East Midlands Regional League 

Qualifying Tournament 2025

The Qualifying Tournament is the only pathway into Regional League.  In addition to the two teams relegated from Division 4, each of our constituent counties may put forward two teams to contest the Qualifying Tournament.  

It is the responsibility of all Team Managers, Coaches and Captains to ensure that all players are conversant with the following regulations.

Entry forms must be received by the closing date.  Late entries will not be accepted unless approved by the Regional Competition Technical Support Group.

Contents
1.	Rules of the Game
2.	Balls and Bibs
3.	Central Timing
4.	Eligibility
5.	Registration of Squad Members
6.	Start of Play and Late Arrivals
7.	Substitutes and Team Changes
8.	Team Bench
9.	Results
10.	Match Officials 
11.	Close Range Photography 
12.	Competition Referees
13.	Competition Complaints Procedure
14.	Appeal of Competition Referees Decision
15.	Health & Safety
16.	Disclaimer

1	RULES OF THE GAME
a	All games shall be played to the World Netball Rules of the Game currently in force in England at the time of the Tournament, except where specific Tournament Regulations apply.
b	The Qualifying Tournament shall be governed and managed by the Regional Competition TSG, which may delegate its powers in this respect to one of the County Managements Boards within the region. 

2	BALLS AND BIBS
a	Each team must provide a size five (5) match netball, which must be clearly marked for identification purposes.
b	All players must wear positional bibs and teams must have a spare set in a different colour in
		      	case of a clash of colours.
c	In the event of a clash of colours, a toss of a coin between the two captains will decide which team retains their original colours.

3	CENTRAL TIMING
a	Central timing, normally sounded by a hooter, will be used, but matches will start and finish on the Umpire's whistle.
b	The hooter will sound at the beginning and end of an interval.
c	A warning will be given before play is due to commence.
             d          The length of the matches will be specified in the Order of Play

4	ELIGIBILITY
a   	Application for entry to the Qualifying Tournament shall be open to any two clubs or teams nominated by each of the constituent counties in the East Midlands.  Clubs may only qualify through the county to which it is has paid its England Netball membership unless otherwise agreed by the Regional Management Board.
b	The Regional League Qualifying Tournament is a competition for females.  Only female participants can be included on the Team Registration Sheet as players
c	In order to qualify to participate in the Qualifying Tournament, a player shall be in membership of England Netball as a Registered Participant and be a member of the club they are representing in the  tournament and shown as such on ENgage
d	Players must be 15 years old by midnight 31st August prior to the tournament unless they have 	completed the Age Banding Consent form and submitted it to the Tournament Organiser with the Squad Registration Form.  All players under the age of 18 must carry with them some form of proof of age as random checks may be carried out
e	Permission must be sought from the Competition TSG for any player who has played in the East Midlands Regional League to play for a different club in the Qualifying Tournament in the same season. Any player granted permission to represent a different club in the Qualifying Tournament will not be allowed to play for their original club in the League next season if the club they represent in the Qualifying Tournament qualifies.
f	Applications to play for a different club in the Qualifying Tournament must be received 10 days before the tournament.  Application forms can be obtained from the League Secretary. 
g	If a ‘B’ team is relegated from the League and has to re-apply through the Qualifying Tournament, ‘A’ team players who have only taken part in 3 ‘A’ matches are eligible to play 
h	Permission must be sought from the Competition TSG for any player who has played in any other regional league in the same season
i	If a Regional League club wishes to enter a second team in the Qualification Tournament, players must not have taken part in more than three Regional League games 
j	Any player who played 18 quarters in the National Premier League in the current playing season will not be eligible to play
k	Any player who is registered as a Superleague Player will not be eligible to play.  This also includes NXT Gen players
l	By entering a team in the Regional League, teams agree that:
•	They will abide by these rules and regulations
•	They are able and willing to fulfil the costs and commitments of participation in the Regional League 
•	They will participate in a sporting manner and play within the spirit of the game
•	They are bound by all the rules, policies, regulations and by-laws of England Netball, including the England Netball Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Regulations
•	If they qualify for the Regional League, they are committing to enter.  Failure to do so will forfeit the opportunity to enter the following year unless approved by the Competition TSG

Please note Regional League Rules (t.b.c.)
o	All teams must register a minimum of 12 players
o	A club may enter two teams into the Regional League 

5	REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS & TEAM OFFICIALS
a 	Teams must submit their team sheet to the event organiser by the deadline set by the Event Organiser. England Netball membership will then be checked against all team players and officials.  
b	Team Managers must check in with the Tournament Referees at least 45 minutes prior to the commencement of the Tournament
c 	Teams may register twelve (12) players, and three (3) reserves for the Competition
d 	Teams must complete a Squad Registration Sheet fully listing each player, reserve players and team officials together with their membership numbers This needs to be lodged with the Competition Organiser at least 10 days prior to the start of the competition
e	Only the twelve (12) listed players are eligible to compete in the competition.  Any additions or
replacements of these twelve (12) players, must be one of the named reserves who appear on the Squad Registration Sheet submitted to the Competition Organiser
f	During the Registration period, Registration Sheets may be changed, but any amendments must be in

 line with para 5.c and teams will then be asked to confirm that the Squad Registration Sheet is correct.. No changes may be made to the Squad Registration Sheet once it has been signed even if the registration period has not closed  
g          The number of players allowed in a squad is (12) twelve.
             h          Team Sheets must be completed and submitted to the Tournament Organiser with the entry form.
i	No player, other than the 12 nominated on the Team Sheet may play without the prior permission of the Tournament Referees. 
j             Any team who knowingly and deliberately provides false information regarding the identity of players at registration and the naming of players on team sheets may be expelled from the competition.  Disciplinary action may be taken against the club. 

6	START OF PLAY AND LATE ARRIVALS
a	Captains should toss for centre pass well before the start of each game.
b	All teams must be on court, in position and ready to play, at the time and on the court stated in the playing schedule.
c	No team may start a game with less than five (5) players.
d	Any team late on court will forfeit the match points.
e	The forfeited points will be awarded to the team on court, in position and ready to play at the
			correct time.
	f	Late arrivals may only take the court in accordance with the World Netball Rules of the game

7	SUBSTITUTES AND TEAM CHANGES
a	Tactical changes are allowed but should not take place during the last 30 seconds of any period of play
             due to the short games
b	During the half time interval, substitutions may be made provided that they take place immediately.  
c	No extra time will be allowed for injury or illness. 
d	Officials are requested to take great care in moving an injured or ill player from the court.  Should an Umpire or team official feel that a player's injury is critical ie head, neck or back and she will be better left on court for medical  personnel, the Umpire must note the time lost during treatment and report to the Tournament Referees who will adjudicate. 

8	TEAM BENCH
a	The Team Bench will be the area at the team's defending end at the start of the game to the right of the netball posts or as directed by the umpire. Do not change ends at half time.
	b. 	Up to five Team Officials will be allowed on the Team Bench and should include a Coach, Team Manager and a designated Primary Carer
c 	Only the Primary Carer will be allowed on court in the event of illness/injury
d  	The Primary Carer will be required to wear a form of designation which will be issued at registration.
e	The Team Officials and bench players may not move up and down the side lines or along the goal lines outside the court during play,
	f	Coaching is only permitted from the Team Bench 

9	RESULTS
a	Scorers must record their name on the back of the results card.
b	Captains must check the scores with both Scorers and if satisfied must sign the result card.  
c	The result card represents the official score of the match and once the result card has been signed, no dispute can be lodged.
d	If a Team Captain is not in agreement with the final score, or does not wish to sign the result card for other reasons, her Team Manager must advise their opponents and both Umpires (who must then print their names on the reverse of the result card), and state reasons for their non-compliance with this regulation and report immediately to the Tournament Referees.
e	It is the responsibility of each team to take their result cards to the recorders table after they have been signed by both Scorers and Team Captains.
f	In the event of a team being 'non-competitive' for any reason, their results and those of their 		             opponents will not be included on the master score sheet 
g	Match points will be awarded as follows:
5 points for a win
3 points for a draw
1 point to the losing team if scoring over 50% of the goals scored by the winning team.
		h	Where two teams are level on points:

Goal Average shall be used to determine their relative positions, i.e., the team with the higher Goal Average over the course of the tournament shall take precedence. Goal Average is calculated by dividing the goals scored divided by the goals against 
Goal Difference shall be applied in the event that Goal Average does not differentiate between the teams, , i.e., precedence shall be given to the team with the greater difference between goals scored and goals conceded.
Greatest number of goals scored shall take precedence in the event that Goal Difference does not differentiate between the teams, then the team with the greater number of goals will take precedence
Competition Referee shall determine the means of differentiation in the event that none of the above differentiates between the teams.

j	Quarter, Semi and Finals (where applicable) - in the event of a draw at full time, extra time of 2 minutes each way will be played, changing over at half time without a break. Teams will toss for centre pass and change ends. In the event of a draw at full time, play will continue without a break, until the next goal is scored. This will be timed by the Competition Referees.

10	MATCH OFFICIALS
a           Each team must provide a non-playing umpire - minimum standard will be Netball Europe C Award 
b	Umpires are not responsible for the score
c 	Each Team must provide a competent Scorer. 
d	Both Scorers must agree the score before the Team Captains sign the cards.
e	Umpires and Scorers need to be fully conversant with these regulations and any additional 			information given out on the day

11	CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAPHY
a	If there are any members of your club who do not wish to have their photograph taken, please notify the Tournament Organiser prior to the event.
b	Flash photography and live streaming are not allowed

12.	COMPETITION REFEREES  

12.1	Competition Referees will be appointed by the East Midlands Netball Association or the host county

12.2	The Competition Referees will have the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions on any matters arising during the Competition Day¹ including, but not limited to: 

o	altering or amending the playing schedule as necessary;
o	determining if teams and/or players are in breach of these Regulations and imposing an appropriate penalty (including disqualification of any individual or team)
o	maintaining and being responsible for a confidential Competition Referees' Log Book (if appropriate);

o	upholding the decision by any medical advisor (if appointed), including but not limited to a Competition doctor or physiotherapist, regarding the participation of a player.
o	Instances of unsportsmanlike behaviour including instances of teams predetermining the outcome of a match:
o	any matter not covered by the Regulations; and:
o	consult with additional people to assist with the Competition, but the final decision and accountability will lie with the Competition Referees

13	COMPETITION COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

13.1	On the Competition Day, all queries and complaints (a Complaint) should be directed to the Competition 	Referees in the first instance, which will be dealt with as follows:

             13.1.1   Where the Complaint relates to the competition format or management, including (but not limited to)             the schedule, the opposing team, playing surface or other playing arrangements, a protest must be made, before the start of the match (or as soon as possible after the issue becomes apparent during the match) to the Competition Referees by the relevant Team or Match Official.  The Complaint must then be acknowledged by the Competition Referees who will decide what action should be taken.    
	
	13.1.2	Where the Complaint relates to the playing of a match, the scoring, and/or its result, the relevant 			team or match official, must do the following:

•	Inform their opponents and the umpires of their complaint;
•	Mark the score card with the words “Under Protest”;
•	Take the marked score card to the Competition Referees, straight after the match;
•	Explain the issue in full to the Competition Referees;

		The Competition Referees will decide what action should be taken.

		13.1.3	The Competition Referees’ decision in relation to decisions taken under clauses 13.1.1 or 13.1.2 is 		binding.  Parties to the complaint shall have the right to appeal the decision under Section 14 below.

13.2	Where a Complaint relates to the governance or administration of the Competition by the host county or the 	East Midlands Competition Technical Support Group, such complaints will be dealt with under the 	Complaints Procedure of the East Midlands Netball Association 

13.3	Where a Complaint relates to the behaviour of an individual or team participating, volunteering or attending 	the Competition which could be considered as a Disciplinary Offence under England Netball’s Disciplinary 	Regulations, such complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the processes set out in England Netball’s 	Disciplinary Regulations.

14. 	APPEAL OF COMPETITION REFEREES' DECISION

14.1	A party to a complaint submitted under Sections 13.1.1 or 13.1.2 shall have the right to appeal a decision 	made by the Competition Referees in relation to that complaint;  if

•	the decision has a potential impact on a match result, a league table, or the outcome of the 	Competition; 
AND
•	there has been a failure by the Competition Referees to follow these regulations or the Competition 	Referees reached a decision on the basis of an error of fact.
	These are the only grounds of appeal and any appeal must be submitted in accordance with the appeals 	process set out in Section 13

14.2	An appeal should be forwarded in writing from the club secretary or team manager of the objecting party to 	the Regional Chair within 3 working days of the event.

14.3      The appeal shall be accompanied by a bank payment of £100 to the East Midlands Netball, Account Number  
             32612291, Sort Code 40-30-24 which shall be refunded if the appeal is upheld or if there are any other 
             extenuating circumstances.   A Competition Appeals Committee will decide whether the extenuating 
             circumstance warrant the cheque being returned.

14.4	The Regional Resolution Lead will establish a Competition Appeals Committee (CAC) which will consist of individuals that are independent of the Competition; one of whom will be appointed as the Chair.  

14.5	The Chair of the CAC will send the appeal to the opposing team and any other team that they believe could be impacted by the outcome of the appeal. These teams will be permitted 3 working days, from the date they receive the appeal from the CAC to submit any evidence or submission that they wish the CAC to consider.

14.6	All submissions and evidence must be submitted in writing.  No parties involved in the appeal, including the 	appellant, will be able to make a verbal representation to the CAC.

14.7	The CAC shall meet and conclude the matter within 3 working days of receiving the 
            evidence and submissions.

	However, England Netball recognises that a considerable element of the Sport is delivered through volunteers and therefore some flexibility may be required when applying time scales if the Appropriate Authority, Investigation, Disciplinary or Appeal Panel fail to adhere to the timescales set out in the Disciplinary Regulations it will not invalidate the Disciplinary Procedure and only unreasonable delays could be used as grounds of Appeal.  All parties connected to the Complainant or the Respondent must comply with the timescales set out in these Regulations

14.8	The CAC will immediately notify all the parties who presented submissions and evidence of its decision 	and any penalties imposed.  The CAC shall have the discretion to publish the decision through whatever 	media it considers appropriate.

14.9	The CAC shall have the power of the East Midlands Netball Association to make all decisions and impose 	any penalties (including but not limited to, reprimands, the deduction of points, fines, suspensions and 	expulsions from the competition) relating to the appeal.  

14.10	The decisions of the CAC shall be considered to be the decisions of the East Midlands Netball Association 	and shall be final and binding on all participants in the Competition. For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be 	no further right of appeal under England Netball’s Disciplinary Procedures Manual or otherwise.

14.11	The procedures in this Section 14 shall be governed by the Arbitration Act of 1996 and amounts to a binding arbitration agreement for the purposes of Section of that Act. The seat of the arbitration shall be England

14.12	 If the circumstances require a decision to be taken sooner than permitted by this Section 14, and all parties to the appeal agree, the timetable within which an appeal is raised, submissions made and the decision taken can be shorter than the 72 working hours stated in this section. In such cases the CAC shall issue a revised timetable which shall be binding on all parties.

15	CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAPHY
a	Photography may take place at this event.  If there are any members of your club who do not wish to have their photograph taken, please notify the Tournament Organiser prior to the event

	b	Flash photography and live streaming are not permitted

16	 HEALTH & SAFETY

a	Umpires and bleeding
	Play may be stopped for injury or illness or any other cause. This would allow the Umpires to stop the game if she/he sustained and injury herself/himself.
	It is the responsibility of each team to provide adequate basic first aid cover for its players and officials, which shall also be made available to the match officials on request

b	Pregnant players and umpires fitness, Gloves, Jewellery, Headscarves Leg Braces, Uniform
	England Netball Domestic Guidance must be followed and can be found		      
	http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/officiating/Rules_Directives.php

c	Accident Reporting
If an accident occurs during a Netball match where a player, coach, spectator or staff member is injured, the accident reporting procedure should be followed as detailed below: 
An England Netball Accident form must be completed for all accidents and submitted to England Netball.  The form is available on England Netball’s website                  
      https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/support/support-for-organisations/leagues/competition-governance/

All participants acknowledge that participating in the sport of netball involves a risk of personal injury 
and by taking part in the East Midlands League whether as a player, team member, team official, other  official or spectator, each participant does so at their own risk.

17 	DISCLAIMER

East Midlands Netball will not be liable to any person, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise for any direct or indirect loss or injury of any nature, howsoever caused and howsoever 
arising 	from the matters covered by these Regulations, provided that nothing in these Regulations excludes or restricts East Midlands Netball’s liability for any personal loss or injury caused by East 	Midlands Netball’s own negligence, the negligence of its employees, or for fraud

FINAL VERSION  27th March 2025