Ahead of the news season, the Officers of the Association thought it might be helpful to offer a brief review of the Rules affecting player eligibility, as they stand following the changes made at last year’s AGM.

Firstly and most importantly, players can only take an active part in any fixture provided they have been registered before they take the field.  This can be done by message on my Answering Machine (01224 822835) and followed up by an updated copy of the club’s Registration List at the start of the week.

While individuals can be registered by any number of clubs, they can PLAY for only one club unless one of the sub-sections of Rule 13 applies.  Rule 13(a) allows players from Clubs whose First Elevens are in Grade 2 or below to play up to two games on a trial basis for a Club whose First Eleven is in a higher grade; but the consent of the donor club must have been secured, and both clubs must have advised the Association Secretary in advance.  Rule 13(c) allows players to transfer;  BUT ONLY IN THE FIRST SIX WEEKS OF THE SCHEDULED SEASON, ONCE LETTERS HAVE BEEN LODGED BY BOTH CLUBS, THE TRANSFER HAS BEEN SIGNED OFF BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE PLAYER HAS LODGED (AND HAD RECEIPTED) AN ADMINISTRATION FEE OF £25. ANY OUTSTANDING DEBTS TO THE PREVIOUS CLUB MUST ALSO HAVE BEEN SETTLED.  Players who move under either of these Rules may not appear for two different teams in the same Cup Competition in the same season.  New players, who have not previously played this season, may be registered at any time – but it is the responsibility of clubs before they register any player to check s/he has no outstanding debts from the previous season – failing to check is no defence.