Football Policies & Procedures - Frisco Football League Documents... · 2012 Policies & Procedures...

2012 Football Policies & Procedures

2012 Policies & Procedures

2 Frisco Football League P. O. Box 2136 Frisco, TX 75034

www.friscofootballleague.com

MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................ 4

MOTTO ............................................................................................................................................ 4

REMARKS ....................................................................................................................................... 4 ALL FOOTBALL POLICIES ................................................................................................... 5

ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................ 5 PLAYER SKILL EVALUATIONS .............................................................................................. 6 TEAMS .......................................................................................................................................... 6 DRAFT – SELECTION OF PLAYERS ........................................................................................ 7 ALLOCATION OF PLAYERS ................................................................................................... 10 GAME JERSEYS AND HELMETS ........................................................................................... 10 PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE – APPLIES TO FLAG AND TACKLE DIVISIONS ...... 11 COACHING STAFF ................................................................................................................... 12 THE HEAD COACH ................................................................................................................... 13 ALL COACHES CONDUCT ...................................................................................................... 14 ALL COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................... 14 GAME OFFICIALS .................................................................................................................... 15 PRACTICES ................................................................................................................................ 15 GAME SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................... 16 GAME WARM UPS AND COMPLETION ............................................................................... 16 GAME SUSPENSIONS, POSTPONEMENT, AND CANCELLATION .................................. 17 FORFEITS ................................................................................................................................... 17 CHAMPIONSHIPS ..................................................................................................................... 18 GENERAL RULES FOR ALL TACKLE DIVISIONS OF PLAY ............................................ 18

TACKLE RULES ..................................................................................................................... 20 FIELDS ........................................................................................................................................ 20 COACHES ON THE FIELD OPTION ....................................................................................... 20 WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ......................................................................................................... 20 TIGHT END PARTICIPATION IF OVER THE WEIGHT LIMIT (ages 7-9) .......................... 22 KICK OFFS ................................................................................................................................. 22 PUNTS ......................................................................................................................................... 22 KICKING A PAT OR FIELD GOAL ......................................................................................... 23

FLAG FOOTBALL RULES .................................................................................................... 24 TEAM ROSTER .......................................................................................................................... 24 PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE ........................................................................................... 24 EQUIPMENT AND DEAD BALL RULES ................................................................................ 25 COACHES ON THE FIELD OPTION ....................................................................................... 26 POSSESSION .............................................................................................................................. 26 OFFENSE .................................................................................................................................... 27 DEFENSE .................................................................................................................................... 27 FUMBLES ................................................................................................................................... 28 INTERCEPTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 28 PUNTS ......................................................................................................................................... 28 KICKING A PAT OR FIELD GOAL ......................................................................................... 28




SAFETIES ................................................................................................................................... 29 GENERAL RULES FOR FLAG FOOTBALL ........................................................................... 29

LEAGUE POLICIES ............................................................................................................... 30 MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................................... 30 PARENTS AND SPECTATORS ................................................................................................ 31 PARENTS CODE of ETHICS .................................................................................................... 31 SPONSORS ................................................................................................................................. 32 FUNDRAISING .......................................................................................................................... 33 VIOLATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 33 AWARDS .................................................................................................................................... 33 REFUNDS ................................................................................................................................... 33 REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENDITURES .............................................................................. 34 EXPENDITURES ........................................................................................................................ 34 CORPORATE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................... 34




MISSION STATEMENT

This Corporation was established as an instructional youth football and

cheerleading league to teach and promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, fellowship, teamwork, and dedication. Our emphasis will be on playing the

game not winning at any cost. We will provide athletic participation as a

recreational pursuit, and competition for all participants regardless of race,

creed, color, religion or sex, by providing a supervised football and cheerleading

program for eligible participants. We offer the opportunity for adult members to

coach, supervise, instruct or otherwise participate in the activities of the

Corporation

MOTTO “YOUTH FIRST, SPORT SECOND” IS THE MOTTO OF THE FRISCO FOOTBALL LEAGUE (FFL). ALL ACTIONS AND DECISIONS WILL BE PREDICATED ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF THIS IDEAL

REMARKS

The FFL policies and procedures are written as a guideline to govern football. The FFL Board will refer to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and

NCAA rules to make a decision that will handle any situation, which arises, that




is not covered by this handbook. ALL FOOTBALL POLICIES ELIGIBILITY

A. Each participant must register with the FFL and must be residents of the city of Frisco or live within the Frisco Independent School District (FISD). Non-city and non FISD residents require Board approval and will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.

B. The participant must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate.

C. The participant must be at least five (5) years old, and not more than twelve (12) years old, on or before September 1st of the registration year. The September 1st birthdate applies to the eligibility of each age division. Students who will be entering the 7th Grade are not eligible to participate in the FFL.

D. Divisions are determined by age. Participants will play in the division according to their age level for the fall football season. However, players may appeal to play according to grade level. Appeals will be reviewed by the Board for approval or denial based on case by case circumstances. The grade levels by age are as follows:

Age Division Grade Level 5 Kindergarten 6 1st 7 2nd 8 3rd 9 4th

10 5th 11/12 6th

E. Students who are home schooled must present evidence to the board from the State of Texas (or similar governing authority) to confirm current grade level. Home schooled students must be in grade level 6 or below.

F. Standard variations regarding eligibility will be governed as follows:

• Playing experience / Skills Evaluation

• Weight at registration/Skills Evaluation as outlined below: DIVISION Age Grade # WEIGHT EXCEPTION

Flag 5 Kindergarten No exceptions Flag 6 1st No exceptions

Tackle 7 2nd 8 yr. old allowed if weight is less than 55 lbs. Tackle 8 3rd 9 yr. old allowed if weight is less than 63 lbs. Tackle 9 4th 10 yr. old allowed if weight is less than 71 lbs. Tackle 10 5th 11 yr. old allowed if weight is less than 81 lbs.

* Weight exceptions are based off of the average weight of the Division from the prior year.




PARTICIPANTS, REGARDLESS OF DATE OF BIRTH, WHO WANT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AN APPEAL, MUST DO THE FOLLOWING:

• COMPLETE AN ELIGIBILITY APPEAL FORM • ATTEND SKILLS EVALUATIONS • APPEALS WILL BE DECIDED BY THE BOARD (SEE LETTERS G-K) (Appeals down are based on prior experience, size and skills ranking)

G. The Board will not consider ANY appeal unless the potential player has attended Skills Evaluation.

H. All variations must be requested in writing on an FFL “Eligibility Appeal – Request Form” no later than registration/Skills Evaluation, and will be reviewed by the Board on an individual case basis.

I. Eligibility variations are case by case and subject to review and change by Board. J. The Board will make all decisions concerning a change in eligibility, and is the final

authority in determining eligibility. PLAYER SKILL EVALUATIONS

A. All players will attend Skills Evaluation prior to the season. This is not in order to make the team but for Skills Evaluation to be drafted to a team. If the Board feels it is necessary, a make-up skills session may be offered to those who were unable to attend skills at registration or registered late. It is the intent of the Board to make sure every participant has participated in the Skills Evaluation.

B. All Returning Players must attend Skills Evaluations. ALL returning Players who do NOT participate in the Skills Evaluations will be graded as a one (1). New players who do not attend skills evaluations will not be given a rating and will be placed in a blind draft. No new players name will appear on the draft sheet if they have not attended skills. The player will be assigned a number (not a ranking) and only the number will be listed on the draft sheets.

C. The skill test performed at Skills Evaluation will be pre determined by the FFL Board.

D. Players will be evaluated and ranked between a one (1) and a five (5). Their performance at each task will be recorded exactly, and the combination of these skills along with the player’s height and weight will determine the ranking. A one (1) will be considered an outstanding player at that age group. Please note that the Board will monitor participants’ skills ranking from year to year. Significant downward ranking from year to year will be questioned and subject to the Board assigning a more realistic ranking based on previous years evaluations.

TEAMS A. Eligibility restrictions described previously in this document will apply at all ages.

B. Participants who are five (5) or six (6) years old on or before September 1st will be eligible to play flag football.

C. Full contact (tackle) football will be categorized into five age groups, defined 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11/12.




D. Each flag football team will have a maximum of sixteen (16) and a minimum of ten (10) players. Each tackle football team will have a maximum of twenty-two (22) and a minimum of fifteen (15) players. When available, the Board will add players from a waiting list at their discretion. Players not registered with the FFL are never eligible to participate regardless of the situation.

E. A team must use their regular season roster in any and all post-season games, sponsored by the FFL.

DRAFT – SELECTION OF PLAYERS

Draft rules have been implemented by the FFL to allow participation by all children. It is our intent to make each team in each division as competitive with each other as possible. 5yr old Division A. All teams in the 5 year old division will be created through the draft process. The team is

created by protecting a maximum of three (3) players. (A Head Coach and two (2) Assistants). The remainder of the team will be chosen in the draft process. Draft order is determined by the average ranking of your protected players.(Coin flip breaks all ties)

B. You must draft your protected players in the round based on their skill level. In other

words, you must draft your protected #1’s before you can draft an unprotected #1. This holds true for all of your protected players and all skill levels. If you have no protected players of the skill level being drafted then you can choose any unprotected player of any skill level or from the blind “pool.” (see letter D below)

C. All players that have completed the skills evaluation will have their information (name,

height, weight, skills assessment rating, etc) listed on the draft sheet.

D. All new players that have not completed the skills evaluation will be placed into a Blind “Pool.” The player will be given a Draft Number (i.e. Player #87) and only this number will be on the Draft sheet. Once the Draft is completed for all teams, the identity of the Player “blindly” chosen will be revealed to the coach by the person(s) conducting the Draft. At Board discretion, a number of players equal to or greater than the total number of blind picks will be added to the blind pool from the “5” skill ranking category to insure the integrity of the blind system.

E. Players will not be told the position they were drafted. F. All Draft decisions are final and there will be no negotiating, “gentlemen’s agreements” or

trading of players. G. All Draft sheets will be turned in to the FFL Board Designee at the conclusion of the draft. H. The FFL does not honor requests to play on a particular team, for a particular coach or to

“play with a friend.” 6yr old through 11/12 yr old Divisions A. All returning players wanting to play for the same Head coach and team will be included

with the draft but are only available to that said team or Head Coach. They are protected. B. Only returning players returning to the same team and coach are protected in the draft.




C. All new players coming into the league will be placed in the draft. The player is eligible to any coach who wants to draft him.

D. Any returning player, who does not want to return to his coach or team, will be placed into the draft. The player is eligible to any coach who wants to draft him except the previous years Coach.

E. All players that have completed the skills evaluation will have their information (name, height, weight, skills assessment rating, etc) listed on the draft sheet.

F. All new players that have not completed the skills evaluation will be placed into a Blind “Pool.” The player will be given a Draft Number (i.e. Player #87) and only this number will be on the Draft sheet. Once the Draft is completed for all teams, the identity of the Player “blindly” chosen will be revealed to the coach by the person(s) conducting the Draft. All returning players who have not completed skills will be rated as a “1”. At Board discretion, a number of players equal to or greater than the total number of blind picks will be added to the blind pool from the “5” skill ranking category to insure the integrity of the blind system.

G. Players will not be told the position they were drafted. H. All Draft decisions are final and there will be no negotiating, “gentlemen’s agreements” or

trading of players. I. All draft sheets will be turned in to the FFL Board Designee at the conclusion of the draft. J. Combining of teams is not an option, due to the maximum number of protected players. K. The FFL does not honor requests to play on a particular team, for a particular coach or to

“play with a friend.” L. Teams with low retention rates from year to year or other matters deemed appropriate

may be disbanded at the discretion of the FFL Board. Players affected will be placed into the draft. This decision can not be appealed.

Returning Teams A. The draft order will be determined by last year’s regular season standings. New teams

will draft first (Draft order for more than 1 new team will be determined by the average skill rating of the protected players for each team). Next to draft will be returning teams with one (1) or fewer regular season wins from the prior year (Last season’s final regular season ranking is the tie-breaker). Then the returning teams with two (2) or more regular season wins will draft in a worst record to best record order. (Last season’s final regular season ranking is the tie-breaker). **See Letter A below for additional draft pick awarded to new teams and teams with one (1) or fewer regular season win in the previous year).

B. Players will be drafted and count against a team according to their evaluation ranking. For purpose of illustration, assume Coach X has fourteen (14) returning players that break down after Skills Evaluation as follows: 3 – #1 ranked players, 6 – #2 ranked players, 2 – #3 ranked players, 2 – #4 ranked players, and 1 – #5 ranked player, and team size will be eighteen (18) players. This coach will be allowed to pick up four (4) additional players as follows: The coach must take his returning #1 ranked players in the first three rounds, if there are still #1 ranked players on the board during the next round, this coach will be allowed to draft this #1 ranked player. If the selection level has dropped to #2 ranked players this coach must start drafting their #2 ranked players. A coach must continue to




draft their returning players unless the skill level being drafted, when it is their turn in the rotation, is greater than the highest skill level player left from the returning team.

New Teams (and returning teams with one (1) or fewer regular season wins in previous year) A. A new team is created when an opening is available and either a new coach or current

assistant coach is selected from the interview process. All new teams created after the 5 year old season will begin with protecting the new Head Coach’s child(ren) and up to two (2) protected players with no previous FFL experience, with a max of (3) protected players. Players with prior FFL experience are not eligible to be protected under a new team head coach; they must be selected thru the normal draft process. The remainder of the team will be also chosen in the draft process (See B-E below).

B. All new teams and returning teams with one (1) or fewer regular season wins from the prior year will receive one (1) additional draft choice in the opening draft order.

C. New teams will be placed in the front of the draft order. The average of the skill assessment for the protected players will determine draft order for new teams. The highest average assessment will pick 1st and so on.

D. Each NEW team will have the ability to exclude one (1) #1 ranked player during the initial draft order. (This option does not apply to the returning teams with one (1) or fewer wins the previous year, see below for additional pick). See letter F below.

E. Once the new teams have been weighted (average skill of protected players) and the draft order is determined, all new teams AND those returning teams with one (1) or fewer regular season wins from the prior year will receive an *additional draft choice at the conclusion of the first rotation of the draft order. Here is an example of the draft order for the first three (3) rotations (Rotation 1 is column 1, Rotation 2 is column 2 and Rotation 3 is column 3.

1. Bulldogs (New with 1 #1 and 2 #2’s) 15. Bulldogs 25. Bulldogs 2. Cobras (New with 3 #1’s) 16. Cobras 26. Cobras 3. Falcons (2005 0-8) 17. Falcons 27. Falcons 4. Bears (2005 1-7) 18. Bears 28. Bears 5. Horns (2005 2-6) 19. Horns 29. Horns 6. Raiders (2005 4-4) 20. Raiders 30. Raiders 7. Bucs (2005 5-3) 21. Bucs 31. Bucs 8. Hawks (2005 6-2) 22. Hawks 32. Hawks 9. Ravens (2005 7-1) 23. Ravens 33. Ravens 10. Colts (2005 8-0) 24. Colts 34. Colts 11. Bulldogs* 12. Cobras* 13. Falcons* 14. Bears*

F. You must draft your protected players in the round based on their skill level. In other words, you must draft your protected #1’s before you can draft an unprotected #1. This holds true for all of your protected players and all skill levels. If you have no protected




players of the skill level being drafted then you can choose any unprotected player of any skill level or from the blind “pool.” The exception to this is for NEW teams. They may choose to exclude a protected #1 on their very first pick and choose and unprotected #1. If this option is used they must then pick the protected #1 on the next pick. For example, in letter E above, the Bulldogs could use pick #1 for an unprotected #1 skill player, they then must choose their protected #1 with pick #11.

ALLOCATION OF PLAYERS

A. All Teams are created by the draft process.

B. When siblings are involved, a coach drafting one must draft the other at the same time. Any deviation from this will require the parents consent.

C. The FFL Board Designee(s) will place participants who register after the official draft, and do not attend the scheduled Skills Evaluation. See Section D under Teams above.

D. PLAYER TRANSFER REQUEST: No Returning Player will be allowed to transfer to another team. They must enter the draft.

E. Players that quit a team prior to the season, or during the season may be replaced with a new replacement player. It will be the decision of the Board to replace a player. Admittance of the replacement player will be at the discretion of the Board and the Board will be the final authority concerning the status of the replacement player. Availability of replacement players is dependent on the number of participants on any potential waiting list.

F. Players who were not on a team’s final roster the previous year for whatever reason and now wish to participate again will be placed back into the Draft.

GAME JERSEYS AND HELMETS

A. All game jerseys must be FFL issued. Coaches can select to either have the player’s last name printed on the back or leave blank.

See below for Jersey Color selection process.

B. All Helmets with the exception of the 11/12 year old division will be white in color. The 11/12 year old division may use any color helmet.

Jersey Selection:

• Jersey selection will take place during the formation of each team’s 5yr old season. Color selection is FINAL and will only take place during the 5yr old year. Colors stay with team throughout their FFL tenure. In all future years, only jersey design based around the team color will be required in the jersey portion of draft day.

• All coaches will draw numbers to establish color selection order. All previous FFL HEAD Coaches returning to any age division will have seniority and select first. In the event there are multiple senior coaches, they will draw numbers to establish their selection order.




• Coaches will proceed in order and select their jersey color from the available colors provided. No duplicate colors will be allowed. Once a color is selected it is owned by the selecting team.

• Coaches may TRADE colors with another team provided: o Both coaches agree to the trade and understand that the trade is final and each

team loses all rights to traded color. Each team will have the traded color as their new primary color.

o There is NO requirement for any team to trade a color back to its original team. Once traded it becomes team property.

o BOTH coaches must submit proposed trade to [email protected] a minimum of two weeks prior to draft day for Board review and approval. Once approved, the trade is FINAL and no changes will be allowed on draft day.

• All colors not selected will be considered in the unassigned pool and are not available to any established team once the initial year selection process is complete.

• All non-returning/disbanded teams will have their team color placed in the unassigned pool of colors and will only be available for selection by new teams.

• Any new/additional teams entering an age division MUST select a jersey color from the unassigned pool of colors.

PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE –TACKLE DIVISIONS

A. In keeping with our motto, “YOUTH FIRST, SPORT SECOND”, coaches are required to play all participants.

B. The FFL is an instructional league. All players must have at all times, a starting position on either offense or defense. (This means if a player is not playing on an offensive series, then he must take the field and play when the defense goes out, and vice versa for players not on defense when the offense takes the ball). There will be no substitution of one-way players except for injury, ejection, or equipment damage. As soon as equipment is repaired or the player is ready to return from injury, the player must be returned to the field as soon as play will allow. (A 1-way player may substitute for a 2-way player periodically as long as everyone maintains at least 1 starting position on offense or defense for the entire game.)

C. All players will be required to attend and participate in 75% of a team’s weekly practices prior to a game in order to be considered a starter under this Player Participation rule. The required attendance is kept week to week and is not cumulative. If a player does not meet the 75% requirement the Board must be notified in writing on an FFL “Player Participation Form” prior to the scheduled game. Upon request, the League will make available to any coach the Player Participation status sheets for the opposing team prior to their game. Sunday practices are excluded from the 75% rule. Once a Player Participation Form is turned in, it is the coach’s discretion as to when the player enters the game. However, once the player enters the game, from that point forward the player is considered a starter and must maintain his starting position for the remainder of the game.

D. Special team plays are excluded from the player participation policy. Special team plays include kick offs, kick returns, punts, punt returns and all extra point attempts.




E. Any coach deemed to be in violation of the FFL player participation rule as to gain an advantage, will be subject to the following restrictions during the current season:

1. Completion of coach registration constitutes acknowledgement of the Player Participation Policy and is considered the first warning.

2. The first violation will constitute written censure, one-week suspension from coaching (including practices and games) and possible forfeiture of the game.

3. The second violation will result in termination of coach’s position and privileges, and possible forfeiture of the game. The Board will appoint a new coach to the team in case of termination.

F. Any tackle player, who is injured and cannot play further in a game, must remove their shoulder pads, thus eliminating any confusion in the player participation rule.

COACHING STAFF

A. In an attempt to provide adequate instruction and attention to each participant, each team will have a head coach and recommended minimum of two (2) assistants in the tackle division and at least 1 assistant in Flag. Beginning with the new (5) year old division class of 2011, a maximum number of coaches on a staff we be instituted. Maximum staff for flag divisions will be five (5) coaches and maximum staff size for tackle divisions will be seven (7) coaches. Current teams with coaching staffs in place will not be affected.

B. All coaches are required to register online with the FFL each season prior to first practice.

C. All coaches will require certification through Positive Coaching Alliance. Each coach MUST attend one of the (3) onsite seminars that will be offered by the FFL. Anyone that is not PCA certified will NOT be allowed to coach in the FFL.

D. A criminal background check will be processed on all coaches.

E. An outside vendor will process and review the information obtained during the search procedure and notify the Board of anyone who does not pass the pre-determined criteria. The FFL Board will not be notified of what the exclusion was and only that a “clear background” was not received based on the criteria that was given to the vendor. All information obtained will be confidential.

F. The FFL Board will award each head coaching position at their discretion.

G. The FFL Board Designee shall take all coach applications. After a coach has been

certified, and the background check procedure completed, all applications will be submitted to the Board for final approval. The Board is the final authority concerning the selection of team coaches.

H. An assistant coach may help in drafting of players, but only if they have been designated as an assistant coach prior to the draft. Max of (1) assistant at draft (2 coach’s total).

I. Each coaching staff must have at least one coach in attendance at the annual mandatory coach’s clinic organized by the FFL.

J. All coaches who have met the registration, PCA certification and the required background check will be given a photo ID to indicate they are approved to coach in the FFL. These must be visible at all practices and games and those who do not have a photo ID badge are not approved coaches and may not act as a coach in any manner.




THE HEAD COACH

A. Head Coaches will have the opportunity to purchase a bag on Draft day for non-refundable $100 fee. This is mandatory for all new Head Coaches. Coaches bags will be available for pick up prior to the First Day of Practice. The bags will consist of the following: footballs and assorted equipment specific to either tackle or flag.

B. All head coaches will be responsible for seeing that the assistant coaches, players, fans, and player’s parents conduct themselves in a manner as to attain the mission, and adhere to the motto of this organization. (See All Coaches Conduct Section)

C. Will be responsible for the conduct of their coaching staff, players, fans, and parents at games. Failure to maintain control will result first in penalties, and then possible forfeiture of the game.

D. Will be responsible for obtaining medical care for players injured during games or practices if parents are not present. Parents will sign forms ahead of time to allow for medical care. The League will provide electronic or hard copies of medical release forms to each coach for all of his/her players.

E. Will be responsible to recruit, and enlist assistant coaches.

F. Must report injuries to the League on the provided “Accident Form” within seven (7) days of injury, or the next game day, which ever comes first.

G. Must attain assistance from parents for: • Setting up the game fields • Taking down and storing field equipment/speaker systems. • Announcing, timekeeping, and chain crew as instructed by the League. • Ensure Team Area and sidelines are cleaned following each game.

H. Will encourage all assistants to attend coaching clinic(s) organized by the FFL.

I. Will ensure all assistant coaches are certified by PCA before the first practice.

J. Must keep attendance records at practices for every player.

K. Will select a first assistant that will be in charge in their absence. L. All practice sites and times will be determined by the FFL. All practice sites have been

coordinated between the FFL, other youth sport leagues and the City of Frisco Parks and Recreation Department, and/or the Frisco Independent School District. No other sites are permitted unless approved by the FFL in writing prior to use. A Word of Warning – The Frisco Police Department will issue tickets to coaches that use any irrigated areas maintained by Frisco Independent School District and anyone parking on city streets and surrounding streets around the football fields. Use designated parking lots while attending all FFL functions.

M. Will appoint a team parent and give their name, email, and phone number to the VP of Team Support.

N. Must report to the Board any player who drops out of the program, within twenty-four (24) hours.




O. Will not leave participants alone on the field or practice sites, unless supervised by a certified assistant coach.

P. Must inform FFL Board Designee in writing on the FFL “Player Participation Form” prior to the scheduled game.

Q. Will be responsible for seeing that assistant coaches fulfill duties and responsibilities as listed under All Coaches Responsibility.

R. In order to guarantee good communication all head coaches must have a cell phone number and e-mail address and make them available to team and FFL Board.

S. May evaluate the game officials following each game. Referee evaluation forms are available on the website and should be e-mailed to:

[email protected] ALL COACHES CONDUCT

A. The FFL regards bad sportsmanship as unnecessary and completely intolerable. Coaches are constantly being monitored and are considered role models, and will be held to an extremely high standard.

B. All FFL coaches are required to demonstrate positive sportsmanship in respect to their players, cheerleaders, team, parents, opposing team’s players, cheerleaders, parents, coaches, and game officials. Coaches who are unable to demonstrate proper sportsmanship will be suspended from further coaching in the FFL.

C. Any coach who is ejected from a game for un-sportsmanlike conduct will be required to leave the complex and will be unable to attend practice for the next week, or coach in the next scheduled game. The Coach may be required to meet with the Board or Board Designee(s) in order to resume coaching. This includes post-season play. The continued demonstration of improper sportsmanship may constitute suspension from any number of practices, and games, as the FFL Board deems necessary. No appeal is offered for a coach who has been ejected.

D. Confrontation with the officials by the coach is not permitted. The FFL has established a

zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach. Any such confrontation will result in a Fifteen (15) yard penalty. A second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for confrontations with the officials will result in the above stated penalty in down and distance and also an immediate ejection of that coach from the game.

E. ALL confrontations with referees or FFL officials prior to, during, or following a game may result in the immediate ejection of that coach from the current game, the next scheduled game, or expulsion from the league. All ejections will be at the discretion of the head official.

F. Coaches are responsible in assisting referees with the sportsmanship of all-playing and non-playing team members, as well as spectators, and fellow coaches.

ALL COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Will teach each player the rules and fundamentals of football. B. Will stress the fact that football is a team effort. C. Will teach and encourage good sportsmanship by players. D. Will treat all players equally. E. Will not physically or verbally abuse any player.




F. Will be responsible for checking safety of player’s equipment and having equipment replaced if necessary in the coach’s judgment.

G. Will teach players proper care of equipment. H. Will provide or be certain that water or drink, is available for every child. I. Will be responsible for keeping practice fields clean. J. Should not administer medication. K. Will appear before the Board when notified, for disciplinary purposes, or forfeit all rights of

appeal. L. Who fail to make payment to the FFL for registration and equipment, unless waived by the

Board shall not be able to coach the next year. M. Are required to work at least eight (8) hours for the League during the year, in addition to

their regular coaching responsibilities. N. Will line up all participants at the 50 yard line after the game to shake hands with the

opposing team and referees in order to demonstrate good sportsmanship. O. Will not film or photograph games or practices of other teams. P. Will not exchange game/scrimmage/practice film of future or past opponents with any

other teams or provide film to officials. Q. Will not organize, participate or facilitate any practices or “camps” prior to the official

practice start date without specific prior approval from the FFL Board. GAME OFFICIALS

A. Prior to the season the Board will approve a Head League Official. It will be the Head League Official’s responsibility to enlist qualified officials, and schedule adequate officials for game days.

B. The game officials will be considered in charge of the on field and sideline activities once the game begins.

C. The coaching staffs will have the opportunity to evaluate game officials after the game has been completed.

D. The Head League Official will be responsible for advising his officials of the FFL game rules.

PRACTICES

Practice is defined as a gathering of players, prospective players, a team or individual players on a team to discuss the subject of football, to view films of football, to exercise, or to study football. A. Any COACH coaching FFL eligible players or any FFL eligible PLAYER that participates

in team tackle football activities (Games or practices) starting 3 months prior to the start of the first allowed practice date except for FFL approved camps will not be eligible to participate in the FFL Recreation Football season.

B. No team practices or conditioning is allowed unless you are participating in a flag league. Violations will result in suspension of the coaches and all participating players in attendance at the event.

C. Practice may begin no more than four (4) weeks prior to the first scheduled game. Each player must have four (4) days of conditioning without pads, but may wear helmet, no exceptions to this rule.




B. Mouthpieces must be worn at all times. C. Practices can be held on any day except on scheduled game days, with a maximum of

three (3) practices per week during the regular season for Tackle and two (2) per week for Flag. Games are not included in the practice total. It is recommended not to practice on Sundays, however if Sundays are used for practice, a child can not be penalized towards the 75% rule for missing a Sunday practice.

D. A maximum of three (3) practices per week for Flag and four (4) practices per week for Tackle are permitted prior to the start of the regular season. *Friday Night Lights is considered one of the team practices. Practice may only be held at an FFL Board assigned, pre-arranged practice site

E. Practices must not exceed two (2) hours and only one (1) practice may be held per day. Participants must be released by 9:00 PM.

F. Conditions of participants must be watched, especially during hot weather. Frequent breaks will be provided throughout practice for water.

G. Practice will stop immediately if, in the coach’s opinion, deteriorating weather (i.e.: lightning, wind, etc.) might cause injury to the participants.

H. Any scrimmage during the week will be considered and counted as a practice. • Scrimmages are only permissible when conducted between two (2) Frisco Football League teams in the SAME division. • ANY Coach desiring to scrimmage ANY team outside of the FFL must receive Board approval. • Scrimmages between two (2) different divisions; i.e. 7 year olds against 8 year olds, are ABSOLUTELY NOT TOLERATED.

GAME SCHEDULE

A. Draft league schedules will be released to the head coaches on the day of the draft (without times or locations) by the FFL Board. Final league schedules will be released to the head coaches no later than two weeks prior to opening day. The FFL Board will attempt to reschedule any game canceled for any reason.

B. All games, preseason, regular season or post season must be scheduled and approved by the FFL Board. Participation in a game without approval will result in the forfeiture of future coaching positions.

GAME WARM UPS AND COMPLETION

A. In order to start games on time, teams will meet and warm up prior to coming on the playing field unless the field is clear from the prior game.

B. Pre-game warm-ups will NOT exceed one (1) hour prior to scheduled game time.

C. Teams will clear the field immediately after their game is completed in order to allow the following game to start on time. Teams leaving field must clean up the area around their bench and sidelines before leaving the field.

D. Post-game, team meetings must happen off the field away from the sidelines allowing other teams to move onto the field and prepare for their games.

E. Coaches are responsible for keeping their players and fans off of the game field during half-time. Game fields are only open to cheer squads during intermission.




F. Teams are not allowed to warm-up; practice PATs, etc during halftime or any other pre-game other than their scheduled game.

G. BOTH TEAMS scheduled to play the first game on any given field are responsible for setting up all field equipment prior to the start of the game. BOTH TEAMS scheduled for the last game of the day on any given field are responsible for taking down and storing all field equipment or risk forfeiting their next game.

GAME SUSPENSIONS, POSTPONEMENT, AND CANCELLATION

A. Prior to kickoff of any FFL game, the decision to postpone or cancel the game is solely that of the FFL Board, Referee, or their appointee.

B. After kickoff, the referee may suspend the game temporarily when conditions warrant such action. The referee may declare and charge himself with a timeout for any contingency not elsewhere covered by the rules.

C. When the game is stopped by actions of a person(s) not subject to the rules or of any other reason not in the rules, and cannot continue the referee shall:

• Suspend play and direct the players to their team area or off the field in the case of threatening weather. • Refer the problem to the FFL Board or their appointee. • Resume the game when they (the referee) determine conditions are satisfactory.

D. If a game may not be resumed immediately after suspension (as listed above in rules B and C), it shall be terminated and resumed at a later time only after being rescheduled by the FFL Board or their appointee.

E. A suspended game if resumed will begin with the same time remaining and under the identical condition of down, distance, and field position.

F. All games reaching half time shall be considered official if stopped due to weather or any other reason. All games postponed prior to half time are considered incomplete and subject to rescheduling.

G. The league will attempt to reschedule all games not resumed immediately. H. The FFL will follow the procedures posted on our website in regards to the City of Frisco’s

Lightening Predictors. Play must cease immediately in the event that the siren blows and the fields of play must be cleared. Play will not resume until the all clear is given (3 short blasts.) See lightening policy on website.

FORFEITS

A. Any team not fielding ten (10) players at game time will forfeit the game (except for flag teams, which must have seven (7) starters). If neither team fields the requisite amount of players a loss will be counted against both teams.

B. Officials may forfeit a game due to misconduct of spectators or coaches.

C. The first two teams must have game fields set up one (1) hour before game time, and the last two (2) teams playing must take down sidelines and equipment, or risk forfeiting the next game.




D. The home team is responsible for providing a timekeeper and announcer or risk forfeiting their next game.

E. It is required that timekeepers and announcers be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

o No “over-announcing” by the announcers. Announcers must keep the announcing fair for both teams without giving away the play to the players on the field. Announcers may not announce while the play is going on.

F. The visiting team is responsible for providing an ADULT chain crew or risk forfeiting their next game.

G. Game forfeits will result in the offended team being awarded one point. If a game in progress is forfeited and the offended team is behind they will be awarded an equal score plus one point. If the offended team is ahead, the score will stand.

CHAMPIONSHIPS (2 Division Format) A.

1. Win/Loss record in respective Division (Red or Blue) 2. Head to Head 3. Overall Record 4. Fewest points allowed (in Division) 5. If after 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been applied and the tie has not been broken, teams

will be considered tied. 6. A Coin Toss will determine seeding for playoffs.

This is also the format that will be used to break tie to see who will qualify for playoffs. Playoff format is an 8 team playoff based on the top 8 teams in any age that has a single division and the top 4 teams in each division for age groups that have 2 divisions. Teams that do not make the playoffs will play against each other during the first week of the playoffs, but not for advancement.

B. The divisional winners in the regular season will be considered the Division Champion(s). The winner of the single elimination playoff tournament will be considered City Champion.

o Trophy presentation will be based on Regular League Standings based on the number of teams in the division. Only the City Champion and runner-up will receive a trophy in the play-offs.

C. Playoff games must have a winner. If at the end of regulation a game is tied, a modified NCAA tiebreaker will be used (see I below, for modified tiebreaker rules).

GENERAL RULES FOR ALL TACKLE DIVISIONS OF PLAY

All Frisco Football League Games will be played in accordance with the current UIL Rules except as specified in this section of the Frisco Football League Policies and Procedures. A. Youth sized FFL issued footballs will be used. The K-2 is used in ages 7 through 9

and TDJ for 10 and 11/12. Teams are responsible for providing FFL issued game balls.

B. Each quarter will be eight (8) minutes.




C. Half time will be at least eight (8) minutes and will terminate at the end of eight (8) minutes or at the conclusion of the cheerleaders’ halftime routine, whichever occurs last.

D. Only coaches and players are allowed in the team's area during a game. Only players and coaches are allowing within the 40 yard line markers.

E. All players must have a mouthpiece in place during all plays from scrimmage. If the ball is snapped and a player does not have a mouthpiece in place it becomes a dead ball foul and a five yard penalty will be enforced.

F. Scoring - When crossing the goal line the team shall be awarded six (6) points. A successful rushing PAT will count as one (1) point, a forward pass will count as two (2) points, and kicking will be good for two (2) points. (A forward pass is a pass that is thrown past the line of scrimmage)

G. If one team leads another by twenty-five (25) points or more at the beginning of the fourth (4th) quarter, the clock will run continually during the fourth (4th) quarter.

H. Jerseys will remain tucked in during the game. I. All regular season games that end in a tie after regulation play will advance to Overtime in

the following manner:

• A modified NCAA tiebreaker will be used. Another coin toss is held and the winner will choose offense or defense.

o The ball will be placed on the 10-yard line – 4 downs – reverts to the opposing team.

o If neither team scores there will be another coin toss and the ball will be placed at the 5-yard line – 4 downs – reverts to the opposing team.

o If still no winner, then another coin toss and the ball is placed at the PAT line until there is a winner.

J. Blocking below the waist rule is in effect. There will be absolutely no blocking below the waist outside the tackles in any division.

K. Ejection Policy:

• ANY player ejected from a game will be out the remainder of that game AND will be suspended a minimum of one week, to include all practices and the following game. Further disciplinary action can be taken by the Board.

• The suspended player must attend the next game and be on the sideline with his jersey on. The player will not be allowed to participate until he has fulfilled this requirement. Should the player not attend the next game, he will be accountable for fulfilling this requirement prior to returning to participate. • The Head Coach of the ejected player must contact the League within 24 hours of the ejection by email [email protected]. Failure to notify the League could result in suspension of the Coach. • The Head Coach may appeal the suspension to the Board; however, there must be conclusive evidence; i.e. game tape, etc., to warrant board review. • The Head Coach must submit a money order or cashier’s check in the amount of $100.00 upon request for an appeal. The fee is to assist with any and all applicable




administrative and miscellaneous charges; i.e. facility rental for appeal meeting. The fee is non-refundable.

TACKLE RULES FIELDS All FFL tackle football games will be played on regulation UIL fields if available. COACHES ON THE FIELD OPTION

Only the 7 year-old tackle division will have a "Coaches on the Field Option. A. A team may have one coach on the field during plays from scrimmage. B. At the snap of the ball, offensive and defensive coaches must be a minimum of ten (10)

yards behind the deepest player on their respective team. C. The coach may not interfere with the flow of the play in any manner. D. Once the ball is put into play, the coach must remain motionless, and may not

gesture or speak to the players until the whistle blows the ball dead. E. A coach may not touch a player after the ball has been put into play. Use of the hands to

aid a player will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty. F. A coach may give verbal instruction until the huddle is broken. Once the huddle is broken

all communication (verbal and non-verbal) from both the offense and defense coaches on the field is prohibited.

G. The coach on the field may not question the official’s judgement. He can speak to him to ask a question as long as it is done so in a respectful manner.

H. Confrontation with the officials by any coach is not permitted. The FFL has established a zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach. Any such confrontation will result in a fifteen (15) yard penalty.

I. Excessive confrontations with the officials will result in the immediate ejection of that coach from the game.

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

There are no weight restrictions that limit general participation in the FFL. There are weight limits and restrictions concerning offense and defense in the FFL for the following age divisions: Divisions 7, 8 and 9. The weight limit is calculated by the following formula:

* 125% of the median weight (rounded up to the nearest 0 or 5 pounds) of their division. *Head coaches will be notified of the weight limit at the annual player draft.

There are no weight restrictions in the following age Divisions: Divisions 5 and 6 (flag) and Divisions 10 and 11/12 (Tackle). Players in these ages (5, 6, 10 and 11/12) are still required to weigh in for draft purposes.




Offensive Weight Restrictions- Divisions 7, 8 and 9, No player over the weight limit may line up in the backfield (i.e. RB and QB) or at wide receiver. See below for allowable tight-end over the weight limit. Offensive linemen over the weight limit are NOT required to have one hand touching the ground. Defensive Weight Restrictions- Divisions 7, 8 and 9, All weight restricted players must be positioned as down linemen with at least one hand touching the ground at the snap. This may include nose-guard, tackles, or ends. Defensive Ends may be positioned no wider than “hand-shake” distance of the outer-most offensive down-lineman. Defenders over the weight limit may advance a fumble or an interception

For Divisions 7, 8 and 9 the following apply: A. No players over the weight limit may be placed behind the front line of the receiving teams

on kickoff or live punt returns. B. All players will be weighed at Registration or Skills Evaluation (note: Registration and skills

are typically the same time.) C. The weight recorded for a player at registration will be the official season weight for that

player. Any new participants from out of the area who were not able to attend registration will be weighed at Board’s discretion. There will be no additional weigh in for players who do not make the ball carrying weight limit.

D. Weights will be available to all head coaches upon request. E. All players over the weight limit will be identified by an FFL sticker that will be placed on

the front and back of the player’s helmet, near the bottom and in a position clearly visible to the referee. All players over the weight limit must be on the line of scrimmage and set prior to the snap.

F. Players who fail to weigh-in at registration will be identified with an FFL sticker that prohibits them from running with the ball.

G. The FFL abides by the NCAA illegal formation rules. H. A team clearly in violation of the weight limit rule will receive a 5 yard penalty, dead ball

foul, called before the play if a player lines up illegally. I. Any Head Coach in violation of the Weight Limit Rule may be subject to the following

restrictions during the current season: 1. Completion of the Coach Application implies that the coach understands and will abide by all FFL rules and therefore is the first warning. 2. Written censure, one-week suspension from coaching (including practices and games) and possible forfeiture of the game during which the violation occurred for the first violation. 3. Termination of Coach’s position and privileges and possible forfeiture of the game for the second violation. The Board will appoint a new coach to a team in case of suspension or termination. An assistant coach will be considered but it is not a given that an assistant coach will ultimately be the coach that receives the team.




TIGHT END PARTICIPATION IF OVER THE WEIGHT LIMIT (ages 7-9) A. A tight end is an offensive player lined up next to and no more than 2 yards outside of an

offensive tackle.

B. There are no weight restrictions concerning the tight end position.

C. A tight end may not carry the ball if he receives the ball from a hand off or lateral. D. In order to carry the ball the tight end must receive the ball on a forward pass that is

completed at least one yard beyond the line of scrimmage. E. There are no restrictions on the tight ends in Divisions 10 and 11/12.

KICK OFFS

Unless relocated by penalty, the kicking team restraining line for any kick off will be the 40-yard line.

o Kicking team must have at least four (4) on each side of the ball. If loading a side for onside kicks, there must be (4) maintained on the other side of the ball.

o A team up by fifteen (15) points or more can not kick an on-side kick. For this purpose, on-side kicks are defined as kicks that travel less than 20 yards from the point of the kick. If a team who is up by fifteen (15) points or more and kicks an on-side kick, the receiving team will be awarded the ball at the point of recovery by either team.

PUNTS

7 AND 8 YEAR OLD PUNTING A. The offensive team will declare its intention to punt. Once a punt is declared it is a dead ball and the clock does not run as the yardage is marked off. B. Once the offense declares its intention to punt, the punter must remain at least three (3)

yards behind the deep snapper until after he receives the ball. C. If the ball contacts the ground before the punter attempts to punt the ball, the punter may

retrieve the ball, position himself at least 3 yards behind the deep snapper and punt the ball.

D. The punter must punt the ball within the tackles. If he drops the ball, he must move back between the tackles to punt the ball.

E. The punt team may not recover a receiving team's fumble. F. The punt receiving team may not have more than 2 punt returnees. All other punt return

team members must be positioned within three (3) yards of the line of scrimmage. G. The punt receiving team may not rush the punter. H. Once the ball is punted, the receiving team will gain possession of the ball at the

farthest spot from the line of scrimmage resulting from either: 1. End result of the player kick 2. Automatic 30 yard change of possession

I. The receiving team can only be pinned inside their own 20 yard line as a result of a player kick. If the automatic 30 yards is used, the minimum starting position for the new offense will be their 20 yard line.




J. No runbacks will be permitted on punting plays. 9, 10, & 11/12 YEAR OLD PUNTING GUIDELINES A. The offensive team will declare a punt. Fake punts are not allowed.

B. Once the offense declares its intention to punt, the punter must line up at least three (3) yards behind the center.

C. There is a delayed live rush: four (4) seconds for 9yr old division and two (2) seconds for both the 10yr old and 11/12yr old divisions. The line judge will count and initiate the rush. This will be clearly communicated to both coaching staffs by the official. The penalty for rushing early will be: a 5 yard penalty, replay the down.

D. The punter may not leave the pocket until after the delay time has been counted. He may only leave the pocket to protect himself while avoiding the rush; the punter may not advance the ball past the line of scrimmage. Fake punts are not allowed.

E. The punting team may send two (2) gunners at the snap of the ball. Gunners must line up on each side of the ball. No loading of one side with the gunners (1 per side).

F. The punt receiving team may use one (1) defender per gunner to block the gunner.

G. The punt receiving team may not have more than 2 punt returnees. All other punt return team members must be positioned within three (3) yards of the line of scrimmage.

H. If a Player is over the weight limit (per the Ball Carrier Weight Limit rule), he may be the punter, however he is still restricted from running with the ball.

I. After the rush delay, any resulting block or when the ball is punted, (whichever occurs first), it is a live ball.

KICKING A PAT OR FIELD GOAL

7 and 8 YEAR OLD GUIDELINES A. The offensive team will declare its intention to kick for a PAT or Field Goal. B. Once the ball is snapped the kicking team has 10 seconds to complete the attempt.

If after 10 seconds the ball has not been kicked the play is dead and PAT no good. D. The kicking team may not recover a receiving team's fumble. E. The defensive team may not have more than 2 returnees. All other defensive team

members must be positioned within three (3) yards off the line of scrimmage. F. The defensive team may not rush the kicker. They may raise their hands and arms

straight up and jump straight up in an attempt to block the ball. G. Once the ball is kicked, the receiving team will gain possession of the ball in accordance

with UIL/NCAA rules. H. No runbacks will be permitted on kicking PAT or field goal plays.




9 and 10 YEAR OLD GUIDELINES A. The offensive team will declare its intention to kick for a PAT or Field Goal. B. Once the offense declares its intention to kick, the holder must remain at least three (3)

yards behind the center until after he receives the ball. C. There is a delayed live rush: four (4) seconds for 9yr old division and two (2) seconds for

the 10yr old division. The line judge will count and initiate the rush. This will be clearly communicated to both coaching staffs by the official. The penalty for rushing early will be: a 5 yard penalty, replay the down.

D. After the rush delay, any resulting block or when the ball is kicked, (whichever occurs first), it is a live ball.

11/12 GUIDELINES A. Live PAT or Field Goal rules are in effect. After the ball is snapped, it is a live ball.

FLAG FOOTBALL RULES TEAM ROSTER

Each team will have a minimum of ten (10) and a maximum of sixteen (16) players. However, at a scheduled game, the teams will be allowed to field a minimum of seven (7) starters.

PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULE

A. In keeping with our motto, “YOUTH FIRST, SPORT SECOND”, coaches are required to

play all participants. B. The FFL is an instructional league. The Flag divisions are designed to introduce young

players to all aspects of the game and get acclimated to a team environment before entering the contact aspect of football. All players must have at all times, a starting position on BOTH OFFENSE and DEFENSE. Every player on the game roster will start on Offense for one half of the game and on Defense for the other half of the game. There will be no substitution of any players except for injury, ejection, or equipment damage. As soon as equipment is repaired or the player is ready to return from injury, the player must be returned to the field as soon as play will allow.

In the event a roster falls below a 16 player roster, any open two way spots will be filled accordingly:

* Two players from the roster can be designated for the open spot and substitute for each other at any point in the game. * Any player designated as a two way player for a game may not be designated again until every player on the roster has also filled any open two way spot in subsequent games. i.e.: A team with a 15 player roster has one open two way spot. Two players (#22 and #88) can be designated to be the two way players for that game. They are free to rotate for each other during the game. These players are ineligible to be listed as two way players for any




following games until every player on the roster has also filled the two way role.

All Game rosters with 1st and 2nd half OFF/DEF assignments for every player and any two way designations will be submitted to the Flag Football director by Friday night of every game week and given to the game GC or risk forfeiture of their next game. Submit at: [email protected]

**Thru normal registration and use of the waiting list, the league will make all attempts to Keep flag teams at 16 player rosters. All coaches will be subject to Board review on maintenance of roster size and accordance to the above stated rules.

C. All players will be required to attend and participate in 50% (1 of 2) of a team’s weekly

practices prior to a game in order to be considered a starter under this Player Participation rule. The required attendance is kept week to week and is not cumulative. If a player does not meet the 50% requirement the Board must be notified in writing on an FFL “Player Participation Form” prior to the scheduled game. Upon request, the League will make available to any coach the Player Participation status sheets for the opposing team prior to their game. Sunday practices are excluded from the 50% rule. Once a Player Participation Form is turned in, it is the coach’s discretion as to when the player enters the game. However, once the player enters the game, from that point forward the player is considered a starter and must maintain his starting position for the remainder of the game.

E. Any coach deemed to be in violation of the FFL player participation rule as to gain an advantage, will be subject to the following restrictions during the current season:

1. Completion of coach registration constitutes acknowledgement of the Player Participation Policy and is considered the first warning.

2. The first violation will constitute written censure, one-week suspension from coaching (including practices and games) and possible forfeiture of the game.

3. The second violation will result in termination of coach’s position and privileges, and possible forfeiture of the game. The Board will appoint a new coach to the team in case of termination.

F. Any flag player, who is injured and cannot play further in a game, must remove their flags

thus eliminating any confusion in the player participation rule. EQUIPMENT AND DEAD BALL RULES

A. Two (2) flags worn by each player. They are worn on the outside of the hips (directly

below the arm-pits. B. All players must have their jersey tucked into their pants to avoid covering any portion of

the flag. C. Only FFL provided flags are to be used in games and must not be altered in any

way. D. A player not wearing flags may not advance the ball. E. If a player who is not wearing flags touches the ball, the ball is dead at the spot where the

player not wearing flags first gains possession of the ball.




F. A ball carrier whose flags inadvertently fall off (wind, by runner’s own hand, etc) is declared down and the ball is spotted where the flags became dislodged.

G. If a player does not wear flags properly and that player gains possession of the ball, the ball is dead at the spot where that player gained possession of the ball.

H. It is the head coach’s responsibility to check and assure all flags are in proper working order.

I. Flags worn should be of a contrasting color to the uniform pants worn as not to blend in. J. Excess flag belts must be tucked in as to not be accidentally pulled by the defender. If

excess belt tail or any other part of the belt is pulled, the ball carrier will be considered down and ball spotted where the belt was pulled.

K. All players must have a mouthpiece in place during all plays from scrimmage. Any color mouthpiece is acceptable, just so long as it is clearly visible by the officials and coaches.

L. Youth sized FFL issued footballs will be used. The K-2 is used in ages 5 and 6. Teams are responsible for providing FFL issued game balls.

. COACHES ON THE FIELD OPTION

The Flag Division will have a "Coaches on the Field Option.” A. A team may have one coach on the field during plays from scrimmage. B. At the snap of the ball, offensive and defensive coaches must be a minimum of ten (10)

yards behind the deepest player on their respective team. C. The coach may not interfere with the flow of the play in any manner. D. Once the ball is snapped by the center and the play has begun, the coach must remain

motionless, and may not gesture or speak to the players until the whistle blows the ball dead. Infractions will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with a fifteen (15) yard.

E. A coach may not touch a player after the ball has been snapped and the play has begun. Use of the hands to aid a player will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty with a fifteen (15) yard assessment and loss of down.

F. A coach may give verbal instruction until the huddle is broken. Once the huddle is broken all communication (verbal and non-verbal) from both the offense and defense coaches on the field is prohibited. In the 5 and 6 year old division it may be necessary for the coaches to assist the players in lining up which will be allowed.

G. The coach on the field may not question the official’s judgment. He can speak to him to ask a question as long as it is done so in a respectful manner.

H. Confrontation with the officials by any coach is not permitted. The FFL has established a zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct by a coach. Any such confrontation will result in a fifteen (15) yard penalty. A second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for confrontations with the officials will result in the above stated penalty in down and distance and also an immediate ejection of that coach from the game.

I. ALL confrontations with referees or FFL officials prior to, during, or following a game may result in the immediate ejection of that coach from the current game, the next scheduled game, or expulsion from the league. All ejections will be at the discretion of the head official.

POSSESSION

A. The game will be commenced with a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss will elect to

play offense or defense.




B. There will be no kick-offs in the Flag division. Possessions will begin on one’s own 20 yard line to begin the game and after an opponent's score except in the case of a safety (see below).

OFFENSE

A. There will be five (5) eligible players, two ends and three backs. Guards cannot be the

end man on the line of scrimmage (they must be covered) B. Ball carriers may not guard or block their flags. Flag guarding or blocking occurs when a

ball carrier, intentionally or unintentionally, by using their hand or arm interferes with a defensive player's attempt to grab a flag. The penalty is ten (10) yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down.

C. Blocking should resemble pass blocking in tackle football. Linemen may not "fire out" in order to aggressively block a defensive player. Players may extend their arms to block, but should NOT shove a player in an aggressive manor. Hands should never be up into the neck or head area of the defensive player. The penalty for “firing out,” aggressive blocking, or contact to the neck or head will be ten (10) yards and replay the down.

D. Run blocking is accomplished by screening the runner from defensive players. Players may touch as long as it not aggressive and is not downfield.

E. Aggressive contact, even if accidental by the blocker, is not permitted. Penalty is a 15 yard personal foul assessed from the spot of the infraction and replay of the down.

F. No downfield blocking allowed. The shielding of a defender, however, is allowed. By shielding, it is meant that they can get in the defenders way, but cannot touch them. Downfield blocking will result in a ten (10) yard penalty from the spot of foul. You do not replay the down.

G. Fumbles and bad snaps may not be advanced and are dead when and where they first touch the ground.

H. Offensive Line – All players are to be lined up no more than one arm’s length in span. Arm to shoulder width. Gaps longer than arms length in span will result in a five (5) yard illegal formation penalty.

I. The quarterback or any other player receiving the snap from the center cannot run between the guards. Penalty for this is five (5) yards and replay of the down.

DEFENSE

A. No defensive lineman may line up inside the offensive guards. Penalty for this is five (5)

yards for illegal formation and replay the down. B. Any defensive player lining up inside the offensive guards must remain a minimum of

three (3) yards from the line of scrimmage until after the ball is put into play by the offensive team. Penalty is five (5) yards for illegal formation and replay of the down.

C. Aggressive contact, including aggressive tackling (wrapping up) is not allowed. Penalty is fifteen (15) yard personal foul added to the result of the play. Note that “bumping” or “accidentally” colliding with a player while pulling or attempting to pull a flag is not aggressive contact.

D. Defensive players must go around the offensive blockers. Defensive players can not run over or through (no “Bull rushing”) an offensive player. Penalty is five (5) yards and replay of down.

E. There will be no blitzing – or delayed blitzing -- inside the offensive guards. (Trying to crash between the center and an offensive guard is considered a blitz and will result in a fifteen (15) yard penalty).




F. Linebackers and defensive backs may not move toward the line of scrimmage until after

the ball is put in play by the offensive team. Penalty is five (5) yards for illegal procedure and replay of down.

FUMBLES

Fumbles and bad snaps may not be advanced and are dead when they first touch the ground.

INTERCEPTIONS

Interceptions ARE NOT dead balls and may be advanced by the defender who intercepted the ball.

PUNTS

A. The offensive team will declare its intention to punt. This option is for 4th down only. You

may not punt on any down but 4th (No “Quick Kicks”). Once a punt is declared it is a dead ball and the clock does not run as the yardage is marked off.

B. In the 5 and 6 Divisions this is an automatic 30-yard (Change of possession) punt. We will not line up for the punt; it is simply a 30 yard change of possession.

C. The offensive team may not “pin” the opposing team by punting inside the opposing team’s 30 yard line. They may elect to punt; however, the ball will be placed on the opposing team’s 20 yard line for the change of possession and new LOS. In cases where the LOS is inside of the Defensive 39 Yard line, the minimum starting position for the new offense will be the 10 yard line. For example, if the offensive team decides to punt while on the defense’s 33 yard line, the new LOS is the 10 yard line, not the 3.

KICKING A PAT OR FIELD GOAL

A. The offensive team will declare its intention to kick for a PAT or Field Goal. B. Once the offense declares its intention to kick, the holder must remain at least three (3)

yards behind the deep snapper until after he receives the ball. C. If the ball contacts the ground before the kicker attempts to kick the ball, the holder may

retrieve the ball, position himself at least 3 yards behind the deep snapper and the kicker may then attempt to kick the ball.

D. The kicking team may not recover a receiving team's fumble. E. The defensive team may not have more than 2 returnees. All other defensive team

members must be positioned within three (3) yards off the line of scrimmage. F. The defensive team may not rush the kicker. They may raise their hands and arms

straight up and jump straight up in an attempt to block the ball. G. Once the ball is kicked, the receiving team will gain possession of the ball in accordance

with NCAA rules. H. No runbacks will be permitted on kicking PAT or field goal plays. I. Interceptions of an attempted pass for PAT can be run back for a score.




SAFETIES

In the event of a safety, the defensive team will receive two (2) points and the ball on their own 20 yard line.

GENERAL RULES FOR FLAG FOOTBALL

All Frisco Football League Games will be played in accordance with the current NCAA Rules except as specified in this section of the Frisco Football League Policies and Procedures.

A. Free substitution in accordance with the player participation rule is allowed. B. Flag games are played on an 80 yard field C. Each quarter will be six (6) minutes. D. Half time will be at least eight (8) minutes and will terminate at the end of eight (8) minutes

or at the conclusion of the cheerleaders’ halftime routine, whichever ends first. E. Only coaches and players are allowed in the team’s area during a game. Parents must

remain in the stands and away from the team’s bench area. F. Scoring – When crossing the goal line the team shall be awarded six (6) points. A

successful rushing PAT will count as one (1) point, a forward pass with count as two (2) points, and kicking will be good for two (2) points. (A forward pass for the purposes of a 2 pt conversion is a pass that crosses the line of scrimmage). Any OFFENSIVE penalty on an extra point will nullify the play and the attempt will NOT be replayed.

G. If one team leads another by twenty-five (25) points or more at the beginning of the fourth (4th) quarter, the clock will run continually during the fourth (4th) quarter.

H. All regular season and playoff games that end in a tie after regulation play will advance to overtime with the following rules:

• A modified NCAA tiebreaker will be used. Another coin toss is held and the winner will choose offense or defense.

o The ball will be placed on the 10-yard line – 4 downs – reverts to the opposing team.

o If neither team scores there will be another coin toss and the ball will be placed at the 5-yard line – 4 downs – reverts to the opposing team.

o If still no winner, then another coin toss and the ball is placed at the PAT line until there is a winner.

I. Ejection Policy: • ANY player ejected from a game will be out the remainder of that game AND will be suspended a minimum of one week, to include all practices and the following game. Further disciplinary action can be taken by the Board.

• The suspended player must attend the next game and be on the sideline with his jersey on. The player will not be allowed to participate until he has fulfilled this requirement. Should the player not attend the next game, he will be accountable for fulfilling this requirement prior to returning to participate. • The Head Coach of the ejected player must contact the League within 24 hours of the ejection by email [email protected]. Failure to notify the League could result in suspension of the Coach.




• The Head Coach may appeal the suspension to the Board; however, there must be conclusive evidence; i.e. game tape, etc., to warrant board review. • The Head Coach must submit a money order or cashier’s check in the amount of $100.00 upon request for an appeal. The fee is to assist with any and all applicable administrative and miscellaneous charges; i.e. facility rental for appeal meeting. The fee is non-refundable.

J. Two Touchdown Rule: In keeping with the motto of the FFL, “Youth First – Sport Second”,

the FFL recognizes that children must be encouraged to work together as a team along with encouraging the coaching staff to instruct each child. Players in the 5&6 Division will be allowed a maximum of two (2) offensive rushing touchdowns per game with the following rules and exceptions: • Touchdowns are specifically related to two (2) rushing Touchdown’s scored

offensively by ONE player. • Once a player has reached the two (2) Touchdown maximum, he can no longer run

with the ball for the remainder of the game. The following exceptions are applicable:

• Any player who has scored two (2) rushing Touchdowns cannot run the ball if the point spread is twelve (12) or more.

• If the Quarterback runs with the ball after scoring two (2) rushing Touchdowns and the point spread is twelve (12) or more, the play will be declared a dead ball penalty. No lose of yardage, but you do lose the down. The Quarterback can hand the ball off and pass the ball if he is affected by this rule as long as he remains in the pocket (between the tackles). He CANNOT advance the ball running.

• If the Running Back runs with the ball after scoring two (2) rushing Touchdowns and the point spread is twelve (12) or more, there will be a penalty assessed of fifteen (15) yards and a loss of down.

• Any player, who avoids scoring a touchdown, in any manner, so that the Two-Touchdown Rule will not become effective, is in violation. The offending team will receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of fifteen (15) yards from the previous line of scrimmage and a loss of down.

LEAGUE POLICIES MEMBERSHIP

A. Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members. The right to vote will be extended only to those members on record 30 days prior to any matter submitted to a vote of the general membership.

B. Membership in the association is not transferable.

C. All members wishing to petition the FFL Board should notify the President at least seven (7) days before a meeting in order to be placed on the agenda

D. The immediate past President shall, at their option, serve as a non-voting member on the Board with all the rights and privileges for one year only, if they hold no other Board position. They shall be considered a special advisor to the Board.

E. All regularly scheduled open Board meetings will be posted on the FFL website.




F. The President and/or, their agent for the purpose of transacting business that cannot be delayed until the regularly scheduled monthly meeting can call special meetings. A special meeting can be called if 25% of the Board is in agreement.

G. No business can be conducted or voted on without a Board Quorum, a majority of the board must be present.

H. Business can be conducted via e-mail for issues to be addressed by Board members only.

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

A. Parents will acknowledge a Parent’s Code of Ethics prior to the season, and are requested to conduct themselves accordingly, and in a manner as to attain the mission, and adhere to the motto of this organization.

B. All parents and spectators will be expected to demonstrate positive sportsmanship. Young athletes form attitudes on games and officials directly from what is demonstrated by their parents and coaches. Parents and spectators who cannot demonstrate proper sportsmanship will be required to leave the game site and will not be allowed at the next game.

C. If a parent is ejected from a game, their child is also subject to ejection from the game.

D. Parents ejected from a game will be advised to leave the complex immediately and are considered ejected for one (1) week. This would include all remaining games scheduled that day.

E. If a parent has a complaint concerning a game official, officiating, or judging, that parent should voice their complaint concerning game officials and game officiating, first through the Head Coach, who in turn will discuss the matter with the official involved at the appropriate time. If satisfaction is not obtained at this level the parent has the right to file a formal complaint that will be handled by the Board.

F. Parents will notify the Board immediately with any concerns regarding any head and or assistant coach.

G. Parents and spectators are restricted to the area, on their team’s sideline, between the 40 and 10 yard lines and no closer than 5 yards from the playing field. Parents and spectators are not allowed beyond the 10 yard line extending around the back of the end-zone to the opposing team’s 10 yard line.

H. Parents and spectators are not allowed on the field of play at anytime. This includes halftime. All spectators should be respectful of the cheer teams that are performing.

PARENTS CODE of ETHICS

Each parent in the FFL should strive to confirm to the following pledge. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in the Frisco Football League by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics Pledge. A. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,

coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other Frisco Football League event.




B. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.

C. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment. D. I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive

and enjoyable experience for all. E. I will be responsible for transporting my child to and from all FFL events, arriving at the

appointed time, and picking my child up at the end of a scheduled event. F. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs and alcohol, and will

refrain from their use at all Frisco Football League events. G. I will remember that the game is for youth, and not for the adults. H. I will do my best to make the Frisco Football League experience fun for my child. I. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect

regardless of race, creed, or ability. J. I promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can,

such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaches, or providing transportation. K. I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth

football coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics. L. I will strive to attain the mission of this organization, and adhere to the motto of this

organization YOUTH FIRST, SPORT SECOND.

M. I will adhere to all posted city ordinances while attending all FFL functions. This includes parking restrictions on city and neighborhood streets.

SPONSORS

A. The Board will solicit sponsors for all teams football and cheerleading. All sponsorship checks are to be made payable to the FFL. Sponsorship fees are the property of the FFL.

B. There will be no unauthorized solicitation of funds or products from team sponsors. C. Team Designated Sponsors: Coach must adhere to all guidelines set forth in the Team

Designated Sponsorship Program. • Turn in the completed Sponsorship Form to the League at FFL, PO Box,

2136, Frisco, TX 75034.

• All Sponsorships received by August 1 will be listed in the Opening Day Program (if available).

• All Sponsorships received by August 1 will be issued their team check by August 15. Sponsor money received after August 1 will be issued during regular season at the discretion of the FFL Board.

• Coach must provide the Sponsor name to the selected Engraver for any applicable sponsorship plaque.

• Coach must provide Team Picture, if applicable, for the plaque.

• Coach must pick up and deliver plaque to Sponsor.

• The FFL Board will issue Sponsor acknowledgement letters for tax purposes at the close of the season.




• Coach will be responsible for providing any applicable information for web site advertising to the League.

• Any complaints from Team Sponsors will be directed to the appropriate Head Coach.

• Coach will provide documentation of receipts for all items purchased with the Team Designated Sponsor money to the League via postal mail by December 1.

• All Checks must be made payable to the Frisco Football League (FFL). FUNDRAISING

A. All fundraisers for either teams or the league must be submitted and approved by the Board.

B. The FFL will not be held accountable in the case of unauthorized fundraisers.

C. No team fundraisers will be allowed. VIOLATIONS

A. Any person witnessing misconduct from any FFL member during an FFL function should report directly to a Board member.

B. If any adult with the FFL is found guilty of misconduct in any way, such as fighting, intoxication, using abusive language, etc. at games or practice sites, the Board will take action. The Board will not be tolerant of violations.

C. Any coach failing to fulfill their duties will be subject to probation or suspension.

D. Use of alcohol products by coaches will not be allowed during their team’s practices, games, Team events and Team Parties. The Head Coach is solely responsible for ensuring that the use of these substances is not permitted during all aforementioned functions especially in the presence of minors.

AWARDS

The FFL will furnish individual awards to all participants at the end of the season. The Board will approve all awards selected.

REFUNDS

A. There shall be no refunds of registration fees unless there is an appeal application that is denied. All Registration fee refunds will be assessed a $30.00 administrative fee.

B. Football equipment purchases are non-refundable. Parents will approve all equipment sizing. The league is not responsible for equipment that does not fit, but will assist in helping get it corrected.




REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENDITURES

All expenditures must be brought before the Board for approval, prior to the fact, before any reimbursement of monies from the league can be made. Failure to seek approval may result in non-payment of expenditures. All expenditures greater than $50.00 must have a P.O. number assigned.

EXPENDITURES

Besides the regular expense of registration and any necessary football or cheer equipment, parents may be required to fund the expense of such things as: game pants, helmet decals, football or cheer gifts, team equipment, team parties etc. These expenses should be held to a minimum and should be the decision of the team parent, coaches and parents of the team to monitor these expenses within reason. Any unusual or unnecessary funds should be brought to the attention of the FFL board. We encourage all coaches and teams to take advantage of the team designated team sponsorship program to help cover these expenses. These expenses should not exceed $125 for tackle and cheer or $75 for flag football.

CORPORATE DOCUMENTS

A. The Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and financials of the Frisco Football League, Inc. (FFL) may be obtained from the Corporation for a fee of $25.00. Requests must be submitted in writing to the FFL, PO Box 2136, Frisco, TX 75034.

B. The FFL Bylaws will take precedent over any possible conflicts with this manual.

Date post:	17-Mar-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ngoque
View:	222 times
Download:	2 times