RULES OF THE FA CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION

a.The ownership, organisation, control and management of the Competition and any rights associated with it of any nature shall be vested entirely and exclusively in The Association.

b.The Council shall have the power to make, delete and amend regulations for the organisation, control and management of the Competition as it, from time to time, deems expedient (the "Competition Rules") subject only to the authority of the Board where such matters relate to financial or commercial matters.

c.All Clubs and Players participating in any way in the Competition shall be bound by and comply with the Competition Rules (and any rules or regulations issued pursuant to the Competition Rules).

d.The Council shall have the power to appoint a Committee (the "Challenge Cup Committee"). The Challenge Cup Committee shall have the power to exercise all powers of the Council in relation to the Competition and to make decisions on all matters arising out of or in relation to the organisation, control and management of the Competition (including as to eligibility and qualification) which shall be deemed decisions of the Council and shall be final and binding on all participants in the Competition. In relation to these and any other matters not specifically mentioned in the Competition Rules, the Challenge Cup Committee shall, on behalf of the Council, have the power to take such action and make such decisions, orders, rulings and impose such penalties as it deems necessary and following such procedures as it considers appropriate and such shall, subject to Rule 31, be final and binding on all Participants. In considering such matters, the Council shall not be bound by any enactment or Rule of Law relating to the admissibility of evidence in proceeding before a Court of Law.

The Challenge Cup Committee shall have the power to appoint a Sub-Committee to exercise the powers of Council in order to expedite decisions to ensure the progress of the Competition.

e.A Club participating in the Competition shall have only such rights in relation to the Competition (and any match in the Competition) as are expressly granted to the Club under the Competition Rules or by The Association in writing.

f.In addition to any other action or penalty, the Council shall have the power to disqualify any competing Club, or Player for any competing Club(s), which it determines to have breached the Rules of The Association or the Competition Rules (and any rules or regulations issued pursuant to the Competition Rules), and the decision of the Council shall be final and binding.

a.The Clubs competing in each Round of the Competition shall be drawn in couples. The couples shall play a match subject to the Laws of the Game. The winners will compete in the next Round, the ties of which will be drawn in the same manner. This shall be continued until the Final of the Competition.

b.After the draw for each Round is made, notice shall be given to each Club of the name of its opponent Club, and the date and time when the match shall be played. All matches in each Round shall be played on such date as the Council shall determine.

c.The time of kick-off shall be 3.00pm for matches on a Saturday or Sunday and 7.45pm for weekday matches unless mutually agreed otherwise, subject to the approval of the Council. In any event, the Council shall have the power to order that a kick-off time is changed, as it deems appropriate. Any late kick-off shall be reported by the Referee to The Association and the Council shall have power to impose a fine.

d.Immediately following publication by The Association of the draw for each Round, the Club first drawn must communicate with the opposing Club to agree upon a date for any replay, in accordance with Competition Rule 11, and notify The Association of the date agreed by the two Clubs and all other details by completing the Match Arrangement Form which must be received by The Association within seven days of the date of the draw. The Match Arrangement Form is to be signed by a Director or Secretary of the relevant Clubs. The date for any replay agreed by the two Clubs remains subject to the further consent of the Council in accordance with Competition Rule 11.

e.Clubs shall not mutually arrange to play a match in lieu of a Cup match.

a.In relation to each match in the Competition, The Association shall itself be exclusively entitled to, or otherwise to authorise or grant to others, rights of access to and attendance at the ground of the Home Club ("Access Rights") for the purposes of transmitting or filming or otherwise recording on or by any media, any audio and/or visual materials depicting or describing all or any part or parts of a match (the "Copyright Materials").

b.In relation to each match in the Competition, The Association shall itself be exclusively entitled throughout the world, or to grant to or otherwise authorise others:

i.on a live, delayed, recorded or highlighted basis to broadcast or otherwise transmit by any method whatsoever (now known or hereinafter devised) the Copyright Materials by way of any and all forms of television or similar technology (now known or hereinafter devised) including, without limitation, free to air television, pay television, pay per view, "not-video-on-demand" internet or other on-line media and "video-on-demand" (the "Television Rights").

ii.on a live or delayed basis to broadcast or to otherwise transmit the Copyright Materials (or audio) by way of radio broadcast or internet, or other on-line media or similar technology (now known or hereinafter devised) (the "Radio Rights").

iii.to use, sell, publish, distribute and otherwise exploit the Copyright Materials in any manner whatsoever including, without limitation, clip licensing, videos, videograms, CD Rom, CDI, internet or other on-line media (the "Footage Rights").

c.In relation to each match in the Competition, the Association shall be exclusively entitled, either by itself or to authorise others, to use sell or otherwise exploit all commercial and other marketing rights associated with the Competition including, without limitation, fixture list copyright, sponsorship, supplier rights, licences, perimeter board branding or other commercial arrangements (the "Marketing Rights").

d.Clubs shall comply with the terms of all contracts entered into by The Association from time to time in relation to Access Rights, the Television Rights, the Radio Rights, the Footage Rights and the Marketing Rights (collectively the "Commercial Contracts") in relation to the Competition.

e.Clubs shall provide access to grounds and provide all other rights, facilities and services as may be necessary to enable The Association to fulfil the Commercial Contracts.

f.The Clubs acknowledge that The Association may issue more detailed rules and regulations regarding the provisions of the Commercial Contracts (including, but not limited to in relation to, broadcasting, perimeter board advertising, interview backdrops, centre circle banners, side of goal mats, substitute/added time boards, tickets and match programmes) and the Clubs agree that they shall be bound by such rules and regulations as amended from time to time by The Association.

g.Each Club undertakes to indemnify and keep indemnified The Association and its officers, directors, employees and authorised representatives from and against any claims for direct or consequential loss or damage by any party to a Commercial Contract caused or otherwise attributable to any failure or any breach by the Club fully to perform or observe its obligations and responsibilities under these provisions.

h.Nothing in the above shall be construed or interpreted so as to prevent or restrict Clubs, subject to applicable FIFA, UEFA or other rules or regulations or decisions of The Association, from entering into commercial arrangements in relation to matches in the Competition which do not in any way conflict with the Commercial Contracts and duties of Clubs as set out herein (and in any other rules or regulations issued by The Association in accordance with this paragraph).

i.In relation to the Commercial Contracts, The Association shall make provision for payments to Clubs as it shall from time to time consider appropriate.

a.The Competition shall be called 'The Football Association Challenge Cup'. The Competition shall be marketed under the title 'The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON' (the "Official Title").

b.Each Club shall include the Official Title at least once on all materials produced by or on behalf of it which relate to the Competition (including, but not limited to, tickets, programmes, press releases and (where possible) scoreboard displays) and (where possible) shall refer to the Official Title at least once over (any) public address system operating on the day of each FA Cup match.

c.The Association shall from time to time issue a FA Cup Logo. The FA Cup Logo may incorporate branding for The lead FA Cup sponsor.

d.In the Competition Proper, each participating Club shall include The FA Cup Logo on all FA Cup communication materials produced by or on behalf of it (including, but not limited to, the front page of each FA Cup match programme, match tickets (if it is not possible to include The FA Cup Logo on tickets the Club shall include a reference to the Official Title), fixture posters, stadium giant screens (if any) and Club websites).

e.The Association will from time to time issue images of The FA Cup to Clubs. The ribbons attached to The FA Cup in the image will incorporate branding for the lead FA Cup Sponsor.

f.If a Club wishes to use an image of The FA Cup it shall use the image issued by The Association and will follow any directions issued by The Association in relation to the use of such image.

a.There shall be a Qualifying Competition and a Competition Proper.

b.The Competition Proper shall consist of the following numbers of Clubs:

i.92 Clubs selected by the Council and exempted from playing in the Qualifying Competition.

ii.32 Clubs from the Qualifying Competition.

c.The Qualifying Competition shall consist of all Clubs admitted to participate in the Competition, in accordance with Rule 5, except the 92 Clubs referred to in Rule 4(b)(i)

d.Exemption from Rounds of Competition:

i.44 Clubs shall be exempted until the Third Round of the Competition Proper.

ii.48 Clubs shall be exempted until the First Round of the Competition Proper.

iii.24 Clubs shall be exempted until the Fourth Round of the Qualifying Competition.

iv.44 Clubs shall be exempted until the Second Round of the Qualifying Competition.

v.66 Clubs shall be exempted until the First Round of the Qualifying Competition.

vi.129 Clubs shall be exempted until the Preliminary Round of the Qualifying Competition.

e.The Qualifying Competition shall be played on a geographical basis.

a.Participation in the Competition shall be open to:

i.all Clubs taking part in a senior League or Competition sanctioned by The Association or an affiliated Association as determined by The Association from time to time.

ii.Clubs affiliated to The Football Association of Wales participating in The FA Premier League, The Football League or The FA Challenge Trophy Competition.

b.A Club not participating in The FA Premier League or The Football League Competitions must have competed in either The FA Challenge Trophy or the FA Challenge Vase Competitions in the previous season, and must be accepted into a League for the current season which is considered to be acceptable for entry into the Challenge Cup Competition.

c.The Council may reject the application of any Club to participate in the Competition at its entire discretion.

d.A Club which has been allowed to participate in the Competition may not assign or otherwise transfer the ability/right to participate without the prior written approval of the Council. A request for transfer must be in writing, setting out the details of the intended transferee and the reason for the transfer. The decision whether or not to approve a transfer shall be made by the Council in its absolute discretion. A transfer shall be granted only on condition that the transferee shall be treated for the purposes of these Competition Rules and the Rules of The Association as being the same entity as the transferor.

e.If a Club is removed from the League in which it is playing, once it has been accepted into the Competition, The Council has the power to remove the Club from the Competition.

f.If any Club when applying to enter the Competition, or at any time during the course of the Competition becomes subject to any of the following insolvency events:

i.a manager, receiver or administrative receiver appointed in respect of that Club or any part of its undertaking or assets;

ii.an administration order made in respect of that Club;

iii.a winding up order made in respect of that Club; or

iv.entering into any arrangement with its creditors or some part of them in respect of the payment of its debts or part of them as a company voluntary arrangement under the Insolvency Act 1986 or Scheme of Arrangement under the Companies Act 1985.

that Club must notify the Council immediately in writing. The Council will (at its absolute discretion) then decide whether to accept the application and/or allow that Club to continue to compete in the Competition.

g.A Club that through the Competition qualifies for a UEFA Competition for the following season must adhere to the rules and licensing requirements of UEFA applicable to that season.

h.Clubs must provide, to The Association, when requested by The Association, a declaration from the local safety authority or Police that ties are able to be staged at the capacity stated on the entry form.

a.A Club wishing to participate in the Competition shall complete and return an entry form together with the prescribed entrance fee to be received at The Association on or before 1 April in the season previous to the season in which such Club proposes to compete in the Competition. A Club that is either a Full or Associate Member of The Association who fail to pay The Association's Membership subscriptions by 1 August may be subject to removal from the Competition.

b.Clubs entering the Competition will be required, on the closing date for entries to have the following documentation available:

Up to date set of statutory accounts, signed by an independent, qualified accountant.

For limited companies, these accounts must have been filed at Companies House by the required due date.

Minutes of the Club's General Meeting at which these accounts were approved by the Members.

An up to date set of Memorandum and Articles/Club Rules.

Clubs may be required to submit this documentation to The Association at any stage. Clubs found to have failed to adhere to these Regulations may be subject to sanction by The Association.

a.Any Club intending to withdraw from the Competition must notify its intention to do so to The Association and the opposing Club, not less than eight days before the date fixed for playing the match.

b.A Club failing to comply with this shall be reported to the Council, who shall have power to compel such offending Club to pay the expenses incurred and to take such other action as the Council considers appropriate.

c.If a Club decides to withdraw from the Competition after a drawn, postponed or abandoned match, notice must be given to The Association and its opponent at the end of the match.

d.A Club failing to give satisfactory reason for withdrawing from the Competition shall in addition to any other action considered appropriate not be allowed to enter the Competition in the following season and shall be liable to such fine as the Council considers appropriate.

a.Dimensions of Field of Play and Ground Facilities

i.All matches shall be played on a natural grass pitch.

ii.The dimensions of the field of play for all matches shall be as follows:

Maximum length: 110 metres

Minimum length: 100 metres

Maximum breadth: 75 metres

Minimum breadth: 64 metres

The playing surface should be prepared and maintained to a reasonable standard. No Club shall alter the dimensions of its pitch during the season from those previously indicated on the entry form.

iii.A Club must have regular use of an enclosed ground where charge for admission must be made and the attendance must be taken in all matches in the Competition.

iv.Goal nets must be used in all matches.

v.The playing area must be enclosed by a permanent fixed barrier on all four sides and may be infilled with advertisement hoardings or other barriers, the only exception being those areas and spaces excluded from spectator viewing. Wire may not be used in rope form to connect the posts.

vi.Dressing and washing accommodation must be separate for each team and Match Officials. Dressing Rooms must have heating, hot water and be secure and independent of any public access. Dressing room areas must be cleaned and maintained to a satisfactory standard. A call-up bell must be provided in the Match Officials dressing room and connected to each team dressing room.

vii.Separate toilets must be provided for dressing rooms used by players and Match Officials, which must not be available for spectator use.

viii.Floodlights must be provided to a standard set out in Appendix 1, and in accordance with Competition Rule 13(c).

ix.Entrances and exits must be provided to cater for the anticipated attendance. Access for emergency services must be provided.

x.Each Club shall provide separate areas adjacent to the pitch for the sole use of Team Officials, medical staff and substitutes. Such designated areas shall be clearly marked "Home" and "Away", have direct access to the pitch, be located as near as possible equidistant from the halfway line and be under cover. The team benches should also comply with Competition Rule 18.

xi.Public Liability Insurance must be in place.

xii.Hospitality for Visiting Club Officials must be provided in a designated area.

xiii.Ladies and Gentlemen's toilets, other than those used by players and Match Officials, must be provided for spectators throughout the duration of ties.

xiv.Refreshment facilities for spectators must be provided in all areas. Clubs shall provide a tea bar for the sale of hot and cold drinks and snacks for spectators during ties, in a Clubhouse or other suitable location. Glasses, Glass bottles or cans containing alcohol are not permitted outside of the Clubhouse and must not be brought into grounds. No alcohol is to be consumed in the ground or premises during the period of any match, except as may be governed by the terms of the club licence with regard to its own members, but, not withstanding such, no alcohol is to be taken or consumed outside the licensed clubhouse or any other authorised area during such match period or brought into the ground.

xv.Covered accommodation for spectator use must be provided adjacent to the playing area or within the immediate vicinity of the playing area.

xvi.An unimpeded protected passage must be provided between the dressing room and the pitch for the teams and Match Officials.

xvii.Hard standing (concrete/paving slabs or other suitable approved material) must be provided to a minimum width of one metre on at least the entire length of three sides of the ground. If the rules of the League competed in state that a width of one yard is acceptable, this measurement will be accepted.

xviii.A technical area is to be provided. The technical area extends one metre on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of one metre from the touch-line. Markings are to be used to define this area.

xix.A telephone must be connected and available at the ground.

b.Playing Condition of the Ground

i.Each Club must take every precaution to ensure that its ground is in a fit playing condition. In the event of doubt regarding the condition of the pitch, the Home Club shall immediately notify The Association to enable a Match Official to conduct a pitch inspection.

ii.A Referee shall whenever possible examine the ground and decide as to its fitness for play in sufficient time to save the expense of unnecessary journeys being incurred by Clubs. The pitch inspection must be made by the Match Referee or a Referee appointed by The Association who must immediately contact The Association with details of an inspection (and the Match Referee if relevant).

iii.Subject to this Rule, the Referee shall have the power to decide as to the fitness of the ground in all matches.

iv.The Referee must report to the ground 90 minutes before the time of kick-off. If necessary, the Home Club or The Association may, by notice, require the Referee to visit the ground more than 90 minutes before the time of kick-off any time during the season.

v.The Association's Pitch Protection System is compulsory for all televised ties, if after consultation with the Host Club The Association's representative recommends that it is required to ensure the game is played as scheduled. The costs incurred are not to be considered a match expense.

c.Floodlighting

i.All matches shall be played on grounds enabling matches to be played either partly or wholly under floodlight conditions, provided that the installation meets with the approval of The Council.

ii.All floodlighting installations shall conform to the requirements laid down by the Council in the Floodlighting Criteria in Appendix 1.

iii.A Club may protest to the Council that they consider the floodlights of the Club on whose ground the match is to be played to be below the required standard. Such protest must be made to the Council within two days of the receipt of the draw (Sundays not included) and must be accompanied by a fee of £100, which may be forfeited if the protest is not sustained.

iv.The Referee will decide at what point in the game the floodlights shall be switched on. This will necessitate a discussion with responsible Officials of the competing Clubs before the game, when a signal must be agreed.

v.The cost for floodlighting must not exceed £100, and this cost may be charged as match expenses, if incurred.

d.Matchballs

In rounds prior to the Semi-Finals, the Multiple Ball System (where more than one ball may be used in a match) will not operate in ties.

e.Substitute Boards

i.Electronic substitute boards should be provided by Home Clubs for the fourth official, where FA appointed, to operate to display the minimum additional time allowed at the end of each half. If electronic boards are not available, the normal hand held substitute boards should be used.

ii.From the First Round Proper onwards, The Association will provide FA Cup Logo branded stickers which much be attached to such boards. No other branding is permitted.

f.Assessors

An Assessor will be appointed to all FA Cup matches from the First Round Proper onwards and the Home Club shall reserve 2 Directors' Box seats for this purpose. The Assessor will inform the Home Club of his attendance at the match.

g.Club Doctors and First Aid Facilities

It is the responsibility of the Home or Host Club in the Competition Proper to ensure that a qualified medical practitioner is in attendance at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off and throughout the match and at least 30 minutes after the termination of the match, and that he is afforded ready access to the playing area. First Aid facilities, equipment and a stretcher must be made available by the Home or Host Club for all matches and a fully qualified person to administer First Aid.

a.Venue

i.The venue of each match (save for the Semi-Finals or Final which will be played at venues selected by the Council) will be that of the first named Club. Subject to Competition Rules 9(a)(ii) and 9(a)(iii) such match shall be played on that ground unless the consent of the Council has been obtained to any change of venue. In the case of a replay, subject to Competition Rules 9(a)(ii) and 9(a)(iii), the match shall be played on the ground of the second drawn Club, unless the consent of the Council has been obtained to any change of venue.

ii.For a tie to be played on the ground of a Club outside The FA Premier League or Football League playing a Club from The FA Premier League or The Football League a meeting must be arranged by the Home Club with the local safety authority and/or Police and representatives of The Association to assess the suitability from a safety or security point of view of staging a tie at the ground. Any such meeting must be held within three days of the date of the Draw (or the date of the drawn tie in the case of a replay).

iii.Following such meeting, the Council will decide whether to allow and require the match to be played at such ground or not, taking into account the views expressed at such meeting.

iv.In the event that following such meeting, the Council allow and require the match to be played at that ground, the Away Club may still lodge a protest under the provision of Competition Rule 9(b) if applicable.

v.In the event that following such meeting, the Council decide not to allow and require the match to be played at that ground then the first alternative ground shall be the nearest suitable ground subject to the agreement of the Council.

vi.In any event, the Council shall have the power to order that any match be played on an alternative ground or date, including a Sunday, if it is considered appropriate and necessary. For ties switched from the ground of the Club first drawn, then the Council shall determine the financial conditions in which the tie shall be played and this may include, any excess receipts to be paid into the Pool.

vii.No monetary or other consideration shall be asked for, offered or paid in connection with negotiations for a change of venue.

viii.Any Club with a tie switched after declaring that the ground has been authorised to a capacity agreed with the local authority or Police may be refused entry into the Competition for the following season and be subject to such other action as the Council shall deem necessary.

b.Protests Regarding the Suitability of Ground

i.A Club may protest to the Council that the ground of the Home Club is unsuitable for the match. Such protest must be made to the Council within four days of the date of the draw and must be accompanied by a fee of £250, which may be forfeited if the protest is not sustained.

ii.The Council shall have the power to consider the protest in such manner and following such procedures as it considers appropriate. The Council may amongst other things order the match to be played on the ground of the protesting Club, or on a neutral ground. The payment of the costs incurred by either Club or The Association incidental to the protest shall be at the discretion of the Council.

c.Ground Sharing

Clubs with ground sharing agreements must arrange for ties to be played on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If a clash of fixtures occurs with the sharing Club, if for any reason a tie is unable to be played on the ground of the first drawn Club on a Saturday, the tie must be played on either the day before, i.e. on Friday, or the day after, i.e. on Sunday on the ground of the First drawn Club. If Clubs are unable to agree on the date, then it will be played on the Sunday, unless the Council decides otherwise. The decision of the Council shall be final and binding.

a.The duration of each match shall be 90 minutes, except in special cases, provided for in these Competition Rules, where an extra 30 minutes shall be played. The Referee shall allow for time wasted or lost through accident or other cause. The Referee is the sole judge of allowance of time whether lost through accident or other cause and his decision on this matter is not subject to appeal.

b.The half-time interval shall be 10 minutes in the Qualifying Competition and 15 minutes in the Competition Proper.

c.Both teams shall enter the field of play together five minutes prior to the kick-off time, along with the Match Officials.

a.Extra Time in First Matches

If a first match is drawn after 90 minutes, an extra 30 minutes may be played (15 minutes each way). The agreement for the playing of extra time shall be agreed in writing between both Clubs and confirmed in writing by the Home Club to The Association on The Match Arrangement Form which must be received by The Association within seven days of the date of the draw and notified to the Referee on the Official Team Sheet no later than 45 minutes in the Qualifying Competition and 60 minutes in the Competition Proper prior to kick-off.

b.Replays

i.When a first match has resulted in a draw, it shall be replayed on the ground of the Club drawn second:

in the Qualifying Competition - on or before the following Thursday;

in the Competition Proper - on the second Wednesday following the original match, or earlier if mutually agreed by the two Clubs and the consent of the Council obtained.

ii.When a replayed match is drawn after 90 minutes, an extra 30 minutes shall be played, and 15 minutes shall be played in each half.

iii.If the score is still level at the end of extra time, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with the procedure adopted by the International Football Association Board.

c.First Matches which are Postponed or Abandoned

i.When a first match has been postponed, or is abandoned before the completion of 90 minutes and neither Club being at fault, it shall be played on the same ground:

in the Qualifying Competition - on or before the following Thursday;

in the Competition Proper - on the second Wednesday following the original match or earlier if mutually agreed by the two Clubs and the consent of The Council obtained.

ii.If extra time has not been commenced or a match has been abandoned during extra time and neither Club being at fault, the result at 90 minutes will stand and the match shall be replayed on the ground of the Club second drawn:

in the Qualifying Competition - on or before the following Thursday;

in the Competition Proper - on the second Wednesday following the original match or earlier if mutually agreed by the two Clubs and the consent of the Council obtained.

iii.If the match be drawn or again postponed or abandoned it shall be played as directed by the Council.

iv.Matches abandoned through the fault of the Clubs shall be dealt with by the Council.

d.Replays which are Postponed or Abandoned

i.When a replayed match has been postponed, or is abandoned before the completion of 90 minutes and neither Club being at fault, it shall be played on the same ground:

in the Qualifying Competition - on or before the following Monday;

in the Competition Proper - as directed by the Council.

ii.When a replayed match has been abandoned at any stage after the completion of 90 minutes and neither Club being at fault, the match shall be further replayed. A coin shall be tossed, and the Club winning the toss of the coin shall have the choice of venue. The coin will be tossed by a Club Official in the presence of an Official of the other Club at the first suitable moment after the abandonment. The match shall be played as directed by the Council.

iii.Matches abandoned through the fault of the Clubs shall be dealt with by the Council.

e.The Council shall have the power to vary these arrangements if it is deemed necessary.

f.Any Club failing to fulfil a fixture shall be dealt with by the Council.

g.Clubs must ensure that the police are fully aware of possible replay dates and the dates of any re-arranged dates for postponed ties. If problems are envisaged with arrangements for a tie the Council should be informed as soon as the draw is known.

a.Each Club shall send the result of the match, with the names of their players competing and goalscorers, together with the marking of the Referee's performance to be received at The Association within six days of the match.

b.The Home Club shall telephone the result to The Association and designated press agencies immediately after the end of the match, according to the instructions issued prior to the match.

a.Where the colours (shirts, shorts or stockings) of the two competing Clubs are similar (as determined by the Council), the Away Club must change.

In the Semi-Final and Final Ties a toss of a coin shall determine the choice of colours if a clash occurs. The toss of coin shall be made by a representative of The Association and shall be witnessed by the representatives of the Semi-Finalists and Finalists with the toss taking place at The Associations' offices or another suitable location as soon as possible after the Sixth Round Proper or Semi-Final.

b.In the event of the Clubs not agreeing upon the colours to be worn, the Council shall decide. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from the other players, and the Match Officials.

c.Clubs' colours must not clash with the black and white outfit worn by the Match Officials. In the Competition Proper, where there is a clash of colour between the Match Officials' kit and the players kit, the Match Official may, with the prior approval of The Association, change to an alternative colour.

d.Players' shirts shall be clearly numbered on the back in accordance with the Official Team Sheet. No change of numbers during the match shall be allowed except on a change of Goalkeeper or where a player has been required by the Referee to change his shirt because of a blood injury. The Captain of each team shall wear a distinguishing armband to indicate his status.

e.Advertising may be worn on players' clothing in accordance with the Rules of The Association.

f.In the Final the participating Clubs will be required to wear sleeve badges branded with The FA Cup Logo unless this is precluded by an agreement with a shirt sponsor who is a competitor of E.ON.

a.Each team participating in a match shall represent the full available strength of each competing Club.

b.

i.Each Club must provide a list of names of players taking part in the game (including the names of the substitutes) to the Referee and a representative of their opponents in the presence of the Referee at least 60 minutes, in the Competition Proper or any match in the Qualifying Competition that is being televised live, and 45 minutes in all other matches before the time of kick-off (the "Official Team Sheet"). Any Club failing to do so will be liable to be fined by the Council a sum not exceeding £100.

ii.Should any nominated player or substitute sustain an injury after the submission of the Official Team Sheet to the Referee and before the kick-off, he may be replaced, provided the Referee and opponents are informed before the commencement of the match.

c.A maximum of seven substitutes may be nominated. A Club may at its discretion use three of those seven substitute players at any time in a match. Substitution can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission. Prior to the substitution being made the Club must identify to the Match Officials the number of the player out and the player in, in accordance with the Official Team Sheet.

d.All players shall be qualified as players according to the Rules of The Association.

e.A player shall not play for more than one Club in the Competition in the same season.

f.All players must have been eligible to play in the original tie in order to play in a replayed or postponed match; however a player who has been suspended according to the disciplinary procedures under the Rules of The Association may play in a postponed or replayed match after the term of his suspension has expired.

g.A substitute who does not play in a match is entitled to play for another Club in the Competition in the same season.

h.In all Rounds of the Competition a player shall be a "registered player" of his Club under the Rules of the Competition.

i.

i.A "registered player" is one who is either, in the case of a player under written contract, registered with The Association or, in the case of a player without a written contract, registered with a League in which his Club competes in the current season. Any such registration must have been received and accepted by The Association or League by 12 noon on the Friday previous to the date fixed for playing the Round, and the registration must be continuous through to the date of the match. .

ii.In order to be eligible to play in the Final, the players must have been correctly registered and eligible for the Semi Final Round of the Competition.

iii.An International Transfer Certificate for Players coming from overseas associations (including Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) takes precedence over a Player's registration. Therefore, this is also required by 12 noon on the Friday previous to the date fixed for playing the Round for the Player's registration to be valid.

j.Temporary (loan) Transfers

i.A player on a temporary (loan) transfer is ineligible to compete in the Challenge Cup Competition unless permission to do so is given by the lending Club in writing and a copy is received by The Association by 12 noon on the Friday prior to the date fixed for playing the Round. Any permissions must clearly state that the player has approval to play in The FA Challenge Cup Competition. A registered Trainee or a player who is registered on a Scholarship for work experience may play for another Club, subject to written permission being given by the Club that he is registered to and provided that such permission is received by The Association by 12 noon on the Friday prior to the date fixed for playing the Round. The Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending Club.

ii.A player recalled, at any time prior to the date of the Round, to his original Club from temporary (loan) transfer, in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, may represent his original Club. Such player may only play in postponed and replayed matches if he had been recalled in time for the first match in accordance with sub-paragraph (i) above and (iii) below as applicable.

iii.A player on temporary (loan) transfer is eligible to compete if transferred by the lending Club to the loaning Club after the date and time for player qualification for a round but must have been eligible to play in the original tie.

iv.In the Competition Proper, players on "long term loan agreements", are not considered "loan" players for the purposes of the Rule, and are therefore eligible to play in the Competition.

a.The Council shall have power to call upon a Player, and/or the Club to which he is registered, or for which he played, to prove that the Player is qualified according to the Competition Rules.

b.Failing satisfactory proof, the Council may disqualify such Player, and may remove the Club from the Competition, and impose such other penalty as it considers appropriate. The Council shall also have the power to impose penalties against Clubs already knocked out of the Competition.

A Programme or Team Sheet must be produced for spectators with details of both teams.

a.In all Rounds of the Competition, the number of Clubs' players and Officials seated on the team benches, in the designated technical area, must not exceed 13 unless the team bench facility provides more than 13 individual seats.

b.Only one person has the authority to convey tactical instructions to the players during the match. This person shall be the Team Manager or the Team Coach. He is allowed to move to the edge of the technical area to issue instructions to his team but then must return to his position on the bench immediately after giving these instructions.

c.All Team Officials and substitutes seated on the bench shall be listed on the Official Team Sheet when it is submitted to the Match Officials. Only those persons listed on the Official Team Sheet shall be permitted in the technical area.

d.The occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner at all times. Misconduct by occupants of this area will be reported by the Referee to The Association, who shall have the power to impose sanctions as deemed fit.

e.With the exception of the Team Manager, the Team Coach and any substitutes who are warming up or warming down, all other personnel are to remain seated on the team bench. The Team Manager or Team Coach is allowed to move to the edge of the technical area to issue instructions to his team, but must then return to his position on the team bench.

f.In the Semi-Final and Final, Clubs will be advised by The Association of the number of technical staff and substitutes who may occupy the team benches and a list of the permitted number of authorised personnel must be provided by each Club to the Referee at least one hour before kick-off.

a.

i.Match Officials shall be appointed by The Association. Neither past nor present members of either of the contending Clubs shall be eligible.

ii.In the Competition Proper a Reserve Official shall be appointed to officiate in the event of an appointed Match Official failing to arrive or being incapacitated.

iii.In the Qualifying Competition, in the event of any of the Match Officials failing to arrive or being incapacitated, the two Clubs shall agree to a substitute, providing one is available who is currently eligible to officiate in a League equivalent to the lowest level of football in which either of the two teams participate.

b.

i.The appointment of Assistant Referees for replays in the Extra Preliminary to the Third Round Qualifying will be by the Parent County Football Association to whom the "Home" Club in the replay is affiliated.

ii.When a change of Referee from the first match is necessary, this will be made by The Association. It is the responsibility of the "Home" Club in the replay to contact the Parent County Association to request Assistant Referees.

c.

i.In the Qualifying Competition the fees and expenses of all Match Officials appointed by The Association to officiate in any match shall be paid by the Club upon whose ground the match takes place unless otherwise instructed by the Council.

ii.In the Competition Proper, the Match Official's fees will be paid directly by The Association. The Home Club will pay the Match Official's expenses and the Reserve Official's fee and expenses.

d.Scale of Expenses to be Paid to Match Officials

i.In all Rounds of the Competition, standard class railway fares at the cheapest available rate operating on the day of the match may be allowed.

ii.In the event of a Match Official being unable to reach their destination, going to or returning from a match, without staying at a hotel, they shall be reimbursed their hotel accommodation, from the Home Club, up to £100, providing that where a concessionary hotel rate is negotiated the Match Official will, if it is not inconvenient, take advantage of such rates. A receipted hotel account must be provided for the Home Club.

iii.An allowance of £0.40 per mile will be allowed to all Match Officials officiating who travel by private car.

iv.In the Fourth Round Qualifying, the Competition Proper, the Semi-Final and Final, Match Officials shall be entitled to claim meal allowances as follows:

Where the travelling time exceeds 8 hours £25.00

Where the travelling time exceeds 6 hours £20.00

Where the travelling time exceeds 4 hours £15.00

Travelling time is the period from the time the Match Official leaves home until the time he returns home, less the duration of the match. When an overnight stay is necessary, meal allowances are calculated from the time the Match Official leaves home to the arrival at the ground/hotel. The second day's calculations are from ground/hotel to home (less the duration of the match).

e.Scale of Fees to be Paid to Match Officials

i.The Qualifying Competition: Extra-Preliminary, Preliminary and First Rounds:

Referee, £40.00; Assistant Referees, £20.00 each.

ii.The Qualifying Competition: Second and Third Rounds:

Referee, £50.00; Assistant Referees, £30.00 each.

iii.The Qualifying Competition: Fourth Round:

Referee, £90.00; Assistant Referees, £45.00 each; Fourth Official, £30.00

iv.The Competition Proper: First and Second Rounds:

Referee, £285.00; Assistant Referees, £145.00 each, Fourth Official, £70.00*.

*£135.00 if National List Referee appointed

v.The Competition Proper: Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Rounds:

Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00 each; Fourth Official, £300.00.

vi.Semi-Finals:

Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00 each, Fourth Official £300.00.

vii.Final:

Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00 each; Fourth Official, £300.00 and a Souvenir Medal each.

f.In the event of The Association giving permission for a pitch inspection prior to a match in the Qualifying Competition, by a Match Official other than the Match Referee, such Match Official shall be entitled to expenses only (to include loss of earnings where applicable) for local clubs, but expenses plus half the match fee if not local. In the Competition Proper the fee received in respect of such ground inspections shall not exceed £35 in the First and Second Rounds and £50 in the other Rounds and will be paid directly by The Association. The Home Club will pay any expenses.

g.Match Officials are entitled to their travelling expenses if incurred and half their fees if the match to which they were appointed is not played. In the Competition Proper this fee will be paid directly by The Association. The Home Club will pay any expenses.

h.The Home Club must notify the Match Officials of the precise details of the match, this is to include a map with the location of the ground indicated, kick-off time, colours of both teams and other necessary details. Such information must be sent to be received by the Match Officials not later than five days prior to the match who must acknowledge receipt.

i.Match Officials shall acknowledge acceptance of appointments for all matches in the Competition to The Association.

j.The duties of the Match Officials shall be as defined in the Laws of the Game.

a.All persons including Season Ticket Holders must be charged admission to the ground, enclosure and stands in all matches subject to the following conditions:

i.In the Qualifying Competition, each Club shall be entitled to 30 complimentary tickets.

ii.In the Competition Proper, each Club shall be entitled to 50 complimentary tickets.

iii.Complimentary tickets issued by the Home Club in excess of the above must be accounted for at the price at which they would have otherwise been sold.

iv.A complimentary ticket is a ticket that allows admittance to any area of the stadium to attend a match for no consideration where a charge would otherwise be made by the Home Club.

v.In addition to the allowance of complimentary tickets set out at Competition Rule 20(a)(i) and (ii) complimentary tickets may be issued for the sole use of the following:

Directors of the participating clubs. An allowance should be agreed between the participating clubs for the use of the Directors of each club up to the maximum available to the visiting club per Competition Rule 21(a)(vii);

Press;

Scouts and official representatives from non participating clubs;

Official representatives of the governing and legislative bodies of football;

Disabled and helpers (except where the home club's policy is to charge);

b.The Association shall be entitled to purchase 50 tickets per match for distribution to its sponsors. Additionally, where possible, and upon request, the Home Club should provide 2 Director's Box level hospitality passes for key employees of The FA's sponsors.

c.Immediately after the draw is known, the two Clubs concerned must mutually agree the prices of admission subject to the following conditions:

i.Except where mutually agreed otherwise the minimum admission (except to children and senior citizens) to matches shall be:

In the Extra-Preliminary, Preliminary and First Round Qualifying: £3.00

In the Second and Third Rounds Qualifying: £5.00

In the Fourth Round Qualifying: £6.00

In the First and Second Round Proper: £10.00

In the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Round Proper: £15.00

ii.A higher admission charge may be mutually agreed between the Clubs concerned. The Away Club's spectators can only be charged more than the home team if agreed by both clubs.

iii.The price for admission for children and senior citizens must be mutually agreed between the Clubs concerned.

iv.Season tickets

Each Club participating in the competition is to advise The Association in writing by 31 August in the year of the Competition whether their season tickets entitle the holder to attend Challenge Cup matches. In addition those clubs that include admission to Challenge Cup matches within the cost of the season ticket are also to advise The Association of the total value (including VAT) and number of the Club's season ticket sales for that season. Any season ticket sales after 31 August are to be advised to The Association.

Those Clubs that include admission to Challenge Cup matches within the cost of the season ticket are to include in match receipts reported on the Statement of Receipts and Payments Forms the total value of season ticket sales divided by the maximum number of matches that the season ticket holder is entitled to attend during the season for all Competitions.

v.Executive packages, hospitality, sponsorship or advertising agreements

Where the Home Club issues tickets as part of an executive package (eg executive box or lounge), hospitality, sponsorship or advertising agreement then the highest price payable for the appropriate category of spectator (eg adult, concession) for an admission only ticket for the relevant area of the ground should be included in the gate receipts for a match.

vi.The admission prices are to be confirmed in writing to The Association and the visiting club as part of the Match Arrangement Form.

vii.All questions in dispute must be immediately referred to The Association for settlement.

d.Immediately after half time but before the conclusion of the match, the Home Club must declare and provide in writing to the Visiting Club a statement of the total admission and gross gate receipts.

e.The Visiting Club shall have the right to check the sale of tickets.

f.The visiting Club is entitled to have access to and copies of all documentation (see Competition Rule 26) maintained by the Home Club for the reconciliation of the match receipts. A request to be made by the Visiting Club in writing and copied to The Association. The documentation is to be provided within fourteen days of the date of the request.

g.The Association is entitled to have access to and copies of all documentation (see Competition Rule 26) maintained by the Home Club for the reconciliation of match receipts and expenses.

a.All Rounds Preceding the Semi-Finals

In all matches preceding the Semi-Finals, the Visiting Club shall have the right to claim up to 15% of all accommodation for which tickets are issued providing these tickets are in a fully segregated area, and subject to the following regulations:

i.The request for tickets shall be made within two days of the draw.