PREMIER LEAGUE

GAMES PROGRAMME
Guidance
The Board will need to be satisfied, prior to approving any alternative ground (including one at an Academy) that it
provides satisfactory facilities for the playing of matches in the Professional Development League. Such facilities include
the pitch, floodlight levels, changing rooms for the teams and Match Officials, and spectator areas. Further consultation
on these issues will be undertaken in due course.
156. Unless otherwise authorised by the Board, and subject to any transitional arrangements authorised
by the Board in respect of Season 2012/13 pursuant to which some midweek matches may be
scheduled, matches in the Professional Development Leagues shall be played on Saturdays, save
that the home Club shall, subject to the rules of the Professional Development Leagues, have
discretion to change the date and kick-off time of a match to Friday evening, or any time on Sunday
or Monday.
157. Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in the Professional Development League shall
be set out in the rules of those Leagues.
158. The League will in addition organise international matches (which may take place by way of
Tournaments) for teams competing in Professional Development Leagues 1 and 2.
Guidance
Clubs will be free to move the days of their matches from Saturday to Friday evening, Sunday (any time) or Monday (any
time). Competition rules will specify that the away club will have the ability to either object to the moving of the match
or request that it is moved, in either case in defined circumstances (e.g. to prevent fixture congestion for the away club).
With regard to Rules 151 and 152, it is likely that the target travel time of 3 hours may be exceeded from time to time,
particularly in order to accommodate those Clubs whose home geographical “region” is small.
With regard to Rule 158, the Premier League intends to organise a competitive European fixture programme involving
leading clubs in other European countries. The Premier League will be taking these issues forward in consultation with
Clubs. It is intended that, in due course, such matches will become an established part of the Professional Development
League. If so, this will necessitate appropriate amendments to these rules in due course.
Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches
159. A match in the games programme between Academy teams in age groups Under 9 to Under 16
inclusive shall not be cancelled, postponed or abandoned except with the written consent of the
Board or on the instructions of the officiating referee (or if the officiating referee is a minor, the
official of the county FA who has accompanied him to the match) who shall be empowered to
instruct that such match be cancelled, postponed or abandoned only if he considers that the
pitch is unfit for, or if adverse weather conditions preclude, the playing of the match in which
event the Club at whose ground the match should have been played shall within seven days
give to the Secretary notice in writing to that effect.
160. Except in the case of an Under 9 to Under 16 games programme match which, without either
participating Club being at fault, is cancelled, postponed or abandoned under the provisions
of Rule 159, any Club which causes the cancellation, postponement or abandonment of such
a match will be in breach of these Rules.
161. The Board shall have power to specify the equipment and facilities to be provided by Clubs
for the playing of matches between Academies.
162. In consultation with the Football Association, a minimum of four weekends each Season
will be identified by the League upon which there will be no fixtures for Academy teams,
such weekends being devoted to international development, selected players’ courses and inservice
training of coaches and staff.
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES