Player Identification
M.1.
Before the commencement of each Season each Club shall allocate a different shirt number
to each member of its first team squad.
M.2.
A Club shall likewise allocate a shirt number to any Player joining its first team squad during
the Season.
M.3.
Save with the prior written consent of the Board shirt numbers shall commence with the
number one and shall be allocated consecutively.
M.4. While he remains with the Club a Player will retain his shirt number throughout the Season
for which it was allocated.
M.5.
Upon a Player leaving a Club the shirt number allocated to him may be re-allocated.
M.6.
Each Club shall forthwith provide to the Secretary on Form 12 full details in writing of shirt
numbers allocated so that throughout each Season the Secretary is aware of the names of
members of the first team squad of each Club and the shirt numbers allocated to them.
M . 7.
When playing in League Matches each Player shall wear a shirt on the back of which shall be
prominently displayed his shirt number so as to be clearly visible in accordance with
guidelines laid down by the Board from time to time, and above that his surname or such
other name as may be approved in writing by the Board.
M.8.
The Player’s shirt number shall also appear on the front of the left leg of his shorts.
M.9.
The size, style, colour and design of shirt numbers, lettering and the logo of the League
appearing on a Player’s shirt or shorts and the material from which such numbers, lettering
and logo are made shall be determined by the Board from time to time.
M.10.
The colour and design of the shirt and stockings worn by the goalkeeper when playing
in League Matches shall be such as to distinguish him from the other Players and from
Match Officials.
M.11.
The captain of each team appearing in a League Match shall wear an armband provided by
the League indicating his status as such.
M.12.
Any Club acting in breach of any of Rules M.1 to M.11 inclusive will be liable to pay to the
League a fixed penalty of £300 for a first breach, £600 for a second breach and £1,200 for a
third breach. Any subsequent breach may be dealt under the provisions of Section W of these
Rules (Disciplinary
HOME AND ALTERNATIVE STRIP
M.13.
Each Club shall have a home Strip and up to a maximum of two alternative Strips which shall
be worn by its Players in League Matches in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.
M.14.
Each Club must have at least one alternative Strip which differs visibly from and contrasts
with its Home Strip (including the goalkeeper’s Home Strip) to the extent that the two Strips
could be worn by opposite teams in a match.
M.15.
The logo of the League shall appear on each sleeve of both home Strip and alternative
Strip shirts.
PREMIER LEAGUE RULES: SECTION A
PREMIER LEAGUE RULES: SECTION M
161
SECTION M: PLAYERS’ IDENTIFICATION AND STRIP
M.16.
Neither the home Strip shirt nor the shirt of either of the alternative Strips shall be of a colour
or design alike or similar to the outfits of Match Officials.
M .17.
Not later than 4 weeks before the commencement of each Season each Club shall register
its Strips by submitting to the Secretary Form 13 together with samples of its home
Strip, alternative Strip(s) and goalkeeper’s Strip complying with these Rules and a brief
written description of each and the Secretary having entered the descriptions in a register
will cause the same to be printed in the handbook of the League, on the Extranet and on the
League’s website.
M.18.
E
ach Strip submitted for registration in accordance with Rule M.17 shall have on it:
M.18.1.
t
he shirt number and name of any Player in the Club’s first team squad, displayed
as required by Rule M.7;
M.18.2.
a
ny advertisement for which the approval of the Board is either sought or has
already been given under the provisions of Rule M.28.1.
M.19.
I
f pursuant to Rule M.17 a Club seeks to register a Strip which does not comply with
these Rules:
M.19.1.
t
he Board shall give to that Club notice in writing to that effect giving full details of
the changes required to achieve compliance; and
M.19.2.
t
he Strip in question shall not be worn by that Club’s Players until a further sample
has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Board.
M.20.
Subject to Rule M.21, Strips of the description thus registered shall be worn throughout the
Season immediately following and no changes to it shall be made except with the prior
written permission of the Board.
M.21.
O
n the occasion of a Club’s last home or away League Match in any Season a further Strip
(i.e. not one registered by the Club in accordance with Rule M.17) may be worn provided that:
M.21.1.
a
t least 7 days’ prior written notice of intention to do so is given to the Secretary
(such notice to be accompanied by a sample of the Strip intended to be worn) and
the opposing Club (such notice to be accompanied by a CAD drawing of the Strip
intended to be worn);
M.21.2.
the alternative Strip shall be subsequently registered as the Club’s home or
alternative Strip for the following Season
M.23.
The Match Officials shall wear colours that distinguish them from the Strip worn by the
two Clubs. In the event of the Match Officials not having distinguishing colours then the
Away Club goalkeeper must change and if this is not possible the Home Club goalkeeper
must do so.
M.24.
At least 10 days prior to each League Match the Visiting Club shall notify the Home Club and
the League on Form 14 of the Strip it intends its Players (including for the avoidance of doubt
its goalkeeper) to wear.
M.25.
The League, in consultation with PGMOL acting on behalf of the referee, will determine any
disputes arising between Clubs and no later than three working days prior to each League
Match notify both Clubs and the Match Officials of the colours to be worn.
M.26.
In the event of a dispute arising on the day of a League Match in relation to the Strip to be
worn then the referee’s decision shall be final.
M . 2 7.
Subject to Rule M.21, no Club shall participate in a League Match wearing Strip other than its
registered home Strip or alternative Strip or a combination of the same (in either case as
instructed under Rule M.25 or Rule M.26) except with the prior written consent of the Board.
STRIP ADVERTIZING
M.28.
P
rovided that:
M.28.1.
t
he content, design and area of the advertisement is approved by the Board; and
M.28.2.
i
t complies with the Football Association Rules for the time being in force;
advertising on Strip shall be permitted.