OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 2016 Copyright 2016 Nashville Youth Football League ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
NASHVILLE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS Section I NYFL Principles and Philosophies....4 1. Mission...4 2. Objectives......4 3. Purpose....4 4. Organization..4 Section II Executive Board......4 1. Board of Directors.......5 2. Committees... 5 3. NYFL Powers......5 4. Rules and Revisions.... 6 5. Founding Associations..... 6 Section III NYFL Membership. 6 1. Admission...... 6 2. Becoming an NYFL Association..... 6 3. Membership.....7 4. Demographics.........7 5. Community Relations......7 6. Participation Policy......8 7. Terminating NYFL Membership.... 8 8. League Development.... 8 9. Renewal of Membership.....8 10. Code of Conduct....... 8 Section IV Defining Affiliation and Structure.... 9 1. Association..9 2. Communities..9 3. Participants...9 4. Divisions. 9 5. Teams.. 9 Section V Team Rosters and Fees....9 1. Declaring Teams..9 2. Rostering Players. 9 3. Team Fees. 10 4. Elective Teams..10 Section VI Player Eligibility 11 Section VII Fines and Penalties. 12 Section VIII Rosters/Pre-Game/Weigh-in Procedures.....12 Official Game Day Rosters. 12 1. Pre-Game Roster Exchange and Weigh-In Procedures 13 Section IX Weight Limits / Age Groups / Player Positions. 14 1. Weight Limits... 14 2. Player Positions. 14 Section X Practices / Games / Home Field....15 1. Practice Regulations..15 2. Games 15 3. Home Field Responsibilities.....15 4. Field Specifications...16 5. Pre-Season Camps 16 Section XI Uniforms and Equipment..... 16 Section XII Officials and Penalties....17 Section XIII Situational Rules.. 18 1. Rules Specific to NYFL...18 2. Special C, CC and Pee Wee Rules....19 3. Punting Procedures...19 4. Mandatory Playing Time...19 2
5. P.A. and Sound System Procedures 20 Section XIV Administrative Procedures. 20 1. Protest.20 2. Ethnical Protocol. 20 3. Coaches and Non-Coaching Conduct.21 4. Voting Privileges....22 Section XV - Jamborees, Bowls, Championships and Schedules. 23 1. Jamboree..23 2. Schedule...23 3. NYFL Playoffs... 24 Section XVI Appendix...25 3
Section I - NYFL Principles and Philosophies 1. Mission: The NYFL exists to provide a wholesome, educational and recreational youth football and cheerleading program aimed at providing boys and girls an opportunity to participate in youth sports and improving the quality of life within the community. This will be accomplished with the following objectives: 2. Objectives: a. To establish guidelines and regulations for a structured and unified recreational youth football program. b. To encourage participation and promote physical fitness, facilitate educational training, teaching the fundamentals in youth football and cheerleading for all coaches and players. c. To train, develop and promote adult mentors to assume leadership roles for the progression of the League, to become the most user friendly youth football organization by empowering our members, administrators and volunteers. d. To teach and encourage the principles of good sportsmanship, promoting safety and fair play during competitions, and providing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere and environment for our youth. e. To establish and facilitate a community driven League, promoting fellowship and comradery among our communities, affiliated youth organizations, administrators, directors, coaches and membership. 3. Purpose: The purpose of NYFL shall be to serve as a non profit youth football and cheerleading league for the membership of children, youth sports clubs, organizations, communities and volunteers in the Mid-South region, in particular the youth football clubs, communities and volunteers in Metropolitan Nashville, Davidson County and its surrounding areas. The intent of the League is to establish and to provide a governing organizational hub to serve as an epicenter for youth football clubs and communities in Nashville and the Mid-South region that will provide our youth the opportunity to safely participate in organized competitions and to attain fundamental instruction, safety awareness and a positive experience in youth football and cheerleading. We understand the importance of providing good role models and a positive environment for our youth to flourish, which in return gives each child an opportunity to build friendships, mold character, develop positive attitudes, learn good sportsmanship, teamwork and team spirit. NYFL s commitment to excellence is a dedication to developing strength of character, promoting brotherhood/sisterhood, respect and self-discipline to make a positive impact in the lives of each youth that participates in our League. NYFL shall be developed and organized to ensure, as well as to enhance, the emotional, physical, social and educational well being of children. The League shall promote the ideals of responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fellowship in our youth while instructing the game of football in a positive and safe environment. The individual growth of the youth in our communities will be enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline, sportsmanship and fair play. We will accomplish these goals by providing an organization that maintains the highest morals and standards, and by seeking out youth football clubs, communities, coaches and other volunteers willing to teach and exemplify these same principals. The league will further promote the development of leadership, character, sportsmanship, tolerance, discipline and athletic ability, and to nurture youth fitness, volunteerism, and a lifelong love of sports. The directors, coaches, volunteers and other membership of the League shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and that the molding of our future citizens is of prime importance. NYFL will implement and promote safety in youth sports, and will partner with USA Football as a Heads Up Youth Football League. 4. Organization: The League is and shall remain a not-for-profit organization and no part of the net earnings thereof shall inure to the benefit of any individual. The League shall endure and shall have a corporate existence perpetually; but in the event its purpose should ever fail, or for any reason whatsoever, cease to function, no part of its property, funds, or assets shall ever be divided or inure to benefit any of its directors, volunteers or members. Nashville Youth Football League has been created, as a non-profit youth amateur athletic organization, to provide an opportunity for boys and girls to participate in Local, Regional and National Amateur Athletic competitions. The rules and guidelines of this League will be followed and upheld by all affiliated youth football clubs, communities and volunteers to emphasize safety in preparation and competitions, the fundamentals of the sport, continued participation and sportsmanship. 4
a. To work toward the development of high ideals of conduct and character among youth flag and tackle football players, cheerleaders, coaches, officials and spectators. b. To promote participation and interest in the sport of tackle football and cheerleading among the youth of Metropolitan Nashville and the surrounding areas in the Mid-South region. c. To develop and oversee safe, skillful participation in youth football and cheerleading. d. To inspire youth, regardless of race, color, creed or national origin, to practice the ideals of health, citizenship and character. e. To bring our youth closer together through means of common interest in sportsmanship, fair play and fellowship; to impart to the game, elements of safety, sanity and intelligent supervision. f. To keep the welfare of the youth first and foremost. Section II Executive Board 1. Board of Directors: a. The NYFL Executive Board of Directors shall consist of one (1) Director from each affiliated Association, as defined in Section IV, Part 1. The Directors from each Association, the affiliated youth clubs, communities or organizations, must have a current NYFL membership. b. The Board of Directors shall each have one (1) vote per member for each Association, and each affiliated youth club, community or organization will be equally represented with one (1) vote per Association respectively. The Executive Board shall appoint a Chairperson to oversee the governance, direction and mission of the Executive Board, and it s setting of policies, procedures and protocols. c. The Board of Directors may appoint Executive Officers: President, Vice President, Commissioner, Treasurer, Secretary, Committee Chairs, Members at Large, and future positions as needed. 2. Committees: a. The governance and operations of the Executive Board will be the shared responsibility of the Directors appointed to the Committees that are put in place to implement the functions, duties and progress of all Executive Board operations. b. Executive Board Committees will include, but will not be limited to: Business, Ethics, Competition, Scheduling, Marketing, Events, Cheerleading, Fundraising and future Committees as needed. c. The operations of the Executive Board will be the delegated responsibilities of each Committee. 3. NYFL Powers: NYFL shall have the power, directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction or cooperation with others, to do any and all lawful activities, which may be necessary or convenient to positively affect the charitable purposes, for which the corporation is organized, and to aid or assist other organizations whose activities further accomplish, foster, or attain such purposes. The powers of the League may include, but are not be limited to, the acceptance of contributions from the public and private sectors, whether financial or in-kind contributions, as well as fundraisers and other donations. The powers of NYFL shall be governed by an Executive Board and will be approved and implemented by its Board of Directors. This Corporation will be organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Corporation shall not operate or carry on any other activities that are not permitted by an organization exempt from Federal income tax as a corporation/organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code). 5
4. Rules and Revisions: The Executive Board of Directors will discuss and communicate any additions, changes or revisions annually to update and revise the rulebook in order to provide clear, concise and consistent rules, thereby eliminating real or perceived violations of those stated rules. This allows for strict enforcement of rules, whether a direct violation or a violation of the spirit of the rule. Thereby insuring the integrity of NYFL and fair play by all. 5. NYFL Founding Associations: The initial Directors of the Associations that agreed to a 2-year commitment for the establishment of the NYFL will be documented and recognized on the NYFL s Articles of Association as Founders and Founding Associations respectively for the perpetuity of the League, and each Founding Association will have a Director or Permanent Member on the Executive Board. Thus, from the inception of the NYFL, the Founding Associations will serve as the Executive Board, and will be the governing body of the Nashville Youth Football League. Section III NYFL Membership 1. Admission: a. In order to obtain membership in the NYFL, an Association, community or organization must field one (1) team in the AAA, BBB and CCC divisions. No Association, community or organization may field more than one team in these divisions. Associations may field additional teams in the AA, BB, CC, A, B, C, PW, Jr. PW and classifications. An Association, community or organization being considered for permanent membership must have successfully completed its probationary period. b. All Associations in the NYFL must have a Board of Directors in place for their respective Association. Each Association must submit a copy of their organization s constitution and by-laws, home field location, the team colors and the name of the team they intend to play under. Annually each organization must submit documents to the NYFL Secretary containing the names, addresses, phone numbers and email address of each of their board members. The NYFL Executive Board shall have the right to request and review all submitted information and make any inquiries that they deem necessary concerning the reputation and background of the Association s, community/organization officers and board members. 2. Becoming A NYFL Association: a. Any community or organization may apply for membership in the NYFL by formally submitting an application packet to the league Board of Directors on or before the May Board meeting each year. This packet must contain the names, addresses and phone numbers and email address of each of their board members, a copy of the constitution and by-laws, the place they intend to play (If this place is owned by someone other than the Association, community or organization, there must be a letter accompanying the submission stating they have permission to play there.), team colors and the team name they intend to play under. The NYFL Executive Board shall review all submitted paperwork and make any inquiries that they deem necessary concerning the reputation and background of the community/organization officers and board members. Once its review is complete, the Executive Board shall report to the Board of Directors its findings and recommend acceptance or rejection of the Association, community/organization applying for membership. The NYFL Board of Directors must approve all of the above by majority vote before an Association, community or organization is admitted. b. All NEW Associations, community or organization coming into the NYFL shall be on a one (1) year supervised probationary membership. The Executive Board shall supervise this probationary period. A recommendation for election or rejection for permanent membership shall be presented by this committee to the entire Board of Directors at the January meeting the following year. Election to permanent membership status is subject to majority approval of the Executive Board. An Association, community or organization cannot become a permanent member of the NYFL until it is in full compliance with Section III (1b). If an Association, community or organization has not been able to comply with Section III (1b), the Executive Board may decide to make a recommendation to terminate membership status to that Association, community or organization. The general membership of the Board of Directors may grant or reject the recommendation by majority vote. 6
3. Membership: a. The membership in NYFL shall include the participating youth, executive board members, coaches, volunteers and parents or guardians of the participants from all affiliated Associations, the youth clubs, programs, communities and organizations. The intent of NYFL is to maintain an open association that welcomes participation from all who wish to be members, who share the same principles and philosophies of NYFL. b. Membership in this organization shall be open to all persons who sincerely desire to further its purpose as expressed by this document. Membership applications for players, cheerleaders and parents will consist of the player/cheerleader registration; all others will fill out their club or community s coaches or volunteer applications. Once approved by their respective club or community, all members will be subject to abide by and uphold the NYFL By-Laws and all NYFL Rules. c. NYFL is a voluntary organization that is a publicly held corporation whose membership can be limited to only those who support our principles and beliefs as stated. To become a member, player, coach or volunteer of NYFL, said person shall fill out an application with an affiliated club or community, then sign and date such application. Membership is current each year from the date on such application. d. Qualification Any parent or legal guardian of a child registered with any affiliated club or community of NYFL, who is in good standing with their respective club or community, i.e., current on all registration fees with all equipment returned, shall be a member. Additionally, any adult volunteer may apply for membership with approval of their respective club or community s board of directors, or by the NYFL board of directors for unaffiliated memberships. e. Membership shall be deemed to be continuous in effect from year to year, until a player, coach, volunteer or parent is no longer associated with NYFL, unless terminated by resignation, or by action of their respective club or community s Board of Directors, or by a NYFL delegated committee. f. Youth Members Any youth eligible by League requirements during registrations each year may, upon application and execution of the Registration and Waiver on the League s standard form by both parents or legal guardian, become a Player/Cheer Member, subject to the rules and regulations of NYFL pertaining to sportsmanlike conduct, and participation. g. Termination Membership may be terminated by resignation or by a majority vote of the respective club or community s board of directors, or by a NYFL delegated committee. 4. Demographics: a. NYFL welcomes all youth athletes to become involved in football and cheerleading, regardless of race, religion, sex, creed, national origin, disability, as well as children with special needs. b. NYFL welcomes all local Associations, regardless of financial capabilities, location and participation. c. NYFL is committed to supporting youth football, and we do our best to help affiliated Associations strengthen their local communities. 5. Community Relations: a. NYFL encourages its affiliating Associations to govern themselves by remaining unautocratic, as long as the following principles are subscribe to: 1. Safety 2. Sportsmanship 3. Fairness 4. Full Participation. b. NYFL believes in consistency of its rule interpretations and compliance by its effort to have open dialogue and communication with all of its members. If NYFL members have any questions regarding the rules outlined, for further clarification please contact the Commissioner or assigned Committee. c. NYFL will strictly enforce its rules to maintain the integrity of its programs, as well as the safety and well being of its participants. By following these guidelines, we hope to ensure that NYFL coaches and administrators are exemplary adult role models for our young athletes. 7
6. Participation Policy: a. To provide a wholesome competitiveness within the scope of our rules and regulations that will support the safety and protection of our youth athletes. b. To teach the skills and fundamentals of football and coordinate cheerleading activities. c. To influence good sportsmanship, teamwork, highest moral and physical standards and the importance of teamwork by recognizing and rewarding team achievement. d. To provide support to affiliated Associations while remaining NON-INTRUSIVE to their operations. e. To provide an opportunity for disadvantaged groups, at-risk youth, and with special needs to experience and make youth sports ALL-INCLUSIVE by not excluding participants based on superficial factors. f. To recognize and reward Organizations, Coaches, Volunteers, and those involved in the sport of football and cheerleading who exemplify the highest degree of Integrity, Honor and Servant Leadership (ability to put the team ahead of self in every decision, accepts and fulfills a role). 7. Terminating NYFL Membership: a. An Association, community or organization may terminate its association with the NYFL by forwarding a letter or email stating its desire to leave to the NYFL secretary. b. The NYFL may terminate its association with an organization or community if the following occurs: i. An Association, community or organization demonstrates a consistent pattern of rules violations. ii. An Association, community or organization is unable to field the required triple level teams. iii. An Association, community or organization fails to pay its financial obligations to the league when due. c. An Association, community or organization in probationary status may be dismissed by the NYFL for any reason deemed sufficient by the NYFL Board of Directors. d. In order for the NYFL to terminate its association for any of the above reasons, the Executive Board must make a recommendation for disassociation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall vote upon the recommendation. The league may terminate its association with any community or organization in probationary status by simple majority vote. A 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors will be required for the league to disassociate itself from a community or organization that has obtained permanent membership status in the NYFL. 8. League Development: a. All Directors must attend NYFL meetings and summits for Football League Development to ensure that the Directors are successful in all areas of operation. Coaches must attend NYFL clinics and workshops. 9. Renewal of Membership: a. All NYFL Associations shall be required to pay an annual Seating Fee. This fee shall be remitted in the amount of $350.00 by the April meeting. Upon payment of the Seating Fee, each Association shall be credited an amount equal to the Seating Fee, which will be credited to their NYFL fees on the first scheduled Roster Meeting for that season. Any Association failing to remit their Seating Fee will forfeit their right to be placed on the upcoming season s schedule. 10. Code of Conduct: a. Each NYFL Association, organization or community is responsible for the conduct of their employees, volunteers, coaches, administrators, players, cheerleaders, parents, and any other individual associated with their league. All NYFL members are expected to manage and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the rules, values, and objectives of the NYFL. Any member or representative failing to exhibit acceptable conduct, failing to enforce the rules, values and objectives of the NYFL, or exhibits 8
behavior which reflects discredit upon themselves or the NYFL, shall be referred to the Executive Board of NYFL for disciplinary actions. Said actions can range from fines to disassociation from the NYFL. b. Each Association is responsible for the safety of the NYFL s officiating crews. This includes from the crew s arrival until their departure. Each Association is responsible for keeping all verbal and physical abuse away from the aforementioned crew. Any member found to be in violation of this rule, will be required to attend an Executive Board meeting on the Wednesday following the alleged violation. Penalty for this violation is a fine not to exceed $500.00 (five hundred dollars) and possible loss of remaining home dates. The NYFL is dedicated to the safety of all of its members including the officials. Section IV Defining Affiliation and Structure 1. Association: STRUCTURE DEFINITIONS a. An Association is an organization assembled for the purpose of organizing and operating a youth football and cheer program. NYFL Associations are the affiliated youth clubs, communities and organizations. b. An Associations members are the Participants who have registered, and volunteers granted membership by the Associations governing body, i.e. the participating youth, parents, coaches and administrators. c. Applications will be taken on a first come, first serve basis, and accepted Associations must form and seat the required teams regardless of player ability, in keeping with the NYFL s goals and philosophies. 2. Communities: a. Communities are defined by the geographic area of its membership. A Community s membership is comprised of the Associations that have applied for, and have been granted membership by the NYFL s governing body. In keeping with the Nashville Youth Football League s Philosophies and Goals, no application for membership should be unreasonably withheld. 3. Participants: a. Participants are defined as a minor child whose parent/legal guardian has applied for and registered to participate, and is granted membership as an eligible player/cheerleader within a given Association. 4. Division: a. A Division is defined as a grouping of Teams for a specific Age and Weight Class that may also be based on participant s size and experience. Triple teams are seated first as described in Section b. Division I will consist of the Triple Teams from each Association. A grouping of (9) nine teams will constitute a full Division. Associations with Double or Single teams will be seated in Division II or III. 5. Team: a. A Team is defined as a grouping of a required amount of participants within a particular age and weight class such that is eligible for scheduled competitions, i.e., Triple Pee Wee, CCC, BBB, AAA, etc. SECTION 3 RULE ENFORCEMENT / AUTHORITY Section V Team Rosters and Fees 1. Declaring a Team: a. NYFL Associations must initially declare all triple teams at our first scheduled Roster Meeting, and satisfy all team fees and insurance for at least eleven (11) participants on each of the triple teams declared. b. Associations must also declare all additional teams at this time for scheduling. Any member not in compliance with this rule will not be eligible to participate in the upcoming NYFL season. 2. Rostering Players: 9
a. All registration information, birth certificates, forms of photo ID, and required fees must be provided for each participant on a team roster to be certified. b. Players who are not on a school roster or a member of a middle school team or any other youth team are eligible to participate. c. Following the first Roster Meeting, two (2) additional dates will be designated for Roster Add-ons to accommodate any remaining players and any new players that have been registered. d. Any teams with 12 players or less may roster players until the end of the second week of the season. e. The Deadline for all registered players and roster add-ons will be at 6:00 pm of the date designated for the third Roster Meeting. All required information and fees must be provided to certify team rosters. 3. Team Fees: a. All NYFL affiliated Associations must pay a $350.00 NYFL Team Fee for each team rostered. b. Insurance is required for each participant, both players and cheerleader to participate, and must be paid when added to a NYFL roster. c. All affiliated Associations must pay its relative share of the NYFL s insurance expense (The amount to be determined annually) and a League Fee of $5.00 for each participating player and cheerleader. d. All Required Fees must be paid in full on the final scheduled Roster Meeting for scheduling approval. 4. Elective Teams: a. Division I: Associations may field Elective Teams in the following age groups when available: Varsity, AA, A, BB, B, CC, C, PW and Jr. Pee Wee. Players must try out for the double team in that age group before fielding single teams. After the double team or teams are picked, the remaining players are released to the single teams. Any Division I team wishing to play singles instead of doubles must submit a request in writing to the Competition Committee no later than the first Roster Meeting. b. The Competition Committee shall meet on all requests and will present a recommendation to the Executive Board relative to the request submitted. The decision of the Executive Board will be final. c. Division II: Associations may field Elective Teams in the Varsity, AA, A, BB, B, CC, C, PW and Jr. Pee Wee age groups. Double teams will be declared prior to rostering Single teams. Fielding multiple single teams is permitted. Any Association from Division II wishing to play singles instead of doubles must submit a request in writing to the Competition Committee no later than the first Roster Meeting. d. Adding or removing teams after the first Roster Meeting will be an exception, and must be done no later than the following Wednesday after the second Roster Meeting. e. When two or more double/single teams of an age group are formed, THESE TEAMS ARE TO BE DRAFTED AS EQUALLY AS POSSIBLE, monitored by the program director. Please remember, this is a direct reflection on the leadership of the community involved. The goal is to have double/single teams divided as equally as possible. No stacked double teams are permitted. Evidence of such will be referred to the Executive Board for review and action if necessary. f. A child may not drop to a double team for any reason other than failure to make the triple team. All players must go through the triple age group before getting released to the double teams. A child may not drop to a single team for any reason other than failure to make the double team. Jr. Pee Wee is considered a single team. 10
Section VI Player Eligibility a. Breakdown of the Participant Age Groups on July 31 is as follows: i. Varsity (Ages: 13 14) ii. AAA-AA-A (Ages: 11 12) iii. BBB-BB-B (Ages: 9 10) iv. CCC-CC-C (Ages: 7-8) v. Pee Wee Jr. PeeWee (Ages: 5 6) b. Each participant must provide an original birth certificate, certified copy or notarized copy to be verified by an assigned Executive Board member. Record of players who legally participated in your program last year will be accepted. NO OTHER EXCEPTIONS. c. Birth certificates must be verified before the first scheduled regular season game or player must be dropped from the roster, with the exception of roster add-ons as described in Section V, 2c. d. All players MUST play in their assigned Age Groups. If a Pee Wee team is fielded, six (6) year olds must play in the Pee Wee division (NO EXCEPTIONS). e. Rosters are to be verified by the Executive Board or designated Committee. If any Board member sees a player, which he/she thinks, should be playing at a higher level of competition, they can refuse to roster said player. The entire Executive Board will then take a look at the situation and decide at what level said player will be allowed to participate. Players who play triple ball when they are of the junior age of their age bracket (CCC at 7, BBB at 9 or AAA at 11) must play triple ball the next year unless they played triple ball as a result of no double/single team being offered or they played in another community. f. There are NO Geographic Boundary Zones for recruiting players in the NYFL. There will be a NO FLY zone of a ½ mile radius around an Association s physical sign-up and practice site. Associations must declare an official sign-up and practice site to the NYFL Secretary to aid in verifying NO FLY zones. g. Parents whose child/children are above the age of six (6), who have never played football in the NYFL, shall be free to play with any affiliated Association in NYFL. h. The permanent residence of a player is the permanent residence of the player s parents. If player s parents are not living in the same household then the permanent residence of the player shall be the residence of the player s custodial parent or legally appointed guardian. i. Players having met all the requirements of the NYFL and who at their discretion wish to play in this League may not be members of any other organized team. Being a member is defined as being on the official roster and the appropriate fees have been paid to the league. Being organized is defined as having official rosters, officially posted schedules and playing against more than two (2) other outside organizations. Flag football and touch football are not held against a player. j. Trying out for a team, which includes regular practicing, does not disqualify a player from playing in the NYFL. Any membership of another team, group, or number of persons associated together, engaged in any participation in the sport of football against any organized opponent will DISQUALIFY A PLAYER. Note: This does not apply to intramural sports where as the group or team plays no outside opponents. k. All players MUST practice and play with only one organized team. l. No player may be added to a certified roster after the second of two (2) official Add-on Meetings, which will be the Sunday before the NYFL Jamboree and the Sunday before the first scheduled regular season game. Birth certificates must be verified before being added on. Varsity teams will have an additional add-on night, which will be the Sunday after the last regular NYFL Add on Meeting. m. No players may transfer to other teams or Associations in Nashville Youth Football League if they still have equipment belonging to the team or Association they are leaving. 11
Section VII Fines and Penalties a. If a Participant is found to be illegal because of an altered birth certificate, or any forged document, said player is suspended for one (1) year. b. If a coach or representative of the team in question is found to have had any prior knowledge of events that transpired, the coach or representative of the team in question will be suspended from the NYFL for one (1) year with a request for re-instatement into the NYFL the following year, with approval from the Board of Directors. c. The Association or program in which the illegal child was found shall be put on probation for one (1) year and a possible fine to the Association. d. Any Association s or organization s team who allows a player to change numbers, participate under a false name or attempt to illegally influence the outcome of a game, shall be placed on probation and fined $250.00. e. Any two (2) violations within a sixteen (16) month period shall result in automatic suspension for two (2) years, without the right to participate and the right and privileges of NYFL. Members may reapply for membership in the NYFL after the 2-year suspension has passed by appearing before the Board of Directors for confirmation. f. It shall be the responsibility of each coach involved with teams to make sure that all players are legal to participate in NYFL. This rule applies to head coaches and all assistant coaches. g. It shall be the responsibility of the director of each Association /community / organization to oversee all rostering procedures and to make sure that all rules herein are adhered to. h. Any director found in violation of any rules involving the rostering process shall be fined and suspended. i. Any complaint involving the rostering of players or teams must be filed by written complaint with the Ethics Committee. That committee shall have complete enforcement powers of the said complaint. This shall be a closed meeting consisting of the Ethics Committee members and not more than two (2) representatives from the community accused of inappropriate rostering of players. The Committee chairman may request the presence of other persons if required to resolve the matter. j. Use of an ineligible player is an automatic forfeit of each game that the player participated in. Section VIII Rosters / Pre-Game / Weigh-in Procedures 1. Official Game Day Rosters: a. NYFL Team rosters must be filed with the League at the designated Roster Meeting, and MUST contain the following information: Player s name, date of birth, resident address, zip code, the current school attending and the team they last participated with. b. All teams are limited to twenty-four (24) players. The Executive Board may grant waivers of this rule. Associations/Communities/organizations seeking to obtain a waiver of this rule must petition the Competition Committee in writing, stating the reason for the waiver. The Executive Committee will meet to consider the waiver but the program wishing the waiver must be present to present their reason for requesting the waiver. A maximum of thirty-six (36) players will be allowed to any team granted the twenty-four (24) players exemption. Associations/communities/organizations with a team that exceeds 36 players will be required to field an additional team to reduce the number of players below the maximum. No add-ons will be granted to any team once the 36 original players are rostered. c. After team rosters are certified and filed no player may be transferred up, down or laterally. Players may not move up if their original team folds, unless approved by the Executive Board for unforeseen or 12
irreconcilable circumstances. Players may not be elevated at any time prior to his/her last regular scheduled game. Note: No player may be elevated specifically for playoff and/or championship games. d. All Game Day Rosters must be submitted to the Executive Board for approval by the Wednesday prior to Week One (1) of the regular season. Game Day Rosters must be typed, complete with player s names, jersey numbers, approximately weight and any other information required by the NYFL Official Game Day Roster form. The only Game Day Roster to be used for an Official NYFL Weigh-In shall be approved NYFL Game Day Roster form (signed by designated Executive Board member or designees and certified with the NYFL approved stamp). e. If for any reason a player s number must be changed due to a lost, damaged jersey, etc., the player or players must wear the designated blood Jerseys until such time that the original jersey can be replaced. Blood jersey numbers must be listed on the approved NYFL Official Game Day Roster. Failure to have blood jerseys listed means the player would have to sit out until his/her jersey is replaced. 2. Pre-Game Roster Exchange and Weigh-In Procedures: a. Time for weigh-ins shall be twenty (20) minutes before scheduled playing times for regular season and playoff games. The Home field director has the responsibility to oversee this function or appoint a person who is versed on this rule to oversee this procedure. The weigh-in time for league designated bowl games, playoffs and championships shall be thirty (30) minutes before the scheduled start time. b. Within twenty (20) minutes before scheduled game time (30 minutes if Playoff, Championship Game or Bowl Game), opposing coaches are to exchange rosters on the official NYFL approved form, containing all players names, correct jersey number and name on jerseys (if names are on team jerseys) and report any rostered player who is absent. Rosters are to be retained by a home field representative and submitted to the NYFL secretary within 48 hours, only if there is a problem at the weight-in with either team. c. The Home team will weigh-in first. An official representative from the home facility must be present during the weigh-in process. The Head Coach of the home team may not be that official representative. Coaches have the option to officially weigh players on the roster prior to the official weigh-in as long as the opposing head coach is present at the pre-weigh and agrees to the pre-weigh. This can be done before the scheduled weigh-in time, and the player MUST be approved and initialed on the official roster by the opposing Head Coach. A pre-weigh may be conducted without the presence of the opposing coach when the pre-weigh is conducted by the assigned Weigh-In official at Championship games. Teams should report to weigh in on time as listed. If a team is late to a weigh-in, and exceeds the required time limit, the Head Coach will be fined $50. If a team exceeds 5 minutes late to weigh-in the Home Field Director shall consult with the Commissioner to determine if a Forfeit should be imposed on the late/violating team. The second offense by any coach shall result in an ejection from said game. d. All underweight players may wear one (1) stripe or no stripe on their helmet. All players designated as Monster players or double stripers must have two (2) stripes on their helmet. e. After the time of pre-game roster exchange, the official weigh-in of each single striper and the check-off of each double striper will occur. Once the roster exchange has been made, no corrections are allowed. Coaches may inform each other of the status of a player (i.e. arriving late, out due to injury, etc). Any player not available for pre-game weigh-in forfeits their right to play until approved by the opposing team designated coach. This must be completed before the start of the third quarter during the half-time break. If the opposing coach refuses to check player, player automatically becomes eligible for the second half. This is to be verified by an official officiating that game. Failure to comply with the half-time check of a player will result in a one game suspension for the violating head coach. f. A single striper exceeding the maximum weight limit shall be eligible to play as a double striper, but must have two stripes on the helmet. Any player having the wrong jersey number will forfeit their right to play in that game. No one can authorize a player with the wrong jersey number to play. Violation will result in a one (1) game suspension for the violating coach and a forfeiture of the game. g. Any player failing to have the proper stripe (stripes) on their helmet shall be removed from the game until corrected. 13
h. Players may attempt multiple weigh-ins during the official weigh-in period. For the purpose of this rule, the official weight of the player is defined as the weight of the player minus all of his/her equipment. Players may not weigh-in nude (in underwear). A player may weigh-in wearing athletic shorts or compression shorts, but can not remove any clothing at the weigh-in (except shoulder pads and cleats). No player is allowed to weigh-in wearing a helmet. All players must weigh-in with their helmets off. i. The official weigh-in time is over when the home team has checked off the last double striper on the visiting team s roster. Players not at the designated weigh-in location when the last player from the visiting team is weighed cannot participate until the 3rd Quarter. No more weigh-ins are permitted after that time until half time of that game. Section IX Weight Limits / Age Groups / Player Positions 1. Weight Limits: a. The NYFL maximum playing weights limits for backfield and end positions are as follows: i. AAA: 140 lbs (11 12 yr olds) ii. AA: 130 lbs (11 12 yr olds) iii. A: 115 lbs (11 yr olds) iv. BBB: 115 lbs (9 10 yr olds) v. BB: 105 lbs (9 10 yr olds) vi. B: 95 lbs (9 yr olds) vii. CCC: 90 lbs (7-8 yr olds) viii. CC: 80 lbs (7 8 yr olds) ix. C: 75 lbs (7 yr olds) x. PeeWee: 65 lbs (5 6 yr olds) xi. Jr PeeWee: 60 lbs (5 yr olds) b. The weight limits for players ages (5 8 yrs old), participating in the Pee Wee and C age groups will increase by three (3) pounds effective week six of the regular season. c. The weight limits for all players (9 12 yrs old), participating in the B and A age groups will remain the same through the course of the entire season. d. Any player in any age group exceeding the maximum playing weights for the backfield and end positions will be designated as a monster player or double striper, and will wear two (2) stripes on their helmet to display this status. All monster players or double stripers must play in lineman positions. 2. Player Positions: a. There may only be five (5) double stripers in the offensive lineup. These five will be in the positions of Center, Guards and Tackles. In the offensive set, these players must be within one (1) yard of the line of scrimmage. All double stripers must be in a three (3) or four (4) point stance at the snap of the ball, and they must overall be spread across the line of scrimmage within a width of fifteen (15) yards. Only AAA offensive tackles may be in a two, three or four point stance at the snap of the ball. b. There may only be four (4) double stripers on the field in the defensive lineup. They must be within one (1) yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball. These double stripers must be in a three (3) or four (4) point stance and inside the normal position of the offensive end. A double striper infraction is a five (5) yard dead ball penalty. A double striper cannot line up outside of the normal position of the offensive end. This means if the offensive line is unbalanced, the defensive line does not need to adjust to such alignment, and a double striper in this case can be outside the offensive end. However, the defensive double striper must not be outside the normal position of the offensive end. c. There may be five (5) double stripers in both offensive and defensive lineups on free kicks. The five (5) double stripers on the receiving team must be between the thirty (30) and thirty-five (35) yard lines when the ball is touched by the kicker. 14
d. No double striper can carry or advance the football at any time. Double stripers are permitted to kick-off, punt, kick extra points and free kicks. Section X Practices / Games / Home Field 1. Practice Regulations: a. Fall practice will begin in July on the designated date mandated by the Executive Board of Directors. No official team practices will be allowed before this date. b. Practice is limited to three (3) days a week in pads after the first game of the official schedule season. c. Apparel for the first three (3) days of practice will be t-shirts, shorts and cleats. Players may wear helmets, but must be limited and monitored during hot weather conditions. No contact. No pads. 2. Games: a. All games will be played according to the Official NYFL Schedule. The Official Schedule shall begin on a designated Saturday in August each year. No schedule will be adjusted after the initial schedule is turned in without the approval of the Schedule Committee and Board of Directors. b. Games can be postponed due to weather conditions only. No decision will be prior to game day. Games will be called off only by the head game officials and the representative from the home team. c. Any cancelled game due to weather conditions will be played on the same field Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. If weather conditions prohibit, games will be re-set at the quickest possible time and with Commissioner s approval. AAA-BBB-CCC (triple league) teams will take priority over teams in the double or single league. d. All quarters will be ten (10) minutes each and fifteen (15) minutes allowed between halves. e. All games will be played under the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) tie breaking rules. f. Games can start with a minimum of 10 players and at least 6 of those have to be single stripers. 3. Home Field Responsibilities: a. Each team must have a home field unless it has a working agreement with another team. If a team has no home field, it must come up with a playing field within two (2) years. b. Before the first game if more than one (1) game is played), if the home team elects to play the National Anthem, both teams should give a proper salute as it is being played. c. The home team will be responsible for the adult chain crew and the person for the invocation. Adult crew will be enforced. d. Each home field is required to have a set of balance beam scales available for use by all participating teams. e. Each home field is required to have a certified fifty (50) pound weight. f. Yardage chain shall be operated on same side of the field as the home team, or if neutral field, on opposite side of the press box. g. NYFL is responsible for providing official clock operator (See Appendix for clock operation rules). The head referee shall correct an obvious timing error if discovered prior to the second live ball following the error, as required under responsibilities and procedures of officials in National Federation High School Rules. In the event of a referee s disability during play, an appointed member from the home facility will 15
operate the clock. If the referee is not operating the clock, the visiting team may send a representative to the press box to oversee the clock operation. h. Each home field shall provide an enclosed area to conduct the official pre-game weigh in. i. Each home field responsible to designate a representative for the opposing team coach to seek out with any questions or problems that develops during their visit to that field. This will be done at all official weigh-ins for all opposing coaches. j. Home field is required to allow visiting teams the right to pre-weigh any and all of their players as the need arises. This must be done before the teams are called for the official weigh-in. After the official weigh-in has been called, all weights become official. Failure to abide by this rule will result in a $250.00 fine for the home team s Association / community / organization. A coach from the visiting team must be present at the scales or that team will forfeit its right to the scale facilities before the official weigh-in. This rule does not require an opposing coach to check any players before the official weigh-in period. It only insures that visiting coaches will have access to the scales upon his/her arrival. Checking players before the official weigh-in time is still a courtesy and is not a requirement. (The Executive Board strongly suggests that this be done to speed up the weigh-in process). 4. Field Specifications: a. NYFL requires a field inspection of each Association s facilities each year. Fields that do not meet NYFL requirements will not be allowed to be utilized for league play. b. The fields of play must be eighty (80) or one hundred (100) yards in length, at the discretion of the home team, not including end zones. Forty-five (45) yards to standard width will be accepted. Fields of play for Pee Wee and Jr. Pee Wee teams shall not exceed eighty (80) yards. No goal posts will be required, but a press box and working clock will be required. No objects shall be within a reasonable distance of the playing field that could be a hazard to players and coaches. The field inspector shall determine shall determine reasonable distance. If a field does not pass inspection, no games may be played on that field until corrections have been made and a new inspection is completed to certify the field of play. c. All cheerleaders will remain on side of field with their respective teams except: In case of stands being only on one side of the field; if the home team requests, the visiting team will be required to sit next to their cheerleaders, or in stands on the same side. Request must be made at weigh-in. 5. Pre-Season Camps: a. All Pre-Season Camps shall occur during the months of May, June and July. b. Pre-Season Camps may be no longer than 30 days in total for the calendar year. c. Association s Camp locations, dates and times will be published on the NYFL website. d. All Camps held by NYFL affiliated Associations shall be open to any and all players of eligible ages. Section XI Uniforms and Equipment a. All Jerseys must be uniformly numbered with not less than four (4) inch numbers on the front and six (6) inch numbers on the back in a color arrangement that is easily readable. Each player shall be numbered 00 through 99. Players will not be allowed to play without a required jersey number. b. All players must be fully equipped before entering the game. That is: helmet with face guard, shoulder pads, padded football pants, mouth piece and chin strap. Mouthpiece must be in mouth and chin strap snapped when at line of scrimmage. Penalty: Dead ball five (5) yards. c. Helmets must be of full suspension type, or air-cell type, and NOCSAE certified. 16