Matches were scheduled to be played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday. Some matches, however, might be rescheduled for other days if there were clashes with games for other competitions or the weather was inclement. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week. If the replayed match was drawn further replays would be held until a winner was determined. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played in a replay, a 30-minute period of extra time would be played. The 1933-34 competition was notable in that no second replays were required throughout the competition proper.
Calendar
Round
Date
Extra preliminary round
Saturday 2 September 1933
Preliminary round
Saturday 16 September 1933
First round qualifying
Saturday 30 September 1933
Second round qualifying
Saturday 14 October 1933
Third round qualifying
Saturday 28 October 1933
Fourth round qualifying
Saturday 11 November 1933
First round proper
Saturday 25 November 1933
Second round proper
Saturday 9 December 1933
Third round proper
Saturday 13 January 1934
Fourth round proper
Saturday 27 January 1934
Fifth round proper
Saturday 17 February 1934
Sixth round proper
Saturday 3 March 1934
Semi-finals
Saturday 17 March 1934
Final
Saturday 28 April 1934
First round proper
At this stage 41 clubs from the Football League Third Division North and South joined the 25 non-league clubs having come through the qualifying rounds. Chesterfield, Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town were given a bye to the Third Round. To make the number of matches up, non-league Folkestone and Kingstonian were given byes to this round. 34 matches were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 25 November 1933. Seven were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture.
The 44 First and Second Division clubs entered the competition at this stage, along with Chesterfield, Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town. The matches were scheduled for Saturday, 13 January 1934. Nine matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture.
The matches were scheduled for Saturday, 17 February 1934. There was one replay, in the Sheffield Wednesday–Manchester City match, played in the next midweek fixture.