Northants Combination Handbook 2015 2016

APPENDIX A – Rule 8B

Registrations & Transfers Forms must be signed by Club Secretary

You will be aware that last season several clubs were fined and had points deducted for playing players who were under suspension. This was/is a very serious situation which impacted on promotion and relegation in addition to undermining the objective of the suspension system. It is possible that this situation was not new and specific to this league. We there- fore all need to work together along with the NFA to avoid problems occurring again in future.

The type of problems fall into three categories:

1 – The registration of suspended players under a false name. 2 - Playing suspend players under their correct name. 3 – Playing suspended players under a false name.

Whilst the league has some responsibility for helping ensuring that suspended players are identified at an early stage, the ultimate responsibility lies with the club. Clubs found guilty will be subject to sanctions both from the league and the NFA, particularly if they cannot demonstrate they have in place processes which minimise the risk of suspended (ineligible) players being played. To this end you are advised to adopt the following approach when registering players; 1 – Ask to see a document/picture which confirms their identity (passport/driving licence) 2 – Check the NFA/ national suspension date base, especially if the player has moved from another county. 3 – Be aware that players have in the past used abbreviated names to avoid detection i.e. Daniel to Danny cross check addresses and dates of birth. 4 - Be aware players are not always totally honest – never take their word that they are clear – always check suspension lists and with the previous club. 5 – Don’t assume that because the player was with you last season that he must be ok. NB – you are also advised to make periodically checks on your players eligibility throughout the season as the situation does change Whilst the league will endeavour to check all players eligibility, this is particularly difficult at the start of the season when several hundred registrations need to checked in a short period of time. It is much easier for clubs to be individually re- sponsible. Please help in this area by sending in registration forms as an when they become available – do not stock pile or wait until the last minute to send in. Clubs who wait to the last minute may find that their registrations have not been processed prior to the start of the season and therefore these players cannot play. As part of the process for identifying ineligible players the league will also be increasing the number of match day regis- tration checks by appointing a person to take specific responsibility for this activity. Be aware that registration forms must be signed by the player , not a third party otherwise you will be liable to sanctions for playing an unregistered player.

Following the above process will hopefully minimise the risk of problems for both clubs and the league.

FIFA MANDATE International Transfer Certificates. It is the responsibility of the Club and player to ensure that any necessary clearance has been obtained to enable him to play in England in accordance with the FIFA Regulations. Any player who has played any sort of football abroad must be cleared by his former National Association before he can play in England. This applies to all players over the age of 12 and at all levels of the game. It is necessary for the club to make an application direct to The F.A. for clearance to be obtained.