A.  All matches shall be played according to the Laws of the Game, rules and regulations and bye-laws of the Football Association. In order to be able to supply registered Referees to Cup semi-finals kick off times will be restricted to 10.30 am and 1.30 pm. Midday kick-offs will not be permitted.

B.  The League will provide one trophy for each age-group division and this shall be known as the ‘Challenge Cup’ and all Clubs must enter this competition. The League will provide individual awards to each competing player in a Challenge Cup final, up to a maximum of 15 for Youth Football teams and 12 for Mini-Soccer team. For extra Cup and Trophy Competitions, no cup or medal fee shall be charged and the League shall not be responsible for the cost of supplying individual awards to the competing finalists. The League will, however, obtain medals and these shall be charged to the Clubs concerned in the finals, when the result is known. For divisional play-offs the winners will be awarded a Trophy not individual trophies.

C.  All Challenge Cup rounds will be drawn before commencement of the season by a sub-committee comprising the Fixtures Secretaries (or their nominees) plus at least two and no more than five co-opted members. Teams which are participating in ‘A’ divisions shall be excluded form Challenge Cup rounds until that in which the last 32 teams are paired off. This round shall be termed the first round. Preceding rounds will be termed preliminary rounds.

D.  To be eligible for a semi-final or final tie, a player must have played for that team in at least three Bexley League, Challenge Cup or Trophy matches during the current season. Where exceptional circumstances prevail, such as a prolonged injury which prevents a player form qualification, a Club may request special dispensation from the Management Committee to permit such a player to take part in a semi-final or final tie. Such request must be put in writing at least seven days prior to the match in question and the decision of the Management Committee shall be final. No player, having played in one Challenge Cup for one team, shall play for another Club or Team in the same competition or in a different age-group.

E.  All Cup-Ties generally to be played in compliance with Rule 10. The first named Club in each pairing shall have ground preference and there will be no replays. Extra-time is to be played in all ties if the game is a draw at full time. If, after extra-time, a draw still stands, then the following penalty kick procedure shall be adopted. Each side shall select five penalty kickers from the players who were on the pitch at the conclusion of extra-time and they shall take penalties alternately against the opposing goalkeeper. All five of each side to compete. The side scoring the most penalties shall be deemed the winners. In the event that there is still a tie after this procedure, the penalties will be taken alternately by opposing pairs on a sudden death basis. In this case neither side shall use any of the original five selected kickers until all remaining players, including the goalkeeper, have taken a penalty kick. Teams are permitted to exclude a player from the penalty kick only if he is genuinely injured and notified as such prior to the penalty kick procedure commencing. The referee to ensure that all players, officials, supporter and on-lookers remain quiet and well clear of the goal and penalty areas. This procedure to also apply to Cup Finals.

F.  All final ties to be played on neutral grounds where possible.

G.  Teams and officials taking part in semi-finals or finals will be at the venue at least 30 minutes before kick-off time.

H.  Pitch expenses for Challenge Cup ties and Trophy matches will be paid by the Home Club. Referee and Assistant Referee’s match fees shall be paid by the away Club who will be responsible for actual payment to the officials before the teams take the field of play. Failure to pay Referees or Assistant Referees fees on the day of the match may result in a fine of up to £12.00

I.  In extra cup or trophy competitions, teams may be invited by the Management Committee to compete, dependent upon teams outstanding games and the number of Sundays left in the season. The League will provide one Trophy for each extra competition. They may be either one-off matches or on a home and away basis, and may be operated on a league basis and may be sub-divided into sections as the Fixtures Secretary deems advisable. When played on a home and away basis, the winners shall be the team with the highest number of goals from both matches. If both teams have an equal number of goals, then the team scoring the most away goals shall win. Extra time to be allowed in these games. If run in a league basis and, at the completion of fixtures, tow teams have the same goal difference, then the team with the highest number of goals shall be deemed the winner. However, any league basis competition must have a cup conclusion whereby, if run as one section, the winners shall play the runners-up in a final. If two sections are operated then the winners of each section shall play in a final. Where extra trophy finals are played, these should be decided on penalties after one game unless teams agree to share the trophy before the kick-off and notify the referee accordingly.

J.  The Management Committee shall have the power to delegate officials to all games when they deem it desirable.

K.  Duration of normal play shall be as set out in Rule 10.B. Extra time shall be as follows :-

• Mini-Soccer      Under 9 to Under    11 5 minutes each way.
• Youth Football  Under 11 to Under   14 10 minutes each way.
• Youth Football  Under 15 to Under   18 15 minutes each way.