<
>
These are the Rules and Regulations governing the ASCENSION Invitational Tournament / Competitions. These Rules and Regulations have been sanctioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association Board of Directors.
The integrity of these Laws, and the bodies who apply them, must always be protected and respected.
All those in authority, especially, club officials and coaches have a clear responsibility to uphold and respect these Rules and Regulations.
Any matters not provided for in these Rules and Regulations, shall be decided by ASCENSION and the FIFA Rules and Regulations.
The Ascension Invitational Tournament / Competitions shall be played under the Laws of the Game, currently in force, as authorized by the International Football Association Board and published in the FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/2019 booklet.
Matters concerning the status of players, their eligibility to participate in organized football, and their transfer between clubs locally and internationally, shall be first governed by the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players 2018 booklet.
THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL BE ENFORCED WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 16th, 2019.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Abandonment | to end/terminate a match before the scheduled finish |
ASCENSION | refers to the Ascension Invitational Tournament Secretariat. The Committee responsible for the administration and management of the competition |
Cancellation | to call off a match before the scheduled start time |
CONCACAF | The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. |
Countdown Sheet | official document indicating a sequence of mandatory events before the kick off of a match |
Field of play (Pitch) | the playing area confined by the touchlines and goal lines nets where used |
FIFA | The International Federation of Association Football |
FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/2019 | the official Laws of the Game 2018/19 booklet published by the International Football Association Board that was made effect from 1st June 2019 |
FIFA Regulation on the Status and Transfer of Players | Status and Transfer of Players (2019) edition published FIFA |
Home Team | the team that is playing at home and usually is the first mentioned team. |
Sanction | disciplinary action taken by the referee, league or disciplinary committee |
Team List | official team document usually listing players, substitutes and team officials |
Team Official | any non-player listed on the official team list e.g. coach, doctor |
The League | see ASCENSION |
TTFA | Trinidad and Tobago Football Association |
Uniforms | the complete set of compulsory equipment of a player as explained in the FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/ 19 Booklet |
Visiting/Away Team | the team that is playing away from home |
1. SECURITY Home Teams are responsible for having a minimum of three (3) Security Officers/ Persons assigned specifically to: a. The Match Officials including the Match Commissioners and the Referee Team (Referee, Assistant Referees, Fourth Official and Referee’s Assessor). b. Players and Staff of the Visiting Team. |
2. ACCOMMODATION Suitable accommodation (enclosed change rooms) shall be made available by the Home Team (first mentioned) for the Visiting Team. It is also their duty to provide adequate accommodation and refreshments (Sealed Bottled Water) for the Match Officials, Referee Inspector and Match Commissioner. |
3. EMERGENCY SERVICES a. The Home Team shall provide an ambulance equipped with a minimum of two Medics and or emergency vehicle accompanied by at least one Medic throughout the duration of the game. This must be identified (license number) to the Match Commissioner before the start of the game. The Match Commissioner must ensure that the ambulance/emergency vehicle is located in an area of free access and its exit pathway of the venue must also be free of any obstructions, b. The Home Team shall provide a stretcher with a minimum of two (2) stretcher- bearers throughout the game from start to finish. The stretcher and the bearers must be presented to the Match Commissioner upon request. |
4. BALL ATTENDANTS The Home Team shall be responsible for providing a minimum of six (6) uniformed ball attendants on match days. Ball attendants must be of a suitable age and capable to effectively carry out their ball attendant duties for the entirety of the match. |
5. PROTECTION OF TEAMS AND PLAYING FIELD In cases where the home venue has an open field, the Home Team is responsible for ensuring that the entire field including the Substitutes and 4th Official’s benches are securely roped at an adequate distance no less than ten (10) yards from supporters and onlookers. |
6. ENTRANCE FEE Visiting clubs are permitted free entrance for a total of forty (40) persons (players and officials). Only players and staff of the Visiting Team in possession of a valid ASCENSION ID Cards shall be permitted to enter free of charge. Referees in possession of a valid 2019 Season TTFA Referee Identification Card shall be permitted to enter any Home Venue with one guest free of charge. |
7. TEAM LISTS AND COUNTDOWN SHEET Before the commencement of each game, the manager of each team MUST submit a minimum of five (5) completed ASCENSION issued Team Lists to the Match Commissioner. The officials will provide the opposing teams with a copy of each other’s match sheet and submit another to the ASCENSION with the Match Commissioner’s Report. THE COUNTDOWN SHEET MUST BE ADHERED TO. |
8. MATCH KICKOFF All matches will begin at the time stated on the official fixtures, unless otherwise stated in advance by the Match Commissioner upon consultation and instructions from the Secretariat. Clubs shall be advised that NO GRACE PERIOD IS PERMITTED. |
9. CROWD CONTROL Clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their players and spectators attending games and are liable to disciplinary action where such behaviour is deemed unsporting. The Secretariat reserves the right not to play future games at that venue. |
10. INFRINGEMENTS AND SANCTIONS The above guidelines will be monitored by the Match Commissioner and/or the referee and reported to the Secretariat. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that the above guidelines set forth are complied with on match days and presented to where applicable to the Match Commissioner and/or Referee present. Clubs found in breach of any of the above Guidelines will be liable to the following sanctions: First Time Offender: A warning letter will be issued to the team in question by the Secretariat indicating the breach in question. Second Time Offender: If the same club commits the same breach for a second time, the club in question will be liable to pay a fine of Five Hundred Trinidad and Tobago Dollars ($500TTD) to the Secretariat. This fine will be deducted from the Club’s Appearance Fee; Third Time Offender: Clubs found guilty of three (3) breaches shall forfeit their Appearance Fee. |
11. ABANDONMENT OR CANCELLATION OF GAME Should any club be in breach of any of the above guidelines that should cause the referee to stop or not play the game in question, the Club alleged to be found liable for such offence shall immediately face the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. Should the club in question be found guilty of such offence, the result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favor of the other club. All statistics shall be officially recorded as such. Should the club in question be found not guilty of such offence, the game shall be replayed at the time, date and venue as decided upon by the Secretariat. |
1. UNIFORM COLOURS Before the commencement of each Season each Club shall register its playing uniforms by submitting to the Secretariat samples of its first (1st) and second (2nd) Uniforms and Goalkeeper’s Uniform. The colours of the 2nd Uniforms (shirt, shorts and socks) shall be noticeable different from and contrast with the colours of the 1st Uniform. The 2nd Uniform must also be taken to every match. The Goalkeepers shall wear colours contrasting with those of the two Clubs and the Referee. |
2. CHANGING OF UNIFORMS The players of each participating Club shall wear its 1st Uniform unless the 1st Uniform of the participating Clubs are alike of similar or are in the opinion of the referee likely to cause confusion in which event Players of the Away Club shall wear its 2nd Uniform. In the event of any dispute with regard to the Uniform to be worn by either Club, the referee’s decision in consultation with the Match Commissioner shall be final. In all matches, Clubs shall wear their registered 1st and 2nd Uniforms, or with the consent of the Match Commissioner, a combination of the two. NO Club shall participate in a Match wearing Uniforms other than its registered 1st or 2nd Uniform or a combination of the two except with the prior written consent of the Secretariat. |
3. UNIFORM NUMBERING Matching numbers meaning numbering of the same font and colour MUST be worn on the jersey by ALL players of a particular team and additionally, the number of the jersey must match the number on the respective player Identification Card. Additionally, the colour of the numbering must be different from and contrast with the colours of the Uniform. Uniform Numbers shall range between 01 and 99. No other number, symbol or lettering is allowed. |
4. SLOGANS, STATEMENTS, IMAGES AND ADVERTISING Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s or team or league sponsor logos as determined by the Secretariat. |
5. INFRINGEMENTS AND SANCTIONS The above guidelines will be monitored by the Match Commissioner and/or the Referee and reported to Secretariat. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that the above guidelines set forth are complied with on match days and presented to where applicable to the Match Commissioner and/or Referee present. Clubs found in breach of any of the above Guidelines will be liable to the following sanctions set forth by the TTSL: First Time Offender: A warning letter will be issued to the team in question by the Secretariat indicating the breach in question. Second Time Offender: If the same club commits the same breach for a second time, the club in question will be liable to pay a fine of Five Hundred Trinidad and Tobago Dollars ($500TTD) to the Secretariat. This fine will be deducted from the Club’s Appearance Fee; Third Time Offender: Clubs found guilty of three (3) breaches shall forfeit their Appearance Fee. |
6. ABANDONMENT OR CANCELLATION OF GAME Should any club be in breach of any of the above guidelines that should cause the referee to stop or not play the game in question, the Club alleged to be found liable for such offence shall immediately face the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. Should the club in question be found guilty of such offence, the result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favour of the other club. All statistics shall be officially recorded as such. Should the club in question be found not guilty of such offence, the game shall be replayed at the time, date and venue as decided upon by the Secretariat. |
1. VENUES AND STADIA Each participating Club shall declare three (3) weeks before the start of the season a maximum of three (3) home venues for which they wish to play their Home matches. Each Club shall ensure that the venues and facilities in which the matches take place fulfill the match requirements and comply with the safety and security standards. Draft Fixtures will be handed out prior to the start of the Tournament. Clubs must submit in writing to the Secretariat confirmed Home Venues and Start Times for their Home Games no later than ONE WEEK before the start of the Competition. Any Club wishing to change their Home Venue must do so by Noon of the Wednesday prior to the said Home Game. The Secretariat will carry out periodic Match Venue safety checks for the benefit of spectators, players and officials. |
2. THE FIELD OF PLAY The field of play must fully comply with FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/19, Law 1. ASCENSION has mandated that ALL Clubs use white paint when marking the lines indicated in the FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/19 Law 1 on the field of play. Other lines are permitted provided that they are of a different colour and clearly distinguishable from the lines used for football. |
3. INFRINGEMENTS AND SANCTIONS The above guidelines will be monitored by the Match Commissioner and/or the Referee and reported to Secretariat. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that the above guidelines set forth are complied with on match days and presented to where applicable to the Match Commissioner and/or Referee present. Clubs found in breach of any of the above Guidelines will be liable to the following sanctions set forth by the Secretariat: First Time Offender: A warning letter will be issued to the team in question by the Secretariat indicating the breach in question. Second Time Offender: If the same club commits the same breach for a second time, the club in question will be liable to pay a fine of Five Hundred Trinidad and Tobago Dollars ($500TTD) to the Secretariat. This fine will be deducted from the Club’s Appearance Fee; Third Time Offender: Clubs found guilty of three (3) breaches shall forfeit their Appearance Fee. |
4. ABANDONMENT OR CANCELLATION OF GAME Should any club be in breach of any of the above guidelines that should cause the referee to stop or not play the game in question, the Club alleged to be found liable for such offence shall immediately face the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. Should the club in question be found guilty of such offence, the result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favour of the other club. All statistics shall be officially recorded as such. Should the club in question be found not guilty of such offence, the game shall be replayed at the time, date and venue as decided upon by the Secretariat. |
1. QUALITY AND MEASUREMENTS All balls used in matches shall adhere to the qualities and measurements outlined in the FIFA Laws of the Game 2018/19 Law 2. All balls used in matches must bear one of the following marks; • FIFA Quality PRO • FIFA Quality • IMS- International Match Standard |
2. MATCH BALLS The home team shall provide eight (8) FIFA Quality PRO, FIFA Quality or IMS-International Match Standard match quality balls for inspection by the Match Commissioner and/or Referee. Each of the eight (8) balls must be of the same brand and of the same model. At no time should there be a difference in brand, model or colour. |
3. INFRINGEMENTS AND SANCTIONS The above guidelines will be monitored by the Match Commissioner and/or the Referee and reported to the Secretariat. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that the above guidelines set forth are complied with on match days and presented to where applicable to the Match Commissioner and/or Referee present. Clubs found in breach of any of the above Guidelines will be liable to the following sanctions set forth by the Secretariat: First Time Offender: A warning letter will be issued to the team in question by the Secretariat indicating the breach in question. Second Time Offender: If the same club commits the same breach for a second time, the club in question will be liable to pay a fine of Five Hundred Trinidad and Tobago Dollars ($500TTD) to the Secretariat. This fine will be deducted from the Club’s Appearance Fee; Third Time Offender: Clubs found guilty of three (3) breaches shall forfeit their Appearance Fee. |
4. ABANDONMENT OR CANCELLATION OF GAME Should any club be in breach of any of the above guidelines that should cause the referee to stop or not play the game in question, the Club alleged to be found liable for such offence shall immediately face the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. Should the club in question be found guilty of such offence, the result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favour of the other club. All statistics shall be officially recorded as such. Should the club in question be found not guilty of such offence, the game shall be replayed at the time, date and venue as decided upon by the Secretariat. |
1. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION a. A player must be registered to play for a club as either a professional or an amateur in accordance with TTFA and FIFA REGULATIONS on the Status and Transfer of Players 2018. b. Only registered players are eligible to participate in organized football. By the act of registering, a player agrees to abide by the statutes and regulations of ASCENSION, TTFA, CONCACAF and FIFA. c. Where Clubs and Player ( s) enter into playing agreements of any form; a copy of such agreement MUST be submitted to the SECRETARIAT along with the player (s)’ registration form (s). d. Clubs that register Players under the age of eighteen (18) years in open competitions must obtain the written permission of the parent/guardian. The forms, which give permission, MUST be attached to the Player’s Registration Forms on submission to the Secretariat. A copy of said consent form is available from the Secretariat. e. Under all circumstances, due consideration must be given to the sporting integrity of the competition. In particular, a Player may not play official matches for more than two Clubs competing in the same competition during the same season. f. A Player registered with a school for SSFL competition may not simultaneously represent a Club in Tournament. g. Players may only be registered during the designated registration period/s fixed by the TTFA. As an exception to this rule, a professional whose contract has expired prior to the end of the registration period may be registered outside that registration period subject to the approval of the Secretariat. Where a contract has been terminated with just cause, the Secretariat may take provisional measures in order to avoid abuse. h. Registration Period/s will be determined from time to time by the TTFA. i. Unless advised otherwise by the TTFA, three (3) weeks before the start of the Tournament, each team shall submit a list of not less than eighteen (18) players and a list of not more than ten (10) team officials, to the Secretariat. Teams will be entitled to register a maximum number of thirty (30) players. Only registered players and team officials (except in cases of Force Majeure recognized by the Secretariat will be permitted to compete/participate in the competition. For a player to be eligible to play on any given Match Day his completed registration documents must be presented to the Secretariat forty-eight (48) hours before the said Match Day. j. Clubs may register a goalkeeper at any time during the season. Such registrations may only be allowed if the club is able to show proof e.g. medical certificate, that it is unable to field one of their registered goalkeepers. This matter will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the TTSL. k. For a registered player to be considered de-registered a letter from the club along with the supporting documents (School acceptance letter, Doctor’s Certificate etc.) must be presented to the Secretariat. |
2. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS A player registered with an association, club or league may only be registered with ASCENSION if the club wishing to register the player has received a Transfer Certificate from the former Association or League. In the event of a transfer between TTSL clubs, the Transfer Certificate will be issued by TTSL upon payment of the necessary administrative fee of (TTD$100.00), without any conditions or time limit. Players shall be eligible for transfer once the following conditions are met; a. Players seeking to transfer shall make application to the relevant Regional Association or League through the Club of destination, on the designated Regional Association or League Transfer Form. b. Players will be allowed to register with any Club when the registration period is open as long as the transfer regulations as identified above have been satisfied. c. Clubs SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED to frustrate the transfer of players. Clubs will have a maximum of seven (7) days to formally object to any free transfer of its players to another Club. d. Failure to act within this seven (7) day timeframe and/or give a legitimate reason for withholding a transfer of an Amateur Player will see the Secretariat grant and approve a provisional transfer certificate to the acquiring Club. e. Clubs SHALL NOT implement rules or policies which conflict with the TTFA Constitution, its rules, policies and guidelines. f. In any such instances the Constitution, Rules and Bye-Laws of TTFA shall take precedence, also; g. All transfer disputes between clubs shall be referred to TTFA’s Player Status Committee for determination. |
3. CLUBS ONLY BONA FIDE members Clubs affiliated to TTFA shall be eligible to participate. Each affiliated club desirous of participating must be registered on the relevant ASCENSION Form. These completed Forms must be returned to the Secretariat on or before the SET deadline date. |
4. PLAYERS AND STAFF a. Each eligible player must be registered, through one club, on the appropriate ASCENSION Player Registration Form. b. No Player is allowed to play under an assumed name. c. A Player may only be registered with one Club at a time. Players may only be registered – subject to exception provided for in article 2 (c) upon submission of a valid application from the Club to the Secretariat during a Registration Period. d. Subject to 4 (c) above, Players may only be registered up to a maximum of two (2) Clubs during one season. e. All Clubs and Players are reminded of Guidelines above and that the Registration process is complete only when, the applicable Registration Forms along with Transfer Certificate where necessary are submitted to the Secretariat. f. An Identification Card shall be issued for each Player. The Player’s number must be used only by said Player for the duration of the Tournament and may not be used by any other Player unless prior approval is given by the Secretariat. g. Each ID card shall be valid for one (1) Tournmanet. h. A Player ID must be presented to the MATCH COMMISSIONER and/or REFEREE prior to the commencement of a match. i. ALL Club Officials must be registered on the prescribed ASCENSION Official’s Registration Form and be issued an official ASCENSION Club Official ID. Neither Player nor Official SHALL be permitted to participate in any competition organized by ASCENSION unless they are in possession of a valid ASCENSION ID Card. |
5. INFRINGEMENTS AND SANCTIONS The above guidelines will be monitored by the Match Commissioner and/or the Referee and reported to the Secretariat. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that the above guidelines set forth are complied with on match days and presented to where applicable to the Match Commissioner and/or Referee present. For breaches regarding the fielding of an ineligible Player in an official match, the result of the match in question shall immediately go in favour of the other team. The result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favour of the other club. All other statistics or awards previously given shall be null and void. For breaches regarding the fielding of a registered player without an official ASCENSION Player ID present and without the prior permission of the Secretariat through the Match Commissioner the following sanctions shall take effect: First Time Offender: A warning letter will be issued to the team in question by the Secretariat indicating the breach in question. Second Time Offender: If the same club commits the same breach for a second time, the club in question will be liable to pay a fine of Five Hundred Trinidad and Tobago Dollars ($500TTD) to the Secretariat. This fine will be deducted from the Club’s Appearance Fee; Third Time Offender: Clubs found guilty of three (3) breaches shall forfeit their Appearance Fee. |
6. ABANDONMENT OR CANCELLATION OF GAME Should any club be in breach of any of the above guidelines that should cause the referee to stop or not play the game in question, the Club alleged to be found liable for such offence shall immediately face the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. Should the club in question be found guilty of such offence, the result of the game shall be recorded as a 3:0 win in favour of the other club. All statistics shall be officially recorded as such. Should the club in question be found not guilty of such offence, the game shall be replayed at the time, date and venue as decided upon by the Secretariat |