Pamplemousses RFA Rules of Competition Regional Super League, 1st & 2nd Division
Rule of Competition Season 2017/18 and 2018/19
RULE No. 1
(a) The Mauritius Football Association has determined that the Playing Season shall commence at the beginning of November 2017 and terminate by the end of July 2018. It shall also determine the date, time and venue on which all ties shall be played.
(b) Matches shall be played in day light or under flood lights.
(c) Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws as decided by the International Football Association Board and as promulgated by FIFA which referred as FIFA Laws of the Game (latest edition)
RULE No.2 - The Competition
(a) During the football season 2017/18 the Pamplemousses RFA shall organize the following: • Regional Super League • Regional First Division League • Regional Second Division League
(b) The name of the donor of a trophy offered, or that of any other person or institution, may form part of the title of a competition. Note: No club is allowed to participate in any competition whatsoever, beside those organized by the Pamplemousses RFA. However, for friendly matches the club must obtain a written permission from the Pamplemousses RFA.
RULE No.3 - Trophy Ownership
(a) The abovementioned competitions shall all be endowed with at least one trophy which remains the property of the Pamplemousses RFA.
(b) Upon the end of respective final matches, the Pamplemousses RFA shall deliver the relevant trophy to such club. The latter shall be responsible for its return to the Pamplemousses RFA, at least one month before the day fixed for the final match of the same competition in the next ensuing season, in good order and condition.
(c) Should the trophy be lost, destroyed or damaged by fire or other accident whilst under the care and custody of the club, the club concerned shall refund to the Pamplemousses RFA the full amount of the value of the trophy or the cost of repair.
RULE No.4 - Control of Competition
(a) The entire control and management of the competitions shall be vested in the Pamplemousses RFA. The Pamplemousses RFA shall be responsible for all disciplinary matters.
(b) The Pamplemousses RFA shall also be responsible for the issue of all players and bench officials’ licenses.
(c) The Secretary of the MFA Referee’s Committee shall liaise with the MFA for all matters pertaining to refereeing.
RULE No.5 - Eligible Clubs
(a) The Pamplemousses Regional Super League Competition shall be opened to the 8 clubs that are in the Super League of the Pamplemousses RFA for the current season
(b) The Pamplemousses Regional First Division Competition shall be opened to the 8 clubs that are in the First Division League of the Pamplemousses RFA for the current season.
(c) The Regional Second Division Competition shall be opened to the 8 clubs that are in the Regional Second Division League of the Pamplemousses RFA for the current season.
(d) Inter-Regional Competition is opened to the Champion of Pamplemousses Regional Football Associations, (Pamplemousses Super League) for the current season and which shall be duly recognized and approved by Pamplemousses RFA. The Pamplemousses RFA shall have the final decision.
RULE No.6 - Entries ~ Admission ~ Duties
1. Admission Criteria
To be eligible to participate in the competition, a club must fulfill the following criterias :
a) It must confirm in writing that the club itself, as well as its players and officials, agree to respect the statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of the MFA.
b) Through its participation in these competitions the club itself, as well as its players and officials, agree to recognize the Judicial Bodies of Pamplemousses RFA, Judicial Bodies of the MFA, the Arbitration Tribunal of MFA and the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne as defined in the relevant provisions of the MFA Statutes.
c) The club must have a head coach, sports medical officer and a team manager.
d) The club must also have : i. bench officials (medical & life).
e) The club must also provide the following to the MFA : i. a certificate from the Registrar of Association that the club is in compliance with the law. ii. a medical certificate for each player stating that the player is medically fit to play competition football. iii. all datas regarding a player with the application for Players License.
f) Each club is entitled to a playing strength of 25 including a maximum of 5 foreign players (copy of residence and working permits and other formalities for ITC must be submitted prior to issue of license)
g) Clubs shall be obliged to release their players as and when required by the National Coach as per FIFA regulations.
RULE No.7 - Organisation of Competitions
(a) The Pamplemousses RFA shall determine the organization of each competition involving Member Clubs.
1) The League Competitions of Pamplemousses Regional Super League, First and Second Divisions will be played on a Single League System.
2) The participating clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials, members, supporters and anyone carrying out a function at a match on their behalf in strict compliance with Pamplemousses RFA, MFA &FIFA disciplinary code.
Please note: Use of abusive and foul language will be severely dealt by the disciplinary committee of the Pamplemousses RFA. In case of abuse, players or clubs’ officials will be fined
RULE No.8 - Insurance
(a) Clubs involved in the competitions are responsible for their own insurance cover
(b) The participating clubs are responsible for and undertake to conclude all necessary and adequate insurance cover for all their licensed players/officials, at their own expense for the whole duration of the competition acceptable to Pamplemousses RFA.
(c) All insurances must cover the full period of the competition, including the preparation and the post-competition phase.
(d) Claims for damages against the Pamplemousses RFA are expressly excluded.
(e) Clubs must also take a public liability insurance cover.
(f) Copies of insurance covers must be handed over to Pamplemousses RFA prior to the start of the league.
RULE No.9 - Provisions for Scratching, Failing to play, Etc..
(a) The Competitions
i. Any Club, intending to scratch itself from any competition, must give information of its intention to do so, together with the reasons for such failure to play, to the Pamplemousses RFA at least 8 days before the date fixed for playing. A fine of a maximum of Rs 25, 000 will be imposed to the Club which may also be called to answer before the Disciplinary Committee of the Pamplemousses RFA and appropriate sanctions will be taken against the said club.
ii. If a Club does not present itself on the field play 15 minutes after the scheduled for time kick-off or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of the match, the Club shall be considered as having lost by 3-0 (or the actual score, if greater at the moment of stoppage) and will be called to answer before the Disciplinary Committee of serious misconduct and appropriate action taken.
iii. The guilty club shall pay a fine, following the incident.
iv. Failure pay the fine will prevent the club from further participation in competitions.
v. A team withdrawing from the competition or renouncing to play the rest of matches after having played one or more matches, shall be relegated to the next inferior division and shall refund its opponent/s a sum of Rs 5, 000 for each match.
(b) The winner will be:
i. The team with the highest number of points obtained in the league matches played will be declared the winner of the league.
ii. The ranking of each team in each division at the end of championship will be determined in the following order: If two teams or more, end the championship with the same number of points the following shall apply in the order of priority as given below:
a) Higher number of points obtained
b) The result of the Head-to-Head Confrontations between the two tying teams
c) The superior goal difference in the matches among the teams in question
d) Higher number of goals scored in the matches among the teams in question
e) Overall Superior goal difference
f) If after that the teams involved still cannot be untied, the winner shall be determined by a play-off among the teams in question
RULE No.10 - System of Play
The Super League
The Super League will be played among the 8 Super League Clubs on a Single League system (addition of points), each club playing one matche against each of the other clubs, with 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 point for a loss. At the end of the championship: Promotion The First top team of the table will be automatically promoted to play the MFA Inter-Regional football competition for season 2017/18.
Relegation: The bottom team on the table will be automatically relegated to the First Division for season 2018/19.
The First Division League
The First Division League will be played among the 8 First Division Clubs on a “Single League System”. (addition of points) each club playing one match against each of the clubs, with 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 point for a loss. At the end of the championship: Promotion
The First top team of the table will be automatically promoted to the Regional Super League Division for season 2018/19.
Relegation
The bottom team on the table will be automatically relegated to Second Division for season for season 2018/19.
INTER-REGIONAL COMPETITION
1) Inter-regional competition will be played between the champions of Regional Football Associations of the Regional Super Leagues/First Divisions 2017/18 in two pools in a Single League System (subject to Rule 5c).
2) The regional club finishing on top of the table of each pool at the end of the competition will be promoted to the National Second Division for season 2018/19.
3) All the other regional clubs will return to their respective RFA’s highest division for the following season (subject to paragraph below). 4) Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shall a club be allowed to scratch itself from a League competition. If nevertheless it does, the club shall :
a) be automatically relegated to the next inferior division of its respective RFA.
b) be called to answer before the Disciplinary Committee of the MFA of serious misconduct and appropriate action taken.
c) If a club scratches itself or is disqualified in the middle of a competition, all its existing scores shall be cancelled and shall not be taken into consideration when compiling the result of the competition.
d) A team withdrawing from the competition or renouncing to play the rest of matches after having played one or more match, shall be relegated to the next inferior division and shall refund its opponent/s a sum of Rs 5 000 for each match.
Please note: Pamplemousses RFA shall submit the name of the Champion club of the Super League before 31st May 2018 and the MFA reserves the right to admit or reject clubs of any region.
RULE No.11 - Ground, Substitutes, Nets, Duration of Match, Etc..
1. Ground, Date, Time, Etc… Every match in each competition shall be played, according to availability, on a ground and at a date and time fixed by the Pamplemousses RFA & MFA. In exceptional cases, the Pamplemousses RFA secretariat is empowered to make any appropriate changes. Any match of the Super League m, First and Second Divisions, as scheduled per fixtures, reported for unforeseen circumstances shall be played under 72 hours in the same venue (depending its availability) otherwise on the Pitch which will be provided by the Pamplemousses RFA.
All matches of the inter-regional competition shall be played on the Astro Pitch of the MFA in Trianon.
Laws to be applied, Nets, Substitutes
a) The Laws of the Game shall be those currently in force and as published by the ‘International Football Association Board’. In case of differences of interpretation, the English text shall be authoritative.
b) Nets shall be attached to the goal posts.
c) Substitutes, up to a maximum of three per team are permitted at any time during a match. No player who has been ordered off from the game by the referee after play has started can be replaced and a player who has been replaced cannot take any further part in the game. A player who has been ordered off cannot join his team mates on the substitutes bench (where this is provided) even if he has changed into ordinary clothes.
d) A substitute can enter the field only during a stoppage in the game, at the half – way line, after the player he is replacing has left and after having been authorized by the Referee. However, the player he is replacing can leave the field of play anywhere, especially if he is injured.
e) Before the start of the game, the referee shall be notified, by inscription on the match sheet, of the names of a maximum of seven players of whom THREE only may be called upon to play as substitutes. Failure to notify the Referee, as stated above, will mean that no substitutes can be permitted.
f) Notwithstanding this proviso, the fact that there are no named substitutes cannot prevent a club, for any lawful reason, from bringing the number of its team up to eleven.
g) However, if the said proviso is not complied with and although the result of the match will stand, the Club may be called to answer before the Disciplinary Committee of serious misconduct and appropriate action taken.
1. Duration of Match, Extra time, Kicks from the penalty-mark Goal Difference, Goal Aggregate
(i) All matches of Pamplemousses RFA/MFA competitions (2X45 minutes) will be played with the express consent of the Pamplemousses RFA & MFA in full compliance with the CAF and FIFA rules.
If a match has been abandoned by the Referee, before the completion of the time stated in
(i). above, for any reason stated in Law V of the Laws of the Game, the Association reserves itself the right, depending on the particular circumstances of each case, either : i. to have the match replayed in full, or (ii). to let the result at the time of the stoppage to stand, or
(iii). to award the match with a score of 3-0 If the result of a match, at the end of the prescribed time as stated at (i) above, is a draw and if extra time must be played according to the Rules of Competition, this must always and in every case consist of two periods of fifteen minutes each with an interval of five minutes at the END of the prescribed time but not between the periods of extra time. Choice of ends shall be decided by the toss of a coin.
The “Goal Difference” is obtained by deducting the number of goals scored ‘against’ from the number of goals scored ‘for’.
The ‘Goal Aggregate’ (over two matches) is obtained by adding the number of goals scored ‘for’ by each team in two matches.
Note: Rule 9 (c) (iii) will be applied only to cup matches.
League Competition Points
a. Win 3 points
b. Draw 1 point
c. Loss 0 point
d. Win by forfeit/disqualification
e. 3 points (3-0 goal difference)
Loss by forfeit/disqualification. 3 3 points (0-3 goal difference)
Teams Arrival at Stadium/football ground
(a) Teams to be in the dressing room at least 60 minutes before the kick-off time
(b) Official printed team lists to be handed over by the teams to the 4th Official immediately upon their arrival at the stadium/football ground where applicable but not later than 30 minutes before kick-off.
(c) Teams not present to kick off at the scheduled time will be given “fifteen minutes de grace” if at the end of this time the team is still absent it will be declared to have forfeited the match.
(d) Teams shall have to be back in the respective dressing rooms/corner after warming up 15 minutes before kick off
(e) If a team does not report for a match – except in case of force majeure recognized by the MFA – or if it refuses to continue to play or leaves the field of play before the end of a match, the team shall be considered as having lost. The score of 3-0 and 3 points shall be awarded to the opponents or the actual score if greater at the moment the match was discontinued.
(f) If a match is abandoned before the end of the regular time for reasons of force majeure and notably for poor visibility, poor ground conditions and / or bad weather conditions to be decided upon by the referee, the match is to be replayed within 72 hours later at the same venue and with the same referees. All disciplinary measures (caution or expulsion) pronounced during the match will be applied in conformity with CAF disciplinary code. (cautions are annulled and expulsion is upheld)
(g) The MFA Competitions Committee reserves the right, depending the moment / score the match was abandoned, to maintain the result as if the match was completed. It cannot maintain a result if less than 80 minutes were played.
(h) If a team refuses to take part in the rescheduled game, it will be sanctioned in conformity with the rules of the competition and the expenses up to the amount of Rs 5 000 of the team present to be borne by the defaulting team.
(i) For the matches played under floodlight, if the match is interrupted because of poor visibility following a failure of electricity, the referee will observe a delay of 45 minutes before signaling the end of the game. If normal conditions are restored within the 45 minutes delay, the match will restart at the point of the stoppage. If not, the match is to be replayed within 72 hours later, in conformity with the measures indicated in article (f) above.
(j) No postponement of match will be entertained, except in case of “force majeure” accepted by the RFA Pamplemousses/MFA.
(k) In case of a clash of dates between RFA Pamplemousses and MFA matches or other matches organized on a regional, sub regional basis organized on special occasions, priority shall be given to the MFA/RFA matches.
4. Players’ Equipment
(a) Each team shall wear its official colours according to the entry forms sent to MFA.
(b) In addition to the official outfit, each team shall have a reserve outfit of a different colour (reserve colours) which should be taken to every match.
(c) If the two teams’ colours cause confusion the host team shall be entitled to wear its official outfit and the visiting team shall use its reserve outfit or, if necessary a combination of the official and reserve outfit. In case the match is being played on neutral ground, a toss of coin will be performed by the referee. The team which loses the toss will have to change its outfit. In case the club is unable to do so, it will be declared loser by 0-3 and a fine of Rs 5 000 imposed.
(d) All players must have their shirts well tucked and the stockings pulled up throughout the match.
5. Numbers and Name
(a) Each player shall wear a number 1 to 25. The colour of the number must contrast clearly with the outfits (light or dark or vice versa) and be legible from a distance for spectators in the stadium and television viewers. This applies especially in the case of stripped shirts. A plain coloured background (either entirely light or dark, depending on the colour of the numbers) affords better legibility. These numbers shall be between 25 cm and 35 cm in height in the centre of the back of the shirt, between 10 cm and 15 cm in height on the front of the shirt in any position at chest level and between 10 cm and 15 cm in height in any position on the front of either leg of the shorts.
(b) Before abandoning a match because of poor weather conditions or disorder inside the stadium the referee will order a suspension of 30 minutes and if, thereafter, the situation is back to normal, the game is re-started according to the laws of the game.
(c) Jerseys shall be numbered from 1 to 25 only. No emblem of communal / racial connotation shall be authorized on the players’ jerseys.
(d) Optional: The player’s last name or popular name (or abbreviation), not exceeding 7.5 cm in height, may be affixed above the number on the back of the shirt and shall be clearly legible. The lettering shall be in capitals.
6. Warming up before and during the match
Weather permitting: the teams are entitled to warm up on the pitch. Teams must return to their respective dressing rooms 15 minutes before kickoff. During the match, the warm-up area for the two teams is behind the nearest goal from their respective bench or the side line on the same side of the team bench. Substitutes warming up must wear different colours. Not more than five players per team (excluding the goalkeeper) are allowed to warm up at the same time. The goalkeeper only is allowed to warm up with a ball.
7. Technical Area
(a) Only one person at a time is authorized to convey technical instructions to his players from within the confines of the technical area during the match. The technical area shall be clearly marked.
(b) Not more than 12 persons (7 substitutes and 5 officials) per team will be allowed in each technical area.
8. Injured Players Only two Club officials (except the Coach) are permitted to enter the pitch on the referee’s signals. The injured player is carried off for treatment outside the field of play. The player shall not return to the pitch until the referee gives him a signal.
9. Liquid Refreshment: Players may have liquid refreshment at a stoppage from plastic bottles placed on the 1 metre line of their respective technical area.
10. Protests: No protest may be made against match officials regarding facts connected with play, such decisions being final.
11. Disciplinary Measures Disciplinary measures are dealt with in compliance with the current Pamplemousses RFA/MFA Disciplinary Code.
12. Unbecoming behaviour towards the match officials
(a) Any person who is guilty of insulting or improper conduct towards the Referees, may be expelled from any stadium or ground where a match is being played.
(b) Any misconduct towards the referees away from the field of play will be dealt with as if the offence had been committed on the field.
13. Kick-off by persons other than a player
The practice of kicking off by persons other than a player is not allowed. However, if for specific reasons, the kick-off is done by a person other than a player, it shall be retaken according to the Laws of the Game.
14. Inspection of licenses and equipment
Before each match, the Referees shall :
a. Inspect the playing license of each player issued by the MFA and be himself satisfy that the player is qualified to play in that particular match (suspension included)
b. Check each player’s equipment and see to it that Law IV is fully complied with.
c. Players wearing anything considered by the referee to be dangerous will not be allowed to take part in the game.
d. The players’ licenses duly validated by MFA must be presented by the officials, of the two teams to the referee before the match for verification.
e. Each team may check the licenses of the opposing team.
f. Any contestation concerning the regularity of the licenses may be subject to protest lodged in conformity with the present regulations and submitted to the Pamplemousses RFA for decision.
g. The licenses of the contested player/ will be retained by the Match Commissioner or Referee who shall send it/them to the Pamplemousses RFA Secretariat along with his official report.
15. The Match Commissioner
a. A match commissioner shall be designated by the Referees’ Committee in matches organised or sponsored by the Pamplemousses RFA. He is the official representative of the Association and as such he is entitled to a seat in the official tribune where it exists.
b. He will observe the match in all its aspects: performance of referee and assistant referee’s behaviour of the public, security of the officials and the players etc. and shall submit, within 48 hours, a detailed report to the Secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA.
c. In any pre-match protest by one of the teams, he must try to reconcile conflicting points of view within the frame of the rules. If, however he does not succeed, he shall register the protest (on the appropriate form if available) and make sure that the match is played in accordance with the Rules and in conformity with the interpretation given by him.
d. The absence of the Commissioner cannot constitute an obstacle to the playing of the match at the scheduled date and time. The Referee of the match shall act in his stead when required.
e. The Commissioner may, if he deems it necessary for the security of the referees or the players, decide not to have the match played until his conditions and instructions are carried out. But once the match has started, it is exclusively the prerogative of the Referee to suspend or end the match for any of the reasons stipulated in the Laws of the Game.
f. In all disciplinary proceedings against referees, officials, players or member clubs, his report shall be produced in evidence and he may be called to depone before any committee or subcommittee legally set up for these proceedings.
16. Playing Conditions of Grounds
The Referee shall have the power to decide as to the practicability of the ground in all matches and must report to the stadium where the match is to be played at least 90 minutes before the time of the kick off.
17. Referees’ Room
Apart from the Referee and his assistants for the match, only the following persons shall have access to the Referees’ room/corner.
(a) The Commissioner for the match
(b) One official at a time of each of the two clubs playing for the purposes of reporting injuries only.
(c) Protests relating to a match proper should be made, not in the Referees’ room, but in a separate room of the Stadium, wherever applicable
(d) Cases of injuries may, however, be reported to the Referee in the Referees’ room/corner by a Club official after the end of the match
(e) No misconduct at all, especially violent conduct or use of insulting or foul language shall be tolerated in the Referees’ room/corner / Corridors & all access leading to the referee’s room/corner.
RULE No.12 - Referee and Assistant Referees
(a) The duties of the Referees and Assistant Referees shall be as defined in the Laws of the Game
(b) In all matches played under these Rules of Competition, Referees, and Assistant Referees shall be appointed by the “Pamplemousses RFA Referees’ Committee” from amongst the list of Referee registered with the Association. The appointments made by the Pamplemousses RFA Referees’ Committee are final and not subject to appeal except on the one ground that the Referee or Assistant Referees is, or was during the current / previous season, a member of one of the two Clubs concerned.
(c) If the Referee becomes unfit during a match, he shall be replaced by the Reserve Referee.
(d) Any player, leaving the field during the progress of a game (except through accident / in momentum) without the consent of the Referee, will be deemed guilty of misconduct and will render himself liable to be penalized.
(e) Without permission of the Referee (given by hand signal), no person shall be allowed on the field of play during a match other than the Assistant Referees and players.
Club officials and trainers who do not observe this Regulation are liable to be dealt with by the Pamplemousses RFA.
(f) In case of injury, only two persons designated to the referee before the match (One club official and the medical attendant) shall be allowed with the referees’ permission to be on the field of play.
(g) All injured players (except the goalkeeper) must be reported after the match to the referee, who will register them on the match sheet.
(h) The referee shall send to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA, the match sheet of any match he has officiated, within the next 48 hours (Sundays and Public Holidays not included and postmark to bear witness). In all cases where a red card or yellow card has been issued, description of the incident (included in an annexed report if need be) shall be communicated to the Pamplemousses RFA Referee’s Committee Chairperson as soon as possible (by fax, or phone, or sms or mail)
Cautions and sending off will be as follows :
(a) First series of 3 yellow cards = 1 match suspension.
(b) Second series of 3 yellow cards = 1+1 (2 matches suspension)
(c) Third, fourth and so on series of yellow cards = sanction increases by 1 match suspension.
Note: Applicable for the next official match of the club within the same competition.
(d) First direct red card = Automatic suspension (1 match) + additional matches of suspension depending on the severity of offence committed. The Pamplemousses RFA referees commission together with the Competition committee will judge the severity of the offence committed. (league or cup matches)
(e) Second direct red card = 1+1 + additional matches of suspension depending on the severity of offence committed. (league or cup matches)
(f) Third, fourth and so on = sanctions increase by one match. (league or cup matches)
(g) However, if a player is sent off for second caution in the same match, he is suspended for the next league or cup match.
(h) In case the player is sent off again for a second caution in the same competition, he is suspended for 1+1 matches, i. e. 2 next league or cup matches.
Third, fourth and so on, sanction increases by 1 match (league or cup matches).
RULE No.13 - Playing Strength, License, Qualifications, Remunerations, allowances Etc...
1. PlayingStrength,License
(a) Each club, on the date limit prescribed by the Pamplemousses RFA, shall submit to the secretariat of Pamplemousses RFA, its playing strength (i.e. the names of all the players for whom the club wants to obtain a playing license), up to a maximum of 25 players (inclusive of foreign players), through the CD provided by the Pamplemousses RFA.
(b) Furthermore, no player shall appear on the playing strength of more than one club for the same current season (except as provided for in the mid-season transfer rule). Any club and player acting in contravention to above Rule shall be sanctioned accordingly.
(c) Licenses will be delivered to clubs only after the payment of applicable license fees.
(d) All licensed amateur players playing in any club shall have to provide a transfer certificate to obtain a license in case they are charging club.
(e) MFA clubs must have a squad of a maximum of 25 players holding a license.
(f) No player shall ‘actually play’ (i.e. be fielded by his Club or appear as a named substitute on the match sheet) for TWO or more competing clubs in the same season.
(g) Provided, however, that in addition to its playing strength by way of transfer or otherwise be submitted to, and necessary formalities (as provided for in the Rules) completed.
(h) No player once licensed by the Pamplemousses RFA to participate in the Pamplemousses RFA tournament is allowed to play for any other team in any competition/friendly match whatsoever except for the Mauritius National Team. Transgressing this rule will lead to a suspension of up to 2 years.
(i) Players registered for FMSC tournament, must give priority to Pamplemousses RFA/MFA tournaments. Otherwise, the case will be referred to the Pamplemousses RFA Disciplinary Committee for further actions. Furthermore, the club will be responsible of their players playing in FMSC tournament and the latters will note be the covered by the insurance.
(j) The result of any match in which a non-qualified player has been fielded shall not stand in the case where the match was a draw or was won by the defaulting team. The defaulting team shall :
(i) If the competition was a knock-out one, be disqualified and its opponents declared the winner;
(ii) If the competition was a league one, be declared the loser with a score of 3-0 or keep the actual score if greater;
(iii)The player will be suspended for 3 matches;
(iv)The team will be fined Rs 50,000
2. Fraud
(a) If in the three months following every match played within the framework of the league competition, Pamplemousses RFA is informed, no matter what the source may be, that a fraud infringing the sporting morality was committed by one of the teams, an enquiry shall be conducted immediately. In case the assertion is proved, the following measures shall be taken :
(a) If the fraud has been committed at the start of the competition and if it is discovered at the middle of the competition the guilty team will be suspended from all Pamplemousses RFA competitions for two years.
(b) If the fraud is discovered during the competition, the guilty team shall be eliminated from the competition and will be suspended from all Pamplemousses RFA & MFA competitions for a period of three years.
(d) If the fraud has been committed during the last match by the club which has been awarded the trophy, the club shall be asked to return the trophy which will be awarded to the runner- up. The guilty team shall be suspended for 3 years from all Pamplemousses RFA & MFA competitions.
3. Each Club to Play its Full Strength
(a) Each match shall be competed by eleven players for each team, who, unless a satisfactory reason be given, shall represent the full available strength of each competing club.
(b) Any club contravening this rule may be called to answer before the Disciplinary Committee of the Pamplemousses RFA of serious misconduct.
(c) A match shall not start if a team consists of fewer than seven players.
4. Coach
(a) The Coach of each member club shall, at the beginning of each season, be registered with the Association which shall issue to him a license showing his name, the name of the Club he is registered with, the league (National or Regional) in which the latter qualifies to coach and his National I.D. Number. The minimum qualifications required to be a coach of National Divisions of MFA is the CAF ‘C’ License or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the MFA.
The license shall be handed back to the Association at the end of the football season.
(b) As from 1st January 2015, all licensed members of the technical staff of each MFA clubs participating in the MFA competitions are prohibited to coach any other team in other competition whatsoever. Transgressing this rule will lead to the cancellation of his license and a suspension of 2 years. This also apply for the Pamplemousses Regional Football Association also.
(c) The place of a coach, during a match in which his club is taking part, shall be on the substitute’s bench (where this is provided) or in the area where the substitutes are seated. In no circumstances shall a Coach, on duty, be allowed in the official stand.
(d) A coach shall not be allowed on the field of play, to attend to an injured player or otherwise nor shall he be allowed to coach while on the field of play or from the touch line, except as provided for in the rule dealing with the technical area which stipulates that he or any named official may, while remaining within the confines of the Technical area, convey technical instructions to his team and must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions.
RULE No.14 - Playing Conditions of Ground
The Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches and must report to the ground where a match is to be played at least one hour before the time of the kick-off.
RULE No.15 - Protests, Etc..
1. General
(i) Any question, dispute, protest or complaint whatever shall be referred to the Pamplemousses RFA whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties concerned.
(ii) These questions disputes etc.. will be divided into five categories.
i. interpretation of the Rules of Competition
ii. the appurtenances of the Game
iii. qualification of competitors
iv. the match proper
v. any other matter
Any protest or complaint shall be accompanied by a deposit of Rs 5,000, in cash or by cheque drawn to the Pamplemousses RFA within 48 hours, otherwise, it will not be taken into consideration. The deposit shall be forfeited to the Pamplemousses RFA in the event the latter decides the protest to be not receivable or not having been sustained or considers the complaint to be unreasonable. In dealing with any protest, the Association may take into consideration the possession by the protesting Club of any knowledge which, if properly used, might have obviated the protest.
2. Interpretation of the Rules of Competition
(a) May be submitted at any time by registered letter to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA who will refer the matter to the Committee concerned.
(b) May be made, prior to the match, to the Match Commissioner if the latter is in attendance.
3. The Appurtenances of the Game (a) Shall not be entertained by the Association unless particulars have been given to, and an objection has been lodged with, the match commissioner or the Referee not later than fifteen minutes before the official time for kick-off.
(b) The Commissioner or Referee shall require the Responsible Body to remove the cause, if this is possible, without unduly delaying the progress of the match.
(c) When an objection has been lodged with the Commissioner or the Referee, a protest must be made in writing by registered letter or email to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA within the next 48 hours (Sunday and Public Holidays not included and post-mark to bear witness) and no objection or protest shall be withdrawn except by leave of the Pamplemousses RFA.
4. Qualification of Competitors Shall be made, if possible, prior to the beginning of the match and in any case not later than immediately after the termination of the match. Full particulars shall be stated on the match sheet in the space reserved for protests. These particulars shall be communicated, by the Referee, to the Captain of the opposing team who shall countersign them.
5. The Match Proper
(a) Shall be made, immediately after the termination of the match on the space provided on the match sheet for protests as explained in Rule 9 above. A brief summary of all the points to be raised shall be given and signed by the protesting Club’s Captain or, if he is unable to do so, by one of the Club’s Officials. This shall be followed within the next 48 hours (Sunday and Public Holidays not included and postmark to bear witness), by a registered letter or email to the officer in charge of the Pamplemousses RFA and copied to the Secretary of the other Club, involved, giving full particulars of the incidents, subject matter of complaint, together with the names of the witnesses to be called in support. (b) In all cases where a protest is made on a match sheet the Referee shall send the latter, together with his report, by registered post or email and within the same time limit as mentioned in (a) above, to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA. Furthermore, on receipt of the abovementioned copy of protest from a Club, the Referee shall send a complementary report to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA on any point not yet covered by him.
6. Clubs are reminded that :
(a) the sole judge of fact on the football field is the Referee
(b) the only appeal from a decision of the Referee is on a point of Law
(c) no personal attacks, by allegations or otherwise, against the Referee shall be tolerated, any protest containing such remarks shall be rejected forth with, any other points raised being simply ignored.
(d) no other points than those mentioned on the match sheet and signed by the Club’s Captain or Official shall be taken into consideration.
7. Any Other Matter
(a) If connected with a match, by registered letter or email to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA and within the time limit mentioned in 5(a) above. In any other case, at any time, by registered letter or email to the secretariat of the Pamplemousses RFA
(b) Protest of any kind will be accompanied by Rs 5,000.
Note : Protest of any kind will not be entertained without the statutory payment or made outside prescribed delays.
(c) Appeals where applicable will be accompanied by Rs 5,000 and shall be lodged within 48 hours after receiving the result of enquiry.
8. Committee Member’s Connection with Club and Representation by Lawyer
(a) If an individual is connected with a Club concerned in a dispute, protest or complaint, he shall not sit on any of the Association’s Committees whilst the dispute, protest or complaint is being considered by such Committee. (b) A Barrister or a Solicitor can represent a Club or its secretary of the Executive Committee of the club at the hearing of a dispute or protest.
9. Presence of Member at Match
The fact that a member of any particular Committee of the Association was present at a match shall not debar him from hearing before such Committee any protest, complaint or dispute connected with any incident related to the said match.
10. Enquiry made ‘Proprio Motu’
The Pamplemousses RFA may ‘proprio motu’ open any enquiry regarding the conduct of any of the Pamplemousses RFA Officials at any match and may hear any Club’s Official or Player in connection with such enquiry. Any Club or any Member of such Club to whom a request for a hearing is made shall give such assistance as required to the Pamplemousses RFA.
RULE No.16 - Match Organisation
(a) At all matches in the competition, the players are invited to shake hands with their opponents and the referees after the line-up as well as after the whistle, as a gesture of fair-play.
(b) For reasons of sporting fairness, the Pamplemousses RFA is entitled to order matches to be played at the same time, where necessary. Any subsequent changes of date are subject to the approval of the Pamplemousses RFA administration.
(c) Smoking is not allowed in the technical area during matches
(d) Stretchers must be kept by the substitutes’ benches.
RULE No.17 - Replacement of Players on Match Sheet
After the match sheets have been completed, signed and returned to the referee by both teams, and if the match has not yet kicked off, the following provisions apply for matches in the competition:
(i) If any of the first 11 players listed on the match sheet are not able to start the match due to unexpected physical incapacity, they may be replaced by any of the seven substitutes listed on the initial match sheet. The substitute (s) in question may then be replaced by a player (players) not listed on the initial match sheet, so that the quota of substitutes is not reduced. During the match, three players may still be substituted. (ii) If any of the seven substitutes listed on the match sheet are not able to be fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity, they may be replaced, by any player not listed on the initial match sheet.
(iii) If none of the goalkeepers listed on the match sheet are able to be fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity, they may be replaced by other goalkeepers not listed on the initial match sheet.
(iv) The clubs concerned must, upon request, provide the Pamplemousses RFA with the necessary medical certificates.
RULE No.18 - Matters Not Provided
For Matters not provided for under the present Rules shall be decided by the Managing Committee of the Pamplemousses RFA and their decisions shall be final.