a) Information for those considering entering a team
b) General information for team officials
c) Rules and guidelines for individual players
d) Contact details
e) SICM Sevens forums
f) Trophy information
g) SICM Sevens committee
h) Timeline for the 2011/2012 season
a) Information for those considering entering a team
The entry form can be found on the home page of the site under 'Forms link'.
This will be our 8th season and things have developed since our initial launch, and continue to do so as we aim to build on the good foundations that have been laid.
For those who have been involved in any of the seasons so far, you will be aware of what the set-up entails. But for those who are making a new enquiry, the following information will be helpful in letting you know what entering a team is all about, before you decide to commit. There are also a number of changes from previous seasons, so even if you are part of the furniture, it’s essential that you read through the following information below.
b) General information for team officials
The games are played at Coseley Leisure Centre and we have six slots booked for the season - four on Monday evening and two on Tuesday. All kick off times are 9pm, apart from 1 Tuesday 8pm slot. Teams are expected to be able to play on both nights, but if there is any problem with Tuesdays then this must be indicated on the entry form.
The pitch is outdoor astroturf and is floodlit. It is full-sized and is broken down into quarters (across the pitch) and each game will take place on one quarter. The season will begin in May for The Summer Cupand then in August for the league and DBMT, and depending on the number of teams entering and we will be aiming to finish in April 2012. The exact date will depend on any fixture cancellations due to weather. Bear in mind that The Summer Cup is not compulsory and is for those teams that don't want a break in the season.
The playing rules
are simple enough and have served us well since the beginning. They can be
found following this section.
All teams must wear full matching kit. This includes shirts, shorts and socks,
and they must be a standard kit and not just different items of the same colour.
We do intend to enforce this strictly (as we did last season) so it's important
that if you do intend to enter that you make the effort to get hold of a proper
strip. This is part of the process of raising the standards of the league,
and will ensure that we continue on the path of improvement that we are always
walking on. All individual items of kit that are not part of a proper strip
(ie any minor differences will count such as stripes or logos on shorts etc)
will incur a fine (see below). Players wearing trousers will be included as
not properly kitted out. Bibs will not be allowed, all teams must wear shirts.
Home teams will have priority in colour clash, but goodwill should be in place
to accommodate opponents with colour issues.
The registration fee to enter a team is £15. This covers all games during the season whether in league or cup format. Individual player registration is £1.50 for the season, and players must sign prior to playing. Registration forms and fees must be included with the match sheet if players are added during the season. Players can be signed at any time during the course of the season. One transfer is allowed during the season; no fee has to be paid but a new signing sheet is to be filled out by the player.
Any players not signed prior to playing will incur a 1-point team deduction in whatever competition they are competing in. This may seem harsh but we live in a very litigious society and the signing form involves a disclaimer for SICM in the event of injury. In the event of a cup knockout game, the team will foreit the game if they play an unsigned player. All players must be signed on the correct form, writing your own form is not acceptable. One player per form.
Players who play under the names of existing ones will incur a 5-point deduction, as this is a deliberate attempt to deceive. It takes 30 seconds to sign a new player, and as this can be done on the night, there are no excuses.
It is the responsibility of team officials to print off their own match sheets and these need to be filled in after each game, and handed in together with match fees. It doesn’t take long to fill out the respective sheets and will only take a few minutes. The information on the referee and opponents is confidential and will never be used other than to gather statistics and see how teams/referees are performing. Usually, someone from the league will be there on match nights, but failing that it is the responsibility of each team to make sure everything is with the league that night. Forms and money can be dropped off in Sedgley after the game, the address will be given on the officials' forum once you have entered. Therefore if you do enter a team make sure that if you need to, then someone can ensure that paperwork can be sorted on the night.
Match fees are £4.00 per player and it will be the responsibility of each manager to ensure that the correct amount is collected. It is advisable to collect money before the game starts, as afterwards people can easily forget and leave without paying. Once we pay the leisure centre costs, the referee and buy the trophies each season, the surplus finance is directed into SICM’s work. (We are a registered charity operating mainly in Africa)
It would be a good idea for teams to build up some sort of financial kitty. This will enable any fines etc to be paid up front and also that kit, balls etc can be replaced when needed. Many teams pay extra on the night. We then credit it to your finances, which are always available via the officials' forum. It is your money and any surplus can be claimed back at any point.
Teams enter their own MOTM and not the opposition. It is up to teams to work out their own method of selection, all we want is a name. This way no-one is dependant upon the choices of others. So if a name is not entered then it's not due to the shortcoming of the opposition.
All registered players will have a unique registration number, issued by the league. Match sheets will therefore have both the player’s name and number on them. Players can continue to be signed on the night as per usual, numbers will be allocated in time for the next fixture. .
There is an internet forum set up specifically for team managers, so once your team has registered, you will be added to that group. This enables us to communicate with each other more effectively during the course of the season. Teams must have two designated officials, the only requirement is that every official has access to e-mail, as without that mode of communication a lot of important information will go astray. Personnel can be changed during the course of the season (but remember to let us know!), again the only criteria is that people have e-mail access. Due to communication problems in the past, the officials must be registered with the e-mail group before the team is officially accepted.
It is also important to consider that anyone running a team has a certain amount of responsibility that they must fulfil. Whilst we do all that we can to ensure that everything goes smoothly, nevertheless it is down to each team to ensure that they also do their bit too. This includes filling out the match sheet / report sheet correctly (takes about 5 minutes) and collecting money from players each week and handing it in before (or after) the game. Teams provide their own money bags, money wrapped in a sheet can be lost too easily. These can be got from your bank (that's all we have done in the past) or use freezer bags (you can get 1,000 from PoundWorld). A team that is well organised off the pitch will ensure that you have a good one on it.
Each team must have at least two balls at each game, and don’t forget to make sure that they have enough air in them!
The League is based on 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw. If a team is unable to complete their fixture an automatic 5-0 victory is given to the opposition. Likewise if a team drops out of the League at any time, a 5-0 score line will be credited to their opponents. (In the event that a team hasn't fulfilled a third of their fixtures, all games will be removed). Hopefully though, with the flexibility we have to add new players that shouldn’t be an issue but we need guidelines just in case.
In the event that a referee cannot make a particular game and the League hasn’t been able to produce another at short notice, we will follow the procedure as per the previous seasons, which has worked very well. If both team managers can agree on a referee (providing someone is available), then the game will go ahead. Failing that, a friendly will be played, so at least people haven’t turned up and had a wasted evening. Teams can be mixed if desired and there will be no limit on player numbers, so any subs can play the full game. The fee will be just £1 per person. If you do manage to sort out a referee then the full fee will be paid by the League to the person who steps in.
Once fixtures have been published then teams must fulfil them. With squads, plus the fact that signing new players is a very simple affair, then there can be no excuses for wanting games to be cancelled. In the event that a team would like to request a particular slot to be kept free, we are happy to do this. But the request must be made before fixtures have been published. Therefore it is the responsibility of each team to think ahead. Once fixtures are on the web site (we work a month in advance) then no changes are allowed. A post is made on the officials' forum in advance of fixture publications inviting free slots.
If a team does fail to fulfil the fixture then an automatic 0-5 result will be entered, plus £28.00 penalty charge which covers the pitch which still has to be paid for and topped up to the basic match fee (regardless of whether a friendly has been organised or not). In addition there will be a five- point deduction. The five-point deduction will apply to the first two cancelled games and from then on it will be ten points per cancelled game. There is no excuse really for cancelling a game, players can be signed very easily and a game can take place with less than seven if needs be. Every season, cancelled games affect trophies and we need to avoid that as it's not fair on teams and players that lose out through no fault of their own. If a game is cancelled late and we are unable to get hold of the referee, then his fee will also be payable by the team that cancelled. In other words if a referee turns up, he must be paid, albeit at a half fee just to cover his expenses.
Please note that the rule regarding cancelled games is set in stone, there can be no exceptions. Some teams may have a key player missing for an important game. A rule such as this will stop abuse of the fixture list, where a request is made to call a match off. Over the whole of the season every team will no doubt be in this position at some time, where key players are missing for various reasons. We can't cancel games on that basis.
If a team requests a certain date free then that will happily be incorporated into the fixture list. But a request must be made prior to fixtures being released - once published then there can be no alterations. Managers should not contact others either to try to get games cancelled, as this is unfair and puts pressure on people. That's why it's easier to say once a fixture is published, then it needs to go ahead.
Some teams have previously had 5 or 6 players and still fulfilled their fixture, so it's not fair on them for others to try to force through cancellations. There is no lower limit to the number of players that a team must have on the pitch, so a game can't be called off either because of that. In the event that a game can't go ahead for that reason, then it will still be treated as a cancelled game. Match fees are for a minimum of 7 players, so if less than that number play, the team is still eligible to meet that figure financially.
There are a number of trophies (both for teams and individuals) up for grabs, and details will be published once teams have entered. Each team is guaranteed at least two trophies, with man of the match and leading goalscorer. All fines must be paid before trophies are presented.
From previous seasons there is a much more extensive system of fines. Previously the only fines in place were those for individual players who received red or yellow cards. However, the only way to enforce the standards that we want to maintain is by the imposing of team fines for various offences and shortcomings. Relying on goodwill of teams to comply with rules, although having majority support, still means that if a team decides not to co-operate then there’s nothing that can be done. We’ve been there, done it and got the tee shirt!
The following apply, with each offence being a fine of 50p (with the exception of not handing in match sheets/money on the night, this is £2). Note that the amount of each fine is low. Therefore for the odd indiscretion, teams will not be punished heavily. However, persistent offenders will soon find that the amount builds up, particularly if they are not on top of the kit situation. With a potential of three fines per player, this is where the teams that are not organised on kit, for example, will fall short. All fines will be the responsibility of the club, therefore if individual players refuse to pay, the club will be liable.
1. Failure to fill out match sheet / report sheet correctly. This includes goalscorers, man of the match, registration numbers. Each indiscretion treated as a separate fine.
2. Match
sheet / money not received on the evening of the game. (£2)
3. Incorrect kit not being worn. Note that this applies to every item of kit
not matching ie a fine for each shirt, shorts and pair of socks that does
not match. Kit must be exact.
4. Team not having two footballs with correct air pressure. A fine will apply
for each ball.
Although there may seem like a lot of rules and regulations (including the rules for individual players), in effect they are mostly guidelines to ensure a smooth running league. The previous seasons have gone well, and we want to build on that foundation to ensure that we provide an opportunity for people to play football in a positive environment. Above all, as a league we want to work with teams not against them. There will be plenty of communication and opportunity for new teams in particular to be assisted as they settle in. But in the event that fines remain unpaid and build up, once they pass £5, then if not paid on the deadline date for fixture publishing, that team will not be included in fixtures until fines are cleared.
c) Rules and guidelines for individual players
Welcome to the SICM Sevens league. The following rules and guidelines are for the well being of the league and each individual participant. It is important that every player familiarises themselves with the rules, as ignorance will be no excuse! With just a few alterations the rules are the ones that enabled the previous seasons to run reasonably smoothly.
Each game to be started prompt and will consist of 25 minutes each way. The teams will change round at half-time and due to the slot booked being an hour long one, there is flexibility for the referee to add extra time if appropriate.
Kick off to be from the goalkeeper, also any re-starts from goals.
Substitutions can be made at any time that either goalkeeper has the ball. The referee to be notified and the players simply swap places, players must come from behind their own goal. No restrictions on the numbers of substitutions, or how many times players come on and off during the game. The only rule is that there should not be in excess of seven players on the pitch at any one time. Any change of goalkeeper to de done while that team has possession of the ball.
All throw-ins to be taken in the traditional way. Foul throws will apply at all times and when the referee calls a foul throw, it will then be awarded to the opposite team.
The goalkeeper’s area is the yellow line immediately in front of the goal, extending to the width of the pitch. Handling outside the area will be penalised with a free kick. Due to the area being small there will be no penalties. Any foul committed inside the box by the home team will be treated in the same way as a foul committed anywhere else on the pitch.
The goalkeeper is allowed outside of the box (but must not handle the ball) and other players are allowed inside.
All free kicks are direct and require a 5-yard distance, unless it is in the advantage of the person taking the kick to do so immediately the referee has blown his whistle. In the case of the kick being less than 5 yards from the goal, then defending players must stand on the base line itself prior to the kick being taken.
Balls going behind the goal will be either corners or will be balls in possession of the goalkeeper to distribute as he sees fit i.e. either a goal kick or a ball thrown or kicked.
Pass-backs are allowed and the goalkeeper can pick up the ball. The goalkeeper must distribute any ball within 6 seconds otherwise a free kick will be awarded against him.
No off-sides.
No slide tackles. However a player can slide to reach a ball providing that there is no opposition player within contact range.
In the event of a ball going over the perimeter fence the game to be re-started with a spare ball. If substitutes could be used to retrieve any lost balls that would be helpful to the flow of the game.
Match fees are payable by anyone that plays during the game. Non-playing squad members do not have to pay. The costs to the league involve pitch hire, referee fees and the trophies at the end of the season. Any surplus funds go into SICM’s work in Africa. (SICM is a registered charity – number 1057488 – and is involved in school projects, orphanages etc. A report is given at the annual end-of-season presentation so that people can see what they have helped to support)
All players must wear trainers or astroturf trainers. Studded boots of any description are not allowed. Shin pads must also be worn. In addition, jewellery and watches are not allowed. These rules are for safety purposes. Although players sign a form to say that they play at their own risk, the League organisers have to ensure that we also fulfil our responsibility. The referees will enforce these rules as directed by the League. Any player that is unable to conform to the rules will not be able to play. We encourage players to inform the referee if anyone from the opposition contravenes any of these rules.
The referees are being directed by the League to be firm regarding discipline on the pitch, and any cards issued are not for the sake of them, but to ensure that every game is played in the right spirit and that certain excesses are eliminated. As per the usual rules of the game, yellow cards will be issued for fouls, persistent fouling, foul and abusive language, time wasting etc.
But one point that we really want to make is that the abuse of referees will not be tolerated at all. They are human beings with feelings and do not come along each week to get abused. They may not get it right all the time, after all they are just human (like the rest of us!) but there is a line that players must not step over. If you feel that the referee has had a bad game, then mark it on the report sheet. That is the proper way to deal with things.
Anyway, what’s the point in arguing with a referee, he’s made his decision, just accept it. Our referees are not cheats, they have no vested interest in the League and they simply do their best each week, which is all we ask of them. They can only give what they see in terms of decisions. It isn't easy either and when you consider the abuse that even the Premiership officials get each week, But if any does feel they can do a better job, let us know as we are always in need of good referees!
Language directed at the referee is an automatic red card and a minimum 2-match ban.
A yellow card will result in a £3 fine, a red card (or two yellows in one match) a £5 fine. We don't have the benefit of video evidence and the time to bring committees together to discuss individual cases, so on that basis there is no appeal as such. However, before any offences that may incur penalties beyond the minimum are imposed, all parties will be given the opportunity to put their case forward.
A red card will result in an automatic ban of minimum 2 games. This will be decided by the League (We have a small committee that makes decisions on the length of bans) and announced asap after the event. A yellow card is an automatic 1 game ban. Bans will begin with the next fixture. In the event of a cancelled game, this does not count as game played.
d) Contact details
Stewart Bloor
Mobile: 0781 543 2371
e-mail: sbloor@sicm.org
SICM Sevens address
PO Box 1216, Dudley. DY3 1GW
e) Officials' forum
There is a notice board that exists specifically for the team officials and it's vital that everyone checks it on a regular basis. Once teams have been accepted, e-mails will be sent to the officials.
f) Trophy information
The league
Team cup for winners to be kept for 1 year. Individual player trophies for winners and runners-up. To qualify for a free trophy, players must have featured in half the games but any additional ones can be added at £5 per player.
The title will be decided on goal difference if there is a tie on points.
The Summer Cup
TBA once we know how many teams involved.
The David Bloor Memorial Trophy
Team cup for winners to be kept for 1 year. Individual player trophies for winners and runners-up. To qualify for a free trophy, players must have featured in half the games but any additional ones can be added at £5 per player.
Full details TBA once we know how many teams in the league.
g) SICM Sevens committee
Although the day-to-day running pretty much takes care of itself in the sense that the rules ensure things work pretty effectively, there is still a committee working behind the scenes ensuring that any issues can be sorted. As well as deciding the length of red cards etc, Stewart Bloor (Tipton Family Church FC), Andi Mohr (Crestwood Church FC) and Jon Nott (Brandhall & Quinton FC) communicate with each other on a very regular basis discussing anything that needs to be looked at. Jon also has specific responsibility for the referees.
It is important to bear in mind that any decision reached is done so as a result of the committee discussing - and not one person deciding on something. The rules pretty much take care of most things, but in the event of further clarification etc, although it may be announced by one person, it has the backing of three.
h) Timeline for the 2011/2012 season (Revised from original dates, TSC and the league to start later)
April 10 2011 - Deadline for teams from 2010/2011 to apply for entry
April 11 2011 - Open to applications for any nerw teams
June 7 2011 - The Summer Cup begins (Not compulsory but just for teams that want to enter)
August 1 2011 - The league begins
April 2012 - The league ends, depending on weather and how many teams we have in etc.