1. Ethos:
The Bristol Corinthians League aspires for all teams playing within it to adhere to the ‘Corinthian Spirit.’ Trying to win is perfectly fine, but trying to win by any means necessary is not. In our league the spirit in which the game is played is more important than the result.

• All games should be played in a friendly manner, with a spirit of co-operation between the teams. Sportsmanship and good conduct of players and officials are the most highly prized commodities in our league. Players should behave courteously and with good humour towards one another and officials at all times.
• Physical, sexual, racist, sexist or homophobic abuse of opponents and officials is completely unacceptable.
• Violent conduct towards opponents or officials is also completely unacceptable. Players should be in control of themselves at all times, never risking the safety of an opponent through a reckless action during the game.
• If an individual within a team is unable to adhere to these principles it is the responsibility of the manager to deal appropriately with that individual. This could mean a temporary substitution to allow the player to calm down, or a complete removal from the game if necessary.
• Referees and match officials should be treated with the highest degree of respect. Decisions should be accepted without complaint. Officiating a BCL game should be a pleasure for any official, not a chore.
• If a foul is committed then the offending player should always offer an apology to their opponent.

2. Players:

• All players must be aged 35 years and over. (45 years and over in the over 45’s league, 50 and over in the 50’s league)
• Players aged between 30 and 35 (40 and 45 in the over 45’s/45 and 50 in the over 50’s) are permissible, up to a maximum of 2 within a team’s matchday squad.
• Players under 30 (under 40 in the over 45’s/45 in the over 50’s) are only allowed in exceptional circumstances such as:

- An under aged goalkeeper is permitted if no other is available.

- One son or daughter of a legitimate player per matchday squad is allowed, as the league supports the idea of a parent and their child being able to play in the same team. However, if the youngster is so good that they dominate the game or make a significant difference to the result because of their superior fitness or ability, then the opposition manager can request that they be substituted.

- If there is no other way for a team to raise an XI then it can be mutually agreed between the two managers to allow younger players. This MUST be agreed before match day, not be presented as a fait accompli on the day.

• As a matter of courtesy, opposition managers MUST be made aware of under aged players before the game kicks off.
• There is no limit to the number of subs or substitutions. Substitutions may be made during a break in play at the referee’s discretion on a roll on/roll off basis.
• Mixed teams of men and women are permitted.

3. Matches:

• Teams are responsible for arranging their own fixtures. Teams must arrange home fixtures at the earliest opportunity, ideally on the date allocated on the league website. Changes from the original fixture schedule can be mutually agreed between two clubs, any such changes should be notified to the website.
• All teams must provide the league website with the email address and mobile number for two contacts.
• Home teams must re-confirm with the opposition that the fixture is going ahead ten days before the match.
• Once a fixture is scheduled, then the latest time that a team can request for the fixture to be rescheduled is ten days before the arranged date. If a club pulls out of a fixture within the ten day window, then the opposing team may claim a 3-0 walkover if they choose to do so.
• All teams must complete a minimum of 4 league games before Christmas.
• Any issues with contacting a particular opponent must be reported to the league at the earliest opportunity.
• Cup fixtures must take priority and must be completed by the cut off dates set by the league. The League reserves the right to award a walkover where a team has failed to make adequate efforts to play a cup match on time.
• The dates of the cup finals are fixed and cannot be adjusted. If a team cannot make the given date then they are deemed to have forfeited the game.
• Games are preferably to be played on grass. They may be played on artificial pitches if these are of at least 3G standard or above. Teams may refuse to play on old style sand based asrtroturf.
• The cost of hiring a pitch for a match shall, unless otherwise agreed by both teams, be split 50/50, with the away team ensuring they pay their 50% on the day of the game, in cash or by bank transfer.
• In the event of a late cancellation for a game to be played on a pitch paid for in advance, the club responsible for cancelling the game should bear the full cost of the pitch hire. Late cancellation is defined as within the ten day period outlined above.
• Home sides are to provide a referee, both sides are to provide an assistant referee. Home sides should endeavor to provide a neutral referee. Referees fees are to be split equally between the home and away teams.
• Matches are to be 90 minutes in duration, unless otherwise agreed before kick off by the two managers.
• Cup games which end in a draw go straight to penalties, no period of extra time is to be played.

4. Administration:

• All outstanding League subscriptions must be paid by the date agreed at the AGM. Clubs who fail to make this payment by cut-off date will be deemed to have left the League.
• After league expenses have been paid, the remaining monies will be paid out in charitable donations, nominated by championship and cup winning sides from each division of the league and the Corinthian cup winners.
• All clubs should complete details on the website for the address and postcode of their (main) pitch, home kit colours etc.
• Each club is responsible for obtaining its own insurance cover.
• Home and away teams must report results and match reports to the League via the website as soon as possible after the completion of a fixture.

5. Traffic light system for reporting poor behaviour:

• The expectation of teams in the league is that all games will be played with due regard for the Corinthian spirit. Unless the committee is informed otherwise, the assumption is that all games will meet this standard and therefore achieve GREEN status.
• Teams who achieve GREEN status in all their games will enter a draw at the end of the season to be awarded the Corinthian cup.
• In the event a team believes an opponent has failed to meet this standard, the committee must be informed at the earliest opportunity.
• An AMBER report indicates that whilst there were incidents that caused concern, these were not of a serious enough nature to warrant an investigation. Amber reports will be kept as a record and only referred to in case of future misconduct.
• More serious breaches of the spirit are to be reported to the committee as a RED report. The committee will then investigate the incidents and if the report is upheld will either issue a final warning to the offending team or expel them from the league.
• In the event of expulsion, subs will be non-refundable.
• A list of unacceptable infringements of the spirit will be issued along with the updated rules for each new season.

Source: Bristol Corinthians League website (April 2022)