East Cork League & Championship Regulations 2024
These regulations apply to all Adult League, Championship, U21, Secondary Competitions and Challenge games / Tournaments played under the jurisdiction of Cork County Committee and its eight Divisional Sub-Committees.
1. Correspondence
- All correspondence in relation to Divisional Committee fixtures is to be submitted from the Club Secretary’s official email account to the Divisional Secretary’s official email account.
2. League & Championship Placings
(a) League & Championship placings shall be determined as follows:
(i) League results shall be credited as follows: 2 points for a win, and one for a draw.
(ii) If a Team is Disqualified or Retires during a Group Stage, its played Games shall stand and its unplayed Games shall be awarded to the Opposing Teams.
(iii) When Teams Finish with Equal League Points for either Qualification for the Concluding Stages and / or for Promotion or Regulation, the tie(s) shall be determined by the following criteria and in the order specified:
(b) Where Two Teams only are involved:
(i) ‘Head-to-Head'; The outcome of the meeting of the two Teams in the previous game in the Competition;
(ii) ‘Total Scoring Difference’ for all games in the Group (subtract total Scores Against from total Scores For);
(iii) ‘Highest Total Score For’ for all games in the Group;
(iv) ‘Highest Number of Goals Scored’ for all games in the Group;
(v) A Play-Off.
(c) Where Three or More Teams are involved:
(i) ‘Total Scoring Difference’ for all games in the Group (subtract total Scores Against from total Scores For)
(ii) ‘Highest Total Score For’ for all games in the Group;
(iii) ‘Highest Number of Goals Scored’ for all games in the Group;
(iv) A Play-Off.
If application of criteria (i) to (iii) results in a team(s) being successful or eliminated, but there is still a relevant tie to be decided, criteria (i) to (iii) is to be repeated for the ‘Head-to-Head’ games only of the still tied teams. If a tie remains, (iv) a Play-Off is required.
(d) In the event that Two teams or More Finish with Equal Points, but have been affected by a disqualification, loss of game on a proven objection, retirement or walk-over, the tie shall be decided by the following means:
(i) ‘Head-to-Head': The higher number of League Points obtained in the ‘Head-to-Head’ games defined as the games in which the teams involved in the tie have played each other:
(ii) *‘Total Scoring Difference’ in the ‘Head-to-Head’ games (subtract total Scores Against from total Scores For);
(iii) ‘Highest Total Score For’ in the ‘Head-to-Head’ games;
(iv) ‘Highest Number of Goals Scored’ in the ‘Head-to-Head’ games;
(v) A Play-Off.
If application of criteria (i) to (iv) results in a team(s) being successful or eliminated but there is still a relevant tie to be decided, criteria (i) to (iv) is to be repeated for the ‘Head-to-Head’ games only of the still tied teams. If a tie remains, (v) a Play-Off is required.
*In this scenario, where a team’s total Scores For and total Scores Against record is affected by there not being a score for a game consequent on a disqualification, loss of game on a proven objection, retirement or walk-over, an Average Score For and an Average Score Against achieved by the team in all Group games played shall be applied to the game concerned and calculated as follows: The team’s Scores For and Scores Against made in all games played shall be separately totalled and both the Scores For and Scores Against totals shall be separately divided by the number of all games the team has actually played.
3. East Cork Junior Leagues
League Placings
Teams will be separated as per Regulation 2 as outlined above.
Dates
All League fixture dates will be included in the Master Fixture Plan. Completion dates for Divisional Leagues are to be determined by the relevant Divisional CCC.
Times
Divisional League fixtures are scheduled for 2:30pm each Sunday. This can be changed by agreement, as per the Regulations below. Times for Divisional League fixtures are to be determined by the relevant Divisional CCC.
Venues
The first named team has home venue for League fixtures. If this venue is not available, the game will be played at the
(i) opponent’s venue or (ii) at a neutral venue, in that order. If no venue is available, home venue reverts to the first named team for the re-fixture.
Substitutions
Up to nine (9) substitutions shall be permitted in the playing of normal time in all non-championship games. General Rule shall not be affected by this deviation. A maximum of three substitutes remains for extra-time in play-offs / finals.
Referees
Where the appointed referee fails to attend a League fixture, agreement must be reached between the two clubs on a substitute referee by (i) agreement or (ii) tossing. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the league points by the club or clubs failing to agree. In the event of a referee being agreed by both clubs, it is the responsibility of the club of the referee to ensure that the official report of the game is submitted within three days of the game. If the agreed referee is not a member of either participating club, the responsibility for ensuring the report is submitted shall rest with the home club.
League Finals / Promotion / Relegation
A fully integrated League programme is in place, incorporating all teams in the county in one overall structure, consisting of County Senior Leagues and Divisional Junior Leagues with progression between both levels.
The Senior Leagues consist of seven divisions, in both Hurling and Football, each with ten teams, with the exception of Divisions 6 and 7 which will have 8 teams each. The Divisional Junior Leagues will operate separately but are linked to Division 7 through promotion and relegation.
In all County Senior League Divisions, the top two teams will meet in a League Final, with both teams being promoted where possible. The bottom two teams in each Division will be relegated unless otherwise notified.
The bottom two teams in Division 7 of both the Hurling and Football Senior Leagues will be relegated to their respective Divisional Junior Leagues. The bottom team will be replaced by the winner of the same Divisional Junior League to which they are relegated. The second bottom team will be replaced by the County Junior A Championship winner. If the County Junior A Championship winner is already in the County Senior Leagues, the second bottom placed team will instead be replaced by the winner of the same Divisional Junior League to which they are relegated.
If any team withdraws or if two teams from the same Division are relegated, the same principle will follow. Their place will go to the next best placed team from the same Division, ensuring that Divisional Leagues will also have even numbers insofar as is possible.
Teams that are relegated in County Championships but not in Leagues shall retain their League status as both competitions are decoupled.
Formats for Divisional Leagues are to be devised by the relevant Divisional CCCs.
Request for Postponement / Change of League Fixtures
Any changes to the listed time and / or date for League Fixtures must be requested via the Club Secretary’s official email account to the Secretary of the CCC in charge of the relevant competition at least five days in advance of the fixture. Postponements shall not be granted thereafter, except in exceptional circumstances.
If a fixture is to be changed, the following criteria must be met:
- Both clubs must email the Secretary of the CCC in charge of the relevant competition referencing the fixture involved, both outlining the same reason for change of fixture and both listing the same new agreed re-fixture date / time.
- The re-fixture date must be on / before the same date in the following month and on / before the group stage deadline. For example, a match postponed on March 15th must be re-fixed for a date on or before April 15th before postponement is granted.
- If the request is approved by relevant CCC, the new date / time becomes a ratified fixture, and the fixture list will be updated accordingly.
- All fixtures are subject to a limit of two postponements. On the third postponement, the fixture becomes null and void, or a walkover is granted.
- If two clubs fail to agree on either postponement or a re-fixture date, the fixture stands. A club may then unilaterally request a change of fixture from the CCC for exceptional reasons, stating clearly that an agreement between the clubs does not apply.
- Ultimately, final authority on all fixtures rests with the relevant CCC.
Unfulfilled Fixtures / Walkovers - Leagues
A fine of €100 per team will apply for each unfulfilled League fixture, unless a walkover is given by one of the teams. Walkovers will be awarded automatically where one of the teams involved fails to fulfil or indicates their intention not to fulfil a fixture without the joint submission of an agreed re-fixture date. A fine of €200 will apply to the relevant team in each case. Disputes in relation to the non-fulfilment of a fixture will be referred to the relevant CCC.
If a club is disqualified or retires after the League Groups are ratified, its played games shall stand and its unplayed games awarded to the opposing teams. A fine of €200 per unplayed game will apply. Where clubs in the same league group are due to meet in championship later in the same year, this will not merit postponement or cancellation.
4. Championships
All Championship fixtures circulated in the Master Fixture Plan are deemed ratified.
Divisions are permitted to organise U21 Championships at a period designated by the County Committee, with the provision that Adult and Underage fixtures always take precedence.
Request for Postponement / Change of Championship Fixtures
Any changes to the listed time and / or date for Championship Fixtures must be requested via the Club Secretary’s official email account to the Secretary of the CCC in charge of the relevant competition at least five days in advance of the fixture. No postponement shall be granted thereafter, except in exceptional circumstances.
If a fixture is to be changed, the following criteria must be met:
- Both clubs must email the Secretary of the CCC in charge of the relevant competition referencing the fixture involved, both outlining the same reason for change of fixture and both listing the same new agreed re-fixture date / time.
- If the request is approved by relevant CCC, the new date / time becomes a ratified fixture, and the fixture list will be updated accordingly.
- If both clubs fail to agree on either postponement or a re-fixture date, the fixture stands. A club may then unilaterally request a change of fixture from the CCC for exceptional reasons, stating clearly that an agreement between the clubs does not apply.
- A postponement for the death of a player on the panel or a club officer will be granted, with a re-fixture to take place within 5 days.
- Ultimately, final authority on all fixtures rests with the relevant CCC.
Unfulfilled Fixtures / Walkovers- Championship
- Walkovers will be awarded automatically where one of the teams involved fails to fulfil or indicates their intention not to fulfil a fixture.
- If a club is disqualified or retires during the group stage of a championship, its played games shall stand and its unplayed games awarded to the opposing teams.
- If a club fails to fulfil or indicates their intention not to fulfil a fixture, the following fines will apply:
- Junior A Group Games for Rounds pre Quarter-finals: €500/game
- Junior A from the Quarter-finals onwards: €1,000/game
- Walkovers in all championships other than the grades listed above: minimum €250/game
5. National Flag & Pitch Regulations
The National flag is to be flown for all League and Championship games. Pitches are to be lined and flagged. A scoreboard is to be fully operational at all Championship games. Mini half-time games are at the discretion of the host venue.
6. Challenge Games / Tournaments
All tournaments or challenge matches, shall be governed by and must be carried out in accordance with the General Rules of the Association (Code 14).
All requests for any challenge games involving teams at any grade above Minor level are to be submitted by the Club Secretary two days in advance of the fixture via the online portal https://gaacork.ie/cork-county-board-challenge- game-application-form/ Permission is automatically granted by the relevant CCC unless informed otherwise. Where the fixture involves teams involved in Divisional competitions, the respective Divisional committees will be notified of the request.
All applications for Tournaments and for matches for a prize or trophies, giving names of teams and particulars of draw and trophies, must be accompanied by a permit fee, (Inter- County €40, Inter Club €20) and submitted through the Secretary of an affiliated Club with the approval of Divisional Secretary of the area in which the Tournament or match is to take place.
No tournament match shall take place unless prior sanction has been obtained for date and venue. Club Tournaments shall be confined to a maximum of eight teams and Inter-County Tournaments to four teams, except as otherwise permitted by the Provincial or Central Council. All applications for friendly or challenge matches must be submitted in writing by Club Secretaries concerned stating teams, date, and venue.
Referees of Tournament matches must forward their reports of same to County Committee or Divisional Committee, as well as a copy to Tournament Committees, and all objections against Clubs in Tournaments must likewise be lodged with County Committee or Divisional Committee, as appropriate.
7. Video Recording Permission
All requests for permission to record on video any fixture at any grade above Minor level are to be submitted two days in advance of the fixture by the Club Secretary via the online portal https://gaacork.ie/recordgame/ Permission is not granted for any games broadcast by Rebels’ Online. Otherwise, permission is automatically granted by the relevant CCC unless informed otherwise. The recording may only be used for coaching purposes and the unit seeking permission to record the game, or its agent hired for the purposes of same, shall make a full, unedited copy of the game available to the CCC on request. Where the fixture involves teams involved in Divisional competitions, the respective Divisional committees will be notified of the request.
A Club/Divisional Committee may not enter into a commercial agreement for the sale of match videos, digital recordings or any other form of broadcast, live or recorded, through any form of electronic or print media without the permission of the CCC.
8. Panel Sizes & Backroom – all fixtures
Team panels admitted to the field area are limited to a maximum of 30 players, 15 starting players and 15 substitutes. This limit also applies to listing in the match programme.
A maximum of 42 persons (including a maximum of 30 players) will be admitted to the playing area before and during the game. If more than 42 persons from either club are present in Field Area before or during the game, the Event Controller of the game is requested to report this to referee/fourth official. The referee and Event Controller should record this breach in their match report.
The maximum number of Officials (including two Water Carriers (Maor Uisce) per team (Football) or two Water / Hurley Carriers (Maor Uisce / Camán) per team (Hurling) is to be 12 persons. All Water Carriers (Football) or Water/Hurley Carriers (Hurling) must be aged 18 or over and cannot be a member of the substitutes or a team manager / selector.
Apart from the Bainisteoir, the Medical Officer and the two Water or Water/Hurley Carriers (who are to be provided by their Club with distinguishing armbands/bibs), all Substitutes and Officials, shall always remain seated during play. The Bainisteoir may go along the side-line between the two 45m lines to issue instructions, after which he must return to the area in front of his own team's dug out. He must not enter the field for any purpose.
Substitutes may warm-up on the side-line area between the end line and the 20m line. A maximum of three substitutes may warm up at any one time, wearing a bib/ top, different / distinct from team jersey. No hurleys, sliotars or footballs may be used along the side-line during the warm-up.
Hurley/Water Carriers are to be positioned outside the 20m and 65m lines. Water carriers are not permitted to enter the field of play and players must only approach the side-line to receive water from a Water Carrier.
In Hurling, Hurley Carriers may enter the field with a replacement hurley during a break in play.
Official Team List, in Irish, to be supplied to referee prior to commencement of game. Players shall be numbered as per the team list and official match programme.
Players are required to dress uniformly with matching jerseys, socks and shorts.
9. Team Lists & Substitute Slips
Team lists are to contain the names (in Irish) and numbers of all players. Legible slips with the number of both the player coming on and off included are to be presented by the substitute to the Referee. This may be designated to a 4th Official, if one is in place.
10. Injuries
A Team Medical Official, having obtained the expressed permission of the Referee (who may delegate authority to his linesmen), may enter the field to examine an injured player. No other Team Official shall enter the field of play for this purpose. Minor injuries must be treated off the field. If a blood substitute is required, the substitute may not enter the field of play until the injured player has left and the referee/fourth official has signalled his approval.
11. Referee Expenses
The referee’s expenses for all Adult League, Championship, Secondary Competitions and Challenge games will be
€50. An additional expense of €25 will apply for each linesman/fourth official for championship games in grades Junior A and higher, if such officials are on the official Referee List and are identified on the Referee’s Report.
12. Match Results
The Referee is responsible for returning all match results for both League and Championship.
13. Winner-on-the Day
The decision to apply Winner-on-the-Day regulations is at the discretion of the relevant CCC in charge of the competition. However, as per General Rule, there is no scope to adapt the format.
14. Clash of Colours & Jersey Numbers
If the CCC in charge of the competition confirm that there is a clash of colours in a fixture, both teams will be required to change, unless there is an agreement to toss. Jersey numbers must be clearly legible to match official, spectators, (including TV / livestream viewers) and relevant media personnel, in daylight and under floodlights. The CCC may require each Club/Unit to create a clear number zone on the back of the jersey if this is considered necessary.
15. College Permits
The Colleges, namely UCC and MTU, will submit signed permits with a maximum of four players per Division along with the relevant permits for players outside of Cork by March 1st annually, to be approved at the next County Committee meeting. The players listed will be then tied to the College and will not be eligible to play with their Divisional team for the current season. If a Division does not field a team in the County Championship in a particular year, there will be no closing date and no limit on the number of players that can be nominated from that Division. If a Divisional team participated in the competition, then the colleges are confined to using the players listed. If a College does not field, there listed players are free to play with a Divisional team as long as they have not played for the College in the Championship of that year.
16. Formats
Formats and calendars for all League, Championship, U21 and Secondary competitions shall be submitted by each Divisional Committee for approval from County Committee before January 31st annually.
17. Fines
A minimum fine of €200 will apply to any breach of the above League and Championship Regulations or of the Clár an Lae issued by the Committee-in-Charge.
18. Grades
The Championship Grades shall be known as Junior A, Junior 'B', Junior ‘C’, Junior ‘D’ & U21 in both Hurling and Football.
Players forming a Team which wins the County Senior A, Premier Intermediate, Intermediate A, Premier Junior or any County Junior Hurling or Football Championship shall go into a more advanced grade. Exception - This shall not apply in the case of Clubs already having a team in the next highest grade.
Divisional Teams
Divisional Committees may, with the permission of the County Committee, enter a team or teams for the Premier Senior Hurling or Football Championship, representative of Intermediate, Premier Junior and Junior teams, within their respective areas. No player can be selected from a Club which has a Senior team in the current Championship. The status of players shall not be affected and they may continue to play with their own Clubs. Team lists must contain the names of the particular Clubs from which the players have been selected. Selected players are responsible to their Divisional Committee.
19. Eligibility – Age Grades
A player shall have celebrated his 18th birthday before January 1st of the Championship year in order to participate in Premier Senior, Senior A, Premier Intermediate, Intermediate A or Premier Junior Championships or in Divisions 1 to 7 in the County Leagues.
