ALL RULES WILL BE UPHELD BY A COMMITTEE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED BY THE REGISTERED
PARTICIPANTS WHO WILL ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF ALL MEMBERS ARE
DEALT WITH EQUALLY AND FAIRLY.
THE WINTER AND SUMMER LEAGUES WILL OPERATE WITHIN THE OFFICIAL NETBALL SEASON,
WHICH RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 1ST TO AUGUST 31ST. BOTH LEAGUES WILL BE OPEN TO
NETBALL TEAMS THAT HAVE BEEN
FORMED FROM THE REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS OF THEIR CLUB.
| 1 | The number of divisions should depend upon the entries to the League. |
| 2 | New teams entering the League may be assessed prior to entry and may be placed in the appropriate division providing that there is a place vacant in that division. |
| 2.1 | League divisions will be decided at the discretion of the Committee. Teams are responsible for informing the Fixtures secretary of any alteration which may affect their divisional placings, i.e. amalgamations. Abuse of this rule will result in re-assessment of their present divisional position and re-entry to the league. |
| 3 |
Points awarded to each team will be:- 5 (five) points for a win, 3(three) points for a draw, 2(two) points if 5 (five) goals or less of winning score and 1(one) if 50% of winning score was achieved. In the event of equal points the goal difference will determine the end result. |
| 4 | Both teams to provide coloured bibs with position letters on front and back, a ball for the match being provided by the home team and approved by the umpires. |
| 5 | Should a team turn up without a qualified and affiliated umpire they will be fined £10.00 per game if a qualified umpire cannot be found within the team. The offending team will concede the game. Non-offending team to claim the points within 3 days of the fixture by submitting a score sheet and stating reason. |
| 5.1 | All Premier Division teams must have a ‘C’ award or active Preliminary umpire to umpire for them throughout the season. Every team must have a match fit qualified England Netball beginner or above umpire to umpire for them throughout the season. League approved umpiring status will only apply for a maximum of 12 months. Umpires cannot be substituted during a match unless through illness or injury. |
| 5.2 | All teams to endeavour to have at least one (1) qualified umpire within their team. |
| 5.3 | All umpires must be affiliated to England Netball through a club or as an individual. Membership can be obtained directly from the Affiliation Secretary or through England Netball on-line. |
| 6 | Prior to commencement of a match, it is the responsibility of the coach or captains to approach the umpires to determine the area of the court to be designated for the qualified coach and 5 (five) additional players of each team and supporters. Should this not be the case then the umpire will designate the area to be used. . |
| 7 | All members of a team must be 1st or 2nd affiliated to a club before they are eligible to play at the commencement of the England Netball year. Membership is obtained directly from the Affiliation Secretary through the Club Secretary. Teams or players in breach of this rule will be fined at the discretion of the league. |
| 7.1 | Teams who wish to bring in new players who are awaiting full membership may request 'temporary cover' from the Affiliation Secretary but written confirmation must be received giving full details (see 7.1.1) within 7 days after the date of the match in which they played. Any extra affiliation of players throughout the season must be given directly to the Affiliation Secretary and not to other committee members - 24 hours notice required. Telephone calls accepted but must be followed by a letter within 7 (seven) days. 2nd Claim affiliations must also be notified to the Affiliation Secretary. |
| 7.1.1 | Full details required are: a) teams’ personalised affiliation number b) passport size photo with signature and printed name on the reverse. |
| 7.2 | Teams shall have a minimum of 7 (seven) players upon entry to the leagues plus a qualified umpire. All players of the team must be named on the entry form and any alterations to the entry form after acceptance into the league (including name changes) must be given in writing to the Affiliation Secretary for discussion at the next committee meeting. |
| 7.3 | Transfer of players between teams after the start of a season must be requested in writing to General Secretary and will be considered by Committee. |
| 7.4 | A Club with two or more teams may play a lower division team player to higher division team(s) a maximum of 2 (two) matches. On the 3rd (third) occasion with the higher division team that player may not return to the lower division team for the rest of that league's season. Any part of a match constitutes 'an occasion'. This must be indicated by using the initials 'PU' on the result card. (This means that where a club has more than two teams a player from the lower division team may play twice for both higher division teams). |
| 7.5 | A club with two or more teams will not play players from a higher division to a lower division. |
| 7.6 | A club with two or more teams cannot play players between teams who are in the same division. |
| 7.7 | Teams who do not comply with Rule 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 will be deducted 5 (five) points plus all the points awarded in that match. The non-offending team will be awarded the match. |
| 8 | The games must be started with the number of players present after 10 (ten) minutes of the appointed time (Summer League). Failure to play the game due to lack of players must result in the non-offending team claiming 5 (five) points from the offending team. Games can be played with a minimum of 5 (five) players per team. |
| 9 | If a team does not turn up to play, their opponents must claim the points WITHIN THREE DAYS OF THE FIXTURE by submitting a score sheet and stating reason. The offending team will incur all costs (court fees and umpiring). |
| 10 | All matches to be played on the date stated on the fixtures. If in extreme circumstances a team is unable to honour a fixture on the arranged date and if their opponents and Fixtures Secretary agree, they may play the game within 14 (fourteen) days of the date on the fixture sheet. Should the teams not agree, the original team unable to play must concede the game and be deducted 5 (five) points. |
| 10.1 | Teams unable to fulfil a fixture other than in extreme circumstances must advise a member of the opposition PERSONALLY (i.e. NOT by leaving a message) as soon as possible prior to the match – if this has not been possible then a member of the team cancelling the match must turn up at the venue. Penalty as in rule 10. |
| 10.2 | Postponement of matches due to severe weather conditions that may affect the safety of the players will rest with the umpires and captains. Final decision rests with umpires. Should they agree to postpone a match the Fixtures Secretary must be notified in writing by the home team. All postponed matches must be played by the 31st August (Summer League). In the event of both teams not being able to agree on a rematch date the committee will set the rematch date. |
| 10.3 | If after commencement of third quarter games are abandoned due to severe weather conditions the score at that time will stand. Decision to abandon rests with umpires and captains. Final decision rests with umpires. |
| 10.4 | Teams entering competitive netball games/tournaments outside Worcester League which may affect their fixtures must notify fixtures secretary in writing prior to the commencement of the appropriate league. Players representing regions or national squad must notify the Fixtures Secretary in writing. Otherwise games must be fulfilled. |
| 11 | Result cards must be received by the Fixture Secretary, within 3 days of the fixture date. Home team to provide the score sheet but each team to send in one copy of the fully completed sheet. Should neither copy be received or not fully completed then the match will be void. Players’ names to be printed on the score sheets. |
| 12 | Subscription to the WCNL and England Netball affiliation must be paid direct to the Affiliation Secretary upon registration to the league. (Ref. MAR FORM). |
| 13 | Club representation must be made at the Annual General Meeting. Penalty for not doing so will be a fine of £10.00. |
| 14 | Any team withdrawing from the leagues will be fined a minimum of £20.00 payable upon withdrawing and must accompany the notification of withdrawal. Teams withdrawing may not be allowed in the same division the following season and will be assessed prior to entry. All matches played up to the time of withdrawal will be made void so as not to give advantage. |
| 15 | Umpires must check the finger nails of the opposing team. Finger nails must be cut short as per England Netball ruling and NO JEWELLERY/ADORNMENTS/ACCESSORIES to be worn. If wedding rings are worn they must be taped. The chewing of any substance will not be permitted during a match. T-shirts/uniforms of the same colour must be worn at all times during matches. Teams will be observed during the playing season and any abuse of the England Netball ruling will incur a fine. Please also refer to England Netball rule 4.3. |
| 15.1 | Umpires must adhere to England Netball rules regarding dress. |
| 16 | Players may not play after 12 weeks of pregnancy and umpires may not umpire after 20 weeks pregnancy |
| 17 | All home matches will he played within a 12-mile radius of Worcester Cathedral. |
| 18 | Should teams change venue during the season for any reason, the Committee and all teams within their playing division must be notified in advance in writing. |
| 19 | Each team should designate a person within their team responsible for payments to the WCNL. Name and signature to be submitted on the WCNL entry form. In the event of no name being put forward the Club Secretary will be held responsible for any monies outstanding. |
| 20 | All active umpires must attend the Umpires Forum. All non-attendees will be required to attend a relevant refresher course within a 12 month period. |
| 21 | All outstanding fines must be paid prior to the entry of any new league. |
| 22 | Team Photo form and individual affiliation cards must be available for inspection at all fixtures. |
| 23 | Any players under 16 within a team must have written consent from their parents/guardians before participating in matches. Consent forms to be returned to the Affiliation Secretary prior to playing. Failure to comply will result in a team fine. |
| Amended Oct 2007 - AGM | |