CMNL By Laws

BY-LAWS

These By-Laws are the rules governing the internal affairs of the Central Murray Netball League.

They are the operating procedures that determine the conduct and direction of the organisation.

Updated 09 February 2010

Please Note: From here-on-in, the Central Murray Netball League will be

referred to as CMNL

1. CLUB DELEGATES

(a) Member Clubs of the CMNL will be Balranald, Cohuna Kangas, Kerang, Koondrook/Barham, Lake Boga, Lalbert, Nyah-Nyah West United, Swan Hill, Tooleybuc/Manangatang, Tyntynder and Woorinen.

(b) Two (2) compulsory Club Delegate Meetings will be held annually in April and August. All Clubs must be represented by at least two (2) delegates at all Club Delegate Meetings.

Penalty: Non attendance by two delegates at compulsory Club Delegate Meetings shall result in a $200 fine to offending Cub.

(c) Club Delegates may attend monthly CMNL meetings (other than April and August) if they wish, but attendance is not compulsory.

2. CORRESPONDENCE

(a) All correspondence to the CMNL must be in writing from the Club Secretary or authorised person to the Administration Officer.

(b) All correspondence from the CMNL will be addressed to the Club Secretary or authorised person.

3. INFORMATION TO CLUBS

The League shall provide the following information in writing to all Clubs prior to the start of the season:

(i) CMNL contact details

(ii) CMNL venue address

(iii) CMNL Model Rules and By-Laws

(iv) CMNL Fixtures

(v) CMNL Calendar of Events, including details of seminars, courses, closing dates, etc

4. NETBALL VICTORIA MEMBERSHIP

(a) Netball Victoria membership fee is set annually by the Netball Victoria.

(b) All players, coaches and umpires participating in a CMNL competition or program must be a current Netball Victoria member.

5. PLAYER REGISTRATION / QUALIFICATION

(a) Clubs wishing to enter teams into the CMNL competition must attend the nominated registration day set by the CMNL Executive Committee. On this day, Clubs must have a hard copy of their registration lists as well as a computer generated database which is to be given to the Administration Officer. Netball Victoria fees must also be paid on this day.

Penalty – Playing an unregistered player results in the offending team losing four (4) premiership points.

IF A REGISTERED PLAYER HAS BEEN ACCIDENTLY RECORDED AS AN UNREGISTER PLAYER, AND THE PLAYER CAN PROVE TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CMNL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THAT THEY ARE A REGISTERED PLAYER THE FOUR (4) PREMIERSHIP POINTS SHALL BE REINSTATED AND THE OFFENDING CLUB WILL BE FINED $200 TO COVER ADMINISTRATION COSTS INCURRED BY THE LEAGUE AS A RESULT OF THE ERROR. Clubs have 48 hours from the time they are notified by the CMNL to appeal the decision.

(b) Additional players may register throughout the season provided their details are placed on the current VNA registration form and accompanied by the correct fee for that player’s registration with Netball Victoria. These must be sent with the scoresheets to the Administration Officer. If any details are incorrect or money is not received by the Administration Officer, that player will be deemed to be unregistered and the penalty will apply for playing a unregistered player.

(c) Players may play during the season on a Single Game Voucher. Official Netball Victoria Vouchers can be purchased from the Administration Officer prior to participation in any game. The Single Game Voucher number must be recorded in the comment section of the scoresheet and accompany the scoresheet to the Administration Officer.

A player may only play on three (3) Single Game Vouchers within the playing season. If the player wishes to play for the Club after three (3) games, full registration details and Netball Victoria fees need to be paid to the CMNL prior to the player taking the court.

Failure to pay full registration will deem the player unregistered and the penalty will apply for playing an unregistered player.

(d) To qualify for finals a player must participate in six (6) separate rounds of the CMNL, with her registered Club. In the case of there only being six (6) teams in the B Reserve or 15 & Under Reserve competition, to qualify for B Reserve or 15 & Under Reserve finals, a player must participate in four (4) separate rounds of B Reserve or 15 & Under Reserve in the CMNL with her registered Club.

There will be no finals for 13 & Under Reserve.

No penalty for player movement between 13 & Under and 13 & Under Reserve teams.

5. PLAYER REGISTRATION / QUALIFICATION cont’

(e) After playing a total of six (6) games in higher grades (throughout the season and finals

series) players may not play in a lower grade for the remainder of the season, including finals. This rule applies to every grade.

Penalty – for breaking this rule shall be

(i) In the event of the offending team winning the match, the four (4) premiership points shall be awarded to the opposing team, together with the percentage of a 20 goal win and a penalty of four (4) premiership points shall be deducted from the offending team’s points tally held prior to the match.

(ii) In the event of the offending team losing the match, four (4) premiership points shall be deducted from the team’s points tally held prior to the match.

6. AGE REQUIREMENTS

(a) Participant age is determined as at 31st December of that year.

(b) No player under ten (10) years of age will be permitted to play.

(c) In 13 and Under Competition, males playing may only play up to and including the year in which they turn twelve (12) years of age.

(d) In 13 and Under Competition, teams may have up to two (2) boys playing at any one time. If two (2) boys are on court at one time they must play in separate thirds of the court, (ie one as GS or GA, one as C, WA or WD and one as GD or GK).

7. UNIFORMS

(a) Each Club must register a picture of its uniform indicating exact team and bib colours with the CMNL on Registration Day.

b) Clubs must notify the CMNL in writing, together with a picture indicating exact team and bib colours, of any proposed changes to their uniform. The CMNL Executive Committee must approve all designs and changes.

(d) Players will not be permitted to take to the court unless they are in full uniform.

7. UNIFORMS cont’

(e) If two (2) Clubs have similarly coloured uniforms, during the playing season the visiting Club is required to alter their uniform to make it distinguishable from the other, eg. bib colour. During finals the team finishing lower on the ladder are required to alter their uniform.

Penalty – As set by the CMNL Executive Committee.

8. CONDUCT OF MATCHES

(a) There are eight (8) grades – A, B, B Reserve, 17 and Under, 15 & Under, 15 & Under Reserve, 13 & Under and 13 & Under Reserve. Each Club is to field a minimum of four (4) teams; that is two (2) senior teams and two (2) junior teams other than reserve teams.

(b) Clubs must;

(i) have access to two (2) outdoor netball courts

(ii) provide an umpire for each game

(iii) provide an scorer for each game

(iv) supply their own first aid kit, ice and spray bottle containing water and disinfectant

(v) home teams must provide two (2) time clocks per game

(vi) home teams must provide a timekeeper for each game

(c) In the event of a Club being unable to field all senior teams during the playing season, A Grade must be filled before B Grade; B Grade must be filled before B Reserve. 15 & Under and 13 & Under must be filled before 15 & Under Reserve and 13 and Under Reserve .In cases of extreme circumstances an exemption may be granted at the discretion of the CMNL Executive Committee. In order for the B Reserve, 15 & Under Reserve and 13 and Under Reserve, competitions to run, there must be six (6) or more sides entered prior to the beginning of the season.

(d) During the playing season in the event of a Club forfeiting, the non forfeiting team score sheet is to be completed with the first seven players (of the non-forfeiting team) and umpires signatures from both Clubs. The score sheet and vote cards are to be sent in as normal to the Administration Officer.

(e) Times of matches:

(i) 13 & Under Reserve To play at – 11am

15 & Under Reserve To play at – 11am

13 & Under To play at – 12pm

15 & Under To play at – 1.15pm

17 & Under To play at – 12pm

B Reserve To play at – 2.45pm

B Grade To play at – 1.15pm

A Grade To play at – 2.45pm

(ii) 13 & Under, 15 & Under, 15 & Under Reserve and B Reserve play 4 x 12 minute quarters with 2-3-2 minute breaks.

13 & Under Reserve play 4 x 10 minute quarters with 2-3-2 breaks

A Grade, B Grade and 17 and Under play 4 x 15 minute quarters with 3-5-3 minute breaks.

*13 & Under Res & 15 & Under Res games held at Alan Garden Reserve would be played at 12pm or 1:15pm

8. CONDUCT OF MATCHES cont’

(f) Game rules shall be played in accordance with those of Netball Australia.

(g) If a Saturday gazetted time or venue is to be altered, it must be done by mutual agreement. The CMNL Executive Committee must be notified in writing by the instigating Club three (3) days prior to the alteration taking place.

9. SCORING

(a) Each team must provide a non-participating scorer for all matches, 15 years of age or older.

(b) These people must sit together for the duration of the match.

(d) Two (2) scoresheets will be used for each match. These scoresheets will list the complete names (both given and surname) of up to seven (7) players intending to take the court, prior to the commencement of play. These scoresheets shall also indicate the positions played each quarter and the match score. The names of substitution players (maximum of five) must be added to the scoresheets as they take the court. A maximum of twelve (12) players per team can be listed on the scoresheets.

(e) At the match conclusion, to indicate their satisfaction that the information on the scoresheets is correct, the scoresheets are to be signed by;

(i) the captains of both competing teams, and

(ii) the officiating umpires.

(f) The home team must return both scoresheets, game day checklist and CMNL vote envelopes to the Administration Officer of the Association no later than the Wednesday after the match. Results must also be faxed through to the Administration Officer by 8.00 pm on game day.

Penalty – Failure to complete any of these tasks will incur a $20 fine.

(g) Four (4) points shall be awarded for a win and two (2) points for a draw in all grades except for 13 & Under Reserve. There will be no points awarded in this grade. If the draw consists of an unequal number of byes, the effected teams shall be awarded four (4) points and a twenty (20) goal advantage for all byes

(h) In the event of a forfeit by a team prior to the game, or after commencement of play, the opposing team shall receive four (4) premiership points and a percentage for a 20 – 0 win or as the score stands whichever is greater. A team claiming four (4) points from a forfeit must complete their section of the scoresheets and forward them to the Administration Officer as normal.

(i) Scoresheets will be used for 13 & Under Reserve games and must be forwarded to the Administration Officer with other match results so that these can be published in the media.

9. SCORING cont’

(i) In the event of a late start; each team is given five (5) minutes grace, after which time the clock is to be started by the umpires, and three (3) goals will be added to the score of the team ready to play. If the game is not started within five (5) minutes of the clock being started then the game is forfeited and normal procedure applies. This applies to all grades of competition. A game can commence if five (5) players from each side are available to take the court.

10. CLEARANCES

(a) A clearance is required if a player wishes to transfer to another Club during the current season.

(b) No player will be granted more than one (1) clearance per season.

(d) Players who owe outstanding playing fees or are in possession of Club property (uniform, equipment, etc) will not be granted a clearance.

(e) The player must complete all details on the top section of the clearance form and send to the CMNL Administration Officer.

(f) The CMNL Administration Officer must forward the clearance request to the existing Club for approval.

(g) The existing Club has seven (7) days to complete the clearance or the CMNL will automatically clear the player to the new Club.

(h) If the Club refuses to clear the player (refer: conditions of clearance), the CMNL Administration Officer will write to the player advising the reason why and forward a copy to both Clubs. Any dispute arising from clearance restrictions will be dealt with according to the grievance procedure outlined in the Model Rules.

(i) The existing Club must advise the CMNL Administration Officer when the clearance is approved.

(j) If a player is cleared from one Club to another, she must qualify with her new Club to be able to play in finals. Any CMNL votes received at either Club are valid.

10. CLEARANCES cont’

(k) Any player registered with a neighboring League is not permitted to play in the home and away rounds of the CMNL. In the event of a player wishing to transfer from another League or Association to the CMNL, a clearance must be obtained before playing a game.

(l) All players are free to move between Clubs at the conclusion of the season.

Penalty –Any player playing prior to a clearance being finalised shall result in the loss of four (4) premiership points to the offending team.

11. FINALS

(a) The number of points gained during the season shall determine teams qualifying for finals. In the event of teams being equal on points, positions shall be determined by the percentage of goals scored for and against. In the event of teams being equal on percentage, positions shall be determined by the greater number of goals scored for.

(b) At the conclusion of the home and away matches, the final five teams will play in the finals series. Finals will be played at the same venues as the Central Murray Football League finals matches.

(d) Matches shall be conducted for finals as for home and away rounds. with the exception of the

Grand Final, which will commence one hour earlier than standard playing times.

(e) Drawn matches in finals:

(i) There is a three (3) minute time allowance to enable teams to change ends and scores to be verified on the scoresheets.

(ii) Positional changes and substitutions may be made at the beginning of extra time.

(iii) 2 x 5 minute halves will be played.

(iv) At the end of the first half teams change ends. No break or substitutions may be made at the change of ends.

(v) Substitutions and positional changes may be made at the beginning of Extra Time

(vi) Should there still be a draw at the end of the second half of extra time, play continues until one team has a two goal advantage.

(vii) In the event of injury or illness during extra time, positional changes and/or substitutions may be made.

11. FINALS cont’

(f) For all finals except the Grand Final, Clubs participating in these games will each supply one (1) scorer and one (1) timekeeper over the age of 15 years of age. These people must sit together for the duration of the match. The CMNL Executive Committee will appoint neutral scorers and timekeepers for Grand Final matches.

(g) Clubs successful in tendering for finals are to provide refreshments for CMNL umpires and officials during finals.

(h) The CMNL will provide balls, scorebooks and time clocks for use during finals.

(i) Ten (10) Premiership medals (per grade) & ten (10) Runner-Up medals are to be presented at the completion of each Grand Final match. Clubs have the option of purchasing further medals at their own cost.

(j) All premiership teams will receive the balls used in the Grand Final as trophies.

12. PROTESTS

(a) A team wishing to protest must:-

(i) Not sign the scoresheets and notify the Committee of their intention to protest.

(ii) Lodge the protest in writing with the CMNL Administration Officer within 48 hours of the match being played.

(b) A Club shall have a right of appeal to the CMNL Executive Committee within 48 hours of notification of a penalty.

13. CENTRAL MURRAY NETBALL LEAGUE COMMITMENTS

(a) Every Club in CMNL is to nominate at least one (1) player per junior grade for Interleague selection. Nominated players to attend try-outs for junior Interleague teams.

(b) Nominations must be received by the CMNL Administration Officer at least three (3) days prior to first try-out date.

13. CENTRAL MURRAY NETBALL LEAGUE COMMITMENTS cont’

(c) Application for exemption from Interleague selection must be in writing to the CMNL Administration Officer at least two (2) weeks prior to first try-out date.

(d) Any player(s) after gaining CMNL or Region selection, must sign a players contract.

Penalty – If this contract is broken a one (1) match suspension, which will be accrued to the player(s) on their next playing game. The Junior Development Officer will then inform the Administration Officer who will contact the Club(s) involved.

(e) Junior Interleague coach positions will be advertised every year. Applications to be received by the Junior Development Officer.

(f) If any team (not Club) has two or more players or playing officials representing the CMNL or Region on the same day as a scheduled CMNL draw game, that Club may request the game be rescheduled to a time convenient to both Clubs. If the Clubs concerned cannot come to an agreement about the time, the CMNL Executive Committee shall appoint a suitable time. The game must be played within four (4) weeks of the event or prior to the last home and away game whichever occurs sooner. The Administration Officer must be notified in writing/email/fax by both Clubs of the amended date prior to the game being rescheduled.

14. UMPIRES

(a) An CMNL Umpires Division will consist of one Umpires Convenor per member Club and the CMNL Umpires Convenor. The purpose of the CMNL Umpires Division is to promote and support umpires, and to address any umpiring grievances. Umpiring issues will be discussed and dealt with in conjuction with the Umpires Report at monthly Delegate Meetings. The CMNL Umpires Convenor may call Umpire Meetings when necessary, provided the member Clubs receive at least seven (7) days notice.

(b) Umpires are not to be substituted during any CMNL game except in the case of injury or illness.

(c) Introduction to Umpiring Courses’ are held once per season. All Clubs must have at least two (2) people to attend this course.

Penalty - $50 per person for non attendance.

(d) Theory exams are held once per season. All Clubs must have at least two (2) people to attend this exam.

Penalty - $10 per person for non attendance.

14. UMPIRES cont’

(e) Neutral badged Umpires shall be appointed for finals games when possible. Member Clubs are invited to nominate their own badged Umpires for finals in writing by the August Delegate Meeting with a contact number and availability. The CMNL Umpire Committee will appoint finals Umpires. Nomination does not guarantee appointment. All Umpires selected for finals must hold current qualifications.

(f) Payment to umpires for finals games as determined annually by Netball Victoria.

(g) All finals Umpires are to be paid mileage for traveling to games. Car pooling should be considered if practical.

15. AWARDS / PRESENTATION NIGHT

(a) The following player awards will be presented for each grade except for 13 & Under Reserve each season;

(i) Best and Fairest for each section.

(ii) Runners Up Best and Fairest for each section

(iii) In the event of a tie, two (or more) awards shall be presented.

(b) Voting for Best and Fairest shall be as follows:

(i) The match umpires shall award votes for the best three players in each game except for 13 & Under Reserve. Voting shall be 3 votes for the best player, 2 votes for the second-best player and 1 vote for the third best player.

(ii) Votes shall be placed in the envelope provided.

(iii) Both umpires must sign vote cards and vote envelopes, (signature must be across the seal and legible)

Penalty – Envelopes not having two (2) signatures will incur a fine of $10 to the offending team.

(c) All votes are to be pre-counted by the CMNL Executive Committee prior to Presentation Night but after the last home and away game.

15. AWARDS / PRESENTATION NIGHT cont’

(d) A 19 and Under Distinction Award will be presented at the end of each season.

(i) The Award Committee shall consist of the Umpires Convenor, Junior Development Officer and one other person nominated by the CMNL Executive Committee.

(ii) Criteria and nomination forms are to be distributed by the June Delegates Meeting, and nominees’ names are to be forwarded to the CMNL Administration Officer by the July Delegates Meeting. Completed nomination forms are to be in by a date set by the 19 and Under Distinction Award Committee.

(iii) Players may only be nominated for the 19 and Under Distinction award once.

(iv) Clubs may only nominate one player per year for the 19 and Under Distinction Award.

(e) At the conclusion of the season, a Presentation Night shall be held.

(i) The date and format shall be determined annually by the CMNL Executive Committee.

(ii) The date, time, venue and format shall be provided, in writing, to all members at least one (1) month prior to the event.

(iii) Presentation of all Awards shall be made on Presentation Night.

(iv) Recognition of Achievements shall be made on Presentation Night.

(v) A minimum of ten (10) people per Club are to attend the CMNL Presentation Night.

Penalty – Clubs must pay for any shortfall.

(vi) A complimentary ticket for Presentation night will be forwarded to the CMNL Executive Committee, Special Guests, Sponsors and Life Members.

(vii) Nominations from Clubs for Umpires awards for Badged and Unbadged Umpires are to be in by the August Delegates Meeting. A Club may make multiple nominations and may nominate an Umpire from another Club. Nominations by each Club is not compulsory.

16. LIFE MEMBERSHIP

(a) Life Members shall receive a Life Membership Badge and Certificate in recognition of their service.

(b) Life Members shall receive a free gate pass to all games throughout the season (including finals) and a free invitation to all official functions.

17. COURSES, SEMINARS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

(a) The CMNL shall provide notification of opportunities for all members to improve their skills by attending courses, seminars and other personal development activities.

(b) The CMNL shall encourage and support members who wish to attend appropriate courses, seminars and other personal development activities.

18. ACCREDITATION

(a) The CMNL shall ensure that all officials have current appropriate minimum qualifications.

(b) Where minimum qualifications/accreditation standards are not met, the CMNL shall encourage and support the member/s to achieve the minimum standards.

(c) The CMNL will not appoint any person to an official position unless that person to be appointed has achieved the minimum standard qualification/accreditation.

19. RISK MANAGEMENT

19.1 Injury Reporting

(a) All Clubs are responsible for recording all injuries at the discretion of the injured player or players’ guardian (player under 18) on the Injury Reporting Sheets provided.

(b) Coaches of CMNL representative teams are responsible for recording all injuries at the discretion of the injury player or players’ guardian (player under 18) on the Injury Reporting Sheets provided.

19.2 Pre Match Checklist

(a) A pre-match checklist will be completed prior to all CMNL matches, programs and training.

(b) Every home Club must in consultation with a visitor club representative complete

and sign a pre-match checklist. Original checklist to be sent to the Administration

Officer with scoresheets and vote envelopes. Copy to be retained by home Club.

Penalty: Failure to provide a signed checklist will result in a $50 fine to the offending club.

(i) Documented

(ii) Rectified if possible

(iii) Reported to the appropriate agency (local council, reserve committee) if

major repair is required.

19. RISK MANAGEMENT cont’

19.3 Pregnancy

As per Netball Victoria Infonet RM1 – Pregnancy and Netball

19.4 First Aid

(a) The CMNL will provide a first aid kit complying with Netball Victoria Infonet RM2 – First Aid for Netball for all CMNL representative games.

(b) The First Aid Kit will be stored at the Allan Garden Reserve Clubrooms and all appropriate personnel (team managers, umpires and coaches) will have access to it.

(c) The CMNL will ensure that a qualified first aider is present at all CMNL organised tournaments. A designated room or area for treatment of injuries will be provided.

19.5 Emergency procedures

Emergency phone numbers - Ambulance, Doctor, Physiotherapist, Health Clinic and Police and an Emergency Procedure Plan is to be displayed in the Clubrooms and in the First Aid Kit.

19.6 Blood Policy and Infectious Diseases

The CMNL will adopt Netball Victoria Infonet U4 and RM6 relating to blood policy and infectious diseases.

19.7 Pre-participation Screening/ Medical Indemnity

(a) All personnel involved with the CMNL will be required to complete a medical indemnity form (Netball Victoria Infonet RM7)

(b) A designated official will store all forms and bring them to all events

19.8 Weather

In the case of extreme weather conditions, dangerous conditions or serious injury where a player in unable to be removed from the court, games can only be postponed or cancelled by the umpires in consultation with captains and coaches of teams involved in that game. If games are cancelled prior to half time, the premiership points are split (2 points per team). If games reach half time or more, the score stands and premiership points and league votes are awarded as usual.

19.9 SmokeFree

The CMNL will adopt a SmokeFree policy as prescribed by Quit Victoria. This will include indoor venues and outdoor court surroundings.

19. RISK MANAGEMENT cont’

19.10 Sun Protection

The CMNL will adopt a SunSmart policy as prescribed by the Cancer Council Victoria.

19.11 Codes of Behaviour

The CMNL will adopt Codes of Behaviour as prescribed in the Netball Victoria Member Protection Regulation.

19.12 Drug Policy

The CMNL does not support the use of performance enhancing substances and views any such use as detrimental to both the sport of netball and the spirit of the game. The Netball Victoria Drug Policy, August 1993 as amended from time to time, is implemented and will apply for all CMNL competitions.

19.13 Member Protection

(a) Appointed coaches of the junior CMNL representative teams will be subject to a volunteers Police Check. Costs to be met by CMNL.

(b) In the event of any junior representative teams being required to spend a night away from home to compete in tournaments, accompanying team managers will also be subject to a volunteers Police Check. Costs to be met by CMNL.

20. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(a) The CMNL Executive Committee will impose the prescribed penalty or any other penalty to any member that fails to adhere to these By-laws.

(b) Any member of a team or Club which does not agree with a penalty or action of the CMNL Executive Committee made under this By-law, may advise the CMNL Executive Committee within 48 hours of the penalty or decision being made.

(i) Discuss the issue with the relevant team or Club and make a decision regarding the matter. The CMNL Executive Committee shall inform the party/ies involved of their decision either verbally or in writing; or

(ii) Have an informal meeting with the relevant party/ies in order to discuss and resolve the dispute.

The CMNL Executive Committee’s decision is final.

21. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES/PROVISIONS CLAUSE

Where this By-law is silent, a decision can be made that ensures the integrity of the CMNL is maintained at all times.

The CMNL Executive Committee may in using its reasonable discretion, in exceptional or extenuating circumstances, alter, vary or waive the requirements set out in this By-Law relating to the CMNL.

22. INDEMNITY

Except where provided or required by law and such cannot be excluded, the CMNL and its respective directors, officers, members, servants or agents are absolved from all liability however arising from injury or damage, however caused, arising whilst participating as a member.