FAI 2002 Rules

Football Association of Ireland Rules for 2002-3 Season.

RULE 1. NAME

(a) (a) The Name of The Association shall be CUMANN PEILE ná h-EIREANN or in the English language: THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND, hereinafter referred to as “the FAI”.

(b) (b) The FAI is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.

(c) (c) Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association are available to the members of The Association for inspection at the offices of The Association, subject to suitable notice being given.

RULE 2. OFFICES

The principal offices of The Association shall be in the County of Dublin.

RULE 3. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

The objectives for which The Association is established are: -

(a) (a) To promote, foster and develop, in all its branches, the game of Association Football in Ireland, and to take such steps as may be deemed necessary or advisable for preventing infringements of the Rules of The Association and the Laws of the Game, or improper methods or practices in the game and for protecting it from abuses and to do such things as are conducive to the attainment of the objects herein before mentioned as the Council may determine.

(b) (b) The Association shall affiliate to UEFA and FIFA and be bound by their rules, regulations and statutes.

RULE 4. DEFINITIONS

In the interpretation of these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings so defined; and words importing the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, words importing the masculine includes the feminine and words importing persons shall include bodies Corporate.

(a) The words "The Association” or “the FAI" shall mean the Football Association of Ireland.

(b) "The Council" means the National Council of the FAI.

(c) “the Honorary Officers” shall mean the Honorary President; The Honorary Vice-President, The Honorary Secretary, The Honorary Treasurer and the Honorary Chairman of the National League of Ireland.

(d) Junior Council" means The Junior Council of the FAI.

(e) “The Board” means the Board of Management of the FAI

(f) Members of The Association shall mean:

(1) (1) National Associations; Divisional Associations and Leagues who have affiliated to the FAI.

(2) (2) Clubs in Leagues who are currently affiliated to their Divisional Association.

(3) (3) Players who are currently registered to play for their Club on League Registration Forms obtainable from a member League.

(4) (4) Other members who may be appointed by the Council from time to time.

(g) “Participant” means an affiliated Association, League, Club, Club official, Player, Official, Match Official and all such persons who are from time to time participating in any activity sanctioned either directly or indirectly by The Association.

(h) “Official” means any official, director, secretary, servant or representative of an affiliated body or competition.

(i) “Manager” means the Official of a Club responsible for selecting a Club team.

(j) “Match” means a football match sanctioned by The Association or an Affiliated body.

(k) “Match Officials” means referees and assistant referees and includes reserve officials and fourth officials.

(l) “The League” means the FAI National League.

(m) Divisional Associations" shall include the Councils of such Divisional Associations.

(n) Affiliates" shall mean other affiliated National and Provincial bodies.

(o) “The Society” means the Irish Soccer Referees Society.

(p) General Secretary" shall mean the General Secretary/ of The Association.

(q). “Days" shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

RULE 5. AFFILIATION

(a) (a) Divisional Associations, Affiliates, Leagues and The Society in membership of The Association shall pay the prescribed annual affiliation fee, set from time to time by the AGM of The Association, on or before the 31st December in any year.

(b) (b) Clubs shall pay the prescribed annual FAI affiliation fee to their appropriate Divisional Association or Affiliate on or before a date to be determined by that Divisional Association or Affiliate, who shall pass on the fee to the FAI on or before December 31st in any year.

(d) Any member whose prescribed annual affiliation fee is not paid by 31st December in each year is liable to be suspended.

(e) A Club in an area not within the jurisdiction of any Divisional Association may be permitted to affiliate directly to The Association.

RULE 6. HONORARY LIFE VICE-PRESIDENTS

The Council may appoint Hon. Life Vice Presidents at its opening meeting each season on the recommendation of the Board. No more than two appointments may be made at any one meeting.

RULE 7. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

(a) The Association may appoint Honorary Life Members on the recommendation of the Board at the AGM.

(b) Members of the Council and/or the Junior Council or other National bodies who have given in aggregate 20 years service as a member of either Council shall be considered by the Board as eligible for Honorary Life membership.

(c) The Board may recommend to the AGM that other members of The Association or other appropriate individuals may be appointed Honorary Life Members.

(d) Such membership shall entitle the holder to enjoy full privileges, such as stand accommodation and board room invitations to all representative matches played under the jurisdiction of The Association.

RULE 8. RULEBOOKS

(a) Rulebooks of The Association shall be available from the office of the General Secretary at a reasonable commercial price to be set from time to time by that office.

(b) The Association accepts no responsibility for the non-possession of Rulebooks by Affiliates, nor can the non-possession be pleaded as ignorance of the Rules of The Association.

RULE 9. APPROVAL OF RULES OF NATIONAL BODIES, DIVISIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, LEAGUES & THE SOCIETY

(a) The rules of all National Associations, Divisional Associations, Affiliated Leagues and The Society must be in conformity with the rules of the FAI. In the event of any discrepancy between the rules of the FAI and National Associations, Divisional Associations, Affiliated Leagues or the Society, the rules of the FAI shall prevail.

(b) In the event that National Associations, Divisional Associations, Affiliated Leagues or The Society adopt rule changes or new rules at an AGM or EGM the said rule changes must be sent for approval to the General Secretary of the FAI within 14 days of the meeting effecting the said rule changes.

(c) The said rule changes shall be considered by a meeting of the Rules Commission of the FAI which shall be convened within fourteen days of receipt of the said rule change(s) by the General Secretary of the FAI. The decision of the Rules Commission of the FAI shall be communicated in writing to the National Associations, Divisional Associations, Affiliated League or The Society within five days of their decision. Rejection by the Rules Commission will in effect mean that the changes or rules cannot be implemented, until approval is granted.

(d) The Association shall have the power at any time to make inquiries into the working of such affiliates and to deal with same as it thinks fit.

RULE 10. RULEBOOKS & LIST OF MEMBERS

(a) (a) Approved printed rulebooks of all affiliates together with a list of the current membership of National Bodies, Divisional Associations, Leagues and The Society must be submitted to the General Secretary by 1st November in any year.

(b) This list must include an analysis of status under the headings of Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Youth, Women’s, Schoolboy, Schoolgirl and Grades of Referees.

RULE 11. POWER TO FORM DIVISIONS

(a) For the governments of Association Football, Ireland shall be divided into Divisions designated as Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.

(b) The Council shall have the power, with the consent of the Divisions concerned, to vary the area and boundary of these Divisions and/or to create new Divisions. Representation on the Council of the various Divisions shall be in accordance with rule. Clubs or teams in Ireland not situated within the area of jurisdiction of a Divisional Association shall be under the direct control of The Association.

RULE 12. COMPOSITION OF THE FAI NATIONAL COUNCIL

The Council of The Association shall consist of: -

(a) (a) The President of The Association

(b) (b) The Vice President of The Association

(d) (d) The Hon. Secretary of The Association

(e) (e) The Chairman of the F.A.I. National League

(f) (f) 1 representative to be appointed by each Club in membership of the Premier and First Division of the National League.

(g) (g) 9 representatives to be appointed by the Leinster Football Association,

(h) (h) 5 representatives to be appointed by the Munster Football Association,

(i) (i) 1 representative to be appointed by the Connaught Football Association and

(j) (j) 1 representative to be appointed by the Ulster Football Association.

(k) (k) 2 representatives to be appointed by the FAI Junior Council.

(l) (l) 1 representative to be appointed by the Defence Forces.

(m) (m) 1 representative to be appointed by The Colleges Football Association.

(n) (n) 2 representatives to be appointed by The Schoolboys FAI.

(o) (o) 1 representative to be appointed by Irish Universities Football Union.

(p) (p) 2 representatives to be appointed by the Football Association of Irish Schools.

(q) (q) 2 representatives to be appointed by TheWomen’s Football Association of Ireland.

(r) (r) The FAI Chief Referees Assessor

(s) (s) 1 representative from the Irish Soccer Referees Society.

(Total membership of Council: 56)

(t) In the case of death or resignation of a member of Council, the Club or affiliate concerned shall have the right to appoint a person to act in his place.

(u) In the event of a representative being unable to attend a Council Meeting, his nominating Club or Affiliate may appoint a substitute to attend that particular Council meeting in his place, providing they notify the General Secretary of The Association in writing, prior to the meeting.

(w) In relation to clause (f) to (s) inclusive, the representatives or substitutes appointed must be members of the affiliate that appoints them. The appointment of representatives must be notified to the General Secretary of The Association within one week after The Association’s AGM.

(x) A complete record of approved minutes of Board and standing committee meetings will be bound and distributed to Council members in advance of each meeting, together with the draft minutes of the previous Council meeting.

(2) (2) No person shall be eligible of being first appointed an Honorary Officer or a member of Council if at the time of appointment that person has attained the age of 70 years. An Honorary Officer or member of Council shall vacate office at the AGM after attaining the age of 75 years.

RULE 13. ROLE OF COUNCIL

(a) (a) The Council will elect a Board to manage the affairs of The Association and take such decisions as are necessary for the effective management and control of The Association in accordance with the provisions of Rule 22.

(b) (b) The Council will authorise the Board to appoint Standing Committees and to agree work programmes with them.

(c) (c) The Council will authorise the Board and the Standing Committees to appoint Resource Groups, where necessary - such groups will deal with specific projects or issues, and will be purely temporary in nature.

(d) (d) The Council will have the power to remove the Board and/or the Honorary Officers and/or any individual member of the Council by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting on a motion submitted 14 days in advance of a meeting of the Council and signed by at least 20 Council members.

(e) (e) The Council will retain the power to elect Honorary Officers.

(f) (f) The Council will establish written Codes of Practice for its own members.

(g) (g) Members of the Council will retain the privileges stated in the Code of Practice applicable to Council members, unless the Council itself decides otherwise by majority vote.

(h) (h) Every member of Council shall have the right of access, at all reasonable times, to the books, documents, accounts and vouchers of The Association and shall be entitled to receive from The Council, the General Secretary or Hon. Treasurer such information and explanation as he may consider necessary in connection with an item or items of receipts and expenditure.

(i) (i) The Council will meet a minimum of four times each year to discuss reports presented by the Board (including the activities of the various Standing Committees) and to respond to requests for its views from the Board. The opening Council meeting shall take place no earlier than 14 days after the AGM.

(j) (j) Special meetings of the Council may be convened at the request of the Board or on receipt of a written request signed by 20 Council members. A special meeting will transact the business specified in the notice convening that meeting.

(k) (k) The quorum for Council meetings shall be one third (19) of the 56 members.

(l) The Council may fill any casual vacancy in the office of President, Vice-President, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer or Auditors in accordance with the rules.

(m) The Financial Year of The Association shall end on 31st March each year.

(n) (n) The Council and/or the Board may order in their absolute discretion audits at any time.

(o) At any meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is demanded on any question. A declaration by the President that a resolution has been carried, or carried unanimously, or by any particular majority or lost, or not carried by a particular majority, and an entry to that effect made in the Minute Book of the proceedings of The Association, shall be sufficient evidence of the fact, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded. A like declaration and entry of the result of a ballot shall have a like effect. A poll may be demanded by not less than one-fifth of the duly nominated representatives present, and it shall be taken in such manner as may be determined by the President and the result of such poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of The Association. A poll demanded on the election of a President or on the question of an adjournment shall be taken forthwith. Representatives may only give votes personally, and voting by proxy shall not be permitted. If any votes are given or counted at a meeting which shall afterwards be discovered to be improperly given or counted, the same shall not affect the validity of any resolution or thing passed or done at the meeting, unless the objection to such votes be taken at the same meeting, and not in that case, unless the President shall then and there decide that the error is of sufficient magnitude to affect such resolution or thing.

Each representative, duly nominated, present and entitled to vote. The President shall have a casting vote only, and not an original vote.

RULE 14. ELECTION OF HONORARY TREASURER AND HONORARY SECRETARY

(a) (a) No person other than a retiring Honorary Treasurer or Honorary Secretary shall be eligible for election to these offices unless, not later than 30th April in each year they have sent by registered post to the General Secretary a nomination in writing signifying their candidature for such office. The nomination shall be signed by the candidate and by a proposer and seconder (who shall be members of The Association).

(b) (b) When an election is needed because an officer-holder has reached the end of his term of office or a vacancy has occurred, the General Secretary shall summon a special meeting of the members of Council immediately after the AGM and submit the nominations of the candidates for the positions. If only one candidate is nominated for either position, he shall be declared elected on receiving a vote of the majority of those voting. In the event of there being more than one candidate for any office a vote shall be taken by those present at the meeting, and the candidate receiving an absolute majority of votes, after an elimination process if necessary, shall be declared elected.

(c) (c) In the event of there being no nominations for the positions, the Special Meeting may fill any vacancy from the membership of The Council or from suitable non-members. No other business shall be transacted at this meeting.

(d) (d) The Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary elected under this Rule shall hold office until their successors are elected.

RULE 15. ROLE OF HONORARY TREASURER

(a). On behalf of The Association to devise on a continuous basis the financial strategy of The Association. This strategy must be presented to the Finance Committee for discussion/input and subsequently to the Board for their approval or otherwise.

(b) (b) To oversee the implementation of the financial strategy. The General Secretary will be responsible for its implementation.

(c) To oversee the management of The Association’s funds. The General Secretary will be responsible for ensuring that the management of The Association’s funds are carried out in accordance with the Honorary Treasurer’s requirements.

(d) To sign off, together with an appointed member of the Finance Committee the expenses of the General Secretary, the President and other Officers. The Honorary Treasurer’s expenses shall be signed off by the General Secretary and the appointed member of the Finance Committee.

(e) (e) It is the responsibility of the Honorary Treasurer to ensure that all financial matters brought to his attention are placed before the Finance Committee and/or the Board if necessary.

(f) (f) The Honorary Treasurer shall ensure that an Audit Committee be established annually, comprising of four (4) members of the Finance Committee one of whom shall act as chairperson. This committee shall meet at least twice (2) each year with a representative of the Auditors. The General Secretary, The Honorary Treasurer and the Financial Accountant shall be available to attend if required to do so by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall see the Auditors draft and final management letter. The final management letter must be presented to the Finance Committee prior to signing of the annual accounts.

(g) (g) The Honorary Treasurer shall ensure that the funds of The Association shall be lodged or invested in such Financial Institutions as may from time to time be approved by the Board. All Cheques must be signed in accordance with the Bank Mandates in force. Any alterations to the Bank Mandates must receive prior approval of the Board.

(h) (h) The Honorary Treasurer shall provide an audited and certified copy of the accounts of The Association to all those entitled to attend the AGM at least 7 days prior to that meeting.

RULE 16. ROLE OF THE HONORARY SECRETARY

(a) (a) The Honorary Secretary shall assist the General Secretary in all his duties and shall act in his stead during any absence of the General Secretary or during a vacancy in that position.

(b) (b) Consequently the Honorary Secretary shall liaise directly with the General Secretary on a regular basis and meet with him as necessary from time to time to keep updated on day to day activities within The Association.

(c) (c) In connection with his duties, the Honorary Secretary shall also fully familiarise himself with the provisions of the Companies Acts as amended from time to time vis-à-vis The Association’s status as a limited company under such Acts.

(d) (d) He shall also keep appraised of any developments in the appropriate Statutory Employment and Industrial Legislation with regard to repercussive effects on the Terms and Conditions of Employment of The Associations employees.

(e) (e) The Honorary Secretary shall be responsible for the presentation of minutes of meetings of the Council and the Board. The minutes shall be recorded in a Minute Book with each item numbered for easy reference.

RULE 17. ELECTION OF HONORARY PRESIDENT AND HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT

(a) (a) Following their first election to the positions, the Honorary President and Honorary Vice President shall serve for a single term of 2 years, but shall be eligible to seek a nomination for a further two year period.

(b) (b) Subject to the provisions of the foregoing rule, immediately after the election of the Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, a meeting of the Council shall be held to elect from their number a President and a Vice President. The Honorary Secretary or Honorary Treasurer shall act as Chairperson at that meeting until the election of the President. The presiding Honorary Officer shall then vacate the chair and the President shall proceed with the election of the Vice President.

(c) (c) To be nominated for the office of President or Vice-President a person must have been a member of Council for at least three years.

RULE 18. ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT

(a) (a) The President should have a thorough knowledge of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the FAI and the Rules of The Association, together with meeting procedures.

(b) (b) The President will be required to lead by example and devote time and effort into ensuring that The Association and its members under his direction are progressing in the propagation of the game of Association football at all levels.

(c) (c) The President in conjunction with the General Secretary/Honorary Secretary ensures that all scheduled meetings are held, with advance notice of agenda given to all members.

(d) (d) The President shall chair all meeting of the Council and the Board in a non-partisan manner. At meetings, the President shall ensure that the minutes of previous meetings are passed, adopted and reviewed. He should ensure that the agenda is strictly adhered to and allows all members a fair opportunity to speak on each topic before a consensus is reached or calls for a vote to determine the decision.

(e) (e) Each representative, duly nominated, present and entitled to vote, shall have one vote. The President shall have a casting vote only, and not an original vote.

(f) (f) At the conclusion of the meeting, the President shall review the decisions made and announces the date and time of the next meeting.

(g) (g) The President should ensure that all decisions taken by Council and the Board are acted upon as quickly as possible and that all matters discussed within the confines of a meeting should stay confidential until the General Secretary has dealt with the appropriate matter.

(h) (h) The President, as the senior Honorary Officer, shall represent The Association at all times in a manner appropriate to the position.

RULE 19. ROLE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall undertake the duties of the President.

RULE 20. MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION

(a) The management and control of The Association shall be vested in the Board as elected each year at the opening meeting of Council.

(b) The Board shall carry out its duties and exercise its powers to achieve the objects of The Association as defined elsewhere in these Rules. It shall have the power to deal with such matters concerning The Association as are not expressly provided for in these Rules, but must report the matter to the next meeting of Council.

RULE 21. COMPOSITION OF THE FAI BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

The following shall be the composition of the Board:

(a) (a) The President of the FAI National Council

(b) (b) The Vice–President

(d) (d) The Honorary Treasurer

(e) (e) The Chairman of the National League

(f) (f) 6 nominees of the National League

(g) (g) 2 nominees of the Leinster Football Association

(h) (h) 1 nominee of the Munster Football Association

(i) (i) 1 nominee of the Connaught Football Association

(j) (j) 1 nominee of the Ulster Football Association

(k) (k) 1 nominee of the Football Association of Ireland Junior Council

(l) (l) 1 nominee of Football Association of Ireland Schools

(m) (m) 1 nominee of the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland

(n) (n) 2 nominees from amongst the other Affiliates on the Council

Note: * Included as “other affiliates” are the

§ § Chief Referees Inspector

§ § Women’s Football Association of Ireland

§ § The Colleges Football Association

§ § Irish Universities Football Union

§ § Defence Forces Football Association

§ § Irish Soccer Referees Society.

§ § The President of the FAI or General Secretary will chair the annual meeting to select the two nominees. The nominees must be from different Affiliates.

(o) (o) The outgoing President may be an ex-officio member of the Board for two years following retirement. From the AGM of 2003 the outgoing President maybe ex-officio a member of the Board, provided he is a member of Council

(a) The maximum number of voting members at any time shall therefore be 22.

(b) The General Secretary shall attend and report to all meetings of the Board in a non-voting capacity. .

RULE 22. OPERATIONS OF THE FAI BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

1. 1. The Board shall act as the Board of Directors of the FAI in compliance with the current provisions of the Companies Acts.

2. 2. The Board shall meet at least once a month with the exception of July when a meeting shall be at the discretion of the General Secretary and President jointly.

3. 3. The President, or in his absence the Vice President or in his absence another agreed member, shall chair meetings of the Board.

4. 4. The Board will establish in writing a set of Standing Orders indicating how it will conduct proceedings. All Board meetings will be conducted in accordance with standing orders. No substitutions shall be permitted at Board meetings.

5. 5. The Board will report on its work to the Council at each meeting of that body and will also consult with the Council in developing and progressing major policies of The Association.

6. 6. The Board shall circulate the General Secretary’s report together with a report from each of the standing committees of The Association, providing up-to-date information on recent developments to Council members immediately after each monthly Board meeting.

7. 7. The Board will be entitled to place proposals for changes in FAI Rules in accordance with Rule 66 to the Rules Commission who will report on same to the next meeting of the Council before an A.G.M. for acceptance or rejection by that body.

8. 8. Members of the Standing Committees shall be appointed annually by the Board in accordance with Rules 13 & 22. The Board shall have regard, as its sole principle in considering the appointment of committees, to an individual’s talents and expertise and the contribution therefore that the member may make to a particular committee.

9. 9. Every member of Council wishing to serve on a Standing Committee will be offered a role on at least one committee.

10. 10. The maximum membership, including officers of any one Standing Committee shall be 12.

11. 11. A standing committee shall comprise of not more than 3 members, direct or indirect, from any one constituent body of Council, however, there may not be more than three Officers on an individual committee.

12. 12. The Board may invite non-members of Council with particular expertise to act on Standing Committees provided the number does not exceed 12.

13. 13. A member of Council may not serve on more than 3 Standing Committees, excluding the Appeal Board, in any one season.

14. 14. At the first meeting after the AGM in each year, the Board will appoint whatever Standing Committees it deems appropriate to assist in the conduct of the affairs of The Association. Subsequently, a meeting of each Standing Committee shall, where possible, be held before the next meeting of the Board to draw up its draft terms of reference and a suggested work programme for the following year for approval at the next meeting of the Board. The Board shall duly approve them or make any alteration as it deems appropriate.

15. 15. Once the terms of reference of each Standing Committee have been agreed and approved by the Board, any subsequent changes to them must have the prior approval of the Board.

16. 16. Each Standing Committee shall elect its own Chairperson.

17. 17. In the event of a representative on a Standing Committee being unable to attend a meeting, his nominating Affiliate may appoint a substitute to attend that particular meeting in his place, providing the General Secretary of The Association is notified in writing, prior to the meeting.

18. 18. The Board shall be entitled to appoint temporary Resource Groups to deal with particular projects or issues; similar groups may be appointed by Standing Committees, subject to the prior approval of the Board.

RULE 23. THE HONORARY OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION:

The Honorary Officers of The Association shall be:

(a) (a) The President

(b) (b) The Vice – President

(d) (d) The Honorary Treasurer

(e) (e) The Chairman of the National League

2. 2. The following considerations will apply in relation to the Honorary Officers:

(a) (a) The Officers for the time being shall be the Trustees of The Association.

(b) (b) They shall be for all intents and purposes the owners of the assets and properties of The Association and shall deal with same, according to the direction of the Council.

3. The Honorary Officers as a group shall not exercise any collective responsibility as a "Board".

a) a) The President shall serve for a single term of 2 years, but shall be eligible to seek a nomination for a further two year period..

b) b) The Vice President shall serve for a single term of 2 years, but shall be eligible to seek a nomination for a further two-year period..

c) c) The Hon. Secretary shall serve a term of 4 years and be entitled to seek re-election for further terms.

d) d) The Hon Treasurer shall serve a term of 4 years and be entitled to seek re-election for further terms.

e) e) During the term of office of the above named Hon. Officers, they shall have no direct or indirect capacity with any members of The Association except the Chairman of the National League.

f) f) The Chairman of the National League shall serve a term or terms determined by that body.

g) g) On retiring from any one position as an Hon. Officer of The Association an individual may not hold another Hon. Officer position for a period of 2 years from the date of his retirement or loss of office except that the Vice President may become President.

h) h) A retiring Officer may be elected as a member of the Board immediately following retirement providing he is a member of the Council.

i) i) On retirement, the President may be an ex-officio member of the Board for 2 years, provided he is a member of Council

j) j) Each past President of The Association is eligible to be considered by the Board for appointment as an Honorary Life President on his retirement from the Council.

RULE 24. POWERS TO DEAL WITH INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULES

(a) The Board, either directly or through the Rules Compliance Commission, appointed annually by the Board, shall have the power to deal with any member who is proven, to the satisfaction of the Board, or the Commission to have committed any infringement of these rules or rules of any competition under the jurisdiction of The Association or any non-compliance with any of its decisions or any matter it deems detrimental to the objectives and good conduct of the affairs of The Association.

(b) In addition to matters referred to in any other rule hereof, misconduct shall be deemed to have occurred if any person shall have: committed any act, made any statement verbally or in writing, and/or otherwise have been responsible for conduct which the Board or the Commission considers to be offensive, insulting or improper and likely to bring the game into disrepute.

(c) (c) The person or body making the complaint shall send in writing to the General Secretary by registered post the substance of the complaint and the reasons for making the complaint within four days of the discovery of the alleged charge taking place and the complainant becoming aware of it.

(d) (d) The Commission shall have three (3) members, none of whom shall be members of Council. Any change in the composition of the Commission is also subject to ratification by the Board.

(e) (e) The Commission will agree its own terms of reference, which shall be communicated to the General Secretary.

(f) Right to Personal Hearing

1) 1) Any member charged with misconduct shall be furnished with details in writing of such charge, which shall be sent by registered post by The Association to the member so charged. Within fourteen (14) days from the posting thereof, the member so charged shall send to The Association by registered post an answer thereto in writing and the answer may be accompanied by a written application that such charge shall be heard before the Commission.

2) 2) Upon receipt of such application, the Board if it so decides shall request the Commission to deal with the matter and notify the member so charged of the date and place of the Hearing

3) 3) The member so charged and if necessary any other person it deems appropriate shall be requested to attend such hearing and give the Commission oral evidence of the facts of the charge and shall answer any questions they may ask by way of cross examination and shall produce any documentation they consider necessary.

4) 4) The member so charged shall have the right to give and call evidence in rebuttal of the charge and shall have the right to cross-examine any witnesses who give evidence in support of such charge.

5) 5) In default of an application for a hearing or if the member charged shall fail to attend the hearing or shall refuse to answer any questions asked by the Commission or neglect to produce any necessary documentation, then the Commission shall investigate and adjudicate upon the charge or allegation in such manner and upon such evidence as they deem expedient.

6) 6) On completion of the evidence the hearing shall be closed and the decision of the Commission shall subsequently be communicated in writing by registered post to the member charged and the claimant.

7) 7) The decisions of the Board or the Commission thereof shall be subject to the right of appeal made in accordance with the current rule.

(g) Punishment

On misconduct being proven, to the satisfaction of the Commission, the Board shall have the power to order the offending member:

(a) (a) To be suspended from all or any specific football activity either permanently, sine die or for a stated period. After seven (7) years, an application may be received for review of a permanent suspension and/or any subsequent modification thereof, shall only be made by the Board.

(b) (b) To be fined (either with or without suspension).

(d) (d) To close a ground either permanently or for a stated period.

(e) (e) To pay all expenses of and incidental to the consideration of the matter, either with or without penalty.

(f) (f) To deal with in such other manner as the Board may think fit.

(g) (g) To ensure publication of text in a club’s programme as may be directed.

The Board shall not be entitled to order a club to cease paying the contract wages of a player who is serving a period of suspension for violating the Laws of the Game

(h) Default of Payment of Fine

On default for fourteen (14) days in payment of any fine or costs, the Board shall have the power to order the defaulting member to be suspended under such conditions as the Board shall decide.

(i) Notification

(a) Any letter, request or communication to be sent by The Association under this rule shall be registered and properly sent if addressed to the last known address of the member charged or, if such address is not known, to the address of the registered Secretary of such Member’s club or affiliated body, where appropriate.

(b) If any case where this rule conflicts with any other rule of The Association then this rule shall prevail.

RULE 25. SUSPENSIONS

(a) Suspension of Divisional Associations, Affiliates, The Society, Leagues, Clubs, Teams or Members shall be on the terms detailed in the notice of suspension issued by the General Secretary.

(b) Any member suspended by The Association shall not, during the period of suspension, play or take part in any activity, match or fixture under the auspices of The Association.

RULE 26. EXPENSES ALLOWED TO MEMBERS

Members of the Council and persons assisting The Association in its functions shall be paid such expenses and/or fees as may be approved by the Finance Committee.

RULE 27. APPEALS

(a) (a) Decisions of any League, other than the National League may be appealed to the relevant National or Divisional Association according to the appeal rules of that Association. Decisions of the National or Divisional Associations may be appealed to the FAI Appeal Board in accordance with FAI Rules.

(b) (b) In appeals, the onus shall rest with the affiliate lodging the appeal to satisfy the Appeal Board as to the veracity and validity of the appeal. No appeal can be made, under any circumstances, regarding the appointment of Referees, Assistant Referees or Fourth Officials to matches under the jurisdiction of the FAI or it’s affiliates.

B. National League

Decisions of the League and decisions of the League’s Senior Clubs Disciplinary Commission may be appealed to the FAI Appeal Board in accordance with the rules of The Association and the National League.

C. Composition of the FAI Appeal Board

(a) (a) Members of Council, not having direct or indirect association with parties involved in the appeal shall be eligible to sit on the Appeal Board consisting of three persons. From a panel of five nominated Council members, one person will be selected to act as Chairperson. The remaining two shall be selected from Council and from a panel of ten suitably qualified persons, who need not necessarily be members of Council. The two panels will be selected at the 1st Board Meeting following the AGM of The Association.

(b) (b) Council members will be asked to indicate in writing, their willingness to be considered for the appeal panel at the first Council meeting, on the understanding that they will receive at least four days notice of an appeal hearing and will also receive copies of the relevant documentation.

E. Procedure:

(a) (a) Appeals must be sent to the General Secretary by registered post within four days of the date on which the notification of the decision to appeal was received in the first place. The registered postal receipt should be retained by the appellant and should be brought to the appeal hearing, as proof of the time and date of posting the appeal.

(b) An exact copy of the appeal must be sent simultaneously per registered post to the body whose decision is the subject of the appeal. The registered postal receipt should be retained by the appellant and should be brought to the appeal hearing, as proof of the time and date of posting the copy of the appeal.

(c) (c) The General Secretary must inform all parties involved in the appeal of the venue, date and time of the Appeal Board Hearing.

(d) (d) Appeals must be accompanied by a Bank Draft or Postal Order for the Appeal Fee of €500, made payable to the F.A.I. This fee shall be refunded if the appeal is successful. A full or partial refund may be considered appropriate depending on the details of the case and at the discretion of the Appeal Board.

(e) (e) The body against whom the appeal is made, must produce to the General Secretary at least 24 hours before the hearing, a certified copy of the minutes of the meeting which made the original decision and any other requested documentation relevant to the appeal. Failure to comply with the correct procedure as outlined above will result in disciplinary action being taken by the appeals committee against either party.

(f) (f) Upon receipt of an appeal, the General Secretary, together with the Chairperson, nominated by him shall select the composition of the Appeal Board.

(g) (g) All appeals shall commence within 14 days of receipt of the appeal, by the General Secretary.

(h) (h) All parties in an appeal shall be notified by the General Secretary, within three days by registered post, of the outcome of the appeal giving reasons for the decision with reference to any relevant rules.

F. Remit of the FAI Appeal Board

(a) (a) The Appeal Board shall re-hear the case in question.

(b) (b) All evidence, new and old, may be considered and all parties to the appeal may ask, at their own expense, for witnesses to be interviewed.

(c) (c) The Board, the appellant and any other party involved in the appeal may utilise outside expertise. Any such experts used by the Board shall not have voting rights in decision-making relating to the appeal.

(d) (d) The Appeal Board shall have the power to uphold or reject the appeal or to vary the sanction and/or fine, provided the decision is not in conflict with any of the Rules of The Association, which shall take precedence at all times.

RULE 28. ARBITRATION

(a) (a) Any dispute or difference (“a dispute”) between any two or more members (which shall include for the purpose of this rule The Association) may be referred to Arbitration.

(b) (b) Furthermore, any matter which has resulted in a decision of the FAI Appeal Board may be the subject of a referral by one of the parties involved in the appeal hearing.

(c) (c) In accordance with paragraph 1 to 5 of Article 63 of the FIFA Statutes, members undertake not to refer disputes with any other members or The Association to a Court of Law. Such disputes must be processed through the Appeals System of The Association or, where applicable, by way of referral to Arbitration.

(d) (d) At its opening meeting each year, the Board shall appoint a panel of Five Arbitrators. (“the FAI Panel”) all of whom must have dispute resolution experience and none of whom will be members of Council.

2. Procedure

(a) (a) Any party referring a dispute to Arbitration arising out of a decision of the FAI Appeals Board must do so within 10 days of the notification of the FAI Appeals Boards decision.

(b) (b) When seeking Arbitration, the requesting party must do so in writing by Registered post to the General Secretary, setting out the basis upon which Arbitration is sought and sending a bank draft or money order for €3000, together with a further sum of €2000 by way of surety in respect of costs.

(d) (d) The Registered Postal receipt shall be proof of time and date of posting in all cases.

(e) (e) If the General Secretary considers that the request for Arbitration is in order and that there is an issue capable of being referred to Arbitration, he shall select one of the Arbitrators from the FAI Panel on rotational basis within 7 days from receipt of the said request.

(f) (f) If the Arbitrator declares himself unavailable or ineligible for any reason, the General Secretary shall select a substitute from the FAI Panel on a strict rotational basis

(g) (g) The Arbitrator shall fix his own terms of reference and determine the issues to be heard, direct who the appropriate parties to the Arbitration are and who is entitled to be heard prior to the hearing.

(h) (h) The Arbitrator may, at his discretion invite all relevant parties for the purposes of a preliminary hearing to deal with any such preliminary issue as he deems appropriate.

(i) (i) Prior to the hearing commencing, the Arbitrator shall obtain written confirmation from all of the parties to the Arbitration that the decision of the Arbitration is final and binding on all parties provided the decision is not in breach of any of the rules of the FAI.