Cass County Youth Football League By-Laws, Rules and Regulations August 4th 2015 The mission of the Cass County Youth Football League is to teach the game of football, with a focus on sportsmanship, to all interested youth. Updated August 2015
Contents 1. League Mission... 2 2. Board Organization... 2 3. League Season... 3 4. Participation / Eligibility Rules... 4 5. Game Rules... 5 6. Offensive Rules... 6 7. Defensive Rules... 7 8. Special Teams Rules... 7 9. Other Miscellaneous League Items... 9 10. Appendices... 11 1. League Mission 1.1. The purpose of the Cass County Youth Football League is to teach the fundamentals of the game of football, with emphasis on sportsmanship, to all interested youth. 2. Board Organization 2.1. The Board of Directors of the Cass County Youth Football League shall be the sole governing body responsible for establishing and enforcing all rules and regulations. This board shall consist of the following members: President Treasurer Carroll Representative Members at Large (2) Vice-President Caston Representative Logansport Representative (White) Pioneer Representative Delphi Representative Secretary Lewis Cass Logansport Representative (Red) Winamac Representative 2.2. All members of the Board of Directors shall be elected for one (1) year terms. The reorganizational meeting will take place each January, where election of officers will also take place.
2.2.1. Any coach leaving the league has the first opportunity to nominate a new head coach. The nominated coach must be formally instituted to the Board by an official vote. 2.2.2. Officers elected at the reorganizational meeting will be President, Vice- President, Treasurer and Secretary 2.3. Voting 2.3.1. A quorum of Board members is necessary to hold an official meeting. A quorum is defined as a meeting consisting of at least 8 Board members, with one of those present being League President or his designee. 2.3.2. Each Member shall have exactly one (1) vote 2.3.3. Any issue voted upon shall be decided by a simple majority vote of those members present at the time a vote is called for. 2.3.4. The Vice-President shall vote only in order to break a deadlock in the voting of other Board members. 2.3.5. The Head Coach of each team shall have the privilege of debate, however, only Board members have the right to vote on issues brought before the Board. 2.4. The President of the League may suspend a coach at any time for conduct unbecoming the League. The President must then call a special meeting of the Board before the next scheduled game to review the severity of the suspension. The suspended coach must attend this meeting. 2.5. The duly elected League Secretary shall be the custodian of all official League documents that pertain to the operation and organization of the League. These documents shall be maintained in an electronic format that can be edited in the future. The secretary position will be elected annually during the reorganizational meeting in January. 2.6 Any and all coaches must agree to a mandatory background check and a consent to drug and alcohol test. Failure to do so will disqualify you from being able to coach in the league 3. League Season 3.1. The_Cass_County_Youth_Football_season_shall_consist_of_a_ regular_season _consisting of seven (7) games. 3.2. The League champion shall be the team which has won the playoff game between the top two teams based on regular season games. 3.3. In the event a game is cancelled for weather or any other reason, attempts are to be made by the two competing head coaches to reschedule the game on a mutually acceptable date. The League will assist in contacting and arranging officials.
4. Participation / Eligibility Rules 4.1. All students from the participating public school systems of Caston, Lewis Cass, Logansport, Pioneer, Carroll, Delphi and Winamac are eligible to play in the League provided they meet the age restrictions and live within the designated school district. Players from outside these school systems may be considered, but must be approved by the board 4.2. Player Drafts 4.2.1. Where the school districts are large enough to accommodate multiple League teams,_all_teams_in_that_district_will_participate_in_a_ draft _of_new_players_to_ distribute players fairly amongst local teams within that school district. 4.2.2. Once a player is drafted to a particular team, he will play for that team for the entire duration of his time in the League. This can be overruled if all coaches of teams in that school district are in mutual agreement. Otherwise, the issue must go before the board. 4.3. Player Eligibility Ages and Divisional Requirements based on Age 4.3.1. Junior Division Players must be a minimum of eight (8) years old by May 31 st of the year in which the season is played, and can be no older than ten (10) by September 30 th of that same year. 4.3.2. Senior Division Players must be a minimum of eight (8) years old by May 31 st of the year in which the season is played, and can be no older than twelve (12) years old as of September 1 st of that same year. 4.3.3. Exceptions to the above age restrictions must be brought before the CCYFL Board for approval. 4.3.4. Players who are entering 7 th grade are not eligible to play in the League regardless of age, size or experience. They are_encouraged_to_play_on_their_school s_ 7 th grade football team. 4.3.5. Age restrictions overlap, and thus allow a coach the flexibility to play younger players in the Senior Division if so desired based on consideration of criteria such as size, skill, experience, aggressiveness, etc. 4.4. Rules regarding in-season player movement between Junior and Senior Divisions 4.4.1. Regardless of the age qualifications, a coach may not move a player from the Senior Division to the Junior Division at any time during the season. 4.4.2. A coach may move a player from the Junior Division to the Senior Division at any time during the season. 4.4.3. Once a player has been elevated from the Junior to the Senior Division, they must remain in the Senior Division for the remainder of the season
4.5. Each player must provide the following information to their head coach prior to their first practice 4.5.1. Registration form and equipment contract, signed by parent / guardian (See Forms examples in Appendices) 4.5.2. Registration Fee (See Forms examples in Appendices) 4.5.3. Copy of Birth Certificate 4.5.4. Physical form, signed by physician (See Forms examples in Appendices) 4.5.5. Parental Consent form, signed by parent / guardian (See Forms examples in Appendices) 5. Game Rules 5.1. The League will conduct all games in accordance with IHSAA rules except as noted in the rules sections below. 5.2. Game Format 5.2.1. Each game will consist of four (4) quarters each of eight (8) minutes in duration, and a five (5) minute half-time break. 5.2.2. Limit of two (2) overtime periods per contest. In the overtime periods, the ball is placed on the 10-yard line for each team, and each team is given an opportunity to score from there. The first overtime will start with a coin flip, while the second overtime will alternate possession. 5.2.3. To minimize delays between games, the clock shall be reset to ten (10) minutes immediately following the end of the first played game. This should allow sufficient time to clear the field and prepare for the second game. 5.3. There shall be a minimum of two (2) adult referees on the field at all times. 5.4. Game Balls 5.4.1. Senior Division TDJ-sized balls are required. 5.4.2. Junior Division Pee Wee (K2) sized balls are required. 5.5. Player weight classifications and restrictions 5.5.1. All players must be weighed prior to their first game by a CCYFL Board Member. No players will be allowed to play until they have been officially weighed. 5.5.2. No further weighing of players will be done during the season after the initial weigh-in. 5.5.3. It is suggested that a coach from each team present at the weigh-in site witness the weighing of all players.
Helmet Stripes Required No Stripes 2 - Stripes 3 Stripes CASS COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE 5.5.4. A spreadsheet must be provided to all coaches in the League with the jersey numbers, grades, and weights of each player on both Junior Division and Senior Division teams before the first game. 5.5.5. All players requiring stripes based on weight must have those stripes prominently displayed on their helmets at all times. Failure to follow this rule will result in forfeiture or disqualifications. 5.5.6. Weight classifications and breakdowns are as follows for each Division Senior Division 105.9 Lbs and Under 106.0 to 135.9 Lbs. 136 Lbs. and Above Junior Division 85.9 Lbs and Under 86.0 to 115.9 Lbs. 116 Lbs. and Above 5.6. When a team is leading by 20+ points in the 4 th quarter of a game, both head coaches and a referee must meet to discuss accommodations (substitutions) needed to maintain the safety and sportsmanship for all players involved. 5.7. For_the_first_two_games_of_the_season,_referees_will_use_ preventative_officiating _to_aid_ the_players _comprehension_of_the_game_of_football. 6. Offensive Rules 6.1. _Any_play_is_immediately_called_ dead _when_a_striped_player_(two_or_three_ striper) gains control of the ball for any reason. (See special team rules for punting exceptions) 6.2. Only players without helmet stripes are allowed in the offensive backfield or to be used as spread-ends. (See special team rules for punting exceptions) 6.3. The offense may have only six (6) striped players on the field at any given time, with a maximum number of three (3) three-stripers. 6.4. All three-stripers must play on the offensive line (center, guard or tackle) and cannot occupy adjacent blocking positions. 6.5. A two-striped tight end shall be an eligible receiver, however, after catching a pass the play_is_called_ dead _at_the_spot_of_the_catch_with_no_forward_progress_awarded. 6.6. The offensive team must notify the referee of their intention to punt or attempt to gain 1 st down yardage in 4 th down situations. 6.7. One (1) offensive coach is allowed in the huddle and / or on the field at any time. This coach may continue to give verbal instructions to the offensive players until the cadence has begun. 6.7.1. The penalty for the on-field coach providing instruction after the cadence is ten (10) yards.
7. Defensive Rules 7.1. All teams must use a 4-3 alignment on defense. The penalty for infraction will be 5- yards. 7.2. Defensive Player Alignment 7.2.1. Linebackers (3) Must align at a minimum depth of five (5) yards behind the line of scrimmage. The middle linebacker must be aligned such that his helmet remains within the shoulder pads of the offensive center. Outside linebackers have no sideto-side restrictions. 7.2.2. Safeties (2) Must align at a minimum depth of ten (10) yards behind the line of scrimmage, with no side-to-side restrictions. 7.2.3. Cornerbacks (2) Must align outside of the defensive ends on each side with no restriction to the line of scrimmage. 7.2.4. Defensive ends (2) Must be on the line of scrimmage and align head-up or outside of the offensive tackles. 7.2.5. Rules 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 do not apply when the ball is spotted on or inside the opponent s_5-yard line. 7.3. The Defense may have up to five (5) striped players on the field at any given time, with a maximum of two (2) three-stripers. 7.4. All three-stripers (2 maximum) must play on the defensive line (Defensive Tackle or Defensive End). There are no restrictions with regard to which of the four defensive line positions they can play at any time. 7.5. All four (4) defensive linemen (Ends and Tackles), regardless of helmet stripes, must be in a down position (3-point or 4-point stance) 7.6. One defensive coach is allowed in the defensive huddle or on the field. This coach may provide_verbal_instructions_to_the_defensive_players_until_the_offense s_center_begins_to_ address the ball. Once the center touches the ball, the on-field coach must cease all instruction to his players. 7.6.1. The penalty for a coach providing instruction after the center addresses the ball is ten (10) yards. 8. Special Teams Rules 8.1. Kickoffs will be conducted under the following rules: 8.1.1. The Kickoff and Kickoff Return teams may each have a total of only six (6) striped players on the field. 8.1.2. Three-striped players are not allowed on the field as a part of any kickoff or kickoff return teams.
8.2. Punting will be conducted under the following rules: 8.2.1. Once the offensive team notifies the referee of their intention to punt, they must_execute_a_punt. There_are_no_ fake _punts_allowed and the ball cannot be advanced beyond the line of scrimmage by any player on the team that is punting. 8.2.2. The punter may be any player with any number of helmet stripes, which takes exception to rules 6.1 and 6.2. However, all other rules pertaining to the offense are still in effect. 8.2.3. Offensive players are not allowed to go past the line of scrimmage to cover a punt until after the kick is made. 8.2.4. The punt team must line up with the 5 interior offensive linemen (center, guards, and tackles) with normal spacing per the offensive rules. The return team must also line up with 4 defensive linemen (tackles and ends) per the defensive rules. 8.2.5. Defensive players are not allowed to cross the line of scrimmage in an attempt to block the punt. 8.2.6. The punt team has ten (10) seconds to execute the punt. If the punt is not executed within ten (10) seconds, the play will be blown dead and the ball with be awarded to the opposing team at the original line of scrimmage. 8.3. Field Goals will be conducted under the following rules: 8.3.1. A field goal can be attempted after the coach has declared his intention to the referee. 8.3.2. Once declared, the play will result in either a made or missed field goal regardless of the outcome. No positive or negative yardage (including first downs or touchdowns) will be awarded even if the kick is not attempted as planned. A missed kick, blocked kick, or tackle for loss will result in the ball being awarded to the defense and placed at the original line of scrimmage. 8.3.3. The offense has five (5) seconds to attempt the field goal before the defense can advance across the line of scrimmage and rush the kicker in an attempt to block the kick. 8.3.4. The Referee must signal the defense when the 5 seconds is up and they can begin to rush the kicker. 8.4. PATs will be conducted under the following rules: 8.4.1. 2-point attempt (run or pass) 8.4.1.1. The ball will be spotted at the 3-yard line and normal offensive and defensive rules will apply. 8.4.2. 1-point attempt (kick) 8.4.2.1. The ball with be spotted on the goal line. If a kicking block is used, it will be spotted on the 5-yard line or beyond.
8.4.2.2. Players from the defensive team are allowed on the field, but cannot advance across the line of scrimmage and rush the kicker in an attempt to block the kick. 8.4.2.3. The kicking team has ten (10) seconds to execute the PAT attempt. If the kick is not made within ten (10) seconds, the play will be blown dead and no PAT will be awarded. 8.5. No penalty will be enforced for off-sides / illegal rushing during punts, field goals or PAT attempts. Rather, the play will simply be re-set and the ball will be re-kicked. Note: If the off-sides occurs as the ball is in the process of being kicked, the referee can allow the kick and award any appropriate points if it is successful. 9. Other Miscellaneous League Items 9.1. Registration fees are to be $30 per player. Additional players from the same family will be reduced to $20 per player. 9.2. Players parents are required to sign an equipment rental contract and agree to pay the following fees if their equipment is not returned to the League after the season or after their departure or separation from the team: (See appendices for examples of forms) Helmet Shoulder Pads Pants 9.3. Players who contribute to the League fundraiser by selling a minimum of one (1) item will be allowed to keep their game jersey for free at the end of the season. Players who do not contribute to the fundraiser may purchase their game jerseys for $20 at the end of the season. 9.4. Each game day crew of officials should be comprised of two (2) adults and two (2) high school players. A minimum of 1 adult must be a licensed IHSAA official. The pay scale for any single game (Senior or Junior Division) for those official will be as follows: Licensed Official (Patched) Adult Non-Licensed HS Player $50 $35 $15 $40 per game $30 per game $17.50 per game 9.5. All teams will be given a money box at the beginning of the season containing $100 change. Each team will retain their own box at the end of the season. The home team will charge admission at the gate (Kids $1, Adults $2, Family $5) and pay the officials,
(see 9.4 for rates) in cash, out of their box after the games. Excess money taken is to be given to the League Treasurer periodically over the course of the season to minimize the amount of cash in the box. When returning money to the League, teams should make an effort to maintain $100 in the box to make change at games. 9.6. IFCS North All-Star players selected from the respective participating League schools will be presented with a $200 scholarship from the League if that player participated in the League during his youth. 9.7. The CCYFL Board retains the right to maintain the integrity of the League, the integrity of all League-sponsored activities, and to protect the health and safety of all participants, coaches, fans and officials at League events. As such, the League reserves the right to discipline any participant, player, coach, official, Board member or other League representative for any conduct that is not consistent with the values of the League. This would include those individuals who are exhibiting conduct that would put other players in jeopardy of injury, or those who are exhibiting conduct that could put the reputation of the League in jeopardy. 9.7.1.1. Discipline _in this instance can range from suspension from practices, games or league functions and activities for a specific period of time to complete and immediate expulsion from the League and all Leaguesponsored activities, depending on the severity of the offense and whether or not it is a one-time incident or a pattern of unsportsmanlike or otherwise unacceptable behavior. 9.7.1.2. Since the use of school-owned football facilities and equipment is a privilege given to CCYFL by the respective School Districts, CCYFL local site administrators (normally head coaches and / or Board members) have the right to deny access to, or to remove any person from a CCYFL-sponsored event who is acting in a manner inconsistent with the values of the CCYFL, this would include any person who is acting in an inappropriate or unsportsmanlike manner, or those whose actions are damaging or potentially damaging to the facilities or the equipment at the game location or are putting others at risk for injury. 9.7.1.3. All disciplinary activities will be covered by the procedures set forth in the appendices
10. Appendices 10.1. General Sign-up Form
10.2. CASS COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE Undersigned, a parent of a child, or a guardian of a child, hereby gives consent for the child to participate in the Cass County Youth Football League. PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT, ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RELEASE CERTIFICATE Undersigned knows of and acknowledges that the child knows of the risks involved in athletic participation, and understands that serious injury is possible in such participation and chooses to accept any and all responsibility for the child s safety and welfare while participating in football. With full understanding of the risks involved, undersigned releases and holds harmless the Cass County Youth Football League, the board of directors, officers and coaches of and from any and all responsibility and liability, including any from their own negligence, for any injury or claim resulting from such athletic participation and agrees to take no legal action against the Cass County Youth Football League, the board, officers or coaches because of any accident or mishap involving the child s athletic participation in the sport of football. Undersigned gives the Cass County Youth Football League the right to use any picture or image or sound recording of the child in all forms and media and in all manners, for any lawful purposes. Please be advised that the Cass County Youth Football League has a Sports Accident Policy that provides SECONDARY coverage to any health insurance you may have. The secondary coverage is limited in scope and amount. In the event of an emergency, please check the appropriate space: The child has adequate family insurance coverage. The child has football insurance coverage. The child does not have insurance. Insurance Co : Policy Number: I HAVE READ THIS CAREFULLY AND KNOW IT CONTAINS A RELEASE PROVISION: (to be completed and signed by all parents/guardians, where divorce or separation, parent with legal custody must sign) Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Printed: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Printed:
10.3. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORM Name: Date of Birth: EXAMINATION Weight: Height: BP: / ( Male Female / ) Pulse: Vision: R 20/ L 20/ Corrected: Y N MEDICAL NORMAL ABNORMAL FINDINGS Appearance Eyes/ears/nose/throat Lymph nodes Heart Pulses Lungs Abdomen Genitourinary Skin Neurologic MUSCULOSKELETAL Neck Back Shoulder/arm Elbow/forearm Wrist/hand/fingers
Hip/thigh Knee Leg/ankle Foot/toes Cleared for football without restriction Cleared for football without restriction with recommendations for further evaluation or treatment for Not Cleared Reason Recommendations I have examined the above-named child and completed the physical examination form. The child does not present apparent clinical contraindications to practice and participate in the sport of football. A copy of the physical exam is on record in my office and can be made available to the school at the request of the parents. If conditions arise after the athlete has been cleared for participation, the physician may rescind the clearance until the problem is resolved and the potential consequences are completely explained to the child (and parents/guardians). Name of physician (print/type) Date Address Phone Signature of physician MD or DO.
10.4. Behavioral-Based Complaint Resolution Policy These procedures can be applied to disciplinary actions related to coaches, players, officials, board members and League representatives who participate in activities that are considered unsportsmanlike or activities that may damage the reputation of the League or put other participants, coaches, players, fans or officials at risk of injury. This is not the forum to address player or parent-based complaints regarding an individual player s_playing_time,_position,_team_selection_or_other_issues_that_could_be_dealt_with_more_ appropriately at the team level. All complaints regarding players, coaches, parents and League Board members will be funneled through the League President and will be made in written form. League President s Responsibilities Respond to all complaints by acknowledging receipt of any written complaint. Determine the severity of the allegations to be investigated. Be the lead person to investigate each complaint received. Determine the courses of action to take place within the 3-step plan laid out below and organize any meetings or obtain assistance as necessary. Develop any recommendations for corrective actions plans and disciplinary recommendations based on the severity of the infraction. Maintain a log of activities relevant to all complaints and the individual against whom the complaint is filed for future use if necessary. Disseminate information relative to the individual and the infraction to the Board and other League Coaches, officials and representatives as appropriate.
Three steps for dealing with offenders in regard to complaints involving behavioral issues 1. First offense is not required to be communicated to the League Board, but if the President deems necessary, he can do so. President determines if any disciplinary action is necessary and has the authority to require any corrective actions that are appropriate based on the severity of the infraction. 2. Second offense must be communicated to the entire League Board by the President, including details of the all prior incidents involving the player and the nature of issue being addressed by the current complaints. The League President will still determine whether or not any disciplinary action is necessary and has the authority to require any appropriate corrective actions based on the severity of the offense. The president may consult with others at any time if he feels it appropriate or necessary. 3. Third offense must result in a special League Board session being called, specifically in the days leading up to the next scheduled game. The Board will hear all sides of the incident(s) and then normal procedural actions will take place, resulting in a suggested disciplinary action and corrective action plans as appropriate, that must be undertaken as a result. The Board shall discuss the issues, entertain motions for the disciplinary action and correction action plans, and vote upon a properly formulated and seconded motion. A majority vote of those present will be required before any official approvals can be made and discipline handed down to the offender. At a minimum, three (3) League Officers and four (4) League Board members must be present for the disciplinary hearing, and each must cast their votes on the resulting actions before the votes can be valid and any disciplinary actions handed down.