EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE 

RULES & REGULATIONS  2017-8

Contents:
1.	Organisation and Administration
2.	Integrity Clause
3.	Playing Qualification and Eligibility
Teams
Players		
4.	Registration of squad members
5.	Structure of the League
6.	Fixture Arrangements
7.	Match Regulations
8.	Match Officials
9.	Registration of Results
10.	Competition Referees
11.	Competition Complaints Procedure
12.	Appeal of Competition Referees’ Decision
13.	Miscellaneous Provisos
14.	Close Range Photography
15.	Health & Safety
Umpires and bleeding
Pregnant players
Gloves, Scarves, Headscarves & Leg Braces  
		Accident Forms and procedure
      16.  Disclaimer					 

1.     ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION

1.1 	The East Midlands Regional League (Regional League) shall be governed and managed by the Regional Management Board, which may delegate its powers and authority in this respect to the Competition Technical Support Group (TSG) and the League Secretary.

1.2 	The decisions of the Regional Management Board, or its nominee(s), in respect of these Rules and    Regulations and on any other matter related to the Regional League which is not provided for below, shall be considered final and binding on all parties (subject to the right of appeal which is specifically provided for under England Netball's Disciplinary Regulations).

1.3 		It is the responsibility of all Team Managers, Coaches and Captains to ensure that all players are 			conversant with the following Rules and Regulations and also the new INF (2015) Rules of the Game.

1.4		All clubs will be held responsible for the overall conduct (behaviour, demeanour and actions) of all 			members associated with the club (players, officials and spectators).

1.5		For the purpose of clarity, the Regional Play-offs are part of the League

2.  INTEGRITY CLAUSE

2.1	Any team who knowingly and deliberately provides false information regarding identity of players at           registration and the naming of players on team sheets will forfeit their deposit and may be expelled from the competition.  Disciplinary action may be taken against the club.

3. PLAYING QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY

3.1	TEAMS

3.1.1  	Application for entry to the Regional League shall be open to any club which is affiliated to England Netball through a County Association, which has paid its subscription in this respect, and which is situated within the boundaries of a County Association which is a member of the Regional Association - unless otherwise agreed by the Regional Management Board. Applications will only be considered from teams who do not play in any other regional league.

3.1.2  	Entry to the Regional League will be determined by the Regional Management Board at its absolute discretion, subject to its reasonable application of the rules and regulations laid out herein, and having due regard to the playing standard of teams which wish to participate. In the same way, such casual vacancies as may appear from time to time will be addressed by the Competition TSG in whatever way it sees fit.

3.1.3	The Regional Management Board will charge an entry fee to the Regional League.  Entry into the league will not be accepted unless the entry fee, deposit, and pooled fares (where applicable) have been received and funds cleared by the closing date.  

3.1.4	The match fees must be received, and funds cleared, as follows. (for penalty see 10.1.7) 
Four (4) match fees by 31st August if payment is by cheque, or 7th Sept if payment is by bank transfer.
Five (5) match fees by 31st October if payment is by cheque, or 7th Nov if payment is by bank transfer.
Remaining match fees by 31st December if payment is by cheque, or 7th Jan if payment is by bank transfer 

3.1.5	All Clubs are required to pay a refundable deposit on entering the competition.  The deposit will be returned at the end of the competition provided all commitments have been fulfilled. 

3.1.6 	Any Club which qualifies for the Premier League Play-offs shall either be accredited under England Netball CAPS scheme, or working towards the same (where applicable ie have any members under the age of 18 years)

3.1.7	 By entering a team in the Regional League, teams agree that:
•	They will abide by these rules and regulations
•	They are able and willing to fulfil the costs and commitments of participation in the Regional League and associated play offs
•	They will participate in a sporting manner and play within the spirit of the game
•	They are bound by all the rules, policies, regulations and by-laws of England Netball, including the England Netball Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Regulations
•	If they qualify for a play-off, they will attend (see 10.1.7 for penalties)

3.1.8      All teams must register a minimum of 12 players

3.1.9      A club may only enter TWO teams into the Regional League. 

3.2 PLAYERS

3.2.1	In order to qualify to participate in the Regional League, a player shall be in membership of England Netball as a Registered Participant and be affiliated to the club they are representing in the League.  Second claim affiliations are acceptable

3.2.2 	All players and team officials must have their membership lodged with the England Netball Head Office, and their subscription paid, prior to their participation in the Regional League. Scorers and Time keepers do not have to be affiliated.

3.2.3  	All players must be 16 years old by midnight on 31 August prior to the commencement of the Regional League, unless they have completed the Age Banding Consent Form and submitted it to the League Secretary with the Squad Registration form
 
3.2.4	During all stages of the Competition, Team Managers must at all times carry proof of age for all Players and a copy of Age Banding Consent Forms applicable to Players listed on the Squad Registration Sheet.     Proof of age comprises of one or more of the following: 
      a)   Copy of birth certificate;
      b)   Copy of passport;
      c)   Copy of medical card;
     
3.2.5 	“A” team players may not play for the “B” team.  

3.2.6	Once a player from the “B” team has played three times for the “A” team, she will be deemed to be an “A” team Player. 

3.2.7	Players may not be named on the team sheets for more than one game on the same day 

3.2.8	   There will be a transfer window as specified by the League Secretary, when players may transfer to 		another club/team within the league.  Players wishing to transfer must apply to the League Secretary in the first instance 

3.2.9     Only players who have taken to the court (played in at least one quarter) in Regional League during games 1-12 will be eligible to compete in the Regional League Play-offs, except with prior written permission of the Competition TSG. 

3.2.10  	Only players who have taken to the court (played in at least one quarter) in the Regional League will be eligible to compete in the Premier League Play-offs

3.2.11  	If a club wishes to enter a second team into the competition, to be eligible to play in the Qualification Tournament at the end of the season, players must not have taken part in more than three Regional League games 

3.2.12	Premier League players may not play in the Regional League except in exceptional circumstances with the permission of the Competition TSG.  Applications must be received 10 days before the fixture

3.2.13	A player is deemed to be a Premier League player when she has played 16 quarters (or parts thereof) during the current netball season for any Premier League team.  This will be monitored by the League Secretary in conjunction with England Netball.  

3.2.14	Teams must declare to the League Secretary players who are registered to any Premier League Team

3.2.15	No player, once registered with a Superleague Franchise, may play in the Regional League except in 	exceptional circumstances, when they must have the prior consent of the Regional Competition TSG.  	Applications must be received 10 days before the fixture

3.2.16	Any club gaining a place in the Premier League Play-off will not be allowed to play a player who has played 	for another club in the Premier League

3.2.17	All players named on the team sheet must be eligible to play.

4. REGISTRATION OF SQUAD MEMBERS

4.1        Registration Sheets for each participating team must be completed fully for each player and lodged with 	the League Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of the Regional League

4.2	Teams may register as many players as they wish

4.3		Teams may only use those players whose names appear on their Registration Sheet held by the League   	Secretary

4.4 		Any additions to the Registration Sheet must be lodged with the League Secretary by midnight on the Wednesday prior to playing the fixture.   No additions may be made after a team’s 10th game.

4.5 		Each team may declare up to twelve (12) players prior to the start of each match by completing a team sheet/result card

4.6	   Only players named on the Team Sheet at the beginning of the game will be allowed to play or sit on the team bench

5. STRUCTURE OF THE LEAGUE

5.1	The Regional League will be contested between as many teams as shall be determined by the Competition TSG from time to time. There will normally be three divisions.  The number of teams in each division will normally be eight teams 

5.2 	Teams in each division will play each other twice

5.3	Where possible matches will be played at a central venue to be determined by the Competition TSG and the remaining matches will be played on a home/away basis

5.4	The season's schedule of matches is to be organised with a fair allocation of starting times and playing arenas (where appropriate) at the discretion of the Competition Referees

5.5 	Teams will be awarded league points as follows:
•	5 points for a win 
•	3 points for a draw 
•	2 Points if within 4 goals eg. 50-46 = 2 points
•	1 point if scoring 50% or more eg. 50-45 = 1 point 

5.6     	A Regional League table will be compiled on the basis of the points awarded to each team. 
		Where two teams are level on points:

•	Goal average shall be used to determine their relative positions, ie. the team with the higher average score over the course of the season shall take precedence
•	In the event that goal average does not differentiate between the teams, then goal difference shall be applied, ie. precedence will be given to the team with the greater difference between goals scored and goals conceded
•	Where one of the teams has its goal average, goal difference or total number of goals scored affected by cancellations, then all goals scored by and against defaulting team(s) in all games shall be omitted from the calculations of both teams level on points. For example, in the event that one team received 5 points for a cancelled fixture, then the goals scored by and against both teams level on points in all games against the offending team, will not be included when goal average, goal difference or total number of goals is calculated.  In the event that neither goal average nor goal difference can differentiate between the teams, the aggregate score in the match or matches played between them over the course of the season shall be calculated and precedence given to the winning team 
•	In the event that none of the above differentiates between the teams, the Competition TSG shall determine the means of differentiation

5.7       The team which finishes top of the Regional League Division 1 at the end of the season will be the winners    of the competition. They will be eligible for promotion to the Premier Division 3, and will contest a play-off involving other Regional League champions and Premier Division 3 clubs in order to pursue that promotion

5.8 	At the end of each season there will be promotion and relegation between Division 1 and Division 2; the 	team placed 8th in Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2.  The winning 	team in Division 2 will be 	promoted to Division 1.  Teams placed 6th and 7th in Division 1 and 2nd and 3rd in Division 2 will take 	part in play-offs to decide which two teams will play in Division 1 and which 2 teams will play in 	Division 2.
	
5.9	At the end of each season there will be promotion and relegation between Division 2 and Division 3. The 	team placed 8th in Division 2 will be relegated to Division 3.  The winning 	team in Division 3 will be 	promoted to Division 2.  Teams placed 6th and 7th in Division 2 and 2nd and 3rd in Division 3 will take part 	in play-offs to decide which two teams will play in Division 2 and which 2 	teams will play in Division 3 

5.10	However, at the end of each season, any team which is based in the region which is relegated from the Premier Division 3, will automatically be included within the Regional League Division 1 for the following season, and the Div 1/2 play-offs will be contested to decide the teams required to maintain 8 teams in Division1
 
5.11	In the event that a Team is relegated to the region from Premier Division 3 (para 5.7) the Div 1/2 and Div 2/3 play-offs will be contested to decide the teams required to maintain a Divisions of 8 teams

5.12	At the end of each season, irrespective of the number of teams in the division, the bottom two teams in Division 3 will join the two champions from each county in the Qualifying Tournament to decide which teams make up the number required for Division 3

5.13	In the event that match is conceded, the team which conceded will be liable to pay any costs which the non-offending team occurs, subject to the determination of the Competition TSG

5.14	The Competition TSG will have power to determine the penalty to be imposed on teams and players who are in breach of these Rules and Regulations.  Such penalties include reprimands, the deduction of league points, fines, suspensions and expulsion from the competition, except as specified in 10.1.4 - 10.1.7 

6. FIXTURE ARRANGEMENTS 

	CENTRAL VENUES 

6.1	Matches will be played on an indoor court with adequate surrounds with ancillary facilities for     approximately 30 participants, including changing and showering facilities, wherever possible, for both sexes

6.2	A system of pooled fares will be in operation as approved by the Regional Management Board

6.3 	Teams are responsible for arranging their own travel and for the costs of this, and should allow sufficient travelling time to cover any unexpected delays.  Any team which fails to arrive within 15 minutes of the start time will forfeit the match, and the non-offending team will be awarded the points as winners by default

6.4	Teams failing to take the court after an interval or stoppage will be penalised in accordance with INF (2015) Rules of the Game

6.4   	All matches must be played on the date, and at the time and venue specified by the fixture schedule

6.5	Matches which are postponed by the League Secretary due to extreme and adverse weather conditions or unforeseen problems with the venue must be played at the venue, time and on the date re-arranged specified 

6.6 	If a team cancels a match:
•	The non-offending team will be awarded five (5) league points for the match, and the team which cancels will have five (5) league points deducted from their total
•	The team which cancels will be liable to pay court costs which the Regional Management Board have incurred

6.7	If a fixture is cancelled, it is the responsibility of both teams to ensure that the League Secretary and the Umpiring Secretary are informed immediately the cancellation is known

6.8	In the event that a match is abandoned for any reason, e.g., because of serious injury, the result of that match will be determined by the League Secretary, having regard to the score at the time at which play was suspended

6.10	Any team that withdraws from the league may be liable to pay the cost of ALL REMAINING court fees

HOME/AWAY FIXTURES (in the event that a central venue is not available)

6.11	Matches will be played on an indoor court with adequate surrounds with ancillary facilities for 	approximately 30 participants, including changing and showering facilities, wherever possible, for 	both sexes, unless otherwise agreed by the Competition TSG

6.12 	The home team is responsible for arranging the venue which must be within the boundary of the 		East Midlands, and for the cost of this

6.13	   In the event that home/away venues are required, team must provide their own umpire who is C Award or above and has achieved the appropriate fitness level

6.14	   The home team must provide their opponents and both umpires with confirmation in writing of the    	fixture, its start time, and travel directions (including a map and postcode) ten (10) days prior to the 	date of the fixture

6.15 	All matches must be played on the date specified by the fixture schedule
6.16 	The start time of each match will be between 10.00 am and 2:00 pm.  Any dispute over start times will be determined by the Competition TSG at its absolute discretion

6.17 	The away team will be responsible for arranging its own travel, and for the costs of this, and should 	allow sufficient traveling time to cover any unexpected delays. Any team which fails to arrive within 	15 minutes after the agreed start time will forfeit the match, and the non-offending team will be 	awarded the points as winners by default.

6.18 	Matches which are postponed by the League Secretary due to extreme and adverse weather 	conditions unless must be played on the date specified by the League Secretary 

6.19 	If a team cancels a match:
•	The non-offending team will be awarded five (5) league points for the match, and the team which cancels will have five (5) league points deducted from their total
•	The team which cancels may be liable to pay any costs which the non-offending team and match officials have incurred, subject to the determination of the Regional Management Board 

6.20	If a fixture is cancelled, it is the responsibility of the home team to ensure that the League Secretary, the opposition and umpires / Officiating TSG are informed immediately the cancellation is known

6.21 	In the event that a match is abandoned for any reason, e.g., because of serious injury, the result of that match will be determined by the Competition TSG, having regard to the score at the time at which play was suspended

7. MATCH REGULATIONS

7.1	All games shall be played to the IFNA (2015) Rules of the Game currently in force in England at the time, except where specifically stated in these regulations.
		
7.2	       All matches shall be of one hour's duration (ie. four quarters of 15 minutes each).

7.3		The half time interval will be 5 minutes duration.  The first and third quarter-time intervals will be 3 minutes.

7.4	Where there is a clash of colours deemed likely by the umpires, the toss of a coin by the two captains shall decide which team retains their original colours (NB a reversal of bib colours is unlikely to be sufficient)

7.5	Each team must provide a suitable match ball.  The umpire will check both balls before the match and the teams will toss to see which ball is used throughout the match.

8. MATCH OFFICIALS

8.1 UMPIRES
8.1.1	For Division 1 - Neutral umpires, who have achieved the required fitness level of 6.1 on the bleep test fitness, will be allocated to each fixture by the Officiating TSG. 

8.12	For Division 2 - Neutral umpires, who have achieved the required fitness level of 6.1 on the bleep test fitness, will be allocated to each fixture by the Officiating TSG for all games played at a central venue.  However, teams in Div 2 will provide their own umpires if matches are played Home/Away

8.1.3	All teams in Div 1 and 2 will contribute to the umpires' travel expenses via payment which shall be determined by the Competition TSG and which shall be paid prior to the commencement of the league.  

8.1.4	For Divisions 3 - Teams will provide a non-playing umpire. The umpires will be neutrally placed by the League Secretary unless matches are played home and away when teams provide their own umpire.  Each team is responsible for the TRAVEL EXPENSES of the umpire they provide

8.1.5 	In the event that an umpire fails to arrive, or is injured or taken ill during a match, the following 			procedure will be applied:
•	If another umpire of the appropriate standard is available then she/he will umpire the match 
•	Failing that, the next best-qualified umpire should be used
•	The League Secretary must be informed immediately after the match.

8.1.6	In conjunction with England Netball, the Regional Management Board will have responsibility for procedures which ensure that umpires conform to a standard of physical fitness which allows them to keep pace with the speed and variability of the game(s).

8.1.7	Matches within the Regional League may be used by England Netball for the purpose of umpire, assessments or pre assessments

8.2	TECHNICAL OFFICIALS 
8.2.1	Technical Officials are the Scorers and Timekeepers.  The 2 scorers and the 2 timekeepers shall between them constitute the Officials Bench

8.2.2	Scorers and time-keepers will be required for all fixtures. 

8.2.3	Each team must provide a Timekeeper and a separate competent scorer. 

8.2.4	The Scorer should be either an umpire, Match Bench Official or other person who has attended a Match Bench Official’s course or who has a working knowledge of scoring and the IFNA (2015) Rules. 

8.2.5	The Timekeeper must have a working knowledge of the INFA (2015) Rules

8.2.4	Scorers and timekeepers may not be members of the squad named for that match and must officiate for the whole game.  

8.2.5	Scorers and timekeepers may not coach or comment during the game.  

8.2.6	One of the two Technical Officials provided by each team must be at least 18 years old.  

8.3  TEAM OFFICIALS  
8.3.1	A team may have up to five (5) Team Officials. These will include a coach and at least one Primary Carer 

8.3.2	Where possible the Primary Carer should be qualified to diagnose and treat injury or illness (for example, doctor or physiotherapist)

8.3.3     Only the Primary Carer will be allowed on court in the event of illness/injury.  

8.3.4     The Primary Carer must advise the umpires if a Player is too ill or injured to be removed from the court within 30 seconds and/or if assistance is required

8.3.4     The Primary Carer will be required to wear a form of designation which will be issued at the beginning of the season.  

8.3.6	Team Officials may be fewer than specified and may therefore undertake several duties.  However, it is preferable that the Primary Carer does not hold any other role.
	 
8.3.7	The Team Officials and up to five (5) players not on court shall constitute the Team Bench. 

8.3.8	The Team Bench will be the area designated by the umpires at the start of the game.  This will normally be on the right hand side of the post and at the team's defending end.  Teams will occupy the same team bench throughout the game.  Teams should vacate their bench immediately after the match.

9. REGISTRATION OF RESULTS

9.1	Both teams are required to complete an official Team/Result Sheet and Score Sheet during each match, entering the names of each player and indicating the position each player has played each quarter  

9.2 	The two officials Team/Results Sheets must be checked and signed by both scorers, timekeepers, captains and umpires. 

9.3	The completed Scores Sheet must be sent by each team to the League Secretary, to be received by 5 pm on the Wednesday following the match.  They can be sent by scanning and emailing to emrlsecretary@outlook.com or sending by post (the post boxes at the SDW and Netball Centre will not be in operation this year).  Any team which fails to do so may be penalized (see 10.1.7).  

9.4	Each team must text their match result directly to the League Secretary no later than 7:00 pm on the day of the fixture of the match.  Any team which fails to do so may be liable to a fine. (see 10.1.7)

10.  COMPETITION REFEREES

10.1	The League Secretary, Officiating TSG Chair and the Competition TSG Chair have been appointed as Competition Referees by the East Midlands Netball Association for the Regional League.  The Competition Referees will have the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions on any matters arising throughout the Competition including, but not limited to: 

	10.1.1	Altering or amending the playing schedule as necessary;

	10.1.2	Determining if there has been a breach of the Regulations and imposing an appropriate 			sanction (including disqualification of any individual, player or team) as follows:
		
10.1.3	The use of an unaffiliated player will result in a deduction of 3 league points; the result of the fixture    	will still stand

10.1.4	The use of an ineligible player will result in a deduction of 2 league points; the result of the fixture 	will still stand.  An ineligible player includes:

		(a)  an unregistered player 
		(b)  a Premier League player without permission from the Competition TSG 
		(c)  a Superleague player without permission from the Competition TSG
		(d)  a player who is under age without submitting an age banding form 
		(e)  a player who is named on team sheets at two levels (Regional League and Premier 	      	      League) on the same day.  This includes naming players on a Premier League team sheet 		      when matches are played AFTER Regional League games
         	(f)  an “A” team player playing in a “B” team

10.1.5	In the event that a team fails to play, the non-offending team will be awarded 5 points for the match 	and the offending team will have 5 points deducted from their total (failure to play is defined as not 	playing a game, without prior consent from the League Secretary and with the opposition and 	officials expecting that the game would be played) 

10.1.6	Failure to play on more than one occasion (e.g. failure to play in 2 league fixtures) could result in 	expulsion from the Regional League

10.1.7	(a)  If a team cancels a game, the offending team will pay £70 to cover the court costs 
		(b)  Not texting the result through on the day - the fine will be the loss of 1 point
		(c)  Late or incomplete score sheet - the fine will the loss of 1 point
		(d)  Not providing a scorer or time-keeper - the fine will be the loss of 1 point 
		(e)  After the first offence for each of (b) – (d) each further offence will be the loss of 2 points
 (f)   Failure to attend a play-off (regional or national) will result in the loss of any prize money and a     £100 fine 
(g)	Failure for the match fees to be received and funds cleared by the dates specified on the entry form will result in the loss of 5 points per week until payment received.  
(h)  Proof of payment must be sent to the Regional Treasurer of payments made by bank transfer.
		(i)   Deliberately providing false information may result in expulsion from the competition
		
	10.1.8	Instances of unsportsmanlike behaviour or behaviour that brings the sport into disrepute, 			including instances of Teams predetermining, or attempting to predetermine, the outcome of a 			Match and/or the Competition;

	10.1.9	Determine the score should any Match not be concluded due to any unforeseen circumstance

	10.1.10	 Any matter not covered specifically within the Regulations  

10.2	The Competition Referees may call upon, or delegate to, additional persons to assist with the 	Competition or consult with other persons prior to making any decision. However, the final decision 	and accountability for the decision will rest with the Competition Referees.

11. COMPETITION COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

11.1	All queries and complaints (a Complaint) should be directed to the League Secretary in the first 	instance, and these will be dealt with as follows:
	
11.1.1	Where the Complaint relates to the playing of a Match, the scoring, and/or its result, the relevant squad member or team official, must do the following:

a)	Inform their opponents and the umpires of their complaint;
b)	Mark the Score Card with the words “Under Protest”;
c)	Attach a letter to the Score Card to explain the issue in full to the Competition Referees 
d)	Send the marked Score Card to the League Secretary, within seventy two (72) hours of the match;
e)	The Competition Referees will decide what action should be taken

11.1.2	The Competition Referees will acknowledge receipt of the query or complaint and make a decision on the matter within seventy two (72) hours of receipt of the query or complaint. The Competition Referees’ decision in relation to decisions taken under clause 10.1.1 is binding apart from where parties to the complaint have the right to appeal the decision under Section 12 below 

11.2	Where a Complaint relates to the governance or administration of the Competition by the Competition Referees or Technical Support Group, such complaints will be dealt with under the Complaints Procedure of the East Midlands Regional Association in place at the time of the incident   

11.3	Where the Complaint relates to the behaviour of an individual Player or Team participating, volunteering 	or individual attending a Match which could be considered as a Disciplinary Offence under England 	Netball’s Disciplinary Regulations, such complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the processes 	set out in England Netball’s Disciplinary Regulations

12.  APPEAL OF COMPETITION REFEREES' DECISION

12.1 	The decision of the Competition Referees in relation to a complaint submitted in accordance with section 	11.1.1 shall be final and binding on all parties save that a party has a right to appeal in the following 	circumstances: 

12.1.1 	If the decision has a potential impact on a match result, a league table, or the outcome of the 			Competition; AND

12.1.2 	If there has been a failure by the Competition Referees to follow or act in accordance with these 			Regulations and/or the Competition Referees reached a decision on the basis of an error of fact

	These are the only grounds of appeal and any appeal must be submitted in accordance with the Appeals 	Process set out below:

12.2	An appeal should be forwarded in writing from the appropriate member of the appealing Team to the Competition Secretaries within 72 hours of receiving the decision, who will refer it to the East Midlands Regional Management Board

12.3	The appeal shall be accompanied by a cheque for £100 which shall be returned if the appeal is upheld 	or if there are any other extenuating circumstances.  The Competition Appeals Committee (CAC) will 	decide whether the extenuating circumstance warrant the cheque being returned

12.4	The East Midlands Regional Association will establish a CAC which will consist of individuals that are 	independent of 	and not connected with the Competition. One of those individuals will be appointed as the 	Chair

12.5	The Chair of the CAC will send the appeal to the opposing Team and any other Team the CAC believe 	could be affected by the outcome of the appeal. These Teams will be permitted seventy two (72) hours, 	from the date the appeal notice is sent from the CAC to submit any evidence or submission that they 	wish the CAC to consider

12.6	All submissions and evidence must be submitted in writing. The Chair of the CAC will have the discretion to 	determine the process, procedure and direction of the appeal

12.7	The CAC shall meet and reach a determination within seventy two (72) hours of receiving all the 	evidence and submissions

12.8	The CAC will notify all the parties that made submissions and presented evidence of its decision and 	any penalties and sanctions imposed within twenty four (24) hours of it reaching its determination.  The 	CAC shall have the discretion to publish the decision through whatever means it considers appropriate

12.9	The CAC shall have the delegated power of East Midlands Netball Association to make all decisions and 	impose 	and enforce any penalties and sanctions (including but not limited to, reprimands, the deduction of 	points, fines, suspensions and expulsions from the Competition) relating to the appeal

12.10	The procedures set out in this section shall be governed by the Arbitration Act 1996 (the Act) and 	amount 	to a binding arbitration agreement for the purposes of Section 6 of the Act

12.11	The parties also waive irrevocably their right to any form of appeal, review or recourse to any court or	other judicial authority, or under England Netball’s Disciplinary Procedures Manual or otherwise, in so far 	as such waiver may be validly made

12.12	The seat of arbitration shall be England, the language used shall be English and the governing law of 	the regulations and these proceedings under Section 3 shall be English Law
	
12.13	If the circumstances require a decision to be taken sooner than provided for by this section, and all 	parties to the appeal consent, the timetable within which an appeal is raised, submissions made and the 	decision taken can be shorter than seventy two (72) hours stated in this Section. In such cases the 	CAC shall issue a revised directions timetable which shall be binding on all parties.

13. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISOS

13.1 	No first aid will be provided by the League

13.2	It is the responsibility of each team to provide adequate first aid cover for its players and officials, and
which shall also be made available to the match officials on request

14. CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAPHY

14.1	Photography may take place any week.  Clubs must notify the League Secretary prior to the commencement of the League if there are any members of the club who do not wish to be photographed during the League

15. HEALTH & SAFETY

a)  Umpires and bleeding
	Umpires may stop the match when blood is noticed.  The player must leave to the court within 30 secs to receive treatment.  The timekeepers must advise the umpires when 10 seconds remain. 

b) Pregnancy, Gloves, Head Coverings Eyewear, Jewellery & Medic Alerts, Hair and Medical Aids 
	England Netball Domestic Guidance must be followed and can be found in paragraph 5       
	https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/make-the-game/officiating/rules-updates 

c)  Accident Reporting
An England Netball Accident form must be completed for all accidents and sent to the League Secretary.  A copy of the Accident Form and the results sheet will be sent England Netball where they will be stored for insurance purposes.  
If an accident occurs at a Netball match where a player, coach, spectator or staff member is injured, the accident reporting procedure should be followed as detailed below: this procedure should be followed for ALL injuries and accidents, regardless of whether or not medical treatment is given.
A Team Official - i.e. coach, team manager or other team representative - should complete the Accident Report Form, making sure to include as much information as possible.  This may include a diagram or further explanation which may be completed on a separate piece of paper or on the back of the form.  Additional pages should be stapled or clipped securely to the original form.
The names, addresses and contact details of any witness(es) present should be recorded.  It may also be necessary, in some circumstances, to obtain an Umpire’s Report as evidence.  This is essential for any follow up queries England Netball or its insurers may have.
The form should be sent to the League Secretary within 3 (three) days of the incident taking place who will retain a copy and forward to England Netball.  A copy should be kept by each team and filed for future reference.
All participants acknowledge that participating in the sport of netball involves a risk of personal injury and by taking part in the East Midlands Regional League - whether as a player, team member, team official, other official or spectator - each participant does so at their own risk.

16.  DISCLAIMER
	East Midlands Netball will not be liable to any person, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or 	otherwise for any direct or indirect loss or injury of any nature, howsoever caused and howsoever arising 	from the matters covered by these Regulations, provided that nothing in these Regulations excludes or 	restricts East Midlands Netball’s liability for any personal loss or injury caused by East Midlands Netball’s 	own negligence, the negligence of its employees, or for fraud.