Explanatory Memorandum

Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

2011 CHAPTER 24

4 May 2011

Commentary on Sections

Part 4: Sport

Chapter 1 - Regulated matches

This Chapter consists only of section 35, which sets out which sports matches are covered by each Chapter in this Part of the Act and also the period during which the offences in Chapter 2 are to apply.

Section 35: Regulated matches

This section outlines what matches are affected by each of the Chapters in this Part by reference to Schedule 3. The notes on Schedule 3, at the end of this document, outline the matches concerned.

In Chapter 2 (offences at regulated matches) a regulated match is those outlined in paragraph 2, 3, 6 or 8 of Schedule 3. For Chapter 3 (alcohol on transport) designated matches are those specified in paragraph 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9 of Schedule 3. For Chapter 4 (banning orders) regulated matches are matches named in paragraph 2, 3, 4, or 5 of Schedule 3.

This section also explains, for the purposes of all offences in Chapter 2, the period of a regulated match, including occasions where a match is postponed or cancelled. The period of a regulated match begins one hour before the start of the match or (if earlier) one hour before the time at which it is advertised to start. The period ends 30 minutes after the end of the match. Postponements or match delays are catered for by retaining the same period before the advertised match starting time as would have applied had the match taken place as advertised.

The Department may amend Schedule 3 by order subject to negative resolution.