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Regulations

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1. In these Rules, the following words and expressions have the following meanings:

1.1.1.  ‘Association Trained Player’ means a Player who, between the age of 15 (or the start of the Season during which the Player turns 15) and 21 (or the end of the Season during which the Player turns 21), and irrespective of his nationality and age, has been registered with a Club or with other clubs affiliated to the FAW for a period, continuous or not, of three entire Seasons (or of 36 months). In the context of this paragraph, the Season immediately preceding a player’s 15th birthday may be counted if his birthday is after the last Match of the League in that Season but before or on 30 June, and the Season immediately following his 21st birthday may be counted if his birthday is on or after 1 July but before the first Match of the League in that Season.

1.1.2‘Authorised Kit’ means each Match playing kit approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 15 below;

1.1.3. Board’ means the committee of the FAW constituted in accordance with the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations in order to administer the League from time to time.

1.1.4. ‘Business Day’ means a day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a public or bank holiday in Wales.

1.1.5. ‘Chair' means the Chair of the Board who shall be appointed by the FAW Council.

1.1.6. ‘Clear Days' in relation to the period of notice means that period excluding the day when notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on which it is to take effect

1.1.7. 'Club' means an association football club which is for the time being a member of the League or (where the context requires) a prospective member or a former member of the League.

1.1.8‘Club Trained Player’ means a Player who, between the age of 15 (or the start of the Season during which he turns 15) and 21 (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21), and irrespective of his nationality and age, has been registered with his current Club for a period, continuous or not, of three entire Seasons or of 36 months. In the context of this paragraph, the Season immediately preceding a Player’s 15th birthday may be counted if his birthday is after the last Match of the League in that Season but before or on 30 June, and the Season immediately following his 21st birthday may be counted if his birthday is on or after 1 July but before the first Match of the League in that Season.

1.1.9. ‘FAW’ means the Football Association of Wales Ltd.

1.1.10. ‘FAW Regulations’ means the regulations, standing orders, byelaws, orders, codes, policies, procedures, directives and instructions for the time being of the FAW.

1.1.11. ‘FAW Rules’ means the Rules for the time being of the FAW.

1.1.12‘General Manager’ means the general manager of the League or any other person appointed by the FAW to perform the duties of the general manager from time to time.

1.1.13. ‘General Meeting’ means any meeting of the Clubs and shall include the Annual General Meeting and any Extraordinary General Meetings called in accordance with Rule 4 below.

1.1.14. ‘Home Club’ means the Club on whose ground any Match should be or should have been played and where ground sharing is in operation the Club whose name first appears on the relevant Match details issued by the Board and ‘Visiting Club’ means the other Club due to play in the relevant Match.

1.1.15. ‘League’ means the Cymru Premier League, as such name may be amended from time to time by the Board with the approval of the FAW directors to include the name of a title sponsor.

1.1.16‘Locally Trained Player’ means either a Club-Trained Player or an Association Trained Player.

1.1.17. ‘Match’ means any association football match played in the League including (where the context requires) the Play-Offs.

1.1.18. ‘Match Officials’ means the Referee, Assistant Referees and any Fourth Official for a Match.

1.1.19. ‘Official’ means any director, secretary or other duly authorised representative of a Club.

1.1.20. ‘Phase 1’ and ‘Phase 2’ have the meanings given in Rule 16 below.

1.1.21. ‘Player’ means any male association football player, whether or not registered with the FAW to play for a Club.

1.1.22Player List Submission – The date and time by which the Club must submit the Player List to the General Manager, using the systems and procedures as set by the FAW from time to time.

1.1.23‘Playing Season’ is as defined in the FAW Rules.

1.1.24. ‘Play-Offs’ has the meaning given in Rule 17 below.

1.1.25.Rules’ means these Rules of the League as amended from time to time.

1.1.26. ‘Scale of Fines’ means the scale of fines referred to in Rule 34 below.

1.1.27. 'Season' is as defined in the FAW Rules.

1.1.28. ‘Sponsorship Rights’ means any and all sponsorship rights worldwide in perpetuity relating to the League, including rights to use League designations (such as title sponsor, official sponsor, official partner and/or official supplier of the League), League advertising rights, rights to use League logos, rights to League press and other public relations campaigns, rights to League licensing, merchandising and promotions but excluding Transmission Rights.

1.1.29. ‘Sponsorship Contracts’ means any and all contracts entered into by the FAW and/or its agents and licensees in or ancillary to the exercise of the Sponsorship Rights.

1.1.30. ‘Team Sheet’ means the sheet as provided by the League from time to time listing the numbers, surnames and first names of the Players in the relevant Club team’s Match day squad, together with the surnames and first names of Officials to be seated on the substitutes’ bench for a Match.

1.1.31. ‘Tier 1 Licence’ has the meaning given in Rule 5 below.

1.1.32. ‘Transmission Rights means the sole and exclusive worldwide right in perpetuity to record (a) television or other moving pictures of any Match; (b) sounds of and/or commentary upon any Match and (c) data relating to any Match (and, in each case, have sole and exclusive access to the ground of each Club to do so) and transmit and/or exploit and/or otherwise make available the whole or any part of such recordings in any language and whether live and/or delayed by any and all manner and means in all current and future media including by terrestrial, cable and satellite television, radio, internet and mobile networks and whether to the public or closed groups, and to authorise others to do so.

1.1.33. ‘Transmission Contracts’ means any and all contracts entered into by the FAW and/or its agents and licensees in or ancillary to the exercise of the Transmission Rights.

1.1.34. ‘The Scottish Challenge Cup’ means The Scottish Professional Football League Challenge Cup, currently known as the SPFL Trust Trophy, to which the FAW may receive an invitation for two representatives annually.

1.1.35. ‘UEFA Licence’ has the meaning give in Rule 17 below.

1.1.36. ‘Welsh Cup’ means the FAW Challenge Cup.

1.2. A reference to a person includes a body corporate and an unincorporated body of persons.

1.3. Referring to natural persons include both genders. The singular case applies to the plural and vice versa.

1.4. The headings in these Rules are inserted for ease of reference and do not affect the interpretation of these Rules.

1.5. The terms ‘include’, ‘including’, ‘for example’, ‘such as’ and ‘in particular’ or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative, without limiting the sense or scope of the words preceding them.

2. GENERAL

2.1. These Rules have been prepared in accordance with FAW Rule 28.

2.2. Acceptance of membership of the League shall constitute an agreement between the Club concerned and the FAW, to be bound by and comply with these Rules, such agreement to be effective from the date of the Club’s admission to the League and to terminate from the date a Club ceases to be a member of the League.

2.3. In addition to these Rules, all Clubs shall be bound by and comply with:

2.3.1.  The FAW Rules and FAW Regulations; and

2.3.2.  The Laws of the Game.

In the event that any of these Rules conflict with the FAW Rules or FAW Regulations the FAW Rules or FAW Regulations shall prevail.

3. THE BOARD

3.1. The business of the League shall be conducted by the Board which, subject to the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations, shall have jurisdiction over all matters relating to the administration of the League and the conduct of Clubs.

3.2. The Board shall consist of members as decided by the FAW Council from time to time.

3.3. The President of the League shall be the President of the FAW for the time being.

3.4. The Board shall from its own number, appoint and elect such sub-committees as it deems necessary for the efficient management of the business of the League and may delegate to such sub-committees such of its powers as the Board deems appropriate.

3.5. In the event of the voting at any meeting of the Board being equal, the Chairman of such meeting shall have a second casting vote.

3.6. The Board shall defray out of the funds of the League all expenses in respect of the administration of the League. A member of the Board may be paid out of League funds such expenses incurred through attendance at meetings of, or in connection with, the League, as the Board may approve.

3.7. The Board may do all such acts and exercise all such powers as may be required to give effect to the provisions of these Rules. Save for those matters which in the first instance are to be dealt with or determined by other bodies of the FAW in accordance with the FAW Rules or FAW Regulations, the Board shall in the first instance determine all breaches of these Rules or other matters of misconduct or dispute by or between Clubs, Players, Officials or other personnel directly or indirectly involved with the League. The Board shall have the power to impose fines not exceeding £15,000 and any other sanctions (including deduction of points or suspension from the League) as the Board shall consider appropriate, subject always to the rights of appeal and (if applicable) the Scale of Fines hereinafter mentioned.

3.8. The Board shall normally meet in each month, but the General Manager shall either of their own volition, or otherwise on the requisition of any three (3) members of the Board, summon a meeting of the Board at any other time.

3.9. The Board shall cause minutes to be retained:

3.9.1.  of the names of the members of the Panel present at each meeting thereof and of any sub-committees; and

3.9.2.  of all proceedings and decisions at General Meetings and at all meetings of the Board

The General Manager shall cause such minutes to be circulated to members of the Board, the FAW Council and to the Clubs following ratification by the directors of the FAW.

3.10. The Board may act notwithstanding any temporary vacancy of any member

3.11. All acts done by any meeting of the Board or by any person acting as representative of the Board shall, notwithstanding that it is afterwards discovered that there was some defect in the appointment of any person so acting or that any person so acting was disqualified, be as valid as if such a person had been duly appointed and qualified.

3.12. Each member of the Board shall be furnished with a pass (which shall not be transferable) and all Clubs shall admit the holder to their grounds and stands to all Matches and to all Welsh Cup matches.

3.13. In relation to any matter not specifically addressed in these Rules the Board shall, subject to the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations, have the power to take such action and make such decisions, orders and impose such penalties as it deems necessary and to follow such procedure as it considers appropriate.

3.14. All decisions made by the Board shall be subject to the approval of the directors of the FAW.

4. GENERAL MEETINGS

4.1. The Annual General Meeting of the League shall be held in each year at a date, time and place to be determined by the Board. 

4.2. The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, convene an Extraordinary General Meeting at a date, time and place to be determined by the Board.  The Board shall also, upon a requisition made to the League in writing signed by duly authorised representatives of not less than two thirds (2/3rds) of the Clubs, convene an Extraordinary General Meeting at a date, time and place to be determined by the Board.

4.3. The General Manager shall notify all Clubs and the members of the Board of the date, time and place of all General Meetings not less than seven (7) Clear Days in advance, such notice to contain basic details of the matters to be discussed. Short notice can be given with the consent of the Board and all such Clubs.

4.4. Each Club shall be entitled to have two (2) representatives and one (1) vote at any General Meeting.  Each Club shall ensure that at least one (1) representative attends each General Meeting but the meeting, if validly convened, may proceed in their absence. Each Club shall prior to the General Meeting in question notify the General Manager of the identity of the Club’s representatives and which representative shall be entitled to cast the Club’s vote. Votes may only be cast by representatives personally and voting by proxy shall not be permitted. Any resolution at a General Meeting must have the support of two thirds (2/3rds) of the Clubs present at the meeting.  The attendees for each Annual General Meeting (a) must include at least one (1) representative of any Club that has been promoted to the League for the following Playing Season, and each such Club shall be entitled to vote at that meeting; and (b) may include a representative of any Club that has been relegated from the League for the following Playing Season, but each such Club shall not be entitled to vote at that meeting.

4.5. The Chair of the Board shall be the Chair at all General Meetings but in their absence the members of the Board present shall choose one of their number to be Chair.

4.6. The directors of the FAW shall have the power to veto any resolution of the Clubs at a General Meeting.

4.7. Each Club shall ensure that its Chair (or a deputy satisfactory to the Board) attends the annual Club Chairs’ Meeting but the meeting, if validly convened, may proceed in their absence.

4.8. The Board may permit attendance and/or voting at any of the above meetings by electronic means.

5. FAW TIER 1 CLUB LICENSING

Only those Clubs and prospective Clubs which attain a FAW Tier 1 Men's licence (‘Tier 1 Licence’) under the FAW’s Tier 1 Club Licensing Regulations shall be eligible for membership of the League in the Season which next commences after the grant of such Tier 1 Licence. 

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS

The annual subscription of each Club to the League shall be £500 or such other sum as shall be determined by the Board from time to time. All annual subscriptions shall be paid before the start of the League in each Playing Seasonusing the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. Any Club whose subscription has not been paid before the start of the League in each Playing Season, shall not be entitled to be represented at any General Meeting until the same shall have been paid.

7. ACCOUNTS

The FAW shall cause proper annual accounts to be kept of all income and expenditure of the League to 30th June in each year and shall lay the said accounts before the Annual General Meeting of the League for the information of the Clubs. The FAW shall be solely responsible for the manner in which the income of the League is expended. 

8. NOTICES

Any notice or other communication to be given in accordance with these Rules shall be delivered in accordance with Rule 144 of the FAW Rules. All notices sent to the Clubs shall be sent to the secretary of the Club whose name, address, email address and telephone number(s) shall be notified by the Club to the General Manager. Any notice or other communication to be served on the League shall be addressed to the General Manager at FAW, Vale Resort, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY, or by email to such email address issued for such purpose by the League from time to time, or via such online system or procedure prescribed by the FAW from time to time. Proof of service shall be in accordance with Rule 144 of the FAW Rules.

9. INDEMNITY

Any member of the Board who is not a director of the FAW shall be indemnified out of the assets of the FAW in identical form to the indemnity contained in article 47 of the Articles of Association of the FAW.

10. ALTERATIONS TO THESE RULES

10.1 No alteration in these Rules shall be made until they have been approved by the FAW in accordance with Rule 30 of the FAW Rules. Alterations to these Rules shall only be made at the Annual General Meeting or at Extraordinary General Meeting convened under Rule 4 above for that purpose. Any alteration to these Rules must be supported by at least two thirds (2/3rds) of those present and eligible to vote at such meeting. 

10.2 Club proposals for alterations to these Rules together with the name of their Club proposers and seconders shall be received by the General Manager no later than the 1st March prior to the date fixed for the Annual General Meeting in any year. The Board may also propose alterations to these Rules to be considered at an appropriate Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting. 

11. DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS, DISPUTES, APPEALS, INDEPENDENT ARBITRATION AND SANCTIONS

Provisions relating to disciplinary procedures, disputes, appeals, independent arbitration, penalties, sanctions and other powers shall be dealt with in accordance with the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations including Section E and Rule 146 of the FAW Rules.

12. REGISTRATIONS, CONTRACTS AND TRANSFERS

12.1 Provisions relating to Player registrations, contracts and transfers shall (if as so far as applicable) be dealt with in accordance with these Rules and the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations including Section H of the FAW Rules.

12.2 All Player registration and transfer forms and any other applicable documents must be received by the FAW (in each case, using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time) by 5pm on the last Business Day prior to the Match in which the Club wishes the Player to participate. 

12.3 Each Club is responsible for submitting an A list of players (‘List A’) and a B list of players (‘List B’), using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. These lists must include the name, date of birth, shirt number, shirt name and nationality of all Players to be fielded in the League in the relevant Playing Season. Each Club’s initial List A and List B for the Playing Season must be submitted by 5pm on the last Business Day prior to the Club’s first League Match of that Playing Season.

12.4 No Club may have more than twenty five (25) Players on List A during the Playing Season. As a minimum, eight (8) places on List A are reserved exclusively for Locally Trained Players and no Club may have more than four (4) Association Trained Players listed in these eight (8) places on List A. Each Club’s List A must specify the Players who qualify as being Locally Trained Players, as well as whether they are Club-Trained Players or Association Trained Players.

12.5 If a Club has fewer than eight (8) Locally Trained Players on List A, then the maximum number of Players that the Club may have on List A is reduced by the same number as the shortfall.

12.6 Changes to List A may be made as follows: 

(a)  during a Professional Registration Period;

(b)  between the closure of the first Professional Registration Period and the opening of the second Professional Registration Period in any Season, a Club may register a maximum of one (1) new eligible Player on List A, provided that the quota of Locally Trained Players is still respected; and/or

(c)  between the closure of the second Professional Registration Period until the end of the Playing Season, a Club may register a maximum of one (1) new eligible player on List A after the above-mentioned deadlines, provided that the quota of Locally Trained Players is still respected.

12.7 If the registration of such new Players causes the number of Players on List A to exceed twenty five (25), then the Club must remove the necessary number of currently registered Players to reduce the List A to twenty five (25) players again. The quota of the Locally Trained Players must be respected when registering new Players. Newly registered Players must wear set numbers which have not previously been assigned for that Playing Season.

12.8 Each Club is entitled to register an unlimited number of eligible Players on List B during the Season. Changes to List B must be submitted by no later than 5pm on the last Business Day prior to the Match in question.

12.9 A Player may be registered on List B when he has attained the age of sixteen (16) years but has not attained the age of nineteen (19) years before the 1st September of the Playing Season concerned. A maximum of two (2) fifteen (15) year-old Players may also be registered on List B, subject to FAW Rule 85A.

12.10 Each Club must include at least two (2) recognised goalkeepers on List A and at least three (3) in total on List A and List B combined.

12.11 If a Club does not re-submit either List A or List B by the given deadlines set out in this Rule 12, then the previously submitted List A or List B remains applicable.

12.12 Each Club is solely responsible for ensuring that a Player is eligible for inclusion on either List A or List B respectively.

13. SUBSTITUTES

13.1 A Club at its discretion may use up to five (5) substitutes during a Match except to replace a Player or Players who have been sent off or suspended from the Match by the Referee. Substitutions can only be made when the play has been stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission.

13.2 During a Match, each Club:

- shall have a maximum of three (3) substitution opportunities; and

- may in addition make substitutions at half-time in normal time.

Where both Clubs make a substitution at the same time, this will count as a substitution opportunity used by each Club.

13.3 The name(s) and numbers of the substitute(s) must be nominated to the Referee on the Team Sheet in accordance with Rule 21 below. Both Clubs should take their own substitute boards to all Matches to assist with the substitution procedure. Clubs may nominate up to seven (7) substitutes for each Match.​​​​​​​

Both Clubs may nominate up to seven (7) substitutes for a Match. However, if a Club wishes to nominate more than five (5) substitutes, then the additional one (1) or two (2) substitute(s) must be Youth Substitutes. “Youth Substitute” means a Player who has not reached the age of 19 by 31st August in the relevant Playing Season.

 

14. INELIGBILE PLAYERS

14.1. No Club may play an ineligible Player in any Match.  Any Club which plays an ineligible player in a Match will have three (3) points deducted from its League record for that Playing Season (or in the case of a Play-Off Match, will forfeit the Match) and will also be liable to a fine. If the Player is a nominated but unused substitute for a Match, he shall be deemed as not having played for the Club in that Match.

14.2. A Club must not nominate a Player as a substitute for a Match unless he is a duly registered Player for the Club with the FAW and eligible to play in the Match. 

15. AUTHORISED KITS 

15.1. By 24th June, each Club shall submit three (3) goalkeeper kits and at least two (2), and up to three (3), outfield kits to the General Manager, in writing, in PDF format, full details of their proposed Match kit colours (comprising shirts, shorts and socks for outfield players in both home and change kit versions, and including any proposed sponsor logos) for the forthcoming Playing Season, and, once approved by the Board (each such kit then being an “Authorised Kit”), such details shall be published in the League Handbook for that Playing Season. The Authorised Kits shall be worn during the relevant Playing Season and no changes of either colours or combination of colours shall be permitted during the course of the Playing Season except: (a) when the colours of two competing Clubs are alike or similar the Visiting Club shall change to another kit approved in writing by the Board (or, in an emergency, approved by the Referee) that does not include any of the basic colour of the Authorised Kits of the Home Club; and (b) Club may submit a request in writing to the General Manager at least fourteen (14) days before a Match to wear an alternative special kit (for example, a charity kit or a new Playing Season launch kit) and may wear such a kit if it obtains prior written approval from the Board.

15.2. Each goalkeeper shall play each Match in a kit clearly distinguishable from the colours of the shirts worn by all outfield players and Match Officials and the other goalkeeper. 

15.3. If undershorts or tights or undersocks or undershirts are to be worn by a Player in a Match, they must be of a colour approved by the Board in relation to the applicable Authorised Kit prior to the relevant Playing Season and they must comply with Laws of the Game.​​​​​​​If undershorts or tights or undersocks or undershirts are to be worn by a Player in a Match, they must be of a colour approved by the Board in relation to the applicable Authorised Kit prior to the relevant season.

15.4. No Club shall be permitted to register or play a Match in shirts the colour of which is likely to cause confusion with the outfits worn by Referees and Assistant Referees. Both Clubs must confirm the outfield and goalkeeper kits in accordance with Rule 18.9 below, using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time.

15.5. The Players’ shirts for each Match must be clearly named and numbered in accordance with the Team Sheet handed to the Referee before the Match and there must be no change of numbers during the Match except if there is a change of goalkeeper. The captain of each team shall wear a distinguishing arm band to indicate his status. 

15.6. Each Club shall allocate two (2) additional squad numbers and shirts at the beginning of the Playing Season so that they can immediately be assigned to new Player signings. An unmarked blood shirt is also required by every team at every Match.

15.7. Clubs wishing to make alterations to their Authorised Kits after the date set by the Board under Rule 15.1 above, must make an application to the Board for their prior written approval. 

15.8. The Board may require all Players participating in Matches to carry the League’s and/or a League sponsor’s logo on both sleeves of their shirts. The Champion Club may also wear a domestic titles logo and/or stars, subject to the prior written approval of the Board.​​​​​​​

15.9. Each Home Club must ensure that sufficient ball kids and/or other personnel are on duty at each Match to ensure a speedy and safe return of the football to the field of play. The colours of the clothing worn by any such ball kids and/or other personnel for each Match must not clash with those of either of the competing teams or Match Officials. 

15.10. All kits for Matches must comply with FAW Kit Regulations.

16. LEAGUE FORMAT, CHAMPIONS, PROMOTION AND RELEGATION 

16.1. The League will comprise a maximum of twelve-(12) member Clubs in each Playing Season. The Board shall determine annually the date on which Matches in each Playing Season shall commence. The Board shall fix the date in the following year on which the normal Playing Season of the League shall terminate.​​​​​​​

16.2. A Club may not enter its first team in any other competition except the League Cup, the Welsh Cup, the Scottish Challenge Cup , UEFA club competitions and any invitational competition approved in writing in advance by the Board. The General Manager must be promptly informed by the relevant Club in advance of all proposed fixtures to be played (and afterwards all results of fixtures played) by its first team in any competition other than the League.

16.3. In each Playing Season, the Clubs will initially play Matches against each other on a home and away basis, giving a maximum total of twenty two (22) Matches per Club (‘Phase 1’), following which the League will be split into two (2) groups, the first comprising the six (6) highest placed Clubs and the second comprising the remaining lowest placed Clubs, with points already gained carried forward. Each group of Clubs will then play each other on a home and away basis, giving a total of a further maximum ten (10) Matches per Club (‘Phase 2’).  The first group consisting of the six (6) highest placed clubs will be known as the ‘Championship Conference’. The second group consisting of the remaining lowest placed clubs will be known as the ‘Play-Off Conference’ (and each is a ‘Conference’ and together the ‘Conferences’). Following the formation of the Conferences, no Club from either Conference can be moved from one Conference to another and no Club from the Play-Off Conference can achieve a place higher in the League than any Club in the Championship Conference, even if during or at the end of Phase 2 the points total of a Club in the Play-Off Conference is greater than a Club Championship Conference.

16.4. All Matches shall be of ninety (90) minutes’ duration. Three (3) points will be awarded to a Club for a win in a Match at home or away, and one (1) point for a drawn Match at home or away.  At the end of each Playing Season’s League competition (comprising Phase 1 and Phase 2 but excluding the Play-Offs referred to in Rule 17 below), the Club from the Championship Conference scoring the largest number of total points shall be declared the League champion Club for that Playing Season.

16.5. Where two or more Clubs, in either Phase 1 or Phase 2, possess the same number of points, the following criteria will be applied in the order given to determine their rankings:

16.5.1.  Superior goal difference obtained in all League matches (Phase 1 and Phase 2);

16.5.2.  Higher or highest number of goals scored in all League matches (Phase 1 and Phase 2);

16.5.3.  Higher or highest number of points obtained in all League matches (Phase 1 and Phase 2) played among the Clubs in question;

16.5.4.  Superior goal difference obtained in all League matches played among the Clubs in question;

16.5.5.  Higher or highest number of goals scored in all League matches played among the teams in question;

16.5.6.  Higher or highest number of goals scored away from home in all League matches played among the teams in question;

16.5.7.  Higher or highest number of wins in all League matches;

16.5.8.  Higher or highest number of away wins in all League matches;

16.5.9.  Lower or lowest disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received in all League matches; and

16.5.10.  The Clubs concerned shall play-off, in a format as directed by the Board.

16.6. The League champion Club shall hold the League trophy for approximately one year. The FAW will be responsible for the engraving of the trophy. The Cup must be returned to the FAW not later than  1st March in the following Playing Season. In addition to the League trophy, the FAW shall present thirty (30) souvenirs to the League champion Club, twenty (25) for the Players and five (5) for the Officials of the Club.  Any additional medals must be purchased by the League champion Club. The date, time, and location of any such presentation shall be decided by the Board.​​​​​​​

16.7. Clubs shall be promoted to and relegated from the League in accordance with the FAW Regulations for the Pyramid League System and the FAW Rules.

16.8. If any Club ceases to operate between the Annual General Meeting and the commencement of the following Playing Season, no adjustments to the number of Clubs in membership of the League will be made. The remaining Clubs shall constitute the members of the League for that Playing Season.

16.9. A Club which for any reason ceases to operate at any time during Phase 1 shall have its playing record expunged. If the Club ceases to operate during Phase 2 before it completes its Matches, all of its playing record in Phase 2 shall be expunged but its results in Phase 1 shall stand. Any monies due to it from the FAW funds shall be withheld and from the date of the withdrawal no further payments shall become due to it.

16.10. A Club that enters into administration at any time during the Playing Season shall have ten (10) points deducted from its League playing record, and any monies due to it from FAW funds shall be withheld. A Club that enters into administration outside of the Playing Season shall have ten (10) points deducted from its League playing record in the Playing Season following the date on which it entered administration, and any monies due to it from the FAW funds shall be withheld unless and until the Club exits administration on a solvent basis.​​​​​​​  

17. QUALIFICATION FOR OTHER COMPETITIONS AND PLAY-OFFS

17.1. The League champion Club will be eligible to be nominated by the FAW for the UEFA Champions’ League for the following Playing Season and the runner-up Club will be eligible to be nominated by the FAW for the UEFA Europa Conference League, subject in each case to the Club having attained a UEFA Club competition licence (‘UEFA Licence’) in accordance with the relevant FAW club licensing regulations for the following Playing Season. If either Club does not attain the necessary UEFA Licence, the next highest placed Club will be eligible to be nominated by the FAW, subject to the Club having attained a UEFA Licence.

17.2. The third (3rd) to seventh (7th) placed Clubs in the League after Phase 1 and Phase 2 in each Playing Season will be eligible to participate in the League’s play-offs (‘Play-Offs’) for the third UEFA Europa Conference League place, subject in each case to the Club having attained both a Tier1 Licence and a UEFA Licence for the following Playing Season. The Play-Offs shall be organised by the Board and shall be considered as separate from Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the League in each Playing Season and the Play-Offs shall not count towards any Club’s final position in the League. These Rules shall apply to the Play-Offs, subject to any amendments deemed necessary by the Board. 

17.3. The Matches in Play-offs shall be played over one leg with the higher placed Club designated as the Home Team.  If five (5) Clubs qualify to participate in the Play-Offs, the 6th placed Club shall play the 7th placed Club first in a quarter final.  The winner of that Match shall qualify for the semi-finals, for which the draw shall be: 3rd v 6th or 7th and 4th v 5th.  If fewer than five (5) Clubs participate in the Play-Offs then the Play-Offs shall comprise only semi-final(s) and then a final.  The Home Club for each Match in the Play-Offs shall be the participating Club which finished the higher in the League after Phase 1 and Phase 2.  

17.4. The Matches in the Play-offs shall all be played over ninety (90) minutes.  If the result is a draw at the end of ninety (90) minutes play, the winners shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the Laws of the Game and any applicable IFAB procedures. 

17.5. The League champion Club will be eligible to be nominated by the FAW for the Scottish Challenge Cup for the following Playing Season, subject to the Club having met any eligibility criteria set by the FAW from time to time. If the League champion Club does not meet any eligibility criteria set by the FAW from time to time, the next highest placed Club which does will be eligible to be nominated by the FAW for the Scottish Challenge Cup.​​​​​​​ 

18. SCHEDULING OF MATCHES AND KICK-OFF TIMES

18.1. The Board shall determine how the Matches shall be arranged and rearranged over the Playing Season. The Board may change the schedule of Matches during the Playing Season to suit the overall interests of the League. The Matches shall take precedence over all competitions in which a Club may engage, with the exception of the Welsh Cup, UEFA club competitions and any invitational competition as agreed by the Board.   

18.2. The schedule of Matches shall be issued by the General Manager after consultation with the Clubs. The Home Club for each Match shall have the right to determine whether a weekend Match is to be played on a Friday evening or a Saturday or Sunday save that all weekday (Monday to Friday) evening fixtures when the distance between the Home Club and the Visiting Club is more than one hundred (100) miles shall only take place with the consent of both Clubs, unless chosen as a live televised Match as determined by the Board. 

18.3. At least fourteen (14) Clear Days prior written notice is required from Clubs wishing to re-arrange a Saturday Match to the preceding Friday evening, and each such notice period must exclude the new proposed date of the Match. A request made in less than this period of time will only be considered by the Board in exceptional circumstances.

18.4. Clubs shall not be required to play a Match (or a Scottish Challenge Cup match) within seventy (72) hours prior to, or within seventy (72) hours after playing a UEFA club competition match.

18.5. Unless mutually agreed by the Clubs concerned (with Board approval), the time of kick-off shall be: Saturday and Sunday matches: 2.30pm or as directed by the Board; and Evening matches: 7.45pm or as directed by the Board.​​​​​​​

18.6. In all Matches, the half-time interval shall not exceed fifteen (15) minutes. 

18.7. All agreed changes to time of kick-off shall be notified to the General Manager by the Home Club immediately for confirmation at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the Match. 

18.8. Clubs shall adhere to any additional requirements agreed by the Board and contained in the League broadcasters’ protocol to be provided to the Clubs by the General Manager at least two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of the Playing Season. 

18.9. Each Home Club shall confirm full kit colours (including goalkeeper) the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time at least five (5) days prior to the Match. The Visiting Club and Referee must also confirm full details (including goalkeeper) via the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time at least three (3) days prior to the Match. The Match Referee must confirm approval of both Clubs’ proposed kits with both Clubs and the General Manager via email at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to kick off. ​​​​​​​

18.10. Visiting Clubs shall also confirm in such match correspondence to Home Clubs if they will be attending post-Match hospitality or not. 

18.11. Where a Match is re-arranged or cancelled after the Match Officials have been appointed, it is the duty of the Home Club to notify the Match Officials of the cancellation of their appointments immediately. 

18.12. Clubs affected by the selection of two (2) or more players for International matches may be permitted by the Board to postpone their League Match on the days of such matches. Any requests to postpone Matches for this reason shall be made in writing to the General Manager within forty eight (48) hours of the relevant International squad announcement. Consideration shall be given regarding late call ups to the above-mentioned International matches. The League reserves the right to arrange Matches for those Clubs who do not have a scheduled Match.​​​​​​​

19. GATE RECEIPTS

Save as expressly stated in these Rules, the Home Club shall retain all gate receipts generated from each Match, including in the Play-Offs.

20. CONDITION OF GROUNDS AND POSTPONEMENTS

20.1. Any Match not completed may be ordered to stand as a completed Match or replayed for the full period of ninety (90) minutes, as the Board may direct. In the event of a Match not being played to a finish owing to fog or other causes over which neither Club has control, the Home Club shall take its own gate receipts of such uncompleted Match and the gate receipts of the replayed Match shall be divided on Welsh Cup tie terms, except that season ticket holders of the Home Club shall be admitted on producing their cards of membership.

20.2. In the event of a Match having to be postponed for any reason due to problems arising from one of the Clubs involved, their prospective opponents shall be compensated by them/or the League at the discretion of the Board.

20.3. In the case of the Visiting Club, should it have undertaken all or part of the journey, travelling expenses and meal allowance may be claimed based on the total mileage on the whole journey. The allowance will be as assessed by the Board up to a maximum of £500.

20.4. Details of the compensation claim by either/both Clubs shall be placed before the Board, with all the details clearly itemised.

20.5. When a Match is postponed, both Clubs shall endeavour to agree an alternative Match date within seven (7) days and, once a date is agreed, the Home Club shall immediately notify the General Manager of the proposed date, for the approval of the Board. If the Clubs fail to agree within the seven (7) day period, the Board shall impose a date without right of appeal by either Club.​​​​​​​

20.6. The postponement of a Match due to ground conditions must be carried out in accordance with this Rule. No Club shall postpone the playing of a Match on account of apparent unfitness of its ground, the Referee being the sole person to decide as to the fitness after inspection. In bad weather, or where it seems apparent that there is not a possibility of the Match being played, it shall be obligatory for the Home Club to call in the most senior FAW qualified referee available, to give a ruling as to the fitness after consultation with the General Manager. The time of any inspection shall be by mutual agreement between the two Clubs taking into account the travelling time of the visiting Club. In case of dispute, the General Manager shall decide the time of any inspection.

20.7. In the event of the available referee declaring the ground unfit, the Home Club shall notify the Visiting Club and the Match Officials forthwith by email and telephone call to avoid all unnecessary expense in travelling. The Visiting Club shall forthwith acknowledge receipt of such notice. If the Home Club does not receive an acknowledgement promptly, the Home Club shall forthwith notify the General Manager. 

20.8. If the available referee does not declare the ground unfit, a final decision shall be made by the Match Referee upon their arrival at the ground (each such Referee taking into account that Referees should not hastily postpone or abandon Matches). A Match Official conducting ground inspections shall be entitled to an inspection fee, as set by the FAW Referees Committee from time to time, and travelling expenses to be met by the League.​​​​​​​

20.9. When a Club obtains the approval of the Board to postpone a Match because of an epidemic or similar affecting the availability of its Players, that Club shall be liable to pay any direct expenses (if any) incurred by the opposing Club as a result of the postponement.

20.10. Requests for the postponement of a Match for any reason will not be considered more than forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled time of kick-off.

20.11. Medical Certificates for those Players affected sent signed by the Player’s own doctor must be forwarded to the General Manager within fourteen (14) days of the postponement, along with the full list of Professional Players and Amateur Players currently engaged by the Club during the season, giving full reasons against each name for that Player’s unavailability.

21. TEAM SHEETS AND STRENGTH OF TEAMS

21.1. Both Match Team Sheets must be completed at least seventy five (75) minutes before kick-off of each Match (except at least ninety (90) minutes before kick-off of any Match to be transmitted “live” on terrestrial or digital television) using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. 

21.2. Any Club altering its team selection or numbering after Team Sheets have been exchanged will be subject to any action decided upon by the Board. After the validated Team Sheets have been submitted by both Clubs, and if the Match has not yet kicked off, no replacement is allowed except in the following cases:

21.2.1. If any of the eleven (11) Players indicated on the Team Sheet as forming the starting eleven (11) Players are not able to start the Match due to physical incapacity, they may only be replaced by any of the substitutes listed on the initial Team Sheet. The substitute(s) in question may then only be replaced by a registered Player (or Players) not listed on the initial Team Sheet, so that the quota of substitutes is not reduced. During the Match, five (5) Players may still be substituted.

21.2.2.  If any of the substitutes listed on the Team Sheet are not able to be fielded due to physical incapacity, they may only be replaced by a registered Player not listed on the initial Team Sheet.

21.2.3.  If none of the goalkeepers listed on the Team Sheet are able to be fielded due to physical incapacity, they may be replaced by registered goalkeeper Player not listed on the initial Team Sheet.

21.2.4.  The Club concerned must, upon request, provide the Board with the necessary medical certificates.

21.3. The League’s standard form Team Sheet shall be used by each Club, using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time.

21.4. Each Club shall play its full-strength team in all Matches and shall be prepared to kick off at the advertised time unless an explanation is offered which is deemed satisfactory by the Board.

22. MATCH-DAY PASSES

22.1. Each Home Club will issue to the Visiting Club:

22.1.1.  A Match Accreditation to cover eighteen (18) Players plus up to eight (8) Officials (including team manager, assistant coach and physiotherapist) with access to the relevant changing room, pitch, substitutes bench and technical area and other relevant areas within the ground on Match day, and 

22.1.2.  Passes to give access to the ground and directors’ boardroom for ten (10) directors on Match day. 

22.1.3.  Match accreditation to cover up to an additional (5) five Players from Player List A or Player List B with access to the relevant changing room, pitch and seats and other relevant areas within the ground on Match day.

22.2. Additional passes or tickets to give access to the ground for the Match must be issued upon request from the Visiting Club, up to a maximum of six (6), provided it is understood that such requests must be restricted to bona-fide Club directors.

22.3. Ten (10) League passes will be issued to each Club. The passes are for ground admission and stand for all Matches (subject to availability) but will not guarantee admittance into the Club boardroom or directors’ box. The passes are transferable.

23. SUBSTITUTES BENCHES AND TECHINCAL AREAS

23.1. At each Match:

23.1.1. up to thirteen (13) Players and Officials in total (of which no more than seven(7) may be the substitutes nominated in accordance with Rule 13.3 above, or the Players they have replaced on the field of play) may sit on the substitutes’ bench of the relevant Club in the designated technical area. The full name of each person and their function must be listed on the Team Sheet.

23.1.2.  Only one (1) person at a time from the relevant Club may stand in the designated technical area.  Only one (1) person at a time from the relevant Club may convey tactic instructions from the designated technical area. 

23.1.3.  The Emergency Aid Officer role is as defined in the FAW’s Tier 1 Club Licensing Regulations. The person on duty as Emergency Aid Officer shall be either the Club’s incumbent Emergency Aid Officer in accordance with the Club’s Tier 1 Licence or, in exceptional circumstances, a replacement who is appropriately qualified in accordance with the FAW’s Tier 1 Club Licensing Regulations.

23.1.4.  During the Match, substitutes are allowed to leave the designed technical area to warm up. The Referee may determine exactly where they may warm up and how many substitutes are allowed to warm up simultaneously but in any event, no more than three (3) in total from each Club. A Club Official (as indicated on the Team Sheet) may join the substitutes warming up and, if so, is responsible for compliance with the Referee’s instructions.  Each Club participating in a Match must have two (2) sets of warm up bibs available to present to the Referee before the Match.  The Referee will decide which bibs the substitutes must wear during their warm-ups.

23.1.5.  Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes) is not allowed in the technical area during Matches.

23.1.6.  Three home and three away bibs to be placed opposite the technical areas in preparation for substitutions (as players are now expected to leave the field at the nearest point after being substituted).

23.1.7.  The use of any electronic communication equipment and/or systems is regulated by the Laws of the Game and the relevant instructions issued. Under no circumstances may any such systems be used by teams in connection with any kind of refereeing decision or matter.

24. RESULT/REPORT FORMS

Each Club competing in a Match shall send the completed standard electronic Result Form to the General Manager within thirty (30) minutes of the final whistle, using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. The Referee shall send the completed standard Referee’s Report Form to the General Manager within sixty (60) minutes of the final whistle, using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. The Referee’s Report Form must be complete in all details, including the result of the Match, the full names of the Players taking part in the Match, the names of the substitutes and details of any substitutions made (including the Match time when the substitution was made), and details of any yellow cards and red cards issued (including the Match time when the card was issued). 

25. MATCH OFFICIALS

25.1. The FAW shall decide on the appointments of Match Officials.

25.2. In the event of the Match Officials not being in attendance at the Match in accordance with Rule 25.3 below, the two (2) Clubs must agree to a substitute on the ground and such substitute shall be considered a Match Official for the time being.

25.3. Match Officials should be present at the ground at least seventy five (75) minutes prior to the advertised time of kick-off. The appointed Referee may be required to visit the ground earlier if requested to do so by the Home Club.  If any Match Official becomes aware that they are likely to arrive late, they must immediately notify the participating Clubs, other Match Officials and the General Manager via telephone calls. 

25.4. In cases where it is considered necessary to stop playing a Match owing to adverse weather or another cause, the Referee must wait a reasonable length of time before deciding on abandonment.

25.5. Should the appointed Referee fail to appear, the senior Assistant Referee shall take charge. The senior Assistant Referee is the Assistant Referee with the longer service on the League.

25.6. Referees must report to the General Manager all cases where Clubs commence a Match late, or without eleven (11) Players on the field and also in case of their own or any Assistant Referee’s or the Fourth Official’s late arrival for any Match as soon as possible after the Match. Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials must also send an explanation of their late arrival to the General Manager as soon as possible after the Match. 

25.7. If a Match Official prefers being paid their expenses either in cash or by bank transfer, they must notify the Home Club of their preference at least forty eight (48) hours before the Match.  Otherwise, the Home Club shall decide on the payment method. The Home Club must pay the Match Officials their expenses either (a) in cash on the day of the Match or (b) by bank transfer within three (3) Business Days after the Match.​​​​​​​

25.8. The football(s) proposed to be used in a Match must be the applicable official Match ball type as determined by the Board and notified to the Clubs by the General Manager from time to time. The Home Club must ensure that the proposed Match balls are in good condition and without any writing or extra marking on them. The proposed Match ball(s) (comprising a minimum number of eight (8)) shall be submitted by the Home Club to the Referee for their approval before commencement of the Match. The multi-ball system must be used with the required number of balls strategically placed on cones around the perimeter of the pitch.

25.9. The scale of payments for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials shall be determined by the FAW and notified to the Clubs by the General Manager prior to the commencement of the League in each Playing Season.

25.10. All Match Officials shall be entitled to claim the cheapest form of rail travel available on the day of the Match or motoring expenses determined from time to time by the FAW when travelling by car.

25.11. Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials must travel together when instructed to do so by the FAW.

25.12. Match Officials shall be entitled to a meal allowance determined from time to time by the Board when travelling a total of one hundred and fifty (150) miles or more.  In addition, Home Clubs must provide adequate refreshments to the Match Officials in their dressing room at least sixty (60) minutes prior to kick-off and food within thirty (30) minutes of the final whistle.

25.13. In the case of postponed Matches where gate money is not taken, the Match Officials shall be paid their travelling expenses and half their ordinary fee by bank transfer within three (3) Business Days of the Match.

25.14. Referees must report any late presentation or non-presentation of Team Sheets or alteration of teams after presentation of Team Sheets in accordance with Rule 21 above.

25.15. Referees must ensure that Clubs play Matches in the correct Authorised Kit as defined in Rule 15 above.  Any breach of this Rule must be reported to the General Manager.

25.16. The kit worn by Match Officials at Matches shall be approved by the FAW Referees Committee.

25.17. Any comments, questions or complaints regarding the decisions of a given Match Official shall be directed to the FAW Referees manager (initially via email), not to any individual Match Official. Under no circumstances are conversations between club personnel and match officials to be recorded with any device without the knowledge and permission of all parties.

25.18. The FAW will appoint a Referee Observer for every match, whose identity will be confirmed using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time. The Referee Observer must be allocated a car parking space, complimentary entry into the Ground and a seat in the VIP section with a full and unobstructed view of the Ground. The Referee Observer will also act as the Match delegate and is responsible for ensuring the orderly organisation of the Match and that the League and FAW Rules and Regulations are complied with. The Referee Observer may submit a report to the FAW if they deem it necessary following any alleged breaches of the Rules and Regulations.

26. WITHDRAWAL OF CLUBS

26.1. A Club shall not resign from the League after being accepted at the Annual General Meeting and before completing all of its Matches in the relevant Playing Season.

26.2. If a Club wishes to resign from the League at the end of the Playing Season, it must do so by giving notice by 1st April.

27. EXCLUSION OF CLUBS – MISCONDUCT BY CLUB, THEIR OFFICIALS, PLAYERS OR OTHERS

27.1. At the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting called for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4 above, a seventy five per cent (75%) majority of the accredited Club representatives present and eligible to vote shall have power to exclude from further participation in the League any Club whose conduct has in their opinion been objectionable and detrimental to the good conduct of the name of the League.

27.2. It is the responsibility of all Clubs to ensure that their Officials, Players or other members of the Club do not, by their written or spoken words or actions, bring the League, any Match Official, or any other Club into disrepute.​​​​​​​

28. MATCH PROGRAMME and publicity DETAILS

28.1. Using the systems and procedures set by the FAW from time to time, each Club must upload to a shared folder a brief history of the Club, details of its Club first team squad list together with Players’ pen pictures and its Authorised Kits, by a date set by the League before the start of the League in each Playing Season. Each Club shall keep the information fully updated during the Playing Season. Each Club must produce and publish at least one (1) piece of Match-related content on their official website and social accounts before each of their Matches. In addition, each Club may publish a programme for each of their Matches,  in hard copy and/or digital format.​​​​​​​

28.2. If requested by the General Manager, the Home Club shall forward to the General Manager a copy of the Match programme within three (3) days of their request. 

29. PUBLIC LIABILITY AND PLAYERS INSURANCE

All Clubs must have and maintain Player v Player and Public Liability Insurance in the minimum sum determined from time to time by the Board, evidence of such cover having to be provided to the General Manager at least fourteen (14) days before the start of the League in each Playing Season and as otherwise requested by the Board.  In the event of the FAW arranging block cover for Public Liability Insurance, all Clubs will be required to participate on such terms as the Board shall decide.

30.  REGISTRATION OF GROUNDS AND GROUND SHARING

30.1. Each Club must register its ground for Home Matches with the General Manager by 30th June prior to the start of each League in each Playing Season and the Club may not use any other ground for Home Matches without the Board’s prior written approval.  

30.2. Any Club which intends entering a ground sharing agreement either by sharing its own ground with another club, irrespective of whether the other club is from within or outside the League must initially submit in writing to the General Manager full details of the agreement which must then be approved by the Board before it can be accepted. Details of ground sharing agreements must be submitted to the General Manager by 1st March to be effective for the following Playing Season.  In all cases where grounds are shared, the Club is to have priority of use at all times unless there are exceptional circumstances approved in writing in advance by the Board. Failure to maintain priority use will render the ground unacceptable under these Rules and in addition not capable of obtaining a Tier 1 Licence.

31. TRANSMISSION OF LEAGUE MATCHES 

The FAW shall have the sole and exclusive right to exercise the Transmission Rights and enter into Transmission Contracts and/or authorise others to do so. The Clubs shall do nothing to infringe such rights and shall at their own cost do all such things and sign all such documents as are necessary to facilitate the exercise of the Transmission Rights and enable the FAW, its agents and licensees to comply with the terms of Transmission Contracts, including the provision of access, facilities and services and the right to use Club, Official and Player names, logos, images and biographies.

32. SPONSORSHIP

The FAW shall have the sole and exclusive right to exercise the Sponsorship Rights and to enter into Sponsorship Contracts and/or authorise others to do so.  The Clubs shall do nothing to infringe such rights and shall at their own cost do all such things and sign all such documents as are necessary to facilitate the exercise of the Sponsorship Rights and enable the FAW, its agents and licensees to comply with the terms of Sponsorship Contracts, including the provision of access, facilities and services and the right to use Club, Official and Player names, logos, images and biographies.

33. MEDICAL COVER

At all Matches, appropriate medical cover must be provided by the Home Club for Players, Officials, Match Officials and spectators. This must be at least St. Johns Ambulance personnel or their equivalent together with associated equipment, and as otherwise specified by the Board from time to time. 

34. SCALE OF FINES AND PAYMENT OF FINES

34.1. The Scale of Fines to be imposed by the Board for a failure to comply with specified Rules (assuming the relevant failure is a first offence) shall be determined by the Board from time to time and notified to the Clubs by the General Manager at least two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of the League in each Playing Season. 

34.2. All fines imposed by the Board under these Rules must be paid to the FAW within fourteen (14) days of notice being given by the Board.

35. END OF SEASON AWARDS

Each Club must purchase at least four (4) tickets for the League’s end of season awards event.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

THE CYMRU PREMIER LEAGUE CUP Rules

1. The competition shall be called The Cymru Leagues Cup (the “Competition” or the “League Cup”), as such name may be amended from time to time by the Board with the approval of the FAW directors to include the name of a title sponsor. 

2. The Competition trophy (the “Cup”) is the property of the FAW and any insurance premium for the Cup to be paid by the FAW.

3. The FAW shall have entire control of the Competition and shall have power to deal with any matter for which no provision is made. 

4. The Competition shall be organised in each Playing Season by the Board.  The “Board” means the committee of the FAW constituted in accordance with the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations in order to administer the League Cup from time to time.

5. The Cymru Premier League Rules shall apply to this Competition, save as amended (where necessary) to refer to the Competition instead of the League and save as otherwise amended by these rules (the “League Cup Rules”). 

6. The Competition shall observe the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations and all Matches shall be played under the Laws of the Game.  In the event that any of the League Cup Rules conflicts with the FAW Rules or the FAW Regulations, the FAW Rules or FAW Regulations shall prevail.

7. In all Matches leading up to the final, the gate receipts shall be allocated to the Home Club. 

8. The appointment of Match Officials shall be made by the FAW. Match Fees and expenses shall be paid as for League Matches.

9. When a Match has been postponed through causes over which neither Club has any control, the expenses shall be paid out of receipts for the Match when it is played, or by the League at the discretion of the Board.

10. All Clubs which are currently members of the League must compete in the Competition. All FAW Tier 2 clubs must compete in the Competition. In addition, up to two (2) wildcard entries will also be permitted at the discretion of the Board, totalling forty six (46) Clubs.

11. The draw for all rounds prior to the semi-finals will be regionalised and all Matches will be played on a knock out basis over one leg, with the Club drawn first for each Match being the Home Club. 

12. The final will take place at a neutral ground, to be decided by the Board.

13. In each Match, if the result is a draw at the end of ninety (90) minutes play, the winners shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the Laws of the Game and any applicable IFAB procedures.

14. The dates of all Matches and the conference date for each round (“Conference Date”) of the Competition shall be decided by the Board.

15. A Player shall be considered bona-fide if he is registered by his Club with the FAW, in accordance with the provisions of the Cymru Premier League Rules. Each Club shall play its full available strength team in all League Cup ties unless some satisfactory reason is given. In the event of the explanation not being deemed satisfactory, the FAW shall have the power to impose such penalties as they think fit. A player can play for more than one competing Club in the Playing Season, provided that they are duly qualified according to the FAW Rules. Any Club being found in default of this Rule may be disqualified from the Competition and subject to other penalties as the FAW may deem necessary.

16. In all rounds of the Competition a Player must have been a registered for the Club with the FAW by 5:00pm on the last Business Day before the applicable Conference Date. In the case of postponed or abandoned Matches, only those Players shall be allowed to play who were eligible at the applicable Conference Date.

17. For any Match ordered to be replayed in consequence of a breach of these League Cup Rules, the Club in default shall not receive any share of the proceeds of the replayed Match without the consent of the FAW and such consent shall only be given in special circumstances. If consent is not given the share shall be retained by the FAW.

18. The winning Club shall hold the Cup for approximately one year.  The FAW will be responsible for the engraving of the Cup. The Cup must be returned to the FAW by not later than 1st March in the following Playing Season. The winning Club, (having attained a Tier 1 Licence) shall be nominated by the Association to participate in the Scottish Challenge Cup in the following Playing Season.

19. In addition to the Cup, the FAW shall present twenty five (25) souvenirs to the Competition winners and twenty five (25) to the runners-up; twenty (20) for the Players and five (5) for the Officials of each Club. The Match Officials for the final shall receive a memento in addition to their normal fee and expenses. Additional souvenirs may be presented only by consent of the FAW.

 

As approved by the NLB - Feb 2022

First Published

08 September 2020

Last Updated

25 October 2023

Part Of

Regulations

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