League Regulations
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League Regulations 2020 updated in Feb 2020
(1) Correspondence
All correspondence in relation to fixtures is to be submitted from the Club Secrretary official email only to the County Secretary’s official email administrator.cork@gaa.ie
(2) Completion Dates (Divisions 1-5)
The completion date for the group stage of the Divisions 1 to 5 in both Football and Hurling in 2020 is Sunday, July 12th. League finals are scheduled for the weekend of July 18th/19th. Dates and times for all regular rounds have been fixed by the CCC.
(3) Venue
The first named team has home venue, but if this venue is not available, the game will be played at the opponent’s venue or at neutral venue. The national flag is to be flown for all league games and pitches are to be properly lined and flagged.
(3) Referee
Where the appointed referee fails to attend, agreement must be reached between the two clubs on a substitute referee by either tossing or by agreement. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the league points by the club or clubs failing to agree. In the event of a referee being agreed by both clubs it is the responsibility of the club of the referee to ensure that the official report of the game is submitted within three days of the game. If the agreed referee is not a member of either participating club, the responsibility for ensuring the report is submitted shall rest with the home club.
(4) Fixtures
All fixtures listed at the start of the year are thereby ratified for the dates / times outlined.
Request for Postponement / Change
Any request for changes to the listed time and / or date must be sent from the club secretary’s official email to the county secretary’s official email administrator.cork@gaa.ie at least five days in advance of the fixture. No postponements shall be granted thereafter, except in exceptional circumstances.
If a match is to be postponed or changed the following criteria must be met:
- Both clubs must email administrator.cork@gaa. referencing the fixture involved, both outlining the same reason for change of fixture and both listing the same new agreed re-fixture date / time.
- The re-fixture date must be on / before the same date in the following month and on / before the July 12th For example, a match postponed on March 15th must be re-fixed to be played on a date on or before April 15th before postponement is granted.
- If the request is approved by CCC, the new date / time becomes a ratified fixture and the fixture list will be updated accordingly.
- All fixtures are subject to a limit of two postponements. On the third postponement, the fixture become null and void or a walkover is granted.
- If two clubs fail to agree on either postponement or a re-fixture date, the fixture stands. A club may then unilaterally request a change of fixture from the CCC for exceptional reasons, stating clearly that agreement between the clubs does not apply.
Unfulfilled Fixtures / Walkovers
A fine of €100 per team will apply for each unfulfilled fixture, unless a walkover is given by one of the teams. Walkovers will be awarded automatically where one of the teams involved fails to fulfil or indicates their intention not to fulfil a fixture without the joint submission of an agreed re-fixture date. A fine of €100 will apply to the relevant team in each case. Disputes in relation to the non-fulfilment of a fixture will be referred to the CCC.
In addition, a club which fails to complete more than two of its fixtures in the group stage of a league during a calendar year will be automatically relegated. It is at the discretion of the CCC whether a team is promoted (or not relegated) in its place.
If a club is disqualified or retires during the course of the league, its played games shall stand and its unplayed games awarded to the opposing teams. A fine of €100 per game will apply.
Championship games
Where clubs in the same league are meeting in championship, league points may be awarded for the championship game, subject to the agreement of both clubs and subject to general rule with regard to suspensions. Such agreements should be notified to administrator.cork@gaa.ie at least one week prior to the relevant league or championship game, whichever is earlier. If such a championship game takes place after the league deadline, points will not be awarded.
(5) Substitutions
Up to nine (9) substitutions shall be permitted in the playing of normal time in all games in the County Leagues, County Junior Leagues ‘A’ and ‘B’ and other Secondary Competitions under the jurisdiction of Coiste Chontae Chorcaí. Rule 2.4, Rules of Specification, Official Guide, Part 2 sections (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) shall not be affected by this deviation. A maximum of three substitutes remains for extra-time, where played.
(6) Match results by text
The home club is responsible for returning all match results. The person in this club appointed to return results will receive a text message prior to the commencement of the game.
(7) League points
League results shall be credited as follows: 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and 1 point for each game played. Therefore, a winning team get 5 points for a particular match and the losing team gets 1 point. If a walkover is granted 5 points and 0 points are awarded, respectively (deviation from rule granted by Croke Park).
(8) League Placings
Where teams finish with equal points for qualification for the concluding stages, or for promotion / relegation, the tie shall be decided by the following means and in the order specified
- Where two teams only are involved – the outcome of the meeting of the two teams in the previous game in the competition
- Scoring difference (subtracting the total scores against from total scores for)
- Highest total score for
- Exceptions: In relation to means (ii) and (iii) above, if the accumulated scores of a team, so involved, are affected by a disqualification, retirement or walkover / unplayed fixture, the tie shall be decided by a play off.
(9) League Play-offs
All league finals will be played between the top two teams in a division.
(10) Promotion / Relegation
For the 2020 season, promotion and relegation between the divisions is as follows, with a rebalancing of numbers as outlined below.
The CCC have agreed the following:
For 2021
- Division 1 with 12 teams in both F & H is proposed
- Divisions 2-5 with 10 teams in each
- Division 6 is required in hurling due to extra teams
- Promotion / Relegation required across 2020 as below
| Football Leagues | Promotion | Relegation |
| Football – Division 1 | Top 2 qualify for league final. | Bottom team relegated. |
| Football – Division 2 | Top 2 qualify for league final.
Both are promoted. |
Bottom team relegated. |
| Football – Division 3 | Top 2 qualify for league final.
Winner is promoted |
Bottom 2 teams relegated. |
| Football – Division 4 | Top 2 qualify for league final.
Winner is promoted |
Bottom 3 teams relegated. |
| Football – Division 5 | Top 2 qualify for league final.
Winner is promoted |
Bottom 2 teams relegated to Junior Leagues. |
| Division | Start no. | Promotion out | Relegation out | Relegation in | Promotion in | Finish no. |
| Division 1 | 11 | 0 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Division 2 | 11 | -2 | -1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Division 3 | 11 | -1 | -2 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Division 4 | 11 | -1 | -3 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Division 5 | 9 | -1 | -2 | 3 | 1 | 10 |
| Junior Leagues | 2 | |||||
| Total | 53 | 52 |
In Hurling there is greater movement required to balance the League Divisions. In each Division there will be a League Final and champions crowned. However, apart from Division 5, promotion / relegation will be based on final League placings.
| Division | Start no. | Promotion out | Relegation out | Relegation in | Promotion in | Finish no. | Note |
| Division 1 | 16 | 0 | -4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | Top 12 in Division 1 |
| Division 2 | 12 | 0 | -6 | 4 | 0 | 10 | Bottom 4 in Division 1 & Top 6 in Division 2 |
| Division 3 | 11 | 0 | -7 | 6 | 0 | 10 | Bottom 6 in Division 2 & Top 4 in Division 3 |
| Division 4 | 12 | 0 | -9 | 7 | 0 | 10 | Bottom 7 in Division 3 & Top 3 in Division 4 |
| Division 5 | 11 | 0 | -10 | 9 | 0 | 10 | Bottom 9 in Division 4 & Top 1 in Division 5 |
| Division 6 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 10 | Next 9 in Division & 2020 Junior A cship winners | ||
| Junior Leagues | 1 | Bottom 1 in Division 5 | |||||
| Total | 62 | 62 |
(11) Participating Teams
| No. | Division 1 FL (11) | Division 2 FL (11) | Division 3 FL (11) | Division 4 FL (11) | Division 5 FL (9) |
| 1 | Ballincollig | B.A.’n Ghaorthaidh | Aghabullogue | Ballydesmond | Adrigole |
| 2 | Carbery Rangers | Carrigaline | Aghada | Bantry Blues | Ballinora |
| 3 | Castlehaven | Clyda Rovers | Bandon | Bishopstown | Glanmire |
| 4 | Cill na Martra | Douglas | Castletownbere | Dromtarriffe | Grenagh |
| 5 | Clonakilty | Eire Óg | Dohenys | Gabriel Rangers | Kildorrery |
| 6 | Kiskeam | Fermoy | Glanworth | Glenville | Kilshannig |
| 7 | Mallow | Ilen Rovers | Knocknagree | Kinsale | Millstreet |
| 8 | Nemo Rangers | Kanturk | Macroom | Mayfield | St. Finbarr’s |
| 9 | O’Donovan Rossa | Newcestown | Naomh Abán | Mitchelstown | St. Nick’s |
| 10 | St. Finbarr’s | Newmarket | Nemo Rangers | Na Piarsaigh | |
| 11 | St. Michael’s | Valley Rovers | Rockchapel | St. Vincent’s |
| No. | Division 1 HL (16) | Division 2 HL (12) | Division 3 HL (11) | Division 4 HL (12) | Division 5 HL (11) |
| 1 | Ballymartle | Ballinhassig | Ballincollig | Aghabullogue | Ballinhassig |
| 2 | Bishopstown | Ballyhea | Blackrock | Aghada | Ballymartle |
| 3 | Blackrock | Bandon | Blarney | Argideen Rangers | Barryroe |
| 4 | Bride Rovers | Carrigtwohill | Carrigaline | Ballygarvan | Castlemartyr |
| 5 | Charleville | Castlelyons | Inniscarra | Cloughduv | Douglas |
| 6 | Douglas | Cloyne | Kildorrery | Dungourney | Dripsey |
| 7 | Erins Own | Courcey Rovers | Mayfield | Eire Óg | Glen Rovers |
| 8 | Glen Rovers | Fermoy | Milford | Kilbrittain | Grenagh |
| 9 | Kanturk | Fr. O’Neill’s | Tracton | Meelin | Na Piarsaigh |
| 10 | Killeagh | Kilworth | Watergrasshill | Midleton | Russell Rovers |
| 11 | Midleton | Mallow | Youghal | Sarsfields | St. Finbarr’s |
| 12 | Na Piarsaigh | Valley Rovers | St. Catherine’s | ||
| 13 | Newcestown | ||||
| 14 | Newtownshandrum | ||||
| 15 | Sarsfields | ||||
| 16 | St. Finbarr’s |
(12) Junior County Leagues
Groupings and Dates are listed below.. Please note that the dates listed indicate the date on or before which the fixture must be played. Group stage fixtures become void after the date listed.
As Divisional League and Championship fixtures will take precedence as before, it is not possible to allocate definite dates and times to fixtures until there is agreement between Clubs.
An effort was made to avoid teams from the same Division insofar as was possible. If teams from the same Division wish to double-up with Divisional League games, that will be accepted.
Junior A Hurling
24 teams – 4 groups of 6 top team from each group qualifies for semi-finals
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
| Ballinora | Blarney | Cloughduv | Inniscarra |
| Ballygiblin | Ballyhooly | Dromina | Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels |
| Brian Dillons | Nemo Rangers | St. Vincent’s | Whitechurch |
| Courcey Rovers | Kinsale | Valley Rovers | Shanballymore |
| Erins Own | Diarmuid O Mathunas | Kilbrin | Kanturk |
| Kilbree | Watergrasshill | Donoughmore | St. Ita’s |
| Round | end Date |
| Round 1 | March 31st |
| Round 2 | April 30th |
| Round 3 | May 31st |
| Round 4 | June 30th |
| Round 5 | July 31st |
| Semi-finals | Aug 31st |
| Final | Sept 30th |
Junior B Hurling
16 teams – 4 groups of 4 top team from each group qualifies for semi-finals
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
| Aghabullogue | Blarney | Grenagh | O’Donovan Rossa |
| Rathpeacon | Lough Rovers | Douglas | Carrigtwohill |
| Ballinhassig | Newmarket | Randal Óg | Inniscarra |
| Freemount | Kilbrittain | Cloyne | Belgooly |
| Round | end Date |
| Round 1 | March 31st |
| Round 2 | April 30th |
| Round 3 | May 31st |
| Semi-finals | June 30th |
| Final | July 31st |
Junior A Football
9 teams – 1 groups of 4 and 1 group of 5 top two teams from each group qualify for semi-finals
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
| Boherbue | Kanturk |
| Canovee | Kilmurry |
| White’s Cross | Cobh |
| Urhan | Knocknagree |
| St. Michael’s |
| Round | end Date |
| Round 1 | March 31st |
| Round 2 | April 30th |
| Round 3 | May 31st |
| Round 4 | June 30th |
| Semi-finals | July 31st |
| Final | Aug 31st |
Junior B Football
2 groups of 4 – top two teams from each group qualify for semi-finals
| Group 1 | Group 2 |
| Aghabullogue | Inniscarra |
| Kilmurry | Macroom |
| Boherbue | Millstreet |
| Glanmire | St. John’s |
| Round | end Date |
| Round 1 | March 31st |
| Round 2 | April 30th |
| Round 3 | May 31st |
| Semi-finals | June 30th |
| Final | July 31st |
