16 and 17 year olds in Adult Football

Please be aware that current FA Regulations allow players of 16 and 17 years of age to play in ADULT football leagues. As persons of this age are classified in law as 'minors', any club using players of this age need to be aware of the Child Protection Policy (Safeguarding Minors) and make every effort to ensure they adopt the policy standards. It is not mandatory for clubs to have a trained and registered (with the County) a Child Welfare Officer although this is recommended.
Grounds in ALL Divisions must have
It is the overall objective of the league Management Committee to provide the ‘best possible’ football to players and match officials of the Durham Sunday Football League With this in mind it is expected that all teams playing in our competition should provide the following facilities.

• Pitch Size within FA Regulation Min/Max size
• .Decent, Flat Playing Surface with regularly mown grass.
• Well Maintained Goal Frames with Good Nets, multi-pegged down and well tied to posts (note: cup hook net ties on goal frame are not acceptable under FA rules)
• Regulation height Corner Posts and Flags
• Clear line markings
• Separate Changing Room for each team (with heat)
• Lockable separate Referees Room (preferably with heat) or the very least a separate changing area away from both teams.
• Good quality Hot Showers and Wash Basins with hot water
• Well maintained Toilets
• Good standard of Cleanliness throughout
• Car Park on site or easy accessible street parking
• Good Security (i.e. lockable dressing rooms - bags beside the pitch look awful and get wet).
• There is No Smoking in any Council Changing Rooms or Buildings: Failure to comply with this may result in the loss of Council Facilities
• Urinating in a public place is forbidden and an offence by law where prosecution can result. Club Secretaries please remind your players and officials to use the facilities provided and not the hedge.
• Please could all clubs collect all litter that has been left after your match, it takes only a few seconds to do or else we may lose pitch facilities
• Can all clubs please ensure they adhere to League Rules which states No player, including the goalkeeper shall be permitted to wear black or very dark shirts.
• As per FA Rules all items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable. Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery (except for a watch or similar device for timing the match