NCYFL uses prior-season data and match evidence when deciding team placements. The league does not operate an automatic promotion or relegation policy.
Clubs that want to join the league, move a team or request a different placement must provide evidence. Submit evidence and constitution requests before the AGM and use the formal feedback window. Once the committee has signed off the constitution and the SGM has voted, the league cannot accept late changes. This applies to every age group.
Review calendars, fixtures, venues and player registrations as early as possible.
Teams must register the following minimum number of players at least 14 days before the season starts:
| Format | Minimum players |
|---|---|
| 5v5 | 5 |
| 7v7 | 7 |
| 9v9 | 9 |
| 11v11 | 11 |
Initial transfers and de-registrations are restricted until 1 October. De-registration carries a fee and a 28-day restriction, so clubs must make parents aware of the implications.
Plan alternative venues and discuss possible fixture reversals or replacement dates early. If hard pitches caused by dry weather make play unsafe, treat them in the same way as frozen or waterlogged pitches. Reverse the fixture where possible. If a reversal is not possible, postpone the fixture using the required process.
The home team must:
The away team must:
Both teams should confirm who will officiate the match as soon as possible.
Thursday evening is the final opportunity to submit normal player registrations for that weekend's fixture. Any player submitted after Thursday evening must follow the RefSec matchday registration process and appear on the team sheet.
When poor weather or pitch conditions may affect the fixture, check the pitch or facility early and keep in contact with the opposition.
If the teams can reverse the fixture, confirm the reversal with the club secretary. The club secretary must complete a RefSec postponement form to record the reversal.
The home team must ensure that the pitch is ready and that the following equipment is in place:
Complete the RefSec team sheet at least 15 minutes before kick-off. If either team wants to carry out an ID check, it must take place before kick-off.
Only players who are correctly registered, have a photograph and checked identification, and appear on the team sheet may play. Only named managers may use the technical area.
Each team must have a first-aid-qualified person present.
Both teams must confirm who will officiate the fixture and reach agreement where the league has not appointed an official.
Norfolk FA appoints referees for Under 17 and Under 18 fixtures. Clubs must keep Full-Time up to date and confirm the venue, kick-off time, colours and split payment arrangements with the appointed official.
After the match:
The match return must include the score, actual starting players and substitutes, FA and league marks, the referee's name and the referee mark. Apply any permitted development-team exceptions when recording starters and substitutes.
Complete Respect and referee reports fairly and in line with the published guidance. Repeated failure to meet the reporting deadlines may lead to charges or the suspension of fixtures.
The club secretary must submit a RefSec postponement form for every postponement request.
This requirement also applies when both teams agree to postpone the fixture. Include evidence of the opposition's agreement with the form and give the opposition and NCYFL at least 48 hours' notice where possible.
For postponements caused by weather or pitch conditions:
Read the current postponement rules on the NCYFL Support Site before submitting a request.
A Club Welfare Officer can request a Media Exemption Certificate. The certificate must be shared with the opposition when the match details are provided.
No filming or photography may take place at a fixture covered by a Media Exemption Certificate. If filming starts, stop it and delete any footage.
If this requirement is ignored, the team holding the certificate may leave the pitch. Use common sense and follow the current NCYFL process.
Club Welfare Officers should manage low-level behaviour concerns directly between the clubs.
Submit formal incident reports to Norfolk FA through your Club Welfare Officer. NCYFL monitors Respect reports and any agreed action plans.
Where safeguards are needed, NCYFL may appoint a referee, attend a fixture or require the fixture to take place without spectators. The league may suspend fixtures when teams do not meet the required standards or complete agreed actions.
For the 2026–27 season:
Finals dates remain to be confirmed, but clubs should expect finals to take place from March onwards.
Every team must have two contacts.
At least one contact must hold the Introduction to Coaching qualification or a higher coaching qualification, together with an FA First Aid qualification.
All team contacts must have an in-date DBS check and Safeguarding Children qualification. All managers must sign the league code of conduct.
A manager may be named on RefSec for only one team on each playing day.
Managers use RefSec to:
Team sheets support player and technical-area checks.
Club officers use RefSec to manage qualifications and users, submit postponement and de-registration forms, and manage charges and fines. RefSec also automates team-sheet and Full-Time checks and reminders.
Access depends on current DBS and safeguarding records, together with accurate FA records.
Under 8 football continues to operate regionally with knockout cups. Two cups support ability matching.
Under 8 teams may register both Under 8 players and Under 7 players who are playing up. Clubs should identify teams that are playing up so the league can match fixtures appropriately.
The league may use cross-fixtures during the season to balance team strength.
The NCYFL Support Site contains help guides covering league administration and rules.
NCYFL is no longer contactable by email or telephone. Use Submit a ticket when you need assistance. You can also use the chatbot to search the rules and help documents.
| Deadline | Action |
|---|---|
| At least 14 days before the season | Register the minimum number of players for the team's format. |
| Sunday evening | Home team updates Full-Time, contacts the opposition and shares the fixture details. |
| Monday evening | Away team confirms its colours and any relevant information. |
| Thursday evening | Final opportunity to submit normal player registrations for the weekend. |
| At least 15 minutes before kick-off | Complete the RefSec team sheet and carry out any requested ID check. |
| By 5pm on matchday | Submit the score. |
| By midnight on matchday | Add matchday-registered players to the Club Portal and submit them to the league. |
| By the end of Wednesday | Complete the match return, including player records, marks and referee details. |
| At least 48 hours before a postponement, where possible | Notify the opposition and NCYFL through the RefSec process. |
| Within seven days of a weather or pitch postponement | Send the agreed replacement date and evidence to the age-group secretary. |