Complaints, Protests, Rule Breaches and Appeals

Please use the following terminology and definitions when referring to League Discipline - 

Complaint – refers to the conduct of individuals or conditions at a game

A Club can submit a complaint to the League over the conduct of the opposition or the conditions under which they played a game. Although this may result in a charge for a breach of League Rules, a complaint typically refers to an issue which does not impact the outcome of the game. 

Protest – a claim of a potential rule breach which could impact the outcome of a game

If a Club believes the outcome of a fixture is unfair due to a potential breach of League rules (for example because the opposition has fielded an ineligible player), they can submit a formal protest to the League over the outcome of the game. 

Either Club can request to state its case in person at a hearing. 

If the Protest leads to evidence that a rule has been breached, a formal charge is then issued.

Rule Breach/charge – a formal charge for a breach of League rules

Where a League believes there is sufficient evidence that a Club has breached one of its rules, it must charge the Club in accordance with Rule 6(E). 

If the Club deny the alleged rule breach they can request to attend a hearing in person to defend the charge. This is not an “appeal” but a first stage hearing to consider the denial of the initial allegation. 

For more information on League Rule Breaches, please click here.

Hearing

The “hearing” refers to the meeting at which a complaint, protest or rule breach is considered by the League Management Committee. 

Appeal

Once a League has made its initial ruling on rule breach, the decision can be appealed to the County FA. This is an opportunity for the Club to challenge the League’s decision.

The appeal board may uphold the original decision of the League, overturn the decision in part or in its entirety, or vary the  decision of the League if they deem it appropriate. 

For more information on League Appeals, please click here.

More Information

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