1) GOVERNING BODY
The Heritage Netball League is responsible at all times to the Bedfordshire County Committee and therefore governed by the Constitution of the Bedfordshire County Netball Association. Teams in the Heritage League will be governed by the England Netball (EN) / World Netball (WN) Rules as stated in the official Rules Book
2) THE LEAGUE
a) The League shall be called the Heritage Netball League (HNL) and confined to members of England Netball (EN)
b) The League Committee shall consist of elected representatives from the HNL. In the event of a committee member resigning throughout the season, the committee members reserve the right to co-opt members to fill the vacancies until the next AGM.
c) The structure of the League is decided by the League Committee and will include some or all of the following and is dependent on the number of teams joining the league: -
i League positions from the previous season are reviewed (Cup positions maybe considered in exceptional circumstances, e.g.in the case of similar league results). ii Allocation of a similar number of teams to each division.
iii Place teams in an appropriate division based on the standard of the team. iv Every effort is made to place all teams, including new and any teams re-joining the league within the appropriate division.
v Review of player changes within teams via team sheets.
vi The Committee may ask others outside the league for advice on the level of play of new teams joining.
d) The League Committee reserves the right to vote on any amendments or to incorporate new rules when deemed necessary. If this does happen, all teams will be notified of the change.
e) All teams will have the opportunity to submit proposals for League Rules/Amendments at the Annual General Meeting. Any proposal will have to be seconded by another team.
3) TEAMS
a) All teams must be affiliated to EN. A team must not consist completely of young players; there must be at least one adult affiliated to play - the minimum age to play is 14 years. Any team may apply to enter the League, but their Home Court must be in an area accepted by the Committee.
b) Players may only play for one club participating in the HNL. Any players wishing to transfer from one club to another within the League must notify the HNL Affiliation Lead and the Division Lead as well as her former club, in writing, at least seven days before playing for her new club, in order to obtain approval.
c) Any Team affiliating a player from another team must advise the League Affiliation Lead and Division Lead in writing at least seven days before the first date of play of the intention to affiliate the player.
d) A team must play at least 80% of their games per season. If this is not done a team wishing to re-affiliate the following season will start in an appropriate division at the discretion of the committee.
e) All teams entering the League should have two names, email addresses and telephone numbers for points of contact. The Chair, Affiliations Lead and Division Lead must be notified of any changes during the season.
f) At the end of the season teams are promoted and relegated as appropriate. See rule 2c
g) If a team withdraws from the league during the season, players may play for an alternative team as a guest – see rule 5.
h) Team sheets are to be sent in at the same time as the Winter Application Form. Any amendments to Team Players must be updated with the Affiliations Lead as soon as changes are made on Engage.
4) MULTI-TEAM CLUBS
a) All clubs must send in a team sheet for each team and must confirm the ranking of each team on the sheets within the club. Team Sheets to be sent in at the same time as the Winter Application Form.
b) A player may play for a higher placed team, rule 5 will apply. If she plays for an additional time, she will be re-registered as a member of the team she has played for. c) No player may play for a lower rated team of their Club, unless she permanently transfers to this team, in which case the HNL Affiliation Lead and Division Lead must be informed seven days prior to her playing a match for that team. She may not play up during the remainder of the season. If any player plays down without informing the necessary people, she will be classed as an illegal player and points will be deducted (6 for league / 8 for cup).
5) GUEST PLAYERS
At all times guest players have to be affiliated to EN.
a) Guest players (GP) can only be used in exceptional circumstances such as where needed to field a full team, but they must not be used to unfairly to increase the ability of the team (see 5d). (If you have 7 players you shouldn’t need a GP). If a GP is used, please mark on the score card the reason the guest player is being used. If the reason is not given on the scorecard, the GP will be classed as an illegal player.
b) If the Division Leads notices excessive/repeat use of GP when 7 players are available, they will report to the Committee who will decide if a 6-point deduction will apply.
c) In any one game up to two GP playing up may be used.
d) To ensure fair sportsmanship, any GP used that is not affiliated to the Heritage League can only play in teams of a similar standard. If players used are of a higher standard they may be classed as an Illegal player.
e) A player, not playing/affiliated to the Heritage League may only guest 4 times for the same team within the league. If she plays for a 5th time she will be classed as an illegal player. A player may guest for more than 1 team.
f) A player playing in the Heritage League can only guest for another team in the Heritage league if the team is from a higher division. Players from division 5 teams may guest for teams in division 5. She may only guest four times for the same team. If she plays a fifth time she will be classed as an illegal player.
g) To affiliate to EN, affiliations are to be completed on-line and monies sent to EN as requested and you must notify the HNL Affiliations Lead and Division Lead. h) Teams who affiliate new players through the season must notify the HNL Affiliations Lead in writing seven days before she plays. If playing prior to confirmed affiliation, player must be shown on scorecard as GP. Failure to do so will class them as an illegal player.
i) Newly affiliated players names must be clearly marked on the Match Result Scorecard with “NA” by their name, only for the first match they play. Failure to do so will result in a 1point deduction per player.
j) A team using a GP must ensure that she is eligible to play i.e. has not played as a guest player in the HNL in relation to 5c & 5d. GP names must be clearly marked on the Match Result Scorecard with a “GP” by their name and their team’s name listed if they are from another Heritage team. For players outside the HNL their EN affiliation number and team name must be noted on the scorecard. Failure to do so will result in a 1 point deduction per player.
6) ILLEGAL PLAYERS
LEAGUE - Where a team has used illegal player/players, the result of the game will stand, but 6 points per game will be deducted from the offending team’s league total.
CUP - Where a team has used an illegal player, the result of the game will stand, but 8 points will be deducted from the offending team’s cup total. See Rule 14.
7) DRESS
a) Club colours and bibs must be worn. If there are two teams from the same club playing against each other in the same division, the team classed as the away team must change colour of kit and bibs. If the umpires do not accept the colours, they can deem the game null and void.
b) Bib colours should be checked in the Handbook before travelling to a game as it is the responsibility of the away team to change bibs if necessary.
c) Players shall be dressed in appropriate and functional clothing and footwear.
8) UMPIRES
a) Established teams must have a minimum of two qualified umpires registered within their team by 1 October each year, exceptions at the discretion of the HNL Committee.
b) New teams/multi-team clubs entering the league will be given one season in which to establish themselves. Thereafter, 8a and 8c apply.
c) Current teams that do not have the required number of umpires will be deducted 6 league points per umpire.
d) IO umpires, listed in the handbook should umpire at least 10 matches within the HNL each winter season, a minimum of 4 games are to be umpired in the cup games and a minimum of 6 games are to be umpired in the league games. Failure to carry out this ruling will result in that umpire’s affiliated team being deducted 6 league points. and, it may also result in that person not being able to umpire in the HNL
e) All C Award (and all awards above C) umpires affiliated to HNL or Bedfordshire, listed in the handbook will be monitored to ensure they are active (minimum of 8 matches within HNL). Failure to carry out this ruling will result in that umpire’s affiliated team being deducted 6 league points. and, it may also result in that person not being able to umpire in the HNL
f) For any reason an umpire is not able to complete the required number of games in 8d or 8e they must notify the League Umpiring Lead (LUL) as soon as possible. g) No person may play and umpire at the same time.
h) Any team using an EN qualified umpire not listed as an umpire in the most current HNL handbook must provide a copy of the umpire’s current award pass certificate, or a screen shot of Engage showing their qualification to the LUL 7 days prior to the scheduled match. In an emergency situation, a team may contact the LUL by text or email for clarification as to whether an umpire can be used. The LUL umpiring secretary will try to respond but may not be able to do so in all cases. In such instances, where no clarification has been received the umpire should not be used or they will be classed as illegal. Where an illegal umpire is used the score will stand but the offending team will be deducted 6 league or 8 cup points.
i) Both teams must provide a qualified umpire for League and Cup matches. If either team cannot fulfil these obligations, the match will be classed as a conceded match and rules 12i or 13f will apply.
j) Once an umpire has commenced to umpire a match, they must umpire the complete match. An umpire is not permitted to be reserve for a team under any circumstances. They must not replace any injured players, nor be replaced by an umpire who arrives late at a match. If this arises in any match, the game will be classed as conceded by the offending team.
k) If an umpire is injured/ill during the course of a match, a team may (if they wish) drop a player in order that she may umpire providing she holds a recognised umpiring award. If available, a reserve may take her place.
l) If an umpire is scoring a game, they must record on the score card any warnings/suspension/ordering off, including the players name and the umpire giving the warnings/suspensions/ordering off. Where scorers are used the same S/T will work together and must score the whole of the game. Failure to do this will result in 3 points being deducted from the offending team. In addition, the game will be classed as null and void for the offending umpire. The game will not be included in their required quota.
m) If an umpire is timing and scoring a game, 1 umpire shall time the quarters, 1 umpire shall time 30 seconds injury time. The umpire timing injury shall also have a third timer set at 2 minutes to time any suspensions and ordering offs.
n) Umpires should be given a flat rate of £15 per match as a contribution towards expenses. If transport is provided the fee still stands.
o) No player is allowed to argue with the umpires or question their decisions at any time. A captain or player may approach an umpire during an interval to ask for clarification of a rule. The umpire’s word is final.
p) Each team must contact their umpire to confirm the match at least 24 hours prior to the match taking place. If no contact is received the umpire can class the match as cancelled.
q) Umpire Reviews –
i. Regular umpire reviews will be completed on all HNL umpires to ensure continuous standard of umpiring. Any umpire not successfully completing the review and follow up review (if required) may be prevented from umpiring in the HNL in the future until a review has been completed.
ii. All umpires, B award & below, umpiring in the HNL must attend a refresher course run by Bedfordshire County Netball at least once every 2 years. iii. All umpires, umpiring in the HNL must attend a game management course run by Bedfordshire County Netball at least once every 2 years.
iv. All umpires umpiring in the HNL must attend a County run new rules forum when WN introduce major updates to the rules. Failure to do so may prevent the umpire from umpiring in the HNL
r) All umpires umpiring in HNL must be 18 years and over.
s) Each umpire can only umpire a maximum of 8 games for any one team per season; this will also include their own team. If an umpire umpires 9 games (or above) for the same team, there will be a 6 point deduction from the offending team (either cup or league) for each additional game.
t) In the Heritage League IO umpires can hold their award for 4 years then preferably progress to C award. Failure to carry out this ruling, at the committee’s discretion, may result in that person not being able to umpire in the HNL, this will also apply to umpires from other leagues.
u) Umpires shall be smartly dressed in clothing that differentiates the umpire from the teams and will preferably be white. However, there is an understanding that occasionally this may not be practical. Umpires shall appear on court in appropriate clothing and footwear that will project an image of professionalism, cleanliness, and functional efficiency.
v) In the first year after qualifying IO umpires are only to umpire games in the 3rd division & divisions below. This also applies to IO umpires in their first year from other leagues.Exception to this will be if the Heritage LOL has given permission for higher games to be umpired for mentoring/development purposes.
w) In the second year after qualifying IO umpires are only to umpire games in the 1st division & divisions below. This also applies to IO umpires in their second year from other leagues. Exception to this will be if the Heritage Umpiring Lead has given permission for higher games to be umpired for mentoring/development purposes.
x) IO award – If an IO passes their practical assessment and does not umpire at all for a season, they must be reviewed by an assessor prior to umpiring in the HNL using the current IO award criteria. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. C Award – C award umpires that have not umpired within the Bedfordshire Leagues for 2 continuous years cannot umpire in the HNL until they have attended a refresher course and then been reviewed by an assessor using the current C award criteria on a suitable game. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.
B Award - C award umpires wishing to progress to B award must umpire at least 6 high standard prem matches and umpire in at least 2 county events. They need then to be observed by a B assessor to ensure readiness for a B course. These course applications must be endorsed by the County Umpiring Lead.
9) SCORERS/TIMEKEEPERS
a) In both premier, first, second and third divisions of the HNL each team will provide a scorer/timekeeper (S/T) for each game.
b) The same S/T will work together and must score the whole of the game. Failure to do this will result in 3 points being deducted from the offending team. In addition, the game will be classed as null and void for the offending umpire. The game will not be included in their required quota.
c) Teams are to provide their own S/T for matches. Each team must contact their S/T to confirm the match at least 24 hours prior to the match taking place. If no contact is received the S/T can class the match as cancelled.
d) S/T must be an EN umpire (IO/C/B/A/Int Award) or have attended a Bedfordshire County Scorer’s Workshop and be affiliated to EN.
e) In the event that a team is unable to supply a S/T, the appointed umpire for that team will be allowed to umpire and score the match – this will only be allowed for a maximum of 2 games per season per team.
f) If no scorer is provided for a third or subsequent games, 3 points will be deducted from the offending team.
g) A team is permitted to drop a player of the required level to act as S/T for the whole match.
h) If a scorer is used that has not attended a scorer’s workshop or is not a qualified umpire 3 points will be deducted from the offending team.
i) All S/T in HNL must be 14 years and over.
j) S/T must not be involved with their Team Bench throughout the game. k) S/T must neither coach nor encourage their team during the game. l) Both S/T’s will stand and work together at a place designated by the Umpires dependent upon health and safety for everybody courtside.
m) 1 scorer shall time the quarters, 1 scorer shall time 30 seconds injury time. The scorer timing injury shall also have a third timer set at 2 minutes to time any suspensions and ordering offs.
n) Both S/T’s will record each goal scored as they occur.. On the score card they will also record any warnings/suspensions/ordering off, including the players name and the umpire giving the warning/suspensions/ordering off.
o) One S/T will “call” the score after each goal; this should be agreed prior to the commencement of the game.
p) The S/T shall keep note of the Centre Pass and shall call it if appealed to by an Umpire.
q) S/T to notify team captains of final score and sign both score cards. r) £7 is to be given to the scorer for expenses. If transport is provided the fee still stands.
s) S/T should have the proper equipment – timer (not phone) pencil, score pad. t) S/T should approach umpires during intervals to confirm scores and centre pass. u) Scorers have to score in the Heritage Winter League within two years of attending a
scorer’s forum. If they do not score within the season, they will be removed from the Heritage League scorers list and not be permitted to score unless they attend another forum.
10) GAMES
a) Matches must be played on hard courts. These courts shall be within the County limits or as agreed by the League Committee.
b) All League games consist of 4 x 15 minutes with breaks of four minutes, eight minutes and four minutes.
c) Both teams must provide a fully qualified umpire for League and Cup matches. If either team cannot provide an umpire the match will be classed as a conceded match and Rule 12i or 13f will apply.
d) Matches may only be postponed in the following circumstances:
i) Ice, snow or fog. It is the responsibility of a member (preferably captain) of the home team to inspect the court to confirm that it is playable. Failure to inspect the court will result in the game being classed as conceded by the home team.
ii) All changes to published fixtures must be made within 7 days of the fixtures being released. The Division Lead must be notified by both teams of any changes. No games are to be re-scheduled to be played during the cup finals week. Teams that are approached to re-arrange games must accommodate 70% of the requests. If more than 20% of matches are conceded, rule 3d applies. If no mutual dates are agreed, the team trying to re-arrange the fixture must concede the match.
iii) At all times postponement must be with the agreement of both teams and/or the umpires. The HNL Division Lead must be notified of these postponed matches and proposed dates for the re-arranged matches. A team unable to play a match for any other reason will forfeit the points. Postponed matches should be played within three playing weeks of the original fixture, on a date to be mutually agreed. This period may include the playing of the match on a Friday/Saturday/Sunday, but only when both teams are in agreement. All re-arranged cup games must be played before the end of the cup rounds.
iv) In the case of matches being conceded/postponed, notification of cancellation must be made at the latest 1.5 hours prior to the start of the game.
e) The home team is responsible for the re-arrangement of the postponed match and must give at least three dates within three playing weeks of the original fixture. The three dates offered must not include any dates on which the other team already has a fixture in HNL. Where this proves impossible, the matter should be referred to the Division Lead who in turn may consult the League Committee.
f) Matches may only be abandoned in exceptional circumstances. Score at the time of abandonment stands, unless an appeal is made to the HNL Division Lead in writing within the 48 hour period of the original fixture date. If one team disagrees with an appeal, then that team must also contact the HNL Division Lead within the 48 hour period to state their reasons why an appeal should not be granted.
g) Any player arriving after the game has started may only enter the game with the umpire’s permission after nail and jewellery check, after a goal has been scored, during an interval or stoppage, into that vacant position. The team may change at the next interval.
h) If a team has less than 5 players after the allotted start time, the opposition/complete team shall wait a maximum of 5 minutes from the original start time before claiming the match.
i) In the event of one or both teams having a minimum of 5 players, they must take the court at the allotted start time. If one team has insufficient players, they must concede.
j) In the event of an umpire arriving late and the match unable to commence at the correct start time, the match may, with the agreement of both teams, be played at the later time when the umpire arrives. If the team with the umpire refuses to play at the later time or court time is unavailable, 6 (league) or 8 (cup) points will be awarded to the team with the umpire. The League Committee will adjudicate if there are extenuating circumstances.
k) An email must be sent to the HNL Division Lead informing him/her of any postponed/abandoned or conceded match by both teams, and the reason why. (see also Rule 12 Results). It is the responsibility of both captains to ensure that this is done to guarantee no additional deduction of total league points. The email must be sent to the HNL Division Lead within 48 hours of the original fixture date.
l) The League cannot be held responsible for teams booking the same court on their home night. It is the team’s responsibility to re-arrange these fixtures. If no agreement can be made by both teams the match will be declared as null and void.
m) If a team wishes to change a venue the opposition, and Division Lead must be notified 7 days prior to the date of the game, except in exceptional circumstances, which the committee will rule on. If the away team is not able to accommodate this request the home team must concede the game.
n) If a team concedes a League/Cup match less than 24 hours prior to the fixture, they must pay any costs for court, umpire and scorers expenses for that evening to the non-offending team.
o) It is the responsibility of both teams to inform their umpire/scorer that the game is not taking place. If an umpire and scorer is not informed the offending team must give the umpire £15 contribution and the scorer £7 contribution towards their expenses
11) FEES
a) League entry fees must be paid by the date given by HNL Committee. b) Affiliation fees due to EN must be paid on affiliation to EN and must be paid before commencement of the season.
c) Additional affiliation fees must be paid online to EN. A copy of this request stating the full name of the player must also be sent to the HNL Affiliations Lead. d) No games must be played prior to affiliation.
e) The Committee is empowered to decide any alterations in fees arising from any resolution at the Annual General Meetings of EN and the Bedfordshire County Netball Associations Ltd and Eastern region.
12) RESULTS
a) An electronic copy of a blank score card will be sent to captains prior to the start of the season. It is the captain’s responsibility to print a copy to take to games to be fully completed either printed or in pen. (No electronic signatures will be accepted)
b) Prior to the start of the game the score card, with all players listed must be handed to the umpire. The umpire can then hand the scorecard to the scorers if they wish. No players can be added to the score card after the start of the game (players can be removed at the end of the game). If players are added to the card after the start of the game the umpire will note this on the score card and there will be a 1 point deduction for each player added.
c) At the end of the game, it is the responsibility of each team/team captain to ensure the card is signed by both captains, umpires & scorers and completed correctly in pen. Failure to do so will result in a 1 point deduction per card.
d) At the end of the game the teams swap the completed cards. The captains, after checking it is complete will swap the card with the opposing captain.
e) Both teams must email the results card to the HNL Division Lead to arrive no later than 48 hours after the game has been played. Failure to do so will result in a 2 point deduction.
f) Scorecards not received within four days will result in a deduction of 6 points from the offending team’s total league/cup points.
g) An email should be sent to the Division Lead when a game is postponed/conceded, and the postponing/conceding team must be named and the reason why stated. In the case of an abandoned match the reason for abandonment must also be stated.
h) If no card is received from either team, the game will be considered null and void, other in exceptional circumstances at the League Committee’s discretion.
Points awarded as follows:
i) Teams conceding matches will be deemed to have lost that game and awarded no points. 6 points and 30 goals will be awarded to the non-offending team. The conceding team will be awarded 0 goals.
13) CUP MATCHES
a) Each team will play all of the teams in the division.
b) All league rules apply as stated below. They will also be played to the Rules of EN / WN except as laid out in these regulations.
c) Matches shall be of four 15 minute periods; each period will be known as a quarter. d) The team captain winning the toss shall decide and tell the umpires, scorers, and the opposing team, that out of the four (4) quarters to be played, her team shall have the choice of Centre Pass or Goal Ends in any two of the four quarters. This will mean that the umpires will mark on their scorecards at the beginning of the cup match, who will be taking the first Centre Pass in each of the four (4) quarters, irrespective of the score.
e) The score at the end of each quarter must be recorded in the Cup Round Section of the result card. Teams will start the next quarter with zero score.
f) Points will be awarded as follows:
-
2 points for a winning quarter
-
1 point for a drawing quarter
-
0 point for losing a quarter
Should a team concede a match; points will be awarded 8-0 per quarter, totalling 32- 0.
g) The Cup Finals will be played at venues to be decided by the HNL. The cost of the court fees will be met by HNL. (Unless rule 13k applies) Umpire fees will be met by the teams taking place in the Finals and HNL.
h) A points system will be used to determine the positions of teams within the Group. The two top teams will play for the cup.
i) Should there be a tie on points to determine the top team of a group, goal difference will be used.
j) All players taking part in the finals must have been affiliated and played for their affiliated teams in the cup prior to taking part in the finals. At least 14 days prior to the final, the HNL Division Lead will send a list of eligible players to each team.
k) If a team cannot field a team for the cup final, they must notify their Division Lead by 6pm, 3 days before the final is due to take place. Failure to do this will result in costs being charged. The 3rd placed team will be offered their place.
l) Due to unforeseen circumstances of only one team being available, they will be deemed the winner.
m) If at the end of the Final both points and goals are even, extra time will be played. This will consist of 2 halves of 5 minutes each. There shall be a four (4) minute interval at the end of full time.
n) In the event of a tie remaining at the end of extra time, a visual signal shall be used to indicate that play shall continue until one team has a two (2) goal advantage. o) Illegal Players: where a team uses an illegal player during the cup finals, they will be disqualified, and the opposing team will be deemed the winner.
p) Teams are responsible for checking the kit colour of the opposition. The two teams must decide between them who will be changing kit/bibs. If the umpires do not accept the colours, they can deem the game null and void.
14) VIOLATION OF RULES
At the Committee’s discretion, breaking of League and Cup Rules will result in loss of points from the League/Cup Tables. For any matters pertaining to discipline, please see Rule 18.
15) HEALTH AND SAFETY
a) No jewellery, dangerous clothing, adornments, any body piercings, gloves or medical aids may be worn which in the opinion of the umpire consists of a danger to other players, see EN / WN Rules.
b) Fingernails shall be cut short. Tape shall not be worn to cover long fingernails. See EN / WN Rules.
c) Pregnant players must not take part in match play beyond the 12th week of pregnancy.
d) Pregnant umpires must not take charge of a match beyond the 12th week of pregnancy.
e) Hair must be suitably tied back.
f) All teams entering the league MUST have their own First Aid Kit.
g) Hats may be worn but must be non-fibrous and not made of wool.
h) Gloves can only be worn due to medical circumstances but must conform to EN domestic rules guidance. A doctor’s note is to be shown to the umpire prior to the match giving the reason gloves are needed. Doctor’s notes older than 4 years from the date of the game to be played will not be accepted.
16) ATTENDANCE AT AGM & FIXTURES MEETING
All committee members, and a representative from each team (clubs must send a representative from each of their teams) must be present at the HNL AGM and fixtures meeting (if a physical meeting is held). One representative from each team must also attend the County AGM.
Failure for a team representative to attend any meeting will result in a penalty of 6 points being deducted at the beginning of the next winter season from the team’s league score for each meeting missed.
Voting: in accordance with the EN constitution and the Bedfordshire County constitution, each club will have one vote. Each officer will have one vote.
17) SUMMER LEAGUE
a) All players and teams must be affiliated to EN.
b) Players can play for any team in the summer league.
c) The Summer League is run in accordance with EN and HNL rules.
d) Games will consist of 4 x 10 minutes and may be run on a handicap basis. Handicaps will be determined by the League Committee.
e) Points will be awarded as follows:
Win = 6 points
Draw = 3 points
Lose = 1 point
f) Conceded games. Due to the nature of the Summer League, games cannot be re arranged and must be played on the date and time given. 6 points will be awarded to the non-offending team.
18) GRIEVANCE/COMPLAINTS/DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
Players/Teams in breach of discipline on the court will be subject to the game management procedure.
a) Warnings
i If a player receives 2 warnings during the season an email will be sent to the team captain asking them to speak to the player in relation to the poor discipline. ii If a player receives 3 warnings during the season the HNLC will be asked to investigate, and the player may receive a 2 match suspension. iii If a player receives 4 or more warnings during the season the HNLC will be asked to investigate, and the player may be suspended from playing in the league for the remainder of the season.
b) Suspensions
i) If a player receives 2 suspensions during the season an email will be sent to the team captain asking them to speak to the player in relation to the poor discipline. ii If a player receives 3 suspensions during the season the HNLC will be asked to investigate, and the player may receive a 2 match suspension. iii If a player receives 4 or more suspensions during the season the HNLC will be asked to investigate, and the player may be suspended from playing in the league for the remainder of the season
c) Any complaint or grievance during a game should, where possible, be mentioned at the end of the match to both umpires and captains.
d) Any grievance or complaint should be sent to the Heritage Committee within 7 days of the match/event at heritageleaguecommittee@btinternet.com.
e) The Division Lead will write to all parties asking for their comments on the complaint/grievance within 7 days. Responses are required within 7 days. f) HNLC will appoint a subcommittee to discuss and report to the HNL Committee. If necessary, a County Disciplinary Committee will be approached.
g) HNLC will discuss and judge the complaint/grievance within a maximum of 28 days. The decision will be communicated to both Team Captains and relevant parties. h) Any appeals must be made in writing to the League Chair at
heritageleaguecommittee@btinternet.com within 7 days of receipt of the decision. i) HNLC reserves the right to appoint an independent appeals panel, comprising members who are not involved in the grievance/complaint or the initial decision.
j) Any expenses incurred as a result of the appeal will be charged to those making the appeal.
k) HNLC evokes the right to involve Bedfordshire County Netball and EN where applicable. In these circumstances, the time scales quoted above are subject to change to accommodate a full and fair review.
V26. March 26