NATIONAL FEDERATION LEAGUE 2023

The second edition of the National Federation League of 2023, will kick off from 20th September till October 2023 for the FIVE CLUBS. The league will be played at the Changlingmethang Outdoor Volleyball Arena. These regulations set out the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the BVBF and the participating clubs taking part in the competition.
These regulations and all directives, decisions, guidelines, and circulars issued by the BVBF shall be binding upon all parties participating and involved in the preparation, organization, and hosting of the event. 

 Any rights and Proprietary Interests associated with the competition that are not granted by these regulations and/or specific agreements to any participating club(s) belong to the BVBF. 

 Any reference to the BVBF and FIVB regulations refers to those valid at the time of application.  

Section 1: ORGANIZATION – RESPONSIBILITIES    

 1. Representation  

a.       The BVBF stages the National Federation League (hereafter the “competition”) annually. 

b.      Any rights associated with the competition which have not been granted by these regulations and/or specific agreements to a participating club in the competition belong to BVBF. 

c.       BVBF will appoint the match officials and referees. 

   2.    Insurance  

Clubs and players must arrange their own insurance coverage or waiver as per their Club Rules and Regulations. Claims for damages against BVBF are expressly excluded, and the participating clubs and players shall hold BVBF harmless against any such claims. 

Section 2: TECHNICAL REGULATIONS  

  3.      Matches played in accordance with the laws of the game  

All matches shall be played in accordance with the laws of the game laid down by the FIVB. Wherever necessary, the BVBF rules shall apply.

 4.   Competition format

4.1 The match will be played as a “best of 5”. 

4.2 There will be no court change in every set.

5.    League standing procedure 

a.       Number of matches won

b.      Match points

c.       Set ratio 

d.      Point ratio 

e.       If the tie continues as per the point ratio between two teams, the priority will be given to the team which won the last match between them.

f.       When the tie in point’s ratio is between three or more teams, a new classification of these teams in the terms of point 1, 2 and 3 will be made taking into consideration only the matches in which they were opposed to each other.  

g.      Point system

 Match won 3-0,3-1 (3 points) 

 Match won  3-2 (2 points) 

 Match lost 2-3 (1 point)

 Match lost 0-3,1-3 (0 points) 

 Match forfeited (25-0,25-0,25-0) 0 point

6. Prolonged interruptions

If unforeseen circumstances interrupt the match, the 1st referee, 2nd referee and the match commissioner shall decide the measures to be taken to re-establish normal conditions.

a.       Should one or several interruptions occur, not exceeding 2 hours in total:

                 If the match is resumed on the same playing court, the interrupted set shall continue normally with the same score, players (except expelled or disqualified ones) and positions. The sets already played will keep their scores;

                 If the match is resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set is cancelled and replayed with the same team members and the same starting line-ups (except expelled or disqualified ones) and the record of all sanctions will be maintained. The sets   already played will keep their scores.

                 Should one or several interruptions occur, not exceeding 4 hours in total:

a.       If the match is resumed on the same playing court, the interrupted set shall continue normally with the same score, players (except expelled or disqualified ones) and positions. The sets already played will keep their scores;

b.      If the match is resumed on another playing court, the interrupted set is cancelled and replayed with the same team members and the same starting line-ups (except expelled or disqualified ones) and the record of all sanctions will be maintained. The sets already played will keep their scores.

  No appeals may be lodged against decisions stated in Article 6

7.  Stadia (Playing Fields)  

a. All the Stadia (Playing Fields) for the NFL will be at the Changlingmethang Outdoor Volleyball Arena.

8.  The field of Play  

a.    The BVBF shall ensure that the Field of Play is in good condition. 

b.    The referees will inspect the playing field prior to the match and ensure that all arrangements are in accordance with the laws of the game. If the conditions of the field of play are not met by the laws of the game, the referees will issue instructions to rectify. 

9.  Technical area 

a.       Only registered players and Coaching Staffs shall remain within the technical area during the whole match duration and must behave in a respectable manner. NO outside guests will be entertained in the technical area

b.      All officials and players on the team bench must wear their eligibility card at all times. 

c.       It shall be the responsibility of the home team to ensure that players or individuals without Accreditation card for the match do not enter the technical area.

d.      The players of the bench can be at warm up area with the team jersey or be on the bench with jacket.

10.  Volleyballs  

a. The volleyballs for the competition shall be selected and supplied by the BVBF. 

11.  Match Schedule  

a. All matches are played according to the competition fixture which will be drawn by the BVBF.

12.  Competition system  

a.   The matches in the competition shall be played in accordance with the following format. 

i.              Single round League. 

ii.            Top TWO Clubs will fight for champion of NFL.

iii.          Top third and fourth will compete for third place.

13.  Team Uniforms.   

Each team must have 1 set of proper uniform with contrasting colours for all players. Uniform must have numbers from 1-20 on both the front and the back of the jerseys. The height of the jersey numbers on the front must be 15cm, while the back must be 20. The thickness of the number must be precisely 2 cm. All the club jerseys must have the logo of the Bhutan Volleyball Federation printed on the front of the jersey. The players must wear the same coloured uniform (shirts, shorts & socks) in all the matches, except for the libero who must wear a different coloured uniform. Players must wear only their respective registered jersey number throughout the competition.

 14.  Accreditation Cards 

All the players and officials will be issued with an Accreditation Card with BVBF official seal on it. It is the responsibility of individual players and officials to take care of the card and carry it throughout the competition. Clubs must pay Nu. 500/- per card for issuing a new card.

Section 3: ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION  

15.  Eligible Clubs

i.               Clubs registered with BVBF

ii.             The BVBF shall have the authority to evict any of the clubs from participating in the league

16.  Duties and obligations  

    On entering the competition, the team shall automatically undertake:  

a.   To observe any agreements entered into with BVBF as well as regulations, policies, decisions, guidelines and circulars issued by BVBF. 

b.  To comply with the laws of the game issued by the FIVB & BVBF; 

c.   To accept that all the administrative, disciplinary and refereeing matters connected with the competition shall be settled by BVBF in compliance with this regulation. 

d.  To observe the principles of fair play. 

e.   To be responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials and members, and any person carrying out duties on their behalf throughout the competition, either at home or from their arrival in the host place until their departure. 

f.   To ensure that unauthorised persons are not allowed entry into the team’s technical area 

17.  Withdrawal, penalty for failing to play and replacement  

a.       Teams shall mandatorily play in all competition matches.  

b.      If a team withdraws after entering or does not report for a match at any stage of the competition, except in cases of force-majeure recognized by the BVBF, or it refuses to continue to play or leaves the stadia (Playing field) before the end of the match, the team shall: 

1. Be considered to have withdrawn from the competition, and must pay fine of NU: 10,000/-. Failure to pay the fine within a period of a month shall be an automatic de-affiliation of the club, and permanent ban for the Executive Members (President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Manager) of the club from participating in any events and programs of the BVBF, in any capacity. 

2. Be required to pay compensation for any damages and losses suffered by the BVBF.

3. Be disqualified (club) from taking part in the next two (2) editions of the competition. The BVBF may extend the suspension depending on the gravity of the situation. 

4. Return to the BVBF any financial subsidy/grant that had been paid to them by BVBF throughout the competition or forfeit the right to the same. 

18.   Social Media and Public Protest

a.       All the members of the Clubs, including players and other staff must strictly refrain from writing and posting any comments on the social media platforms that criticize and downgrade the image of the Bhutan Volleyball Federation and other Clubs. 

b.       Players and Clubs who take to social media platforms to criticize and downgrade the image of the BVBF and other clubs shall be suspended and banned from taking part in any programs and events organized by the BVBF

c.       However, players and clubs may discuss with the BVBF without any repercussions should they have any issues. The BVBF shall welcome such criticisms to create a platform for the clubs and the BVBF to work together.

19. Match Fixing

a. Should there be any case of match fixing, the Clubs and players concerned shall be penalised as deemed fit by the BVBF. The BVBF shall have the full authority to determine the appropriate actions against persons or clubs involved in match fixing. If it happens, both the clubs will forfeit the match and both the clubs will award 0 points and 0 -0 scores.

Section 4: TEAM’S OFFICIAL DELEGATION: OFFICIALS & PLAYERS   

20.  Eligibility of players

a.         A player is eligible to play in the competition provided he fulfils all the following conditions: 

i.                  He is duly registered by the team with BVBF according to its own rules and those of BVBF Regulation for the Status and Transfer of players, where relevant; 

ii.                He is only eligible to play for a club affiliated to BVBF. 

iii.              The club is allowed to hire TWO players from foreign country or in country.

iv.              In the match only ONE foreign or hired player is allowed to play.

b.         A player is deemed ineligible if: 

i.                  BVBF finds that documents submitted during registration is/are false 

c.         Any team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player shall forfeit the match. Victory and the resultant three (3) points will be awarded to the opposing team as well as the score of 25-0. The guilty club, and its officials shall also be subject to further fines of Nu: 20,000/- and sanctions as determined by the BVBF. 

21.  Documentations for registration of players  

    a.  For the registration of players for the competition, players must be registered with the club according to the player registration rules and requirements. Last date for the finalisation of the squad for the League is 25th August 2023.  

22.  Principles for Registration of Players  

a.       A Team can register minimum of ten (12) players, and 5 officials must come in sports attire, if possible same dress code to all.

b.      Throughout the competition, each player shall wear the same number allocated to him on the BVBF Registration form for players from 1-20 submitted to BVBF during the registration. The same player may not use different shirt numbers in different matches. New players must be assigned new vacant shirt numbers. 

c.       All participating players will be issued with an Accreditation Card authorized by the BVBF.

23. Match reporting time

a. Clubs shall report at the playing field at least 1-hour before the match start time, with all the players for the particular match. 

i.              In the event a club fails to have 6 players, 30 minutes before the match start time, the match shall be considered forfeited.

ii.            The club manager/captain shall submit the name of all the available players for the match day 50 minutes before the match start time. Players who did not report to the playing field by 1hour before the match time will not be allowed to play the match. The club manager/captain shall also indicate the name of the 6 players starting the match, and fill up the match starting list. Any issues or concerns must be reported and settled 50 minutes before the match start time. 

b.      Match protocols shall be strictly implemented as per the match protocol document. All the clubs and players must be familiar with the match protocols.

24.  Player selection list 

a.       For every match in the competition, clubs will receive a “Player Selection List” on which the numbers and full names of all the available players in the squad are listed. 

b.      Clubs must indicate on the “Player Selection List” the six (6) players who will start the match and the substitute players. The team and game captain must be identified on the player selection list. 

25.  Match starting list  

a. Upon receiving the “Player Selection list”, the match officials will check on the Accreditation Card of the players at least thirty (30) minutes before kick-off of the match. Only those players who are in possession of an Accreditation Card are eligible to play in the matches. 

26.  Appointment of team officials

a. Each participating team must appoint a team manager or coach who coordinates with the BVBF and the match officials.  

b. The club is eligible to appoint 5 officials

27.  Registration of officials  

a. For all matches, teams may register a maximum of 5 Officials within the registration period: Manager/Coach, Medic (2) and Asst. Manager/Coach and media

28.  Principles for Registration of Officials  

a.       Clubs can register a maximum three (3) officials who will be entitled for access to the technical area upon presentation of Accreditation Card

b.      All officials must wear proper uniform (sports attire) while on the technical area during the match

Section 5: DISCIPLINARY LAWS AND PROCEDURES   

29.  Disciplinary measures and appeals  

a.       Disciplinary measures are dealt with in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. 

b.      The BVBF may impose disciplinary measures for any violation of current competition regulation. 

c.       Players and officials of the clubs shall never engage with and confront the spectators as a response to the comments made during the match time. Players and officials seen to neglect this rule otherwise shall be strictly dealt with by the BVBF disciplinary committee, and shall be liable to receive strict penalties, including but not limited to red card, suspension from the league or financial penalties.

d.      The Disciplinary Committee shall be formed as and when necessary, by the BVBF, consisting of the following members:

i.               BVBF APO

ii.             Referees (2)

30.  Violence by players and / or officials  

a. Any player or official reported for indiscipline or violent conduct anywhere in the stadia including field of play, changing rooms, and training sites shall be suspended from the league with seriousness of the offend.

31.  Protest  

a.       Protest shall first be submitted in writing to the BVBF within two (2) hours of the match by the club concerned and followed up immediately with a full written report, including a copy of the original protest, to be sent in writing to the match commissioner accompanied by a fee of Nu. 5000 (Nu. Five thousand). 

b.      No protest shall be made against the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play, such decisions being final and binding.

Section 6: TROPHIES, MEDALS AND OTHER RULES

32.  Trophy and medals  

a.       The National Federation League trophy is presented to the Champions of the League as a rolling trophy and small give away trophy or certificates with frame for the champion of the league and small giveaway trophy to the runners up.

33.  Matters Not Provided For:  

Matters not provided for in these Regulations shall be decided by the BVBF. Such decisions are binding and final.  

34.  ANTI-DOPING RULES

a. All the Anti-Doping matters will be dealt as per the Bhutan Anti-Doping Code of the Bhutan Anti-Doping Committee

AGREEMENT

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations, and conditions stipulated in this document. I also agree that the BVBF has the full authority in dictating any other matters not provided for in this guideline, and shall respect the decision of the federation. 

Name: ………………………………………                                                                  

Role/Designation: ………………………….

Name of the Club: ………………………….