EAST PEORIA JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE BY- LAWS Revision 3.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS Article 1 Name.... 2 Article 2 Objective... 3 Article 3 Government.. 4 Section 1 Composition 5 Section 2 Executive Board. 6 Section 3 Duties.. 6, 7, 8 Section 4 Meetings. 9 Section 5 Voting.. 9 Section 6 Order of Business.. 9 Section 7 Bank Account(s) 9, 10 Article 4 Committees Section 1 Committee Composition... 11 Section 2 Committee List... 11 Section 3 Committee Functions 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Article 5 Membership Section 1 Adult Members... 16 Section 2 Youth Members. 16 Section 3 Disqualification/Suspension. 16 Section 4 Swearing or Vulgar Language. 16, 17 Section 5 Fighting 17, 18 Section 6 Recommendations for Fighting... 18 Section 7 Threatening Violence 19 Article 6 Tackle Football Section 1 Divisions.. 20 Section 2 Division Requirements.. 20 Section 3 Practices. 21 Section 4 Equipment/Uniforms/Jersey s. 21,22 Section 5 Games. 22 Section 6 Volunteers.. 22 Section 7 Trophies and Awards 22 Section 8 Determining the Size of Teams... 23 Section 9 Head Coach s Criteria.. 24 Section 10 Attendance and Absentees 25 Section 11 Leaving Practice Early 26 Section 12 Suspensions and Participation.. 26 (Continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 2 of 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Article 7 - Flag Football Section 1 Divisions.. 27 Section 2 Division Requirements.. 27 Section 3 Practices.. 27 Section 4 Equipment/Uniforms.. 28 Section 5 Games.. 28 Section 6 Volunteers 28 Section 7 Trophies and Awards. 28 Section 8 Determining the Size of Teams 28, 29 Section 9 Head Coach s Criteria 29 Section 10 Attendance and Absentees. 30 Section 11 Leaving Practice Early. 31 Article 8 Cheerleading Section 1 Composition. 32 Section 2 Team/Requirements.. 32 Article 9 - Adoption of By-Laws 33 Article 10 - Amendments of By-Laws. 34 Revision 3.0 Page 3 of 34
ARTICLE 1 NAME Section 1 This organization shall be known as the East Peoria Junior Football League (EPJFL) and /or East Peoria JFL. Section 2 The East Peoria JFL is a Non-Profit organization and a member of the Junior Football League of Central Illinois (JFLOCI), also known as Central League, Peoria Heights, Illinois and is under contract with the Fondulac Park District, East Peoria, Illinois. Revision 3.0 Page 4 of 34
ARTICLE 2 OBJECTIVE Section 1 The objectives of this organization shall be to promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, the basic fundamentals of football, stimulate the young person s interest in sports and enjoy playing football. To focus the direction of the program and our coaching staffs with that of the High School program, this will ensure that what is taught at our level is complimentary and beneficial to the High School program. Revision 3.0 Page 5 of 34
ARTICLE 3 GOVERNMENT Section 1 Composition The government of the East Peoria JFL shall consist of an Executive Board and Board of Directors, otherwise known as the Board. The Board shall have no less than seven (7) members and no more than twenty (20). Members may be added by majority vote of a quorum which shall be one (1) more than half the Board. An out-going or retiring board member cannot vote for the addition of any new, incoming board member that will be starting in or after January of the next upcoming season. Section 2 Executive Board The Executive Board of East Peoria JFL shall consist of a Director, a Concessions Director, an Equipment Director, Secretary and Treasurer. These members must have at least one year of service on the EPJFL Board. Section 3 Duties Members of the Board shall perform the duties and exercise the powers prescribed by the Articles set forth in these By-Laws. These duties and powers shall include but not be limited to the following: A. Director Shall act as liaison between EPJFL Board, JFLOCI, East Peoria Community High School (EPCHS) and the Fondulac Park District. Must attend JFLOCI meetings and conduct formal/informal meetings with EPJFL Board. The Director will plan, organize and monitor all activities and functions pertaining to the EPJFL. The Director will set a budget for the year and have authority to sign checks. B. Concessions Director Shall carry out assignments delegated by the Director and preside in the absence of the Director. Will monitor the functions of the concession stand and help manage the budget, keep inventory of products and supplies. Will be certified by the local Health Department. Keep records of all money transactions and have authority to sign checks. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 6 of 34
ARTICLE 3 (continued) Section 3 C. Equipment Director Shall carry out assignments delegated by the Director and preside in the absence of the Director. Will inventory, manage and control all out-going and in-coming equipment. Will inspect and prepare all equipment to be reconditioned. D. Secretary Shall maintain a list of Board members, record and keep all minutes from Board meetings. Will type, generate and send any formal or informal letters or documents. Will record and keep all records pertaining to any function or event with the EPJFL. E. Treasurer Shall keep and maintain all financial records (receipts, bills, checkbook and fund raisers) in detail, of the EPJFL. Will give written monthly reports of all money transactions and a yearly report in February. Will help maintain budget and have authority to sign checks. F. Members Each Board Member is expected to fulfill the following duties : a. Each Board member will be expected to serve on at least one (1) committee. b. Must volunteer for at least one-half (typically 3) of the scheduled work days. Scheduled work days include but are not limited to the following: Spring Registrations Fall Registrations Building and Concessions Clean-Up Equipment Handout Field Cleanup/Striping Large Area Banquet. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 7 of 34
ARTICLE 3 (continued) Section 3 F. c. Must volunteer for at least one-half (typically 5) of all scheduled Home game days. Home game days are defined as Tackle and Flag games played on a Saturday and/or a Sunday at the EPJFL Field or Eastside Center. A typical season will consist of nine (9) games days, but is not limited to this number. Flag will typically have one (1) scheduled Saturday Home game day, and Tackle will have eight (8) scheduled Saturday/Sunday Home game days. d. Must be available to work on the scheduled Home games to be played at Eastside. This is typically a Saturday and Sunday. e. Any member not fulfilling any of the following may be removed by a majority vote of a quorum : - His or her duties - Volunteering for the required work days - Volunteering for the scheduled Home games days - Missing three (3) consecutive meetings - Missing six (6) meetings in a year f. No member shall receive any compensation for sitting on the Board. g. No board member can set up an event at the JFL field or one that is related to the JFL, without the board s approval. h. No board member can purchase items for the JFL without the board s approval, with the exception of food items for the concessions and daily maintenance. i. When there are 2 board members, who are also coaches and will be at the same level for coaching a team, the senior board member/coach has seniority for the Head Coach position for the team. Revision 3.0 Page 8 of 34
ARTICLE 3 (continued) Section 4 Meetings The EPJFL Board will conduct monthly meetings January through November or as needed for special functions. Meetings will be open to the public unless an Executive or special meeting is call for by the Director. Section 5 Voting Voting is open to all members in good standing at the time a vote is called. A member in good standing will be defined as having attended two (2) of the previous three (3) meetings (including current meeting). All votes shall be tallied by a show of hands. Section 6 Order of Business... (A) Roll Call (B) Reading of minutes from past meeting (C) Treasurer s Report (D) Old/Unfinished Business (E) Reports from Committees (F) New Business (G) Adjournment Section 7 Bank Account (s) and Investments All Bank account (s) and Investments held by the East Peoria JFL will be set-up and maintained in the following manner: a. Both the Director and Treasurer must be authorized to have full access to all accounts held by the East Peoria JFL and be capable of making changes to the account access and investments made in the Money Market (s) and/or Certificate of Deposit (s). b. The Concessions Director will only have authority to access the checking account. They will have the authority to make deposits and withdraws from the Checking Account. They do not have authority to access any Money Market (s) or Certificate of Deposit (s) held by the East Peoria JFL. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 9 of 34
ARTICLE 3 (continued) Section 7 c. Changes to the status of investments up to and including the Money Market (s) and Certificate of Deposit (s) must be approved by the East Peoria JFL Board. d. Account access and status of the Savings, Checking, Money Market (s) and Certificate of Deposit (s) will be reviewed and approved by the East Peoria JFL Board at the beginning of each season. Revision 3.0 Page 10 of 34
ARTICLE 4 COMMITTEES Section 1 Each board member must serve on at least 1 committee. Each board member may serve on more than 1 committee. Each committee will be required to give a monthly report to the Board on its activities. Section 2 The EPJFL will consist of the following committees: Cheerleading, Complaints, Concessions, Equipment, Building & Field Maintenance, Fundraising, High School Liaison, Sponsorships, Team Mom s, Flag Football, Registration, Pictures, Apparel, Homecoming Parade, Trophies and Awards, Banquet, Website. Section 3 Committee Functions EPJFL committees will be responsible for but not limited to the following: A. Cheerleading Generate at least five (5) representatives to coordinate all functions involving the sign-ups, money transactions, fliers, fundraisers and sponsors. Be in compliance with all EPJFL and JFLOCI rules and regulations. A representative must attend all EPJFL and JFLOCI meetings. Any and all decisions regarding Cheerleading must be approved by the EPJFL Board. B. Complaints Will consist of the Director and two (2) Senior Board Members. They will investigate any and all complaints related to the EPJFL. They will communicate complaints, findings and decisions to the EP JFL Board. They will be responsible for seeking legal advice, if needed, and communicating with JFLOCI, if needed. They will have the authority to make decisions and address complaints according to the By-Laws of the EPJFL and JFLOCI. Complaints of a detrimental nature to the EPJFL that are outside of the By-Laws, will be brought before the EPJFL Board. Decisions of the EPJFL Board and/or the Complaint Committee will be final and communicated to the complainant. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 11 of 34
ARTICLE 4 (continued) Section 3 Other than the Director, the members of the Complaint Committee will be voted and approved by the EPJFL Board at the beginning of each season. C. Concessions Report to the Director of Concessions. Manage and coordinate all routines involved in running the concession stand, practice or game days. Coordinate staff needed to keep duties running in a safe and economical manner. Will make every attempt to follow the rules and regulations of the local Health Department. Will generate list of products and supplies needed. Drawer allotment, disbursements and cash drops are to be completed by Director, Treasurer and/or the Director of Concessions. D. Equipment Maintain equipment in good working order. Take inventory and keep records of all out-going and incoming equipment. All reports are to be given to the Director of Equipment to be filed. E. Building and Field Maintenance Make sure fields are kept clean at all times. Have fields lined and ready for games on Saturdays and Sundays. Recruit a support staff for assistance with field. Inventory paint and maintain field equipment. Ensure that all garbage receptacles are kept empty on a weekly basis. Address any building maintenance issues. F. Fundraising Will Coordinate and manage all fundraisers held by the EPJFL. Will attend all JFLOCI meetings specifically addressing area fundraising. Will be a liaison between the Board, Team Mothers and Parents. Will be responsible for the collection and distribution of all forms, product and monies. Will address all fundraising issues or problems. Will report all monies received to treasurer. G. High School Liaison Will work with the High School coaching staff to set up coaching clinics, football camp, and meetings that the EPCHS staff may attend with the Board to keep established the bond built between EPCHS and EPJFL. This committee will be used to aide in the growth of EPJFL and help in the preparation of athletes moving up to high school football. Revision 3.0 Page 12 of 34
ARTICLE 4 (continued) Section 3 H. Sponsorships Work with community business to help gain donations, sponsors and community support for EPJFL. Promote and build trust in the community youth, that junior football is a fun and exciting sport. I. Head Team Mother (Mom) Will recruit and train new Team Mothers (Team Mom s). Will be the point of contact for Team Mom s and assist the Director in communicating important dates and upcoming events, collection of items that are due, collection of monies that are due and distribution of flyer s or forms. Will coordinate the Team Mom s during Validation Day, Fundraiser Distribution day and Picture Day. Will coordinate the Team Mom s in the recruitment of volunteers for game days. Will assist with implementation of the Area Banquet and coordinate the Team Mom s to assist. J. Flag Football...Will be responsible for coordinating the EPJFL Flag Football program, Coaches and Team Mom s. This includes the distribution and collection of equipment, fundraiser materials, game day schedules, trophies. Will coordinate the end of the season Flag Football Banquet. Will be the point of contact for the Director with any issues that arise with the Flag Football program. K. Registration Will be responsible for the distribution of flyers and advertisement of upcoming registrations. Will schedule and reserve a location(s) for registration. Will update, make copies and sort all League and EPJFL registration forms. Will recruit volunteers for registration day. Will sort and input all registration information into a computer generated spreadsheet. Will be responsible for and account for all monies collected during registration. Will organize registered players into teams according to the divisions as listed in Article 6, Section 1, 2 & 8 and Article 7, Section 2 & 8. Will produce team books. One member must have access to Bank Accounts according to Article 3, Section 8. Revision 3.0 Page 13 of 34
ARTICLE 4 (continued) Section 3 L. Pictures Will be responsible for finding a reputable photographer and scheduling of Picture Day. Will ensure that all pictures are distributed and address any issues that may arise. M. Apparel Will be responsible for internal and external apparel (Raiderwear). Will present designs for apparel to the board for approval. Will order, arrange the purchase of and sort all apparel. Will maintain an inventory of all apparel. Will provide a detailed end of season inventory and report to be presented to the board. N. Homecoming Parade Will coordinate the involvement of the EPJFL in the EPCHS Homecoming Parade. Will communicate all information regarding the EPCHS Homecoming Parade to the Teams and Parents. Will ensure the safety of all players and ensure that all players are accounted for during the Parade. O. Trophies and Awards Will determine what awards are to be presented to each player with approval from the Board. Will order, arrange the purchase of and sort all Trophies and Awards according to teams. Will address all issues dealing with Trophies and Awards. Trophies and Awards include items listed in Article 6, Section 7 and Article 7, Section 7, Sponsor Plaques, and the TeeGarten Award. P. Banquet Each season the Board will determine if the EPJFL will have separate Team Banquets or one Area Banquet by majority vote. Team Banquet Will determine the per player allocation for each team with approval from the Board. Will communicate this information to each Team Head Coach and Team Mom. Will coordinate with the Treasurer the allocation that is to be paid to each Team. Area Banquet Will schedule and reserve a location for the Area Banquet. Will determine and coordinate with the Head of the Team Mom s all aspects of the Area Banquet including food, speakers and itinerary. All aspects of the Area Banquet must be approved by the Board. Revision 3.0 Page 14 of 34
ARTICLE 4 (continued) Section 3 Q. Website Will maintain the EPJFL Website. Will update and revise all relevant information for each season. Will be responsible for all forms of communication used with the Website. Will update all weekly information during the season. Revision 3.0 Page 15 of 34
ARTICLE 5 MEMBERSHIP Section 1 Adult Members Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who has a child enrolled in the program (Tackle or Flag football or Cheerleading) or has an active interest, shall be a member of the EPJFL and will be subject to its by-laws, rules and regulations. Must be in good standing with EPJFL and JFLOCI. Section 2 Youth Member Any child meeting the requirements as set forth by the JFLOCI and EPJFL shall be eligible for participation. If equipment is available, no child will be refused to participate provided they meet requirements of the East Peoria JFL and JFL Central League. Must be in good standing with EPJFL and JFLOCI. Any Youth Member wearing a Game Jersey will be considered a representative of the East Peoria JFL. Section 3 Disqualification Any member not complying with EPJFL or JFLOCI rules, regulation or by-laws, MAY be disqualified or suspended at the discretion of the East Peoria JFL Board. Any adult member disqualified or suspended by the Board may be PERMANENTLY disqualified for the position as a Coach (Head or Assistant) or Team Mom. Any adult member disqualified or suspended for a two week period by the JFLOCI will be evaluated by the Board. The Board will determine if the member will be PERMANENTLY disqualified for the position as a Coach (Head or Assistant) or Team Mom. Section 4 Swearing or Vulgar Language The use of vulgar language or swearing is not permitted by any member. Any member reported via the written complaint process and proven to have violated this rule will be subject to the following : First Offense Will be warned of their violation, informed of further consequences and asked to cease. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 16 of 34
ARTICLE 5 (continued) Section 4 Second Offense Will be suspended for a period of one week beginning on the day of the violation, and will not be allowed to attend practices or the next scheduled game. Third Offense Will be suspended for the remainder of the season. Section 5 Fighting Any physical confrontation of JFL Player(s) during a JFL event that is brought to the attention of the Director and/or the Complaint Committee of the EPJFL will be addressed in the following manner : A. Physical Confrontation Definition Includes but is not limited to punches thrown, punches landed, wrestling, pushing, shoving, etc... B. JFL Event Definition A JFL Event is defined as and includes practices, games, and an event where a JFL player is wearing their JFL Jersey, and/or JFL Night sponsored by the High School. C. Bias All rules for fighting will be applied on a case to case basis. Each party will be evaluated in their involvement. D. First Offense One week suspension, beginning on the day of the offense. Includes all practices for a week and one scheduled game. If the suspension occurs before scheduled games have begun then the player will be suspended from practice for that week, and will not play in the first scheduled game of the season (the entire Labor Day tournament is considered one scheduled game). If suspension occurs during the last week of the season, then the players will be suspended for the remaining part of the season and not participate in the last scheduled game. Equipment will be collected that day. Revision 3.0 Page 17 of 34
ARTICLE 5 (continued) Section 5 E. Second Offense The player will be suspended for the remaining part of the season. The Board will have a special meeting and by a majority vote decide whether the player is to return the following season. G. Accumulative Offenses All offenses are accumulative for the duration of a 12 Month Period. This is to include flag and tackle football. H. Suspension from Practices and Scheduled Games Any player suspended from practices and a scheduled game (s) will not be allowed to participate. I. Adult Members Fighting Any Adult member of the East Peoria JFL involved in a physical confrontation will be immediately and permanently suspended from involvement with the East Peoria JFL. This will include all JFL Events, practices and/or games. Their status will be communicated to the JFLOCI. Section 6 Recommendations for Fighting (1) The Complaint Committee and the Head Coach should be present at the meeting. (2) Speak to each party separately. Keep the individual parties separated and out of sight of each other. (3) Begin the meeting by informing each party that you are speaking to both parties equally without bias. (4) Allow each party to speak and explain themselves. (5) Read for verbatim Article 5, Section 5 to each party, and ask if they understand the By-Laws. (6) Inform them of the verdict. (7) Escort them from the premises to their vehicles. (8) Do Not allow the parties to converse on the premises. Revision 3.0 Page 18 of 34
ARTICLE 5 (continued) Section 7 Adult Members Threatening Violence Any Adult member threatening physical violence towards a youth member will be immediately and permanently suspended from involvement with the East Peoria JFL. This will included all JFL events, practices and/or games. Their status will be communicated to the JFLOCI. If necessary, the proper authorities will be contacted and informed of their status. Revision 3.0 Page 19 of 34
ARTICLE 6 TACKLE FOOTBALL Section 1 Divisions...EPJFL will use five (5) divisions of teams for grouping youth members. Team divisions will be made in compliance to the rules and regulations set by the JFLCIO and the EPJFL. The teams will be Squirt, Pee Wee, Junior Varsity, Varsity and Senior s. Section 2 Division Requirements The division of requirements shall be, but not limited to the following: A. Squirt Age Weight 8 No Limit 9 90 lbs. Over seventy-five (75) lbs may not carry the ball. B. Pee Wee Age Weight 8 No Limit 9 No Limit 10 80 lbs. Over ninety (90) lbs may not carry the ball. C. Junior Varsity Age Weight 10 No Limit 11 115 lbs and under 12 80 lbs and under Over one hundred and fifteen (115) lbs may not carry the ball. D. Varsity Age Weight 11 No Limit 12 130 lbs and under 13 105 lbs and under Over one hundred and thirty (130) lbs may not carry the ball. E. Senior Age Weight 12 131lbs and over 13 106 lbs and over 14 (All) No Limit Over one hundred and fifty-five (155) lbs may not carry the ball. Revision 3.0 Page 20 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 3 Practices Practices must only be held at a location designated by the EPJFL. Practices may run Monday thru Thursday Friday, 5pm-8pm. Any exception to these times must be approved by the EPJFL Board. Section 4 Equipment/Uniforms/Jersey s All issued equipment, uniforms and jerseys are property of the East Peoria JFL and must be returned in the conditioned in which they were distributed. Any unnecessary damage will be the responsibility of the youth parent or guardian. A. Practice clothes other than practice pants are the responsibility of the athlete. B. No Equipment is to be altered in any way with the exception of chin straps. All mouthpieces must meet the requirements of the JFLOCI. They may be altered for comfort, but must provide full dental protection. C. Any player wearing a Game Jersey will be considered a representative of the East Peoria JFL and will be expected to abide by the By-Laws, rules and regulations of the East Peoria JFL and JFLOCI (i.e. Fighting). D. Jerseys may only be worn on Game days, to school the Friday before a Game day and to scheduled High School games. Any exceptions must be approved by the EPJFL. Offenses to this rule will be handled by the following criteria:. First Offense One week suspension, beginning on the day of the offense. Includes all practices for a week and one scheduled game. If the suspension occurs before scheduled games have begun, then the player will be suspended from practice for that week, and will not play in the first scheduled game of the season (the entire Labor Day tournament is considered one scheduled game). (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 21 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 4 If suspension occurs during the last week of the season, then the players will be suspended for the remaining part of the season and not participate in the last scheduled game. Equipment will be collected that day. Second Offense The player will be suspended for the remaining part of the season. The Board will have a special meeting and by a majority vote decide whether the player is to return the following season. Accumulative Offenses All offenses are accumulative for the duration of a 12 Month Period. This is to include flag and tackle football. Section 5 Games All games will be governed by the rules and regulations set forth by the JFL Central League and EPJFL. Squirt, Pee Wee, and Junior Varsity will play on Saturdays. Varsity and Senior s will play on Sunday. Tournaments and practice games are the exception. Section 6 Volunteers It is the responsibility of the Head Team Mom, each individual Team Mom and Head Coach to recruit volunteers for all home games. Adult Volunteers are needed for the following duties : Chain Gang (3 persons per game), Concessions Help (2 persons per game), Announcer and Time Keeper. The first and last teams to play on each date are responsible for providing volunteers to help set up, take down and clean the field. Section 7 Trophies and Awards An Awards Ceremony will be held at the end of each season. Types of awards may be, but not limited to the following: Certificates, Pins, Ribbons and/ or Trophies. Special Awards may be presented with the approval of the EPJFL Board. Revision 3.0 Page 22 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 8 Determining the Size of Teams As dictated by the JFLOCI, team sizes at the time of validation must meet a minimum of 15 players with a maximum of 36 players. A team in a particular division may only be split when it has at least 30 players or exceeds 36 players, and a qualified Head Coach is available for the second team. Teams will be split according to the following criteria : A. Teams Due Date All teams must be determined and split by the last Wednesday before Validation Day. B. Splitting Teams The teams will be split in the following manner. The EPJFL will attempt to keep players from past teams together. This may not always be possible. In the event that one team has less than the minimum of 15 players or the teams are excessively uneven, then both Head Coach s will be asked to split the teams on their own to meet the minimum requirement. If either Head Coach cannot agree or has a complaint as to how the teams are split, then the following procedure (Article 6, Section 8, C) will be used to split the teams. C. Head Coaches cannot agree on split teams Each Head Coach will be allowed two (2) assistants. The Head Coach s and the Assistant Coach s children will be placed on their perspective teams. The Head Coach of the team with the fewest players, at that point, will choose enough players to even up the teams. They may choose a Non Ball Carrier or Ball Carrier. The Director will flip a coin to determine which team will make the next selection. Each player will then be selected one at time beginning with Non Ball Carriers, and then Ball Carriers. D. Further Issues or Complaints Any further issues or complaints will be addressed by submitting in writing the reason for the complaint to the EPJFL Board. The Board will then determine if the complaint is legitimate, and rule on the complaint by a majority vote. Coaches and/or Parent s must submit all complaints or issues in writing. Revision 3.0 Page 23 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 9 Head Coach s Criteria All Head Coaches should meet the following criteria and sign a statement to the fact: A. Will follow the rules of youth football. B. Will provide a safe environment for each player. C. Will ensure that learning football will be fun. D. Will keep winning and losing in perspective. E. Will be sensitive to the emotions of the players. F. Will build the players up using positive reinforcement, not put them down. G. Will not seek personal recognition at the expense of the players. H. Will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship to all players. I. Will be responsible and accountable for the actions of their assistant coaches and for their adult fans during practices and games. J. Will ensure that all players receive fair playing time according the rules of the JFLOCI. Revision 3.0 Page 24 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 10 Attendance and Absentees All players are expected to make every effort to attend each scheduled practice on time. Any player that is absent or late and does not contact the Head Coach before practice begins will have their playing time at the next scheduled game reduced by the following: A. Four Day Practice Week The following criteria will be used for a four (4) day practice week: One Unexcused Practice...Will not start game. Two Unexcused Practices Will sit out one quarter of their scheduled playing time for the game. Three Unexcused Practices Will sit out half of their scheduled playing time for the game. Four Unexcused Practices Will sit out a full game. B. Three Day Practice Week In the event, that there are only three (3) practices during the week the following criteria will be followed: One Unexcused Practices Will sit out one quarter of their scheduled playing time for the game. Two Unexcused Practices Will sit out half of their scheduled playing time for the game. Three Unexcused Practices Will sit out a full game. C. Communication of Attendance Each Head Coach will communicate to the parents of each player the above criteria for absentees at the beginning of the season. In the event that a Head Coach is to implement the above reduction of playing time, the Head Coach will first seek approval from the Director and will make every attempt to contact the parent of the player and discuss the players reduced playing time before the scheduled game. Revision 3.0 Page 25 of 34
ARTICLE 6 (continued) Section 11 Leaving Practice Early Any player leaving practice early without permission of the Head Coach or refusing to participate in an activity they are capable of performing will be considered absent and the rules for Attendance and Absentees (Article 6, Section 10) will apply. Section 12 Suspension from Practices and Scheduled Games Any player suspended from practice(s) and a scheduled game(s) will not be allowed to participate. Revision 3.0 Page 26 of 34
ARTICLE 7 Flag FOOTBALL Section 1 Divisions...EPJFL will use two (2) divisions of teams for grouping youth members. Team divisions will be made in compliance to the rules and regulations set by the JFLCIO and the EPJFL. The teams will be designated as 5/6 and 6/7. Section 2 Division Requirements The division of requirements shall be, but not limited to the following: A. 5/6 This team will include all 5 year olds and any new 6 year old players. B. 6/7 This team will include all second year 6 year old players and all 7 year old players. A five (5) year old may be placed on a 6/7 team if that player is related to another player and permission has been granted by the JFLOCI. A new 6 year old player may be placed on a 6/7 team, if the 5/6 team (s) are at their maximum, or if a 6/7 team does not meet the minimum number of players requirement as dictated by the JFLOCI rules. Section 3 Practices Practices must only be held at a location designated by the EPJFL. Practices will run for a maximum of 1 hour. Practices may run Monday thru Thursday, 5pm-7pm. Any exception to these times must be approved by the EPJFL Board. Three (3) practices per week may be held up to the first scheduled game. A total of 10 practices are allowed up to the first scheduled game. After the first scheduled game, only two (2) practices may be held each week. Revision 3.0 Page 27 of 34
ARTICLE 7 (continued) Section 4 Equipment/Uniforms All issued equipment, pants, belts and flags are property of the East Peoria JFL and must be returned in the conditioned in which they were distributed. Any unnecessary damage will be the responsibility of the youth parent or guardian. No Equipment is to be altered in any way. Section 5 Games All games will be governed by the rules and regulations set forth by the JFL Central League and EPJFL. All games and tournaments will be held on Saturdays. Section 6 Volunteers It is the responsibility of the Head Team Mom, Team Mom and Head Coach to recruit volunteers for all home games. Adult Volunteers are needed for the following duties : Concessions Help (2 persons per team) andtime Keeper. The first and last teams to play each date are responsible for providing volunteers to help set up, take down and clean the field. Section 7 Trophies and Awards An Awards Ceremony will be held at the end of each season. Types of awards may be, but not limited to the following: Certificates, Pins, Ribbons and/ or Trophies. Special Awards may be presented with the approval of the EPJFL Board. Section 8 Determining the Size of Teams As dictated by the JFLOCI, team sizes and designation must be determined and are due the day of Tackle Football Validation. Each team must have a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 16 players. Each player will be placed on a team according to Article 7, Section 2. A team may only be split when it has at least 16 players, and a qualified Head Coach is available for the second team. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 28 of 34
ARTICLE 7 (continued) Section 8 (continued) In the event a qualified Head Coach is not available then all players after the 16 th player will be placed on a stand-by list, and will be added to the team if a position becomes available. If teams are split it is recommended that each team has at least twelve (12) players per team. (See Article 7, Section 2) Section 9 Head Coach s Criteria All Head Coaches should meet the following criteria and sign a statement to the fact: A. Will follow the rules of youth football. B. Will provide a safe environment for each player. C. Will ensure that learning football will be fun. D. Will keep winning and losing in perspective. E. Will be sensitive to the emotions of the players. F. Will build the players up using positive reinforcement, not put them down. G. Will not seek personal recognition at the expense of the players. H. Will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship to all players. I. Will be responsible and accountable for the actions of their assistant coaches and for their adult fans during practices and games. J. Will ensure that all players receive fair playing time according the rules of the JFLOCI. Revision 3.0 Page 29 of 34
ARTICLE 7 (continued) Section 10 Attendance and Absentees All players are expected to make every effort to attend each scheduled practice on time. Any player that is absent or late and does not contact the Head Coach before practice begins will have their playing time at the next scheduled game reduced by the following: A. Before first schedule game The following criteria will be used for the weeks leading up to the first scheduled game: Four (4) Unexcused Practices...Will sit out one (1) quarter of the first scheduled game. Five (5) Unexcused Practices Will sit out half of the first scheduled game. Six (6) Unexcused Practices Will sit out three (3) quarters of the first scheduled game. Seven (7) or more Unexcused Practices Will sit out the entire first scheduled game. B. Two Day Practice Week After the first scheduled game, only two practices per week are allowed. The following criteria will be used to reduce playing time: One Unexcused Practices Will sit out one Quarter of their scheduled playing time for the game. Two Unexcused Practices Will sit out one Half of their scheduled playing time for the game. C. Communication of Attendance Each Head Coach will communicate to the Parent (s) of each player the above criteria for absentees at the beginning of the season. In the event that a Head Coach is to implement the above reduction of playing time the Head Coach will first seek approval from the Director and will make every attempt to contact the parent of the player and discuss the players reduced playing time before the scheduled game. (continued on next page) Revision 3.0 Page 30 of 34
ARTICLE 7 (continued) Section 10 D. Repeated Absence...Any player with repeated unexcused absences will be suspended from practice and games until a review is done by the Director. Section 11 Leaving Practice Early Any player leaving practice early without permission of the Head Coach will be considered absent and the rules for Attendance and Absentees (Article 7, Section 10) will apply. Revision 3.0 Page 31 of 34
ARTICLE 8 CHEERLEADING Cheerleading was officially suspended by a majority vote of the EPJFL Board in November 2009. Cheerleading is not to be reinstated until a Board member is willing to be the Committee Chairman for Cheerleading, ensure that all of the following criteria can be met and maintained, and approved by a majority vote of the EPJFL Board. Section 1 Cheerleading is a separate and financially independent program. Will pay EPJFL a registration fee for each child who signs up to cheer. This is non-refundable and helps cover the cost of concessions, sales, cleaning, utilities and field maintenance. The signup fee of ten ($10) dollars per child, not family, and list or roster of children signed up must be furnished to the EPJFL Board no later than the first day of JFL practice. If the above mentioned criteria is not met then a late fee of two thousand ($2000) dollars must be paid to the EPJFL or the children will not be allowed to cheer until amount is paid in full. If at any time there is a change in the number of cheerleaders that sign up EPJFL Board Members must be notified immediately. This fee only entitles the cheerleaders to cheer for the JFL on JFL fields. Any sales or fundraisers conducted on the JFL fields must be cleared with the EPJFL Board of Directors. Section 2 Team/Requirements Cheerleaders will consist of five (5) divisions of teams: Squirt, Pee Wee, Junior Varsity, Varsity, and Senior. The requirements shall be but not limited to the number of children signed up and grouped into age brackets as follows: A. Squirt Ages 8-9, nor more than twenty (20) on the squad. B. Pee Wee Ages 9-10, no more than twenty (20) on the squad. C. Junior Varsity Ages 10-11, no more than twenty (20) on the Squad. D. Varsity Ages11-12, no more than (20) on the squad. E. Seniors Ages 12-14, no more than (20) on the squad. Revision 3.0 Page 32 of 34
ARTICLE 9 Adoption of By-Laws Section 1 These By-Laws were amended and formerly adopted on Month, Day, Year by the full Board of Directors of the East Peoria Junior Football League, and take effect immediately. Section 2 The Board of the East Peoria JFL may only amend these By- Laws by adopting a resolution setting forth the proposed amendment (s). The Board of the East Peoria JFL may then approve the resolution by a majority vote, at a meeting in which a quorum of the elected members is present. Version 3.0 Page 33 of 34
ARTICLE 10 Amendments of By-Laws Version 1.0 Exact Adoption of By-Laws Unknown (~Year 2000) Version 2.0 Article 3, Section 3, F. Members amended and adopted February 16 th, 2010. Version 3.0 Article 2, Section 1, Paragraph 1 enjoy playing football added. Paragraph 2.New Article 3, Section 1, Paragraph 2.New Article 3, Section 2 Clarified Assistant Directors as Concessions Director and Equipment Director Article 3, Section 3, B Added Health Department certification Article 3, Section 3, C Removed authority to sign checks Article 3, Section 6.Revised order of business, added Treasurer s Report, removed Executive Board reports Article 3, Section 7.New section Article 4, Section 1.New. Article 4, Section 2.Added Cheerleading, Flag Football, Registration, Pictures, Apparel, Homecoming Parade, Trophies and Awards, Banquet, Website. Article4, Section 3, B.consists of Director and 2 Senior Board Members. Paragraph 2 added authority to make decisions etc. Article 4, Section3, C Added Health Department phrase. Article 4, Section 3, F Revised and clarified duties Article 4, Section 3, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q.New Article 4, Section 2, Paragraph 2 New Article 4, Section 3, Paragraph 2, 3.New Article 4, Section 4, 5, 6, 7.All new Article 6, Section 4.Last sentence new, Paragraph 2, 3.New Article 6, Section 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,.New Article 7 New Article 8 Main Paragraph before Section 1,New Article 9 New Article10 New Version 3.0 Page 34 of 34