BY-LAWS OF THE EAST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE INC. 1. OFFICE BEARERS: • The office bearers of the League shall consist of President (or Chairperson), Vice President, one Director representing each of the Clubs affiliated with the League, General Manager and Treasurer or General Manager/Treasurer. • Office bearers of the League shall not have the right to vote except; (i) Where they are an accredited Director of their Club. (ii) Where as Chairperson of the Meeting the power of Casting Vote shall operate in cases of a tied ballot of Directors. 2. DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF PRESIDENT AND LIFE MEMBERS: (a) The President/Chairperson and Life Members shall receive notices of all League meetings and functions and shall be entitled to all rights of Directors except the right to vote. (b) The President/Chairperson shall preside at all meetings; in their absence the Vice President will preside and should both be absent; the Directors shall elect a Chairperson for that meeting. (c) In the event of equality of voting on any questions, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote and if a Director, such a casting vote shall be in addition to their primary vote. 3. DUTIES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER: (See Job Description for complete set of duties.) a. The General Manager shall not have a vote on the League. b. The General Manager shall be paid such Honorarium as the League may from time to time approve. All Honorariums shall be paid within the financial year of the League ending 31st October of each year. c. The General Manager’s appointment shall be terminable at each Annual General Meeting or upon fourteen (14) day’s notice by either party. d. The position of General Manager shall be advertised each year one month prior to the Annual General Meeting. e. The General Manager shall be required to attend all meetings of the League or its sub-committees and shall also act as Secretary to the Tribunal. f. The General Manager shall keep all necessary minutes and records of the League, attend to the correspondence and generally carry out all directions of the League, or its sub-committees and its Tribunal and such obligations as are imposed under these Rules and By Laws and shall ensure that, as far as comes within their province, the Rules and By Laws of the League are complied with by the Clubs. g. Where any monies are received by the General Manager on behalf of the League, the General Manager shall duly acknowledge and forthwith pay same into the credit of the League in such Banks as the League may direct or where a Treasurer has been appointed shall pay same to that officer and arrange for such receipts as are necessary to be issued. h. The General Manager shall also pay all accounts after such payment has been authorised by the League. 4. TREASURER: (See Job Description for complete set of duties.) a. The Treasurer, if the League appoints one, shall not have a vote upon the League. b. The Treasurer shall be paid such Honorarium as the League may from time to time approve. c. The Treasurer shall receive from the General Manager all monies received, on behalf of the League, and issue receipts for the same and shall forthwith pay it into the credit of the League, in such bank as the League may direct. d. The Treasurer shall, in conjunction with the General Manager, arrange for the payment of duly authorised accounts and shall keep true and proper records thereof and of the financial transactions of the League. e. The Treasurer shall present: (i) a financial report at each Director’s meeting, and (ii) an Annual Financial Report audited by the appointed Auditor for presentation to the AGM. 5. LEAGUE DIRECTORS: (a) Each League Director shall be issued with the official medallion of the League. The official medallion shall entitle the holder to admission to all matches conducted by, on behalf of, or under the jurisdiction of the League, without payment. (b) Any Executive Member or Director of the League officially representing the League shall be entitled to submit a claim for such expenses at the next Director’s Meeting. 6. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS: The League shall have the power to elect Honorary Life Members, such membership to be awarded to those, who, in the opinion of the Directors, have rendered special service to the League or to the game. Such Life Members shall be elected by at least two-thirds majority of the Directors in attendance at the meeting. 7. LIFE MEDALLIONS: Every Life Member, upon election as same by the League, shall be presented with and retain permanently, the official medallion of the League. The official medallion shall entitle the holder to admission to all matches conducted by, on behalf of, or under the jurisdiction of the League, without payment. MEETINGS OF THE LEAGUE 8. ANNUAL MEETING: (a) The Annual General Meeting of the League, which shall be a call meeting, shall be held no later than the last Friday in November in each year at a venue to be fixed. (b) The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be advertised in the local press 14 days prior to the meeting. 9. GENERAL MEETING: General Meetings of the League shall be held as deemed necessary by the Executive of the League or at times as the Directors may decide. The Directors shall determine the venues of the meetings of the League annually. 10. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING: Special General Meetings shall be held from time to time, as the occasion arises, as authorised by the Executive. 11. EXECUTIVE MEETING: Executive Meetings of the League shall be called from time to time as deemed necessary by the General Manager in consultation with the President. 12. NON-ATTENDANCE: Non-attendance of Clubs at Annual, General or Special Meetings of the League, without reasonable excuse, incurs a fine of $50 for the first offence; $150 for the second offence and $250 for the third offence and thereafter in the one season, such a fine to be authorised by a majority of the League Directors present at the meeting. 13. HOW CALLED: All meetings shall be called by Fourteen (14) Days Notice in Writing being sent to the Secretary of each Club of the date, time and place of meeting. Should a special resolution be proposed then Twenty-One (21) Notice in Writing shall be given. An Agenda shall be forwarded Seven (7) days prior to the meeting. As far as possible each Notice shall indicate the business of the meeting. The Annual General Meeting shall be advertised in the local press no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the actual date of the meeting. 14. QUORUM: At all meetings of the League, Directors representing five (5) of the number of affiliated Clubs shall form a quorum. 15. BUSINESS AT MEETINGS: (a) At the Annual General Meeting of the League the order of business shall be (i) Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting. (ii) Business arising from minutes. (Annual General Meeting only). (iii) Correspondence relating only to Annual General Meeting such as applications for membership, affiliation, umpires, programs, match arrangements etc. and Notices of Motion. (iv) Receipt of correspondence. (Annual General Meeting only). (v) Consideration of matters arising as provided for in the Rules of the League. (vi) President’s report. Receipt and adoption. (vii) Submission of Audited Balance Sheet. Receipt and adoption, or otherwise. (viii) Election of Officers. (ix) Business arising from correspondence excepting as provided for in next sub-clause. (x) Amendments to the Rules in accordance with procedure herein provided for and Notices of Motion. (xi) Match arrangements for the coming season, date of starting and draw for season. (xii) The appointment of an Auditor for the ensuring year. It shall be competent for the President or the Acting Chairperson, at the Annual General Meeting, upon completion of the business as above, to convene an Ordinary General Meeting of the League to follow immediately at which the business shall be as it shall be at all Ordinary General Meetings of the East Gippsland Football League. (b) At all General Meetings of the East Gippsland Football League the order of business shall be. (i) Minutes of previous General Meeting. (ii) Business arising. (iii) Correspondence. Receipt of. (iv) Business arising. (vi) President’s report. (vii) General Manager’s report. (viii) Treasurer’s report. (ix) Club reports. (x) Other reports. (xi) General Business. Directors’ suggestions. Notice of Motion. (c) At all meetings of the League the generally accepted rules of debate shall be adhered to excepting where they conflict with some particular By-laws set out herein for the convenience of Directors. 16. VOTING AT MEETINGS: The voting at all meetings shall be by show of hands unless half the Directors demand a division or ballot, in which event a division or ballot shall be taken; in this event it shall be the Chairperson’s duty to arrange for the taking and recording of any such division or ballot. 17. MAJORITY REQUIRED: Except where otherwise specially provided simple majority shall arrive at all decisions of the League. 18. CLUB ANNUAL MEETINGS: (a) The Annual Meeting of each Club must be held not later than November 15th of each year. Failure to comply with this By-law incurs an automatic fine of $20.00. (b) The Secretary of each Club shall notify the League General Manager at least seven (7) days before the Annual General Meeting of the League, of the names of the duly elected Office Bearers and accredited Director of the Club for the ensuring year. 19. ACCREDITED DIRECTORS AND DUTIES: (a) Each Director to the League duly accredited by the Club as provided for in By-law 18 (b) shall hold office from the commencement of the next ensuring Annual General Meeting of the League until the commencement of the Annual General Meeting of the League held in the following year. (b) On Notice in Writing, signed by the Club President or Secretary, being given to the General Manager of the League, a substitute for any Director may be appointed for any particular meeting; any decision given by any meeting of the League at which any Club is represented by a substitute or deputy Director shall have equal force with and be binding upon all Clubs, as if the regular Directors were in attendance. 20. MEMBERSHIP FEES: Each Club shall pay an annual affiliation, as fixed by the League at its Annual General Meeting of that year. The League shall retain such fee. Fees must be paid prior to the first match of the season. No Club, which has failed to pay its affiliation, shall be permitted to participate in matches controlled by the League. 21. POWER TO LEVY: The League shall have the power to levy from each Club such sum or sums as may be necessary to meet the expenses incurred by the League in connection with any of its activities. 22. DATE OF PAYMENT: (a) All payments or levies due to or made by the League shall be due and paid not later than twenty-one (21) days from the date of the issue of any notification advising same. (b) Non-payment by the due date shall incur an automatic fine of 10% of the payment or the levy due for each seven (7) day period (or part thereof) that the payment remains overdue. (c) The League shall have the power to amend any penalty as provided for in the By-law 22(b). Any appeal/submission must be made, in person, by the President of the offending Club, showing such extenuating circumstances for the non-payment of penalty. 23. GATE TAKINGS AT FINAL MATCHES: The gate takings at all deciding semi final and final matches shall be paid to the credit of the League. The League shall meet all expenses in connection with such matches and the balance shall be dealt with as hereinafter provided. 24. DIVIDEND TO CLUBS: At the meeting of the League, held in accordance with By-law 8, the League may consider the payment to each Club of an equal dividend from the balance in hand after all expenses have been met and shall have the power to retain a proportion of such monies for any purposes it may deem fit. 25. BALANCE SHEET: At the Annual General Meeting of the League the Treasurer shall submit an audited balance sheet. 26. ADMISSION CHARGES, PRIVILEGES AND CHARGES: The League at its Annual General Meeting shall have the power to determine and prescribe the charge for admission to all matches and other charges associated with matches in this League. 27. SEASON: The season shall be deemed to commence in each year at the date of the Annual General Meeting and shall end at the date of the next Annual General Meeting. 28. PLAYER UNIFORMS: (a) The colours of the East Gippsland Football League shall be Royal Blue and Gold. (b) Each Club upon admission to the East Gippsland Football League shall register its uniform pertaining to Guernseys, shorts and socks with General Manager of the League. GUERNSEY: Players must wear the following VCFL officially approved/endorsed coloured Guernseys for their respective teams: Bairnsdale-Navy blue with red sash. Lakes Entrance-Maroon with white ‘V’ and trim. Lindenow-Dark blue and white horizontal stripes or hoops. Lucknow-Black and white vertical stripes. Orbost Snowy Rovers-Navy blue, with aqua on the front, with a white bridge. Paynesville-Royal blue and white vertical stripes. Wy Yung-Black with yellow diagonal sash. All logos must conform to VCFL specifications. SHORTS: Players must wear the following VCFL officially approved/endorsed coloured shorts for their respective teams: Bairnsdale-Dark blue. Lakes Entrance-Maroon with white piping and stripes. Lindenow-Dark blue and white piping or stripes. Lucknow-Black with white piping or stripes. Orbost Snowy Rovers-Navy blue with light blue piping or stripes. Paynesville-Royal blue with white piping or stripes. Wy Yung-Black with gold piping or stripes. All piping or stripes must include appropriate contrasting coloured VCFL logo. SOCKS: Players must wear the following VCFL officially approved/endorsed coloured socks for their respective teams: Bairnsdale-Red. Lakes Entrance-Maroon with white capping. Lindenow-Dark blue and white horizontal hoops or stripes. Lucknow-Black. Orbost Snowy Rovers-Navy blue. Paynesville-Royal blue and white horizontal hoops or stripes. Wy Yung-Black and yellow horizontal hoops or stripes. 29. ALTERATION TO CLUB UNIFORM AND/OR COLOURS: Any Club intending to alter its uniform and/or colours must do so by ‘Notice of Motion’ to the Annual General Meeting of the League. Any alteration shall be subject to approval of two-thirds majority of Directors to the League. 30. COLOURS-PLAYERS MUST WEAR: All players must play in their correct registered club uniforms. Any player offending against this rule shall, at the request of the opposing club captain, be compelled to change to his correct uniform and shall be reported to the League and his Club shall be fined the sum of $10.00 for each player so offending. Should any player continue to offend in this respect, either in the same game or in any future games, he shall be reported to the League, who may suspend him or take further action as it deems fit. 31. NUMBERS ON GUERNSEYS: Each player shall wear, attached to the back of his Guernsey, a distinguishing number of a size of each numeral to be not less than 28 cms. long and 5 cms. wide. No two or more players in the same Club shall wear the same number in the same match. Clubs and players offending in respect shall be dealt with in the same manner as provided in By-law 30. 32. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS: The League, at its Annual General Meeting, shall fix the date of the first match and shall arrange the program of matches for the ensuring season and shall have the power during the season to amend or otherwise vary such program, if in the opinion of at least a two-thirds majority of the Directors present, circumstances warrant any such variation. 33. PREMIERSHIP POSITIONS AND POINTS: (a) In all matches, four points shall be scored for a game won and two for a game drawn. If two or more Clubs are level in respect of games won and drawn, then the relative position of such Clubs shall be determined by the proportion of points scored for and against such Clubs and the Clubs having the best percentage shall occupy the higher position. (b) Except in cases where the League may rule that circumstances were beyond its control, the forfeiture of a match by any Club shall mean that the offending Club shall forfeit all rights to premiership points for that game and shall be liable for the umpires’ fees. For this Rule no less than fourteen (14) players constitute a team. (c) After the four leading Clubs have been determined, then the relative position of such Clubs shall be on the basis of games won and drawn and where two or more teams are equal in this respect, in so far as the first three Clubs are affected, the relative position of such Clubs shall be determined by the percentage system. 34. DECIDING SEMI-FINAL, PRELIMINARY FINAL AND GRAND FINAL MATCHES: At the conclusion of the program of matches as arranged by the League, the first four Clubs in the Premiership list, as determined under By-law 33, shall play off for the Premiership. The following shall be the order in which the teams shall meet and play: (a) The third and fourth Clubs shall meet in the First Semi-final. (b) The first and second Clubs shall meet in the Second Semi-final. (c) The winner of the First Semi-final shall meet the loser of the Second Semi-final in the Preliminary Final match. (d) The winners of the Second Semi-final shall meet the winners of the Preliminary Final in the Grand Final and the winners of this match shall be the Premiers for that season. 35. TIE IN SEMI-FINAL, PRELIMINARY FINAL OR GRAND FINAL MATCHES: (a) Should a tie occur in any Thirds, or Reserves Final, or Senior match prior to the Grand Final, an extra five (5) minutes will be played at each end until a result is achieved. (b) Should a tie occur in the Thirds, Reserves or Senior Grand Final an extra five (5) minutes will be played at each end until a result is achieved. (Amended: November 2006.) 36. WHERE TIE REPLAY SHALL BE PLAYED: All deciding Semi-final, Preliminary Final and Grand Final matches shall be played on such grounds as the League may decide and the control of and arrangements for the same shall be in the hands of the League. 37. ADHERENCE TO THE PROGRAM: Every Club shall adhere to the program of matches drawn up by the League. Any Club or Clubs failing to fulfil any engagement on the date fixed shall, within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter, furnish the League with a statement setting forth the facts and the League shall have full power to decide as to what action shall be taken, provided always that should the reason be given be deemed to be frivolous, then the offending Club shall forfeit the match and it shall be counted as a loss. Further, all expenses, such as umpires fees etc., shall be borne by the offending Club unless the League decides otherwise. 38. DISBANDING CLUBS: If a Club nominates for the competition and on or after the first match disbands or fails to carry out its program, then such Club shall be suspended during the pleasure of the League and no registered player of such Club shall be permitted to play with any other Club in the League without a permit from the League, nor shall any registered player of such Club be granted a clearance to any other Club or Association without a permit from the League. Any Club in the League playing any registered player of a suspended Club, contrary to this Rule, shall forfeit each match in which such player takes part and shall be liable for such other penalty as shall be decided by the League. 39. FOOTBALLS: In all Senior home matches the home Club shall supply two new footballs ready for use and for Reserves and Thirds matches the home Club shall supply two footballs in good condition. Footballs used in matches must meet with the approval of captains. If no agreement can be arrived at, then the field umpire shall have the deciding authority and his decision shall be final. 40. MATCH OFFICIAL. CENTRAL UMPIRES: (a) Central Umpires shall be engaged and appointed by the League in accordance with the Rules laid down by the V.C.F.L. (b) Umpires fees shall be paid by the League, which shall levy Clubs an equal share of the costs. Such levies shall be paid by the Club, in six instalments, throughout the season. By-laws pertaining to finance shall apply for levies requested for payment of Umpires. (c) In the event of the umpire appointed or his substitute failing to attend, then the captains of both teams shall choose an umpire but if unable to agree, the delegates of the two teams shall decide. 41. GOAL AND BOUNDARY UMPIRES: (a) In all Senior matches the goal umpires shall be appointed by the contracted Umpires Association. In the Reserves and Thirds, each opposing team shall appoint one goal umpire to act at each premiership match. During the finals series all goal umpires may be appointed by the contracted Umpires Association. (b) Complaints against any of these officials must be lodged, in writing, with the League. (c) Goal umpires, when acting as such, shall wear white coats and be equipped with white flags. (d) In all Senior matches the boundary umpires shall be appointed by the contracted Umpires Association. In the Reserves and Thirds matches in which they participate, each opposing team shall appoint one boundary umpire, provided that: (i) All boundary umpires officiating in Reserve and Third’s matches must be twelve years of age and over. (ii) All boundary umpires officiating in E.G.F.L. matches must be attired in white shirt and shorts. (iii) All boundary umpires for semi-final, final, grand final and inter-league games shall be appointed by the contracted Umpires Association. (e) Failure to comply with the provisions of this Rule shall incur a penalty of not less than $20.00. 42. INTERCHANGE STEWARD: Each home club shall supply an interchange steward who shall keep a record of changes made by each team under the interchange rule. Such record is to be returned to the League General Manager along with other records following the conclusion of the match. 43. TIME-KEEPERS: Each opposing team shall appoint a time keeper to act at each match, for each game and each time keeper shall be in possession of an approved clock and an official timekeeper’s card. 44. DUTIES OF CLUB TIMEKEEPERS: (a) Each club shall provide an electric siren or bell, of sufficient volume to be heard over all parts of the ground. (b) The timekeepers shall be required to keep an accurate account of progressive match scores, which may be used to decide official scores, where the scorecards of the goal umpires do not coincide. (c) Timekeepers shall sound a siren or bell three minutes prior to the commencement time of each game and again at the commencement time of each match. (See instructions to timekeepers.) (d) The club not ready, or failing to start within five minutes of the sounding of the siren or bell at each authorised starting time, shall be fined $10.00 in each case and if not ready in a further five minutes, shall be fined a further $20.00 and if not ready in a further fifteen minutes shall forfeit the game, unless in every instance a satisfactory reason for the delay shall be given to the League, which shall have the power to order that the match be played on a subsequent day or otherwise, to finally decide on the matter. These fines shall be automatic as per the time indicated on the signed time cards. (e) Timekeepers shall sound a siren or bell at the proper time of the termination of each quarter of the game. The timekeepers shall continue to sound the siren or bell until the field umpire acknowledges that he has heard the siren or bell by blowing his whistle and holding two hands above his head. (f) If the half-time allowance is exceeded by five (5) minutes or more a fine of $10.00 will be automatically imposed upon the offending Club or Clubs. (g) Timekeepers shall sound the siren or bell continuously at the expiration of the three quarter time interval allowed in By-law 46(a). (h) Should the captain of a Reserves or Thirds team request a count of players during a game, time off shall then be added. 45. OFFICIAL RUNNER/TRAINER/WATER CARRIER: No person who is a registered player or an official of any Club, other than his home Club whether affiliated or not, nor who is under disqualification or suspension by his home Club of League, shall act as an official runner, trainer or water carrier in any competition match, or any match in which a VCFL affiliated Club or League is participating. Further provided that no coach or assistant coach of a VCFL open age team shall act as a runner, trainer or water carrier, in an open age match, in which a team of his Club is participating. All official runners, trainers and water carriers shall be listed on the official team sheet. No team shall be permitted to have more than the combined total of 6 runners, trainers and water carriers unless approval is granted by the VCFL General Manager to increase this number. Any Club that infringes this Rule shall appear before the Leagues Independent Tribunal to determine the penalty. The penalty applicable for determination by the Independent Tribunal shall include the following a. Substantial fine and/or b. Loss of points for the match, and/or c. Such other penalties as determined appropriate by the Tribunal. All official runners, trainers and water carriers are to be dressed in a uniform determined by the League. (i) The Official Runner of the team must be attired in the approved tracksuit top with lettering ‘EGFL Runner’. The sole duty of the Runner shall be to confer with the player or players of his/her Club and to immediately leave the playing arena. (ii) Water Carriers must be at least fifteen years of age and of medium to large physique. The sole duty of the water carrier shall be to convey water to the players and to immediately leave the playing arena. (iii) The duty of a trainer shall be to render medical assistance. The officiating field umpire may, upon infringement of this Rule, order the runner, trainer or water carrier of the offending Club from the playing arena. Any infringement of this Rule or other infringement reported by the officiating umpire, (which shall include a field umpire, boundary umpire, goal umpire and emergency umpire), shall be referred to the League’s Independent Tribunal. 46. STARTING, MATCH AND INTERVAL TIMES: The time of starting matches in the League shall be as follows: (a) Third eighteen matches: Shall start no later than 10:15 a.m. Matches shall comprise four quarters each of twenty (20) minutes duration, with no time off added, unless provided for in By-law 44 (h). Not more than four (4) minutes intermission shall be allowed between the first and second quarters; twelve (12) minutes at half time and four (4) minutes at three quarter time except in finals as determined by the League. (b) Second Eighteen Matches: Shall commence at 12:00 p.m. Matches shall comprise four quarters each of twenty (20) minutes duration, with no time off added, unless provided for in By-law 44 (h). Not more than six (6) minutes intermission shall be allowed between the first and second quarters; fifteen (15) minutes at half time and six (6) minutes at three quarter time except in finals as determined by the League. (c) First Eighteen Matches: Shall commence not later than 2:00 p.m. excepting for some unforseen reason that the second eighteen match runs overtime. All matches shall be played in four quarters each of twenty-five (25) minutes duration, with time off added. The time allowed between the first and second quarters shall not exceed six (6) minutes; half time intermission shall not exceed fifteen (15) minutes three quarter time intermission shall not exceed six (6) minutes. 47. GOAL UMPIRES: (a) Goal umpires and timekeepers shall be supplied with scorecards by the League through the Secretary of the home Club. (b) At the conclusion of each quarter the goal umpires shall compare cards. In the case of a variation in scores, the scorecards of the timekeepers shall be consulted. At the conclusion of the match the goal umpires and the timekeepers shall compare scorecards. In case of a variation between the cards of the goal umpires and timekeepers, the scores upon the cards of the goal umpires shall be regarded as official, provided that the scorecards of both umpires coincide. Where the scorecards of the goal umpires do not agree, the concurring scorecards of the timekeepers shall be the arbitrator of the dispute provided they agree with one or other of the goal umpire’s cards. Where none of the scorecards agree, the matter shall be referred to the League for decision. (c) Goal umpires and timekeepers shall sign each others cards, which shall then be handed to the Secretary of the home Club, who shall transmit them to the League General Manager so as to reach him not later than 7 p.m. on the day of the match and such signed cards shall be retained by the League General Manager and shall be regarded as the official records of the match. 48. ORDER-OFF RULE: In accordance with the AFL Laws of Australian Football, permission has been granted to the VCFL requiring all affiliated Leagues to adhere to the following guidelines for the Order Off Rule: (A) A player who commits the following AFL Laws of the Game offences shall be reported and ordered off the ground for the remainder of the game:- 19.2.2: (a) intentionally, recklessly or negligently making contact with or striking an Umpire. (b) attempting to make contact with or strike an Umpire. (c) intentionally, recklessly or negligently:- (i) kicking another person; (o) any act of misconduct. (Note: misconduct covers offences not covered specifically under other laws, eg urinating in view of spectators, exposing themselves in front of spectators, etc.) (B) A player who commits the following AFL Laws of the Game offences shall be reported and ordered off the ground for 15 minutes of elapsed match playing time:- 19.2.2: (c) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire. (d) behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an Umpire. (e) disputing a decision of an Umpire. (f) intentionally, recklessly or negligently:- (iii) tripping another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; (v) charging another person; (vi) throwing or pushing another Player, after that Player has taken a mark, disposed of the football or after the football is otherwise out of play; (vii) engaging in rough play against an opponent which in the circumstances is unreasonable; (x) spitting at or on another person. (g) attempting to kick another person; (h) striking or attempting to strike another person; (i) attempting to trip another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; (k) wrestling another person. (C) A player who commits the following AFL Laws of the Game offences, depending upon the severity of such offence, may be ordered from the ground for 15 minutes of elapsed match playing time. The player may also be reported. 19.2.2: (f) intentionally, recklessly or negligently: (iv) engaging in time wasting; (viii) engaging in a melee. (j) intentionally shaking a goal or behind post when another Player is preparing to kick or is kicking for goal or after the Player has kicked for goal and the ball is in transit. (l) using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; (m) failing to leave the playing surface when directed to do so by a field umpire. (n) wearing boots, jewellery and equipment prohibited under Law 9 of the AFL Laws of the Game. (D) Any player reported for a second offence listed in (B) or (C) shall be sent from the field for the remainder of the match. (E) For under age matches, field umpires may order a player off the ground for 15 minutes without reporting him. Note: This would only apply when a player has not committed a reportable offence but has breached the law and given away a free kick in a deliberate or undisciplined manner or behaves in a manner detrimental to the image of the game. The intention of this rule is to provide the player with a cooling off period. Implementation: Any player ordered from the ground shall not be replaced. Only field umpires and emergency field umpires have the power to send players from the ground. When ordering a player off, an umpire shall signal his intention by pointing to the interchange area, with an outstretched arm and holding a coloured card above his head with the other. A Red Card indicates the player is ordered off for the remainder of the match. A Yellow Card indicates the player is ordered off for 15 minutes of elapsed match playing time. A player ordered from the ground must leave the ground through the interchange area, report to the Interchange Steward or appropriate official on leaving the field and before returning. In the event of a player failing or refusing to leave the field when ordered off, he shall be reported for misconduct. The player’s captain or deputy shall be advised by the umpire that his team shall forfeit the match unless the player leaves the ground immediately. If the player still refuses to leave the field, his team shall forfeit the match. Boundary and goal umpires do not have the power to order players from the ground. For a player to be sent from the ground for the remainder of the match due to being reported twice under Sections (b) and (c) of the Order Off Rule that player must have been reported on both occasions by a field umpire. 49. UMPIRES TO BE INTERVIEWED: It shall be the responsibility of the Club Secretaries, or their deputies, to interview all the umpires at the conclusion of each match and ascertain whether any one, or more of them, has any reports to make. If possible the representatives of both teams should interview the umpires in company, within thirty minutes of completion of the match. 50. INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Law 22: Infectious Diseases. Law 22.1: The meaning of Active Bleeding. In this Law 22, the term “Active Bleeding” means the existence of an injury or wound, which continues to bleed. Active Bleeding does not include minor bleeding from a graze or scratch, which has abated and can be readily removed from a Player or part of his uniform. Law 22.2: Participation in Matches When Actively Bleeding. (a) Unless Law 22.7 applies: (i) a player must not remain on the Playing Surface for so long as he or she is Actively Bleeding. (ii) a Club or Team must not allow any of its Players to remain on the Playing Surface for so long as the Player is Actively Bleeding. Unless immediate treatment needs to be given, having due regard to a Player’s health and safety, a Club or Team must not allow any Player who is Actively Bleeding to be treated on the Playing Surface. Law 22.3; Active Bleeding-Role of Umpire. Where a field umpire is of the opinion that a Player is Actively Bleeding, the field umpire must: stop play at the first available opportunity; (a) direct the Player to immediately leave the Playing Surface; (b) subject to Law 22.3.3, wait a reasonable period to allow the replacement Player to take up position before recommencing play; and re-commence play. Law 22.3.2: Player to Follow Directions of Field Umpire: Where the Player is directed by a field Umpire to leave the Playing Surface because he or she is Actively Bleeding, the Player must leave the Playing Surface immediately through the Interchange Area. The Player must not re-enter the Playing Surface or take any further part in any match until and unless: the cause of such bleeding has been abated; (a) the injury is securely bound to ensure that all blood is contained; (b) any blood stained article of uniform has been removed and replaced; and (c) any blood on any part of a Player’s body has been thoroughly cleansed and removed. Law 22.3.3: Replacement Player. A Player directed to leave the Playing Surface may be replaced by another Player listed on the Team Sheet. A Replacement Player may enter the Playing Surface while the Player that he or she is replacing is leaving the Playing Surface. If a Replacement Player has not entered the Playing Surface by the time the directed Player has left the Playing Surface, the field Umpire must re-commence play immediately. Law 22.3.4: Refusal to Leave the Playing Surface. Where a Player refuses to or does not immediately leave the Playing Surface when directed to do so by a field Umpire, the following will apply: (a) The field Umpire must warn the Player that a Free Kick will be awarded and that the Player may be reported if he or she does not leave the Playing Surface; (b) if the Player still refuses to leave the Playing Surface, the field Umpire must award a Free Kick to the Player of the opposing Team who is nearest to where the warning was given or where play was stopped, whichever is the greatest penalty; (c) if the Player refuses to leave the Playing Surface: the field Umpire shall report the Player for misconduct in failing to follow a direction of an Umpire; the match will immediately end and be forfeited by the reported Player’s Team; and Law 10.7 will apply to any match, which is forfeited. Law 22.4: Procedure When Player Not Actively Bleeding. Where a field Umpire is of the opinion that a Player is not Actively Bleeding, but the Player has blood on any part of his body or uniform, the following will apply: at the first available opportunity, the field Umpire must signal and direct the Player to obtain treatment. After the signal is given, play will continue; the Player may remain on the Playing Surface after the signal is given by the field Umpire, but must at the earliest opportunity: (i) in the case of blood being on any part of his uniform, have the piece of uniform removed and replaced; and/or (ii) in the case of blood being on any part of his or her body, have the blood removed and the cause of any bleeding (if any), treated and covered so that all blood is contained; if, after receiving treatment, the field Umpire is of the opinion that blood is still appearing on any part of the Player’s body or uniform, the Player is deemed to be Actively Bleeding and Law 22.3 will apply. Law 22.5: Variation by Controlling Body. A Controlling Body may adopt its own rules to specify that Law 22.3 applies to all bleeding. Law 22.6: Failure to Obey Direction. A Player’s refusal to promptly obey a direction of a field Umpire given under Law 22.3 or 22.4 is a Reportable Offence; Any fine, period of suspension or other sanction determined by a Tribunal or other body hearing the Reportable Offence shall be in addition to any sanction which may be imposed by a Controlling Body under Law 22.14. Law 22.7: Special Circumstances at the End of a Quarter. A Player awarded a Mark or Free Kick may Kick the ball after the field Umpire has signalled that play has come to an end, even though he is at that time Actively Bleeding. However, this Law is subject to Law 16.6. Law 22.8: Deliberate Smearing of Blood. Regardless of any other provision in these Laws, if a Player intentionally smears or otherwise causes blood to be placed on another Player’s body or uniform, the field Umpire must immediately stop play and allow that Player such time as is necessary to have the blood removed or item of uniform removed and replaced. Law 22.9: Protective Gloves: Each Club or Team must ensure that any doctor, trainer and any other person treating Players of a Team wears protective gloves as may be approved from time to time by the relevant Controlling Body. Law 22.10: Disposal of Bloodied Clothing and other Material. Each Club or Team must ensure that: any bloodied item of uniform or clothing of a Player is placed as soon as possible in a hygienic, sealed container and laundered to ensure the removal of all blood; and all towels, wipes, bandages, dressings and other materials used in the treatment of bleeding Players must be placed in a hygienic, sealed container and discarded or destroyed in a hygienic manner. Law 22.11: Dressing Rooms. Each Club or Team must ensure that all dressing rooms and other areas occupied by the Team prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match are kept clean and that no blood remains on any surface, equipment, hand basin, toilet, shower, bath or other area. All such surfaces, equipment and areas must be cleansed and disinfected immediately after contact with blood. Law 22.12: Hygiene. Each Club or Team must ensure that: Players do not urinate (Other than in a toilet) in or about any dressing rooms or on the Playing Surface prior to, during or immediately following the completion of any Match; and each of its Players observe a high standard of personal hygiene. Law 22.13: Trainers. Unless Law 22.4 applies, a Trainer or other personnel responsible for the treatment of Players shall not provide treatment to a Player on the Playing Surface for any cut, abrasion or other injury involving the discharge of blood. Law 22.14: Sanction-Controlling Body. A Controlling Body may impose a sanction upon a Player, Club or Team for a breach of any obligation imposed under Law 22. 51. PROTESTS, DISPUTES, CHARGES, ETC. / TRIBUNAL: There shall be appointed an Independent Tribunal constituted and elected as hereafter provided: (a) The Tribunal shall consist of three members, selected from the approved panel by the League General Manager. (b) The League shall have the power to appoint nominated persons to the Tribunal panel and retain the right to revoke the membership of any panel member where such member has ceased to become independent, or for any other reason considered proper by a majority of the delegates. (c) The Tribunal shall operate under the VCFL Rules for the Tribunal Procedure. (d) The League shall have the power to appoint a person to the position of Permanent Tribunal Chairman, who shall where possible have the responsibility to “Chair” each sitting of the Tribunal. (e) That in the event of the Permanent Tribunal Chairman being unavailable, the Tribunal appoint a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and if possible one of these appointees to act on the next occasion the Tribunal is called together, or failing this that at least one sitting member be reappointed to act for the following meeting. (f) VCFL rule change means that any player attending a Tribunal must receive the minimum Prescribed Penalty (or greater) if found guilty. No Suspended Sentences. (Amended December 2003) 52. DUTY OF THE TRIBUNAL: It shall be the duty of the Tribunal to hear all protests, disputes and charges preferred against players, or other matters referred to them for decision by the League. 53. VALIDITY OF HEARING: In any matters referred by the League to the Tribunal the validity of the hearing shall not be questioned or affected by the reason of the incident or matter not having been previously notified or reported within the times mentioned in these rules within which protests, disputes, charges or reports shall be lodged with the League General Manager. 54. POWERS OF THE TRIBUNAL: The Tribunal shall have full power to inflict such punishment as it deems necessary in regard to any player, official or club reported for any offence whatever and any decision of the Tribunal can only be varied by that body. 55. LODGING CHARGES, PROTESTS ETC: All protests, disputes, charges etc. must be in writing and must be lodged with the General Manager of the League not later than 6:00 p.m. on the Monday following the match of the incident under review, and (except in the case of reports or charges laid by umpires as per By-law 48 or matters referred by the League) must be accompanied by a deposit of $300.00, the whole or any portion of which shall be forfeited to the League, if in the opinion of the Tribunal, the matter is deemed frivolous. 56. TIME WITHIN WHICH HEARD: The hearing of all matters referred to the Tribunal shall be commenced and where possible, finalised within seven days of the date of the notification of the report, protest, charge, dispute or other matter. 57. NOT TO BE WITHDRAWN: Any charge, protest, dispute etc. once lodged cannot be withdrawn. 58. CONVENING THE TRIBUNAL: Upon receipt by the League General Manager of any matter for consideration by the Tribunal he shall, if such matters are in order, and comply with the rules, forthwith call the Tribunal together for the purpose of dealing with the case. 59. AFFECTED PARTIES TO BE ADVISED: The League General Manager shall advise each of the affected clubs, parties or bodies of the time and place of the hearing, provided that in regard to an official or player charged it shall be considered sufficient notice if the Secretary of his club is notified and who shall be held responsible for delivery of such notice and shall be deemed in order if the requisite notice has been given to the Secretary of the club. 60. MEETING PLACE/EXPENSES: (a) The Tribunal shall meet at such place, as it deems most suitable. (b) The expense of the members of the Tribunal and the meetings shall be borne by the League but the expenses of affected parties shall be borne by the clubs or parties affected by and concerned in the hearing. (c) Tribunal costs. A club, whose player is reported and chooses to go to the Tribunal and is found guilty, when the player could have taken the Prescribed Penalty, should be liable for the cost of the Tribunal. ($115 plus travel for Tribunal members). Not applicable for cases that must be heard by the Tribunal. (Amended December 2003) 61. RACIAL AND RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION: (a) No player in his capacity as a player of a Club or; in the course of carrying out his direct duties or functions as or incidental to a player of a Club or any director, officer, servant or agent of a Club (including without limitation any coach, assistant coach, trainer, medical officer, runner or person entitled to enter the arena during the course of or prior to or during any break in play in any match) shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person (‘the person vilified’) on the basis of that person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin. (b) In the event that it is alleged that a person has contravened Rule (a) an umpire, club or player may by 5 p.m. on the first working day following the day on which the contravention is alleged to have occurred, lodge a complaint in writing to the League General Manager who will forward the letter to the Complaints Officer, who shall commence the process of conciliation as per Rule 10 of the V.C.F.L. Handbook. The Complaints Officer shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that conciliation of a complaint is completed by the fifth working day following the day on which the incident is alleged to have occurred. 62. REPORT OF UMPIRES AND PRESCRIBED PENALTIES: East Gippsland Football League Inc. REPORT OF UMPIRES The following player was involved in an incident during the match (One form per player reported in match). ……………………………………………………….v………………………………………………………. at…………………………………………………on………………………………………………….20……. PLAYER ……………………………………………….. NUMBER …………… CLUB ……………………………………. GRADE  Seniors  Reserves  Thirds Report in writing to be made pursuant to the provisions of Rule 19.3.2 of the Rules of the V.C.F.L. SPECIFIC OFFENCE: Refer to Rule 19.2.2 V.C.F.L. Law. (The Umpire is to tick the relevant box.) 1. The following charges must be referred to the Independent Tribunal.  (a) Intentionally, recklessly or negligently making contact with or striking an Umpire;  (b) Attempting to make contact with or strike an Umpire;  (c) Using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards or in relation to an Umpire;  (d) Behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an Umpire;  (e) Disputing a decision of an Umpire; (f) Intentionally, recklessly or negligently:-  (i) Kicking another person; 2. The following charges may be heard by the Independent Tribunal or if all parties agree the player may choose to accept the Prescribed Penalty. (Except (m) and (o).) Prescribed Penalty  (ii) Striking another person; 2 matches  (iii) Tripping another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; 1 match  (iv) Engaging in Time wasting; 1 match  (v) Charging another person; 1 match  (vi) Throwing or pushing another Player after that Player has taken a Mark, disposed of the football or after the football is otherwise out of play; 2 matches  (vii) Engaging in rough play against an opponent which in the circumstances is unreasonable; 2 matches  (viii) Engaging in a melee, except where a player’s sole intention is to remove a team member from an incident; 1 match  (ix) Kicking or otherwise causing the football to hit any part of a stadium’s roof structure; 1 match  (x) Spitting at or on another person; 1 match  (g) Attempting to kick another person; 2 matches  (h) Attempting to strike another person; 2 matches  (i) Attempting to trip another person whether by hand, arm, foot or leg; 2 matches  (j) Intentionally shaking a Goal or Behind Post when another Player is preparing to Kick or is Kicking for Goal or after the Player has kicked for Goal and the ball is in transit; 1 match  (k) Wrestling another person; 1 match  (l) Using abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language; 2 matches  (m) Failing to leave the Playing Surface when directed to do so by field Umpire;Tribunal and Match forfeit (Law 20.)  (n) Wearing boots, jewellery and equipment prohibited under Law 9; 1 match  (o) Any act of misconduct. Tribunal DETAILS: I was officiating as Field/Boundary/Goal Umpire during the ………………. Quarter, an incident occurred. Player (Name)…………………………………………….. (Number)………… of (Club)……………………………………… was reported under VCFL Rule 19.2.2 for ………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Umpire’s Signature:………………………………………………Umpire’s Name: (Print)……………………………………... The Umpire is to individually sign each copy. White Copy: Umpire Pink Copy: League Secretary Green Copy: Opposing Club Yellow Copy: Reported Player Club Umpires shall report and charge players in the manner provided for in this Rule. If applicable the Prescribed Penalty shall apply unless a Tribunal is requested by one or more of the following. (i) The umpire who lodges the report. (ii) the reported player. (iii) the player allegedly offended against or (iv) a member of the Executive of either Club. Such requests are to be made to the League General Manager by 12 noon on the day immediately following the match. If the Tribunal subsequently finds the charge sustained it shall have the power to impose such penalty as it deems fit. 63. REGISTRATION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS, NUMBER TO BE REGISTERED: No club shall be allowed to register more than 45 valid registrations for each Senior, Reserve or Thirds team in each season. A player with any team in the League must comply with clearances and other requirements of these rules. 64. CLOSING DATE FOR CLEARANCES AND PERMITS: Except for Clearances provided for in Reg. 1.1 and 2.2 of the VCFL Handbook, and as hereinafter provided, all applications for clearances lodged with the General Manager of the League of the Club with which the player wishes to play shall close on the 1st day of July in each year and any application lodged after the 1st July shall be invalid and not considered. All applications for clearances lodged on or before the 1st July shall be finalised by the clearing League not later than the 21st July and forwarded to reach the General Manager of the League to which the Player desires to be cleared, not later than the 31st July, otherwise same shall lapse. Permits will not be granted to Players transferring from interstate where the transfer notification is received by the VCFL after the 1st July in any year. 65. SPECIAL PERMITS: The League may, at its discretion, approve of and grant to any Club or Clubs Special Permits to such number and under such conditions as it may prescribe provided that: (a) Such approval shall require the consent of at least two-thirds of the Directors present at the meeting at which the application for Special Permit is made. (b) Such application for a Special Permit shall be made to the League General Manager, in writing, by the Club lodging the application at least 10 clear days prior to a League Ordinary Director’s Meeting or Annual General Meeting. (c) The General Manager shall advise all other Clubs of the League of the application for Special Permit and the grounds for such an application at least 7 days prior to the meeting at which the application will be heard. (d) Any Special Permit granted shall be only for the duration of the current football season. 66. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS: (a) If any club knowing or believing that any player of any opposing club is not eligible to play and does not, prior to the match, notify the secretary or qualified official of the club with which such player intends to play, of this fact, then any protest by such first mentioned club, in respect of such a player shall not be entertained. (b) Any player knowing that he is not eligible to play and who does not notify his captain or a recognised official of his club, shall be disqualified from playing for at least five premiership matches and otherwise dealt with as the League may consider fit. (c) The age limit of Thirds teams shall be that all players shall be Under 18 years of age on the first of January of the year they intend playing. 67. INCORRECT OR FALSE REGISTRATION, INFORMATION OR PARTICULARS: Any player guilty of furnishing incorrect, false or insufficient information in his registration form shall be disqualified by the League for such time as it deems fit. 68. REGISTRATION TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED: It shall be the duty of the League General Manager to acknowledge separately each registration form submitted by each club. 69. RECORD TO BE KEPT AND CLUBS ADVISED: The League General Manager shall keep in a computer record used only for that purpose, a record of all players regularly registered by the various clubs in accordance with these rules and shall furnish each club with particulars of all registrations from time to time. The record shall be available for inspection by club secretaries and delegates at all reasonable times. 70. INCOMPLETE REGISTRATIONS NOT ACCEPTED: Registration forms submitted with material details omitted shall not be classed as valid registration until details are supplied. 71. INTERCHANGE PLAYERS: Any player who has been selected and recorded in the official teams exchange between the clubs, as an interchange player shall be regarded as having played in the match in which selected as interchange player provided that during the progress of the game he was present and able to take the field if required. The Senior teams shall consist of eighteen players on the field at any one time and up to three interchange players. The Reserves teams shall consist of eighteen players on the field at any one time and up to four interchange players. The Thirds teams shall consist of eighteen players on the field at any one time and up to five interchange players. (See Equalisation Rules.) 72. PLAYERS IN THE FINAL SERIES: (a) If a player plays six (6) games with the senior team, he must play three (3) games with the reserve team to qualify for the reserves finals. (b) If a player plays seven (7) or eight (8) games with the senior team, he must play four (4) games with the reserve team to qualify for the finals. (c) If a player plays nine (9) or ten (10) games with the senior team, he must play six (6) games with the reserve team to qualify for the finals. (d) If a player plays more than 10 games with the senior team, he is ineligible to play in the reserve team finals matches. (e) Third XVIII final’s eligibility. The only restriction is to be three regular Thirds season games. (Amended 20/11/02 and revised 15/09/04). (f) If any Third XVIII team player plays Thirds and Reserves on the same day, only the Thirds game counts. (g) A player must play for a club in three (3) rounds of home and away matches in the current season to be eligible to play for that club in the finals series. (h) Where a club is required to field a senior, reserve and thirds team for the finals matches to be played on the same day, the provisions of Rule 72 (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be waived. Such club shall be permitted to select its senior, reserve and thirds teams from all players eligible under Rule 70 (g). (Amended 16/02/05) (i) A player playing in the Reserves team and the Senior grade on the same day, the Senior game to count in the number of games he has played in the Seniors for the Season. (Amended 15/09/04.) (j) When the First and Second Semi-Finals are played on the same weekend, it will be regarded as two separate rounds. Players can play on both Saturday and Sunday, in any grade, providing they meet normal eligibility rules. (Amended 29/05/ 02.) 73. CLEARANCES AND PERMITS: All Clearances and Permits end on the 30th June each year. (a) The League shall be bound by the Clearance and Permit regulations of the V.C.F.L. and clubs shall be bound to operate under those regulations. (b) Any player playing contrary to these regulations shall be disqualified at the pleasure of the League. Such disqualification shall operate from the date on which he first played contrary to these regulations. (c) Residential and registration requirements may be completed whilst a Player is under disqualification. (d) Any club of the League knowingly playing an ineligible Player under these regulations shall face a penalty of not more than $100 and the loss of premiership points for all matches in which the ineligible player participated. (e) In the event of a Player of a V.C.F.L. club, who has transferred to a club in another V.C.F.L. district, the metropolitan area, or in another state, returning to the V.C.F.L. district from which his transfer was effected, he shall be regarded as bound to his former club and shall be required to obtain a clearance from such club before being eligible to play with another club in the same V.C.F.L. district, subject to compliance with domestic residential qualifications. The provisions of this regulation shall apply for a period of twenty-four (24) calendar months from the date of the transfer from his V.C.F.L. club. 74. RECORD OF CLEARANCES: The League General Manager shall keep a record of clearances and permits granted and endorsed and shall furnish a list of same to each Club Secretary at least once per month during the playing season. 75. PERMIT AND CLEARANCE FORM: The Clearance and Permit form shall be in accordance with the form laid down by the V.C.F.L. 76. LEAGUE GENERAL MANAGER TO ENDORSE CLEARANCES: When a player has been granted a clearance under these rules, the clearance shall be forwarded to the League General Manager, who shall have the power to endorse the approval of the League on such clearance, if in order, without waiting for a meeting of the League and forward the clearance to the applicant through the secretary of his club. The League General Manager shall have the power to grant tentative permits in cases where a clearance has been advised by fax, telephone or written assurance signed by the President or Secretary of the Club clearing a player. 77. SALARY CAP: The Salary Cap was abolished by the VCFL at the conclusion of the 2004 Season. 78. DUTIES OF CLUBS: The League directs all member clubs to provide, maintain and enforce to the best of their ability, the matters covered by sub-clauses (a) to (l) of Rule 78, to the satisfaction of the League. (a) The playing arena in good order, marked plainly, for all matches under the control of the League, as to boundaries, goal square, interchange area, centre bounce area and the playing surface free from all animal excreta etc. (b) Dressing sheds with adequate hot and cold showers and sufficient accommodation for each of the three teams of both visiting and home clubs. (c) Separate dressing room accommodation for all umpires. (d) Separate accommodation for duly accredited timekeepers and prohibition of unauthorised persons into the same and the provision of approved signal device; electric siren or bell, installed at hand. (e) Adequate provision of both male and female conveniences on all grounds with running water for washing, at all grounds where reticulated services are provided. (f) Provision of a scoreboard of a satisfactory size and the use of clearly visible letters and numbers, so that at all times the progressive scores are clearly visible to all spectators. Each home club shall be responsible for the appointment of a competent scoreboard attendant for all matches. (g) Provision of sockets on the goal posts for use as flag holders and padding of goal and behind posts to V.C.F.L. standards. (h) Insistence on club officials enforcing the payment of entrance charges at all gates of the grounds by officials without the official passes provided by the League. (i) All club secretaries shall provide, and within such time as is stipulated by the League General Manager, all information as is required by the League General Manager for the completion of records. All such requirements shall be circularised to the Club secretaries before the commencement of the season and at other such times as directed by the League. (j) The provision of adequate seating inside the fence line for: (a) the interchange steward. (b) the coaches, interchange players, trainers etc. of each club. (k) A stretcher for use of participating teams in case of injury. (l) A telephone or other communication should be provided at the ground. Where it is not possible, it remains the responsibility of each club to have access to a nearby telephone in the event of an emergency. 79. RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICER: The Risk Management Officer’s role is to oversee that their clubs have a safe environment for Players, Officials, Volunteers, Spectators and the Community to participate in and enjoy the game of Australian Rules Football by ensuring all Risk Management procedures and policies as detailed in the Risk Management Manual are followed and documented. To ensure the Risk Management Officer’s role is undertaken in a correct and consistent manner throughout the State and as required under the WorkSafe VCFL Public Liability Insurance requirements of Jardine Lloyd Thompson, a Risk Management Officer list of duties has been developed (See Job Description for Risk Management Officer) and the following guidelines have been prepared. League Responsibilities o Ensure each Club has a designated Risk Management Officer whose details are recorded at the League. o Ensure each Club Risk Management Officer has been issued with the Risk Management Officers list of duties. o Ensure each Risk Management Officer is fully conversant with the Risk Management Manual and a copy is available at each club. o Provide all Risk Management Officers with a direct phone contact to the League General Manager in case of a safety issue on match day. o Collect the original copy of the Match Day Check List with the home teams paperwork each week. o Retain a copy of the Match Day Check List for at least 7 years. o In the event a game is delayed or does not commence for safety reasons the League will deal with the matter as outlined at VCFL rule 10.6.2. In the event a game does not proceed due the Match Day Check list not being signed for any reason other than a safety issue the matter is to be directed to the League’s Investigations Officer to determine the reasons the game did not proceed. If it is found the game did not proceed for any other reason than a safety issue the matter is to be dealt with in terms of bringing the game into disrepute and the WorkSafe VCFL Board, where it is guilty, the Club will incur severe penalties. With the implementation of the Risk Management Officer’s role, the awareness of all safety issues and regular ground checks it would highly unlikely a game would not proceed due to safety issues determined on the day of the match. The Risk Management Officer should have addressed any major safety issues well before match day. If a ground is deemed unsafe the Risk Management Officer should know well before hand enabling the clubs involved and the League to find an alternative ground. It is expected that, in most cases, any issue raised on match day could be addressed immediately to enable the game to proceed. At times the first game on the day may be delayed or shortened to allow safety issues to be rectified. Each Club must appoint a Risk Management Committee who shall be responsible for the condition of the Playing Surface, the surrounds and Club facilities. The Risk Management Committee is to report to the regular meeting of the Club Committee and their report is to be noted in the Minutes of that meeting. The League shall have the power to appoint a Ground’s Inspection Officer or sub-committee. The role of this Officer or sub-committee is to provide support and advice to the Clubs. The League Officer or sub-committee has no authority over the Club and is to be seen as being a purely advisory role. The final decision as to whether a match or matches will proceed is the responsibility of the Club Risk Management Officers. Any complaints are to be referred to the League General Manager, as per normal Rules, and the General Manager shall refer the matter to the League Executive for investigation and resolution. Dependent upon the result of such investigations the League may take such action, as it deems necessary. 80. VOTING FOR LEAGUE AWARDS: The League shall have the power to conduct such awards for players as it deems fitting. (a) Fairest and Best Awards votes shall be cast by umpires in charge of games. Immediately following the conclusion of each match the umpire shall record the numbers, names and clubs of the three (3) players who in his opinion were the fairest and best players in the match, on the official card provided by the League. These players shall be recorded 1, 2 and 3 in order of preference. The card shall then be sealed in the envelope provided and returned to the League General Manager, along with any other records of the match. (b) Voting in any other awards conducted by the League shall be a matter for decision by the Directors of the Clubs at a meeting of the League prior to the commencement of each season. 81. COUNTING OF FAIREST AND BEST PLAYERS’ VOTES: Following the last round of each season’s matches, votes are to be counted; Number 1 vote to receive three (3) votes, Number 2 two (2) votes and Number 3 one (1) vote. The player receiving the greatest number of votes is to be declared the winner. Under 18 players playing for another club on a bye will be awarded votes for the team he plays for. These votes cannot be combined with the votes he obtains when playing for his own club. (Amended 20/7/05). To be eligible to win any of the aforementioned awards a player must have played at least six (6) premiership matches of his respective grade during the season. In the event of multiple ties all players concerned shall receive the Fairest and Best Trophy. The votes shall be counted at a place nominated by the League. Any player who has been found guilty of a field offence or incurred disqualification during the season shall be ineligible to receive the East Gippsland Football League Fairest and Best Award. If a player is suspended during the finals the Fairest and Best shall carry over with the suspension in the next season where he shall be ineligible for the East Gippsland Football League Fairest and Best Award. 82. USE OF PLAYERS BY MAJOR LEAGUE CLUBS: No player from this League shall be used by a major League team unless his parent club shall first grant him the necessary permit required under the provision of the V.C.F.L. Regulations for Clearances and Permits. 83. INSURANCE: All VCFL Registered Players are insured under the VCFL Insurance Scheme. It is recommended that Clubs advise all Players that they consider additional insurance for ‘loss of income’ and ‘top up’ insurance as well as being a member of the Ambulance Scheme. 84. PRACTICE MATCHES: (a) Clubs of the League shall notify the League General Manager in writing of the dates, times and venues of practice matches. (b) Clubs shall use members of a registered umpires association to umpire practice matches. The central umpire shall, in practice matches, have the power to report players and officials, as for official games. The League Tribunal shall deal with players and/or officials reported by Central Umpires in practice games. 85. DECLARATION TO BE SIGNED: At the insistence of the League, any official or officials of any club, or any player may be requested to sign a Statutory Declaration that he or they, or the Club concerned has not either directly or indirectly failed to comply with any or all of the rules of the League. Any party failing to comply with any request of the League made under the provisions of this rule shall be dealt with in such a manner as the League deems suitable. 86. RULES AND BY-LAWS BINDING ON CLUBS: All clubs comprising the League shall be and are hereby legally bound to abide by and conform to the Rules and By-laws and decisions of the League. Any club deemed guilty of non-compliance with this By-law shall be dealt with as decided upon by the League. 87. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS: Amendments to these By-laws shall be carried out under the same procedures as for amendments to the Rules. 88. INTERPRETATIONS: (a) In the event of any question arising not provided for in these By-laws of the East Gippsland Football League, the League shall have the power to decide such questions. (b) The ‘catch-words’ or headings in these By-laws shall not be taken as part thereof, or in any manner affect the interpretation or construction of the same. (c) Words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and visa versa. (d) “In writing” and “written” includes typing or printing, faxing or other electronic forms of communication. (e) A call meeting of the League shall require each club to be represented and further require each club to vote on any motion or motions the president may put that require a statutory majority of the full League. Penalty for failure to attend and vote at a call meeting of the League may result in a fine not exceeding $25 being imposed on the defaulting club. 89. DATE WHEN OPERATIVE: The Rules and By-laws shall become operative from the date at which passed by the League; the 17th March 2004. NOTE: Amendments, revision and addendums subsequent to the date above mentioned shall be circularised to clubs as they become operative for insertion in this booklet of the East Gippsland Football League Policies and Procedures, incorporating the Rules and By-laws.