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Rules and Regulations for Carbery (South-West Cork) Championships  2024   

■ ■  THE Competitions

■ Junior A Football 2024

■ Junior B Football 2024

■ Junior C/D Football 2024

■ U21 Football 2024

■ Junior A Hurling 2024

■ Junior B Hurling  2024

■ Junior C Hurling 20241

■ U21 Hurling 2024

■ Competing Teams

■■ Host Club

■ ■ Referee

■ ■ Competition Dates / Times

■ ■ 2024 Formats

■ ■ Formats

The Competitions 

(1)  The Carbery (South-West Cork) championships are governed by Treoraí Oifigiúil and the Byelaws of the Cork County Board.  The Junior A and Junior B football championships and the Junior A and Junior B hurling championships shall be run on a group/league system. 

(2)   The winner of the Junior A football championship shall represent the Division in the County Junior A Football Championship. The winner of the Junior A hurling championship shall represent the Division in the County Junior A Hurling Championship. 

(3)   The winner of the Junior B football championship shall represent the Division in the County Divisional Junior B Football Championship and may be promoted to Junior A for the following season. The winner of the Junior B Hurling championship shall represent the Division in the County Divisional Junior B Hurling Championshipand may be promoted to Junior A for the following season. 

(4)   There shall be relegation each season, except in exceptional circumstances, from Junior A to Junior B in both football and hurling. 

(5)   New championships are on a trial basis for three years, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The CCC shall have power to make adjustments where necessary. 

(6) The gradings shall be taken from the previous year’s championship. At the conclusion of the championships, gradings for the following year will be worked out according (1) Play-off stages; (2) points accumulated; (3) scoring difference. 

(7) A winner-on-the-day format is at the discretion of the CCC but may be used in all knockout games up to the final. If a final finishes level after extra time, a replay may take place, if time permits. In a replayed final, it shall be winner-on-the-day, including penalties if necessary.  

JUNIOR A FOOTBALL 2024 

(1)    The Junior A football championship shall consist of sixteen teams. 

(2)    The championship shall be divided into 4 Roinn of 4 teams. 

(3)    Qualifying Rounds: Rd 1.  A v B, C v D.   Rd 2.  A v D, B v C.  Rd 3.  A v C, B v D.      

(4)    Following the qualifying rounds, the top two teams from each group shall qualify for the knockout quarter-finals. The quarter-finals teams shall be graded 1 to 8 according to finishing positions. (Winner Roinn 1=1: winner Roinn 2=2; winner Roinn 3=3;; winner Roinn 4=4; runner-up Roinn 1=5; runner-up Roinn 2=6; runner-up Roinn 3=7; runner-up Roinn 4=8).  

(5)     Quarter-finals – A. 1 v 8:          B. 2 v 7:       C. 3 v 6:        D.   4 v 5. 

(6)    Semi-finals  -  A v B        C v D. 

(7)  If   teams finish level on points at the end of the qualifying rounds, placings will be according to the Cork County Board  League and Championship Regulations 2024. (No. 2).   

(8) Relegation -  The number of teams to be relegated from Junior A to Junior B  shall be decided when the results of the SW Junior B, the County Premier Junior  and the

County Junior B (open and confined championships) make it clear what teams are to be involved in relegation play-offs.  

      If one team is to be relegated there shall be a play-off between teams 15 and 16..  

      If two teams are to be relegated, there shall be play-offs between the bottom teams in each of the four Roinn. (Team 13 v Team 16  and  Team 14 v Team 15.)  

      If three teams are to be relegated, there shall be play-offs between the bottom teams in each Roinn. (Team 13 v Team 16 and Team 14 v Team 15) The losers of those two games are relegated and the winners then play off. The loser of that game is also relegated.  

(9)  If a team applies to be regraded from Junior A to Junior B, the decision shall be taken by the CCC. If the regrading is allowed, then the number of teams due to be relegated from A may be reduced by one.  

(10) If a team has to be nominated to represent the division in the county championship, that team shall be selected in the following order  -    

(i)  the reigning champions, if still in the championship;  

(ii) if the reigning champions are gone from the championship, or unable to represent the division, then a single team through to the final shall be nominated;  

(iii) If 2 teams in the final, the highest placed of those two teams from the qualifiers;  

(iv) If no team in the final, then highest placed team from the qualifiers still in the championship. 

JUNIOR B FOOTBALL 2024 

(1).      9 teams   -   the teams shall be divided into three Roinn (3 x 3)  

(2).     Qualifying Rounds -  Rd 1.  A v B.    Rd 2.  Winner A/B v C.    Rd 3.  Loser A/B v C. 

(3).     The top 2 teams in each group qualify for the play-offs. The best two of the six qualifiers qualify directly for the semi-finals (points/scoring difference) 

(4)    If  teams finish level on points at the end of the qualifying rounds, placings will be according to the Cork County Board  League and Championship Regulations 2024. (No. 2).   

(5).     Quarter-finals -  The third group winner and the three runners-up will qualify for two quarter-finals. 

       (A) Third group winner v 3rd best runner-up (or 2nd best to avoid repeat pairing);  

        (B) 1st best runner-up v 2nd best runner-up (or 3rd best runner-up). (points/scoring difference). 

(6).     Semi-finals -  1.   Best Qualifier v B (repeat pairing to be avoided, if possible) 

                                 2.  2nd Best Qualifier v A (repeat pairing to be avoided, if possible).  

(7)      FINAL  -   1  v  2  

(8).     The winner of the championship may be promoted to Junior A for the following season, at the discretion of the CCC.  

(9).     If a Carbery (SW) team wins the county open or confined junior B title, they shall be automatically promoted 

10).  Relegation -  There is no relegation from the junior B championship. A team may request to regrade to C, at the discretion of the CCC.  

(11).  If a team has to be nominated to represent the division in the county championship, that team shall be selected as follows  -   

(i)    If only one team in the final, that team shall be nominated; 

(ii)    If 2 teams in the final, higher placed team of the two in the qualifiers; 

(iii)    If no team in the final, highest placed team in the qualifiers still in the championship. 

JUNIOR C/D FOOTBALL 2024 

(1) For players who haven’t played in a higher grade that season prior to the Junior C/D Championship. 

(2) Format and timing to be decided each season by the CCC according to number of teams and time available. 

(3) The C championship winner may apply to be upgraded to B, but are not automatically promoted.  If they win the C championship twice in three years and the club does not have a team already in B, they are automatically upgraded to B.  

(4) Junior C Football is 13 a-side. A team may begin a game with eleven but must have thirteen for the commencement of the second half. 

U.21  FOOTBALL 2024 

(1) U.21 Football Championships will be organised each season by the Carbery (SW) Board. 

(2) The format and timing – , gradings, groups, backdoor or straight knock-out -  will be decided by the CCC, in accordance with Co. Board guidelines. For 2024, the A grade shall comprise 8 teams; the B Grade shall comprise 8 teams; the C grade shall comprise 4 teams.  

The format shall be straight knock-out for Grades A and B   and criss-cross for Grade C in 2024.  

According to County Board guidelines the 2024 football championships are confined to weekends   3rd/4th ,   10th/11th   and   17th/18th  February.  

(3) Independent teams will be allowed to participate in the U.21 Football Championships, subject to county committee ratification.  

(4) Grade C  is 13 a-side. A team may begin a game with eleven but must have thirteen for the commencement of the second half.  

(5) All knockout games up to the final are winner-on-the-day (including extra time and penalties).  

(6 A drawn Final will go to extra time but the CCC will have decided beforehand whether it should then go to penalties or a replay, depending on circumstances. A replayed drawn Final will go to extra time and penalties.   

(7) U.17 players are allowed to compete in U.21 championships.  

JUNIOR A HURLING  2024 

(1)    The Junior A hurling championship shall consist of 13 teams.   

(2)    The championship shall be divided into 3 Roinn of 3 teams and 1 Roinn of 4 teams. 

(3) Qualifying Rounds:      (Roinn of 4) -  Rd 1,  A v B, C v D.    Rd 2,  A v D,  B v C.   

Rd 3,  A v C,  B v D. 

             (Roinn of 3)  -  Rd 1 ,  A v B:       Rd 2,  Winner A/B v C:      Rd 3,  Loser A/B v C.   

(4)    Following the qualifying rounds, the top two teams from each group shall qualify for the knockout quarter-finals. The quarter-finals teams shall be graded 1 to 8 according to finishing positions. (Winner Roinn 1=1: winner Roinn 2=2; winner Roinn 3=3;; winner Roinn 4=4; runner-up Roinn 1=5; runner-up Roinn 2=6; runner-up Roinn 3=7; runner-up Roinn 4=8).  

(5)     Quarter-finals – A. 1 v 8:          B. 2 v 7:       C. 3 v 6:        D.   4 v 5. 

(6)    Semi-finals  -  A v B        C v D. 

(7)  If   teams finish level on points at the end of the qualifying rounds, placings will be according to the Cork County Board  League and Championship Regulations 2024. (No. 2).   

(8) Relegation -  The number of teams to be relegated from Junior A to Junior B each year shall be decided when the results of the SW Junior B, the County Premier Junior  and the  

County Junior B (open and confined championships) make it clear what teams are to be involved in relegation play-offs.   

      Teams from all 4 Roinn are subject to relegation. 

      If one team is to be relegated there shall be a play-off between teams 12 and 13. 

      If two teams are to be relegated, there shall be play-offs between the bottom teams in each of the four Roinn. (Team 10 v Team 13  and  Team 11`v Team 12)  

      If three teams are to be relegated, there shall be play-offs between the bottom teams in each Roinn. (Team 10 v Team 13  and Team 11 v Team 12 The losers of those two games are relegated and the winners then play off. The loser of that game is also relegated.)  

     If 4 teams are to be relegated then the bottom team in each Roinn is automatically relegated.  

(9)  If a team applies to be regraded from Junior A to Junior B, the decision shall be taken by the CCC. If the regrading is allowed, then the number of teams due to be relegated from A may be reduced by one.  

(10) If a team has to be nominated to represent the division in the county championship, that team shall be selected in the following order  -    

(i)  the reigning champions, if still in the championship;  

(ii) if the reigning champions are gone from the championship, or unable to represent the division, then a single team through to the final shall be nominated;  

(iii) If 2 teams in the final, the highest placed of those two teams from the qualifiers;  

(iv) If no team in the final, then highest placed team from the qualifiers still in the championship. 

JUNIOR B HURLING  2024 

1.  6 Teams  -   the championship shall be divided into two Roinn (2 x  3).   

2.  Format – The three teams in Roinn 1  will play the 3 teams in Roinn 2.  

            Qualifying Rounds  -  Rd 1              1A v 2C              1B v 2B               1 C v 2A  

                                                  Rd 2             1A v 2B               1B v 2A               1C v  2C 

                                                   Rd 3             1A v 2A               1B v 2C               1C v 2B  

3.  If  teams finish level on points at the end of the qualifying rounds, placings will be according to the Cork County Board  League and Championship Regulations 2024. (No. 2).   

           4.  The Top 2 teams in each Roinn qualify for the semi-finals. 

           5.    Semi-finals  -  1.  Winner Roinn 1  v  Runner-up Roinn 1 

                                         2  Winner Roinn 2 v Runner-up Roinn 2  

            6.   Final   -     1 v 2  

6.   The winner of the championship may be promoted to Junior A for the following season, at the discretion of the CCC.  

7.  If a SW team wins the county open or confined junior B title, they shall be automatically promoted. 

9.  Relegation -  There is no relegation from the junior B championship. A team may request to regrade to C, with the CCC making the decision.  

10.  If a team has to be nominated to represent the division in the county championship, that team shall be selected in this order  -   

(i)    If only one team in the final – nominated: 

(ii)     If 2 teams in the final, highest placed of both teams in the qualifiers; 

(iii)     If no team in the final, highest placed team in the qualifiers still in the championship.  

JUNIOR C  HURLING 

(1) For players who haven’t played in a higher grade that season prior to the Junior C Championship. 

(2) Format and timing to be decided each season by the CCC, according to number of teams and time available. 

(3) There is no automatic promotion, and no relegation from Junior C. The CCC will decide on promoting junior C teams to Junior B, depending on results and circumstances. 

(5) Junior C Hurling is 13 a-side. A team may begin a game with eleven but must have thirteen at the commencement of  the second half. 

U.21  HURLING   2024  

(1) U.21 Hurling Championships will be organised each season by the Carbery (SW)  Board, if possible. 

(3) The grading and format (league groups, backdoor, round-robin or straight knock-out) and timing of the championships  will be decided by the CCC, in accordance with Co. Board Guidelines.  

(4)  For 2024 the championships will be run on a knock-out basis.  

(5) Independent teams will be allowed to participate in the U.21 Hurling Championships, subject to Carbery (SW) Board CCC approval and subsequent county committee ratification.   

(7) Grade C  is 13 a-side. A team may begin a game with eleven but must have thirteen at the commencement of  the second half .   

(8) All games up to the final are winner-on-the-day (including extra time and penalties).  

(9) A drawn Final will go to extra time but the CCC will have decided beforehand whether it should then go to penalties or a replay, depending on circumstances. A replayed drawn Final will go to extra time and penalties.   

(10) U.17 players will be allowed to compete in U.21 championships.  

COMPETING TEAMS 

(1) Jerseys should be clearly numbered properly, front and back. Failure to comply with this rule may incur a €50 fine for every championship game in which the faulty jerseys are worn. 

(2) Clubs are required to dress uniformly i.e. matching socks and shorts.  

(3) Official Team List, in Irish, to be supplied to referee prior to commencement of game. 

(4) The maximum number of Officials allowed into the pitch area for the game (including two Water Carriers (Football) and two Water/Hurley Carriers (Hurling), is to be 12 persons. There should be no exceptions to this rule. The host club should issue the relevant passes to an officer of each competing club, once they arrive at the venue. 

(5) Team panel  admitted to the pitch area is limited to a maximum of 30 players, 15 starting and 15 substitutes. This limit also applies to the listing in the match programme.   

(6) With the exception of the Bainisteoir, the Medical Officer and the two Water or Water/Hurley Carriers (who are to be provided with distinguishing bibs by their clubs), all other Substitutes and Officials, shall remain seated at all times during play. Where dugouts are not big enough, the host club should provide seats for the Substitutes and Officials. 

(7) The Bainisteoir may go along the sideline between the two 45m lines to issue instructions, after which he/she must return to the area in front of his/her own team’s dug out. He/she must not enter the field of play for any purpose. 

(8) Non-playing Officials to be over the age of 18. 

(9) Injuries -  A Team Medical Official only may, having obtaining the expressed permission of the referee (who may delegate authority to his linesmen), enter the field to examine an injured player. He/she is not at this point, to take a medical kit onto the field. No other Team Official shall enter the field of the play for this purpose. The practice of a number of Team  

Officials running onto the field to examine an injury is strictly prohibited. Minor Injuries must be treated off the field. 

(9) Two Water Carriers (Football) or two Hurley/Water Carriers (Hurling) are permitted per team. Such carriers are to be positioned between the 20m and 65m. Water Carriers are not permitted to enter the field of the play. They may only approach the sidelines to dispense water to a player. In Hurling, Water/Hurley Carriers may enter the field with a replacement hurley, when necessary, but may not enter the field of play with water at any stage – they may only approach the sideline to dispense water. 

(10) Substitutes Slips are to be presented by the Team Official to the linesperson or 4th Official. Substitutions, according to Rule, may only be made during a break in play. 5 substitutes are permitted in Football and 5 in Hurling. 

(11) Clash of Jerseys/Colours  -   Both clubs are required to wear their registered alternative colours or nominated other colours. CCC to be informed of colours at least 5 days before the game. 

(12) Both Teams are requested to be on the pitch 10 minutes before the start of the game. 

(13) Warm-up during the game – Substitutes may warm up on the sideline area between the endline and the 20m line. A maximum of three substitutes may warm up at any one time, wearing a bib/top different/distinct from the team jerseys. No hurleys, sliotars or footballs may be used along the sideline during the warm-up.  

HOST CLUB 

(1) National flag to be flown at all Championship Games. 

(2) Pitch to be properly lined and flagged (as per Official Guide). For Health & Safety of players please ensure that the end-line/side-lines are at least 2 metres from the perimeter fencing of pitch. 

(3) Hosting clubs to produce a programme for all Championship Games. Please ensure you include name of competition, competition sponsor’s name and logo where necessary, the name of both teams, referee and his club name, all to be in Irish along with the date, time & venue of game. Clubs to have access to stretcher if required and numbers for South Doc or local doctors if they have to be contacted. 

(4) Scoreboard to be fully operational at all Championship games, if possible. 

(5) Please ensure there are an adequate number of ticket sellers at the entrances to your grounds.  

(6) All gate receipts to be lodged within 3 days, using the lodgement card supplied to each club by the Board Cisteoir , to A.I.B. BANDON. Bank Account No: 07101013 09; Sort Code 934046/ 

Lodgement slips and unsold tickets to be returned to Cisteoir within 2 weeks by post or at next board meeting if within 2 weeks. 

(7) Only the current year’s Carbery (South West) Junior Board passes, specially coloured, are permitted. County Board or other passes are not acceptable at SW Board games. 

(8) Please ensure that they are enough stewards/car parking attendants present at the venue. 

(9) The Referee  is responsible for returning all match results, having consulted with his officials. Referee will receive Text message regarding Championship fixture prior to game. The Referee should complete and return this message immediately after the game, having checked the final score with his officials. This is to ensure that results on the Board’s website, and the Media, are kept up to date. The Referee’s final score is official. 

10) While it is expected that the Referee’s club will supply umpires and linesmen, the host club may be asked to supply umpires or linesmen for the referee.  

REFEREE 

(1) Referee to be at venue in good time to prepare for commencement of game. 

(2) Referee to be on the pitch 10 minutes before the start of the game. 

(3) Referee should ensure he has a full complement of officials – 2 linesmen (kitted out properly) & 4 umpires (with white coats), where possible. 

CHAMPIONSHIPS  - DATES/TIME 

(1)  All correspondence in relation to fixtures is to be submitted through the Club Secretary’s official email to the Carbery Secretary’s official email. (secretary.carbery.cork@gaa.ie) 

(2) A postponement for the death of a player on the panel or a club officer may be granted, with a re-fixture to take place within 72 hours, if possible. All other requests for postponements will be considered by, and are at the discretion of, the CCC. 

(3).  Postponements or changes of dates;  Dates of  events, which are known well in advance, should be made known to the secretary of the Board before March 1st.  

(4)  Second  teams of senior, intermediate, premier junior or junior A clubs, may be requested to play on the same day as their first teams. 

(5) Junior teams may be requested to play the same week or weekend as the Carbery divisional team. 

(6) The CCC has the final say in all fixture-making.   

2024 Season 

Because of a ruling by the Co. Board CCC Hearings Committee, at the end of the 2023 season re relegation, there will be 13 teams in Junior A Hurling for 2024 only. This means 6 teams in Junior B Hurling for 2024. 

    Accordingly, the CCC of the Carbery Board has devised formats to run off those championships for the 2024 season only.  

FORMATS    

 The 3-year Trial Period for the various championships ends at the close of the 2024 season. A major review of the championships will then be undertaken by the CCC of the Carbery Board, in consultation with the clubs, and Formats for the following three seasons, 2025, 2026 and 2027, will be adopted.