UCL AGM 2015 WEB

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2015 ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Football League

at Yaxley Football Club - 24th June 2015 - 8.00pm

UCL Support

ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Football League Registered Office: Unit 4 Wulfric Square Bretton PETERBOROUGH PE3 8RF

Company Reg No: 8012244 Telephone: (01733) 330056 Fax: (01733) 330067 Email: uclwendy@btconnect.com

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the United Counties Football League will be held on Wednesday 24 th June 2015 at 8pm at Yaxley Football Club. Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the United Counties Football League will be held on Wednesday 24 th June 2015 at 8pm at Yaxley Football Club.

Item Agenda

Page

Item Agenda

Page

Page

1 Welcome to delegates 2 Notice of meeting 1 Welcome to delegates 2 Notice of meeting

3 Apologies 3 Apologies

4 To receive and confirm minutes of the 2014 AGM 4 To receive and confirm minutes of the 2014 AGM

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5 Matters Arising 5 Matters Arising

6 Receive and adopt Chairman’s Report, Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts 6 Receive and adopt Chairman’s Report, Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts 7 Election of President, Life Members, Board, Directors and Auditor 7 Election of President, Life Members, Board, Directors and Auditor 8 Proposed alteration to Rules, if any, of which notice has been given 8 Proposed alteration to Rules, if any, of which notice has been given 10 Confirm the dates for the commencement and completion of the playing season • Commencement – 8 th August 2015 (31 st July for GroundHop Weekend) • Completion – 30 th April 2016 11 Draw for the League KO Cup & Reserve KO Cup 10 Confirm the dates for th commencement and completion of the playing season  Commencement – 8 th August 2015 (31 st July for GroundHop Weekend)  Completion – 30 th April 2016 11 Draw for the League KO Cup & Reserve KO Cup 9 Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing season 9 Constitution of the Competition for the ensuing season

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17

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12 Presentation of Awards 12 Presentation of Awards

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13 Vote of Thanks to League Officers

13 Vote of Thanks to League Officers

14 Presentation by The Football Association Pitch Advisers

15 Vote of thanks to Yaxley Football Club 14 Presentation by The Football Association Pitch Advisers

15 Vote of thanks to Yaxley Football Club

John Weeks Chairman

John Weeks

ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Football League Registered Office: Unit 4 Wulfric Square Bretton PETERBOROUGH PE3 8RF

Company Reg No: 8012244 Telephone: (01733) 330056 Fax: (01733) 330067 Email: uclwendy@btconnect.com

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Held on: 18 th June 2014 Location: Northampton ON Chenecks Football Club Start 8pm End 8.50pm

In Attendance: Member Clubs, Directors, Board Members and Guests as listed in the League Register

Apologies:

As per League Register

Notice of Meeting:

This was read by the League Secretary

Welcome:

The Chairman gave a warm welcome to all the Member Clubs, Directors, Board Member and guests. He gave a special welcome to Michael Vincent from ChromaSport & Trophies for his continued sponsorship deal.

The minutes of the AGM held on 12 th June 2013 as circulated were unanimously accepted and confirmed as a true and correct record and endorsed by the Chairman

Minutes:

Matters arising:

None

Chairman’s Report:

As circulated - This was unanimously accepted and adopted by the meeting.

Statement of Audited Accounts: These were accepted by the meeting and a copy attached to the Minutes.

Elections to the Board: The following elections were unanimously accepted en-bloc President Mr KH Ambridge Chairman Mr JR Weeks Vice Chairman Mr G Whiting Honorary Life Member Mr D Irons (Eynesbury FC) Honorary Life Member Mr J Walker Honorary Life Member Mr P Nicholson Assistant Secretary Mr RK Walker Registration Director/Press Officer Mr J Biggs Fixture Director Mr D Leggett Facilities/Development Director Mr I Hughes Respect Officer Mr A Poulain Board Members

Mick Walden, Derek Wright, Alan Poulain, John Walker & Bob Osborne

Accountant

Dave Moore

3

Proposed Alteration to Rules: These had been circulated prior to the AGM as approved by the Football Association.

The Chairman asked Thrapston Town FC to speak on their proposal, members voted on the proposed rule amendment - Vote carried on the proposed rule amendment. The Chairman asked the floor to take the remaining rules en bloc – discussion took place followed by vote - Vote carried to accept rules en bloc. Chairman explained we have been given the opportunity to introduce Repeat Substitutions into both or either of the Reserves and Under 21 Competitions. Reserve team vote – denied. Under 21 team vote - carried

Constitution of Divisions 2014/15:

A set of recommendations had been circulated with the AGM Booklet. Due to amendments to the Under 21 Division a revised constitution was issued – unanimously accepted

Chairman asked the clubs to give dispensation to the Board, in respect of the Under 21’s Division, to determine any issue arising throughout the season, without recourse to an EGM - unanimously accepted

Commencement of Season 2014/15:

9 th August 2014 all Divisions with the exception of the GroundHop weekend starting on the 1 st August 2014 – unanimously agreed

Conclusion of Season 2014/15:

25 th April 2015 – unanimously agreed.

Draw for KO Cups: This was made for the early rounds of both competitions.

Presentations:

The following presentations were made on behalf of the League by M Wilson & G Whiting.

Fair Play Award Premier/Division One

Eynesbury Rovers FC Thrapston Reserves Eynesbury Rovers FC

Fair Play Award Reserve Team

Presentation of £100 Cheque for Fair Play Award Presentation of Hospitality Award - Marked by Referees Presentation of Hospitality Award - Marked by Clubs Presentation of £100 Cheque for Hospitality Award Presentation of Highest Aggregate of Goals Trophy

Oadby Town FC Potton United FC Oadby Town FC Oadby Town FC

Presentation of Manager of the Year Presentation of Administrator of the Year

Jeff Stocking of Oadby Town FC

Pauline Winston of Harborough Town FC

Presentation of Eric Evans Award to Referee of Year

Andrew Humphries

Presentation of Respect Award

Blackstones Football Club with an average 91.9 Stephanie Webb of AFC Rushden & Diamonds

Best Match Programme of the Year Award April/May Premier Division Manager of the Month April/May Division One Manager of the Month

Seb Hayes of Huntingdon Town FC

Martin Field/Matt Plumb of Eynesbury Rovers FC Alfie Taylor of Burton Park Wanderers FC

April/May Top Goalscorer of the Month

25 Year Service to the UCL

Peter Nicholson

25 Year Services as Fixture Secretary to the UCL

John Walker

Life Member Award

Deryck Irons, Eynesbury FC took Deryck’s award in his absence

Vote of Thanks to League Officers:

Audrey Fletcher of Spalding United FC gave thanks to the League Board on behalf of all clubs for their hard work over the season.

The Chairman thanked Northampton ON Chenecks Football Club for hosting the AGM.

Vote of Thanks:

John Weeks Chairman

4

ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Football League Registered Office: Unit 4 Wulfric Square Bretton PETERBOROUGH PE3 8RF

Company Reg No: 8012244 Telephone: (01733) 330056 Fax: (01733) 330067 Email: uclwendy@btconnect.com

Company Registration No. 08012244 (England and Wales)

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

5

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COMPANY INFORMATION (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COMPANY INFORMATION

Directors

J Weeks (Chairman) I Hughes (Development Director) R Walker (Assistant Secretary) D Kitchen (Referee Director) J Biggs (Registration Director) A Poulain (TBC) J Weeks (Chairman) I Hughes (Development Director) R Walker (Assistant Secretary) D Kitchen (Referee Director) Biggs (Registration Director) A Poulain (TBC) W New y Company S retary) 08012244

Directors

(Appointed 21 May 2015)

Secretary

Company number

(Appointed 21 May 2015)

Secretary R gis e ed office

08012244 4 Wulfric Square Bretton Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE3 8RF 4 Wulfric Square Bretton Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE3 8RF Stephenson Smart & Co 36 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR Stephenson Smart & Co 36 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR 4 Wulfric Square, Bretton eterborough Cambridgeshire PE3 8RF 4 Wulfric Square, Bretton Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE3 8RF

W Newey (Company Secretary)

Company number

Registered office

Accountants

Accountants

Business address

Business address

6

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS' REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

The directors present their report and financial statements for the period ended 31 May 2015.

Principal activities The principal activity of the company is that of administration of all matters relating to the United Counties Football League.

Directors The following directors have held office since 1 April 2014:

J Weeks (Chairman) G Whiting (Vice-Chairman)

(Resigned 20 May 2015)

I Hughes (Development Director) R Walker (Assistant Secretary) J Walker (Fixture Director) D Kitchen (Referee Director) J Biggs (Registration Director) A Poulain (TBC)

(Resigned 30 March 2015)

(Appointed 21 May 2015)

Statement of directors' responsibilities The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Chairmans report on behalf of the directors The end of the season has had a dark shadow cast over it by the sudden passing away of our Vice Chairman George Whiting and our proceedings tonight will commence with a minutes silence to mark this. George had initially joined the league in 1978 as Higham Towns Secretary resigning in 1981 when joining Irthlingborough Diamonds in the same role. He re-joined us in 1984 and his passing marks the end of a long and dedicated era of service to the league. Our thoughts are with his wife Pam and his family.

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- 1 -

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

- 2 - This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Chairmans report on behalf of the directors (continued) We continue to make progress on and off the field with our clubs featuring well in County Cup Competitions and The FA Vase. In the Premier Division AFC Rusden & Diamonds set the pace for most of the season and leave for Step 4 with our best wishes for their future success. Indeed we are proud to extend our record of promoted clubs in successive seasons. New boys Thurnby Nirvana FC are to be congratulated for both their exciting style of football which brought them runners up spot and their determination to retain their Step 5 status. They move to the refurbished Highfield Rangers ground next season and will no doubt aim to be amongst the front runners again. It is good to see Northampton Spencer take their place back in the top flight after requesting demotion to guarantee their ongoing UCL membership at the time of the ill-fated FA review. At the time of writing we await the FAs decisions on the movement of clubs which in turn impacts on our constitution of divisions. We are hopeful that Oakham United FC will join us in Division One from Peterborough & District Football League one of our feeder leagues. They are a striking example of how hard work and dedication can elevate a focussed club that is both compliant with facilities and has a winning team on the field. It is a great credit to clubs that they continue to improve their facilities and major works continue to be effected, especially at Division One Clubs to ensure their compliance allows them both Step 6 status and entry to FA Competitions. This proactive approach has ensured the leagues position in the National League System, not only when under threat from the FA review but on a continuing basis. It has not gone unnoticed that other leagues, less active in ensuring compliancy with ground requirements, are now the subject of close scrutiny by The FA and in some cases are being forced to amalgamate to attain the required number of clubs in their divisions to continue at Step 5 and 6. It has been a hard and long battle for our clubs to become compliant but this stands us in good stead for the future. Well done to all of you and may this long continue. We will continue to hold our cluster meetings and listen to your suggestions, hopefully implementing your wishes wherever possible. The clubs are the league and the Board is only here to administer the league and carry out your mandate within the framework of the UCL and FAs rules and we must remember this at all times. Roger Walker will apply his expertise to fixtures next season responding to clubs rightful demands that they are given more balanced fixtures whenever possible to maintain a better cash flow at their clubs. As with clubs we are finding it harder to recruit volunteers to run the league. If you feel you have the time and interest then please contact us - it is very fulfilling but we would really benefit by some younger faces! We continue to strive to meet the ever growing demands of The FA on every front. As you will know this is not an easy job with seemingly more red tape and calls on volunteer’s time. We can only hope that eventually it will bring rewards in efficiency as new technology is implemented. I must thank all clubs personally for their warm hospitality and their efforts to improve things on all fronts, an example being the excellent condition that pitches have been maintained. In conclusion I must extend my thanks to all my colleagues who work long hours with little thanks to run this league both on the Board, and at committee level also Wendy and the office staff. The office are continually pioneering FA projects which are cascading down eventually resulting in such areas as ground maintenance etc. and as we continue to look to the future there are some exciting projects which we aim to participle in which will all reflect in better times and greater stability for the League. In conclusion I must give my sincere thanks to the ongoing sponsorship by Chromasport and to Michael Vincent, please consider using them wherever possible. Their exciting new website and expanding range will ensure competitively products and every club should at least obtain a quote. Increasingly clubs are using Chromasport with its ability to embroider and respond rapidly to all teamwear, trophy and sports equipment requirements. UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2015 On behalf of the board

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARAN DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

is r port has been prepare in accordance with the special provisi Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

J Weeks (Chairman) Director 4 June 2015

On behalf of the board

8

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015 In order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have prepared for your approval the financial statements of United Counties Football League for the period ended 31 May 2015 set out on pages 5 to 9 from the company’s accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us. As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at icaew.com/membershandbook. This report is made solely to the Board of Directors of United Counties Football League, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 11 April 2013. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial statements of United Counties Football League and state those matters that we have agreed to state to the Board of Directors of United Counties Football League, as a body, in this report in accordance with AAF 2/10 as detailed at icaew.com/compilation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than United Counties Football League and it's Board of Directors as a body, for our work or for this report. It is your duty to ensure that United Counties Football League has kept adequate accounting records and to prepare statutory financial statements that give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of United Counties Football League. You consider that United Counties Football League is exempt from the statutory audit requirement for the period. We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or a review of the financial statements of United Counties Football League. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the statutory financial statements.

Stephenson Smart & Co

4 June 2015

Chartered Accountants

36 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR

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- 4 -

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

Period ended

Year

ended

31 March

31 March

2015

2014

Notes

£

£

Turnover

61,744

59,519

Administrative expenses

(60,442)

(54,864)

Operating profit

2

1,302

4,655

Other interest receivable and similar income

3

7

5

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

1,309

4,660

4

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

-

-

Profit for the period

9

1,309

4,660

10

- 5 -

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2015

2015

2014

Notes

£

£

£

£

Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Stocks

5

934

2,688

4,067 2,586

1,294 2,360

6

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

26,859

26,705

33,512

30,359

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

7

(1,320)

(1,230)

Net current assets

32,192

29,129

Total assets less current liabilities

33,126

31,817

Capital and reserves Profit and loss account

9

33,126

31,817

Shareholders' funds

33,126

31,817

For the financial period ended 31 May 2015 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities: - The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period in question in accordance with section 476; - The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

Approved by the Board for issue on 4 June 2015

J Weeks (Chairman) Director

Company Registration No. 08012244

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UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008). 1.2 Compliance with accounting standards The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), which have been applied consistently (except as otherwise stated). 1.3 Turnover Turnover represents amounts receivable for grants and sponsorship, for goods sold and for services provided to its member clubs. 1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

Straight line over 3 years

1.5 Stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

2 Operating profit

2015

2014

£

£

Operating profit is stated after charging: Depreciation of tangible assets

2,029 5,200

1,769 6,200

Directors' remuneration

3 Investment income

2015

2014

£

£

Bank interest

7

5

7

5

4 Taxation

The company is currently exempt from paying Corporation Tax. Consideration needs to given should the exemption not be renewed by HMRC.

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- 7 -

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

5 Tangible fixed assets

Office Equipment £

Cost At 1 April 2014

5,308

Additions

275

At 31 May 2015

5,583

Depreciation At 1 April 2014

2,620 2,029

Charge for the period

At 31 May 2015

4,649

Net book value At 31 May 2015

934

At 31 March 2014

2,688

The asset additions in the year were the league's 50% contribution for computers, Ipads and CCTV equipment in partnership with the Peterborough and District Football League.

6 Debtors

2015

2014

£

£

Trade debtors Other debtors

2,286

2,060

300

300

2,586

2,360

Other debtors includes a Rothwell Town debt of £300 (2014: £300).

7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2015

2014

£

£

Other creditors

1,320

1,230

Other creditors includes accruals of £1,320 (2014: £1,230).

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UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

8 Share capital

2014 £

The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each director undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the company in the event of the company being wound up, if required.

9 Statement of movements on profit and loss account

Profit and loss account £

Balance at 1 April 2014 Profit for the period

31,817

1,309

Balance at 31 May 2015

33,126

10 Control

No one individual has ultimate control of the company.

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- 9 -

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DETAILED TRADING AND PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

Period ended

Year

ended

31 March

31 March

2015

2014

£

£

£

£

Turnover ChromaSport & Trophies sponsorship FA referee assessment funding

6,598

6,490 3,300 11,660 11,500 5,154 1,193 1,368 6,961 5,850

-

Subscriptions

12,955 12,225

FA grant

Fines

6,539 5,479 7,198 4,215 -

Knock out cup final receipts

Match ball income

Registrations

Transfers

Referee affiliation fee

- -

212 106 225 200

Newsline income

Ground grading income New club application fee Apprentice scheme grants

2,075

810

2,300 1,350

5,300

Management charge Midland Counties East Pool

-

61,744

59,519

Administrative expenses

(60,442)

(54,864)

Operating profit

1,302

4,655

Other interest receivable and similar income Bank interest received

7

5

Profit before taxation

2.12% 1,309

7.83% 4,660

15

UNITED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (A PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2015

Period ended

Year

ended

31 March

31 March

2015

2014

£

£

Administrative expenses Gross wages Directors' remuneration Employer's N.I. contributions

650

975

5,200

6,200

-

(156)

Staff training

375 290

230 395

Room hire (incl. AGM hire)

Premises expenses

2,015 2,241

1,149 2,522

Medals, ties and badges PDFL management charge

22,660

12,770

Match balls Insurance

-

1,368

770

357

Knock out cup expenses Referee assessors scheme Apprentice costs Respect programme Coaching bursaries Groundsman meetings

1,487 2,351

1,422 4,140 3,832

- -

616

150 291 334

- -

Postage Printing

574

1,447 2,361 4,651 2,480 3,023

1,483 4,292 3,645 1,315 2,550

Office stationery

Telephone

Computer maintenance Travelling expenses

Charter standard subscription discount

720

555 115 630

Charter standard courses

2,039

Accountancy Bank charges

720 215

-

Long service/team awards

1,391

1,802

Cleaning

376

235

Sundry expenses

86 90

79

-

Affiliation fees

Depreciation on fixtures, fittings and equipment

2,029

1,769

60,442

54,864

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ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Football League Registered Office: Unit 4 Wulfric Square Bretton PETERBOROUGH PE3 8RF

Company Reg No: 8012244 Telephone: (01733) 330056 Fax: (01733) 330067 Email: uclwendy@btconnect.com

Election of President, Life Members, Board, Directors and Auditor

President

Mr KH Ambridge

Vice Chairman

Mr A Poulain

Company Secretary/Finance Director

Mrs W Newey

Assistant Secretary

Mr DS Leggett

Fixture Director

Mr R Walker

Referee/Disciplinary Director

Mr D Kitchen

Respect Officer

Mr A Poulain

Board Members

S Coles, T Mitchell, D Foster and D Holmes

Appointment of Accountant

Mr David Moore

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League Amendments Delete in Red League Amendments New Rules in Blue FA Standardised Rules Delete in Green FA Standardised/SCOR Rules New Rules in Pink

DEFINITIONS

1.

1.1 In these Rules: Football Turf (3G) Pitch (FTP) means a field of play (as that term is defined in the Laws of the Game) that has, following installation and prior to the commencement of each subsequent Playing Season, been awarded a FIFA Recommended One Star / IATS (International Artificial Turf Standard) or Two Star Certificate and which otherwise conforms to the requirements of the Laws of the Game. “Board Directive” means an order or instruction issued by the Board. “Control” means the power of a natural person, legal entity or any other body to exercise, or to be able to exercise or acquire, direct or indirect control over the policies, affairs and/or management of a Club, whether that power is constituted by rights or contracts (either separately or in combination) and having regard to the considerations of fact or law involved, and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, Control shall be deemed to include: a) the power (whether directly or indirectly and by any means including without limitation by way of those that in the opinion of the Board are acting in concert) to appoint and/or remove all or such of the members of the board of directors of the Club as are able to cast a majority of the votes capable of being cast by the members of that board; and/or b) the holding and/or possession of the beneficial interest in, and/or the ability to exercise the voting rights applicable to, shares (or other equity securities) in the Club (whether directly, indirectly (by means of holding such interests in one or more other persons) or by contract including without limitation those that in the opinion of the Board are acting in concert) which confer in aggregate on the holder(s) thereof 30 per cent or more of the total voting rights exercisable at general meetings of the Club; For the purposes of the above, any rights or powers of a nominee or of an associate (as defined in the Rules of The FA Challenge Cup) of a person shall be attributed to that person. “Embargoed Club” means any Club subject to an Embargo. “FIFA Quality Concept” means the: (a) FIFA Quality Concept Handbook of Requirements for Football Turf Surfaces (January 2012 Edition); and “FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate” means the certificate of that name awarded by FIFA following compliance with the applicable requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept. “Grass Pitch” means a field of play (as that term is defined in the Laws of the Game) that is natural grass, predominantly natural grass or intended to be predominantly natural grass and which conforms to the requirements of the Laws of the Game. “Intermediary” means any natural or legal person who carries out or seeks to carry out Intermediary Activity and has registered with The Association in accordance with The FA Intermediaries Regulations; “Intermediary Activity” means acting in any way and at any time, either directly or indirectly, for or on behalf of a Player or a Club in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction. This includes, but is not limited to, entering into a Representation Contract with a Player or a Club. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club Official is not acting as an Intermediary when he carries out any Intermediary Activity in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction for or on behalf of that Club. Similarly, a Lawyer is not acting as an Intermediary when he solely and exclusively undertakes or provides Permitted Legal Advice in relation to any matter relating to a Transaction; “Pitch” means a Grass Pitch or Football Turf Pitch. “ Pitch Test” means the test(s) conducted by a FIFA accredited field test institute or UKAS accredited test institute in accordance with the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept or IATS. “Transaction” means any negotiation or other related activity, including any communication relating or preparatory to the same, the intention or effect of which is to create, terminate or vary the terms of a player’s contract of employment with a Club, to facilitate or effect the registration of a player with a Club, or the transfer of the registration of a player from a club to a Club (whether on a temporary or permanent basis). A completed Transaction is one that has so achieved the creation, termination or variation of the terms of the player’s contract of employment with a Club, the registration of the player with a Club or the transfer of the registration from a club to a Club. 2.1 Each Club shall register its Ground, and its pitch dimensions, with the Competition prior to the start of each Playing Season. It will be misconduct on the part of a Club to alter its pitch dimensions during a season unless with prior written consent of the Board. The Board may at any time require a Club, at its own cost, to submit a report from a qualified independent source certifying the pitch dimensions. 2.3.2 The Club as at 31 March in any year shall either: (iii) Possess an agreement for the use of the Ground that is acceptable to The Football Association following consultation with the relevant Competition. 2. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS (b) FIFA Quality Concept – Handbook of Test Methods for Football Turf (January 2012 Edition), and any amendment or modification thereof.

18

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If the Ground is subject to an acceptable agreement a copy of the signed and dated agreement for the use of the Ground together with confirmation from The Football Association following consultation with the relevant Competition that the agreement is acceptable.

2.6 Any delay in inspection shall in no way release a Club from its obligation to have its ground ready for inspection. If for any reason a Club's existing ground, or any new ground in which it proposes to play its home matches in the season following inspection, is not available for grading by 31 st March 1st April prior to commencement of the relevant season then the Club must, by the 1st April, submit to the Board in writing its proposals for a venue for its home matches in the following season ("alternative proposal"), such alternative proposal to be considered (and if appropriate) approved at the next Board Meeting after 31 st March 1st April . The alternative proposal must, inter alia, contain documentary evidence in support of any ground sharing arrangements and evidence that the proposed ground is demonstrably suitable at a level which the relevant club will be competing. The alternative proposal may not be for a continuation of any ground share arrangement if the Club has had a ground sharing arrangement for the previous 2 seasons, or any part thereof, even if those arrangements have related to more than one ground. Any approval of the alternative proposal will be subject to the issue of a grading certificate. The Board will use all reasonable endeavours to inspect the ground after receiving the alternative proposal and prior to the Board meeting, but if it is unable to do so then any approval of the alternative proposal will be subject to the issue of a satisfactory grading certificate. In the event of a Club not having received a grading certificate by 31 st March 1st April and not having had its alternative proposal approved at the relevant Board Meeting, it shall be relegated forthwith at the end of the playing season to a level determined by The Football Association. Clubs in membership of the Competition on 31 st March 1st April in any season will have until 31st May in that season to meet in full the criteria of membership of the Competition. 2.8 In the event that any Club which is an unincorporated association incorporates itself it shall notify the Competition Company Secretary in writing within 14 days of the passing of the resolution to take this action and shall with such notice provide the Company Secretary with a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company. Any amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of a Club must be notified to the Competition Secretary in writing within 14 days of the passing of the resolution with a copy of the change(s). 2.12 The Company will hold a membership register of the full name of the company/unincorporated entity constituting each Club. If the Club is an incorporated entity, it must provide the Company with its company name and registration number. If the Club is an unincorporated entity, it must provide the Company with the name of an individual in whose name the membership of the Company will be vested. A Club must notify the Company of all proposed changes to the information held by the League in the membership register in respect of the Club including any proposed change of company name or the name of an individual in whose name the membership of the Company is vested. Clubs are required to submit a fully completed membership form prior to the Annual General Meeting each Season. 4. POWER OF THE BOARD 4.2 Save where specifically provided otherwise in these Rules, the Board shall have power to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Company or the Competition including any not provided for in these Rules. The Board shall also have the power to issue an order or instruction, by way of a Board Directive, in the best interest of the Competition, on any matter not provided for in these Rules, with which Clubs must comply or be subject to sanction under Rule 4.6, save where any such Directive is inconsistent with a Rule or Regulation of The FA, in which event the Directive will not create a binding obligation on Clubs. Clubs and/or Officials will be informed of the proposed fine and/or potential penalties to be imposed for allegedly breaching the Rules of the Competition and shall be given the opportunity to respond. The Competition Secretary may impose the proposed fine where the breach of rule is confirmed by the Club/Official (excluding any matter relating to playing an unregistered/ineligible player(s) or a Club withdrawing from the Competition) without further reference to the Board, providing an appropriate report is presented to the next scheduled Board Meeting. 4.6 If a Club fails to comply with a Board Directive an order or instruction of the Board within fourteen days of notification of such order or instruction, or within fourteen days of an operative date specified in that order or instruction, it shall not be allowed to play or take part in the business of the Company until the expiry of 7 days from the day the order or instruction is complied with. 4.11 A match may be played each season (year) between two clubs nominated by the Board. All matters concerning the match will be decided by the Board including the distribution of proceeds of the match which, usually, will be donated to a registered Charity. 8.22.1 In all Competition Matches, the number of Clubs players and officials seated on the team benches, in the designated technical area, must not exceed 11 8 unless the team bench facility provides more than 11 8 individual seats. The Home Club must ensure that a technical area is marked around each designated seating area. 8.22.6 All persons standing in the technical area must wear the Respect Bibs as provided by the Company. Failure to do so will result in a fine in accordance with the fines tariff. 9.1 An Intermediary Players’ Agent cannot have an involvement in any Club in an official capacity (as defined by the Board) nor may he hold office with the Competition. 9.2 All Clubs must comply with The FA Regulations concerning Intermediaries Players’ Agents. 11. FOOTBALL CREDITORS Where a Club defaults in making any payments to any Football Creditor, the Club shall be subject to such penalty as the Board of Directors may decide including, but not limited to, an Embargo; a points deduction; a Bond; a suspension; or any combination thereof. 12. RESULT/REPORT FORMS Each Club shall enter information from the match result form by the method instructed by the Competition and shall submit the fully completed copy of the appropriate match result forms by first class post (in an envelope showing a postmark within 3 days of the match), facsimile, or email to the Appointing Authority and the Competition including all outside competitions . The result form must include the forename and surnames of the players taking part, the referees mark, the expenses paid to the match officials, and in the case of the away Club a hospitality mark. When a Club considers that the Referee has discharged his duties incompetently and awards a mark of sixty or less, a detailed report must be sent to the appointing authority within three days of the match by the method instructed by the Appointing Authority . first class post. 14A SPORTING SANCTIONS 19

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14.A.2 Where the Club takes or suffers an Insolvency Event:- 14.A.2.3 outside the Normal Playing Season, the points deduction shall apply in respect of the following Playing Season such that the Club starts that Playing Season on minus 10 points (including a Club or Clubs Relegated to the United Counties Football League, where such Club shall be subject to Rule 14 of their previous Leagues Rules) or where it has been necessary under the National League System Regulations for a Club or Clubs to be moved from one league to another and such Club would have been subject to Rule 14. 15.6 Referees must report on the relevant form all cases where teams commence a match late or without eleven players on the field of play. Referees must also report their own or any assistant referees’ late arrival in any matches, and notify those concerned at the time of their intention. Assistant referees must also send an explanation of their late arrival to the Appointing Authority in writing by the method instructed by the Appointing Authority first class post within 3 days of the match. 15.7 Fees and travelling expenses for Match Officials will be paid in accordance with the amounts identified in the Fees Tariff. Each Match Official may claim the total mileage travelled based on the shortest return route from home to the ground using AA Route Finder , providing that the total claimed by all Match Officials does not exceed an average of 100 miles per Match Official appointed. In cases where more than an average of 100 miles per Match Official is travelled, each Match Official will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 100 miles and the balance of their travelling expenses shall be met by the League on receipt of the necessary details from the Match Official. 15.11 Referees must report all breaches of Rule to the Competition Secretary in writing within three days of the match on the appropriate form by first class post or electronically. 20. ALTERATIONS TO RULES No alteration to the Rules shall be made until they have been approved by The FA. Alterations to Rules shall only be approved made by special resolution passed at a general meeting of the Company. 21. ADMISSION CHARGES Clubs may, with the written permission of the Board, have a maximum of three Competition Match days promotional days each Playing Season during which they can vary admission charges for adults including allowing free admission 24. PLAYING SURFACES Football Turf Pitches (3G) are allowed in this Competition providing they meet the FIFA 1 Star/IATS performance standards and are listed on the FA’s Register of Football Turf Pitches. To meet the criteria a Football Turf Pitch must pass a test annually for FA Competitions and at Steps 3-6 as defined in the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf. On receipt of the pass certificate The FA will add the pitch to the Register. The home club is also responsible for advising participants of footwear requirements when confirming match arrangements in accordance with Rule 8.12.1. Clubs must register their pitch dimensions with the Competition prior to the start of each season. It will be misconduct on the part of a Club to alter its pitch dimensions during a season unless with prior written consent of the Board. The Board may at any time require a Club, at its own cost, to submit a report from a qualified independent source certifying the pitch dimensions. The Board may require a Club to take such steps as the Board shall specify if they are not satisfied that an adequate standard of pitch is being maintained, including but not limited to the Board commissioning an independent report on the state of the pitch. The cost of the independent report to be borne by the Club concerned. 24.1 The Pitch With effect from the commencement of Season 2015/16 Competition Matches may be played on: (a) Grass Pitch; or (b) Football Turf Pitch in Steps 2 to 6 24.2 Ground Maintenance The Club is to be responsible for the maintenance of the Pitch and for the general maintenance of the ground. The Club must ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to maintain its Pitch in good order, as required under these Rules. 24.3 Pitch Standards All Pitches must be flat and free from surface depressions and excessive undulations. The maximum slopes allowable shall not exceed an even gradient of vertical to horizontal 1:41 in any direction. The Competition may require a Club to take such steps as the Board shall specify if not satisfied that an adequate standard of the Pitch is being maintained, including but not limited to the Board commissioning an independent report (including a Pitch Test) on the state of the Pitch, the cost of such independent report to be borne by the Club concerned. 24.4 Where a Club proposes to install a Football Turf Pitch (or replace an existing Football Turf Pitch) the following shall apply: For matches played under the auspices of The Football Conference at Step 2 of the National League System:- (a) the Club shall disclose to the Competition, as soon as reasonably practicable but in any event not later than 7 days following the Club’s final match of the Playing Season preceding the scheduled commencement of installation, full details of the proposed contractor installing the Football Turf Pitch and the timescales for installation. The proposed Football Turf Pitch must have a design and specification that is capable of attaining the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate following installation; (b) no installation works shall commence until such time as the Competition has approved the proposed installation and the timetable thereof. Installation may only take place outside the Playing Season;

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(c) installation must be scheduled to be completed in sufficient time to enable the completion of a Pitch Test and for confirmation of the results thereof to be supplied to the Competition no later than 14 days prior to the commencement of the following Playing Season; (d) the Club shall procure that: (i) a Pitch Test is carried out on the newly installed Football Turf Pitch; and (ii) the FIFA accredited field test institute provides the Competition with a copy of their official reports to FIFA immediately following completion of the Pitch Test; and (e) the Club shall provide a copy of the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate within 7 days of receipt to the Competition. For matches played at Step 3 and below of the National League System:- (f) the Club shall disclose to the Competition, as soon as reasonably practicable full details of the proposed contractor installing the Football Turf Pitch and the timescales for installation. The proposed Football Turf Pitch must have a design and specification that is capable of attaining the FIFA Recommended One Star Certificate / IATS (International Artificial Turf Standard) or Two Star Certificate following installation; (g) no installation works shall commence until such time as the Competition has approved the proposed installation and the timetable thereof; (h) the Club shall procure that: (i) a Pitch Test is carried out on the newly installed Football Turf Pitch; and (ii) the FIFA accredited field test institute provides the Competition with a copy of their official reports to FIFA immediately following completion of the Pitch Test; and (i) the Club shall provide a copy of the FIFA Recommended One Star / IATS or Two Star Certificate within 7 days of receipt to the Competition in which it is in membership. 24.5 As from season 2016/2017 only Clubs with FIFA Recommended Two Star certified Football Turf Pitches will be eligible to take part in matches under the auspices of the Football Conference at Step 2 of the National League System SAVE THAT a Club which has a ground with the recommended FIFA One Star / IATS Certificate installed by 31 July 2016 can be promoted to Step Two of the National league System providing that it undertakes that upon renewal of the Pitch the Club will install a Pitch with a FIFA Recommended Two Star Certificate or be relegated to the appropriate Step. 24.6 Without prejudice to the obligations set out in Paragraph 24.3 above, Clubs that have a Football Turf Pitch shall:- (a) take such steps and/or refrain from such actions as are necessary to ensure that the Football Turf Pitch continues to meet the requirements for a FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate at all times during each Playing Season including, without limitation, complying with all requirements of the FIFA Quality Standard; (b) where required to undertake Pitch Tests: (i) procure that the FIFA accredited field test institute undertaking any Pitch Test provides to The Competition a copy of their official reports to FIFA immediately following completion of the Pitch Test; (ii) provide a copy of the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate by 31st May prior to the commencement of each Playing Season; and (c) co-operate with all reasonable requests made by the Competition, the Association or FIFA for the performance of the Football Turf Pitch to be measured. 24.7 Where the Board is aware, by whatever reason, a Football Turf Pitch fails to meet the requirements of the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate, including following any Pitch Test, the Club shall forthwith, at its cost, take such steps as the Board shall specify to ensure the Football Turf Pitch is restored to the requirements of the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate. 24.8 The Competition shall have the right to order the postponement of a match where the Football Turf Pitch fails to meet the requirements of the FIFA Recommended One / IATS or Two Star Certificate. 24.9 Where a Club has a Football Turf Pitch, any visiting Club is allowed to train, at no cost to that Club, on the Football Turf Pitch on the day before the relevant match or at a mutually agreed time. The length of this training session may not exceed one hour, unless agreed otherwise with the home Club. The visiting Club must notify the home Club of its intention to exercise this right no later than 2 weeks prior to the scheduled match (or within 48 hours of the arrangement of the fixture, if later). 24.10 A breach of any of the requirements of Rule 24 which results in the postponement or abandonment of a match shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule 8.6. 24.11 Pitch Protection [In order to protect any Pitch, unless otherwise mutually agreed between both participating Clubs, the following procedures shall be adopted by Players and Officials in the periods immediately before and after a Match and at half time: (a) the Pitch shall only be used for warming up or warming down by Players named on the Team Sheet;

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Made with