PLAY RULES & REGULATIONS
BOTSWANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 1st JULY 2017
BFA PRR 2017
CONTENTS
Regulation Page
Preamble 3 1 Laws of the Game 3 2 Registration of Players 4 3 Players’ Suspension after “Send Off” 5 4 Principles towards Nationals 6 5 Forfeitures 7 6 Defaulters 7 7 Late coming 8 8 Stoppage and Abandonment of the Game 9 9 Protests 11 10 Appeals 12 11 Review of Proceedings 13 12 Violence and general misbehaviour 14 13 General Punishments 15 14 Conduct 15 15 The League System 18 16 Relegation and Promotion 19 17 Final Match “Knock Out Game” 21 18 Definition of the Season 22 19 Registration of club colours 23 20 Clubs’ Home Grounds 24 21 Registration Subscription Fees and Change of names 24 22 Transfer of players 25 23 Participation in friendly tournaments and events 34 24 Club Licensing 34 25 Misbehaviour 35 26 Security and Protection of all participants at football games 36 27 Enforcement of Disciplinary Sanctions between Associations 37 28 Overdue Payables/Payments 37 29 Code of Conduct 39 30 Definition of a football season 39 31 Review, Variation, Amendment and/or change 39 32 Adoption and Enforcement 40
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PREAMBLE
These Play Rules and Regulations have been enacted to provide understanding among Botswana Football Association Members as regards the conditions of play in line with the FIFA Statutes and the Laws of the Game and to foster co-operation within the Association as well as to promote the highest possible competition and fair play. Where a particular matter is not adequately covered in these Play Rules and Regulations, provisions in the relevant FIFA Statutes shall apply. Otherwise, these Play Rules and Regulations shall be applied as part of and/or in conjunction with other relevant BFA and FIFA Statutes and Principles. Great is the club that does its utmost best to win. Greater is the club that accepts defeat with dignity.
1. LAWS OF THE GAME
1.1 All games are to be played according to the FIFA Laws of the Game, as promulgated from time to time.
1.2 All games shall be officiated by BFA Referees and Assistant Referees and, if these are not available, the respective competent BFA authority shall have the right to appoint a Referee and Assistant Referees.
1.3 Substitutes of up to a maximum of three players per team are permitted at anytime during official matches. In a friendly game, the number of substitutes shall be as agreed upon by the two clubs prior to the commencement of the game provided the Referee shall have been informed before the game starts.
1.4 No team shall be allowed to play or continue to play a game with less than seven (7) players. In the event that a team ends up with less than seven players after the game has started for whatever reason, the game shall be stopped by the Referee who shall make a report to the competent BFA authority.
1.5 Where the deficiency in the number of players mentioned in 1.4 above is as a result of injuries during play, a replay shall be ordered and, in any other situation, the club with less than the minimum number of players shall forfeit the points of the game and two goals to the opposing.
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2. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
2.1 Only players registered with the BFA shall participate in official BFA Activities.
2.2 Registration by the BFA of a player shall be shown by the following details in the player’s Registration Book:
2.2.1. Photograph of the Player. 2.2.2 BFA Registration Number. 2.2.3 Signature of the Player and Date 2.2.4 Full names of the Player 2.2.5 Date and Place of Birth of the Player. 2.2.6 Name of the Club. 2.2.7 Signature of Club Chairman and Date 2.2.8 Signature of Club Secretary and Date 2.2.9 Signature of BFA President and Date. 2.2.10 Signature of BFA General Secretary and Date 2.2.11 BFA date stamp 2.2.12. Endorsement on the pages for transfers
Provided that the BFA officials of the respective National Leagues may sign on behalf of the President and the General Secretary. In the case of registration within or to regional league clubs, the registration shall be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Regional Football Association. Provided that where the player is a minor, the consent in writing must be signed by the player’s parent[s] or legal guardian. Such consent shall be filed in the records of such BFA Authority for future reference. The registration books of players in junior teams shall, whilst containing all the same details referred to above, be distinguishable by colour from players registration books for their main teams.
2.3. A club shall be allowed to register up to twenty-five (25) senior players and an additional five (5) development players (up to 20 years) to make a maximum of thirty (30) players at any given time for its main team. Clubs required to maintain junior teams shall be allowed to register up to twenty five (25) players under the respective age category over and above those registered for the main team. Should a club wish to use a player registered with any of its junior teams in its main team, the club shall first register the player as a member of its main team provided that such registration observes the quota of up to 30 players and other player registration requirements. For purposes of these rules “junior teams” shall be teams that consist of players of up to 17 years of age.
2.4 A player shall only play for the club that he is registered for.
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2.5. BFA registered players shall not participate in official games of foreign National Associations or non-FIFA affiliated or FIFA suspended football associations. Contravention of the above condition may result in the automatic suspension of the player’s registration for at least one season.
2.6. Clubs shall be at liberty to enter into written contracts with players registered by them which shall set out the terms and condition for the player’s engagement as a player for the particular club. Provided that such clubs shall be under obligation and it shall be their sole responsibility, in terms of the Tax Laws of Botswana, to collect tax and submit such to government tax collectors accordingly.
2.7. Clubs shall abide by the BFA Financial Principles and Restrictions when signing new players or engaging in any new business including principles captured in the BFA Ethics Code.
3. PLAYERS’ AND OFFICIALS’ SUSPENSION AFTER “SEND OFF”
3.1 A player or club official who is sent off the field by the Referee during a BFA official game (except international games) shall be automatically suspended for a minimum of two next official club games, inclusive of any other local BFA competitions. Provided that the player or club official so suspended may have further disciplinary action taken against him after due investigation by the competent BFA authority. In the event that the player transfers to another club before serving the suspension, he shall still be required to complete the suspension at the new club to which he is transferring.
3.2 A player who receives an aggregate of two (2) yellow cards in two successive BFA games shall be automatically suspended for the next BFA official club game.
3.3 A player shall be automatically suspended for the next BFA official game for an aggregate of three (3) yellow cards that he receives in three (games) throughout the season, in exception of those described under 3.2 above. Furthermore, for every aggregate of three red cards/send offs received by a player/club official in official club games, such a player/official shall be suspended for an additional two official games.
3.4. In addition to the herein mentioned punishments, there shall be fines to a player/official for every yellow card and red card received during an official game which fines shall be set by the National Executive
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Committee of BFA from time to time. Failure to pay such fines shall result in two official game suspensions and three additional game suspension for the yellow card and red card respectively.
3.5 A competent BFA authority responsible for the league/tournament and or the National Disciplinary Committee may institute additional punishments over and above those stated above under Regulations 3.1 to 3.4 on the merit of the case.
4. PRINCIPLES TOWARDS NATIONALS
4.1 All clubs affiliated to the BFA are under an obligation to release and send their players to any of the National Teams when called upon to do so by the National Executive Committee. The Association shall inform clubs whose players are required for national team duty in writing regarding the need for the players to be released. The Association shall be responsible for securing the release of players from their places of work or study. Clubs are also required to release their players to participate in regional selection competitions when called upon by the BFA. The Association may, through the National Executive Committee, take appropriate action against any club which refuses or neglects to release a player required for national team duty. Furthermore, the Association may, through the National Executive Committee, take such action as it deems fit against a player who does not report for national team duty after being called upon and released by his club, employer or institution of learning.
4.2 Where a club has a total of more than three (3) players doing duty with any of the National Teams, such club shall not be required to honour league or any other BFA competition games in the absence of such players. Provided that players shall be released from national teams back to their clubs such that such players are able to have at least one training session with the rest of their club team mates prior to an official game.
4.3 Any club which contravenes sub-regulations 4.1 above shall be guilty of unpatriotic behaviour and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding P2 000.00 and such players shall not be eligible to play for their respective clubs in any official game during the period for which they have been called to the national team.
4.4 Players serving a suspension sentence from their clubs due to misconduct shall not be considered for national team selection.
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5. FORFEITURE
5.1 Any game declared forfeited by a competent BFA authority due to the fault of a participating club shall result in a forfeiture of three (3) points and two (2) goals by the club at fault to the innocent club in the case of league games and a forfeiture of the game to the opposing club in respect of cup competition games.
5.2. A suspension of a club during a season shall result in the following:
5.2.1. A forfeiture of three (3) points and two (2) goals to the opposing team(s), for the remaining games if the suspension takes effect in the second round of the league.
5.2.2. A nullity of all the games if the suspension takes effect in the first round of the league.
5.2.3. Disqualification from all BFA competitions and tournaments to be held during the period of suspension.
5.3. Where teams gain goals and points through a forfeiture by others, and consequently qualify for a league championship, promotion to a higher league, or avoid relegation, and such gain has displaced other teams which would otherwise have qualified, or avoided relegation, the concerned teams shall have play offs and the winner(s) of such game shall qualify for the league championship or promotion to a higher league or avoid relegation. No team shall be deemed to have displaced another in terms of this regulation, where the concerned teams have gained the same number of goals and/or points through forfeiture or where the higher ranked team has gained fewer points and/or goals than the team below it or where the lower ranked team is as a result of the points and goals it forfeited to another team. The format and details of such play offs shall be determined by the Relevant league committee and approved by the BFA National Executive Committee.
6. DEFAULTER
6.1 In terms of these Play Rules and Regulations, a defaulter is a player:
6.1.1 who plays while under suspension;
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6.1.2 who is not registered to play for the club he has actually played for;
6.1.3 who is improperly cleared by the club which uses him;
6.1.4 who is registered after any of the stipulated quotas have been exhausted;
6.1.5 who plays for a club without the relevant international registration transfer certificate and/or relevant documents;
6.1.6 who is registered, transferred or loaned outside of the periods provided for in sub-regulation 22.13.
6.2 Any team that fields a defaulter in a league game and a complaint or protest or information about the use of an alleged defaulter is brought to the attention of the relevant league or disciplinary committee within 30 days of the date of the said league game, shall
6.2.1 forfeit three (3) points and two (2) goals to the opposing team for every game that the defaulter shall have played in a given season, provided that procedures relating to protests shall be adhered to;
6.2.2 Be liable for a fine of not less than P5 000.00 and not exceeding P10 000.00 for Premier and First Division Leagues and not less than P2 000.00 and not exceeding P5 000.00 for any other league.
6.3 Any team that fields a defaulter in a league game and a complaint or protest or information about the use of such defaulter is brought to the attention of the relevant league or disciplinary committee after 30 days of the date of the said league game, shall be liable to a fine of not less P10 000.00 and not exceeding P15 000.00 for Premier and First Division Leagues and of not less than P5 000.00 and not exceeding P10 000.00 for any other league.
6.4 Any team that fields a defaulter during a knock-out competition or play-off game shall be deemed to have lost the game in question and the fines in regulation 6.2.2 above shall apply mutatis mutandis.
7. LATE COMING
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7.1 Late coming shall mean a team arriving at the official match venue less than fifteen (15) minutes before the time stipulated for the start of the match. It shall also mean a situation where a team fails to present itself to the match officials for inspection when required to do so before the commencement of the match.
7.2 Any club contravening sub-regulation 7.1 above without reasonable excuse shall be guilty of late coming and liable to a fine not less than P1000.00 but not exceeding P2000.00 for clubs in the Premier and First Division Leagues and not less than P500.00 and not more than P1000.00 in respect of clubs in other leagues.
7.3 In the event that a club arrives late for a match, the referee shall report the matter to the competent BFA authority.
7.4 Where the delay of the start of the match is in excess of thirty (30) minutes or a team does not turn up at all, the official referee shall call the game off and submit a report to the competent BFA authority.
7.5 A team that fails to give reasonable grounds for late coming to a league match or failure to turn up, shall forfeit three (3) points and two (2) goals and may be liable to any other disciplinary action.
7.6 If a match cannot be played on account of one team being prevented to arrive by a cause beyond its control (force majeure) the match will be set for another date at the same venue. The match official and/or competent BFA authority shall determine whether the cause was a force majeure or not and shall be reported soon after such occurrence or as soon as it is practically possible to report to one match official and/or competent BFA authority. The onus of proving force majeure shall lie with the party who alleges same.
8. STOPPAGE AND ABANDONMENT OF A GAME
8.1 Only the officiating referee may stop a game.
8.2 Where a game is abandoned on account of the misconduct of one of the participating teams, the guilty team shall lose the game with three points and two goals (or such higher number of goals as the innocent team shall have scored at the time of abandonment) in favour of the innocent team. Provided that the points so gained shall not be regarded as soft points. The guilty team shall not receive any points or goals from the abandoned game.
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8.3 Where a game is abandoned without the fault of any of the participating teams, it shall be replayed at the same venue on a date determined by the competent BFA authority.
8.3.1 Should a match be abandoned by the Referee due to an electricity power failure in a match played under floodlights, then the remaining minutes of the match will be resumed on a date and time agreed upon between the two participating clubs immediately upon the abandonment of the match, subject to the approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the League or a delegated official of the League who may set an alternative date and time
8.3.1.1 In the event of the two clubs being unable to agree to such a date, then the Chief Executive Officer or a delegated Official of the League will determine the date and time. 8.3.1.2 The resumed match will be a continuation of the abandoned match as if the match had not been abandoned. The abandoned match and the resumed match will constitute one single match which will only be completed upon the final whistle of the resumed match. 8.3.1.3 Notwithstanding the above, nothing will preclude the League from instituting disciplinary proceedings against any club as a result of such incident. The Disciplinary Committee of the League will have the power to make, inter alia, a finding as to the costs of hosting the resumed match. Until such finding is made, the League shall bear the costs of the resumed match.
8.3.2 If a match is postponed or abandoned through a weather or state of the pitch, the League will set another date on which the match will be played. All records of the abandoned match will be expunged except that any cautions or dismissals that occurred will remain in force. All suspensions and/or punishments imposed under Clause 3 herein shall not be deemed to have been served in the event of a postponement or abandonment in respect of 8.3.1 and this clause.
8.4. Any player and/or official of a club, member (as defined by the constitution) or identifiable supporter who causes a stoppage or abandonment of a game shall be guilty of misconduct and be liable to a fine not exceeding P5 000.00 and/or any other punishment provided in these Play Rules and Regulations. Provided that the
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Association may take further action against the club to which the player or official belongs.
9. PROTESTS
9.1 Protests may be lodged for breach of the FIFA Laws of the Game, the BFA Constitution and these Play Rules and Regulations.
9.2. No protests shall be lodged against decisions on points of fact taken by the referee on the field of play.
9.3. All protests must be made in writing to the respective league committee or competent BFA authority not later than thirty (30) days after the game. A protest lodged after thirty days shall not be entertained. Provided that a protest in respect of a defaulter shall be reported with the time periods stipulated at Regulations 6.2 and 6.3 above in which event such a matter shall be treated and/or addressed in terms of the provisions of the said Regulations.
9.4. Protests must be accompanied by a non-refundable protest fee of P500.00 for all regional leagues and women’s football leagues and P1000.00 in respect of the First Division and Premier Leagues.
9.5. Any team which makes a protest verbally to the referee during play, and does not follow it up with a written protest shall be guilty of misconduct and shall be liable to a fine of not less than P1 000.00 but not exceeding P2 000.00 and/or any other punishment provided for in these regulations.
9.6. The referee shall report to the respective league committee or other competent BFA authority any act of misconduct for appropriate disciplinary action. The report shall be made in writing within seven (7) days of occurrence.
9.7. All protests shall be heard within ten (10) days (excluding weekends and public holidays) from the date of lodgement or so soon thereafter as the competent authority is in a position to hear them. No protests shall remain unheard for a period exceeding six (6) weeks.
9.8. Decisions of League Committees or League Disciplinary Committees shall take effect from the date of pronouncement.
9.9. Any BFA authority which is unable to hear a protest within four (4) weeks after it has been lodged must make a written explanation to
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the National Executive Committee through the Secretary General as to why it has not been possible to hear the protest. It shall not be competent for a BFA authority to hear a protest after four (4) weeks have elapsed from the date of lodging the protest, without the written consent of the National Executive Committee. Provided that the National Executive Committee may decide to take disciplinary action against the failing BFA Structure and/or refer the matter to a different BFA Structure for a hearing.
9.10. All clubs appearing before a league committee shall be represented by not more than two people, who shall be members of such clubs and not hired attorneys.
9.11. The National Disciplinary Committee may waive the provisions of sub- regulation 9.10 above and permit attorneys to represent an affiliated club or member during proceedings before the Disciplinary Committee. Provided that such requests shall have been made prior to the date of the hearing.
10. APPEALS
10.1 Disciplinary Committee
10.1.1 All appeals from the various league committees in the regions shall lie with the respective Regional Football Committee or Regional Disciplinary Committee (as the case may be).
10.1.2 All appeals against decisions of:
10.1.2.1.1 Any Regional Football Committee and/or Regional Disciplinary Committee; 10.1.2.1.2 The First Division Committees; 10.1.2.1.3 The Premier League Committee
Shall lie with the National Disciplinary Committee.
10.1.3 All appeals shall be lodged in writing within ten (10) days, excluding weekends and public holidays, from the date of decision by the lower body.
10.1.4 Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall take effect from the date of pronouncement.
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10.1.5 All appeals shall be accompanied by a fee of P3 000.00 in respect of the Premier and First Division Leagues and P1500.00 for any other league; provided that 50% of the fee shall be reimbursed to the appellant if the appeal is successful.
10.1.6 All clubs appearing before the Disciplinary Committee shall be represented by not more than two people, who shall be members of such clubs, subject to Regulation 9.11 above.
10.2 National Appeals Committee
10.2.1 All appeals from the Disciplinary Committee and or the Players Status Committee shall lie with the Appeals Committee appointed under Article 66 of the BFA Constitution (Sections 66.4 and 66.5).
10.2.2 All appeals must be lodged within ten (10) days (exclusive of weekends and public holidays) from the date of decision of the Disciplinary Committee.
10.2.3 All appeals shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of P3 000.00 in respect of the Premier and First Division Leagues and P1 500.00 for any other League.
10.2.4 The decision of the National Appeals Committee shall be and binding on all parties concerned.
10.2.5 Decisions of the National Appeals Committee shall only be appealable to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
10.3 Court of Arbitration for Sport
10.2.6 There shall be a right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision of the National Appeals Committee. 10.2.7 Any such appeal shall be lodged in accordance with the FIFA statutes in regard thereto. 10.2.8 The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport shall be final and binding on all parties concerned. 10.2.9 All affiliates shall be bound by the hierarchal dispute resolution structure as contained at Regulations 9 and 10 above. Failure to adhere to this hierarchy shall be considered as an act of misbehaviour as contemplated by Sub-regulation 25.8 hereunder.
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11. REVIEW OF PROCEEDINGS
11.1 Should the National Executive Committee determine that a decision or action of a lower body of the BFA and/or the Referee are in breach of the BFA Constitution, these Play Rules and Regulations and/or FIFA Laws of the Game, or that the body has exercised its discretion improperly (except the referee), the Secretary General shall, without calling the affected clubs to appear before the National Executive Committee, call upon the Disciplinary Committee to review such proceedings of the lower authority. The Disciplinary Committee shall call upon the parties concerned to make the necessary representations.
11.2 The Disciplinary Committee may impose such punishment or give remedies as may appear appropriate in the circumstances. Provided that the Disciplinary Committee shall not set aside a decision of the Referee based on a point of fact or on the Referee’s opinion made by the Referee on the field of play.
12. VIOLENCE AND GENERAL MISBEHAVIOUR
12.1 All cases of violence shall be submitted for hearing to the Disciplinary Committee by the Secretary General within ten (10) days (excluding weekends and public holidays) of the Secretary General becoming aware of such incidents. Provided that any player or club official reported to have been involved in such violence shall be automatically suspended from all BFA activities pending hearing of the case by the Disciplinary Committee. The respective Region, National League, or the Secretary General shall immediately write a letter to the concerned club informing such a club of the automatic suspension in terms of this Regulation on receipt of the report(s) from the match official(s). Any club that allows such person (player or official or its member) to represent it in any BFA activity shall be guilty of misconduct and will be liable to additional punishment over and above what is already prescribed in these Play Rules and Regulations.
12.2 All cases of misbehaviour reported to the Secretary General shall be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee for action within ten
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(10) days from the date that the Secretary General becomes aware of such cases.
12.3 Any affiliate of the BFA which refers a dispute concerning the game of football to the courts of law, ignores orders and decisions of the Disciplinary Committee and/or the National Appeals Committee or persistently repeats acts which it has been previously punished for, shall be guilty of misbehaviour and liable to a fine of not more than P10 000.00 and a docking of points. Furthermore, the club may be liable to a suspension from the BFA for a period of not more than twelve (12) months.
13. GENERAL PUNISHMENTS
13.1 Notwithstanding any prescribed punishments that may be imposed under these Rules and Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to impose the following punishments:
13.1.1 Recommend expulsion from BFA; 13.1.2 Suspension from BFA for a period not exceeding eighteen (18) months; 13.1.3 A fine not exceeding P10 000.00; 13.1.4 Both a fine and suspension from BFA. 13.1.5 Suspension from BFA games and activities for a period not exceeding eighteen (18) months (in case of individuals) 13.1.6 Reprimands. 13.1.7 Deduction of league points. 13.1.8 Any other punishment as may be prescribed by the BFA Disciplinary Code
13.2 The Disciplinary Committee may suspend any of the punishments it is authorised to impose for any period it may find appropriate.
13.3 The Disciplinary Committee may suspend any member for any period it may find appropriate subject to ratification by the BFA General Assembly.
14. CONDUCT
14.1 Every affiliate club shall be held responsible for the conduct of its registered members and identifiable club supporters on and off the field of play.
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14.2 No affiliate club or member thereof shall submit statements or articles to the media on matters relating to the state of affairs and policy of the Association.
14.3 Any member of the Association, a member of a club or a recognisable supporter of a club, or any official of the Association, who makes false and/or damaging statements against members of clubs or BFA officials, shall be guilty of misconduct and liable to a fine not exceeding P2 000.00 or any other punishment provided in these Rules and Regulations. Provided that, in the case of officials of the Association, the individual shall be liable in his personal capacity.
14.4 Any member of the Association, a member of a club or a recognisable supporter of a club, or any official of the Association, who makes false and/or damaging statements against members of clubs or BFA officials, do or say anything that is inconsistent with the spirit of the BFA Disciplinary Code and/or BFA Ethics Code shall be guilty of misconduct and liable to an appropriate fine in terms of these codes.
14.5 Any player or official of a club who threatens (either by conduct or by words), or argues with or uses abusive, offending or insulting language or words against the officiating referee or any other official of the BFA before, during and/or after a game shall be guilty of misconduct and liable to any punishment under these Play Rules and Regulations. The offending player or official shall be reported by the officiating referee or the BFA official to the Secretary General who shall refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee to be dealt with in accordance with regulation 12 above.
14.6 No club will keep a floating trophy or shields for more than nine (9) months, except with special permission from the Secretary General. Provided that the trophies may be loaned to clubs on request at special occasions.
14.7 Any damages caused to trophies or shields belonging to the Association shall be repaired by the holding club or the club under whose care the trophies or shields were when the damage occurred. Where such damage is extensive, the club shall be required to pay the replacement value of the damaged trophies or shields.
14.8 Any club that violates sub-regulations 14.6 and 14.7 above, shall be guilty of misconduct and liable to a fine or such other punishment provided for in these Play Rules and Regulations.
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14.9 Affiliated clubs seeking to play local friendly games shall not prejudice or interfere with any of the BFA league games or competitions.
14.10 All affiliated clubs shall participate in all their league matches and all BFA competitions for which they qualify.
14.11 No team shall withdraw from the league before the completion of its league games or boycott or withdraw from any BFA tournament.
14.12 Any team guilty of contravening sub-regulations 14.10 and 14.11 above shall be liable to a fine of not less than P3000.00 and/or such other punishment provided in these Play Rules and Regulations.
14.13 In the event of any club withdrawing from the league or other competition, all results emanating from games played by the withdrawing club shall be nullified. Provided that where the withdrawal occurs during the second round of the league, the remaining clubs shall be awarded forfeiture points in terms of these Play Rules and Regulations.
14.14 In the event that a club applies for readmission into the Association in accordance with Articles 11, 12.3, and 12.4 of the Constitution, the club will commence its participation in the Association’s activities from the lowest league, subject to the availability of a vacancy in that particular league.
14.15 Any club that fails to honour a properly scheduled league game shall be suspended for a period of six (6) months for first offence, eighteen (18) months for the second offence, and expulsion from BFA for subsequent offence. Provided that, the BFA Disciplinary Committee as the judicial body responsible for dealing with this type of cases, may impose additional levy to the prescribed sentences on the concerned club as deemed fit.
14.16 Only the head coach, up to two (2) assistant coaches, and two (2) medics of the club shall be allowed to sit on the bench during all BFA official games.
14.17 All clubs shall amend their respective constitutions to provide for club officials to have term of office of four (4) years with effect from the 2017/2018 Football Season.
14.18 The National Executive Committee shall create a Code of Conduct in respect of the conduct of all it’s affiliates, officials and supporters, which Code of Conduct shall be an extension of these play rules and
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regulations and/or any relevant statute of the BFA and be enforced in accordance hereof.
15. THE LEAGUE SYSTEM
15.1 Each team in the same league division shall play games on home and away basis against each of the other teams in the league division, with three points awarded for a win, one point awarded for a draw and no points awarded for a loss.
15.2 If at the end of the league, two or more teams obtain an equal number of points, the team with a better goal difference shall take precedence over the other teams. The goal difference shall be determined by subtracting the total goals scored against the team from the total goals scored for by the team.
15.3 If the goal difference of the two or more teams is equal, the team that would have scored more goals shall take precedence. If the teams involved have scored the same number of goals, the winner shall be determined by a final match, played at a neutral ground, from which a winner shall emerge.
15.4 All clubs competing in any of the National Leagues shall do medical examinations on all their players at the beginning of every season and when a new player joins such clubs and maintain records of such medical examinations which records shall be availed to the Association when the concerned players are called to the National Teams or when required to do so as the situation dictates. Minimum requirements for medical exams shall include a chest x-ray, ECG, assessment of the player’s injuries, heart and/or cardiovascular system, general wellbeing of the player including full blood count (haematology) and/or chemistries, among others. Any abnormalities in the ECG shall be followed by further assessment by way of an echocardiogram. Clubs shall have competent medical personnel and be encouraged to have a defibrillator onsite or make arrangements for a defibrillator to be readily available in times of need at the games.
15.5 The BFA National Executive Committee shall develop a licensing system the fulfilment of the requirements of which shall be a pre- requisite and mandatory for participation in the National Leagues by all concerned clubs.
15.6 All clubs in the National Leagues shall produce annual audited financial statements as a prerequisite for continued or new
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membership to the two (2) leagues with effect from 2009/2010 Football Season.
16. RELEGATION AND PROMOTION
16.1 Between the Premier and First Division Leagues.
The three bottom clubs in the Premier League shall automatically relegate to their respective zones in the First Division. The Champions of the First Division (North) and (South) shall automatically promote to the Premier League. The runners up of the First Division (North) and (South) shall play-off between themselves at a venue to be determined by the BFA National Executive Committee. Such games shall be played over two weekends on a home and away basis with the overall winner taking a place in the Premier League.
16.2 Between Regional Football and the First Division League
The Champions of Division One Regional League within each of the clusters/blocks of Regional Football Associations within each Zone shall engage in promotional games with the winners from each block/cluster promoting to its respective National First Division League Zone. The clubs occupying the bottom two positions in each First Division League Zone shall automatically relegate to their respective regions.
16.3 Within the Regional Football Leagues
The two clubs occupying the bottom two positions shall relegate to the league division immediately under them. The champion and runner up in each league division shall automatically promote to the league immediately above them.
16.4 Restriction of transfer of players during play-offs
Teams involved in play-offs shall be restricted to using players that have played for the club during the season which has resulted in the play-offs taking place.
16.5 Maintenance of numbers of teams in all leagues
16.5.1 Once a particular season is completed (i.e. all league games have been played) the relegation of any team or teams shall not in any way affect or alter the stipulated number of teams in any given
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league. In the event that the relegation of any team (or teams) from any particular league may have the effect of increasing the number of teams in the league below, the stipulated number of teams in that league shall be maintained by relegating the requisite number of teams which held the positions immediately above the team or teams which are to be relegated at the end of the said season, to the league immediately below.
16.5.2 The manner of maintaining the stipulated league numbers as laid down in the preceding regulation shall be referred to as the “trickle down effect”. To this end, save as provided in sub-regulation16.5.3 below, this method shall apply throughout all leagues in order to maintain the stipulated number of teams.
16.5.3 The number of teams in the lowest league in the region shall not be reduced as a result of relegation of teams from the league immediately above. As a result, trickle down effect shall not be applied to the lowest league in the region.
16.6 Vacancies as a result of promotion or relegation
In the event that the promotion or relegation of a team or teams results in the number of teams in any league being less than the stipulated number of teams in terms of the constitution or regional rules and regulations as the case may be, the best relegated team and the best losers of the play-offs shall engage in play-offs with the better of the relegated teams to determine which team or teams shall make up the numbers. Such play-offs shall be at a neutral ground. In regard to this regulation, the National Executive Committee shall have the ultimate say as to how and who shall play in the play-offs referred to herein, applying the principles laid out in this sub- regulation as far as possible.
16.7 Management of promotional/relegation games
16.7.1 All promotional/relegation play-off games shall be run by the respective regional or national league structures.
16.7.2 The National Executive Committee shall develop rules governing such play-off games.
16.8 Meeting Club Licensing Requirements as a Pre-condition for Admission to a League
16.8.1 All clubs shall be required to meet the specific club licensing
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requirements for their respective leagues as stated in the BFA Club Licensing and Compliance Manual. In addition to the Regulations 16.1 to 16.6 in these Play Rules and Regulations as a condition for admission to any BFA League.
16.8.2 Any club that fails to meet the prescribed specific Club Licensing Requirements for the league shall be placed in the next lower league for which such a club meets the specified Club Licensing Requirements. Provided that the next best club that meets the requirements shall elevated to the next league subject to the provisions of Regulation 16.6 of these Play Rules and Regulations.
17. FINAL MATCH (OR “KNOCK OUT GAME”)
17.1 If a final match or “Knock-Out Game” should end in a draw, extra time shall be played following immediately after the end of the normal time with only a 10 minute break.
17.2 The extra time shall last 30 minutes, divided into two 15 minutes periods. No interval shall be allowed.
17.3 If after extra time the result is still a draw, the winner shall be determined by the taking of penalty kicks, initially five (5) kicks each, and proceeding to sudden death in terms of sub-regulation 17.4.7 below if the teams are still deadlocked.
Provided that the referee shall, however, have the power to declare that no extra time be played if, in his judgement, circumstances would prevent the full play of extra time, in which case the referee will order the teams to proceed to penalty shoot-out.
17.4 The penalty shoot-out will be in the following procedure:
17.4.1 The referee will indicate the goal posts where the penalties are to be taken. All players will remain on the field of play, within the circle in the middle of the field, until the winner has been determined.
17.4.2 The referee will toss a coin in order to determine which team will start, provided that the referee shall not determine which player takes which penalty.
17.4.3 No substitutes may be brought in to take penalties.
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17.4.4 A substitute goalkeeper may be brought in, provided that a team has not exhausted its authorised number of substitutes.
17.4.5 Both teams will alternate in taking penalty kick, and the team that scores more goals at the end of the shoot-out shall be the winner.
17.4.6 The goalkeeper shall not move over the goal line until the penalty taker has kicked the ball and the Referee shall ensure that this is strictly observed and shall order that the penalty be re-taken if the goalkeeper moves before the ball kicked. However, the goalkeeper shall be at liberty to move along the goal line even before the ball is kicked.
17.4.7 If, after both teams have taken their initial five penalty kicks, the winner has not yet been determined, the teams will continue to take alternate penalty kicks until one team scores a goal more than the other, after taking the same number of penalties.
17.4.8 Each penalty kick will be taken by a different player, including the goalkeeper. If each player in a team has taken a penalty kick, then any player in a team on the field of play can take the next kick.
18. DEFINITION OF THE SEASON
18.1 A playing season shall be the period within which all BFA competitions are played. All BFA affiliates shall be informed about the start of the season at least two weeks in advance to enable clubs to prepare their teams in time.
18.2 Clubs shall be informed about the last date of the season at the beginning of the season, to enable them to make off-season arrangements.
18.3 Unless stipulated to the contrary, the BFA season in every year shall begin during the second week of August and end during the last week of May, provided that the season shall not extend beyond the second weekend of June, except in the event of force majeure or other circumstance not in the control of the National Executive Committee.
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19. REGISTRATION OF CLUB COLOURS
19.1 Each club shall register with the committee of its respective league its home colours. At the commencement of each season, each club shall register its away colours for that season. Any change in the home colours shall be communicated to the league committee accordingly. Clubs shall use their registered home colours for all their home games. If a home club uses a colour other than the registered home colours and this results in a clash of colours, that club will be the offending club in terms sub-regulation 19.3 and shall face the consequences stipulated thereon accordingly.
19.2 All playing jerseys shall be numbered at the back, by numbers not less than 20 cm high. Though it shall not be a strict requirement, the playing jerseys may also be numbered on the front and the shorts at the bottom on the right hand side. Clubs may write the name or logo of their sponsors, if any, on the front of the jerseys and the names of their players on the back of the jerseys above the number. The name of the sponsor of the championship or competition shall, if not written on the front of the jerseys, be written on the sleeves of the jerseys. Provided that all clubs participating in any sponsored official game shall, as a prerequisite to participate in the said competition, abide by the conditions of the sponsorship as entered into on behalf of the Association by the National Executive Committee in terms of the BFA Constitution. Any club that fails to abide by the conditions of the sponsorship shall forfeit its right to participate in the said competition; provided that such club shall be liable for further sanction and or punishment in terms of these Play Rules and Regulations.
19.3 When, in the opinion of the referee, the official and duly registered colours of the two teams might lead to confusion, the team reflected in the fixture as the visiting team shall change to an alternative colour. The visiting team shall carry with it an alternative colour which must be available at the field of play for quick change, within 15 minutes from the time the referee orders such change. In the event of the unavailability of the alternative colour, the offending team shall be liable to a fine of not more than P2000.00 and forfeit the points of the game to the innocent club with two (2) goals.
19.4 The home status of a club shall be determined by the written order in the league or any other competition fixtures. Home status teams are written first. For example, if clubs A and B, both from Gaborone are fixtured in the following manner: Club B vs club A, then club B enjoys home status.
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19.5 Any visiting club which does not bring alternative colours to change to in the event of a clash in colours and thereby causes a delay of the start of the game, shall be guilty of late coming and punishable in terms of Regulation 19.3 above.
20. CLUBS HOME GROUNDS
20.1 By 30 June of each year, each club shall inform the respective league committee which ground it shall prefer as its home ground. The clubs which will have indicated their preferred home grounds shall, as far as possible, be fixtured at such grounds for their home games.
20.2 Notwithstanding regulation 20.1 above, the relevant league committee or competition organising committee shall have the power to fixture a game to an alternative ground or venue, where it deems that the fixtured ground is not fit for a particular game to take place.
20.3 The host club shall be responsible for marketing the game, arranging security at the match and printing and selling admission tickets. The host club shall keep all the gate takings after deduction of the ground levy, referees fees at rates determined by the National Executive Committee from time to time and other costs associated with the game. Provided that clubs within a league division shall be at liberty to agree in a meeting arranged and conducted by the respective League Committee on a different format for sharing of gate takings. Hosting clubs shall ensure that adequate security is available at the game and any club that fails in this respect shall be appropriately sanctioned by the respective league committee. Provided that in all games involving “disciplined forces” teams, as defined by the National Executive Committee, the gate takings shall be shared on the 70/30 percent basis, in favour of the “non-disciplined forces” teams irrespective of whether the game is played home or away.
21. REGISTRATION, SUBSCRIPTION FEES AND CHANGE OF NAMES
21.1 The registration, affiliation and subscription fee rates shall be determined by the National Executive Committee from time to time.
21.2 Clubs shall pay annual subscription fees in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
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21.3 Any club that fails to pay subscriptions on 31st May of any year shall, in addition to the subscription fee, pay a penalty amounting to 50% of the subscription fee.
21.4 Clubs shall pay subscriptions to the league of which they were a member as at the end of the season.
21.5 All clubs competing in National Leagues (i.e. Premier and First Division Leagues) shall first pay their annual subscriptions to their respective Regional Football Associations. Subscriptions to the National Leagues shall only be accepted on provision of proof of subscription to the respective region. Any club that fails to pay its annual subscription fee to the region in terms of the BFA Constitution and these Play Rules and Regulations shall immediately cease to be a member of the Association irrespective of whether such club has subscribed to the respective National League or not subject to Articles 16 and 17 of the Constitution.
21.6 Should any club and/or affiliate desire to change its name such club and/or affiliate shall make a written application accompanied by approvals from the relevant authorities being the Registrar of Societies, if the club is affiliated as a society, or the Registrar of Companies, if the club is affiliated as a company, to the National Executive Committee through the Secretariat provided that such change is not made after the commencement of the season or during the season. Should the approval by the National Executive Committee be made during the season then such change can only be effective during the next season.
22. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS
22.1 For purposes of these play rules and regulations, the following definitions shall apply;
22.1.1 “Professional player” shall mean a player who has entered into a written standard contract of employment with a club in line with the FIFA minimum requirements and is adopted by the BFA. The player must be paid more than the expenses he effectively incur in return for his football activity. Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions contained therein, the contract must be from the date of its entry into force to the last day of the contract. Notwithstanding any other terms and conditions contained therein, the contract must:
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22.1.1.1 Be for an agreed fixed period of time, not exceed 5 years; except for players less than eighteen (18) years old whose contract shall not be longer than three (3) years duration. Termination by lapse of time of such contracts shall coincide with the beginning of one of the transfer windows as prescribed under Regulation 22.13 of these Play Rules and Regulations.
22.1.1.2 Provide for a basic monthly salary and any other additional agreed benefits and allowances, payable by the club to the player over and above the expenses of training and honouring games of the club as per the standard contract;
22.1.1.3 Signed by both the player and the club. Provided that where the player is a minor, the agreement must be signed by the player’s parent[s] or legal guardian;
22.1.1.4 Be filed with the relevant Chairperson or Secretary of the Regional Football Committee or First Division Committee or Premier League Committee, as the case may be. Provided that both parties shall readily have access to the contract upon written request.
22.1.1.5 One copy each to the club, player, and BFA through the league concerned. Provided that the contract shall be filed with a competent BFA authority within 14 days of signing or any party on written request from a competent BFA authority.
In the absence of any of the above requirements, a player shall not be a professional player for purposes of these play rules and regulations. Provided that failure to file the duly signed contract with the relevant BFA Office by the club shall not be to the disadvantage of the concerned player.
22.1.2 “Amateur player” shall mean any player who is not a professional player.
22.1.3 A “free agent” shall mean a player with any or a combination of the following:
22.1.3.1 a professional player whose contract has come to an end or has been terminated by his former club 22.1.3.2 a player who has never been registered by any club
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22.1.3.3 a registered player who has not participated in the game and or has not played football for two seasons or more 22.1.3.4 a player declared as such by a competent BFA Authority based 22.1.3.5 a player determined as such in terms of FIFA Statutes
22.2 A club in Botswana wishing to acquire the services of a player from another club in Botswana shall, prior to approaching the player:
22.2.1 In the case of an amateur player, inform the club with whom the player is registered, in writing with proof of delivery, of the intention to talk to the player:
22.2.2 In the case of a professional player, first talk to the club that owns the player or with whom the player is registered. Once the two clubs have agreed on the sale of the player, the recruiting club shall request the club with whom the player is registered, in writing with proof of delivery, for permission to talk to the player with a view to agree terms with the player. The player’s club must respond within three (3) days in writing. Once the two clubs have agreed on the sale of the player and the recruiting club has notified the owner of the player about its intention to engage the player to discuss terms of employment, the recruiting club shall go ahead and talk to the player. [Provided that with respect to a professional player whose contract is left with less than six months before expiry, the conditions for recruiting an amateur player shall apply and such a player may sign a pre-contract agreement with any club of his choice during that period in accordance with FIFA Regulations for the Transfer and Registration of Players. Both the club and player shall fulfil their respective contractual obligations up to and including the last day of the contract. A pre-contract shall be a binding contract except that during the remaining contract period with the current club, the player shall be bound by his/her contractual obligations to his/her current club and shall not participate in any activities of his/her new club.
22.2.3 Once the club has been informed or permission has been granted as the case may be, the club will approach the player for negotiation; provided that in case of a professional player, the two clubs shall agree first before the recruiting club could finalize agreement regarding the player’s terms. Once agreement has been reached with both the club and the player, the player shall submit to the club he/she is registered
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with a letter indicating that he/she wishes to be released to the club that has approached him/her. Upon such letter being submitted, the two clubs shall enter into final negotiations and conclude their agreement regarding the terms of transfer. Provided that no player shall train with another club until he has been released from or specifically permitted by his club or is a free agent. Failure to abide by this provision by any player shall constitute a misconduct and the player shall be liable for disciplinary action by his club provided that further action may be taken against such a player by a competent BFA authority if the misconduct also puts the name of the game into disrepute.
22.2.4 A club or player receiving a letter from another club or player shall either append its official stamp on or sign the copy of the letter retained by the serving entity or any other acceptable method as proof of having been duly served. It shall be an offence punishable by DC as misconduct for the receiving party to refuse to acknowledge having been served as prescribed here.
22.2.5 Any club that approaches a player without advising the player’s team in the case of an amateur player or seeking permission of the player’s team in the case of a professional player, shall be guilty of misconduct in terms of these play rules and regulations and liable to fines of no less than:
22.2.5.1 P10 000.00 in the case of professional players; 22.2.5.2 P6 000.00 in the case of amateur players in the Premier League; 22.2.5.3 P3 000.00 in the case of amateur players in the First Division; 22.2.5.4 P2 000.00 in the case of amateur players at all the Regional Football Leagues. 22.2.5.5 In addition to the above charges, a club that infringes the recruitment procedure may be barred from recruiting any player during one or more players’ registration periods.
22.2.6 Any club that causes and or influences a contracted/professional player to terminate a legal contract shall be guilty of an offence and the relevant FIFA penalties shall apply over and above Regulation 22.2.5 above.
22.2.7 The recruitment of and compensation for a development player
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shall strictly be in accordance with the relevant FIFA Statutes and failure to comply with this provision shall attract corresponding penalties and sanctions.
22.3 The registration fees of previously unregistered players or free agents shall be set by the National Executive Committee.
Provided that there shall be no registration fee for first time registration of players in women football and players registered for and playing in junior teams/youth leagues.
22.4 The transfer fee of a professional player shall be negotiated upon by the two clubs concerned, either directly and/or through registered players’ agents with the objective of agreeing on a reasonable fee for the transfer of the player. In determining the value to be placed on a professional player, the two clubs shall negotiate in good faith and shall ensure fair play in their dealings with each other. The clubs shall enter into a written agreement which will stipulate the agreed terms. Provided that a professional player whose contract with the club has ended shall be deemed a free agent and the concerned club shall, with immediate effect, issue such player with a free clearance.
22.5 Subject to regulation 22.6, the transfer fee of an amateur player shall be a fixed fee set by the National Executive Committee.
22.6 Where an amateur player wishes to transfer from his current team to a new team, the new team shall pay the current team, either:
22.6.1 The transfer fee applicable to amateur players, as set by the National Executive Committee, or;
22.6.2 Development/training compensation in case of a development player as per the relevant FIFA Statutes as the minimum;
22.6.3 In the event that an amateur player turns professional, the FIFA Regulations relating to development/training compensation shall apply.
22.7 The National Executive Committee shall appoint a Players’ Status Committee, which shall hold office for a period of two years. The National Executive Committee shall appoint the Chairman of the Players Status Committee.
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22.8 The Players’ Status Committee shall, save for charges of misconduct in terms of regulation 22.2.4 above which shall be adjudicated upon by the relevant league or disciplinary committee as the case may be, adjudicate over issues and disputes concerning the transfer of players, including determining, whenever called upon to do so, a reasonable transfer fee or compensation (as the case may be) in the event that the concerned clubs cannot agree on the amount payable. In carrying out this function, the Players’ Status Committee shall observe the principles of natural justice and fair hearing. The determination of the Players Status Committee shall be final and binding and both clubs shall be obliged to conform therewith. Appeals against the decision of the Players’ Status Committee shall lie with the National Appeals Committee.
22.9 For the purposes of any disputes relating to transfer of players, any decision by the Players Status Committee shall become effective immediately upon the decision having been made.
22.10 There shall be a levy of 5% of the final transfer fee paid to the BFA, which will be deducted from the transfer fee, upon the resolution of the dispute by the Players’ Status Committee.
22.11 Fifteen per cent (15%) of the agreed transfer fee shall be payable to the player. The player’s agent/intermediary fee, if any, shall be payable in accordance with such agreement(s) as shall have been entered into between the player and the agent/intermediary and/or the club which agreement shall conform to requirements as may be stipulated by FIFA in the regulations for the conduct of players’ agents/intermediaries.
22.12 A player shall be registered for one club at a time:
22.12.1 A player may be registered to a maximum of three (3) clubs during the period from 1st July until 30th June of the following year (i.e. within 12 months). During this period, the player shall only be eligible to play in official matches for a maximum of two (2) clubs.
22.12.2 A player shall be registered to play for a club either as a professional or an amateur in accordance with Regulation 22.1 of these Play Rules and Regulations; provided that all premier league clubs in the BFA National League shall sign standard contracts, in line with relevant FIFA Statutes adopted by BFA, with all their players. Only registered players shall be eligible to participate in official football games. By the act of registering, a
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player agrees to abide by the Statutes and or Regulations of FIFA as well as these Play Rules and Regulations.
22.12.3 Transfer and or registration of players shall be done during the period stated in Regulation 22.13 of these Play Rules and Regulations. To this end, transfer shall include first time registration of the player and the loaning of a player from one club to another. In respect of a professional player, all contracts shall be drafted in such a way that expiry/termination date falls at the beginning of either of the two periods referred to in Regulation 22.13 of these Play Rules and Regulations.
22.12.4 For the purposes of transfer, a new season begins immediately after the end of the preceding season.
22.13 Unless directed otherwise by the BFA Players Status Committee, National Appeals Board and or relevant FIFA Statutes and provided that the recruitment process shall have been conducted in accordance with the provisions of these Play Rules and Regulations, the transfer, registration and loaning of players shall be done during the following periods only:
22.13.1 Between the time designated by the National Executive Committee as the end of the season and a day before the beginning of the New Season.
22.13.2 Between 1 and 31 January.
Provided that teams playing in qualifying competitions for promotion into higher divisions shall not use a player transferred or registered after the end of the league fixtures.
Clubs are prohibited from unjustly terminating the engagement of amateur players outside the stipulated transfer windows. Where the club cannot use the player for its official games or the player is suddenly not in the coach’s plan, the player shall be allowed to train with the team until the next transfer window.
22.14 Before a transfer can be effected, the receiving club (transferee) must produce a document signed by the other club confirming the release of the player and a copy of the letter from the player indicating that he wishes to join the transferee. The player’s
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registration book or player release document shall also be produced, properly signed by officials of both clubs, for endorsement by authorised BFA officials.
22.15 The transferring club shall release the player to the transferee immediately and/or within seven (7) days from the date of signing of the agreement or from the date of pronouncement by the Players Status Committee regarding the transfer fee or compensation payable in respect of the player or any other issue related to the transfer of the player.
22.16 In the event of non-compliance with sub-regulation 22.15 above, the Secretary General shall clear the player by issuing him with a new registration book and the transferee shall forfeit the 20% of the standard transfer fee or the transfer amount as determined by the Players’ Status Committee to the BFA. The Secretary General shall have notified the Secretary of the transferee of his intention to clear the player.
22.17 In case of sub-regulation 22.16 above, the registration book held by the transferee shall become invalid and the Secretary General or other official authorised by him/her shall inform the concerned League Committee of same.
22.18 Clubs shall be at liberty to loan players to each other without having to pay transfer fees but at a fee agreed between the clubs, provided that the two clubs shall enter into a written agreement or letter, signed by both clubs, in respect of the loan transfer, and provided that the agreement provides for a signature by the BFA National Executive Committee or a competent BFA Authority which signature signifies the approval of the agreement. Upon completion of the loan period, the player shall revert to his club unless the loan agreement is mutually extended. Player loan agreements shall be such that they are effected and end or expire during one of the transfer windows.
22.19 The transfer of players from Botswana to national associations in other countries and from national associations in other countries to Botswana shall be done in accordance with the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players.
22.20 Any Club that desires to register a foreign player (i.e. a player coming from another national association) shall register such player with the Association, provided that a first time registration fee of P1 000.00 is paid to the Association; provided that local or subsequent transfer
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fee shall be P500.00. Such player shall only be registered upon receipt of a certificate of transfer of registration (“the international registration transfer certificate”) issued by the national association from which he is transferring directly to the Association and provided that the receiving club has satisfied all the Immigration and Labour requirements for the employment of non-citizens in Botswana. Only the Secretary General of BFA is authorized to lawfully request for and issue an international registration transfer certificate/certificate of transfer of registration in accordance with FIFA statutes.
22.21 A non-citizen player who is registered with a BFA affiliate and wishes to transfer to another affiliate, shall only be eligible to play for the new team if:
22.21.1 He has a valid residence permit;
22.21.2 He has a valid work permit or proof of submission of an application or a temporary/waver work permit, authorising him to play for the new team;
22.21.3 Fulfil all other requirements for transfer of a player in terms of these play rules and regulations;
22.21.4 A duly signed contract with his/her new club;
Provided that in case of first time registration, the club applying to register a non-citizen player shall, in addition to meeting the requirements under Regulations 22.20 and 22.21 above, also submit a letter from BFA Secretary General approving eligibility of the player to be registered under BFA.
22.22 Clubs shall be at liberty to register a maximum of three foreign players per club and may field all the foreign players at any given time in any game, the provisions of sub-regulations 6.2 applying mutatis mutandis, to any team that is in breach of this provision. Provided that such players shall meet the set eligibility criteria for foreign players.
22.23 Clubs shall, where deemed desirable, enter into agreements or contracts with players setting out the terms and conditions under which the players shall play for the club.
22.24 The transferee shall, in all cases and before the transfer can be effected, pay to the relevant Regional Association or First Division Association or Premier League Association as the case may be, the registration fee or a levy equivalent to 5% of the transfer fee,
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whichever shall be the greater. However, in the case of a local or foreign player requiring an international clearance, a levy of 50% of the registration fee shall be payable to the BFA over and above the normal registration fee payable to the relevant regional and/or national Association.
22.25 The Association shall have an obligation to demand proof of financial ability to meet contractual/financial obligations from a club before such a club signs a new contract with a player and/or at any point in time as deemed necessary. Failure to provide this information shall render a club ineligible to register such a new player(s) unless the club releases/offloads another player(s)/employee(s) and/or such a club may be put under administration appointed by the Association. It shall be an offence for any club to give false information with respect to its financial status in this regard.
23. PARTICIPATION IN FRIENDLY TOURNAMENTS OR EVENTS
23.1 No club shall participate in any event that is a non-official BFA event or game or an event or game not officially sanctioned by the Association, without the consent in writing of the Association, which consent shall be sought before no less than six weeks before the date of the said event or game taking place.
23.2 No club shall participate in any friendly game or tournament against none FIFA Members.
23.3 The Association shall be entitled to give either unqualified or conditional consent to the event taking place.
23.4 Notwithstanding the fact that any such event shall not be an official BFA event, the Association may at its’ discretion, institute any disciplinary proceeding in terms of these rules and regulations for any incidents of violence or bringing the game into disrepute that may occur during such game or event.
24 CLUB LICENSING
2.4.1 The Botswana Football Association has adopted the granting of club licenses to the clubs according to the club licensing system based on the set minimum requirements adopted by CAF for the granting of the license.
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24.2 The said Club Licensing System particularly includes:
24.2.1 The minimum criteria to be fulfilled by the clubs before their participation in CAF competitions is accepted. .
24.2.2 The minimum criteria to be fulfilled by the clubs before their participation in their respective League competitions is accepted.
24.2.3 The procedure to be adhered to for the granting of licenses to the Clubs.
24.2.3 The minimum requirements to be imposed by the licensors.
24.3 Refer to Annexure A as an Insert referring to the Club Licensing Procedure and Compliance Manual.
24.4 All affected clubs shall comply with the Club Licensing Procedure and Compliant Manual as per their respective league categories as a prerequisite for admission to participate in such leagues.
25. MISBEHAVIOUR
Misbehaviour, inter alia, includes:
25.1 Failure to accept and/or timeously obey instructions, orders and decisions of the respective League Committee or any competent organ of the Association.
25.2 Any act which, in the opinion of the Association, is prejudicial to the Welfare and development of football.
25.3 Referral of disputes connected to football to courts of law.
25.4 Arguing with the Referee before, during and/or after a game.
25.5 Assaulting or threatening any Referee, Assistant Referee or BFA official or club official before, during or after the game.
25.6 Any other act that may be properly interpreted as bringing the game of football into disrepute.
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25.7 Failure to adhere to the requirements of the Club Licensing Procedure and Compliance Manual
25.8 Failure to adhere to the dispute resolution procedures and/or Disciplinary mechanisms prescribed in terms of BFA Constitution and these Play Rules and Regulations.
25.9 Failure to adhere to principles detailed in the BFA Code of Conduct for all members, Disciplinary Code, and/or any BFA Policy/Standard Document. Provided that serious cases of the violation of the Code of Conduct shall be referred to the BFA Ethics Committee for appropriate action/sanctioning.
25.10 Failure to meet one’s financial and/or contractual obligations or Committing to unrealistic/untenable financial obligations.
26. SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF ALL PARTICIPANTS AT FOOTBALL GAMES
26.1 All committees responsible for fixturing games shall categorise such games in accordance with the potential security risks where Categories A, B, and C shall refer to high risk, medium risk, and low risk respectively.
26.2 The Referee and Match Official shall assess the adequacy of security provided by the host team prior to the start of the game. The assessment of the adequacy or inadequacy of security measures provided shall be based, among others, on the security risk category of the particular game. This shall be done at least one hour before the start of the game. The host team shall parade the security personnel to allow the officials to properly establish the adequacy of the security personnel provided.
26.3 If the security is found to be inadequate for the game, the host team shall be liable for a fine of P3,000.00 for all National leagues and P1,000.00 for Regional leagues. The host team shall then be asked to make good the shortfall to allow the game to start within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled kick off time.
26.4 Where the failure to provide adequate security results in violence against match officials and/or players and/or their property, there shall be an automatic fine of P10, 000.00 for all National leagues and P5, 000.00 for Regional leagues. Further action shall be taken against the offending club and individuals in accordance with the BFA Constitution and these Play Rules & Regulations.
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26.5 Any player or official reported to have participated in one way or the other in a violent activity at a game shall automatically be suspended from all BFA activities until the hearing and ruling by the Disciplinary Committee. Such suspension shall take effect upon receipt of written notification of such by the offending player or official by the competent BFA Authority.
26.6 Any team that has been fined for failure to provide adequate security in terms of regulation 25.3 above, shall pay the said fine within 30 days, failing which it shall be liable to a deduction of league points in addition to paying the said fine.
27. ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS BETWEEN ASSOCIATIONS
27.1 Any disciplinary sanction of up to four (4) matches or up to three (3) months that has been imposed on a player by the former association but not yet (entirely) served by the time of the transfer shall be enforced by the new association at which the player has been registered in order for the sanction to be served at domestic level. When issuing the ITC, the former association shall notify the new association via TMS (for players to be registered as professionals) or in writing (for players to be registered as amateurs) of any such disciplinary sanction that has yet to be (entirely) served.
27.2 Any disciplinary sanction of more than four (4) matches or more than three (3) months that has not yet been (entirely) served by a player shall be enforced by the new association that has registered the player only if the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended the disciplinary sanction to have worldwide effect. Additionally, when issuing the ITC, the former association shall notify the new association via TMS (for players to be registered as professionals) or in writing (for players to be registered as amateurs) of any such pending disciplinary sanction.
28. OVERDUE PAYABLES/PAYMENTS
28.1 Clubs shall comply with their financial obligations towards their employees (i.e. players and others) as per the terms stipulated in the contracts signed with their employees (i.e. professional players, etc.) and in the transfer agreements. A club that repeatedly fails to meet its financial obligations and/or any revelation of a club’s inability to
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effectively manage its financial affairs shall make such a club liable to be put under an appointed Administration by the Association.
28.2 Any club found to have delayed a due payment for more than thirty (30) days without a prima facie contractual basis shall be sanctioned in accordance with Regulation 28.4 of these Play Rules and Regulations.
28.3 In order for a club to be considered to have overdue payables in terms of this Article, the creditor (employee/player or club) must have put the debtor club in default in writing and have granted a deadline of at least ten (10) days for the debtor club to comply with its financial obligation(s).
28.4 Within the scope of their respective jurisdiction (cf. Article 22 in conjunction with Articles 23 and 24 of FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players), the Players Status Committee, the Dispute Resolution Chamber, or the DRC judge may impose the following sanctions:
28.4.1 a warning 28.4.2 a reprimand 28.4.3 a fine 28.4.4 a ban from registering any new players, either nationally and internationally, for one or two entire and consecutive registration periods.
28.5 The sanctions provided under Regulation 28.4 above may be applied Cumulatively.
28.6 A repeated offence will be considered as an aggravating circumstance and shall lead to more severe penalty.
28.7 The execution of the registration ban in accordance with Regulation 28.4.4 above may be suspended. By suspending the execution of a registration ban, the deciding body subjects the sanctioned club to a probationary period ranging from six (6) months to two (2) years.
28.8 If the club benefiting from a suspended registration ban commits another infringements during the probationary period, the suspension is automatically revoked and the registration ban executed; it is added to the sanction pronounced for the new infringement.
28.9 The terms of the sanctions under the entire Regulation 28 are without prejudice to the application of further measures in accordance with
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Article 17 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players in the event of unilateral termination of the contractual relationship.
28.10 The BFA shall establish and appoint the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) which shall have full jurisdiction over disputes arising from and/or with respect to the enforcement of Regulation 28 in its entirety.
28.11 The FIFA NDRC Standard Regulations have accordingly been adopted/adapted as part of the various official and binding BFA Statutes and shall be the sole basis for implementation of this Regulation along with other BFA Statutes as necessary.
29. CODE OF CONDUCT
29.1 The National Executive Committee shall produce a Code of Conduct, prescribing principles governing the general conduct of all members of the Association as an extension of the BFA Code of Ethics and part of these Play Rules and Regulations.
29.2 The National Executive Committee, working in consultation with the National Referees Committee, shall produce a Code of Conduct for match officials, prescribing rules and regulations for the general conduct of referees and other match officials, the qualifications of referees and prescribe sanctions for anything relating to referees and other related match officials misconduct or misdeeds.
30. DEFINITION OF A FOOTBALL SEASON
30.1 For the purpose of these Play Rules & Regulations, “a season” shall mean the period commencing on 1 June or the day after the lapse of any extension of the end of a season by the National Executive Committee (NEC) (which ever shall be the later) to the end of May the following year or any extension of the season by the NEC thereof (which ever shall be the later). The definition of a Football Season shall also include the period designated for promotion/relegation play-offs; provided that such games shall be played immediately after completion of the relevant league games determining the competing clubs.
31. REVIEW, VARIATION, AMENDMENT AND/OR CHANGE
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31.1 These Play Rules and Regulations may be reviewed, varied, amended and/or changed by the National Executive Committee from time to time either to change existing Rules and Regulations, or to add new ones or to incorporate changes ordered by FIFA and/or CAF.
31.2 Any changes, variations and/or amendments made shall take immediate effect notwithstanding that they have not yet been incorporated into these Play Rules and Regulations provided that the change, variation and/or amendment shall have been adequately communicated to all BFA affiliates and structures.
31.3 The National Executive Committee may suspend the application of any of the provisions of these Play Rules and Regulations for such period as it shall deem necessary in the interests of the game of football.
32. ADOPTION AND ENFORCEMENT
32. 1. The BFA Executive Committee adopted these Play Rules and Regulations on 28 February 2017.
32. 2. These Play Rules and Regulations come into force on 1 July 2017.
Gaborone, July 2017
DULY SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BFA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Signed: ______Signed: ______Maclean Letshwiti Ookeditse Malesu BFA President BFA Secretary General
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