under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team
official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition
only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match
in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official shall also be required to attend a
meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will
apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a team official.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Quarter Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under
the category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season in the same Cup Competition.
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior, & Reserve Competitions under
the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team
official has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the team
official received the red card, under the jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a
MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
• delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball
away, obstructing the movement of a player
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using unauthorised electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an inappropriate
manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a team official receives a second caution
during kicks from the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the team official will
not be dismissed from the field of play as the caution count from the match is reset before the
shootout commences. Both cautions shall count towards the number of cautions that the team
official has accumulated in the league competition. The team official will also be liable for the
second administration fee of £10.00.
(iii) If the team official receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be
dismissed and suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in 7(c)(i)
shall apply for the suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt, the
administration fee of £10.00 from the caution received during the match and the administration
fee of £10.00 for the sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will both be payable.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official
has missed his/her club's next TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the team official
received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see
Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH
SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official
has missed his/her club's next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the team official
received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see
Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH
SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for a reason not set out in section 7(c), (d)
& (e), will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Senior & Reserve
Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only for at
least ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the team official received the red card,
under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The
terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
(ii) The dismissal will then be subject for review by a Disciplinary Panel of the South Wales Football
Association. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to determine:
(a) A one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) shall suffice and there should be no further
suspension; or
(b) That the standard one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) is insufficient and the Panel
will have the power to increase the Match Suspension.
(iii) The club or team official will not be permitted to submit any evidence for the Disciplinary Panel’s
considerations and the matter will be considered solely on the match official(s) sending off
report. Should a club require a Disciplinary Panel to consider the validity of the suspension
resulting from the sending off, then they must submit a Claim of Mistaken Identity and/or a
Claim of Wrongful Dismissal as set out in Sections 4 and 5. In this procedure set out in 7(f), the
Disciplinary Panel will only confine themselves to the level of sanction imposed from the
dismissal.
(iv) Should a club lodge a Claim of Mistaken Identity then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider
the sanction.
(v) Should a club lodge a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal and the claim is rejected as set out under
section 5(g)(i) & (ii) and the sending off is subject to section 7(f), then the same Disciplinary
Panel will consider the sanction.
(vi) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to this procedure is final and binding on all
parties and not subject to appeal.
Team officials dismissed from the Technical Area for a second time in the same Season in any Senior
& Reserve Competition under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see
Appendix 2) and/or an Open Friendly match, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the
offence, will be suspended for one extra match.
A team official dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Senior & Reserve Competition under
the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) and/or an Open
Friendly match will be suspended for an extra two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the Team with which the team official committed the
offence. If a club has more than one Team that participates within Competitions listed in Appendix 2,
then the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the team official committed the
offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any team official serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended
from all Senior & Reserve Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association as listed in Appendix 2
whilst serving their suspension. Any team official serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions
(as set out in section 7(a) & 7(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from participating in the
same League Division or Cup Competition in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a team official receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly
match (see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup
Competitions (whichever comes first).
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the team official
committed the suspension offence.
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a team official commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence as set out in the Laws
of the Game whilst on the field of play and/or in the Technical Area which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the team official in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs may fine team officials for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales Football Association,
without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
A South Wales Football Association Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a
match shall not count towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been
arranged by the club with a view to enabling the team official to complete their suspension and thus
qualify them to participate in a specific match. The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-
arranged matches is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the £10.00 administration fee from the team officials
concerned. Clubs will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each team official’s £10.00
administration fee as and from the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the
£10.00 administration fee within 31 calendar days, then the team official will become ineligible from
participating in any Association Football and Futsal match until payment is received. The administration
fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any other system as prescribed by the Association from time
to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by team officials of the club may refer such
matters to the South Wales Football Association.
8. DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON CLUBS FOR MISCONDUCT BY THEIR PLAYERS AND TEAM OFFICIALS
(a) Any club whose players or team officials accumulate a total number of Penalty Points during a season,
and that total is considered to be appreciably above the average number of points in the same league,
may be required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel and shall be liable to be warned and/or fined for
having permitted its players or team officials to violate the Laws of the Game in contravention of Rule
[24.1.1]. In addition, the Panel shall be entitled to make an order as to costs against the club. Any action
taken by the club to discipline its players will be taken into consideration by the Panel in its findings.
In so far as this Regulation shall apply, the following Penalty Points will be recorded against a club:-
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (4) (5) & (7) and team officials resulting in a one match
suspension - 10 Points
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (1) (2) (3) & (6) and team officials resulting in a two or three
match suspension - 12 Points
(b) A club required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel shall be represented by at least one of its
Directors/Officials and the Manager.
(c) The South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer a charge against a club at any time
during the season arising from field offences committed by players and team officials of the club.
(a) Unless otherwise ordered by the South Wales Football Association, or a Judicial Body of the FAW. the
terms of the suspensions imposed under these entire regulations will be as set out under the category of
a Match Suspension (see section 10). The only exception is where a team official receives a suspension
for an accumulation of cautions. In this instance, the category of suspension will be a Touchline
Suspension (see section 10).
(b) Any suspension imposed on a player may only be served whilst the player holds a registration with a
football club. Should a player transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement of the
suspension or during the period of the suspension, the player will not be eligible to play for their new club
until such time as the new club with which the player has transferred to has completed the required number
of matches in Approved Competitions.
(c) Any suspension imposed on a team official may only be served whilst the team official holds a registration
with a football club. Should a team official transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement
of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the team official will not be eligible to participate
for their new club until such time as the club with which the team official committed the offence has
completed the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.
10. DEFINITIONS
i. BUSINESS DAY
Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales
A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately surrounding
the field-of-play. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a player or an official.
1. The field-of-play.
2. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
3. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of play.
4. The dugouts, benches and technical areas.
5. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and club
officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after the match.
A Match Suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a Closed Friendly Match
or a club organised private training session. However, a player or official is prohibited from attending or taking
part in an Open Friendly Match.
A club who permits a player or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be
responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams (whether
or not from different Clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
v. TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials
participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and
an official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:-
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
4. Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading from
the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room pre-match, at half-
time and post-match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the match officials pre-match or post-match
whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the match officials are agreeable to the approach.
The FAW is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand
behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play to
allow them to continue coaching or issue instructions to the coaching / technical staff. This will be considered as a
breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result in the Football Association of Wales preferring charges of misconduct
against the club and player or official who is under the suspension.
Where a stand exists within the ground, the Football Association of Wales requires the player or official to sit in the
stand away from the field-of-play.
For the duration of the game, a player or official under a Touchline Suspension is NOT PERMITTED to communicate
with the coaching / technical staff via radio or other electronic communication and is prohibited from having personal
contact with any such persons.
APPENDIX 1
Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
Appendix 2
SEASON 2021/2022
Referees must submit to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the completion
of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the procedures set
by the Association from time to time.
Referees must submit a report to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the
completion of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the
procedures set by the Association from time to time.
(c) If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player or team official, this
will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the referee will be drawn to
the correct procedure.
2. CAUTION OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through their club by this
Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the player or team official under these procedures during
the current Season; and
(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment will take effect
regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take
effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own
records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of processing each
report.
3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified through
their club by this Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
(b) That the player or team official will be subject to the agreed standard punishment (see Section 6 for players
or Section 7 for team officials). Any such punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the
notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these
Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of processing each report.
(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player or team official cautioned or sent-
off in a match, the club, on behalf of the individual, must:-
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit
a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the South Wales
Football Association written statements and evidence (including video/DVD where available) in
support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1. A signed statement
by the player or team official reported by the referee that they were not responsible for the offence
reported and identifying specifically the name of the person responsible must be included. Where
possible a written statement from the player or team official responsible for the offence should
also be supplied.
(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Mistaken
Identity shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to South Wales Football
Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 4(a)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play and/or
participate in the second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is
appropriately submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has
been sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be
paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(c) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing
and/or participating whilst under suspension.
(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official reported by the referee serves the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the Disciplinary Panel
will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to twice that of the standard
punishment.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is transferred
from the record of the player or team official reported by the referee to the appropriate identified
offender.
(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs against the claimant(s).
(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by the South Wales
Football Association if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an advantage by remaining silent on
the matter.
(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(a) A player or team official and their club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal of a
player or team official from the Field-of-Play by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal was
wrongful.
(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for on-field offences which result in a sending-off, except
for two cautions leading to a dismissal.
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit a
claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written statements
and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in support of the claim
together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.
(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter on any
relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim
of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether any sanction of a suspension from
play is one which should be imposed in view of the facts of the case. It must be noted that in accordance
with the Laws of the Game, the match referee’s decision is final and the player’s or team official’s
dismissal from the field of play will remain on the record of the player or team official and the club. The
offence will remain the subject of the administration fee and the club will accrue the appropriate number
of penalty points for the sending-off. Consequently, the club, player or team official and match official(s)
will not attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.
(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Wrongful
Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football
Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 5(c)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play in the second
match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately submitted. A
club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been sent via fax or e-mail
to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in
respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(f) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing and/or
participating whilst under suspension.
(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal are as
follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official serves the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel will have
the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is withdrawn
and Section 6(g) or Section 7(g) (as the case may be) will not be invoked in relation to this
dismissal if the player or team official is sent-off again following the offence.
(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs against the claimant(s).
(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(i) If a player accumulates five (5) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the
player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised
match in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final
match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates ten (10) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition under
the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association anytime during the season, the player will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division Competition only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised matches in the
same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football
Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of
the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates fifteen (15) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next THREE (3)
recognised matches in the same League Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player shall also be required
to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same
procedure will apply for every further five (5) cautions recorded against a player.
(iv) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under
the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(v) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(vi) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a player accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match in the Cup Competition and final match
in the same Cup Competition of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iv) If a player accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is under the
direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time as the player
has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player
shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions.
The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a player.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the caution
count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed to
them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed
to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the Quarter
Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for a second cautionable offence after having received a
caution will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the player has missed
his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the player received the red card, under the
direct jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section
10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a player receives a second caution during kicks from
the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the player will not be dismissed from the field of play
as the caution count from the match is reset before the shootout commences. For clarity, both cautions shall
count towards the number of cautions that the player has accumulated in the league competition. The player
will also be liable for the second administration fee as set out in Section 2.
(iii) If the player receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be dismissed and
suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in 6(c)(i) shall apply for the
suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt, the administration fee from the caution
received during the match and the administration fee for the sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will
both be payable.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity
to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender’s goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick, or by deliberately handling the ball, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly Matches only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team
that the player received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in Approved
Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(e) Players Sent-off Under Law 12 (6)
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive, insulting or abusive
language/gestures, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of this
Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next
TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct
jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or Spitting at an
opponent or any other person whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s
next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct
jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
Players dismissed from the field of play for a second time in the same Season in any Youth Competitions
under the jurisdiction of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly match, in addition
to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra match.
A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction
of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly match will be suspended for an extra
two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the Team with which the player committed the
offence. If a club has more than one Team that participates within League Competitions listed in Appendix
2, then the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the player committed the offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any player serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended from
all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association as listed in Appendix 2 whilst serving
their suspension. Any player serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions (as set out in section
6(a) & 6(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from playing in the same League Division or
Cup Competition in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a player receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly match
(see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup Competitions
(whichever comes first).
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a player commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence under Law 12 (1), (2), (3),
(4), (5) or (6) of the Laws of the Game whilst on the field of play which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the player in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs may fine players in Youth Football for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales Football
Association, without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
A Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the
completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the club with a view to
enabling the player to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to play in a specific match. The
decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all parties
and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the administration fees from the players concerned. Clubs
will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each player’s £10.00 administration fee as and from
the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the £10.00 administration fee within
31 calendar days, then the player will become ineligible from playing in all Association Football and Futsal
matches until payment is received. The administration fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any
other system as prescribed by the Association from time to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by players of the club may refer such matters
to the South Wales Football Association.
(i) If a team official accumulates three (3) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the
team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the
South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next TWO
(2) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of
the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates nine (9) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next
THREE (3) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct
jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates twelve (12) recorded cautions in the same League Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next FOUR
(4) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of
the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official shall also be required to attend
a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will
apply for every further three (3) cautions recorded against a team official.
(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(vi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a team official accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match in the Cup Competition and final match in the same Cup Competition of the
2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is
under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team
official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition
only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match
in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official shall also be required to attend a
meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will
apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a team official.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Quarter Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(ix) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under
the category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(x) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season in the same Cup Competition.
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team
official has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the team
official received the red card, under the jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a
MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
• delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball
away, obstructing the movement of a player
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using unauthorised electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an inappropriate
manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a team official receives a second caution
during kicks from the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the team official will
not be dismissed from the field of play as the caution count from the match is reset before the
shootout commences. Both cautions shall count towards the number of cautions that the team
official has accumulated in the league competition. The team official will also be liable for the
second administration fee of £10.00.
(iii) If the team official receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be
dismissed and suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in
7(c)(i) shall apply for the suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt,
the administration fee of £10.00 from the caution received during the match and the
administration fee of £10.00 for the sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will both be
payable.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official has missed
his/her club's next TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the team official received the red
card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms
of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official has missed
his/her club's next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the team official received the
red card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms
of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(ii) The dismissal will then be subject for review by a Disciplinary Panel of the South Wales Football
Association. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to determine:
(a) A one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) shall suffice and there should be no further
suspension; or
(b) That the standard one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) is insufficient and the Panel
will have the power to increase the Match Suspension.
(iii) The club or team official will not be permitted to submit any evidence for the Disciplinary Panel’s
considerations and the matter will be considered solely on the match official(s) sending off
report. Should a club require a Disciplinary Panel to consider the validity of the suspension
resulting from the sending off, then they must submit a Claim of Mistaken Identity and/or a
Claim of Wrongful Dismissal as set out in Sections 4 and 5. In this procedure set out in 7(f), the
Disciplinary Panel will only confine themselves to the level of sanction imposed from the
dismissal.
(iv) Should a club lodge a Claim of Mistaken Identity then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider
the sanction.
(v) Should a club lodge a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal and the claim is rejected as set out under
section 5(g)(i) & (ii) and the sending off is subject to section 7(f), then the same Disciplinary
Panel will consider the sanction.
(vi) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to this procedure is final and binding on all
parties and not subject to appeal.
Team officials dismissed from the Technical Area for a second time in the same Season in any Youth
Competition under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
and/or an Open Friendly match, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will
be suspended for one extra match.
A team official dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Youth Competition under the direct
jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) and/or an Open Friendly
match will be suspended for an extra two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the Team with which the team official committed the
offence. If a club has more than one Team that participates within Competitions listed in Appendix 2,
then the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the team official committed the
offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any team official serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended
from all Youth Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association as listed in Appendix 2 whilst serving
their suspension. Any team official serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions (as set out in
section 7(a) & 7(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from participating in the same League
Division or Cup Competition in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a team official receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly
match (see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup
Competitions (whichever comes first).
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the team official
committed the suspension offence.
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a team official commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence as set out in the Laws
of the Game whilst on the field of play and/or in the Technical Area which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the team official in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs may fine team officials for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales Football Association,
without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
A South Wales Football Association Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a
match shall not count towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been
arranged by the club with a view to enabling the team official to complete their suspension and thus
qualify them to participate in a specific match. The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-
arranged matches is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the £10.00 administration fee from the team officials
concerned. Clubs will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each team official’s £10.00
administration fee as and from the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the
£10.00 administration fee within 31 calendar days, then the team official will become ineligible from
participating in any Association Football and Futsal match until payment is received. The administration
fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any other system as prescribed by the Association from time
to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by team officials of the club may refer such
matters to the South Wales Football Association.
8. DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON CLUBS FOR MISCONDUCT BY THEIR PLAYERS AND TEAM OFFICIALS
(a) Any club whose players or team officials accumulate a total number of Penalty Points during a season, and
that total is considered to be appreciably above the average number of points in the same league, may be
required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel and shall be liable to be warned and/or fined for having
permitted its players or team officials to violate the Laws of the Game in contravention of Rule [24.1.1]. In
addition, the Panel shall be entitled to make an order as to costs against the club. Any action taken by the
club to discipline its players will be taken into consideration by the Panel in its findings.
In so far as this Regulation shall apply, the following Penalty Points will be recorded against a club:-
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (4) (5) & (7) and team officials resulting in a one match
suspension - 10 Points
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (1) (2) (3) & (6) and team officials resulting in a two or three
match suspension - 12 Points
(b) A club required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel shall be represented by at least one of its
Directors/Officials and the Manager.
(c) The South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer a charge against a club at any time
during the season arising from field offences committed by players and team officials of the club.
(i) Unless otherwise ordered by the South Wales Football Association, or a Judicial Body of the FAW. the
terms of the suspensions imposed under these entire regulations will be as set out under the category of
a Match Suspension (see section 10). The only exception is where a team official receives a suspension
for an accumulation of cautions. In this instance, the category of suspension will be a Touchline
Suspension (see section 10).
(ii) Any suspension imposed on a player may only be served whilst the player holds a registration with
a football club. Should a player transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement of
the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the player will not be eligible to play for their
new club until such time as the new club with which the player has transferred to has completed
the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.
(iii) Any suspension imposed on a team official may only be served whilst the team official holds a
registration with a football club. Should a team official transfer or register for a new club prior to the
commencement of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the team official will not
be eligible to participate for their new club until such time as the club with which the team official
committed the offence has completed the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.
10. DEFINITIONS
i. BUSINESS DAY
Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams
(whether or not from different Clubs) but is not made open for the public to attend.
1. The field-of-play.
2. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
3. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of play.
4. The dugouts, benches and technical areas.
5. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and club
officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after the match.
A Match Suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a Closed Friendly Match
or a club organised private training session. However, a player or official is prohibited from attending or taking
part in an Open Friendly Match.
A club who permits a player or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be
responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams (whether
or not from different Clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
v. TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials
participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and
an official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:-
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
4. Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading from
the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room pre-match, at half-
time and post-match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the match officials pre-match or post-match
whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the match officials are agreeable to the approach.
The FAW is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand
behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play to
allow them to continue coaching or issue instructions to the coaching / technical staff. This will be considered as a
breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result in the Football Association of Wales preferring charges of misconduct
against the club and player or official who is under the suspension.
Where a stand exists within the ground, the Football Association of Wales requires the player or official to sit in the
stand away from the field-of-play.
For the duration of the game, a player or official under a Touchline Suspension is NOT PERMITTED to communicate
with the coaching / technical staff via radio or other electronic communication and is prohibited from having personal
contact with any such persons.
APPENDIX 1
Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
Appendix 2
Referees must submit to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the completion
of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the procedures set
by the Association from time to time.
Referees must submit a report to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the
completion of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the
procedures set by the Association from time to time.
(c) If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player or team official, this
will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the referee will be drawn to
the correct procedure.
2. CAUTION OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through their club by this
Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the player or team official under these procedures during
the current Season; and
(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment will take effect
regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take
effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own
records.
An administration fee of £3.00 will be charged to the club for the processing of each report for a player and team
official.
3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES
A player or team official who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified through
their club by this Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-
(b) That the player or team official will be subject to the agreed standard punishment (see Section 6 for players
or Section 7 for team officials). Any such punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the
notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these
Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £3.00 will be charged to the club for the processing of each report for a player and team
official.
(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player or team official cautioned or sent-
off in a match, the club, on behalf of the individual, must:-
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit
a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the South Wales
Football Association written statements and evidence (including video/DVD where available) in
support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1. A signed statement
by the player or team official reported by the referee that they were not responsible for the offence
reported and identifying specifically the name of the person responsible must be included. Where
possible a written statement from the player or team official responsible for the offence should
also be supplied.
(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Mistaken
Identity shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football
Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 4(a)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play and/or
participate in the second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is
appropriately submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has
been sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be
paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(c) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing
and/or participating whilst under suspension.
(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official reported by the referee serves the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the Disciplinary Panel
will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to twice that of the standard
punishment.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is transferred
from the record of the player or team official reported by the referee to the appropriate identified
offender.
(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs against the claimant(s).
(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by the South Wales
Football Association if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an advantage by remaining silent on
the matter.
(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(a) A player or team official and their club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal of a
player or team official from the Field-of-Play by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal was
wrongful.
(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for on-field offences which result in a sending-off, except
for two cautions leading to a dismissal.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via e-mail
([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association their intention to submit
a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written statements
and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in support of the claim
together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.
(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter on any
relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim
of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether any sanction of a suspension from
play is one which should be imposed in view of the facts of the case. It must be noted that in accordance
with the Laws of the Game, the match referee’s decision is final and the player’s or team official’s
dismissal from the field of play will remain on the record of the player or team official and the club. The
offence will remain the subject of the administration fee and the club will accrue the appropriate number
of penalty points for the sending-off. Consequently, the club, player or team official and match official(s)
will not attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.
(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Wrongful
Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association in accordance with the
following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent
to make a claim must e-mailed ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football
Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set
out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the South
Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 5(c)(ii)
hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play in the second
match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately submitted. A
club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been sent via fax or e-mail
to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in
respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.
(f) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification
having being lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an
appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing and/or
participating whilst under suspension.
(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal are as
follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official serves the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel will have
the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard punishment as set out in
this Memorandum.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is withdrawn
and Section 6(g) or Section 7(g) (as the case may be) will not be invoked in relation to this
dismissal if the player or team official is sent-off again following the offence.
(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or
return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs against the claimant(s).
(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before
the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final and binding on
all parties and not subject to appeal.
(i) If a player accumulates five (5) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the
player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised
match in the same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final
match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates ten (10) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition under
the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association anytime during the season, the player will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division Competition only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised matches in the
same League Division Competition under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football
Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of
the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates fifteen (15) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League Division
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next THREE (3)
recognised matches in the same League Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player shall also be required
to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same
procedure will apply for every further five (5) cautions recorded against a player.
(iv) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under
the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(v) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(vi) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a player accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match in the Cup Competition and final match
in the same Cup Competition of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) which
is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during the season, the player will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time
as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iv) If a player accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is under the
direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition only, until such time as the player
has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player
shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions.
The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a player.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the caution
count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed to
them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed
to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the Quarter
Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for a second cautionable offence after having
received a caution will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior
Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until
such time as the player has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the
Team that the player received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in
Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and
final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION
(see Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a player receives a second caution during
kicks from the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the player will not be
dismissed from the field of play as the caution count from the match is reset before the shootout
commences. For clarity, both cautions shall count towards the number of cautions that the
player has accumulated in the league competition. The player will also be liable for the second
administration fee as set out in Section 2.
(iii) If the player receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be
dismissed and suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in
6(c)(i) shall apply for the suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt,
the administration fee from the caution received during the match and the administration fee
for the sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will both be payable.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity
to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender’s goal by an offence punishable by a
free kick, or by deliberately handling the ball, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly Matches only,
until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team
that the player received the red card, under the direct jurisdiction of the Association in Approved
Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive, insulting or abusive
language/gestures, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended
automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of this
Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next
TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct
jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or Spitting at an
opponent or any other person whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly Matches only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s
next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the player received the red card, under the direct
jurisdiction of the Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see
Section 10).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
Players dismissed from the field of play for a second time in the same Season in any Junior Competitions
under the jurisdiction of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly match, in addition
to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra match.
A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction
of this Association listed in Appendix 2 and/or an Open Friendly match will be suspended for an extra
two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the Team with which the player committed the
offence. If a club has more than one Team that participates within League Competitions listed in Appendix
2, then the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the player committed the offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any player serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended from
all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association as listed in Appendix 2 whilst serving
their suspension. Any player serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions (as set out in section
6(a) & 6(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from playing in the same League Division or
Cup Competition in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a player receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly match
(see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup Competitions
(whichever comes first).
(i) Outstanding Suspensions
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the player is registered.
Should a player have an outstanding suspension from the previous season and will no longer be
eligible to participate in Junior football due to age restrictions for the following season, the player must
serve his/her suspension with the club he/she next registers with, in a designated League and/or Cup
Competition to be approved by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a player commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence under Law 12 (1), (2), (3),
(4), (5) or (6) of the Laws of the Game whilst on the field of play which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the player in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 6(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
A Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the
completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the club with a view to
enabling the player to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to play in a specific match. The
decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all parties
and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the administration fees from the players concerned. Clubs
will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each player’s £3.00 administration fee as and from
the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the £3.00 administration fee within 31
calendar days, then the player will become ineligible from playing in all Association Football and Futsal
matches until payment is received. The administration fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any
other system as prescribed by the Association from time to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by players of the club may refer such matters
to the South Wales Football Association.
(ii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next TWO
(2) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition (see Appendix 2) during the
period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates nine (9) recorded cautions in the same League Division Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next
THREE (3) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition (see Appendix 2) during
the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates twelve (12) recorded cautions in the same League Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season,
the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same League
Division Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next FOUR
(4) recognised matches in the same League Division Competition (see Appendix 2) during the
period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official
shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional
sanctions. The same procedure will apply for every further three (3) cautions recorded against a
team official.
(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(vi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must
be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a team official accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match in the Cup Competition and final match in the same Cup Competition of the
2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Cup Competition which is
under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team
official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Cup Competition
only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match
in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official shall also be required to attend a
meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will
apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a team official.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Quarter Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season in the same Cup Competition.
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions under the
jurisdiction of this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team
official has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the team
official received the red card, under the jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a
MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
• delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball
away, obstructing the movement of a player
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using unauthorised electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an inappropriate
manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(ii) As set out in Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a team official receives a second caution
during kicks from the penalty mark to determine the outcome of the match, the team official will
not be dismissed from the field of play as the caution count from the match is reset before the
shootout commences. Both cautions shall count towards the number of cautions that the team
official has accumulated in the league competition. The team official will also be liable for the
second administration fee as set out in Section 2.
(iii) If the team official receives two (2) cautions during the kicks from the penalty mark, they will be
dismissed and suspended automatically with immediate effect. The procedure as set out in
7(c)(i) shall apply for the suspension and how it must be served. For the avoidance of doubt,
the administration fee from the caution received during the match and the administration fee
for the sending off in the kicks from the penalty mark will both be payable.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official has missed
his/her club's next TWO (2) recognised matches with the Team that the team official received the red
card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms
of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of
this Association and Open Friendly matches only, until such time as the team official has missed
his/her club's next THREE (3) recognised matches with the Team that the team official received the
red card, under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms
of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(f) Sending’s Off not detailed
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for a reason not set out in section 7(c), (d)
& (e), will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Junior Competitions and
Open Friendly matches only for at least ONE (1) recognised match with the Team that the team
official received the red card, under the jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions
(see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a
MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(ii) The dismissal will then be subject for review by a Disciplinary Panel of the South Wales Football
Association. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to determine:
a. A one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) shall suffice and there should be no
further suspension; or
b. That the standard one Match Suspension as set out in 7(f)(i) is insufficient and the
Panel will have the power to increase the Match Suspension.
(iii) The club or team official will not be permitted to submit any evidence for the Disciplinary Panel’s
considerations and the matter will be considered solely on the match official(s) sending off report.
Should a club require a Disciplinary Panel to consider the validity of the suspension resulting from the
sending off, then they must submit a Claim of Mistaken Identity and/or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
as set out in Sections 4 and 5. In this procedure set out in 7(f), the Disciplinary Panel will only confine
themselves to the level of sanction imposed from the dismissal.
(iv) Should a club lodge a Claim of Mistaken Identity then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider
the sanction.
(v) Should a club lodge a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal and the claim is rejected as set out under
section 5(g)(i) & (ii) and the sending off is subject to section 7(f), then the same Disciplinary
Panel will consider the sanction.
(vi) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to this procedure is final and binding on all
parties and not subject to appeal.
Team officials dismissed from the Technical Area for a second time in the same Season in any Junior
Competition under the direct jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2)
and/or an Open Friendly match, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will
be suspended for one extra match.
A team official dismissed for a third time in the same Season in any Junior Competition under the direct
jurisdiction of this Association in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) and/or an Open Friendly
match will be suspended for an extra two matches, and so on.
The length of suspension is to be measured against the team with which the team official committed the
offence. If a club has more than one team that participates within Competitions listed in Appendix 2, then
the suspension will be measured against the Team with which the team official committed the offence.
For the avoidance of doubt, any team official serving a suspension from a sending off will be suspended
from all Junior Competitions under the jurisdiction of this Association listed in Appendix 2 whilst serving
their suspension. Any team official serving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions (as set out in
section 7(a) & 7(b) of these Procedures) will only be suspended from participating in the same League
Division in which they received their accumulated cautions.
Where a team official receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from an Open Friendly
match (see section 10), this must be measured by the teams next match(es) in League or Cup
Competitions (whichever comes first).
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the team official
committed the suspension offence.
(j) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a team official commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence as set out in the Laws
of the Game whilst on the field of play and/or in the Technical Area which is not seen by the match
officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct
against the team official in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule 24.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under 7(j)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not
see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs may fine team officials for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales Football Association,
without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
A South Wales Football Association Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a
match shall not count towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been
arranged by the club with a view to enabling the team official to complete their suspension and thus
qualify them to participate in a specific match. The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-
arranged matches is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the £3.00 administration fee from the team officials
concerned. Clubs will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each team official’s £3.00
administration fee as and from the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the
£3.00 administration fee within 31 calendar days, then the team official will become ineligible from
participating in any Association Football and Futsal match until payment is received. The administration
fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any other system as prescribed by the Association from time
to time.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by team officials of the club may refer such
matters to the South Wales Football Association.
8. DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON CLUBS FOR MISCONDUCT BY THEIR PLAYERS AND TEAM OFFICIALS
(a) Any club whose players or team officials accumulate a total number of Penalty Points during a season, and
that total is considered to be appreciably above the average number of points in the same league, may be
required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel and shall be liable to be warned and/or fined for having
permitted its players or team officials to violate the Laws of the Game in contravention of Rule [24.1.1]. In
addition, the Panel shall be entitled to make an order as to costs against the club. Any action taken by the
club to discipline its players will be taken into consideration by the Panel in its findings.
In so far as this Regulation shall apply, the following Penalty Points will be recorded against a club:-
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (4) (5) & (7) and team officials resulting in a one match
suspension - 10 Points
For Sending-off for players under Law 12 (1) (2) (3) & (6) and team officials resulting in a two or three
match suspension - 12 Points
(b) A club required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel shall be represented by at least one of its
Directors/Officials and the Manager.
(c) The South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer a charge against a club at any time
during the season arising from field offences committed by players and team officials of the club.
(a) Unless otherwise ordered by the South Wales Football Association, or a Judicial Body of the FAW. the terms
of the suspensions imposed under these entire regulations will be as set out under the category of a Match
Suspension (see section 10). The only exception is where a team official receives a suspension for an
accumulation of cautions. In this instance, the category of suspension will be a Touchline Suspension (see
section 10).
(b) Any suspension imposed on a player may only be served whilst the player holds a registration with a
football club. Should a player transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement of the
suspension or during the period of the suspension, the player will not be eligible to play for their new club
until such time as the new club with which the player has transferred to has completed the required number
of matches in Approved Competitions.
(c) Any suspension imposed on a team official may only be served whilst the team official holds a registration
with a football club. Should a team official transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement
of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the team official will not be eligible to participate
for their new club until such time as the club with which the team official committed the offence has
completed the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.
10. DEFINITIONS
i. BUSINESS DAY
Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams
(whether or not from different Clubs) but is not made open for the public to attend.
1. The field-of-play.
2. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
3. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-ofplay.
4. The dugouts, benches and technical areas.
5. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and club
officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after the match.
A Match Suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a Closed Friendly Match
or a club organised private training session. However, a player or official is prohibited from attending or taking
part in an Open Friendly Match.
A club who permits a player or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be
responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams (whether
or not from different Clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
v. TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials
participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and
an official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:-
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
4. Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading from
the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room pre-match, at half-
time and post-match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the match officials pre-match or post-match
whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the match officials are agreeable to the approach.
The FAW is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand
behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play to
allow them to continue coaching or issue instructions to the coaching / technical staff. This will be considered as a
breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result in the Football Association of Wales preferring charges of misconduct
against the club and player or official who is under the suspension.
Where a stand exists within the ground, the Football Association of Wales requires the player or official to sit in the
stand away from the field-of-play.
For the duration of the game, a player or official under a Touchline Suspension is NOT PERMITTED to communicate
with the coaching / technical staff via radio or other electronic communication and is prohibited from having personal
contact with any such persons.
APPENDIX 1
Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
Appendix 2
SEASON 2021/2022
Referees must submit to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the completion
of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the procedures set
by the Association from time to time.
Referees must submit a report to the South Wales Football Association within 2 (two) hours after the
completion of the match, stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the
procedures set by the Association from time to time.
(c) If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player or team official, this
will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the referee will be drawn to
the correct procedure.
2. CAUTION OFFENCES
A player who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through the player’s club by this
Association of:-
(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the player under these procedures during the
current Season; and
(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment will
take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received
before it is due to take effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures and clubs
must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of
processing each report.
3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES
A player who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified through
the player’s club by this Association of:-
(b) That the player will be subject to the agreed standard punishment (see Section 6). Any such
punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this
Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these Disciplinary
Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the player through the club for the cost of
processing each report.
(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player cautioned or sent- off
in a match, the club, on behalf of the player, must:-
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing
via e-mail [email protected] to the South Wales Football Association
their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the
South Wales Football Association written statements and evidence (including
video/DVD where available) in support of the claim together with the relevant fee as
set out in Appendix 1. A signed statement by the player reported by the referee that
they were not responsible for the offence reported and identifying specifically the
name of the person responsible must be included. Where possible a written statement
from the player responsible for the offence should also be supplied.
(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim
of Mistaken Identity shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association
in accordance with the following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the
club’s intent to make a claim must be e-mailed [email protected] to the
South Wales Football Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for
notification as set out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with
the South Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set
out in 4(a)(ii) hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player will be eligible to play in the second
match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is appropriately
submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has
been sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention
should be paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous
or an abuse of process.
(c) Should a player play in a match without the appropriate notification having being lodged as
set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an appropriate charge
of misconduct against the club and player concerned for playing whilst under suspension.
(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity
are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player reported by the referee serves the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the
Disciplinary Panel will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to
twice that of the standard punishment.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is
transferred from the record of the player reported by the referee to the appropriate
identified offender.
(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either
retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs
against the claimant(s).
(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by
the South Wales Football Association if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an
advantage by remaining silent on the matter.
(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims
submitted before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football
Association.
(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and
binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
(a) A player and his club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal of a
player from the Field-of-Play by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal was
wrongful.
(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for on-field offences which result in a
sending-off, except for two cautions leading to a dismissal.
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing
via or e-mail ([email protected] ) to the South Wales Football
Association their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim
is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written
statements and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in
support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.
(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter
on any relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel
considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether
any sanction of a suspension from play is one which should be imposed in view of the facts
of the case. It must be noted that in accordance with the Laws of the Game, the match
referee’s decision is final and the player’s dismissal from the field of play will remain on the
record of the player and the club. The offence will remain the subject of the administration
fee and the club will accrue the appropriate number of penalty points for the sending-off.
Consequently, the club, player and match official(s) will not attend the meeting of the
Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.
(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim
of Wrongful Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association
in accordance with the following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the
club’s intent to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected] ) to
the South Wales Football Association prior to the commencement of the second
match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for
notification as set out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with
South Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out
in 5(c)(ii) hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a player will be eligible to play in the second
match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately
submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has
been sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention
should be paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous
or an abuse of process.
(f) Should a player play in a match without the appropriate notification having being lodged as
set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an appropriate charge
of misconduct against the club and player concerned for playing whilst under suspension.
(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful
Dismissal are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the player serves the standard punishment as set out in this
Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel
will have the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is
withdrawn and Section 6(f) will not be invoked in relation to this dismissal if the player
is sent-off again following the offence.
(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either
retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs
against the claimant(s).
(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims
submitted before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final
and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
6. PUNISHMENTS
(i) If a player accumulates five (5) recorded cautions in Sunday or Veteran League
Football under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association from the opening
day of the playing season at any time, the player will be suspended automatically with
immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league and Sunday or Veteran Open
Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as the player has missed his/her
club’s next ONE (1) recognised senior team match in Sunday or Veteran Club Football
under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/22
Season.
(ii) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
accumulating five (5) cautions and then goes on to accumulate a further five (5)
cautions during the same season, will be subject to the following punishments:-
(a) If a player accumulates ten (10) cautions in Sunday or Veteran League Football
under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the opening
day of the playing season and the end of the season, the player will be
suspended with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league and
Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as
the player has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised senior team
matches in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the
South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered
by its opening match and final match of the 2021/22 Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates fifteen (15) recorded cautions in Sunday or Veteran League
Football under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the
opening day of the playing season and the last day of the same season, the player
will be suspended with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league and
Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as the
player has missed his/her club’s next THREE (3) recognised senior team matches in
Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/22 Season.
(iv) A player who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
accumulating five (5) cautions and ten (10) cautions, and who goes on to record
fifteen (15) cautions in Sunday or Veteran League Football under the direct
disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association in the same season, shall be required to
attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel when requested to do so. The members of
the Panel shall have the power to deal with the player in such manner as they deem
fit. The same procedure will apply for every further five (5) cautions recorded against
a player.
(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set
out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
(vi) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player committed the
suspension offence.
(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a
season must be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a player accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the
season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Sunday or
Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match in the Cup Competition and final match in the same Cup Competition of the 2021/2022
Season.
(ii) If a player accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the
season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Sunday or
Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a player accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition (see
Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association any time during the
season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Sunday or
Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its
opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a player accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition
which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player
will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same Sunday or Veteran Cup
Competition only, until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match
in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final
match of the 2021/2022 Season. The player shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary
Panel to consider any additional sanctions. The same procedure will apply for every further two (2)
cautions recorded against a player.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the caution
count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed to
them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions attributed
to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any player who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the Quarter
Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 6(m) of these Procedures).
(vii) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(viii) The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player holds a valid registration.
(ix) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for a second cautionable offence after
having received a caution will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all
Sunday or Veteran league matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran
Open Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as the player has missed his/her club's
next ONE (1) recognised senior team match in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the
direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period
covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the
suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section
9).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player committed the
suspension offence.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for denying a goal or an obvious goal
scoring opportunity to an opponent whose overall movement is towards the offender’s
goal by an offence punishable by a free kick, or by deliberately handling the ball, will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league matches,
Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section
9) until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised senior
team match in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South
Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out
under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player committed the
suspension offence.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of Play for using offensive, insulting or abusive
language/gestures, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league matches,
Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section
9) until such time the player has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised senior team
matches in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and
final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under
the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player committed the
suspension offence.
A player who is dismissed from the Field of play for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or
Spitting at an opponent or any other person whether they have previously been cautioned in
the match or not, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or
Veteran league matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open
Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next
THREE (3) recognised senior team matches in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct
jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by
its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as
set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
The player must serve the suspension with the club at which the player committed the suspension
offence.
g) Additional Sendings-off
Players dismissed from the field of play for a second time in the same Season, in addition to the
automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra match.
A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be suspended for an extra two
matches, and so on.
h) Outstanding Suspensions
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which the player committed
the suspension offence.
a. Rule 24
i. a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
ii. a player commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence under Law 12 (1), (2),
(3), (4), (5) or (6) of the Laws of the Game whilst on the field of play which is not seen by the
match officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of
misconduct against the player in accordance with one or more of the provisions under Rule [2.1].
When dealing with a case under (h)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any
automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under (h)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did
not see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
Clubs must not pay a player more than their basic wage during the period of a suspension.
Clubs may fine players for on-field offences but must notify the South Wales Football Association,
without delay, the details of the fine in each case.
d. Re-Arranged Matches
A Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the
completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the club with a view
to enabling the player to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to play in a specific match.
The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all
parties and not subject to appeal.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the administration fees from the players concerned.
The South Wales Football Association will invoice clubs periodically throughout the season for their
accrued administration fees. Failure by a club to pay an invoice within 21 calendar days will result
in the South Wales Football Association imposing a suspension on part or all of the club’s football
activities under the jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association until such time as the
outstanding amount has been paid in full. Any club experiencing difficulty meeting the 21-day limit
should contact the South Wales Football Association.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by players of the club may refer such
matters to the South Wales Football Association.
In so far as this Regulation shall apply, the following Penalty Points will be recorded against a club:-
For Sending-off under Law 12 (1) (2) (3) & (6) - 12 Points
b. A club required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel shall be represented by at least one of its
Directors/Officials and the Manager.
c. The South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer a charge against a club at any time
during the season arising from field offences committed by players of the club.
(a) Unless otherwise ordered by a Disciplinary Panel of South Wales Football Association, or a Judicial
Body of the FAW, the terms of the suspensions imposed under these entire regulations will be as
set out under the category of ‘MATCH SUSPENSION’ (see section 9).
(b) Any suspension imposed may only be served whilst the player holds a registration with a football
club sanctioned by the appropriate league. Should a player transfer or register for a new club prior
to the commencement of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the player will not
be eligible to play for their new club until such time as the club with which the player committed the
suspension offence has completed the required number of matches in competitions approved by
the South Wales Football Association.
9 DEFINITIONS
i. BUSINESS DAY
Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2)
teams (whether or not from different Clubs) but is not made open for the public to attend.
A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately
surrounding the field-of-play. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a player or an official.
The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and
club officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after the match.
A Match Suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a Closed Friendly
Match or a club organised private training session. However, a player or official is prohibited from attending
or taking part in an Open Friendly Match.
A club who permits a player or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be
responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2) teams
(whether or not from different Clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
APPENDIX 1
Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
Appendix 2
[List of all of the Sunday League names, and Sunday Cup Competitions that can be
participated in by Clubs to serve their suspension.]
As set out in the schedule hereto for Team officials associated with Sunday or Veteran Clubs
playing in affiliated Sunday or Veteran Leagues under the jurisdiction of South Wales Football
Association
SEASON 2021/22
Referees must submit to the South Wales Football Association within 2 hours of the
match a report stating the offence and giving a description of the incident.
Referees must submit a report to the South Wales Football Association within 2 hours of
the match stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s).
(c) If a referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a team official, this
will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the referee will be
drawn to the correct procedure.
2. CAUTION OFFENCES
A team official who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through the team official’s
club by this Association of:-
(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the team official under these procedures
during the current Season; and
(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment
will take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is
received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures and
clubs must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the team official through the club for the cost of
processing each report.
3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES
A team official who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 will be notified
through the team official’s club by this Association of:-
(b) That the team official will be subject to the agreed standard punishment (see Section 6).
Any such punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from
this Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these
Disciplinary Procedures and clubs must therefore maintain their own records.
An administration fee of £10.00 will be charged to the team official through the club for the cost of
processing each report.
(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a team official cautioned or
sent-off in a match, the club, on behalf of the team official, must:-
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing
via e- mail ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association
their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the
South Wales Football Association written statements and evidence (including video/DVD
where available) in support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in
Appendix 1. A signed statement by the team official reported by the referee that they
were not responsible for the offence reported and identifying specifically the name of the
person responsible must be included. Where possible a written statement from the team
official responsible for the offence should also be supplied.
(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim
of Mistaken Identity shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football Association
in accordance with the following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the
club’s intent to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to
South Wales Football Association prior to the commencement of the second match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification
as set out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with
the South Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set
out in 4(a)(ii) hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a team official will be eligible to participate in the
second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is appropriately
submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been
sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be
paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of
process.
(c) Should a team official participate in a match without the appropriate notification having being
lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an appropriate
charge of misconduct against the club and team official concerned for participating whilst under
suspension.
(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity
are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the team official reported by the referee serves the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the
Disciplinary Panel will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to
twice that of the standard punishment.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is
transferred from the record of the team official reported by the referee to the appropriate
identified offender.
(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either
retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs against
the claimant(s).
(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by the South
Wales Football Association if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an advantage by
remaining silent on the matter.
(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted
before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and
binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
(a) A team official and his club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal
of a team official from the Field-of-Play by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal
was wrongful.
(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for on-field offences which result in a
sending- off, except for two cautions leading to a dismissal.
(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing
via e- mail ([email protected]) to the South Wales Football Association
their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.
(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written
statements and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in
support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.
(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter
on any relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel
considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether any
sanction of a suspension from participating is one which should be imposed in view of the facts
of the case. It must be noted that in accordance with the Laws of the Game, the match referee’s
decision is final and the team official’s dismissal from the field of play will remain on the record
of the team official and the club. The offence will remain the subject of the administration fee
and the club will accrue the appropriate number of penalty points for the sending-off.
Consequently, the club, team official and match official(s) will not attend the meeting of the
Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.
(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim
of Wrongful Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the South Wales Football
Association in accordance with the following procedure:-
(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the
club’s intent to make a claim must be e-mailed ([email protected]) to
the South Wales Football Association prior to the commencement of the second
match.
(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification
as set out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.
(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with
the South Wales Football Association by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set
out in 5(c)(ii) hereabove.
In respect of these specific circumstances, a team official will be eligible to participate in the
second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately
submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been
sent via fax or e-mail to the South Wales Football Association and therefore attention should be
paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of
process.
(f) Should a team official participate in a match without the appropriate notification having being
lodged as set out hereabove, the South Wales Football Association will prefer an appropriate
charge of misconduct against the club and team official concerned for participating whilst under
suspension.
(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful
Dismissal are as follows:-
(i) The claim is rejected - the team official serves the standard punishment as set out in this
Memorandum.
(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel
will have the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard
punishment as set out in this Memorandum.
(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is
withdrawn and Section 6(f) will not be invoked in relation to this dismissal if the team
official is sent-off again following the offence.
(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either
retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs against
the claimant(s).
(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted
before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the South Wales Football Association.
(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final
and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
6. PUNISHMENTS
(i) If a team official accumulates three (3) recorded cautions in Sunday or Veterans
League Football under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association from the
opening day of the playing season in the same season, the team official will
be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league
matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly
Matches (see section 9) only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s
next ONE (1) recognised senior team match in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under
the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during
the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) A team official who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
accumulating three (3) cautions and then goes on to accumulate a further three (3)
cautions during the same season, will be subject to the following punishments:-
(a) If a team official accumulates six (6) cautions in Sunday or Veteran League
Football under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the
opening day of the playing season and the end of the season in the same
season, the team official will be suspended immediately from all Sunday or
Veteran league matches, Sunday or Veteran Cup matches and Sunday or
Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section 9) until such time as the team
official has missed his/her club’s next TWO (2) recognised senior team matches
in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates nine (9) recorded cautions in Sunday or Veteran League
Football under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the
opening day of the playing season and the last day of the same season, the team
official will be suspended with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league
matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly
Matches (see section 9) until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s
next THREE (3) recognised senior team matches in Sunday or Veteran Club Football
under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022
Season.
(iv) A team official who has already been subject to disciplinary action as a result of
accumulating three (3) cautions and six (6) cautions, and who goes on to record nine
(9) cautions in Sunday or Veteran League Football under the direct disciplinary
jurisdiction of this Association in the same season, shall be required to attend a
meeting of a Disciplinary Panel when requested to do so. The members of the Panel
shall have the power to deal with the team official in such manner as they deem fit.
The same procedure will apply for every further three (3) cautions recorded against
a team official.
(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set
out under the category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
(vi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official
committed the suspension offence.
(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a
season must be served at the commencement of the next following season.
(i) If a team official accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup
Competition (see Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association
any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has
missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match in the Cup Competition and final match in the
same Cup Competition of the 2021/2022 Season.
(ii) If a team official accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup
Competition (see Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association
any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has
missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup
Competition (see Appendix 2) which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this association
any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect
from the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has
missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in the same Cup Competition (see Appendix
2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
(iv) If a team official accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup
Competition which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during
the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from the same
Cup Competition only, until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1)
recognised match in the same Sunday or Veteran Cup Competition (see Appendix 2) during the
period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The team official
shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional
sanctions. The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a
team official.
(v) After the completion of the Preliminary Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Preliminary Round will be suspended for the same Cup Competition in the First Round proper;
and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(vi) After the completion of the Quarter Final Round in all Cup Competitions listed in Appendix 2, the
caution count shall be reset with all team officials being regarded as having zero (0) cautions
attributed to them. For the avoidance of doubt, the following will still apply:
• any team official who receives a suspension resulting from an accumulation of cautions in the
Quarter Final match will be suspended for the same Cup Competitions Semi-Final; and
• any administration fee accumulated in previous rounds for any caution will need to be paid within
31 days of the match (as set out in 7(m) of these Procedures).
(x) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the
category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10).
(xi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(xii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be
served at the commencement of the next following season in the same Cup Competition.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be
suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league matches,
Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly Matches (see section
9) until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised
senior team match in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the
South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening
match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out
under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
• delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball
away, obstructing the movement of a player
• entering the field of play to confront a match official (including at half-time and full-time)
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using unauthorised electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an
inappropriate manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below
will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league
matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly
Matches (see section 9) until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's
next TWO (2) recognised senior team matches in Sunday or Veteran Club Football
under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see Appendix 2)
during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2021/2022 Season.
The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH
SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed
the suspension offence.
(e) Sending Off resulting in a Three Match Suspension
Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below
will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday or Veteran league
matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran Open Friendly
Matches (see section 9) until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's
next THREE (3) recognised senior team matches in Sunday or Veteran Club
Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales Football Association (see
Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the
2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of
a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the
suspension offence.
(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for a reason not set out in section
6(b), (c) & (d), will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all Sunday
or Veteran league matches, Sunday or Veteran cup matches and Sunday or Veteran
Open Friendly Matches (see section 9) for ONE (1) recognised senior team match
in Sunday or Veteran Club Football under the direct jurisdiction of the South Wales
Football Association (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match
and final match of the 2021/2022 Season. The terms of the suspension will be as set
out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 9).
(ii) The dismissal will then be subject for review by a Disciplinary Panel of the South
Wales Football Association. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to
determine:
(a) A one Match Suspension as set out in 6(e)(i) shall suffice and there should
be no further suspension; or
(b) That the standard one Match Suspension as set out in 6(e)(i) is insufficient
and the Panel will have the power to increase the Match Suspension.
(iii) The club or team official will not be permitted to submit any evidence for the
Disciplinary Panel’s considerations and the matter will be considered solely on the
match official(s) sending off report. Should a club require a Disciplinary Panel to
consider the validity of the suspension resulting from the sending off, then they must
submit a Claim of Mistaken Identity and/or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal as set out
in Section 4 and 5. In this procedure set out in 6(e), the Disciplinary Panel will only
confine themselves to the level of sanction imposed from the dismissal.
(iv) Should a club lodge a Claim of Mistaken Identity then the same Disciplinary Panel
will consider the sanction.
(v) Should a club lodge a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal and the claim is rejected as set
out under section 5(g)(i) & (ii), then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider the
sanction.
(vi) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to this procedure is final and
binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.
Team officials dismissed from the field of play for a second time in the same Season, in
addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one
extra match.
A team official dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be suspended for an extra
two matches, and so on.
Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season
must be served at the commencement of the next following season with the club at which
the team official committed the suspension offence, except that:-
(i) A team official may request the consent from the South Wales Football Association
to transfer a suspension outstanding from the previous season to their new club at
the commencement of the next following season. To obtain consent, a team official
must put a request in writing to the South Wales Football Association which should
include the following:
(a) Details of the club the team official has signed for at the commencement of the
new season.
(b) A letter of support from the club the suspension is being transferred to.
(ii) Upon receipt of the information requested in 6(g)(i) hereabove, the South Wales Football
Association will determine whether or not it is appropriate to transfer the suspension
and will communicate (written or electronic) to the team official and clubs the decision.
This decision will be final and not subject to appeal.
(i) Rule 24
(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Laws of the Game, or
(ii) a team official commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence as set out in
the Laws of the Game whilst on the field of play and/or in the Technical Area which is
not seen by the match officials but caught on video;
the South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of
misconduct against the team official in accordance with one or more of the provisions under
Rule [2.1].
When dealing with a case under (h)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into
account any automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.
When dealing with a case under (h)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they
did not see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.
It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the administration fees from the team officials
concerned. The South Wales Football Association will invoice clubs periodically throughout the
season for their accrued administration fees. Failure by a club to pay an invoice within 21
calendar days will result in the South Wales Football Association imposing a suspension
on part or all of the club’s football activities under the jurisdiction of the South Wales Football
Association until such time as the outstanding amount has been paid in full. Any club
experiencing difficulty meeting the 21-day limit should contact the South Wales Football
Association.
Any club experiencing difficulties in obtaining monies owed by team officials of the club may
refer such matters to the South Wales Football Association.
(a) Any club whose team officials accumulate a total number of Penalty Points during a season,
and that total is considered to be appreciably above the average number of points in the
same league, may be required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel and shall be liable to
be warned and/or fined for having permitted its team officials to violate the Laws of the Game
in contravention of Rule [2.1.1]. In addition, the Panel shall be entitled to make an order as
to costs against the club. Any action taken by the club to discipline its team officials under
Section 6(i) will be taken into consideration by the Panel in its findings.
In so far as this Regulation shall apply, the following Penalty Points will be recorded against
a club:-
12 Points
(b) A club required to appear before a Disciplinary Panel shall be represented by at least one of its
Directors/Officials and the Manager.
(c) The South Wales Football Association reserves the right to prefer a charge against a club
at any time during the season arising from field offences committed by team officials of the
club.
Any suspension imposed may only be served with the club at which the team official
committed the offence. Should a team official transfer or register for a new club prior to the
commencement of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the team official will
not be eligible to participate for their new club until such time as the club with which the team
official committed the suspension offence has completed the required number of matches in
competitions approved by the South Wales Football Association.
9 DEFINITIONS
i. BUSINESS DAY
Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between
two (2) teams (whether or not from different Clubs) but is not made open for the public to
attend.
A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately
surrounding the field-of-play. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a team official or an official.
1. The field-of-play.
2. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
3. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
4. The dugouts, benches and technical areas.
5. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
The team official or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials,
team officials and club officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after
the match.
A Match Suspension does not prohibit a team official or official from attending or taking part in a Closed
Friendly Match or a club organised private training session. However, a team official or official is
prohibited from attending or taking part in an Open Friendly Match.
A club who permits a team official or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match
Suspension will be responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
A game of Association Football which is not an Official Match which is played between two (2)
teams (whether or not from different Clubs) and is made open to the public to attend.
v. TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and
match officials participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension
may be imposed on a player and an official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual
from:-
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
3. Coaching or issuing instructions for the duration of the game.
4. Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private
way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room
pre- match, at half-time and post-match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the
match officials pre-match or post-match whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the
match officials are agreeable to the approach.
The South Wales Football Association is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the
individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the
field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play to allow them to
continue coaching or issue instructions to the coaching / technical staff. This will be considered
as a breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result in the South Wales Football Association
preferring charges of misconduct against the club and player or official who is under the
suspension.
Where a stand exists within the ground, the South Wales Football Association requires the
player or official to sit in the stand away from the field-of-play.
For the duration of the game, a player or official under a Touchline Suspension is NOT
PERMITTED to communicate with the coaching / technical staff via radio or other electronic
communication and is prohibited from having personal contact with any such persons.
APPENDIX 1
Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal
Appendix 2
[List all of the Sunday League names, and Cup Competitions that can be participated in by your Clubs
to serve their suspension.]
3. CATEGORIES OF ASSAULT
3A. Technical Assault (where there is no element of contact between the offender and match official).
A Technical Assault will occur where:
i) An individual uses words or actions that are reasonably likely to intimidate and/or threaten the official; AND
ii) the intimidation and/or threat is one of a violent nature; AND
iii) the individual was within a close proximity to the Official at the time of the intimidation and/or threatening
behaviour AND
iv) the words or actions used caused the official to feel intimidated, threatened and/or fearful of the use of
violence by the individual.
whether or not there is an intention to carry out the threat. Careless actions include, but are not limited to, the
throwing or kicking of objects or substances or spitting towards the match official but where no contact is
made with the said official.
When considering proximity under iii) above, the disciplinary body will consider whether the individual made
an attempt to advance towards the official in order to intimidate and/or threaten.
3B. Assault (whether or not causing bodily harm)
3B.1 An assault in accordance with this category is defined as any circumstance of an inappropriate nature where
physical contact is made with an official whether or not any injury results.
3B.2 This category also includes, but is not limited to, the throwing or kicking of objects or substances or spitting
towards the match official where the said object or substance or spit makes contact with the match official.
Assault Causing Serious Bodily Harm
3C. An assault shall be regarded as causing serious bodily harm if the official suffers any serious injury, including
3C.1 but not limited to injury to limbs, bones or senses, cuts, bruises, burns or concussion.
Serious bodily harm may occur whether or not the Official requires medical treatment or first aid but shall not
3C.2 include harm which at the reasonable discretion of the Disciplinary Body is deemed bodily harm of a minor
nature falling within Category B above.
4. RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
4A. Technical Assault
A maximum of 182 days suspension from football (the ’Category of Suspension’ to be determined by the
disciplinary body) and a minimum fine of £50.00.
4B. Assault (whether or not causing bodily harm)
A maximum of two years suspension from football (the ’Category of Suspension’ to be determined by the
Disciplinary Body) and a minimum fine of £75.00.
4C. Assault Causing Serious Bodily Harm
A Sine Die suspension FROM ALL FOOTBALL RELATED ACTIVITY with no review to be considered under a
period of 5 years and a minimum fine of £100.00.
CATEGORIES OF SUSPENSIONS
Touchline Suspension
A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials
participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and an
official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:-
1. Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2. Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
3. Coaching or issuing instructions in a public way.
4. Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading
from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room pre match, at
half time and post match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the match officials pre or post match
whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the match officials are agreeable to the approach.
The FAW is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand
behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play
to allow them to continue coaching. This will be considered as a breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result
in the Football Association of Wales preferring charges of misconduct against the club and player or official who is
under the suspension.
Where a stand exists within the ground, the Football Association of Wales requires the player or official to sit in the
stand away from the field-of-play.
During a Touchline Suspension, the player or official may communicate with the dugout via a radio or other electronic
communication. However, the individual is prohibited from having personal contact with any coaching staff whilst the
game is on-going.
Match Suspension
A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately surrounding the
field-of-play. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a player or an official.
1. The field-of-play.
2. The dressing rooms and their immediate area.
3. The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.
4. The dugouts, benches and technical areas.
5. The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and club
officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during or after the match.
A match suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a club organised training
session or a match between teams made up of players registered with his/her club. However, a player or official is
prohibited from attending or taking part in a friendly or training match against a team from another club. A club who
permits a player or an official to attend a ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be responsible for ensuring
the terms of the suspension are adhered to.
Ground Suspension (Also known as an All Aspects Football Suspension)
A Ground Suspension is a ban from attending or taking part in any Association Football Match played at a ground
under the jurisdiction of the Football Association of Wales. A Ground Suspension can be imposed on a player, an
official or spectator.
A Suspension from all football related activity
A suspension from all football related activity prohibits an individual from any involvement in football. This includes
but is not limited to:-
1. Attending any association football match played at a ground under the jurisdiction of the Football
Association of Wales.
2. Participating in any association football match played at a ground under the jurisdiction of the Football
Association of Wales.
3. Attending or participating in any training activities connected to any club under the jurisdiction of the
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE REDUCED PENALTY
PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES UNDER THE RULES
OF THE SOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (SWFA) AND THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
OF WALES ( FAW )
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1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of these Regulations is to give effect to the principle that when dealing with the penalties imposed
by the SWFA for Disciplinary Offences, credit in the form of a reduction in the applicable penalty, should be
given to the Party charged who admits to a charge of a Disciplinary Offence preferred by the Association and
to the timely disposal of such matters. To achieve this, when a charge of a Disciplinary Offence is brought
under the procedures in these Regulations, it will also incorporate an offer of a reduced penalty on the SWFA’s
minimum standard penalty for the Disciplinary Offence as published from time to time. In the case of a financial
penalty, the offer shall be a reduction of one-third (to the nearest whole pound). In the case of any other
penalty, the offer shall be a reduction of one-third or the nearest whole number equivalent. Should the Party
charged elect NOT to accept the reduced penalty offered, or fails to comply with the requirements set out
under Clauses 3.2(c) and/or 3.2(d)(v) of these regulations, and the charge is subsequently found proved at a
Disciplinary Panel hearing, a higher penalty will apply, which will not incorporate the reduction.
EXEMPTIONS
2. The procedures in these Regulations shall not apply to any Disciplinary Offence in relation to any of the
(a) following:-
A Disciplinary Offence as set out under SWFA Rule 24.1.4, or any other charge brought concerning
betting activity related to any match;
A Disciplinary Offence as set out under SWFA Rule 24.1.5, or any other charge brought relating to ’match
fixing’.
A Disciplinary Offence as set out under SWFA Rule 24.1.7, or any other charge brought relating to ticket
touting;
A Disciplinary Offence as set out under SWFA Rule 24.1.8, or any other charge brought relating to a
match that has been played at a ground closed by the Association;
A Disciplinary Offence brought pursuant to ’THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES’ CODE OF
ETHICS’.
Any charge of a Disciplinary Offence preferred by the Association that is exempt from the procedures in these
(b) Regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures as set out under FAW Rules 28 to 31 inclusive.
SCOPE OF PROCEDURES
Subject to the exemptions in 2 above, in all cases, it shall be at the absolute discretion of the SWFA whether
3. a reduced penalty shall be offered under the procedures in these Regulations. In exercising that discretion,
3.1 the Association shall not utilise these procedures where any one or more of the following exceptional
circumstances applies:-
Where the particular facts of the alleged Disciplinary Offence are of a serious and/or unusual nature, as
determined by the Association;
Where the Party charged has pleaded guilty or been found guilty with a similar matter, as determined by
the Association, in the current season;
Where the Alleged Disciplinary Offence is allegedly aggravated by reference to any of the factors as set
out under the ’FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES NON- DISCRIMINATION REGULATIONS’; or
Where the particular facts of the alleged Disciplinary Offence, as determined by the Association, necessitate
a charge of misconduct to be brought against a participant pursuant to the ’REGULATIONS GOVERNING
ASSAULTS ON MATCH OFFICIALS’.
Upon the Association deciding that facts or matters may give rise to a Disciplinary Offence and that a charge
be brought which should include the offer of a reduced penalty under these Regulations, the following
3.2 procedure will apply:-
THE CHARGE
The Association will give written notice (’’the Disciplinary Notice’’) to the Party charged, stipulating:-
(a)
(vii) The Association shall write to the Party charged with confirmation of the outcome.
(e) Should the Party charged elect NOT to accept the reduced penalty offered, the matter will proceed in
accordance with SWFA Rules 28 to 31 and the following shall apply:-
(i) The reduced penalty offered shall be withdrawn;
(ii) A Disciplinary Panel shall be convened;
(iii) The Party charged shall be entitled to provide evidence in mitigation;
(iv) If a charge is found proven, any penalty applied shall be based on the standard minimum penalty; and
(v) If a charge is found proven, the Disciplinary Panel shall be entitled to impose costs against the Party
charged.
(f) Should the Party charged either fail to respond in writing to the charge as per Clause 3.2(c) hereabove, or fail
to pay any fine offered as part of the reduced penalty offered as per Clause 3.2(d)(v) hereabove, within the
required seven (7) Business Days, the matter will proceed in accordance with SWFA Rules and the following
shall apply:-
(i) The reduced penalty offered shall be withdrawn;
(ii) The Party charged will be deemed to have denied the charge and to have waived their right to a private
hearing before the Disciplinary Panel.
(iii) The Association will, without further notice to the Party charged, convene a Disciplinary Panel who will
consider the alleged Disciplinary Offence in the absence of the Party charged.
(iv) If a charge is found proven, the standard minimum penalty shall form the basis of any penalty applied;
and
(v) If a charge is found proven, the Disciplinary Panel shall be entitled to impose costs against the Party
charged.
4. APPEALS
(a) Should the Party charged elect to admit the charge and accept the reduced penalty offered, there shall be
no right of appeal under SWFA Rules to the outcome set out in 3.2(d) above except where:-
(i) It is necessary to allow an appeal in order to avoid real injustice;
(ii) The circumstances are exceptional and make it appropriate to allow an appeal; and
(iii) There is no alternative effective remedy.
(b) A Party wishing to claim a right of appeal in the circumstances set out in 4(a) above shall make application in
writing for leave to appeal to the Association within five (5) calendar days after service of the Association’s
written notification under 3.2(d)(vii) above. The Association shall place the application for leave before a
person nominated by the Association from the pool of persons who sit as the chairmen of the Association’s
Appeals Panel from time to time. The said chairman shall consider the application in
private and shall have absolute discretion whether or not to grant leave to appeal and, if so, whether to suspend
the penalty imposed by the original procedure. There shall be no right of appeal against the chairman’s
decision, or any part of that decision. If leave to appeal is granted, the procedure for the hearing of the appeal
shall be in accordance with FAW Rule 44.
(c) Should the Party charged elect NOT to accept the reduced penalty offered and the charge is subsequently
found proved at a Disciplinary Panel, the Party charged shall have a right of appeal in accordance with FAW
Rule 29.
SOUTH WALES FA SUPPLEMENTARY RULES
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1. TITLE AREA and AFFILIATION
1.1 TITLE
The Association shall be called The South Wales Football Association Ltd. (The Association).
1.2 AREA
Its area shall extend from east of a line from and including Port Talbot, that part of Powys south of a line drawn from
the County boundary at Mynydd Llangynydr, westward to the County Boundary passing south of the village of
Ystradfellta. (The Area.)
1.3 AFFLIATION
The Association shall be affiliated to The Football Association of Wales Ltd.
2. LEAGUES COMPETITIONS AND CLUBS
2.1 LEAGUES
Leagues must pay the due affiliation fee as defined in Appendix 1 of these Rules to the Association by 30th June
annually.
2.1.1 All Leagues must forward a completed income and expenditure account with their affiliation form LS1 and
such account must be independently verified by the League by an individual who is not secretary or
treasurer/financial secretary of the League.
2.2 COMPETITIONS
Competitions must pay the due affiliation fee as defined in Appendix 1 of these Rules, to the Association.
2.3 CLUBS
2.3.1 All Clubs whose playing grounds are situated within the Area of the Association (as defined in Rule 1) must be
in membership of the Association or the Football Association of Wales.
2.3.2 A Club from the area covered by The South Wales Football Association with teams playing below the level of
the directly affiliated Leagues shall not be affiliated to The Football Association of Wales unless such Club is directly
affiliated to The South Wales Football Association.
2.3.3. All Clubs under the jurisdiction of the Association shall satisfy the Council that they are properly constituted
clubs, and playing football according to the Rules of The Football Association of Wales.
2.3.4 Each Club shall forward to the Secretary a correctly completed Form ’A’ Affiliation and an Income and
Expenditure Account for previous season by 30th June in each year together with the appropriate subscription fee
as defined in Appendix 1 of these Rules.
2.3.5 Clubs already affiliated to the Association in the previous season who fail to comply with Rule 2.3.4 will be
subject to a fine in accordance with Appendix 3 of these Rules
2.3.6. All Clubs must advise the Association when there is a change to any detail in the Affiliation form. Failure to
comply with this rule will be subject to a fine as shown in Appendix 3 of these rules. No Club can change their name
after 30 June, unless special dispensation approval of the Association. The Association has the right to object the
name of a club if it considers it to be too similar to another member club or if it is considered to be offensive.
2.3.7 Any Club that plays a Competition Match if its Subscription fee has not been paid shall be guilty of misconduct
and the non-payment of the said fee shall be considered good grounds for protest.
2.3.8 An additional sum as detailed in Appendix 2 of these rules must be paid in respect of each team invited to
enter for the Association Cup Competitions.
2.3.9 Any Club whose annual subscription is in arrears will not be drawn in any Cup Competition neither will it be
allowed to be represented at any General Meeting.
2.3.10 A Club affiliated to this Association shall not play matches with any Club not affiliated to a recognised Football
Association.
2.3.11 Permission must be obtained from the Association to play matches outside the Area.
2.3.12 Any Club Player, Referee or Official involved in unsanctioned football will be guilty of misconduct and will be
dealt with as determined by the Council.
2.3.13 Any Club when requested must respond within Seven Business Days of the date of the relevant
correspondence. Any Club failing to comply with this rule will be deemed to be guilty of misconduct and will be
subjected to a fine in accordance with Appendix 3 of these rules or suspended from playing fixtures.
2.3.14 In accordance with FAW regulations on kit, clubs are not permitted to have black as a dominant colour of
their shirt.
3. THE COUNCIL
3.1 The Council of the Association shall be the members of The South Wales Football Association Limited (company
number 04224343) as defined in the Articles of Association of the said company in force from time to time.
3.2 The Council shall appoint the following persons as members of Council (or to the following posts if they are
existing members of Council prior to such appointment) and for the avoidance of doubt these persons may be
members of Council or non-members of Council prior to such appointment:-
3.2.1 the Honorary General Secretary of the Association;
3.2.2 the Honorary Assistant General Secretary (Discipline) of the Association;
3.2.3 the Honorary Assistant General Secretary (Competitions) of the Association;
3.2.4 the Honorary Treasurer of the Association;
3.2.5 up to two Safeguarding Officers; and
3.2.6 a Referees’ Officer who shall not be on the Association’s active list of referees,
and each such appointment shall be for the period stipulated by Council or, if none is stipulated, without
limitation in point of time.
3.3 The Council shall appoint the following persons to the following posts from the members of Council prior to
such appointment:-
3.3.1 the President of the Association;
3.3.2 the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the company (see 3.1 above); and
3.3.3 the appointment of the President, Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall in each case be for a term not
exceeding three years.
3.4 The appointments by Council under 3.2 and 3.3 above (where a vacancy in any of the same exists) shall be
made at the first meeting of the Council following the annual general meeting of the members of the company (see
3.1 above). At such meeting the appointments under 3.2 shall be made first (and shall be effective immediately)
and the appointments under 3.3 made second (and for the avoidance of doubt those appointed under 3.2 shall be
eligible for appointment to the posts under 3.3).
3.5 Each qualifying League which has been affiliated to the Association for the past 3 years must nominate a person
as a member of Council who must be appointed as herein provided and shall not be changed without the consent
of the Council. Each League claiming to appoint a representative to the Council shall each year forward the full
name and address of such representative to the Honorary General Secretary on their annual affiliation form LS1.
The Council on ascertaining the correctness of the claim shall declare such representative appointed. Subsequent
claims shall be dealt with as they arise. New Leagues with 25 or more affiliated clubs shall be permitted to nominate
a person as a member of Council provided the League has been affiliated for three seasons.
3.6 On completion of 21 years continuous service as a member of Council, a member shall automatically become
a Life Member.
3.7 On ceasing to be President of the Association, a person shall automatically become a Life Vice-President.
3.8 Any vacancy in membership of the Council shall be filled by the person or organisation who made the
appointment to the Council that has become vacant.
3.9 The Council shall appoint 4 members of Council who are not Officers to the Board of Directors of the Company
(see 3.1 above) and any vacancy in such appointments shall be filled by the Council.
3.10 The Council shall nominate from the members of Council the Association’s representative on the Council of
the Football Association of Wales following receipt of notification for nominations from the Football Association of
Wales.
3.11 All members of Council shall be admitted to the reserve or stand accommodation of any ground belonging to
a club affiliated to the Association, upon production of the member’s official pass.
4. MANAGEMENT
4.1 The Association shall be managed by the Board of Directors of the company (see 3.1 above) as defined in
the Articles of Association of the company in force from time to time.
4.2 With the prior approval of the members of Council, the Board of Directors may delegate to committees or sub-
committees of the Board consisting of no more than 6 Directors who must be members of Council.
5. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS TO CONSIDER CHANGES TO THESE RULES
5.1 Any club or League affiliated to the Association or member of Council (collectively in this Rule 5, ’’the Rules
Members’’) or the Council as whole shall be entitled to propose alterations to the ’’Rules of the Association’’. Notice
of the proposed alteration shall be sent to the Honorary General Secretary, in writing, with the name of the
proposer of every such alteration, on or before 1st March, and the Honorary General Secretary shall inform each
Rules Member of the proposed alteration at least seven days before a meeting of the Rules Members to consider
any such proposal to be held on a date to be decided upon by the Council for that purpose.
5.2 Any alteration to the Rules shall not be carried unless supported by at least two-thirds of the Rules Members
present and voting.
5.3 Any such alteration to the Rules shall operate as and from the date of the meeting of the Rules Members at
which the proposal was passed.
5.4 An Annual General Meeting of the Rules Members shall be held on a date to be decided upon by the Council.
Each Club or League being a Rules Member shall be entitled to send one representative. No representative shall
represent more than one organisation.
5.5 The members of Council shall be entitled to sit and vote ex-officiate at all meetings of the Rules Members.
5.6 The Honorary General Secretary shall convene a Special General Meeting of the Rules Members at any time
by order of the Council, or on receiving a requisition to that effect signed by the Secretaries of not less than twenty
clubs affiliated to the Association.
6. FUNDS
6.1 The Funds of the Association shall be lodged in a bank approved by the Council. All accounts, except when
authorised by the Executive Sub-Committee, above £50, shall be paid by cheque or electronic payment only.
Cheques or automatic payments to be signed or authorised by two signatories officers whose names appear on the
Bank mandate.
6.2 The accounts for each year shall be examined by a Chartered Accountant and a sum agreed by the Council
6.3 A summary of the Association’s accounts shall be made available to all affiliated Clubs and Leagues
following regulatory submission of the Company’s accounts to Companies House.
6.4 All monies received at matches shall be counted at the conclusion of the game by Treasurer and Secretary
and two members of the Council. In the absence of the Treasurer or Secretary, by three members of the Council.
6.5 A report of receipts and expenses of each match shall be produced at the first meeting of the Council
thereafter.
6.6 The Treasurer shall pay all monies he/she receives into the bank within five days.
7. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES
7.1 In all matches representing the Association, the squad shall be chosen by the Council or Sub-Committee
appointed by it for that purpose.
7.2 All clubs, members of this Association, shall be bound to place their players at the disposal of the Association
for all representative matches each season.
7.3 Any Player selected to play in any match arranged by, or on behalf of, this Association and failing or refusing to
play shall, in the absence of any good and sufficient cause, be judged to be guilty of misconduct, and any club
who shall be found to have encouraged or instigated such conduct on the part of a player, shall also be deemed
guilty of misconduct.
8. CONDUCT OF SUBORDINATES
8.1 A League or Competition which is affiliated to this Association may not deal with any report of misconduct
received from an Official or Unofficial Referee.
8.2 The Association will only correspond with the appointed Club Secretary in all matters or a nominated officer in
their absence.
8.3 A member of Council has the right to submit a report on any matter to the Association which shall be dealt with
as the Association deems appropriate. Such reports are not to be sent to any other body without the consent of the
Association.
9. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF CLUBS
9.1 Clubs affiliated to this Association must produce their Minute Book, Cash Books and Vouchers when requested
to do so by the Association through its Secretary.
9.2 Every Club must keep a Cash Book in which shall be entered all receipts and payments. If details are not entered
in the Cash Book they must be kept in some other recorded format. The records must show in a clear manner the
receipts from each individual game and the manner in which receipts have been disposed.
9.3 An Annual Income and Expenditure account shall be issued in each season and a copy must be sent to The
South Wales Football Association Ltd. with the Club’s affiliation form (see Rule 2.3.4). Failure to submit an Income
and Expenditure Account will result in affiliation being withheld until the information is received by the Association.
10. SUNDAY MATCHES
10.1 Matches may be played on Sundays within the jurisdiction of this Association.
10.2 Clubs who are affiliated to a designated Sunday League can only play on that Day.
11. PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES
11.1 Any registered player or registered Referee or any paid Official of any League or Club shall not be allowed
to serve on the Council of this Association.
11.2 What constitutes a paid Official of a League or Club within the meaning of this Rule shall be decided by the
Council in its absolute discretion.
12. CLUBS
12.1 An Official may be the Secretary, Treasurer or Chairman of one affiliated Club only. This applies to clubs
affiliated to this Association or the Football Association of Wales.
12.2 Junior Clubs may only register a maximum of twenty players per team.
13. REFEREES
13.1 The Association shall compile a list of qualified Referees for the use of clubs. All promotion of Referees shall
be delegated to the Referees’ Sub-Committee of this Association.
13.2 All Referees who officiate in Leagues designated for players under eighteen years of age, must comply with
the Safeguarding Policy of the Football Association of Wales.
13.3 If an unofficial Referee takes charge of the match, they become an Association Official and carry out the
duties of the Referee, and must at all times Referee BOTH halves of the match.
14. PRESS OR MEDIA REPORTS
14.1 All Press or Media reports of meetings shall only be furnished officially by the General Secretary or other
delegated official.
14.2 A member of the Council of the Association shall not make any comment in the Press upon the business
transacted at any of the Association’s meetings, unless previous sanction has been given by the Council or the
General Secretary.
14.3 The Association shall be entitled to publish in the public media or in any manner it shall think fit, reports of its
proceedings, acts and resolutions, whether the same shall or shall not reflect on the character or conduct of any
Club, Official, Player, or Spectator, and every Club, Official, Player, or Spectator shall be deemed to have assented
to such publication.
15. COPIES OF RULES
15.1 Copies of Rules will be made available in electronic format to each Club, League and Referee at the start of
each season.
15.2 Additional copies, price £10.00 each may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary.
16. JUNIOR PLAYERS
In accordance with the provisions of FAW Rule 87, a junior player will only be permitted to play within the boundary
of the Area Association in which they reside unless special permission is given by the Area Association in which
they reside.
The South Wales Women’s & Girls’ Football League will be able to produce their own criteria subject to approval of
the Association.
17. ANY MATTER NOT COVERED IN THESE RULES
The Association shall have power to deal with any matter not provided for in these Rules.
APPENDICIES
Appendix 1 ANNUAL AFFILIATION FEES
Appendix 3 FINES
Clubs affiliated to this Association and failing to affiliate by 30th June £20 2.3.5
Any match not completed may be ordered to stand as a completed match or replayed for the full period as stated
above as the Council may direct. Any Club guilty of delaying the start shall be reported by the Referee, and the
Council shall have the power to fine or otherwise deal with the offending Club if its explanation is unsatisfactory.
In all Cup competitions, if the scores are level at the end of regulation playing time, extra time shall not be played
but the match will be decided by a competition under the penalty kick system.
For Sunday Intermediate, Youth and Junior Cup Matches played in November, December or January the Council
shall sanction completed matches of not less than 30 minutes equal halves, provided a written agreement signed
by both Captains (or Secretaries) is handed to the Referee before the match.
Any Clubs drawn together in a competition having arranged to play on a certain date, either Club failing to comply
shall be disqualified.
10. The Secretary of each competing club shall, within two days after the match, send notice of the result, in writing,
together with the full Christian and Surnames of the players and substitutes nominated in each team, to the
Secretary of the Association. Clubs failing to comply with this rule shall be subject to a fine of £20.
10.1 The Home Club is also required to submit the match result to the Association no later than 5.30 p.m. on the
day of the game. Such notification can be by telephone call or text message, the number to which the notification
is to be made shall be published on the match details sheet issued for each round. If a game does not finish before
5.30 p.m. then notification is to be made within 30 minutes of the end of the match.
Clubs who fail to comply with this rule will be liable to a fine of £10.
11. The Club which is first drawn in the ballot, shall play on its home ground. In the event of the ground of the first
drawn club not being available on the conference date the match will be played at the ground of the second drawn
Club, or in the event of the ground of the last drawn Club not being available, the game must be played on a
mutually agreed ground. In the event of pitch non-availability due to bad weather, the match must be played within
seven days at the same ground. In the event of such a re-arranged fixture not being played due to bad weather, the
match reverts to the ground of the original second drawn Club. In All Association Cup Matches, all rounds will be
played to a conclusion on the conference date.
If the ground of the club having choice of ground shall not comply with Rule 23, or in any other way be considered
unsuitable for a cup-tie, their opponents may appeal within seven days of the draw to the Council, who, if such
appeal be sustained, shall order the match to be played on the ground of the appealing club, or on a neutral
ground. If such appeal be not sustained, the complaining club may be called upon at the discretion of the Council
to pay the expenses incurred in deciding such appeal.
A club at the time of entering the Cup Competition shall register the name and location of its home ground, or in the
event of a club playing on public parks, shall play on the ground allocated to it by its parent League or Local Authority.
Referee’s fee and expenses are to be paid by both competing teams in equal parts. It is the responsibility of the
Home Club to pay the Referee his fee and expenses immediately following the match.
12. The Final Ties of all Cup Competitions (and Semi-Final Ties of all Senior Competitions) shall be played on a
neutral ground which will be decided by the Council who shall appoint Referees and Assistant Referees who must
be duly registered with the Association.
13. The Final Tie dates arranged by the Council shall be strictly adhered to. (Council Resolution 5th May 1965.)
Each Club competing in the Final Tie must provide three Stewards.
14. Clubs affiliated to this Association shall be compelled to give their ground to the Association for the purpose of
playing the Final Tie at a fee not exceeding:-
of gross gate.
In Youth and Junior Cup Competitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 per cent
In Senior Cup Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 per cent
In Intermediate, Women’s & Sunday Intermediate Cup Com . p.e.tit.io.ns. . . . . 15 per cent
15. All questions of eligibility, qualification of competitors or interpretations of the Rules or Laws of the Game shall
be referred to the Council, whose decision shall be final. Should any club in connection with any dispute or protest
have a member on the Council, the said member shall not be eligible to sit on the Council while such dispute or
protest is being considered. No protest relative to the playing ground, goal posts or bars, or other appurtenance of
the game shall be entertained by the Council unless it is laid with the Referee before the commencement of the
match, nor shall any protest relative to the interpretation of the Rules or Laws of the Game be entertained unless
laid with the Referee on or before the conclusion of the match. Protests may be made verbally, but must be
confirmed in writing, and handed to the Referee before he has left the ground. A written notice of such protest or
protests, and three copies thereof, must be sent to the Secretary of the Association within two days (Sundays
excepted) after the conclusion of the match, within which time a written protest against the eligibility of any player
must be lodged. The sum of £20.00 must be deposited with the Secretary of the Association, together with all such
protests, which sum may be forfeited to the funds of the Association in the event of such protest not being sustained.
16. The Council may order any club engaged in a protest to pay such sum as may be considered necessary towards
defraying the expenses incurred. No objection or protest shall be withdrawn except by leave of the Council.
17. Any Club intending to scratch, must give information of its intention to do so to the Secretary of the opposing
club not less than eight days before the date fixed for playing, or shall be reported to the Council, who shall have
power to compel such offending club to pay the expenses incurred by their opponents or of taking such action as
may be deemed expedient. If a club decides to scratch after a drawn game, intimation must be given to its opponents
at the close of the match and to the Secretary of the Association.
18. Any Club failing to play a Cup Fixture when required will be removed from the Competition. In the event of any
club scratching or declining to play from any cause in a Semi-final tie, the Council may, if time and circumstances
permit, select any other club of the original entrants for the Competition to play. Other things, being equal,
preference may be given to the club which was next in merit, judged from the result of the rounds, and if more than
one club has equal claims, the club should be selected by lot from those having equal claims if there is not time to
permit of their playing off.
19. In the case of any player being found ineligible, the club playing him must be adjudged to have lost the
match. Any club leaving the field of play before the expiration of the game must be adjudged to have lost the match.
Any club found guilty of playing an ineligible player will be fined and may be refused entry to the following Season’s
competition at the Council’s discretion.
20. If the Council has any doubt as to the qualification of any player competing in this competition, it shall have
power to call upon such player or the Club to which he belongs or for which he has played, to prove to the
satisfaction of the Council that he is properly qualified according to the Rules, and failing such satisfactory proof,
the Council shall have power to disqualify such player and remove such club from the competition.
21. When the winning club shall have been ascertained, the Association shall deliver the Cup to the representative
of such club upon receiving a document to the following effect, subscribed by the three persons whose names shall
be previously submitted and approved by the Council:
"We, A.B., C.D., and E.F., members of and representing the .................................... Club, which has now been
declared to have won The South Wales Football Association Senior (Intermediate, Youth or Junior) Challenge
Cup, and the same having been delivered to us by ............................Secretary of the Association, do hereby,
on behalf of the said club, and individually and collectively, engage to return the same to the Secretary of the
Association for the time being, 28 days before the Final match of next season, in good order and condition, and
in accordance with the conditions of the annexed Rules, to which also we have subscribed our respective names,
and providing the said Cup is destroyed or damaged by fire whilst under our care or custody, we agree to refund
the Association the amount of its current value, or the cost of thorough repair, and should the said Cup be lost
or destroyed from any other cause whilst under our care or custody, we hereby individually and collectively
undertake to pay the Association the sum of £200 as and for liquidated damages, and also to refund to the
Association the amount of the current value of the Cup".
22. The Laws of the Game to be observed in the Competition shall be those of "The Football Association of Wales".
23. The ground for the Cup Ties shall not be less than 100 yards by 50 yards, and not more than 130 yards by 100
yards, the ground, if possible, to be roped off three yards from the touch and goal lines, which are to be clearly
defined. Goal nets must be used in all Senior, Intermediate and Sunday Intermediate Cup Matches. Pitches with
artificial surfaces will be acceptable for the playing of Association Cup Matches, subject to the pitch being nominated
on the annual affiliation form.
24. The Home Club must provide the ball and the marking of the ground and provide suitable and private
accommodation for the officials.
25. The competing teams shall number eleven players each. Every player must wear the distinctive colours of the
Club for which he is a playing member and should two Clubs have similar colours, the Home Club shall change its
colours. Should both Clubs in a Semi-final or Final Tie have similar colours then both teams must change and in
the event of such clubs not agreeing upon the colours to be worn the Association shall decide.
26.The members of each team may be changed during the series of matches if thought necessary, but must be a
registered playing member of the Club with which he/she proposes to play. A registered playing member is one who
has signed a League Form and has had their registration for that club accepted by the League or the appropriate
FAW Registration system seven days prior to the Conference date.
In the case of postponed, drawn or replayed matches, only those players shall be allowed to play who were eligible
on the date originally fixed for the completion of the round.
.
26.1Clubs will not be allowed to enter the South Wales FA Senior Cup or the South Wales Intermediate Cup if they
have entered either the Welsh Senior Cup or the FAW Trophy in the same season.
26.2Each Club shall play its recognised First Team in all Cup Matches, unless satisfactory reasons are given to
the Council. For non-observance of this rule the Council shall have power to inflict a fine not exceeding £50 for
each offence.
27. Postponed matches in all Cup Matches must be played on the following Saturday or Sunday in respect of Sunday
Intermediate Cup Matches, unless the clubs at the conclusion of the match, in respect of Intermediate Youth and
Junior Cup Competitions, agree to play mid-week, prior to the following Saturday and inform the Secretary of the
Association immediately.
28. The Referee and assistant referees in all matches shall not belong to either of the competing clubs and shall
be appointed by the Association. Referees’ fees shall be: Senior Cup £25.00; Saturday and Sunday Intermediate
Cups £20.00; Youth and Junior Cups £15.00. Assistant referees fees (when appointed) shall be half of the referees’
fee. Travelling expenses for the Officials shall be second class rail or service bus fare, where a car is used 45p per
mile will be paid. In the Finals the Referees and assistant referees shall receive mementoes in lieu of fees. Travelling
expenses for Officials will be paid as above. If, through any cause the match is not played and the referee and
linesmen attend the ground, they shall be paid half fee and expenses.
29. In the Finals the Association, after paying all expenses of each match, will divide the balance equally between
the Association and the two competing clubs. The Association will only be required to meet travelling expenses of
the teams when receipts permit. This applies to all Association Cup Competitions.
30. In addition to the Cup, the Association shall present mementoes to the players in the Finals, but such
mementoes shall not be presented to more than sixteen players of each club except by permission of the Council.
INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY CUP
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH GENERAL CUP REGULATIONS 1 TO 31
31. Only Bona Fide Sunday Clubs will be allowed to play in the Intermediate Sunday Cup Competition.
YOUTH CUP
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH GENERAL CUP REGULATIONS 1 TO 31
32. In all rounds, including Semi-Finals and Final, each Club must produce the birth certificates of the team actually
playing for examination by their opponents before the kick-off.
Only Bona Fide Under 18 teams will be allowed to play in the Youth Cup Competition.
33. A Player must not have attained the age of 18 years by midnight on 31st August of each season. A player
registered as a contract player with any recognised Football Association shall be ineligible to play in this Competition.
34. In the event of a protest being laid against a Club for playing any player over age, such club playing him shall,
within two days of receiving a copy of such protest, produce to the Secretary of the Association a copy of the birth
certificate of any so claimed ineligible player, and should the protest fail under this heading, the Club laying the
protest, in addition to forfeiting the protest fee or otherwise, may be held liable for the costs of the Commisson of
Enquiry.
JUNIOR CUP AND GIRLS’ UNDER-16 CUP
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH GENERAL CUP REGULATIONS 1 TO 31
Only Bona Fide Under 16 teams will be allowed to play in the Junior Cup Competitions.
35. In all rounds, including Semi-Finals and Final, each Club must produce the birth certificates or official South
Wales F. A. identity cards of the team actually playing for examination by their opponents before the kick-off.
36. A Player must not have attained the age of 16 years by midnight on 31st August of each season. A player
registered as a contract player with any recognised Football Association shall be ineligible to play in this Competition.
37. In the event of a protest being laid against a Club for playing any player over age, such club playing him or her
shall, within two days of receiving a copy of such protest, produce to the Secretary of the Association a copy of the
birth certificate of any so claimed ineligible player, and should the protest fall under this heading, the Club laying the
protest, in addition to forfeiting the protest fee or otherwise, may be held liable for the costs of the Commission of
the Enquiry.
BOYS AND GIRLS’ UNDER-15 CUPS
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH GENERAL CUP REGULATIONS 1 TO 31
Only Bona Fide Under 15 teams will be allowed to play in the Junior Cup Competitions.
38. In all rounds, including Semi-Finals and Final, each Club must produce the birth certificates or official South
Wales F. A. identity cards of the team actually playing for examination by their opponents before the kick-off.
39. A Player must not have attained the age of 15 years by midnight on 31st August of each season. A player
registered as a contract player with any recognised Football Association shall be ineligible to play in this Competition.
40. In the event of a protest being laid against a Club for playing any player over age, such club playing him or her
shall, within two days of receiving a copy of such protest, produce to the Secretary of the Association a copy of the
birth certificate of any so claimed ineligible player, and should the protest fall under this heading, the Club laying the
protest, in addition to forfeiting the protest fee or otherwise, may be held liable for the costs of the Commission of
the Enquiry.
1 Clubs must have priority of use, with the exception of Clubs sharing grounds with Clubs
superior in the pyramid system. Clubs wishing to gain promotion to a higher tier of the pyramid will only be
promoted from the ground on which they are playing on the 31 December of the current season. Clubs
cannot change or share grounds without the permission of the South Wales FA
2 The ground must be private in the context as defined and accepted by the Cymru Ardal Leagues. For
entry into Pyramid level 4 the ground must be capable of meeting this requirement.
3 Clubs who gain entry into the League Premier Division should be able to provide a gate taking facility
4 The playing area must be a minimum length 100 yards and width 60 yards, or its metric
equivalent, and maintained to a good condition to an acceptable standard. The Association representatives
carrying out ground inspections shall be given authority to deem what they consider to be an acceptable
standard.
5 The playing area must be enclosed by a metal or concrete
structure, subject to the Health and Safety Regulations of their Local Authority. Goal nets, corner flags and
ground markings must be maintained to an acceptable standard and compliant with the Laws of Association
Football at the time the inspection is carried out. Covered Dug Outs must be provided for both teams,
capable of seating 6 people with a minimum internal width of 9 feet, and must be of a suitable rigid material
to withstand all weathers.
6 A Technical area (as defined in the Laws of the Game) must be marked out in front of each dugout.
7 Dressing room accommodation for Officials, Home side and Visitors MUST be separate
and secure and within reasonable proximity of the playing area with separate shower facility (minimum 4
heads). Toilet facilities must be provided of a minimum 1 Urinal and 1 W/C within the vicinity of each
dressing room. Referees facilities MUST include a separate shower and permanent toilet, provide
accommodation for three officials and MUST NOT be used as a storage room. Referee dressing rooms
must be accessed independently and not through the dressing room of either team. Dressing rooms and
shower areas must be kept in a neat and tidy condition and not, in the opinion of the SWFA ground
inspectors, present any undue hazards.
8 First aid facilities must be provided at the ground together with telephone facility for use in
case of emergency. It is required that a suitably qualified First Aid Official is available and a stretcher in case
this is required under medical supervision.
9 Clear signs, indicating Home, Away, Officials, First Aid, Fire Exit etc for the relevant rooms, must be
visible.
10 Clubs who have had their facilities inspected, will be invited to a meeting with the Liaison
committee, to provide up to date balance sheet and Club administrative structure within the Club, including
proof of electronic communication. The Club Chairman or Secretary and one other official to attend. If the
Club Chairman or Secretary are not in attendance, the application for promotion will not be considered
11 Clubs not satisfying Playing, Financial and Administrative criteria WILL not be accepted into the
Premier Division of the South Wales Alliance Football League.
JUNE 2021
The President of the South Wales Football Association shall have control of the business of the meeting, and
in the case of a tie on voting or amendment, he shall have the power to give a second or casting vote.
2. Quorum
The quorum for any meeting of Council shall be five.
3. Order of Business
a. To approve (and amend as necessary), as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting of Council.
b. To consider any matters arising from these minutes.
c. To receive and confirm minutes of the various sub committees which shall be presented by the
Chairperson of each committee.
d. To consider any matters which may arise from these minutes.
e. To consider all other matters as itemised on the Agenda.
f. The Chairperson shall have the power to vary the order of business at any time.
The agenda for all meetings shall be circulated at least seven days before the meeting. Any Other Business will
be included on the agenda but members wishing to include any item to be discussed under ’any other business’
must advise the Hon. General Secretary no later than 72 hours before the start of the meeting to allow time for
any research to be undertaken. Matters raised after this time will only be included by the consent of the chair of
the meeting.
4. Rules of Debate
a. A member may not speak on any matter before the meeting.
b. Every motion or amendment shall be moved and seconded before it is put before Council for debate.
c. A member shall not speak twice on any motion unless permission be given to explain, except the mover of
the original resolution, or of an amendment that displaces an original motion.
d. A motion or amendment once made or seconded shall not be withdrawn without the consent of the
meeting.
e. A member shall not address Council for a period longer than five minutes on any one issue.
f. When two or more members wish to speak, the Chairperson will decide who has priority to speak first.
g. If the Chairperson is of the opinion that any motion proposed is of an objectionable character, he may put
the motion immediately to vote (without discussion) to see whether it should be entertained or not, and if two
thirds decide not to entertain the motion, the matter is disposed for that meeting.
5. Conduct of Members
Should there be any dispute which involves the conduct or otherwise of any member or members of Council, the
said member or members shall retire during its consideration.
6. Privilege
The evidence of witnesses, statements of members, general discussion, and other matters within and before the
Council and Committees, shall be deemed privileged and private. The Council shall have power to censure or
suspend from service on the Council any member proved guilty of this rule.
REFEREES’ SOCIETIES
Back to contents page
https://www.porttalbotreferees.com
www.pitchero.com/clubs/valeofglamorganrefereessociety
The Football Association of Wales Ltd. - Mr. N.Mooney, Chief Executive, Football Association of Wales, Hensol,
Pontyclun, CF72 8JY. 029-2043 5830.
Welsh Premier League - Mr. G. Derfel, Football Association of Wales, Hensol, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY. 029-2043
5830.
Welsh Football Trust - Dragon Parc, National Football Development Centre, Newport International Sports
Village, Newport NP19 4RA. 01633 282911.
Central Wales F.A. - D. Hinton-Jones, Awelfor, Rhydyfelin, Aberystwyth SY23 4PU. 01970 612720.
Gwent County F.A. - Mr. A. Watkins, 1 Ashtree Cottages, Lydia Ann Terrace, Aberbeeg, Gwent NP13 2AT.
01495 214388.
North East Wales F.A. - Mr. D. Fawkes, 29 Alyn Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4HU. 07841 435334.
North Wales Coast F.A. - Gareth Jones, 2 Swn yr Engan, Gaerwen, Ynys Mon LL60 6LS. 01248 421182.
West Wales F.A. - Mr. Ceri Richards, 5 Cardonnel Villas, Skewen, Neath SA10 6BD. 07779 780627.