Jim Kelly Youth Football League Playing Rules and Regulations REVISED: January 26, 2015

Transcription

1 Jim Kelly Youth Football League Playing Rules and Regulations REVISED: January 26, 2015 Jim Kelly Youth Football League Objectives THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE JIM KELLY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (JKYFL) ARE TO INSPIRE YOUTHS, TO PRACTICE THE IDEAS OF SPORTSMANSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS, REGARDLESS OF GENDER, RACE, RELIGION OR NATIONAL ORIGIN. THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE LEAGUE ARE TO FAMILIARIZE ALL YOUTHS WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ORGANIZED FOOTBALL. TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE GAME; WITHIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, SUPERVISED, ORGANIZED, INSTRUCTIONALLY ORIENTED MANNER AND TO KEEP THE WELFARE OF PARTICIPANTS FREE OF ANY ADULT AMBITION AND/OR PERSONAL GLORY. THE LEAGUE STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURE, RULES, POLICY OF INTERLEAGUE COMPETITION ARE OUTLINED HEREIN: The league complies with and abides by the official: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYING RULES AND SPIRIT RULES PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOLATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, PLAZA CIRCLE, P.O. BOX 20626KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI DEVIATIONS FROM THE OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL PLAYING AND SPIRIT RULES NECESSITATED BY LOCAL CONDITIONS AND BASED ON PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IS OUTLINED HEREIN:

2 ARTICLE I. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 ORGANIZATIONS 2 INSURANCE 3 FEES 4 UNIFORMS 5 REGISTRATION 6 CONDUCT 7 OFFICIALS 8 DIVISIONS 9 AGE, WEIGHT & ELIGIBILTY 10 FIELD SIZE, SCORING, QUARTERS, TIME OUTS 11 EQUIPMENT 12 FRANCHISES & TEAMS 13 TEAM LEDGER 14 GAME DAY OPERATIONS 15 HOST TEAM RESPONSIBILITY 16 CONFERENCES 17 REGULAR SEASON 18 POST SEASON 19 AWARDS 20 FRESHMEN LEVEL 21 PEEWEE LEVEL 22 CHEERLEADING By-Laws Appendixes

3 RULE 1 ORGANIZATIONS Jim Kelly Youth Football League : Each Organization must submit an Organization s Directory to the JKYFL at March s JKYFL League of Commissioner s (LOC) meeting. 1-2: Each Organization must provide JKYFL with Franchise(s) Names and Colors at March s JKYFL LOC meeting to be recognized and approved. 1-3: Each Organization must submit a Team registry; Franchise Name, Level, Commissioner, Head Coach and Assistant s for approved Franchised Teams to the JKYFL at July s JKYFL Commissioner s meeting. 1-4: Each Franchise must submit a completed Team Roster to the league Statistician as a league record by the date set annually by the LOC. 1-5: All Head Coach s, Coach s and Assistant s must be certified by AACCA, NYSCA, NYSAA or USA Football 7 days prior to the first league sanctioned game of the season. I. All of the above must visibly wear their current certification cards at all League games and/or competitions. II. Information will be kept on file with JKYFL and logged in the team s ledger. 1-6: All Head Coaches and Assistant s must pass a background check through a League approved program and be trained in USA Footballs Heads UP national initiative to help make the sport of football better and safer.. 1-7: Each Organization will produce one Team Ledger per franchised team which shall be certified by the JKYFL. Team Ledger will be presented to Commissioner s at ALL sanctioned JKYFL games and used during Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check- IN. 1-8: Each organization shall prepare individual athlete profile or card for each athlete as part of their team(s) ledger that contains an athlete s individual information for identity check during Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN. 1-9: At all JKYFL sponsored games, there must be a Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee at all times from each organization. Organizations that field 2 or more teams must have a Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee present at each game/field. Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee will be responsible for Pre- Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN and validation. I. He/she can NOT have obligated responsibilities or active position to either team / coaching staff on field of play. 1-10: Concussion Management Program I. Each organization must implement a Concussion Management Program (CMP). II. Each organization must maintain, keep up to date and file their CMP with the JKYFL, keep a copy in Team s Ledger and post it at their home facility. III. Each organization s CMP must include medical removal criteria for any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion. For all League sanctioned activities, if a Medical Professional determines that an athlete is exhibiting any sign of or suspects a concussion, the athlete must be removed from the practice/scrimmage/game and not allowed to return. In order for the athlete to return to practice/scrimmage/game, a written approval from a Healthcare Professional must be obtained.

4 RULE 2 INSURANCE/INDEMNIFICATION 2-1: All Organizations within the JKYFL are encouraged to purchase comprehensive general liability insurance through the JKYFL league-supplied insurer at bulk rate. I. Protection includes: bodily injury and property damage liability with a limit of $1,000, per occurrence. II. All Organizations within the JKYFL agrees to add Jim Kelly, Jim Kelly Inc. and Jim Kelly Football Camp as additionally insured on their Policy. 2-2: If insurance is supplied outside the league-supplied insurance, it must be equal in coverage and terms to that of league supplied insurance, also naming the league as loss payee. (Example: If league insurance covers participants, so must outside insurance, any insurance that a franchise has obtained will be liable to the league for any and all losses suffered by the league). Each Organization will also provide the league with a certificate for such insurance on or before the 1st of July of each year. 2-3: All Organizations and Franchises hereby release, discharge, hold harmless and promise to indemnify JKYFL Jim Kelly, JKFC and its sponsors and staff, Jim Kelly Inc., officers, employees and agents from any and all causes, liabilities, damages, claims or demands whatsoever on account of any injury (including death) or accident involving Participant arising out of Participant's participation in the JKYFL. RULE 3 FEES/FINES 3-1: All League members individual Organizations financial obligations to the League from the prior season must be settled at or before the scheduled January JKYFL meeting. 3-2: All League members shall pay Organization Fee at or before the scheduled January JKYFL meeting. 3-3: All League members shall pay Franchise Team Fees at or before scheduled July JKYFL meeting. 3-4: Fifty dollar ($50.00) Processing fee will accompany any Official Review Form where an official JKYFL ruling needs to be made or Form will not be recognized and processed. 3-5: Fine structure as follows: Tier 1 - $20.00 Tier 2 - $50.00 Tier 3 - $ Tier 4 - $ Tier 5 - $ athlete, coach or organization fines based on infraction, set by JKYFL board of ethics, not limited to: monetary, suspension and/or sanctions. 3-6: roster and reporting fines: invalid roster tier 1 fine per roster defined as a team or game roster turned into the statistician that either has an error or omission on that roster. late roster tier 1 fine per roster defined as a game roster (team rosters are addressed in rule 12-1 subsection i) that is post-marked later than the Wednesday following a game and received prior to seven (7) days following the game.

5 No roster tier 2 fine per roster defined as a game roster received later than seven (7) days following the game. Late score reporting tier 1 fine per game defined as a score not reported to the statistician later than midnight on the Sunday on the weekend of the game. RULE 4 - UNIFORMS 4-1: Game day jerseys and colors will be approved by the LOC. Individual franchise jersey template will be supplied to the league at the June LOC meeting. Template will include JKYFL patch location, number size, number location and additional attributes. I. Individual Organizations may choose to have team/organization name added to jersey II. Individual Organizations may choose to have name plates and/or number location on sleeve/shoulders III. Individual Organizations may include a separate team patch on sleeve/shoulder. a. No Advertisement/Sponsorship allowed. 4-2: Each athlete s jersey must have two sets of numerals. I. 8 or larger numerals on back II. 6 or larger numerals on front RULE 5 - REGISTRATION 5-1: Organizations shall include: I. The standard code of conduct set forth by the League of Commissioners. All players and parents will be required to sign this waiver to participate in the JKYFL II. Compliance that athlete has passed most recent physical and is cleared to participate in full contact sports and cheer. III. Compliance that Student Athlete has passing grades in school. 5-2: JKYFL Registration dates are set to the discretion of each organization. 5-3: All organizations in this league will accept applications for participation in cheerleading and football on a first come, first served basis. No tryouts. I. Organizations with excessive applications will direct excess applicants to organizations within this league that will best suit applicant s needs. II. Organizations will also put excess applicants on a reserve/wait list noting date and time application was received in case an opening arises on a current team originally applied for. III. Organizations with multiple franchises shall create balanced rosters by assigning athletes based on: geography, schools, family and NOT by age and ability. IV. New franchises will be placed into the lower divisions. V. New Organizations will be placed based on team assortment and or recommendations. 5-4: At its discretion, an organization may set aside the first (1) and second (2) day of registration for signups of veteran football players.

6 5-5: Official Season begins on the Monday prior to August 1st of the said year (no earlier than July 27th) with the Official JKYFL games beginning the weekend following Labor Day and being scheduled by the Scheduling Committee. RULE 6 CONDUCT 6-1: Each Organization will submit a signed, Code of Conduct form from the JKYFL for every member of an organization who has on-field permissions. A copy will be kept on file at the JKYFL and each coach must keep a copy with their Team Ledger to present at Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN. 6-2: The conduct of all participants (including, but not limited to, administrators, coaches, staff, athletes and spectators) at ALL LEAGUE FUNCTIONS should be exemplary. I. To assure this point, each Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee is to be recognized as an Official Officer of the League during games and functions. He/she shall have the authority to discipline and/or expel from league functions any member of their organization whom he/she finds in violation of these rules and/or as a result of the performance of his/her duties in their designated position. II. Additionally, the game and league officials are authorized to request any coach or member of their staff to leave the playing field for any improper display of temper or poor choice of language. This is not an ejection from the game; bench penalty can still be enforced. 6-3: Any Coach, Staff member, Board member, Athlete or Spectator who threatens, attempts to strike or strikes an Official, Commissioner/Coordinator, League Official, Board member, Staff member, opposing Coach, Athlete or Spectator shall be penalized as follows for Conduct Detrimental to the JKYFL: I. Automatic suspension for one calendar year and/or: II. Forever barred from league activities III. If parent or guardian, then child is also be subject to suspension. IV. Organization: Monetary (Tier 3 or greater), Suspension and/or Sanctions. V. Any/ALL altercations are to be reported by both Commissioners to the JKYFL League Officer within forty-eight hours of the alleged infraction and logged in Team Ledger. 6-4: Social Media: The term social media as used in this policy encompasses a wide array of online media and communications and their scope is constantly evolving. I. Any reports of inappropriate activity including but not limited to: threats, harassment, bullying, etc will be reported to the LOC and will be handled with the same protocols and enforcement laid out in Rule 6-3. a. Reports of inappropriate activity may also be reported to Law Enforcement authorities and Human Services departments. II. All social media communications must be public, and all communications on or through them must be public. Being public means no private channels. III. Abide by a two-deep policy for all communications and activities. This means at least two adults, affiliated with either the JKYFL or an LOC organization, or one adult, affiliated with either the JKYFL or an LOC organization and a parent, must be included or at least copied on all messages to players.

7 IV. Safety and youth protection should be a key focus at all times. Any and all reports or allegations of inappropriate or potentially abusive behavior must be promptly reported to the JKYFL. 6-5: Football coaches must stay on the side line between the Twenty-five (25) yard markers; athletes must stay between the Thirty (30) yard lines. 6-6: Only authorized members (must wear identification) of the JKYFL and the individual scheduled game Coaching Staffs and Athletes are allowed to enter the field of play, coach s box, athlete s bench and the ten foot (10 ) surrounding of all end lines and side lines. 6-7: Unauthorized individuals entering the field of play, including the coach s box, athlete s bench and the ten foot (10 ) surrounding of all end lines, side lines and press box, without authorization of Organization, Team or Game Officials will constitute an Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct penalty against offending Organization /Team. Penalized Organization will receive a Tier 3 One Hundred dollar ($100.00) fine per occurrence. 6-8: The League places a 15 yard penalty on ALL Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct calls. 6-9: Two (2) Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct penalties during a single game by One (1) athlete will result in an automatic suspension for remainder of said game by offending athlete. Athlete must remove helmet, shoulder pads and wear their jersey to remain on sidelines and information must be logged into team ledger. 6-10: Three (3) Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct penalties during a single game by One (1) team will result in an automatic forfeiture of said game by offending team. The Game shall end immediately at the assessment of the third Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct penalty. I. No additional plays shall be run. II. Game is scored a forfeit, 1-0 loss by penalized team. 6-11: Any Athlete, Coach and/or Spectator who is ejected from the game by an official for any unsportsmanlike conduct will automatically sit out the following game and the penalized organization shell receive a tier 3 fine. If there is a second offense during the season, the offending athlete will be ineligible for the remaining of that said season. If there is a second offense during the season by a coach, they will be ineligible for one calendar year from the time of the second offense and the offending organization shall receive a tier 4 fine for Conduct Detrimental to the League. I. For two offences against an Athlete and/or Coach, an organization can request an investigation by the League to decide an outcome of the circumstances. Offending Athlete and/or Coach will remain ineligible until investigation is complete. Offending Organization must submit an JKYFL Incident form with $50.00 (fifty dollars) processing fee to the JKYFL Code of Ethics Committee within forty-eight hours (48) of infraction. II. Names of athletes and/or coaches who are ejected must be submitted to a League officer by both Commissioners within forty-eight hours (48) of the ejection and logged in Team Ledger. Both Commissioners and Game Official will fill out and sign an JKYFL Incident form at conclusion of said game and submit it to the JKYFL for a matter of record, including a brief explanation of the circumstances. 6-12: Each organization within the League must submit to the Host Commissioner a list of coach s names (football & cheerleading), league participants and spectators who are on probation and/or suspension. This list will include all dates and terms of probation and/or suspension for each individual. It is the responsibility of each organization to submit updates to this list and to keep it current with the JKYFL.

8 6-13: Sportsmanship: The JKYFL understands that there can and will be disparities between teams, based on level of play, from game to game and year to year. It is in the best interests of the Organizations, Franchises, Teams and Athletes to keep sanctioned games from being discouraging to our communities and our children. JKYFL supports a reasonable score program. Any team who completes a sanctioned game with a score differential of thirty-five (35) points or greater will be penalized one (1) Divisional Point for the victory: winning team shall receive only one (1) point for the win, not two (2). I. An Organization can request an investigation by the LOC to decide if the final score was malicious. Offending Organization must submit an JKYFL Incident form with $50.00 (fifty dollars) processing fee to the JKYFL Code of Ethics Committee within forty-eight hours (48) of infraction. 6-14: Any Athlete, Coach and/or Spectator caught doing any act of vandalism to anyone s property will be suspended from the League for the remainder of the season. 6-15: All JKYFL organizations will provide an alcohol and tobacco-free environment when coaching the cheerleaders/football players at practice and at games. 6-16: At the end of each game, All Coaches, Staffs and Athletes from both teams shall line up at the center of the field, facing each other with the captains and shake hands. All athletes shall wear their helmets during the handshake. 6-17: All penalties shall be described by the referee to the Head Coach or designee, and accepted or declined by the Head Coach or designee. 6-18: Blocking below the waist, anywhere on the field of play shall not be permitted. These infractions are deemed Personal Fouls. 6-19: Tackles above the shoulders and horse collar tackles shall not be permitted. These infractions are deemed Personal Fouls. RULE 7 - OFFICIALS 7-1: Each official is to be presented with a copy of these rules, acknowledge that they have read the rules and signed the JKYFL Officiating Registry declaring that they understand the rules and regulations. Each organization will keep a copy on hand at their home field of play for reference. 7-2: Any complaint of officiating must be submitted in writing, by official JKYFL Officials form and accompanied with fifty dollar ($50.00) processing fee, to the JKYFL for Resolution. 7-3: All Officials are to be scheduled BY the JKYFL and JKYFL request procedures. 7-4: JKYFL will keep on file an Officials Registry of Approved Officials with Printed Name, Signature and Personnel Identification Number. Document will be updated annually and received by the JKYFL at the JULY JKYFL Commissioners Meeting. 7-5: Each host organization may choose to keep a Referees Ledger that each Official would sign for the games they are officiating. Official will fill in their Personnel Identification Number, Signature and mark off which games they officiated for that day.

9 7-6: Three (3) Officials are to be scheduled for JKYFL Officially Sanctioned Freshmen, JV and Varsity games. (Only One (1) JKYFL Official required for Peewee) 7-7: All JKYFL Officially Sanctioned Games (Freshmen, JV and Varsity) must be officiated by at least two (2) Officials approved by the JKYFL to be validated (Only One (1) Official required for Peewee). 7-8: If an Official shows up to a scheduled game after opening kickoff, game will proceed without Official. The Official may enter the game at the start of the next quarter up to and including third quarter but will be paid a pro-rated amount for time missed; document infraction in teams ledger and submit official JKYFL Officials form to the JKYFL within 48 hours of game completion. 7-9: The Official shall remove from the game any athlete who appears to have been injured. Injured athletes must remain out for at least one official play. The officials decision is final. Should the Official judge the athlete is NOT injured; offending team is charged a time out or given an Un-Sportsmanlike Conduct penalty if no time outs remain. 7-10: The Official may eject Athletes, Coaches and Spectators from any JKYFL game for Infractions of Playing Rules and/or Conduct Detrimental to the JKYFL and its Participants. Official must fill out and sign Official JKYFL Ejection form. 7-11: No rule may be waived by any Coach, Commissioner, Official or the JKYFL. RULE 8 - DIVISIONS 8-1: All participants shall have a League Age between the ages of League age shall be the participant s age on 8/1 of the calendar year of that said season. 8-2: The League will have four (4) age/weight divisions. The maximum age and weight for each division is as follows: Pee Wee Freshmen Junior Varsity Varsity Division Age Division Weight 90 lbs. 110 lbs. 125 lbs. 150 lbs. Striper Weight N/A N/A 140 lbs. 170 lbs. 8-3: Age, Weight and Eligibility requirements will be addressed in three (3) year increments after a change has been approved and adopted by the JKYFL. This three (3) year moratorium will allow the new requirements to be assessed before a new change can be implemented. If change is presented to the Executive Board by the League of Commissioners (LOC) within the first 10 months of the Moratorium, the Executive Board may review and or vote on requested changes. The LOC must have a commissioner approval of 80% and Executive Board must be unanimous in their decision.

10 RULE 9 AGE, WEIGHT & ELIGIBILITY 9-1: It is the responsibility of the individual Organizations Commissioner/ Coordinator or Designee and their staffs to verify an athlete s identity and that they meet the proper age/weight requirements for their assigned level. I. Any representative who falsifies records, birth certificates, knowingly plays an illegal athlete, or otherwise makes misrepresentations of an athlete s name; age or weight shall be deemed: Conduct Detrimental to the League and banned for one (1) full year. Offender must receive permission from the Executive Board to return to the league in a position, lesser than the one held at time of infraction. 9-2: Any member of the League may be challenged with respect to the age of an athlete at any time. The challenging organization shall post $50.00 (fifty dollars) processing fee with the JKYFL within 48 hours and if the challenge proves false, the money will go to the League. Should the challenge prove to be correct, the violating organization will be required to pay the Tier 4 - $ (two hundred fifty) fine and challenger s money will be returned. All games the overage athlete(s) had participated in will be forfeited. 9-3: Athlete s official weight will take place at an official JKYFL Weigh- IN which will occur prior to a player s first game. At weigh in, an Athlete is required to have with them their team jersey with number, helmet and be dressed in NO LESS than socks, shorts and t-shirt. 1 pound will be allowed to compensate for clothing. 9-4: The Initial JKYFL Weigh- IN will be scheduled up to the Wednesday before First (1) week of sanctioned season. Both League Official and Organizations Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee will conduct the weigh in s at the host organizations field of play. This will constitute an Athlete s official weight for the season. 9-5: All weigh-ins will use a beam-type or digital scale, which shall be furnished by the host team. Each scale will be certified annually prior to the Official Weigh-IN by the Bureau of Weights and Measures with a seal affixed to it. 9-6: Any athlete who is unavailable for the official weigh-in must schedule an appointment with the league official at the discretion of the Commissioner(s). An official weight must be verified and logged no later than the Wednesday before the next officially sanctioned JKYFL game. The individual athlete will need to travel to the League Officials home field for weigh in. NO additional weigh in s will be performed after the conclusion of the Fifth (5) week of sanctioned season. I. An Athlete cannot participate in JKYFL League sanctioned games until they successfully meet Rule -9 requirements. If Athlete misses scheduled weigh in, they are ineligible until they are Officially Weigh-IN. 9-7: Initial or IN-Season Weigh-IN: An athlete who exceeds the maximum weight of his team during the Initial or IN-Season JKYFL Weigh-IN will be allowed to move up to the next level provided the number of athletes on the team in that division does not exceed the maximum number of athletes allowed under Rule 12-1 of these rules. The athlete once moved will not be permitted to move back to the original team if the athlete s weight subsequently decreases. When a roster change is made under this provision, the athlete s organization must give written notification to the JKYFL Statistician and make appropriate changes to the Teams Ledger.

11 9-8: Athletes who change levels during the season must remain within the same franchise unless parent organization does not field a team within that said franchise or that said franchise roster exceeds the maximum number of athletes allowed under Rule 12-1 of these rules at the next level. Athlete would then be allowed to transfer to another Franchise within the same parent organization with written consent of the JKYFL. 9-9: Striper Eligibility I. Striper athletes must be identified within the Team Ledger and labeled with an S under the RET column on team roster. II. If an athlete has been identified as a striper during the Initial JKYFL Weigh-IN, that athlete will NOT be allowed to change status within their level during the season. III. If an athlete has been identified as a striper during the IN-Season JKYFL Weigh-IN, that athlete will NOT be allowed to change status within their level for the remainder of the season. IV. Striper athletes will be identified with an official JKYFL helmet decal or stripe. 9-10: Striper Rules of Play: I. Stripers must bring their Marked helmet to the Pre-Game Commissioner s Check- IN. II. Stripers are not allowed to advance the ball on defense or offense. III. Stripers may not play in a two (2) point stance. IV. Stripers on Offense may only play an offensive lineman s position in a balanced formation (Center, Guard or Tackle). V. Stripers on Defense may only play the interior defensive line position: a. Guard, Tackle b. Head up on Offensive Tackle c. Three (3) or Four (4) point stance VI. Stripers are not allowed on kickoff or kick receive teams. VII. Stripers are never eligible for a pass regardless of the formation. VIII. Up to Four (4) striper athletes per team will be allowed on the field at any given time. Penalty for having more than four will be: a. Offensive penalty: 15 yard Personal Foul and loss of down for offense. b. Defensive penalty: 15 yard Personal Foul and automatic 1st down for offense. 9-11: Name and date of birth will be verified by the Executive Board member conducting the official weigh-in as compared to the team roster. Discrepancies will be corrected and reported to the league statistician. Each roster with a discrepancy on it will result in a Tier 1 fine. RULE 10 FIELD SIZE, SCORING, QUARTERS, TIME OUTS 10-1: The width of the playing field shall be a minimum of 45 yards wide and a maximum of 53-1/3 yards wide. The length of the playing field shall be a minimum 80 yards long and a maximum of 100 yards long. Violators will be subjected to game

12 forfeitures and continued use of said field will result in sanctions and or removal from League. I. Regulation High School goal posts can be used if facility is equipped with permanently installed units, one per end zone. 10-2: New Organizations to the League shall have their playing fields inspected by a field committee prior to their first game. They must have a field or use of a field that will comply with the league rules. Exceptions may be made to new associations to allow compliance within a reasonable length of time (not to exceed 2 years). 10-3: Host Field shall have an operating play clock and scoreboard that is visible by both, hosted teams. Violators will be subject to a Tier 3 fine per occurrence. II. If clock and/or scoreboard malfunctions, organization must inform league officials immediately and will receive a waiver of up to two weeks to repair issues without fine. 10-4: Host field will have a public address system to be used for announcements and emergency communication. I. PA system can be used for music and game announcing II. Radio Edited versions of music only. NO vulgar language, NO racial terminology or content that is inappropriate for minors. III. NO announcing during live plays or interfering with officials 10-5: Offensive Touchdowns, either scored by rushing or pass completion, Defensive touchdowns or Special Teams touchdowns, scored by return, are worth six (6) points. 10-6: Point After Touchdown (PAT) I. One (1) point shall be awarded after a touchdown for a successful running play. a. If the ball is turned over during the PAT attempt, it may be returned by the defensive unit for a score worth two (2) points. II. Two (2) points shall be awarded after a touchdown for a completed pass caught beyond the line of scrimmage and downed in the end. a. If the ball is turned over during the PAT attempt it may be returned by the defensive unit for a score worth two (2) points. III. Two (2) points shall be awarded for successful PAT kick attempt. a. If the PAT kick attempt is blocked, the play is whistled down by contact and the ball is turned over on downs to the defensive unit. 10-7: Field Goals I. Three (3) points shall be awarded for a successful field goal attempt. a. If the field goal attempt is blocked, the play is whistled down by contact and the ball is turned over on downs to the defensive unit. 10-8: Safety I. Two (2) points shall be awarded to the defensive unit if the offensive unit is either tackled in their own end zone or steps out of bounds in the back of or the sides of their own end zone. a. If ruled a Safety, the play is whistled down by contact and the ball is turned over on downs to the defensive unit by punt. 10-9: Kick offs are from the Forty (40) yard line. After a safety, the ball will be punted from the Twenty (20) yard line : All quarters will be twelve (12) minutes and Halftime shall be eight minutes : On change of possession, clock management will be determined on the outcome of the prior play, except within the four (4) minute mark of the first half or end of the

13 game, the clock will be stopped at the change of possession and will not be restarted until the snap of the ball within these four minutes : All divisions shall follow NYS High School rules as the number of time outs permitted throughout the game. During a charged time out, in addition to rule Article 1B of the Official State High School Association Rules, only one coach from each team will be allowed to go out into the huddle on the field to instruct team members : A warm-up is mandatory before the game can start and after half time : During the course of a league game, the Head Coach may twice request a rules interpretation from the referee without being charged a time out. Should the request concern a judgment call, the team will be charged with a timeout. The coach will be called on to the field to meet with the official. No other Coach, Official or Athlete will be allowed to participate in the discussion : The officials are required to notify each bench 4 minutes before the half and 4 minutes before the end of the game. RULE 11 EQUIPMENT 11-1: Required equipment to be inspected during Pre-Game Commissioner s check and worn by Football athlete: I. Head gear with suspension and face guard. a. After 3 years from the time of purchase or last inspection, helmets must be reinspected and tested. b. Athlete owned helmets must have a visible NOCSAE seal or they must have a five or seven year seal from the manufacturer. c. All re-inspected helmets can be NO older than ten (10) years and must have the NOCSAE seal affixed to them. d. Eye shield is permissible if it is constructed of a molded, ridged material that is clear and permits 100 percent (no tint) allowable light transmission II. Padded football pants with all pads (Thigh, knee, hip and tail). a. Girdle may be worn, either 6-pad or 4-pad with knee pads. III. Shoulder pads with cantilever suspension. IV. Athletic supporter with cup/jill s. V. Mouthpiece, either rubber or molded and must have a strap securing it to the facemask (not clear) and visible by the referees. a. Upper/Lower is allowed for braces VI. Football shoes or sneaker/football shoes with molded cleats or ordinary rubber soled sneakers. Removable cleats are permitted; female type removable cleats are prohibited. Spikes must conform to E.C.I.C. high school rules (blunt/no cutting edge) and not longer than one-half (1/2) inch in length and not be composed entirely or in part of metal. 11-2: Footballs: I. The league shall use official youth size footballs, pebble grain leather, triple lined, double laced or official youth league rubber or composite football in a solid, neutral color. The game ball must meet the specifications outlined by the league. a. PeeWee and Freshmen levels will use a Peewee size football. b. JV and Varsity levels will use a Youth size football

14 II. Each team may use its own football, as long as it meets League requirements. 11-3: No slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment or exposed part of the body. Gloves may be worn which meet the National Federation High School rule #1, article 2, section C. Gloves will not be taped to the hands or forearms or connected to any part of the uniform, no substance may be put on gloves that can be transferred to the ball. RULE 12 FRANCHISE & TEAMS 12-1: Team roster shall have no more than Thirty-Five (35) athletes, and contain a minimum of Fourteen (14) athletes. Each name will be accompanied with necessary information per the roster instructions supplied by the league statistician. Team roster shall be submitted to the JKYFL League Statistician by midnight, three weeks (21 days) prior to the first (1) JKYFL sanctioned game. Roster additions can be made for the first game of the season as long as reported to the statistician two (2) days prior to the official weigh in. I. Tier 1 fine per day per team roster up to Three (3) days late. II. Tier 2 fine per day per team roster from Four (4) to Seven (7) days late. III. IV. Tier 3 fine per day per team roster more than Seven (7) days late. Additions will be allowed to the team rosters up to Two (2) days before the team s official weigh-in. Each roster with a discrepancy from the roster instructions will result in a Tier 1 fine. 12-2: For new athletes added after league play begins, in order to be eligible to participate, the player s official weigh-in and validation will have to be performed by a league official and the paperwork must be submitted to the statistician by midnight, Wednesday before their first game. 12-3: No athlete may be transferred from one Organization to another after the initial rosters are submitted to the JKYFL without written consent of the Head Coaches involved and the Commissioner or Commissioners within whose jurisdiction the team falls, if written consent is refused by one of the parties, the LOC must be contacted immediately. I. No Athlete may be transferred if their current eligibility is under suspension. II. No Athlete may be transferred after the Second (2) week of the season. III. No athlete may be transferred from one team to another within a franchise after the In-Season Weigh procedure is complete. IV. The league statistician must receive written consent no later than midnight, Wednesday prior to the next scheduled game 12-4: All organizations must field a full complement of teams for the highest division in which their franchise competes prior to fielding another franchise at a lower division. Additional franchises must be comprised of at least Two (2) teams to constitute a franchise.

15 RULE 13 TEAM LEDGER Jim Kelly Youth Football League : There shall be one (1) Team Ledger per franchised team which shall be certified by a JKYFL Official and used at all Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check-In Validations, prior to each JKYFL sanctioned game. 13-2: Team Ledger will contain the following: I. Franchise Coaches Sheet II. Coaches Certifications III. Coaches Code of Conduct IV. Teams Roster V. Athlete Profiles VI. CMP Concussion Management Profile VII. Probation Sheet 13-3: Team Ledger Athlete Profile contains individual clear plastic sleeves {3 athletes per sleeve} containing in alphabetical order the following: (SEE EXAMPLE) I. Athlete s picture (within 2 years) II. Athlete s JKYFL authorized identification number III. Athlete s date of birth IV. Athlete s address and phone number V. Athletes Emergency Contact Information a. Or prepared Athlete Profile Card containing: i. Same Information as Athlete Profile ii. Any Medical restrictions/conditions if supplied by legal guardian b. If an organization is using a prepared card book, then the athlete s original documentation must be kept on file for that said season. RULE 14 GAME DAY OPERATIONS 14-1: Upon arrival at the playing field, the Commissioner/Coordinator or Designee of both teams shall make the decision for a postponement should the weather dictate it impossible to play. I. Make-up games will be played as soon as possible and shall have at least one calendar day between games. 14-2: Commissioner/Coordinator or Coach from each franchise will be present at the Pre- Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN to validate each athlete s identity, verify they are properly equipped and mark the athlete s attendance in the team ledger. 14-3: All athletes must have in their possession at the time of Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN, their jersey, helmet and be fully padded. The number on their game jersey must correspond with the number listed on the game roster. I. No duplicate numbers are allowed. 14-4: All Coaches will carry an up to date Game Roster to each game. This roster may not be used in the absence of a Teams Ledger. 14-5: Each Coach must submit to the opposing Coach or Commissioner an original roster indicating the Athlete s name, jersey number and will include each Athlete s league identification number.

16 I. If no official league identification number is indicated, that athlete is automatically ineligible, and will not be allowed to play. 14-6: Any athlete who arrives after the Pre-Game Official Commissioner s Check-IN must wait and will be eligible at half-time intermission or at the discretion of the Commissioner(s). I. Any athlete arriving less than 15 minutes prior to schedule game start, or after a game has started will be declared ineligible to play in the first half of the game. II. Any athlete arriving after the start of the second half will be ineligible to participate in said game. 14-7: A cast must be covered by at least one (1) inch of foam padding. The Organization must submit a doctor s written permission for that athlete to participate. 14-8: Each team shall report the final scores to the league statistician by the completion of the game day and submit completed game rosters with any necessary incident report to the League statistician by Wednesday, Midnight. 14-9: All participating organizations are required to play every athlete on the team, a minimum of six (6) plays in every game unless health, injury, or disciplinary reasons prevent an athlete from participating. RULE 15 RESPONSIBILITIES 15-1: Lining and preparing the field for play. Lines for extra point try must be marked two (2) yards from the goal line. 15-2: Supply chain crew and yardsticks, downs marker, yard markers, goal line markers, and first aid equipment. The yard sticks and downs marker will be kept on the visiting team s side of the field and shall have the points removed. 15-3: Payment of Game Officials (excluding playoffs which the teams split the cost) 15-4: Spectators, maintaining a Ten (10 ) foot minimum distance from the coach s box, athlete s bench and from all end lines, side lines and press box. I. No amplified audio re-enforcement or whistles allowed by coaches and/or spectators at any point during a game. 15-5: Public Address operator adults only I. 10 minutes prior to game start, introductions and league announcement will be made. Announcement will include Code of Conduct and National Anthem. 15-6: Clock and Scoreboard operator adults only 15-7: Display JKYFL League Sponsorship and Corporate advertisements. 15-8: No team may use a meeting/locker room, shelter, communication system or heating/cooling device and/or system unless it provides the same for their opponent 15-9: Visiting team shall be responsible for calling the home team by Wednesday before the game to eliminate any confusion that might arise. Any deviation from the official schedule must be cleared with the league chairman. RULE 16 CONFERENCES 16-1: The JKYFL will be divided up into divisions of up to 7 teams each. Once there are 4 divisions, the league will divide into conferences. This would breakdown as follows:

17 1-7 teams (1 division East division) 8-14 teams (2 divisions West division added) teams (3 divisions Central division added-east when 4th division added) teams (4 divisions West division added/2 Conferences North & South) teams (6 divisions Central divisions added/2 Conferences) 16-2: The JKYFL will not realign divisions due to skill level. Re-alignment can be proposed by the BOC for other reasons such as geographical. 16-3: Franchises with more than one team in a weight division will not be placed in the same playing division unless there are not enough divisions to separate them. 16-4: Division opponents will be scheduled against each of their division opponents each year and play the remainder of their games against random opponents from other divisions. RULE 17 REGULAR SEASON 17-1: Under no circumstances may a team begin practice before July 27 th 17-2: No athlete on any team shall participate in physical contact until he/she has experienced three (3) practices of conditioning such as calisthenics I. No equipment shall be worn during the first 3 days of conditioning practice except helmets. 17-3: No Athlete on any team shall participate in full physical contact until he/she has experienced two (2) practices in full pads. I. No athlete vs athlete contact allowed; pads only. 17-4: No Athlete on any team shall participate in a game/scrimmage until he/she has experienced five (5) practices with full contact. Conditioning Limited Contact Full Contact 3 practices 2 practices 5 practices Helmets only Full Equipment Full Contact No Contact Pads Only Before 1 st game/scrimmage 17-7: It shall be left to the discretion of the individual organization to ensure each athlete participates in each game the minimum number of plays. 17-6: Teams are expected and required to bring all athletes registered on their team roster to all their official JKYFL scheduled games, with the obvious exceptions for illness or family commitments. 17-7: At the time of first practice an athlete may not exceed 15lbs. over the maximum weight allowed, for the athlete s active level. An athlete may only have physical contact at practice if they can come within 10 lbs. of the maximum allowed weight for the athlete s active level. I. Coaches discretion: practice similar-sized/ability athletes vs comparable counterpart SAFETY First 17-8: Division points - each team shall receive:

18 I. Two (2) points for a win II. One (1) point for a tie game III. One (1) point for the win, not two (2) if score differential is greater than thirty-five (35) 17-9: Regular season schedule - Weeks Teams in the same division will be scheduled before other opponents - Division opponents will not play three (3) years in a row at the same field - After the division opponent schedule is completed, other opponents will be determined from the remaining league members 17-10: Adjustment for weight division having 21 or less teams and another weight division has more than 21 teams RULE 18 POST SEASON 18-1: Athlete must participate in Commissioners Check-In during four (4) League Sanctioned games to be eligible for post season play. 18-2: Divisional Champions will be determined by regular season total point system along with tie-breakers if necessary. 18-3: Bowl Rankings based on regular season total point system with Divisional winners ranked 1, 2 respectively. Freshmen, Junior Varsity, & Varsity divisions will have teams qualify to the playoffs. Pee-wee teams will have games scheduled through the completion of the playoffs. - Weight divisions with 21 or less teams will have 4 teams each qualify to the playoffs. Those with more than 21 will have 8 teams qualify to the playoffs. - Qualifiers for the playoffs: a. Divisions with 1-7 teams. Top 4 teams qualify by Total point system then tie-breakers. b. Divisions with 8-14 teams. Two division winners will be the top two seeds and two wild cards (wild cards are determined by top two teams that are not division champs regardless of division). These teams will be seeded 3 & 4 in the playoffs. c. Divisions with teams. Three division winners will be the top three seeds and one wild card (seeded #4). d. Divisions with teams. Playoffs expanded to 8 teams. Each conference will use the rules set forth in subsection b above. - Non-playoff qualifiers will still be scheduled games through the conclusion of the playoffs. 18-4: Post season schedule-(if no division over 21 teams) Week 7 Divisional playoffs Non-playoff teams scheduled Week 7 games Week 8 Championship Games Non-championship game participants scheduled Week 8 games If a division has over 21 Teams Week 7 Divisional playoffs. Non-playoff teams or teams in divisions with 21 or under scheduled Week 7 games Week 8 Conference playoffs. 21 & Under divisions Divisional playoffs. Non-

19 playoff teams Week 8 scheduled games Week 9 Championship Games. Non Championship game participants scheduled Week 9 games. Seed 1 Seed 4 Seed 2 Championship Seed 3 North Seed 1 North Seed 4 North Seed 2 Divisional Playoff North Conference Champion North Seed 3 South Seed 1 South Seed 4 South Seed 2 Divisional Playoff South Conference Champion South Seed 3

20 18-5: Tie Break procedures: In the event of a tie the tie breaker method for both Divisional and Conference rankings shall be: I. Head to head record II. Common opponent III. Divisional record IV. Conference record V. Coin toss 18-6: The playoff games will be scheduled at a facility with a turf field. This will preferably be a neutral site. Regular season schedule will be Weeks 1-6 RULE 19 AWARDS 19-1: Each Division Champion will receive a Division Champions patch. Patches will be available by October s Commissioners meeting, so that the division champions can receive and distribute patches to their respective team before their year-end banquet. I. In the case of co-champions, a coin toss shall determine which organization shall receive their patches and which organization will wait for additional patches to be ordered. 19-2: Each Bowl participant will receive at conclusion of game, either Bowl Champion Medallion or a Bowl Medallion. 19-3: Bowl Champion Team shall receive a Championship Trophy. RULE 20 FRESHMEN 20-1: Rules the same as JV and Varsity except: I. The Freshmen Division will begin the opening drive of the first (1) and third (3) Quarters on the offensive teams own 40 Yard line. II. The Freshmen Division can only punt on their side of the fifty yard line. Dead ball advanced 15 yards and turn over on downs. III. The Freshmen Division will begin the ensuing drive after a safety on the fifty (50) yard line. RULE 21 PEEWEE 21-1: If a franchise has no peewee 6 & 7 year old team those 7's may play with the freshman 8 & 9 team but must weigh at least 50 lbs. All 7 year olds must be 7 by August 1 st of that said season. 20 P a g e

21 21-2: Peewee 6 & 7 age group will follow the freshman 8 & 9 age group rules (no special teams, etc ) except for the following changes: I. Two (2) Coaches from each team are allowed on the field of play. II. Ball starts on the thirty (30) yard line. III. Prior to Quarterback getting under center, coaches will be allowed to align athletes into proper positions. IV. Once Quarterback is under center, coaches must move ten yards behind ball and must remain silent until whistle is blown, no coaching or cheering. V. No Punts allowed VI. No score keeping or standings will be recorded. VII. No extra points shall be attempted. VIII. All games will have two (2), thirty (30) minute running halves with an eight (8) minute half time. IX. Defensive linemen may not line up any closer to the offensive center than head up on the offensive guards. No defensive athlete may rush the A gaps (the gaps to either side of the offensive center). No stunting or blitzing. Only athletes allowed to rush will be those lined up on the LOS (Line of scrimmage). Offensive plays may not be run through the A gaps. If offensive plays are run through the A gaps, the play will be blown dead and replayed. X. Since the center to quarterback exchange is encouraged to happen by the defensive alignment, there will be no QB sneaks allowed. The QB may run the ball but outside the tackles only. When there is a muffled exchange between the center and QB, the play will be blown dead. Down and distances will remain the same. Play will resume from the line of scrimmage; no changes or adjustments (re-huddling / substitutions) are allowed after a fumbled snap between the center & QB. 21-3: One league approved Official must officiate each Peewee game. 21-4: This is an instructional game. The emphasis is on learning, safety & having fun! RULE 22 CHEERLEADING 22-1: All Organizations agree that Cheerleaders are an important part of Youth Sports and will work together in an effort to develop such a program. However the Cheerleaders are under the guidance and control or each Organization participating in the JKYFL. JKYFL assumes no liability for the actions or participation of Cheerleaders at any such sanctioned JKYFL games 21 P a g e