MRHA Rules 2005-6

Coaching Solutions Hockey League Rules 2005/2006

1. The Structure of Divisions and Clubs Obligation
The Coaching Solutions Hockey League shall be open to bona fide Saturday clubs affiliated to County Associations within the Midlands Region and approved by the League Committee.
The Coaching Solutions Second XI Hockey League shall be open to the Second XI of such clubs which are approved by the League Committee and whose 1stXIs are members of the League or of EHL.
The 3rd XI League shall be open to the 3rdXI of such clubs which are approved by the League Committee and whose 1st XI are members of the League or of EHL.
The Central League shall be open to 4th XI and subsequent teams of such clubs which are approved by the League Committee and whose 1st XI are members of the League or of EHL.

1st XI League and 2nd XI League
The Leagues will consist of 8 divisions:
Midland Premier Division
Midland Division 1
East Midlands Premier Division and West Midlands Premier Division
East Midlands Division 1 and West Midlands Division 1
East Midlands Division 2 and West Midlands Division 2

3rd XI League
The League will consist of 7 Divisions:
Midland Premier
Then 6 East and West Midlands Divisions as for the 1st and 2nd XI Leagues

Central League
The League will consist of 9 Divisions:
Midlands Premier
East Midlands and West Midlands Premier
East Midlands Division 1 and West Midlands Division 1
Division 2 North East, Division 2 North West, Division 2 South East and Division 2 South West

Entry to or participation in the League by any club shall constitute acceptance of and submission to the authority of the League Committee by that club its players and officials in all matters of discipline or otherwise and shall signify agreement that the League Committee and/or the MRHA shall have all necessary powers to deal with any matters howsoever arising out of the conduct of that club its players officials and any spectators at any match organised by such club. It shall further constitute acceptance by that club of the League Committee's right to impose penalties of whatever nature in its absolute discretion without any right of appeal save as set out in these League Rules. Offences committed on the field of play and covered by the England Hockey Disciplinary Code or any additional Disciplinary Provisions of MRHA will remain subject to and continue to be dealt with under the terms of those Codes.

2. Fixtures
Each team will play each other twice (home and away).
The games are to be played in accordance with the fixture list prepared and published by the League Committee.
Where there are an odd number of teams in a division then the League Committee will endeavour to arrange and publish friendly fixtures with a team from another division. There is an obligation on the league club to fulfil these official “friendly” fixtures. Each club involved must submit a team sheet to their own Divisional Secretary. This must be done whether or not the match is actually played.

3. Award of Points
Points for each game will be awarded as follows:
WIN - 3 points DRAW - 1 point LOSS - no points
In the event of two Clubs having an equal number of points, position shall be decided by goal difference or if this is equal by goals scored and if this too is equal by the number of matches won and in the event of this being equal by the results of the matches between the two Clubs and if these fail to produce a winner then by a play?off between the Clubs concerned as directed by the League Committee.

4. Promotion, Relegation and Transfer
4.1 At the end of the season the winner of the Coaching Solutions Hockey League (1st XI) Premier Division shall be eligible to direct promotion to the EHL. .
Relegation from the First XI League is always subject to there being any net relegations of Midland Clubs from EHL.
If no Midlands team is relegated from EHL, then only one team will be relegated from Midlands Premier to Division 1. If one is relegated from EHL then 2 teams will be relegated from Midlands Premier. If more than 2 Midlands teams are relegated from EHL in the same season then the league Committee will decide the composition of the divisions for the next season.
Subject to the above, the top 2 teams in each division will be promoted. The bottom 2 teams in each division will be relegated. Except that in the 1st and 2nd XI Leagues Midland Division 1 four (4) teams will be relegated; in the 2nd XI League, East Midlands Division 1 and West Midlands Division 1, 3 teams will be relegated and in the 3rd XI League 4 teams will be relegated from Midlands
Premier Division; and in the Central League 4 teams will be relegated from each of Midlands Premier and East Midlands Division 1 and West Midlands Division 1.
The bottom 2 teams in the lowest division(s) of each league will be eligible to apply for re-election.
This is subject to the proviso that in the Central League no division shall have more than 2 teams from the same club.
4.2 The League Committee shall have the sole power to decide to which Division a team shall be allotted and shall have power at the end of each season to transfer any other team to a different section within the same division.
4.3 Any Club which is expelled from the League for any reason or which fails to secure re?election at the end of any season may within 14 days of receiving notice of the decision of the League Committee appeal to the Council of the Midlands Region Hockey Association who will then resolve the matter. The Club seeking to appeal must deposit Ł100 earnest money (see Rule 22.2).

5. Dress
5.1 Visiting teams will play in white shirts and white socks. Goalkeepers shall wear a top of a colour which will distinguish them both from their own team and their opponents.
5.2 In the Coaching Solutions Hockey League (1st XI) and in the 2nd XI League and in the 3rd XI league all teams shall wear shirts each bearing in the centre of the back a different number of at least 9" in height and contrasting in colour to the shirts.
5.3 In all other leagues teams shall use their best endeavours to wear shirts bearing in the centre of the back a different number of at least 9” in height and contrasting colour to the shirts.

6. Substitutes
A team shall be allowed to make substitutions during a match in accordance with the Rules of Hockey. The names of any substitutes used must appear on the official match sheet prior to the start of the game. The name of any manager and/or coach and/or physio must also appear on the match sheet. Substitutes, managers, coaches and physios shall be at all times under the control of the umpires and shall remain on the side of the pitch agreed with or designated by the umpires and between the 25 yard lines.

7. Eligibility of Players
7.1 Only bona fide male members of a League Club shall be entitled to play for that club in a League match.
7.2 No club shall play in their team for any League match any player who is under the age of 16 years unless before that match they have filed with the Regional Secretary of MRHA the a copy of their club’s Child Protection policy.
7.3 Before the commencement of each League match each team MUST complete their match sheet with a list of players and their numbers. This must be handed to the Umpires before the start of the match. The list must sufficiently identify the players concerned by giving their first and last names in full. Players named on the match sheet will be deemed to have participated in the match. Any alterations and deletions of the names of players on the team sheet must be counter-signed by the captain of the opposition team.
7.4 So that the league committee may have a proper record of the players appearing for each team, in the event of a match not being played for any reason (whether because there are an uneven number of teams in a Division, or because of a postponement), then the teams(s) who should have been playing in that match or on that day, must submit to their Divisional Secretary, in the normal way and in accordance with 7.3 above, a team sheet showing the players who were selected to play in the team on that day.
7.5 If, in the opinion of the League Committee, any club shall play a non-bona fide member of that club in a league match or shall field a team which is not a genuine Second XI, Third XI, 4th XI (or as the case may be), applying the spirit of the league and the maxim of “fair play” then the Committee shall have the right to impose such penalty (including the deduction of league points) as the Committee shall think fit. Such penalties may be applied to the “donor” as well as the “donee” teams (eg. The 1st XI or 2nd XI may be penalised if their players are considered to have played for the 3rd XI in contravention of this rule).
7.6 The aim is to select players for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th XI based on merit. It is not within the spirit of the league to switch players between XIs merely to gain promotion,avoid relegation, or gain other advantages. In the case of shortage of regular players for a team, then players should be promoted from lower teams. Teams must not include players who have played regularly for a higher ranking team. Putting a player in from a higher ranking team will not be regarded as “balancing” but as “strengthening” for the purpose of this rule.
7.7 “Doubling-up” of players in more than one league team for the club for the same day is not encouraged. However, where this is unavoidable, in order to fulfil fixtures, then a player may play in only 2 league matches on the same day, only if this arrangement has been approved in advance by the Divisional Secretary (preferably of the lower of the 2 teams concerned).

8. Rules of the Game
All matches shall be played in accordance with the Rules of Hockey or as laid down by England Hockey.
All matches shall be of 35 minutes each way.

9 Transfers
9.1 (a) A player may not play in a League match without written confirmation from the League Secretary that the circumstances of his transfer have been approved if he has at any time during the previous twelve months played in a Midland League (1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI League or Central League) game for another club or has played in a EHL game for a Midlands club. Applications for transfer must be made to the League Secretary by the player's new club by submission of the form prescribed by the League Committee and must be accompanied by a transfer administration fee of Ł5.00 per transfer.
9.1 (b) If any player has during the current season played for another club outside the Midlands in any league whatsoever in UK he may not play in a League match unless notice in writing has been received by the League Secretary at least seven days before the first Midlands League match in which he is to play. (In this case only consent of the previous club is not required.)
9.1 (c) If a player plays for a Midlands club in a league match in the current season then he shall not be eligible to play for another Midlands club during the same season until (A) he has gone through the transfer procedure set out at 9.1 (a) above and (B) 2 league games have passed since he last played for his previous club in a Midland league match (whether in 1st, 2nd, 3rd XI or Central League)
9.1 (d) Provided always in the case of a League club which is attached to a university or similar educational establishment Rule 9.1..(a) shall not apply in respect of any player who is a registered student at that educational establishment, unless he has played for a Midland league club during the current season. Provided he has not played for another Midland League club during the current season then it shall be sufficient for the university club simply to give notice in writing to the League Secretary to reach him before the first league game in which it is proposed that the student shall play.
(Note: The dispensation is provided only for the benefit of university clubs. It in no way relieves the obligations of an "ordinary" club in relation to transfer requirements if a player has previously played for a university club in the league. Nor does it relieve the university club if the player has already played league hockey during the current season.)
9.2 No transfer application under 9.1 (a) or 9.1 (b) will be permitted (other than in the most exceptional circumstances) for the current season after 31st January in that season. After 31st January in any season it is illegal to play any player who was not a genuine member of the club before that date and had played for them before 31st January. (In other words, regardless of the transfer rules, no new player may be signed to play for a club in February, March and April who were not already playing members of that club on 31st January, regardless of where in the world they had previously played.)
9.3 If a club plays an ineligible player in contravention of this rule (or of rule 7) the League Committee after considering the circumstances may impose such penalty as may be appropriate including a fine and/or the deduction of League points. In the case of Midlands clubs such penalties may be applied to the “donor” club as well as the “donee” club (so that a club who allows one of its players to play in a league match for another club, which is short of players, may also be penalised.
9.4 In any case where a player transfers clubs the onus is on the new club to ensure that the Midlands mandatory code on transfers has been observed.

10. Subscription
10.1 Each League club shall pay to the League Treasurer the amount of annual League subscriptions determined by the League Committee and approved by the MRHA. As part of their obligations as league members clubs must purchase (at the discounted price) a minimum number of league handbooks, as determined by the League Committee.
10.2 Any fine outstanding from a previous season and not paid before the first league match of the new season shall render the club liable to further penalties. No League points will be awarded to the defaulting club in respect of any matches played before any fine(s) is paid (and if and when such fines are paid points will NOT be restored retrospectively in respect of matches played before the date of payment).
10.3 If by the 1st June prior to the commencement of the season the League shall not have received from any League club the annual League subscription required under Rule 10.1 OR the League Secretary shall not have received from a League club the completed pro-forma containing details of the club for insertion in the League Handbook for the following season, the defaulting League club shall pay a fine of Ł25. If such subscription is not paid OR the pro-forma not returned or membership list is not submitted by 20th June, the defaulting League club shall pay a fine of Ł50. These penalties shall apply regardless of whether the league club has received from the league a request for payment or for information.

11. Playing Surfaces, Postponements and Disagreements
11.1 All league matches shall be played on artificial grass pitches.
11.2 In the Coaching Solutions Hockey (1st XI) League, the umpires may postpone a match if a pitch is not of such standard as to allow the game to be played as a League game. Umpires should use their discretion in cases such as the absence of flags or minor irregularities in marking and should consider reporting the matter to the League Committee rather than postponing the game. (The length and width of the pitch in regular use for League games shall not be deemed grounds for objection under this rule but reports of undersized pitches may be submitted to the League Committee for long-term consideration.)
11.3 If either Captain considers that owing to the state of the pitch or the markings the match should not be played as a League game, he must bring this to the attention of both umpires and the opposing Captain before the game commences. The match should then be played as a league match (unless postponed by the umpires under 11.2) pending a decision from the League Committee.
11.4 In the 2nd XI, 3rd XI or Central League a match shall not be postponed if either or both of the teams considers the pitch not to be of a sufficient standard for league matches. The team(s) should consider reporting the matter to the Divisional Secretary for consideration in respect of future games on that pitch.
11.5 If a game has to be postponed the home club shall notify immediately by telephone, the umpires and the opposition and the Divisional Secretary. In the case of 1st XI league matches (only) they shall also notify Messrs. Russells by 4.30 p.m. on the day of the match. Failure to comply will result in a penalty under Rule 18.2.
11.6 If an away club cries off or fails to fulfil a fixture and if as a result the home club is unable to cancel the pitch booking or to “fill the slot” with another match, then the defaulting club shall reimburse the home club the cost of the pitch booking. This is without prejudice to any penalty which may be imposed by the Rules or by the League Committee for such default.

Note on Postponements Generally.
The League Committee expect clubs to make every effort to play matches. Where any match is threatened with postponement the Committee would expect that if necessary the home club should concede ground advantage..

12. Starting Times
Coaching Solutions Hockey (1st XI) League
12.1 For matches in the Midland Premier Division or Midland Division 1 the start time is within the period 11.30am to 2.30 p.m. or for matches in other divisions within the period 11.30am to 4.00 p.m. ("The Window").
12.2 A dispensation from the Divisional Secretary is required for any variation of start time outside "The Window". In the case of Midland Premier Division and Midland Division 1 matches this dispensation can only be given in respect of an earlier start (not for after 2.30 p.m.).
12.3 All fixtures commencing at or after 3.30 p.m. must be notified in advance and in writing to the Divisional Secretary before the start of the League season. Any additions or amendments must be received by him by the Tuesday before the game. Failure to notify will attract a fine (see 18.2).
12.4 All fixtures for which permission is given to start outside "The Window" must be notified by the home team as soon as possible in advance and in writing to the appropriate umpires appointment secretary.
2nd XI, 3rd XI, and Central Leagues
12.5 All league fixtures shall commence at a time agreed between the teams involved.
12.6 The normal “window” for start times is between11.30am and 4.30pm. If a home team wishes the match to start at a time outside the “window” then it must confirm details of the proposed start time at least 14 days before the fixture is due to be played and seek the agreement of the opposing team. (Normal confirmation under 16.1 is still required)
12.7 In the event of disagreement the Divisional Secretary shall make a ruling which shall be binding on both clubs.
12.8 If a club expects regularly/frequently to play home fixtures at a time outside of the “window” then it should notify the clubs in its Division and the Divisional Secretary of this at the beginning of the season.
GUIDANCE NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH TEAMS ARRIVE AT THE VENUE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE START TIME OF THE MATCH

13. Abandoned Matches and Reduced time matches
Abandoned or reduced time matches shall count as league matches subject to the decision of the Divisional Secretary. The decision to abandon will rest solely with the umpires. If the Divisional Secretary so decides the abandoned or reduced time match will be re?arranged and replayed in accordance with Rule 14.

14. Re-arranged Matches (Please read the whole of this rule)
14.1 It is the responsibility of both clubs concerned to communicate as soon as possible after a postponement (and in any case within 3 days) to ascertain the first available date as defined in this rule and then to notify in accordance with Rule 14.4 below. If in any doubt as to which is the first available date or in the case of any dispute, clubs should notify the Divisional Secretary immediately.
14.2 A match postponed under Rule 11 (or abandoned under Rule 13, if the Divisional Secretary so orders) must be played on the date shown in Fixtures Schedule (provided that if both clubs agree they may play at an earlier date by mutual agreement between those clubs and any Umpire Appointments Secretary involved). However, any matches postponed or abandoned on the last scheduled Saturday (or Sunday) of each half of the season for their Division, must be played the following weekend.
14.3 A team is deemed to be available UNLESS:
(a) It already has a re-arranged League game on that date.
(b) It is engaged in a fixture which has higher priority in the MRHA Fixture Priority List.
(c) It receives a special dispensation in writing from the Divisional Secretary or League Secretary allowing it to decline to play a re-arranged League fixture on that date. (University and College clubs requiring dispensation in respect of dates falling within vacations must by 31st October, supply their Divisional Secretary with a full list of OFFICIAL vacation dates.)
14.4 Details of re-arranged matches must be notified immediately in writing to reach the Divisional Secretary and any Secretary responsible for the appointment of umpires within 5 days of the postponement. For non?compliance with this rule as certified by the Divisional Secretary or Appointments Secretary, clubs shall pay a penalty of Ł10 for the first offence, which fine may be doubled for any subsequent offence in the same season. Any third or subsequent offence shall be reported to the League Committee who may, in addition to any monetary penalty, consider deduction of League points.
14.5 The League Committee may, in order to expedite or facilitate the completion of the League programme give any directions it considers necessary as to the day, date, time and venue for the playing of any re?arranged League game.

15. Forfeiture and Failure to honour Fixtures
15.1 Where a team shall fail to honour a fixture or shall forfeit a game three points shall be deducted from their total of League points and they shall be deemed to have lost 0?3 and the opposing team shall be awarded three points and be deemed to have won the game 3?0. This is without prejudice to any further penalty or remission, which the League Committee may see fit to impose. 15.2 If a team fails to fulfil a league fixture then in addition to any penalties which may follow under these rules or be imposed by the League Committee the defaulting club shall be liable to reimburse the irrecoverable costs of the opposing team arising from such default.

16. Confirmation to Opposition
16.1 Home clubs must confirm the time and venue of all League fixtures to their opponents by telephone or fax no later than 8 days, but no earlier than 14 days, before the fixture. If they have not received confirmation in accordance with this rule the away team should contact their Divisional Secretary. Any subsequent changes to the time or venue must be notified immediately they are known. Failure to comply with this rule will attract a fine.
16.2 For all matches in the 1st XI League then at the time of confirmation the away club must be told if it is to provide an umpire under 17.2. Details must also be confirmed to any appointed Association Umpires no later than 6 days and no earlier than 8 days before the fixture; any subsequent changes to the time or venue must be notified immediately they are known. Failure to comply with this Rule will attract a fine (which will be subject to the provisions of 18.2).

17. Availability of Umpires
17.1 For 1st XI League matches each home club must by 31st July before the season starts apply to the appropriate Umpires Association for two umpires to be appointed to every League game.
17.2 Where the appropriate Umpire Association is unable to appoint umpires to a League match then each club will be responsible for the appointment of one competent umpire qualified to at least Umpire Level 1. Each club must endeavour to use a club umpire before the use of players, but in the absence of one or both club umpires, the club which has not provided the umpire, shall withdraw one player from their side and that player shall act as umpire for the entire game. (It follows that the lack an umpire or umpires can never be a reason for the postponement of a match to which Rule 17.2 applies.)
17.3 Where a club is required to appoint a level 1 umpire to a match then it must give on the team sheet both the name and Registration Number of that umpire. Failure to do so will lead to fines and /or other penalties.
17.4 If at any other match whether through non?availability or non?appearance of an appointed Association Umpire there are not two umpires available to officiate then the game may only be played as a League game if both Captains so agree. (Note: 17.4 only applies to matches to which Association Umpires have been appointed.)
17.5 For the 2nd XI, 3rd XI League each club will be responsible for the appointment of one competent umpire for each of their league matches. For the 2nd XI League that umpire must be qualified to at least umpire Level 1 (unless the Divisional Secretary has granted a specific dispensation). For the 3rd XI League the umpire should be qualified to umpire Level 1.
17.6 For the Central League the home club shall be responsible for the provision of 2 umpires. The away club is entitled to provide an umpire. If they wish to do so then they must notify the home club that they will be bringing an umpire. In the absence of any such notification the home club should provide 2 umpires.
17.7 If at any match there is an umpire short, whether through no appointment or non-availability or non-appearance, every effort must be made by both clubs (and especially the home club) to provide a competent umpire.
17.8 Clubs must endeavour to use a club umpire before the use of players, but in the absence of any one, or both club umpires, the club which has not provided an umpire in accordance with its obligations under this rule shall withdraw one player from their side and that player shall act as umpire for the entire match. (It follows that the lack of an umpire or umpires can never be a reason for the postponement of a match.)

18 Filing of Results
1st XI League
18.1 The Captain of the home team must ensure that the result is telephoned to Messrs. Russells (0116 2332200) immediately after the game and by, at the latest, 4.30 p.m. in the case of Midland Premier and Midland Division 1 clubs and 5.00 p.m. for clubs in all other Divisions. (This applies to all matches including re?arranged matches played on Sunday.) These results will form the basis for compiling League tables. Where use is made of an artificial pitch and the starting time fixed within Rule 12 precludes the meeting of these deadline times then the result must be telephoned IMMEDIATELY after the game.
Teams are advised to check their published results and report any errors to their Divisional Secretary..
18.2 Failure to telephone results or postponements as directed in Rules 18.1 and 11.4, or failure to complete and return match sheets as directed in Rule 18.3, will incur a fine on the club of Ł10, which fine may be doubled for each subsequent failure (of whatever kind and not necessarily for the same offence) in the same season. For persistent breaches of this rule the League Committee is empowered to deduct League points.
18.3 The home club shall be responsible for the correct completion and posting of the official match report, to-gether with the away team’s Team Sheet, by the first available post to ensure arrival with the Divisional Secretary by Tuesday. Failure to comply will render the club liable to fines at the rates set out in Rule
18.2 above. Any alterations to a Team Sheet made subsequent to it being handed to the umpires/opposition must be countersigned by the opposing captain.
18.4 After a 1stXI league match each team must notify Russells by email (nicola.russel@rfumidlands.org) by the 12.00 noon on the Tuesday of the names of the goalscreres in their team. Clubs are required to take photocopies. In the event of the original match/team sheet not arriving they will be required to produce the photocopies to the League Committee.
2nd, 3rd and Central Leagues
18.5 In the 2nd, 3rd and Central leagues results are NOT required to be telephoned in. Instead the Captain of the home team must ensure that the pre- paid match sheet provided to each club prior to the season is completed and signed by both captains and both umpires and returned to the Divisional Secretary – it must be posted by first available post to ensure arrival by Tuesday.
18.6 Failure to complete and return the match sheet as directed in Rule 18.4 and failure to comply with Rule 16 (Confirmations) will incur a fine on the home club of Ł10 for the first failure, which fine may be doubled for each subsequent failure (of whatever kind) in the same season. For persistent breaches of this Rule the League Committee is empowered to deduct league points.

19. Fines
For any breaches of these rules clubs may be fined. If any fines remain unpaid at the beginning of the next season then no league points will be awarded to the defaulting club in respect of any matches played before the fine(s) is paid (and when such fines are subsequently paid points will not be restored retrospectively in respect of matches played before the date of payment).

20. Discipline
Clubs have the primary responsibility for the discipline of their players and officials and the League Committee expects them to act accordingly. The England Hockey Disciplinary Code shall apply to all league matches, notwithstanding that one of the umpires for the match is not a “recognised umpire” within the definition of that Code.

21. Emergency Powers
Should any matter require an immediate decision which cannot be deferred until the next meeting of the League Committee then the decision may be made on behalf of that Committee by not less than three members of the League Committee at least one of whom must be the Chairman or League Secretary. The decision will be reported to the next formal meeting of the League Committee.

22. Appeals
22.1 Any club which considers it has been fined or penalised unfairly or considers that any matters not covered in the rules should be brought to the League Committee's attention has the right of appeal by writing to the League Secretary requesting that the facts be placed before the League Committee whose decision shall be final.
22.2 Any club seeking to lodge an appeal under this Rule or under Rule 4.3 or Rule 11 must do so by sending full written details of the appeal to reach the League Secretary within 16 days of the date of the letter from the League Committee notifying them of the decision or penalty. On the lodging of an appeal or as soon as is practicable thereafter the club shall also deposit with the League Secretary the sum of Ł100 as earnest money. The League Committee may in their absolute discretion order the refund of all or part of the earnest money.
22.3 The club making the appeal may be ordered to pay the expenses involved in administering and hearing the appeal.

23. Publicity
23.1 Every 1st XI League club is required to provide their Divisional secretary with evidence that they are sending regular reports of matches to the media. Wherever possible3 the name of the league sponsor must be used in those reports.
23.2 This will normally be in the form of press cuttings (or photocopies of press cuttings), or a note of air time in the case of radio stations, from the previous week, sent with the team sheet for home matches. 23.3 Where the media are supplied with publicity material and do not use it details must be supplied to the Divisional Secretary.
23.4 A club failing to provide publicity material to the Divisional Secretary will be fined.
23.5 At the end of the season there will be prizes awarded to clubs in each Division which achieve the best press coverage for hockey. Photographs will be included.

24. General
The League Committee shall have the power to make decisions on such matters as are not covered by these rules. Routine decisions on the interpretation of these rules are delegated to the Divisional Secretaries who shall have the full authority to make rulings as required. The decision of the Divisional Secretary shall be final subject to the right of appeal set out in Rule 22 above.