Senior Player Rule

***SENIOR PLAYER RULE - UPDATED 23/24 SEASON***

Generally this relates to Division 2 & 3 teams but I have been asked by a few people to clarify the senior player rule ahead of next season. For full detail please refer to Rule 18 (k) in the rule book for league eligibility and Rule 5 for cup eligibility.

***LEAGUE/CUP LIMITS ON SENIOR PLAYERS:***
Div 1 - No Limit on senior players
Div 2 - 2 Senior Players
Div 3 - No Senior Players *
Memorial Open Challenge - No limit on senior players
President’s Invitation Cup - No limit on senior players
Junior Trophy - No Senior Players
Anniversary Trophy - No Senior Players*

*If a player has played 5 games in division 1 or 2 then they become ineligible to play in division 3 or the Anniversary Cup.

***WHAT MAKES A SENIOR PLAYER:***
A senior player is someone who has made any appearance (regardless of time on the pitch) at NLS Regional Feeder League (step 7) or above including relevant cup competitions.
or
Has played a total of 5 games between the following competitions: ADFL Division 1, Hampshire Sunday Senior cup, North Hants Senior Cup, Presidents Cup, Basingstoke Kelvin Cup or equivalent.

For clarity the following leagues have local based players representation and are classed as Step 7 or higher. I have also included the more common local teams in italics. Please note this list is not extensive and the rule applies to all clubs in these divisions, their equivalents and higher divisions:

Hampshire Premier League Senior Division
Stockbridge, Winchester Castle, Colden Common, Hook, Fleet Spurs etc (Note: Division 1 clubs Broughton & Overton are not classed as senior)

Wessex League (all divisions)
Andover New Street, Andover Town, Downton, Laverstock & Ford, Ringwood, Romsey, Whitchurch United etc

Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division
Amesbury, Ludgershall, Shrewton, Salisbury Dev etc

If you have any doubt on senior player status please contact the players registration secretary for clarity.