SportingPulse Homepage for Western Border Football League

WESTERN BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION

AND

BY-LAWS

AMENDED OCTOBER 2007

PART 1: CONSTITUTION

Constitution

Rule 1.................................. 5

Membership

Rule 2.................................. 5

Annual Subscriptions

Rule 3.................................. 5

Register of Members

Rule 4.................................. 5

Conduct of Members

Rule 5.................................. 5

Annual General Meeting

Rule 6.................................. 7

Election of Officers and Vacancies

Rule 7.................................. 7

Governing Body

Rule 8.................................. 8

Rule 9.................................. 8

Rule 10................................ 8

Special General Meetings

Rule 11................................ 8

Rule 12................................ 8

Rule 13................................ 8

Rule 14................................ 8

Rule 15................................ 9

Rule 16................................ 9

Proceedings of Governing Body

Rule 17................................ 9

Rule 18................................ 9

Rule 19................................ 9

Rule 20................................ 9

Rule 21................................ 9

Rule 22................................ 9

Rule 23................................ 9

Chief Executive Officer

Rule 24................................ 9

Rule 25.............................. 10

Rule 26.............................. 10

Rule 27.............................. 10

Common Seal

Rule 28.............................. 10

Rule 29.............................. 10

Alterations of Constitution

Rule 30.............................. 10

Winding Up - Disposal of Assets

Rule 31.............................. 10

Custody of Books

Rule 32.............................. 10

Funds

Rule 33.............................. 11

By Laws

Rule 34.............................. 10

Auditor and Accounts

Rule 35.............................. 11

CEO and Assistant CEO

Rule 36.............................. 11

Delegates and Financial Responsibilities of Clubs

Rule 37.............................. 11

Rule 38.............................. 11

Rule 39.............................. 12

PART 2: BY LAWS

Registration of Players, Eligibility and Permits

Rule 1.................................... 13

Rule 2.................................... 13

Rule 3.................................... 13

Rule 4.................................... 13

Rule 5.................................... 13

Rule 6.................................... 14

Rule 7.................................... 14

Rule 8.................................... 14

Rule 9.................................... 14

Interchange Players

Rule 10.................................. 14

Rule 11.................................. 14

Permits

Rule 12.................................. 14

Rule 13.................................. 15

Tribunal

Rule 14.................................. 15

Rule 15.................................. 15

Rule 16.................................. 15

Rule 17.................................. 15

Rule 18.................................. 15

Rule 19.................................. 16

Rule 20.................................. 16

Rule 21.................................. 16

Rule 22.................................. 16

Rule 23.................................. 16

Rule 24.................................. 16

Rule 25.................................. 16

Umpires

Rule 26.................................. 16

Rule 27.................................. 17

Rule 28.................................. 17

Official Draws

Rule 29.................................. 17

Rule 30.................................. 17

Rule 31.................................. 17

Rule 32.................................. 17

Rule 33.................................. 17

Rule 34.................................. 18

Rule 35.................................. 18

Rule 36.................................. 18

Rule 37.................................. 18

Rule 38.................................. 18

Rule 39.................................. 18

Rule 40.................................. 18

Rule 41.................................. 18

Rule 42.................................. 19

Rule 43.................................. 19

Rule 44.................................. 19

Club Colours

Rule 45.................................. 20

Rule 46.................................. 20

Rule 47.................................. 20

Rule 48.................................. 20

Rule 49.................................. 20

Team Sheets & Conduct of Matches

Rule 50.................................. 20

Rule 51.................................. 21

Finals

Rule 52.................................. 21

Best and Fairest

Rule 53.................................. 22

Rule 54.................................. 22

Western

Rule 55.................................. 23

Rule 56.................................. 23

Footballs

Rule 57.................................. 23

Fines

Rule 58.................................. 23

Life Membership

Rule 59.................................. 23

Trial Matches

Rule 60.................................. 23

Interleague

Rule 61.................................. 24

Governing Rules

Rule 62.................................. 24

Amendments of By Laws

Rule 63.................................. 24

Eligibility for Finals

Rule 64.................................. 24

Sponsorship

Rule 65.................................. 25

PART 3

Standing Orders for League Meeting 26

PART 4

Schedule of Fines......................... 28

PART 1: CONSTITUTION

CONSTITUTION

1 The League shall be known as the Western Border Football League Incorporated (hereinafter called “the League”).

MEMBERSHIP

2 Membership of the League shall comprise :

a) The Casterton, Hamilton, Hamilton Imperials, Heywood, Portland, Millicent, East Gambier, North Gambier, South Gambier and West Gambier Football Clubs.

b) Such other Clubs as may from time to time be admitted to membership of the League. (hereinafter called “the member clubs”)

c) Such individual persons upon whom the League deems from time to time to confer life membership.

d) Each member club is to field Senior, Reserves and Thirds teams and be subject to a penalty not exceeding that set out in item 5 of the schedule of fines if they fail to field a team in any grade. Such club shall also be asked as to why they should be allowed to continue as a member of the League.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

3 The annual subscription fees payable by the member clubs shall be that fee as determined by the Governing Body of the League from year to year.

REGISTER OF MEMBERS

4 The CEO of the League shall keep and maintain a register of members in which shall be entered the full name address and date of entry of the name of each member of the League and the register shall be available for inspection by the members at the address of the Public Officer.

CONDUCT OF MEMBERS

5 (1) subject to these rules the Governing Body may by resolution:

a) Expel a member or member club of the League.

b) Suspend a member or member club from membership of the League for a specified period, or

c) Fine a member or member club if the Governing Body is of the opinion that the member has refused or neglected to comply with these rules.

(2) A resolution of the Governing Body under sub-clause (1):

a) Does not take effect unless the Governing Body at a meeting held not earlier than fourteen (14) and not later than twenty eight (28) days after the service on the member of a notice under sub-clause (3) confirms the resolution in accordance with this clause.

b) Where the member or member Club exercises a right of appeal to the League under this clause does not take effect unless the League confirms the resolution in accordance with this clause.

(3) Where the Governing Body passes a resolution under sub-clause (1) the CEO shall as soon as practicable cause to be served on the member or member Club a notice in writing:

(a) Setting out the resolution of the Governing Body and the grounds upon which it is based.

(b) Stating that the member or member Club may address the Governing Body at a meeting to be held not earlier than fourteen (14) and not later than twenty eight (28) days after service of the notice.

(d) Informing the member or member Club that it may do one or more of the following:

i. Attend that meeting

ii. Give to the Governing Body before the date of that meeting a written statement seeking the revocation of the resolution.

iii. Not later than 24 hours before the date of the meeting lodge with the CEO a notice to the effect that it wishes to appeal to the Governing Body in general meeting against the resolutions.

(4) At a meeting of the Governing Body held under sub-clause (3) (b) the Governing Body:

a) Shall give to the member or member Club an opportunity to be heard.

b) Shall give due consideration to any written statement submitted by the member or member Club and:

c) By resolution determine whether to confirm or revoke the resolution.

(5) Where the CEO receives a notice under sub-clause (3) (d) he shall notify the Governing Body which shall convene a general meeting of the League to be held within21 days after the date upon which the CEO received the notice.

(6) That at a general meeting of the League convened under sub–clause (5):

a) No business other than the question of the appeal shall be transacted.

b) That all details of the grounds for the resolution and the reasons for the passing of the resolution shall be placed before the Governing Body.

c) The member or member Club shall be given an opportunity to be heard and:

d) The members present shall vote by secret ballot on the question of whether the resolution should be confirmed or revoked.

(7) If at the general meeting:

a) Two thirds of the members vote in person or by proxy in favour of the confirmation of the resolution, the resolution is confirmed.

b) In any other case the resolution is revoked.

(8) If the Governing body is of the opinion that a member club may have been guilty of conduct unbecoming a member or prejudicial to the interests of the League it shall refer such matter to the League’s Investigation Officer in accordance with the rules of the V.C.F.L. concerning unbecoming conduct.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

6 The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held at a place and time to be determined by the Executive of the League no later than December 15 each year. The CEO shall give not less than fourteen clear days written notice of the meeting to each member Club. The ordinary business of the Annual General Meeting shall be:

(a) To receive and confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.

(b) To receive and adopt the President’s report.

(d) To elect office bearers.

(e) To receive and consider the statements submitted by the League in accordance with Section 30 (iii) of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (hereinafter called “the Act”).

(f) To consider and deal with any other business including notices of motion of which notice is given in accordance with these rules.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS & VACANCIES

7 Nominations for election as Office Bearers of the League shall be called by the CEO and shall be returnable to him in writing and signed by two club delegates and accompanied by the written consent of the nominee (which may be endorsed on the nomination form) not less than seven clear days prior to the Annual General Meeting in each year. If nominations for any office exceed the number of positions vacant then a secret ballot shall be taken of the members to elect the office bearer or bearers as the case may be.

GOVERNING BODY

8 The affairs of the League shall be managed by the Governing Body constituted as follows:

· Seven Executive Persons (referred to hereafter as “the executive”)

· One CEO

· One delegate nominated by the executive of his/her club and is a financial member of that club

· The Executive shall elect a President and Vice President from these seven persons

The Executive shall hold office for one year following their election at the Annual General Meeting.

9 The Governing Body:

(a) Shall control and manage the business and affairs of the League.

(b) May, subject to and by virtue of these Rules, Regulations and the Act, exercise all powers and functions as may be exercised by the League and may delegate such powers and functions to the Executive other than those powers and functions that are required by these Rules to be exercised by general meetings of the League and:

(c) Subject to these rules, the regulations and the Act, has power to perform all such acts and things as appear to the Governing Body to be essential for the proper management of the business and affairs of the League.

10 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring on the Executive the Governing Body may appoint any person to fill the vacancy and the person so appointed shall hold office, subject to these rules until the conclusion of the annual General Meeting next following the date of his appointment.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

11 All general meetings other than the Annual General Meeting shall be called Special General Meetings.

12 The executive may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a Special General Meeting of the League.

13 The Executive shall call a Special General Meeting of the members of the League when it receives a request in writing from not less than two member Clubs asking for a Special General Meeting.

14 Any Special General Meeting called in accordance with the previous rule shall take place not less than fourteen days after the receipt of the request from member Clubs or a decision of the Governing Body to call a Special General Meeting and the CEO shall cause notice of the Special General Meeting to be given to member Clubs by notice in writing not less than seven clear days before the date fixed for the Special General Meeting. If the Executive does not cause a Special General meeting to be held within one month of the date upon which the request is sent to the address of the CEO, the members making the request may convene a Special General Meeting to be held not later than 3 months after that date.

15 No business other than that set down in the notice convening the meeting shall be transacted at the meeting.

16 Delegates of two thirds of the member Clubs shall be required to constitute a quorum at any special General Meeting.

PROCEEDINGS OF GOVERNING BODY

17 The Governing Body of the League shall meet at least four times in each year at such place and at such times as the Executive determines.

18 Delegates from two thirds of the member Clubs shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business at an ordinary meeting of the Governing Body.

19 No business shall be transacted unless a quorum is present and if within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting a quorum is not present the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same place at the same hour on the same day in the following week unless the meeting was a special meeting in which case it lapses.

20 At meetings of the Governing Body:

a) The President or in his absence the Vice-President shall preside or;

b) If the President and the Vice president are absent such one of the remaining members of the Executive as may be chosen by the delegates present shall preside.

21 Questions arising at the meeting of the Governing Body or any sub committee appointed by the Governing Body shall be determined on a show of hands or, if demanded by a delegate, by a poll taken in such manner as the person presiding at the meeting may determine.

22 Each Delegate present and each member of the Executive with the exception of salaried officers present at a meeting of the Governing Body or any sub committee appointed by the Governing Body, is entitled to one vote and in the event of an equality of votes on any question the person presiding may exercise a casting vote.

23 The Governing Body may act notwithstanding any vacancy on the Executive.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

24 The CEO of the League shall keep minutes of the resolutions and proceedings of each general meeting and Governing Body meeting in books provided for that purpose together with a record of the names of persons present at a Governing Body meeting.

25 The CEO of the League:

a) Shall collect and receive all monies due to the League and make all payments authorised by the League and:

b) Shall keep correct accounts and books showing the financial affairs of the League with full details of the receipts and expenditure connected with the activities of the League.

26 The accounts and books referred to in the previous clause shall be available for inspection by members.

27 All cheques, drafts bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by the CEO of the League jointly with one of two delegated Members of the Executive.

COMMON SEAL

28 The common seal of the League shall be kept in the custody of the CEO.

29 The common seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the Governing Body then the affixing of the common seal shall be attested by the signatures either of two members of the Governing Body or one member of the Governing Body and the Public Officer of the League.

ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION

30 These Rules and Statements of Purpose of the League shall not be altered except in accordance with the Act.

WINDING UP – DISPOSAL OF ASSETS

31 In the event of the winding up or cancellation of the Incorporation of the League the assets of the League will not be distributed to members but will be distributed to:

(a) a fund with objectives similar to those of the club or association; or

(b) a fund which has a philanthropic or benevolent purpose, including the promotion of art, culture, science, religion, education or charity, and including the benefiting of a fund certified to be a patriotic fund under section 24 of the Patriotic Funds Act 1958; or

(d) the competing clubs of the League at the time of its winding up

CUSTODY OF BOOKS

32 Except as otherwise provided in these Rules the CEO shall keep in his custody or under his control all books, documents and securities of the League.

FUNDS

33 The funds of the League shall be derived from entrance fees, membership subscriptions, donations, sponsorship, investments and such sources as the Governing Body determines.

BY LAWS

34 The Governing Body shall have power to make such by-laws for the carrying out the objects of the League and the proper administration of the League as it deems advisable and to vary or rescind such by-laws from time to time as necessary.

AUDITOR & ACCOUNTS

a) At the Annual General Meeting in each year the members of the League shall appoint an Auditor who shall not be a delegate of any member Club and who holds the appropriate professional qualifications in either the State of South Australia or the state of Victoria.

b) The accounts of the League shall be audited each year and a copy of the balance sheet and statement of receipts and expenditure shall be delivered to each Club at the Annual General Meeting.

CEO AND ASSISTANT CEO

36 A CEO shall, and if necessary, an Assistant CEO, may be appointed by the League at salaries to be determined and the League shall have power to dispense with such services upon a month’s written notice. The CEO’s shall not be members of any club of the League without the delegates approval and will be required to carry out the directions given at any meeting of the League and keep all necessary records.

DELEGATES & FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILTIES OF CLUBS

37 All delegates of member clubs who attend League meetings shall be members of the club he or she represents. Any club failing to be represented at a League meeting shall be liable to a financial penalty not exceeding that set out in item one (1) of the schedule of fines annexed to these rules.

a) No delegate shall be allowed to attend or take part in the proceedings of the Annual Meeting or any General Meeting of the League until all monies due by his club to the League have been paid in full.

b) The subscription fees due by each member club to the League as set and determined by the delegates at the Annual General Meeting of the League shall be paid by each club as follows:

i. As to 25 per centum thereof – no later than the first official round of each season.

ii. As to further 25 per centum thereof- no later than the fifth official round of the season.

iii. As to further 25 per centum thereof – no later than the tenth official round of the season.

iv. As to the remaining 25 per centum thereof – no later than the fifteenth official round of the season.

Any club in breach of this provision shall be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item one (1) of the schedule of fines.

c) The CEO of the League shall render an account to the Secretary of each member Club for all fees due as set out above at least seven (7) days prior to the due date for payment

a) Any member club neglecting to pay any monies, fines or other financial calls properly made by the League within one (1) month after notice of such call, demand or fine has been given by the CEO of the League in writing to the club shall loose all voting rights at any meeting of the League and shall also be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item one (1) of the schedule of fines.

b) All member clubs shall forward to the League CEO an audited copy of its accounts for the season just concluded within 30 day’s of the member clubs AGM. All matters contained in such reports shall be for the information of the League Executive.

PART 2: BY LAWS

REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS, ELIGIBILTY & PERMITS

RULE 1

a) Subject to the provisions of the V.C.F.L. in relation to One Day Permits and Area Agreements all players must be registered with the Western Border Football League.

b) Registrations may be effected by the player signing the approved V.C.F.L. or S.A.N.F.L registration form and lodging the same with the CEO or Assistant CEO who shall immediately grant or refuse a permit to play. If granted the registration shall be recorded and become effective and refusal shall be recorded and the applicant players club notified.

c) In the event of a player desiring to be registered immediately prior to a competition match he shall sign the approved V.C.F.L. or S.A.N.F.L registration form which is to be endorsed by the Secretary of the opposing Club prior to the match and lodged with the CEO or Assistant CEO of the League within two (2) clear business days following the conclusion of the match. The player shall be deemed to be validly registered for that match provided the CEO or assistant CEO grants him a permit to play.

d) The CEO and Assistant CEO shall issue permits to play with member Clubs to players eligible to receive permits.

e) The Tribunal shall have the power to review any permit previously granted upon referral of the question of a player’s eligibility or the validity of the granting of his permit by a motion passed by the delegates of the member Clubs at a general meeting of the League or from the Executive of the League acting on its own initiative.

RULE 2

There are no residential or radius requirements excepting those covered in clause 4 and 5.

RULE 3

DELETED

RULE 4

In the following rules the phrase “Exclusive radius” shall mean the area as defined in those rules in which any player residing therein must either play for that Club having the benefit of the radius or if wishing to play for another member Club first obtain the permission of the Club having the benefit of the radius or the permission of the independent Tribunal to do so.

RULE 5

The exclusive radius of the member clubs shall be:

· CASTERTON - A radius of twelve (12) kilometres from the Casterton Post Office.

· HEYWOOD - A radius of twenty (20) kilometres from the Heywood Post office.

· HAMILTON, HAMILTON IMPERIAL, PORTLAND, MILLICENT AND THE FOUR (4) MOUNT GAMBIER Clubs - no radius.

RULE 6

In these rules a player shall be deemed to reside in an area covered by one of the radii previously specified if he:

a) Occupies and substantially lives in whether alone or in the company of another person or other persons a dwelling situated in the area covered by the radius and maintains that residence at least until the conclusion of the fifth round of home and away games during the season.

b) Maintains full time or substantial part time employment in the area covered by the radius.

c) Has sufficient family or other connection with the area defined in the radius to justify his being deemed to reside in the area not withstanding the fact that he does not fulfil either of the two (2) previous qualifications.

RULE 7

DELETED

RULE 8

DELETED

RULE 9

The Independent Tribunal may upon the application of any Club or the Executive of the League acting on its own motion or a resolution of the delegates of the member Clubs of the League at a properly constituted general meeting of the League revoke or suspend a permit granted to any player if it is established to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the player no longer satisfies the residential qualifications of these rules.

INTERCHANGE PLAYERS

RULE 10

Any player who has been selected and recorded in the official team named prior to the commencement of a game shall be regarded as having played such game provided that during the progress of the game he is present and remains in attendance and was available to take the field for his team if required.

RULE 11

Any player cleared from a member club in the League and desiring to play with another club in the League within twenty four (24) months of being so cleared shall require his clearance to be endorsed by the previous member club from which he was cleared prior to being eligible to play for any other member club.

PERMITS

RULE 12

a) Clubs playing players on one day permits are permitted to use no more than three one day permits on any one day during the minor round. Players playing on one day permits must play at least six matches on one day permits in the current season to be eligible to play in the finals of the League.

b) Players playing under Area Agreement with Reserves or third 18’s shall play at least six (6) matches under this agreement in the current season to be eligible to play in the finals of the Reserves or Thirds 18 respectively and clubs are permitted to use no more than three (3) Reserves players on Area agreement on any one day in the Reserves competition.

RULE 13

Subject always to the right of any player to appeal to the Independent Tribunal the CEO or Assistant CEO shall have the power to revoke any player’s permit to play with a member Club. If he or she has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the player or his Club has supplied misleading information to the League in obtaining a permit to play or has subsequent to the issue of the permit ceased to fulfil the eligibility requirements of these rules upon him or her giving to the Club of which the player is playing notice in writing of his or her intention to do so. The withdrawal or revocation of the permit to play shall be effective at the expiration of two clear business days from the date upon which it was posted to the Club concerned. Any Club playing a player who is ineligible to play with that Club by reason of the foregoing rules shall immediately forfeit all points gained for wins in matches in which the player played for the club while ineligible. The Club and player concerned shall be further dealt with as the Executive of the League thinks fit subject always to the right of the Club and the player to ask that the question of any further penalty be referred to the Independent Tribunal.

TRIBUNAL

RULE 14

An Independent Tribunal of the League shall consist of not less than three (3) persons from a panel of not more than twenty four (24).Such panel to be appointed by the Delegates of the member Clubs at the Annual General Meeting of the League.

RULE 15

The members of the Tribunal panel shall not hold office in the Western Border League nor be an official of any member club.

RULE 16

The Tribunal shall deal with and decide protests, disputes and charges against the Clubs, players officials and office bearers of Clubs and shall have the power to fine or suspend as it thinks fit.

RULE 17

The Tribunal shall have the power to fine or suspend any player or official who in the opinion of the Tribunal does not give evidence in a truthful manner or who conducts himself generally in a manner deemed unsatisfactory by the Tribunal members.

RULE 18

a) The Tribunal shall have the power to apportion any expense incurred by a member Club, player official or office bearer in any matter dealt with by them in their absolute discretion.

b) If following an investigation by the League’s Investigation Officer a player is subsequently found guilty of an offence, that player’s Club may be liable for the expenses incurred by the Investigation Officer in conducting the investigation.

c) Any club official who comments to the media upon any decision of the League’s Independent Tribunal may be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item 1of the schedule of fines.

RULE 19

Tribunal hearings in relation to reports laid against players by umpires for field offences shall be convened on Wednesday night after the match in which the report is made or at such other time as may be directed by the CEO or Assistant CEO

RULE 20

Any player or official who neglects or refuses to attend a Tribunal hearing in relation to a report or complaint against him shall be dealt with by the Tribunal as it thinks fit and the Tribunal shall have the power to suspend a player indefinitely until such time as he presents himself before the Tribunal.

RULE 21

The Tribunal shall give all parties to any hearing the right to call evidence the right to cross examine witnesses called by the other party and the right to make submissions including submissions on penalty. Subject to the foregoing the Tribunal shall conduct its hearing in such manner and shall take evidence as the Tribunal members think fit.

RULE 22

Any player official or club involved in a Tribunal hearing may be represented at that hearing provided that the representative shall not be a member of the Legal Profession.

RULE 23

Any report for a field offence laid against a player during the final series shall be heard by the Tribunal on the Monday night following the match in which the report is made or at such other time as may be directed by the CEO or Assistant CEO

RULE 24

The CEO or Assistant CEO shall at all times have the power to appoint an independent person to be a Tribunal member for the time being in the event of an urgent Tribunal hearing becoming necessary and the CEO or Assistant CEO being unable to arrange a Tribunal from the official panel.

RULE 25

The rules herein relating to the conduct of and procedure applicable to the Tribunal hearings shall apply unless inconsistent with V.C.F.L. rules for Tribunal procedure in which case the V.C.F.L. rules shall prevail.

UMPIRES

RULE 26

Field goal and boundary umpires from any registered umpires association shall be engaged for all senior reserve and thirds grade matches and their fees shall be paid by the League. Provided however if no such umpire is willing or able to act then the person who is deemed by these rules to be officially in charge of the match may appoint such person as he thinks fit to carry on the duties of the appointed umpire provided however that at all times the person in charge of the match shall attempt to obtain the services of a person who is a registered member of a registered umpires association.

RULE 27

The central umpire for each match shall receive the reports of both goal umpires duly signed and report the result to the CEO of the League through the official in charge of the match within two (2) clear business days of the match.

RULE 28

If no person is specifically appointed by the League as the official in charge of the match then the Secretary of the Club on whose ground the match is being played shall be deemed the official in charge of the match.

OFFICIAL DRAWS

RULE 29

The football season shall commence on such date in each year as the League may decide.

RULE 30

All matches are to be played under the laws of the Australian National Game of Football.

RULE 31

The League shall decide the number of home and away games to be played in each season by resolution of the delegates at a properly constituted meeting of the Governing Body.

RULE 32

In all competition home and away games a win shall earn four (4) points a draw two (2) points. In the event of Clubs completing the home and away round on the same number of premiership points their relative position on the table shall be determined by percentage.

RULE 33

a) At the conclusion of the home and away games the League shall conduct the final series which shall consist of the following games:

Elimination final: Fourth (4^th) team versus fifth (5^th) team

Qualifying Final: Second (2^nd) team versus third (3^rd) team.

Fist Semi Final: Loser of Qualifying final versus winner of Elimination final

Second Semi Final: First (1^st) team versus winner of Qualifying final.

Preliminary Final: Loser of Second (2^nd) semi final versus winner of first (1^st) semi final

Grand Final: Winner of Second (2^nd) semi final versus winner of Preliminary Final.

b) In the event of a draw in any final in any grade with the exception of the Senior Grand Final a further ten minutes of playing time (five minutes either end) with a three minute break when changing ends. Time on is to be added. A draw in the Senior Grand Final will result in that match being replayed on a day to be determined.

RULE 34

The order of and venues for playing the Elimination, Qualifying, First and Second Semi, Preliminary and Grand Final matches shall be determined by the Executive of the League.

RULE 35

All Senior matches shall be played in four (4) quarters of twenty (20) minutes each with time on to be added. Such matches shall start at 2-30pm (Victorian time and 2-00pm (South Australian time) or at such other time as the Executive of the League may decide.

RULE 36

The quarter and three quarter time intervals shall not exceed five (5) minutes in each instance and half time intervals shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes. Any team failing to be on the ground five minutes before the appointed starting time of the match or two minutes before the time of resuming the match after the half time interval shall incur for its club a fine not exceeding that set out in item three (3) of the schedule of fines.

RULE 37

All Reserve grade matches shall be played in four (4) quarters of twenty two (22) minutes each with no time on and shall finish no later than six (6) minutes prior to the appointed time for the commencement of the senior grade match. Reserve grade matches shall commence at 12-30pm (Victorian time) and 12 noon (South Australian time) or at such other time as may be determined by the Executive of the League. Quarter and three quarter time intervals shall not exceed five (5) minutes each and the half time interval shall not exceed fifteen (15) minutes. The same penalties shall apply for infringement of this rule as for infringement of the preceding rule.

RULE 38

Notwithstanding anything contained in the previous rules all reserve grade matches played during the final series shall be played in for (4) quarters of twenty (20) minutes each with time on.

RULE 39

All third grade matches shall be played in four (4) quarters of twenty (20) minutes each with no time on and shall finish no later than six (6) minutes before the appointed starting time for the reserve grade matches.

Unless the competing clubs otherwise agree and make alternative arrangements which are approved by the Executive of the League, thirds grade matches shall start at 10-30 am (Victorian Time) and 10-00am (South Australian time) or at such time as may be determined by the executive of the League. The same rules as to quarter, three quarter time and half time intervals shall apply to third grade matches as to reserve grade matches and the same penalties shall be attracted for infringement of those rules.

RULE 40

Notwithstanding anything contained in the previous rule all finals matches in the third grade competition shall be played in four quarters of twenty (20) minutes each with time on.

RULE 41

a) During the minor round in the Senior Grade a team shall consist of 18 players and up to three (3) interchange players.

b) During the final series in all grades teams shall consist of 18 players and up to four (4) inter change players.

c) During the minor round if either team has 17 players or less named on the team sheet for the reserves competition, teams must play sixteen (16) players and 1, 2, 3 or 4 reserves but if 18 players are named by both teams then the playing order must be 18 players and up to 2 interchange players in any one match of the reserves competition.

d) During the minor round if either team has 17 players or less named on the team sheet for the thirds competition, teams can field as few as fourteen (14) players and 1, 2 or 3 on the interchange but if 18 players are named by both teams then the playing order must be 18 players and up to 3 interchange players in any one match of the thirds competition.

e) In the event of a team having 17 players or less in the Thirds competition, the club with the greater numbers, if requested by the opposition team, must share players to the club with the least number of players. If the club with the higher number of players refuses to share players, then they will be deemed the club that has forfeited the match and all penalties shall be applied to that club.

f) All clubs in the Thirds competition must have equal players on the field at the commencement of the game and players cannot be added throughout the game

RULE 42

If by reason of the excessive length of time-on or any factor outside the reasonable control of the competing Clubs the officiating umpire (or umpires as the case may be) form the view that it is impracticable to play four (4) quarters of equal length, then the umpires may make such direction as to the length of quarters as they deem fit in all the circumstances and the competing clubs shall be bound by the umpires decision.

RULE 43

In the event of any game not being played out in full (otherwise than in the circumstances described in Rule (42) the officiating umpire or umpires shall make a full written report to the League Executive setting out:

a) the extent of the short time played.

b) the circumstances in which short time was played ; and

c) any other matter which the umpire or umpires consider relevant.

RULE 44

Upon receipt of the report referred to in the previous clause, the executive shall immediately investigate the matter and shall afford each competing club the opportunity to make submissions to the League about the circumstances of the short time and the action which the clubs consider should be taken by the Executive. Upon completion of its investigations the Executive shall have power to:

a) Award the premiership points to either Club.

b) Divide the premiership points between the Clubs.

c) Award no premiership points in respect of the game; or

d) Direct that the game be replayed at a venue date and time decided by the Executive.

CLUB COLOURS

RULE 45

Each club shall register its colours with the League no later than the end of February preceding the commencement of the season. The term “club colours” shall include colour of shorts and hose and the CEO of the League shall keep and maintain a register of club colours which shall form a schedule to these rules.

RULE 46

Registration of club colours shall confer upon any club the exclusive right to wear such colours for the succeeding season provided however that where more than one club registers colours which the Executive of the League deem to be in conflict the matter shall be resolved by the Executive as it thinks fit having regard to whether any club has changed its proposed colours so as to bring it in conflict with the established colours of another Club.

RULE 47

The complete club uniform shall include legible numbers to a size of not less than two hundred and eighty millimetres (280mm) by one hundred and fifty two millimetres (152mm) to display on the back of each player’s jersey.

RULE 48

In all matches the home team shall wear shorts the colour of their choice with the visiting side to wear white shorts. When Hamilton Imperials is the home side the visiting side to wear shorts the colour of their choice which shall not be white.

RULE 49

a) Trainers of each club must wear white trousers while club runners must be attired in a fluorescent yellow top with the letters W.B.F.L. and the name of the club with navy blue shorts or trousers. Each competing team shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) runners. Only one (1) runner shall be permitted on the playing field at any one time.

b) Any member club failing to comply with By Laws relating to club colours and uniforms shall be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item two of the schedule of fines for each individual breach of these by laws.

TEAM SHEETS AND CONDUCT OF MATCHES

RULE 50

The Secretaries or other Officers of competing clubs shall sign and exchange lists of club players on the standard form provided by the League before the commencement of all competitive games. The original of this list is to be forwarded to the CEO of the League by the Secretary of the home club within two clear business days after the playing of the match. Failure to do so will render the defaulting club to a fine not exceeding that set out in item 1 of the Schedule of Fines. Such lists shall be lodged with the field umpires prior to the commencement of the match and any alteration to the players numbers after the start of the match shall be advised to umpires and the opposing club as soon as possible and certainly no later than the end of the match in question.

RULE 51

All matches must be played on the day set aside for same. Any Club refusing or neglecting to play any competition match without the consent of the Executive of the League shall pay all expenses incurred by the opposing Club and the League in connection with the match in which such default was made within seven days after receiving a statement of such expenses from the opposing Club and the League. In the case of any dispute as to all or part of the expenses incurred such dispute shall be referred to the Independent Tribunal by the CEO of the League. The tribunal shall also have the power to impose a fine on a defaulting Club not exceeding that set out in item five (5) of the schedule of fines.

FINALS

RULE 52

a) Any member Club conducting a finals round match is to be paid such amount for the expenses of conducting the game (excluding ground rental, umpires fees, competing Clubs match and travelling allowances, costs of footballs and ambulance services which shall be at the cost of the League ) as the Executive of the League determines from year to year provided however if any Club believes that the amount allowed to them for conducting a finals round match is inadequate it shall have the right to ask for the executives decision to be reviewed at a properly constituted general meeting of Club delegates upon the complainant Club giving the executive 28 days notice in writing of its intention to seek a review upon the presentation of such complaint to the general meeting the delegates shall have the power to dismiss the complaint and uphold the Executives decision, substitute its own decision for that of the Executive or refer the matter back to the Executive for further consideration and decision.

b) Clubs competing in the final series shall be paid such amounts for travelling and match costs as the Executive determines from year to year.

c) The Executive shall have the power to set aside such an amount as it thinks fit for the promotion of the final series including the cost of entertainment of guests during the final series.

d) The Clubs participating in the finals shall not train on any other Western Border League ground other than their own without first obtaining permission from the Executive of the League. Any club breaching this rule shall be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item 5 of the Schedule of fines.

e) A Premiership cup shall be awarded each year to the premier team in each grade.

BEST AND FAIREST

RULE 53

a) In each year the League shall award a medal to be known as the “Western Border Medal” to the best and fairest player in the first eighteen competition.

b) The winner of such medal shall be determined upon the total of votes cast by the central umpires in each minor round match.

c) Regardless of whether there are one or two central umpires there shall be only one set of votes cast in each minor round match.

d) Immediately after the conclusion of each minor round match the central umpire or umpires shall allot three votes to the player considered by him or them to be the best and fairest player on the field and two votes and one vote respectively to two other players.

e) The central umpire or umpires shall record the votes in a voting slip provided by the League and post that slip in a sealed envelope to the CEO of the League on the first business day after the completion of the match.

f) Any player suspended in either the first, second or third grades of the competition during the season in question shall be ineligible to win any medal in any grade during the season.

g) The best and fairest votes shall be counted by the League at such time and place and in such manner as the Executive of the League thinks fit.

h) In the event of two or more players being awarded the same number of votes in any one award then medals shall be struck and awarded to each player.

i) The League shall also award medals to players adjudged best and fairest in both the reserves and thirds competition on a similar basis to that applicable to the first eighteen competition.

HOME TEAM DUTIES

RULE 54

Each member club conducting a competition game must provide:

(a) A separate dressing room for each club.

(b) A separate dressing room for the umpires.

(d) Any club infringing this rule or any part thereof shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding that set out in item on (1) of the schedule of the fines.

WESTERN

RULE 55

All member clubs shall furnish and maintain a current and up to date list of players numbers for all grades to the league official publication “The Western” throughout the entire season. All errors and omissions contained in the “Western” shall be subject to a penalty not exceeding that set out in item four (4) of the schedule of fines.

RULE 56

The list of thirds player in the official publication shall be considered as part of the official list but no fines are to be incurred when thirds players are promoted to Seniors or Reserves provided that they wear their listed number.

FOOTBALLS

RULE 57

The approved footballs for use in all matches of the Western Border League shall be determined by vote at the AGM.

FINES

RULE 58

a) The Executive shall have the power on its own motion to impose fines on clubs for breaches of rules only after requesting the offending clubs to supply an explanation and giving their explanation due consideration.

b) Club delegates shall have no power to remit fines properly imposed on Clubs, players or officials under these Rules.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

RULE 59

On the recommendation of the Executive, the League may at the Annual General Meeting elect life members. Such life members shall be given to a person who has given special service to the League. A person to be immediately awarded Life Membership upon playing 300 senior Western Border games.

TRIAL MATCHES

RULE 60

a) All Clubs shall advise the CEO of the League of their proposed trial matches prior to such match being played.

b) No club shall arrange any game against another club during the Western Border League season without obtaining the permission of the Executive of the League.

c) No club shall make an end of season football trip during the final series of the League and a breach of this by law shall attract a fine not exceeding that set out in item five (5) of the schedule of fines.

d) No Club shall conduct any function on the day of a League final without first obtaining the permission of the League Executive and any Club breaching this rule shall be liable for a fine not exceeding that set out in item 5 of the Schedule of Fines.

INTERLEAGUE

RULE 61

Every player who is selected to train in an inter-league training squad shall attend and train at the appointed time and place. Any player failing to attend and train without a reasonable excuse submitted to the League CEO before the appointed time for training shall be dealt with as the Executive of the League thinks fit. Any player who has been selected in an inter league or a representative match and who neglects or fails to play in such match shall be dealt with as the Executive thinks fit. In either case the Executive may fine or suspend such player or refer the matter to the League’s Independent Tribunal provided always that the Executive must afford the player an opportunity to present his case to the Executive either in writing or in person or in both before deciding any penalty to impose on the player.

GOVERNING RULES

RULE 62

In the event of any matter arising which is not provided for in these rules or in the rules of the Victorian Country Football League and the S.A.N.F.L. & N.F.L. rules the Executive of the League shall power to deal with the matter as it thinks fit.

AMMENDMENTS OF BY LAWS

RULE 63

Amendments to the By-Laws of the League shall only be made at a properly convened General Meeting of the League after twenty eight (28) days notice in writing has been given to the Executive of the League of the proposed amendments. Any notice of amendment shall include the precise particulars of the intended amendment and enclose a draft of the By-Law which the club wishes to insert into these By-Laws or amend or alter as the case may be. The CEO of the League shall then forward a copy of the proposed amendment to the By-laws to each member club at least fourteen (14) days prior to the General Meeting at which the amendment will be considered. No amendment shall be made unless the motion is carried on the vote of a simple majority of the Governing Body present and voting.

ELIGIBILTY FOR FINALS

RULE 64

a) A player who plays with an A.F.L., V.F.L. or S.A.N.F.L. team during the current season must play four home and away games during the season to be eligible to play in the Western Border finals series. The player must in all other respects be eligible to play in Western Border final series.

b) A player must play two games in the reserves team during the home and away round before being eligible to play in the finals games of the reserves competition provided however that if he has played with the first team of his club during the home and away series he must play four games with the reserves during the home and away games to qualify. If a player plays more than ten games with the firsts during the current season he is not eligible to play in the reserves finals except in the situation where one club has both firsts and reserves competing in the final series on the same day or over the same week-end whereupon any player not selected in the firsts team is eligible to play for the reserves team irrespective of the number of games he has played in the first or reserves teams during the home and away season.

c) A player must play two games with the thirds team of his club during the home and away season before being eligible to play in the finals series of the thirds competition.

d) A player who plays with the firsts or reserves team of his club during the home and away series must play four games with the thirds during the home and away series before being eligible to play for the thirds during the final series.

e) If a player plays Thirds and Seniors or TAC Cup on the same weekend, this game does not count towards one of his four qualifying games.

SPONSORSHIP

RULE 65

All clubs shall make space available on the front of player jumpers and on the ground fence for advertising of League Sponsors. The size made available on the jumper shall be of an area no less than 120mm square and the size of the signage advertising to be consistent with other advertising signs. Clubs neglecting to comply with these rules shall be liable to a fine not exceeding that set out in item 3 of the schedule of fines for each breach of this rule. The sponsor(s) shall be determined on a yearly basis as the League sees fit.

PART 3: STANDING ORDERS FOR LEAGUE MEETING

1 In dealing with the correspondence every letter after having been read shall be taken as formally received unless a motion to the contrary be submitted and every letter may be dealt with immediately the contents have been made known to the meeting.

2 No discussion shall take place except on a motion or amendment moved and seconded unless the Chairman for the time being permits such discussion.

3 Only one amendment shall be entertained at one time. If the amendment be carried it shall become the substantive motion, the original motion lapsing, and there shall be no necessity to put the original motion to the meeting. It shall be competent whether the amendment be carried or not to receive other amendments one at a time to be decided in like manner until the subject is finally dispose of.

4 No delegate shall propose more than one amendment upon a motion and no delegate shall speak more than once upon the same question which shall include motion and all amendments, except the mover of the motion who shall be entitled to reply and thereupon all discuss shall cease and the question shall be put.

5 A motion “that the debate be now concluded” may be moved at any stage of the debate and shall immediately be put to the meeting without discussion if lost the debate shall continue as if such motion had not been moved. If carried then the motion or amendment immediately under discussion shall be forthwith put to the meeting without further discussion. If the amendment be carried it shall become the substantive motion and the debate shall proceed as in Standing order No 3. If the amendment be lost other amendments may be received and dealt with in manner provided in standing order No 3 until the question is finally disposed of. The motion “That the debate be now concluded” may be moved any number of times during a debate.

6 When a motion is moved and seconded “That the Chairman’s ruling be disagreed with” the Chairman shall forthwith leave the chair and the debate on the original question then before the chair shall be suspended. Another Chairman shall then be appointed by the meeting and the question “That the Chairman’s ruling be disagreed with” shall be discussed and decided after which the former Chairman shall resume the chair and the debate on the original motion shall be proceeded with as if the same had not been suspended.

7 Debate – a motion or an amendment having been moved and seconded debate may ensure but not more than two other speakers shall follow successively on the same side of the question. If the speakers having spoken there being no speaker to take the opposite view the question shall be put forthwith.

8 Any delegate with the consent of the Chairman may offer an explanation of any particular expression used by him but must confine himself strictly to such.

9 No delegate shall enter or leave the meeting whilst a vote or division is being taken and all members must vote except on matters in which they may be personally interested.

10 Any subject that has been once settled by vote or division cannot be again entertained at the same meeting or at any subsequent meeting until due notice be given n accordance with the Rules of the League in which case the original mover and seconder shall be properly notified and no motion passed at a meeting shall be rescinded except at an annual general meeting or a specially called meeting due notice of which must be given in both cases in accordance with the rules of the league.

11 On all questions and during al discussions the Delegates speaking shall address the meeting through the Chairman and shall be standing.

12 In all cases where a point of order is raised the Delegates raising the same shall state his point of order clearly and distinctly and if a delegate is speaking such delegate shall take his seat until the point of order is decided; the Chairman to decide the matter and promptly and not to allow discussion.

13 In all cases not herein or otherwise provided for, resort shall be had to the rules, forms and usage of the legislative assembly of Victoria, which shall be followed as far as the same are applicable to proceedings of the League.

PART 4: SCHEDULE OF FINES

ITEM 1 NOT EXCEEDING $200

ITEM 2 NOT EXCEEDING $10 PER PLAYER PER TEAM TO A MAXIMUM OF $100 PER TEAM.

ITEM 3 NOT EXCEEDING $50

ITEM 4 NOT EXCEEDING $10 PER OMISSION OR ERROR PER WEEK

ITEM 5 NOT EXCEEDING $1000

***SCHEDULE TO BE REVIEWED AT EACH A.G.M.***

Western Border Football League Inc. 44 Gray Street Hamilton VIC 3300 Ph: (03) 5572 5244 Fax: (03) 5572 5266 Email: wbfl@seol.net.au Website: www.wbfl.vcfl.com.au