STANDARD CODE OF RULES SCHOOLS FOOTBALL LEAGUES/COMPETITIONS
This document contains the Standard Code of Rules developed by The Football Association, English Schools’ Football Association and Independent Schools’ Football Association for Schools Mini Soccer and Youth Football Competitions (the “Standard Code”).
The Standard Code is mandatory for all Schools’ Mini Soccer and Youth Football Competitions.
Competitions seeking sanction must draft their Rules in conformity with the Standard Code, using the same numbering and standard headings.
The mandatory rules are printed in normal text and the optional rules in italics.
It should be noted that in many cases rules are so printed because they are alternatives and the procedure to apply should be retained and the others omitted.
In all cases where a [ ] is shown the necessary name, address, number or wording to complete that rule must be inserted.
School Competitions may add to the core of the Standard Code, which is mandatory, providing the additions are approved by the Sanctioning Authority and do not conflict with the mandatory rules or any relevant principles and policies established by The FA. Guidance from the Sanctioning Authority should be sought in advance if there is any doubt as to the acceptability of additional rules.
DEFINITIONS
1. (A) In these Rules:
“Affiliated Association” means an Association accorded the status of an Affiliated Association under the rules of The ESFA.
“Competition” means the Brighton & Hove Primary School League or cup competition
“Competition Match” means any match played or to be played under the jurisdiction of the Competition.
“Ground” means the ground on which the School Team(s) plays each Competition Match.
“ISFA“ means Independent Schools’ football Association
“Management Committee” means the management committee elected to manage the running of the Competition and where the Competition is incorporated it means the committee appointed in accordance with the constitution of the association
“Match Officials” means the referee, the assistant referees and any fourth official appointed to a Competition Match.
“Mini Soccer” means those participating at ages mainly between year 2 to year 6 (or any match played in accordance with those rules)
“Officer” means an individual who is appointed or elected to a position in a School, Association or Competition which requires that individual to make day to day decisions.
“Participant” shall have the same meaning as set out in the rules of The FA from time to time.
“Player” means any Player or other player who plays or who is eligible to play for a School
“Playing Season” means the period between the date on which the first competitive fixture in the Competition is played each year until the date on which the last competitive fixture in the Competition is played.
“Rules” means these rules under which the Competition is administered.
“Sanctioning Authority” means The ESFA or the County Schools FA for the purposes of football organized by an LFO under its auspices .
“School” means a school or schools’ representative side for the time being in entrant? membership of the Competition.
“Season” means the period of time between an AGM and the subsequent AGM. Not always. That would mean our season ran from Nov to Nov!
“Secretary” means such person or persons appointed or elected to carry out the administration of the Competition.
“SGM” means a special general meeting held in accordance with the constitution of the Competition. Association not competition
“Team” means a team affiliated to a School or Association or representative team including where a school provides more than one team in the Competition in accordance with the Rules.
“The ESFA” means the English Schools’ Football Association
“The FA” means The Football Association Limited.
“written” or “in writing” means the representation or reproduction of words or symbols or other information in a visible form by any method or combination of methods, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or otherwise.
“Youth Football” means those participating at year 7 to year 13..
(B) Unless stated otherwise, terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice-versa.

GOVERNANCE RULES
COMPETITION NAME
2.
A. The Competition will be known as “Brighton & Hove Primary Schools“ (or such other name as the Competition may adopt).
B. This Competition shall consist of not more than 40 schools and/or 40 Teams approved by the Sanctioning Authority.
C. The geographical area covered by the Competition membership shall be Brighton, Hove and District.
D. The administration of the Competition under these Rules will be carried out by the Competition acting (save where otherwise specifically mentioned herein) through the Management Committee in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of The ESFA.
E. All teams shall adhere to the Rules. Every school shall be deemed to have accepted the Rules and to have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Management Committee in relation thereto, subject to the provisions of Rule 7.
F. The Rules are taken from the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions -schools (the “Standard Code”) determined by The FA , THE ESFA from time to time. In the event of any omissions from the Standard Code then the requirements of the Standard Code shall be deemed to apply to the Competition.
This Competition shall be submitted for sanction annually for sanction to the Sanctioning Authority
G. Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
(i) The Competition and each team must be committed to promoting inclusivity and to eliminating all forms of discrimination and should abide and adhere to The FA Equality Policy and any legislative requirements (to include those contained in the Equality Act 2010).
(ii) This Competition and each team must make every effort to promote equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community, irrespective of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability or otherwise.
(iii) Any alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010 legislation must be referred to the appropriate Sanctioning Authority for investigation.

H. Teams must comply with the provisions of any initiatives of The FA/ The ESFA which are adopted by the Competition including, but not limited to, the RESPECT programmes.
I. All Participants shall abide by The Football Association Regulations for Safeguarding Children as determined by The FA from time to time.

PROTESTS, CLAIMS, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS
3. Please refer to the ESFA (https://schoolsfootball.org/) for the procedures
TROPHY
4. (A) The following agreement shall be signed on behalf of the winners of the cup or trophy:-
“We A [name] and B [name], the official of [ ] school, members of and representing the school, having been declared winners of [ ] cup or trophy, and it having been delivered to us by the Competition, do hereby on behalf of the school jointly and severally agree to return the cup or trophy to the Competition Secretary on or before [ ]. If the cup or trophy is lost or damaged whilst under our care we agree to refund to the Competition the amount of its current value or the cost of its thorough repair.”
(B) At the close of each Competition awards may/shall be made to the winners and runners-up if the funds of the Competition permit.
ALTERATION TO RULES
5. Alterations, for which consent has been given by the Sanctioning Authority, shall be made to these Rules only at the meeting specially convened for the purpose. Any alteration made during the Playing Season to these Rules shall not take effect until the following Playing Season.
Notice of proposed alterations to be considered shall be submitted to the Secretary by June in each year. The proposals, together with any proposals by the Management Committee, shall be circulated to the schools by July and any amendments thereto shall be submitted to the Secretary by August. The proposals and proposed amendments thereto shall be circulated to schools with the notice of the meeting. A proposal to change a Rule shall be carried if 60% [a majority] of those present, entitled to vote and voting are in favour.
A copy of the proposed alterations to Rules to be considered at the meeting shall be submitted to the Sanctioning Authority in accordance with the Association constitution
DISSOLUTION
6. (A) Dissolution of the Competition shall be by resolution approved at a general meeting in accordance with the constitution of the Association.
(B) The Management Committee shall deal with any surplus assets in accordance with the Association’s constitution
(i) If a Competition is discontinued for any reason a trophy or any other presentation shall be returned to the donor if the conditions attached to it so provide or, if not, dealt with as the Sanctioning Authority may decide.

MATCH RELATED RULES
QUALIFICATION OF PLAYERS
7.
(A) (i) A child who has not attained the age of 6 shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match of any kind.
The relevant age for each Player is determined by his or her age as at midnight on 31 August of the relevant Playing Season i.e. children who are aged 6 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season (together with those who attain the age of 6 during the Playing Season) will be classed as Year 2 Players for that Playing Season. Children who are aged 7 as at midnight on 31 August in a Playing Season will be classed as Year 3 Players for that Playing Season, and so on.
Notwithstanding the above, a child is permitted to play up in the age group above his or her chronological age group, irrespective of any changes of format or competition structure, save that a child who attains the age of 6 after 31 August is permitted to play only in the Year 2 age group, and may not play in the Year 3 age group, for that Playing Season.
The age groups that children are eligible to play in are set out in the table below, along with the permitted football formats for each of those age groups. Children shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match between sides of more than the stated number of players, according to their age group:

(ii) To be eligible to play in schools’ football you must be in Full Time Education ( average of minimum 15 hours per week over a full academic year)

(iii) Players registered to play for ‘professional’ clubs and or are registered with academies and RTC’s are eligible to play in schools’ football competitions

School Year Group Maximum Permitted Format Minimum pitch Size Maximum pitch Size Recommended goal sizes in feet Ball size
Yards Metres Yards Metres
Year 2 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6 3
Year 3 5v5 30 x 20 27.45 x 18.3 40 x 30 36.3 x 27.45 12 x 6 3
Year 4 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
Year 5 7v7 50 x 30 45.75 x 27.45 60 x 40 54.9 x 36.6 12 x 6 3
Year 6 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
Year 7 9v9 70 x 40 64 x 36.6 80 x 50 73.15 x 45.75 16 x 7 4
Year 8 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
Year 9 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 100 x 60 91.44 x 54.9 21 x 7 4
Year 10 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
Year 11 11v11 90 x 50 82.3 x 45.75 110 x 70 100.58 x 64 24 x 8 5
Year 12 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5
Year 13 11v11 100 x 50 91.44 x 45.75 130 x 100 118.87 x 91.44 24 x 8 5

A player can play up one school year only

(B) (i) Any team found to have played an ineligible Player in a Competition Match or Matches where points are awarded shall have the points gained from that Competition Match deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(ii) The Management Committee may vary the sanction as relates to the deduction of points) only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.
(iii) Where a team is found to have played an ineligible Player above, the Management Committee may also, at its discretion:
(a) Award the points available in the Competition Match in question to the opponents, subject to the Competition Match not being ordered to be replayed; or
(b) Levy penalty points against the team in default; or
(c) Order that such Competition Match or Matches be replayed (on such terms as are decided by the Management Committee).
(The following clause applies to Competitions involving Players in full-time secondary education):-
(C) (i) Priority must be given at all times to school and school organisations activities. Organisations’ failure to comply with this Rule may result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(ii) The availability of children must be cleared with their head teacher (except for Sunday league competitions).
(iii) A child under the age of 15 as at midnight on 31 August in the relevant Playing Season, shall not be permitted to play in a Competition Match during that Playing Season where any other Player is older or younger than that child by two years or more.
COLOURS
8. Every team must register the colour of its shirts and shorts with the Secretary by 31st August who shall decide as to their suitability.
Any team wishing to change its colours during the Playing Season must obtain permission from the Management Committee.
Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from all other Players and the Match Officials.
No Player, including the goalkeeper, shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
If, in the opinion of the referee, two Teams have the same or similar colours, the away Team shall make the change. Should a Team delay the scheduled time of kick-off for a Competition Match by not having a change of colours they may be fined in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
PLAYING SEASON. CONDITIONS OF PLAY, TIMES OF KICK-OFF, POSTPONEMENTS, SUBSTITUTES
9. (A) All Competition Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as determined by the International Football Association Board or, for Mini-Soccer, and 9v9 football, the Rules as set down by The FA.
Schools must take all reasonable precautions to keep their Grounds in a playable condition. All Competition Matches shall be played on pitches deemed suitable by the Management Committee. If through any fault of the home Team a Competition Match has to be replayed, the Management Committee shall have power to order the venue to be changed.
The Management Committee shall have power to decide whether a pitch and/or facilities are suitable for Competition Matches and to order the team concerned to play its Competition Matches on another ground.
Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition provided they meet the required performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. All Football Turf Pitches used must be tested (by a FIFA accredited test institute) every three years and the results passed to The FA. The FA will give a decision on the suitability for use and add the pitch to the Register. Mini soccer can be played on sand based where necessary.
The home team is also responsible for advising Participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 10(C).
All Competition Matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two teams in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the Competition Match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.
Competition Matches should be played in accordance with the Laws appropriate to the relevant age group, as laid down by The FA, as detailed below.

Age Group Minimum Duration of play per quarter (minutes)
(Mini-Soccer Maximum Duration of play per quarter (minutes)
(Mini-Soccer only) Minimum duration of play per half (minutes) Maximum duration of play per half (minutes) Maximum playing time in one day in all organised development fixtures (minutes) Maximum playing time in one day in all tournaments and trophy events/festivals (minutes) Competition structure
Year 2/3 5 10 10 20 40 60 Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 2 week periods (6 weeks)
Year 4/5 10 12.5 20 25 60 90 Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 4 week periods (12 weeks)
Year 6 N/A N/A 20 30 80 120 Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 6 week periods (18 weeks)
Year 7 N/A N/A 20 30 80 (if applicable) 120 Any varieties including one season long league table
Year 8/9 N/A N/A 25 35 100 150 Any varieties including one season long league table
Year 10/11 N/A N/A 25 40 100 150 Any varieties including one season long league table
Year 12/13 N/A N/A 25 45 120 180 Any varieties including one season long league table
For U7-U10 age-groups can use either quarters or halves. This competition uses halves.
For round robin/trophy events, the maximum duration of play per half cannot be exceeded, but the minimum duration of play per half may be adjusted.
For trophy events, the Competition may award mementos.
Referees must order Competition Matches to commence at the appointed time and must report all late starts to the Competition.
The home Team must provide goal nets, corner flags and at least two footballs fit for play and the referee shall make a report to the Competition if the footballs are unsuitable.
(B) Except by permission of the Management Committee all Competition Matches must be played on the dates originally fixed but priority shall be given to The ESFA and parent County Schools’ Association Cup Competitions. All other matches must be considered secondary. Teams may mutually agree to bring forward a Competition Match with the consent of the (Fixtures) Secretary.
In the case of a revised fixture date, the Teams must be given by the Competition 5 clear days’ notice of the Competition Match (unless otherwise mutually agreed).
(C) An Officer of the home team must give notice of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the Ground and time of kick-off to the Match Officials and an Officer of the opposing team at least [ ] clear days prior to the playing of the Competition Match. If not so provided, the away team shall seek such details and report the circumstances to the Competition. Failure to comply with this Rule may result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
(D) The minimum number of Players that will constitute a Team for a Competition Match is as follows:
FORMAT MINIMUM NUMBER
5v5 4
7v7 5
9v9 6
11v11 7
(E) (i) In competitions where points are awarded, home and away matches shall be played (unless a single fixture programme has been agreed by the competition organiser and participating teams. prior to its commencement) In the event of a school failing to keep its engagement the Management Committee shall have the power to impose a fine (in accordance with the Fines Tariff), deduct points from the defaulting team, award the points from the Competition Match in question to the opponents, order the defaulting team to pay any reasonable expenses incurred by the opponents or otherwise deal with them except the award of goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing home and away provision, the Management Committee shall have power to order a Competition Match to be played on a neutral ground or on the opponent’s Ground if they are satisfied that such action is warranted by the circumstances.
(ii) Any school unable to fulfil a fixture or where a Competition Match has been postponed for any reason must, without delay, give notice to the (Fixtures) Secretary, the Competition Referees Appointments Secretary, the secretary of the opposing school and the Match Officials.
(iii) In the event of a Competition Match not being played or abandoned owing to causes over which neither school has control, it should be played in its entirety on a date to be mutually agreed by the two teams and approved by the Management Committee. Failing such agreement and notification to the (Fixtures) Secretary within 14 days the Management Committee shall have the power to order the Competition Match to be played on a named date or on or before a given date. Where it is to the advantage of the Competition and the teams involved agree, the Management Committee shall also be empowered to order the score at the time of an abandonment to stand.
(iv) The Management Committee shall review any Competition Match that has taken place where either or both Teams were under a suspension imposed upon them by The ESFA, ISFA or Affiliated Schools’ Association. In each case the Team that was under suspension would be dealt with in the same manner as if they had participated with ineligible players . Where both Teams were under suspension the Competition Match must be declared null and void and shall not be replayed.
(F) A team may at its discretion and in accordance with the Laws of the Game use substitute Players in any Competition Match.
Where a Competition does not allow return substitutes:
For Year 12 – Year 13 – a team may name up to [ ] (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) substitute Players of whom not more than [ ] (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) may be used.
Where a Competition does allow return substitutes:
For Year 7 – Year 13 – a team may use up to [3 from 3 substitute Players] [4 from 4 substitute Players] [5 from 5 substitute Players] [6 from 6 substitute Players] [7 from 7 substitute Players]. A Player who has been substituted becomes a substitute and may replace any Player at any time subject to the substitution being carried out in accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of Association Football.
For Year 2 – Year 6 – any number of substitutions may be used at any time with the permission of the referee. Entry onto the field of play will only be allowed during a stoppage in play. A Player who has been replaced may return to play as a substitute for another Player. A Team must not have a match day squad greater than double the size of its team in an age group.
In Youth Football only, the referee shall be informed of the names of the substitute Players not later than 15 minutes before the start of the Competition Match and a Player not so named may not take part in that Competition Match.
A Player who has named as a substitute before the start of that Competition Match but does not actually play in the game shall not be considered to have been a Player in that Competition Match within the meaning of Rule 8 of this Competition.
(G) The half time interval shall be of 5 minutes’ duration, but it shall not exceed 15 minutes. The half time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee.
(H) The Teams taking part in Under 7s to Under 11 or Youth Football shall identify a Team captain who may wear an armband and shall have a responsibility to offer support in the management of the on-field discipline of his/her teammates. Failure to comply with this Rule may result in a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.
REPORTING RESULTS
10. (A) The Fixtures Secretary must receive within 7 days of the date played, the result of each Competition Match in the prescribed manner. This must include the forename(s) and surname of the Team Players (in block letters) and also any other information required by the Competition.
(B) Both teams shall email the result of each Competition Match to the Fixtures Secretary by end of term in which the competition is set.
(C) The match result notification, correctly completed, shall be signed by an Officer of the team, or as prescribed by the Competition.
(D) The Competition and teams are permitted to collect but NOT publish results or any grading tables for fixtures involving Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, Under 10s, and Under 11s. Any Competition failing to abide by this Rule may be dealt with by the Sanctioning Authority. The Competition and teams are permitted to collect and publish results for trophy events.
DETERMINING CHAMPIONSHIP
11. (A) In Competitions where points are awarded, Team rankings within the Competition may be decided by points with three points to be awarded for a win and one point for a drawn Competition Match. The Teams gaining the highest number of points in their respective divisions at the end of the Playing Season shall be adjudged the winners. Competition Matches must not be played for double points.
In the event of two or more Teams being equal on points at the end of the Playing Season, rankings may be determined by a deciding match or matches played under conditions determined by the Management Committee, or the position shared.
(B) Automatic promotion shall be applied for the first Team and automatic relegation shall be applied for the last Team in each division except as provided for hereunder, subject to the provisions of Rule 2(L).
(i) Should one or more Teams withdraw from any one division after the Playing Season has commenced an equal number of Teams to those withdrawing in that division shall not be automatically relegated.
(ii) Vacancies occurring after the conclusion of the Playing Season may be filled in any of the following ways:
(a) retention of otherwise relegated Team(s); or
(b) additional promotion of the next ranked Team(s) from the division below;
(c) election
(iii) The last Team in the lowest division shall retire, but be eligible for re-election except as below, and be subject to the conditions of Rule 22 (B)(i) above.
(iv) Should either or both of the leading Teams in any of the divisions have a Team in the next higher division, promotion shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next highest Team or Teams in the division concerned.
(v) Should either or both of the relegated Teams in any of the divisions have a Team in the next lower division, relegation shall fall, at the discretion of the General Meeting, to the next lowest Team or Teams in the division concerned.
(C) In addition to the Team automatically promoted under Rule 12(B), a maximum of one further Team shall be promoted by virtue of being the winner of a play-off match or series of matches (the “Play-Offs). The eligibility criteria and format of the Play-Offs are as follows: teams in parallel leagues will play each other with 1st placed teams in parallel leagues playing for the trophy and last placed playing for relegation or re-election.
(D) In the event of a Team withdrawing from the Competition before completing 75% of its fixtures for the Playing Season all points obtained by or recorded against such defaulting Team shall be expunged from the Competition table. For the purposes of this Rule 12 (D) a completed fixture shall include any Competition Match(es) which has been awarded by the Management Committee.
MATCH OFFICIAL
12. (A) Registered referees (and assistant referees where approved by The FA or County FA) for all Competition Matches shall be appointed in a manner approved by the Management Committee and by the Sanctioning Authority. (Rule B applies in most inter schools football matches) Registered referees should always be used for Representative matches and in cup finals
(B) In cases where there are no officially appointed Match Officials in attendance, the teams shall agree upon a referee. An individual thus agreed upon shall, for that Competition Match, have the full powers, status and authority of a registered referee. Individuals under the age of 16 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any open age competition and individuals under the age of 14 must not participate either as a referee or assistant referee in any Competition Match. Referees between the ages of 14 and 16 are only eligible to officiate in competitions where the Players’ age band is at least one year younger than the age of the referee, for example a 15 year old referee may only officiate in competitions where the age banding is 14 or younger.
(C) Where assistant referees are not appointed each Team shall provide an assistant referee.
(D) The appointed referee shall have power to decide as to the fitness of the Ground in all Competition Matches and that decision shall be final, subject to the determination of the Local Authority or the owners of a Ground, which must be accepted.
(E) Subject to any limits/provisions laid down by the Sanctioning Authority, Match Officials appointed under this Rule shall be paid a match fee in accordance with the Fees Tariff and travel expenses of 30 pence per mile / or inclusive of travel expenses.
Match Officials will be paid their fees and/or expenses by the home team before/immediately after the Competition Match, unless otherwise ordered by the Management Committee.
(F) In the event of a Competition Match not being played because of circumstances over which the teams have no control, the Match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to half fee plus expenses. Where a Competition Match is not played owing to one team being in default, that team shall be ordered to pay the Match Officials, if they attend the Ground, their full fee and expenses.
(G) A referee not keeping his or her engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to their non-appearance, may be reported to the Affiliated Association with which he or she is registered.
(H) Each team shall, in a manner prescribed from time to time by The FA, award marks to the referee for each Competition Match and the name of the referee and the marks awarded shall be submitted to the Competition on the prescribed form provided. Teams failing to comply with this Rule shall be liable to be fined (in accordance with the Fines Tariff) or dealt with as the Management Committee shall determine.
(I) The Competition shall keep a record of the markings and, on the form provided by the prescribed date each Season, shall submit a summary to The FA/County FA.
(J) The referee shall submit a report form, supplied by the Competition, giving the result of the Competition Match, the number of Players in each Team and the time of kick-off to the Fixtures Secretary within five days of the Competition Match.
(K) Match Officials shall be supplied, each season, with a copy of the Competition Rules free of charge.
(L) Match Officials shall have undertaken a RESPECT briefing offered by The Competition.
SCHEDULE A

PROTEST/APPEAL FEES £25.00
13 (E) REFEREE FEES As agreed with Sanctioning Authority
13 (E) ASSISTANT REFEREE FEES As agreed with Sanctioning Authority