OPERATING
BY LAWS
of
Livermore
Junior Football League, Inc.
ARTICLE I – OBJECTIVE
Section 1.--The objective:
LIVERMORE JUNIOR FOOTBALL
LEAGUE, INC., hereinafter referred to as 'L.J.F.L.', shall be to implant firmly
in the boys and girls of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship,
honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well
adjusted, stronger and happier boys and girls and will grow to be good, decent,
healthy and trustworthy men and women.
Section 2.-- Achievement of objective:
The achievement of the
league objective shall be by providing supervised competitive football games. The
supervisors shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic
skill or the winning of games is secondary and the molding of the future men
and women is of prime importance.
Section
3.—Priority of Bylaws:
These Operating Bylaws
are subject to the corporate bylaws on file in LJFL’s offices, as amended. Should there by any inconsistency herein, the
corporate bylaws, as amended, shall control.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP and DUES
Parents of actively
participating players and any adults sincerely interested in the objectives of
L.J.F.L. shall be considered members.
Section 2.-- Suspension or Termination:
Membership may be
terminated by resignation of the member or by action of the Board of Directors.
(1) Member:
The Board of Directors,
by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board, at a special meeting called
for this purpose, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend, or terminate
the membership of any member when the actions of such person are considered
detrimental to the best interests of the L.J.F.L. The member involved will be
notified one week in advance by registered mail when and where the meeting is to
be held, and the general nature of the charges to be made. He/she will be given
an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
(2) Player:
The Board of Directors
will, in the case of a player, notify the parent or guardian, and give notice
to the head coach of the team of which the player is a member. Said coach shall
appear, in the capacity of an advisor, with the player before the Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Board and
Number:
The management of the
property and affairs of this league will be vested in a Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors of this L.J.F.L. shall consist of at least five members. The
Directors will upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their
duties and will continue in office until their successors have been elected.
Section 2. Annual Elections and Term of
Office
(1) Directors:
Directors shall be
elected at the Annual Meeting of the L.J.F.L. They shall serve for a term of
one year or until their successors are elected. Directors are eligible for re-election.
(2) Candidates:
Candidates for directors
may be nominated from the floor during the Annual Meeting.
(3) Annual Meeting:
At each Annual Meeting,
the members may increase or decrease the number of directors to be elected, within
the limits prescribed by the foregoing Section 1. If the number is increased,
the additional directors may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is
voted or at any subsequent meeting.
(4) Past President:
The past President is
automatically a member of the Board of Directors for the following year.
(5) Executive Board:
The Executive Board
consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Player
Agent.
Section 3. Vacancies
(1) Board Member Absents:
Any Board member absent
from three consecutive Board meetings with our prior excuse may be removed in
accordance with Section 4(4).
(2) Resignations:
Resignations from the
Board of Directors shall be submitted in writing.
(3) Vacancy:
If any vacancy occurs in
the Board of Directors for any reason, it may be filled by a majority vote of
the remaining directors at any regular meeting of the Board, or if they desire,
at an annual membership meeting or any special meeting. A director elected to
fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor in
office.
Section 4. Duties and Powers
(1) Overview:
The Board of Directors
shall have the power to conduct, manage, and control the business of the L.J.F.L.,
except as limited by these By-Laws, and to make rules for the guidance of the
officers and management of the L.J.F.L.
(2) Special Meetings:
The Board shall have the
power to call special meetings of the general membership when they deem it necessary.
(3) Indebtedness:
The Board shall have the
power to incur indebtedness on behalf of the L.J.F.L., the terms and amounts of
which shall be entered in the minutes of the Board. Any note, obligations or
other evidence properly incurred, must be signed by any two of the following
three officers: President, Vice President or Treasurer.
(4) Discipline, Suspend,
or Remove:
The Board of Directors
shall have the power to call a special meeting to discipline, suspend, or
remove any Director, Officer, committee member, coach, or official of the L.J.F.L.
in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article II, Section 2. Any
resulting action shall require the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire
Board.
(5) Financial Report:
The Board shall make
available to a member upon request at the Annual Meeting a financial report, verified
by the President and Treasurer. This report shall be filed with the records of
the L.J.F.L. and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the Annual
Meeting.
Section 5. Meetings
(1) Regular Meetings:
Regular Meetings of the
Board of Directors will be convened immediately following the Annual Meeting and
as determined by Board resolution. It is recommended that at least one regular
meeting be held each month.
(2) Special Meetings:
The President may call
for a special meeting of the Board. The Secretary will, at the request in
writing of three Directors, issue a call for a special meeting of the Board.
NOTICES:
Notice of each special
meeting will be given by the Secretary to each Director. Either by mail at
least three days before the meeting, or by telephone or personal notice
forty-eight (48) hours preceding the meeting. The notice shall include the
purpose of the meeting.
Section 6. Quorum
(1) Majority:
A majority of the members
of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
(2) Vote of the Majority:
The vote of the majority of
the Directors present at any Directors meeting shall be the vote of the Board.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS,
DUTIES and POWERS
Section 1. Election
Immediately following the
Annual Meeting, the Directors present, provided there be a quorum, shall meet
for the purpose of electing officers and appointing committees for the ensuing
year. The past President shall chair the meeting of the new directors until a
new President and officers are installed.
Section 2. Officers
The officers of the L.J.F.L.
shall consist of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Player Agent,
Division Coordinator, Equipment Manager, Snack Bar Manager, Cheer Leader
Manager all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their
successors are elected. Any officer is eligible for re-election. The Board of
Directors may appoint such officers or agents as it may deem necessary or
desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any
vacancy which may occur in any office.
Section 3. President
(1) Responsibility:
He/she shall be
responsible for conducting the affairs of the L.J.F.L. and for executing the
policies established by the Board of Directors. He/she shall present a report
of the condition of the L.J.F.L. at the Annual Meeting and at such other times
as he/she or the Board shall deem appropriate; he/she shall communicate to the
Board of Directors such matters and make suggestions to promote the welfare of
the L.J.F.L.
(2) Duty:
He/she shall preside at
all meetings of the members and the Board of Directors.
(3) Power:
He/she, or such other
officers as he/she may designate in writing, shall have the power to make and
execute for and in the name of L.J.F.L. such contracts and leases as may have
received the prior approval of the Board.
(4) Annual Budget:
He/she shall see that an
annual budget is prepared and submitted to the Board of Directors and be responsible
for its execution.
(5) Investigate
complaints:
He/she shall investigate
complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the L.J.F.L. and
report them to the Board as circumstances warrant.
(6) Meeting Agenda:
He/she shall prepare an
agenda of business to come regularly before the Board and general membership meetings.
(7) Special Committees:
He/she shall appoint such
special committees as he/she deems necessary at any time, or by the majority vote
of the members at any regular meeting.
(8) Team Participation:
He/she shall be able to
have direct participation with any team in L.J.F.L.
(9) Official Documents:
He/she shall be
responsible at the end of his/her term of office to see that all official
documents are transferred to the new President, and that all of his/her
officers do likewise.
Section 4. Vice President
(1) Responsibility:
He/she shall, in the
absence or disability of the President, and provided he is authorized by the
President or Board so to act, shall perform the duties of the President and
shall have all powers of the office. He shall have other duties as assigned to
him by the Board of Directors or by the President.
(2) Committees
Assignment:
He/she shall be an
ex-officio member of all committees.
(3) Team Participation:
He/she shall be able to
have direct participation with any team in L.J.F.L.
Section 5. Secretary
(1) Responsibility:
He/she shall be
responsible for recording the activities of the L.J.F.L. and maintaining
appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records. In addition to these
duties, he/she maybe assigned other duties by the Board of Directors.
(2) Minutes of the
Meetings:
He/she shall keep the
minutes of the meetings of the members, the Board of Directors and the
Executive Committee and keep them with the official records of the L.J.F.L.
(3) Correspondence:
He/she shall conduct all
correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with meetings,
and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not
otherwise committed.
(4) Notification Duties:
He/she shall notify
members, directors, officers and committee members of their election or
appointment.
Section 6. Treasurer
(1) Responsibility:
He/she shall perform such
duties as are herein specifically set forth and such other duties as are customarily
incidental to the office of Treasurer or may be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors.
(2) Fund Deposits:
He/she shall receive all
moneys and securities and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of
Directors.
(3) Duties:
He/she shall keep a
detailed record of all income and disbursements of all moneys and securities of
the L.J.F.L. and at the same time prepare whatever financial reports are
requested by the President or the Board of Directors.
(4) Payment of
Expenditures:
He/she shall pay all duly
authorized expenditures of the L.J.F.L.
(5) Monthly Reporting
Requirements:
He/she shall present to
the Board of Directors a monthly income and expenditure report at their regular
monthly meeting.
(6) Annual Financial
Report:
He/she shall prepare an
annual financial report for submission to the Board of Directors and members at
the Annual Meeting.
Section 7. Player Agent
(1) Player Records:
Shall record all player
transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
(2) Applications:
Shall receive and review
applications for player candidates and check weight and age eligibility.
(3) Player Assignment:
Shall conduct all player
assignment or selection meetings.
(4) Team Participation:
Shall be able to have
direct participation with any team in L.J.F.L.
Section 7A. Player Agent Committee
The
Player Agent is the head of the “Player Agent Committee”. At a minimum, the “Player Agent Committee”
shall include the President, Vice President, Player Agent, and Equipment
Manager. Division Coordinators are
honorary members of the Player Agent Committee.
Additional members may be added to this committee by simple majority
vote of the Player Agent Committee subject to the rules of a quorum as defined
in Section 6.
(1) Player Agent
Committee Capacity and Authority:
The purpose of the Player
Agent Committee is to support the execution of the duties of the Player Agent
covered in Section 7.
Section 8. Division Coordinators
(1) Selection of Coaches:
The Division Coordinators
will, with the President of the League and the player agent, provide for the selection
of head coaches for each team in each Division, and will select and approve the
Defensive Coordinator or Assistant Head Coach, whenever practical.
(2) Resolution of
Disputes and Other Issues
He/she will resolve
player/parent/coach issues according to the bylaws of the league and in the
best interest of the league. During a football game, in the event of a parent
or coach showing abusive behavior toward a league referee, the Division
Coordinator will have authorization to remove that coach or parent from the
game pending any appeal to the league President. Coaches or parents requesting
a change in a player's Division are to call the Division Coordinator. The Division
Coordinator will communicate with the Player Agent and league President. This
group will make the changes if they are deemed necessary for the safety of the
player or players.
(3) Support to Coaches:
He/she will be responsible
for obtaining coaches in his/her Division and providing each with the information
and equipment they need.
(4) Team Participation:
He/she shall be precluded
from direct participation with any team in the Division for which he/she is coordinator.
Section 9 Equipment Manager
(1) Duties and
Responsibilities:
This
position is responsible for the purchase and maintenance of all equipment
necessary to operate the league is a safe manner. The equipment purchases will be approved by
the Board of Directors. The Equipment
Manager manages the equipment handout and collection each year. The Equipment Manager will maintain an
inventory of all equipment owned by the LJFL.
The Equipment Manager will provide periodic reports on the status of
equipment.
Section 10 Snack Bar Manager
(1) Duties and
Responsibilities:
This
position is responsible for the purchase of products sold, maintenance and
operation of the Snack Bar. The product
purchases will be approved by the Board of Directors. The Snack Bar Manager will maintain an
inventory of all products held for sale.
This position is responsible for oversight and hiring of all help used
to operate the Snack Bar. The Snack Bar
Manager will provide periodic reports on the operation status of Snack Bar.
Section 11 Cheerleader Coordinator
(1) Duties and
Responsibilities:
This
position is responsible for the training, assignment and operation of all
cheerleader activities. This position is
responsible for oversight and hiring of all help used to manage the various
cheerleader squads. The Cheerleader
Manager will provide periodic reports on the operation status of all
cheerleader activities.
(1) Participant Records:
Shall record all
participant transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
(2) Applications:
Shall receive and review
candidate applications and check eligibility.
(3) Cheerleader
Assignment:
Shall conduct all
assignment or selection meetings.
(4) Rules:
Shall adhere to the AACCA safety rules for all LJFL Cheer Squads.
ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Assignments:
Officers and Directors
may serve on committees or as chairman of committees or appointees
Section 2. Meetings
(1) Majority Vote:
The vote of the majority
of the committee members present at any committee meeting shall be the vote of the
committee.
(2) Committee Membership:
Any committee member
absent from three consecutive meetings without good cause may no longer be considered
a member of that committee and may be replaced by the chairman.
ARTICLE VII - COACHES
(1) Applications:
Applications for new head
coaching positions will be taken by the Coaching Coordinator, and will be considered
for any coaching vacancies.
(2) Review Board:
All Head coach & assistant
coach candidates will be interviewed by a review board of three members appointed
by the President subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The review
board will evaluate the candidates and make recommendations in writing to the
President. Priority will be given to acceptable returning head coaches.
(3) Annual Appointment:
Head coaches shall be
appointed annually by the Division Coordinators subject to the approval of the Board
of Directors.
(4) Responsibility:
Head coaches shall be
responsible for the official game record for their team.
(5) Mandatory Meeting:
All coaches must attend
the mandatory coaches meetings. Failure to attend will result in a Ten Dollar
($50.00) fine and/or suspension as directed by the Board of Directors.
(6) Board of Director
Positions:
Coaches shall not sit on
the Board as voting members unless they are specifically appointed or elected
to the Board of Directors.
(7) Conduct:
All coaches are
responsible for their actions on the field and the proper conduct of each team
player.
(8) Practice Fields:
Coaches shall schedule
their practices with their Division Coordinator.
ARTICLE VIII - FINANCIAL
and ACCOUNTING
Section 1. -- Business Accountability
The Board of Directors
shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the L.J.F.L. and it
shall place all income in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure
of same in such a manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over
another.
Section 2. -- Equality for all Teams
The Board shall not
permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall
solicit same for the common treasury of the L.J.F.L. to discourage favoritism
among teams and to equalize the benefits.
Section 3. -- League Fund Raising
The Board shall not
permit the solicitation of funds in the name of the L.J.F.L. unless all the
funds so raised be placed in the L.J.F.L. treasury.
Section 4. -- Fund Disbursements
The Board shall not
permit the disbursement of the L.J.F.L. funds for other than the conduct of
activities in accordance with the rules and policies of the L.J.F.L.
Section 5. -- Salary Compensation
No director, officer or
member of the L.J.F.L. shall receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, compensation
or profit from the L.J.F.L. for services rendered in a supervisory capacity or
as a member.
Section 6. -- Banking Requirements
The funds of the league
shall be deposited in the name of the league in such bank or depository as the Board
designates and may be withdrawn only by check signed in the name of the league
by any two of the following three officers: President, Vice President or
Treasurer, or other Board members so designated.
Section 7. --Dissolution of League Property
Distribution of Property Upon
Dissolution.
Upon dissolution of the L.J.F.L.,
and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the property of
the L.J.F.L. shall be distributed to other organizations maintaining an
objective similar to that set forth herein, which are exempt under Section 23701
of the California Revenue Taxation Code or any future corresponding provision.
Section 8. -- League Dissolution
A vote of three-quarters
(3/4) of the members present at any duly convened meeting of the general membership
is required in order to dissolve the L.J.F.L. Notice that dissolution of the L.J.F.L.
will be considered at a meeting must be given to all members by first class mail,
postage pre-paid, not later than ten (10) days prior to said meeting.
ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amending Operating By-Laws
These Operating By-Laws
may be amended or repealed in whole or part, by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the
Board of Directors who are present at a regular Board Meeting. No amendment or
repeal shall be voted upon without ten (10) days prior notice, in writing, to
all Board Members. The notice, over the signature of the Secretary or
President, shall state the subject of the amendment and give the date, time and
place of the meeting at which the amendment is proposed to be submitted to
vote.
ARTICLE X - RULES of
ORDER
The rules contained in
Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable
and in which they are not inconsistent with the By-Laws or local rules of this
league.
ARTICLE XI
Player assignments and
playing rules shall be prescribed in Livermore Junior Football League Player
and Playing Rules, a separate document.
ARTICLE XII -
MEETINGS...ANNUAL/SPECIAL
Section 1. Annual Meetings
(1) Time Table
Requirement:
At least one meeting of
the general membership of this league shall be held each calendar year. The
date will be set by the President or the Board of Directors. The league
routinely holds monthly board meetings February through November on the first
Sunday of each month.
(2) Purpose:
The Annual Meeting will
be for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, receiving reports of officers
and committees, and for the transaction of other business that might arise.
This meeting will be held in October annually.
Section 2. Special Meetings
(1) Situation:
Special meetings of the
members may be called at the discretion of a majority of the Board of
Directors, or the President. Upon the written request of at least eight members
(member definition Article II Section 1), the President will be required to
call a special meeting to consider a specific subject. No business other than
that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at said
meeting.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings
(1) General Meetings:
The notice of any general
meeting will be published in at least one local newspaper on two separate dates
at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, and will be sent home, when
possible, via participating players. The notice will state the place, time, and
purpose of the meeting.
(2) Quorum:
The presence in person or
proxy of ten (10) members will be necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual
Meeting or any special meeting.
(3) Absence of a Quorum:
In the absence of a
quorum it shall be the duty of the President to call a special meeting at
his/her discretion.
Section 4. Voting...Annual/Special
(1) Regular members:
Only regular members shall
be entitled to vote at any scheduled meeting of the LJ.F.L.
(2) Number of Votes:
Each member present shall
have one vote at any scheduled meeting on each question brought up on the floor.
(3) Majority Vote:
A vote by the majority of
the members present at any scheduled meeting shall be required before a motion,
resolution or other action may be passed and approved.
(4) Election of
Directors:
Election of Directors
shall be by plurality vote of the membership present at the Annual Meeting.
Proxy vote shall be deemed a member present for this purpose. Vacancies shall
be filled as provided for in Article IV, Section 3, Vacancies.
(5) Official Ballot:
There shall be only one
official ballot for the election of members of the Board of Directors. This
ballot shall be prepared by the Nominating Committee, appointed under Article
V, Section 3(8). Voting shall be by secret ballot. Ballots shall be counted by
at least three independent judges nominated from the floor. If there are no
more nominees than there are directors to be elected, balloting may be
dispensed with by a unanimous vote of the membership.
Section 5. Proxies
(1) Authorization:
Proxies will be
permitted.
(2) Written Form:
All proxies must be in
written form and must be given to a member who shall be present at the meeting.
(3) Withdrawal:
A member may withdraw a
proxy at any time.
PLAYER
and PLAYING RULES
(ARTICLE XI of the
SECTION 1 - STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES
I. Objectives
The objectives of the
Livermore Junior Football program are:
A. To familiarize the
players with the fundamentals of eleven man regulation tackle football and in
so doing to firmly implant the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty,
courage, and respect for authority.
B. To provide an equal
opportunity for all participants to play in a supervised, organized and safety oriented
manner without consideration of talent.
C. To keep the players
free of any adult ambition and personal glory so they may be well adjusted and happier
children, able to grow to be good decent adults.
2. Player Agent
During the season, the
Player Agent has the responsibility and the authority to maintain the
objectives of the Livermore Junior Football program for this league.
3. Head Coaches
Each head coach must at
all times represent to, and instill in assistant coaches and players, the
objectives of the Livermore Junior Football League.
SECTION II - STATEMENT OF POLICY
1. Coaches and Players:
Coaches and players will
not use any alcohol or drugs during a game or practice, will not criticize officials
or opposing teams or players in front of spectators, will not allow ineligible
players to participate, will not use or permit profane or abusive language,
will refrain from running up the score by letting players shift positions,
shall not receive financial benefit, will not commit an unsportsmanlike act, and
will not teach the use of the helmet as a weapon. Coaches or players will be
suspended by the Board of Directors for any intentional violation of these
Player and Playing Rules.
2. Sponsored Teams:
Each sponsored team will
actively encourage sponsor participation in all team activities.
3. Sponsors:
The sponsors of each team
in each division at season's completion will be awarded a plaque in recognition
of their commitment to the LJFL. In addition, a trophy will be given to each
team member. The total trophy cost per team shall be set by the Board of
Directors.
4. Amenities:
No team or member of the
League may accept or use unapproved amenities such as warm-up jackets, trophies,
special player equipment, or the like. Likewise, it is not desirable for team
members to be given special trophies, special player equipment, or individual
awards by their coaches and/or parents. Any such awards shall require prior
approval by the Board of Directors. Recognition of participation will be given
each person, by the league, at the end of the season (certificate, medal, etc).
Any intentional violation of this section shall be considered to be a violation
of the LJFL By-Laws, and grounds for immediate suspension.
SECTION III - PLAYER REGULATIONS
1. Age, weight, height
and residence requirements.
1A. Registrants shall be
six years old by August 1, and not more than fourteen (14) years old by December
31 of the playing year.
1B. Ideally the primary
objective of the weight and height limits is to promote safety within the LJFL,
equity among the teams and proper placement of players within each
division. Each registrant must attend
the mandatory official weigh-in (registration, or
physical exam), shall weigh a minimum of 40 pounds and a maximum of 175 pounds
for all contact divisions. No player
will be placed on a team unless they attend an official weigh-in conducted by
the Player Agent. The following “Player
Eligibility Limits Matrix” details the minimum and maximum limits for a party
to be eligible to participate in the LJFL contact division. Please keep in mind that the matrix is the
initial guideline used to establish division age, weight, and height
limits. The Player agent will establish the final limits
for each division by using the actual information obtained and verified through
the mandatory official weigh-in process.
The final limits will be ratified by Board vote each year to provide
flexibility in the player placement process and published on the LJFL website.
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Division |
Age |
Weight |
Height |
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Minimum |
Maximum |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Minimum |
Maximum |
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Bantam |
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Junior |
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Intermediate |
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Advanced |
12 |
14 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
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Senior |
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The minimum and maximum
weights are established based on a 10 pound swing below and above the average
weight for the age group within each division.
Players that exceed the average weight by 15 pounds will be required to
either play in the next division up or must play offensive or defensive line
positions. Whenever possible the minimum height should be enforced to maintain
safety within the each division. The
minimum and maximum heights are established based on a 4 inch swing below and above
the average height for the age group within each division. Players that exceed the average height by 10
inches may be required to play in the next division up. The height limit will be strictly enforced
for players deemed to be highly athletic in the Junior through the Advanced
Divisions.
1C. Players that exceed
the maximum weight limit in each division may be checked weekly during the
season to ensure the player does not exceed the weight limit for that
division. All players exceeding the
maximum weight limit for the Bantam through the Advanced division may be
required to either play in the next division up or must play offensive or
defensive line positions. All players
exceeding the maximum weight limit for the Senior Division must play offensive
or defensive line positions. At the
discretion and majority vote of the “Player Agent Committee”, the weight limit
may be extended for an entire group of players based upon the group as a whole.
No one player may be singled out to participate if other players above the
league weight limit are not allowed to participate. Any player nearing the
league weight limit will be weighed by the Division Coordinator approximately
one hour before their game.
1D. Player Factor (also
see item 3): Age weight and height factor (age in full months plus weight in
pounds plus height in inches) is established as follows: Bantam Division
minimum factor is 154 points. All other
contact divisions the minimum playing factor is 173 and a maximum of 417 with
no experience which excludes weight limit policy exceptions.
1E. Registrants must
reside in Livermore or the surrounding towns of
2. Registration:
A complete player
registration consists of:
1) A valid L.J.F.L.
application form.
2) Payment of the
registration fee, as set by the Board of Directors. (A fee waiver may be
granted for any applicant at the discretion of the Board of Directors of L.J.F.L.)
Refunds of registration fees will be made as follows: Requested prior to July
1st- 100% Requested after July 1st - no refund.
3) A record of (waiver form)
or physical examination, signed by the examining doctor on or after January 1
of the playing year. A physical exam may be provided by the League.
4) Official league
weigh-in
5) Valid birth certificate or
any legal proof of age that must be presented to the League prior to the child
being allowed to play. No applicant may be assigned to, or participate in, a
team practice without complete registration. A copy of the registration form
shall be given to the LJFL President, Player Agent, and head coach. Beginning
with number one, each application will be numbered chronologically. The Player
Agent shall maintain an up to date record of all team members throughout the
season.
1) No applications shall
be accepted after midnight of the day of the first game of the season, or at a
time set by the Board of Directors.
2) No player will be
eligible if participating in any high school football program.
3. Playing Factor:
A. Each registered player
shall have a Playing Factor calculated as follows:
1) Player age - one point
per month based on the age of the player as of December 31st of the playing
year
2) Player weight - one
point per pound
3) Player height – one
point for each inch
4) Player experience
factor - five points for each year's experience of organized tackle football or
2.5 points for each year of Flag football participation.
5) Division designation
is adjusted by the Player Agent to provide required quantity of players per
team. Ten year olds with no experience are not eligible for the Advanced or
Senior Divisions, except by the approval of the Board of Directors. Thirteen
year olds are not eligible for the Junior or Intermediate.
4. Player Selection
Process Meeting
Before the meeting,
Players will be placed into divisions according to the by-law provisions of the
LJFL. This happens by assigning a playing factor based upon age, weight and experience
to each player. The player agent committee will rank, sort, and place the
players in each division in the following manner.
At the meeting, the
first order of business is for the coaches to present the Player Agent with a
list of 3 draft choice players. Priority and definition of draft choice players
is as follows:
The coaches from the
division in question will re-arrange the players based upon their knowledge of
the players. For example a coach realizes a player is ranked too low or too
high and requests the player be moved up or down. The object is for the players
to be ranked from highest to lowest in order. Once the coaches agree on the
rank order of players within a division, the coaches will look at every four players
as a group, starting at the top, to ensure, to the best of their ability, that
the players in that group are of equal playing skill. This is critical when
protected players are assigned. The teams are then selected in a random draft
fashion…players are placed as follows:
This order will continue
until every player is placed on a team. Note: No coach has been assigned a
team as of yet.
The coaches will look at
every team to determine if they seem equal in talent. If any changes need to be
made they are done so at the point. For example, one team may have no receivers
while another has four receivers. Obviously a switch should be made.
Once all coaches, and only
when all coaches, agree that the teams seem equal, are the team coaching assignments
ready to be drawn out of a hat by the coaches.
After all coaches have
drawn a team, the draft choice players are then moved choice by choice to the appropriate
team. For example, a protected player is a number 3 pick, that player will be
moved from the team he/she is currently assigned to the coach’s team who
protected that player. The #3 picks will be swapped between the two teams.
Rotational Assignment of
Draft Choice Players:
1)
First
Round: Family related players of coaches are assigned to each team from their
draft choice player list. If the award
of family players to a single team results in a perceived imbalance, then
coaching assignments will be amended to promote team balance.
2)
Second
Round: One player (preferential order) will be awarded to each team based on
the remaining players available on that team’s draft choice player list.
3)
Third
Round: One player (preferential order) will be awarded to each team based on
the remaining players available on that team’s draft choice player list.
4)
Fourth
Round: One player (preferential order) will be awarded to each team based on
the remaining players available on that team’s draft choice player list.
5)
Fifth
Round: One player (preferential order) will be awarded to each team based on
the remaining players available on that team’s draft choice player list.
6)
Sixth
Round: One for One equal value player exchange.
In the event there is a
question as to what pick needs to be swapped, the player agent will choose to
swap a lower ranked player. For example, coach 1 has a protected player in pick
#3 that needs to be switched with coach 2, but coach 2’s #3 pick is a protected
player for coach 2. Coach 1 cannot take coach 2’s #2 but instead gets his #4
pick.
Once this process has been completed the teams
are set, the player agent committee can only switch players.
SECTION IV - REPLACEMENT OF TEAM MEMBERS
1. Number of players:
All teams will be kept at
an equal number of players by the Player Agent Committee until after the first
game. Standbys will be assigned to depleted team rosters by the Player Agent
Committee.
2. Lost Player:
Each head coach must
inform the Player Agent Committee within 24 hours of a loss of an assigned team
member. The Player Agent shall investigate why the member left the team.
3, Player Injury
Situation:
A player who, due to
injury, that required doctor's care, has missed his team's practice(s) or game,
may only rejoin his team if the Player Agent has received a doctor's release.
If the player has missed practices as a result of such injury, he may not play
in a regularly scheduled game until he has participated in an equal number of
practices as were missed, up to a maximum of six required.
4. Missed Practices:
A player who has missed
his team's practice(s) or game without the coach's excuse may only be eligible
to play in a scheduled game when he has participated in an equal number of
practices as were missed, up to a maximum of six required.
5. Number of Players
Required:
No team shall be fielded
with less than twelve eligible players.
SECTION V - RECRUITING
Recruitment should be a
goal of every L.J.F.L. member.
SECTION VI - TEAM PRACTICES
1. Practices:
Each coach shall hold all
practices with his entire team:
A. There shall be a
minimum of three practices per week and a maximum of four practices per week
before the opening game of the season. Prior to the opening game, each team
shall have exactly eighteen practices. Each player must have attended a minimum
of nine practices to be eligible to play the first game. Bantam Division teams shall conduct a maximum of three practices per
week prior to the first game (each team shall only conduct 12 practices before
the first game).
B. Practices will be
conducted exactly three times every week after the first game of the season and
continuing throughout the entire season. Bantam Division teams shall conduct a maximum
of TWO practices per week after the first game
C. Each practice shall
consist of warm up and conditioning exercises and will last no longer than two hours in its entirety. Bantam
Division teams’ pre–season practices will be a maximum of 60 minutes prior to
the first game. Bantam Division teams’
practices will be a maximum of 90 minutes after the first game.
D. There shall be no
contact between a team of one Division and the teams of other Divisions. THERE
SHALL BE NO CONTACT BETWEEN ANY LJFL TEAMS AND TEAMS REPRESENTING OTHER
LEAGUES.
E. Intra-league scrimmage
shall be limited to one scrimmage per week per team.
2. Physical conditioning
practices:
A player's first six
practices shall be devoted to physical conditioning and will be conducted
without pads or contact. Helmets and shoulder pads may be worn. The balance of
pre-season practice shall be conducted in uniform and with scrimmage contact by
all team members. The Board of Directors may waive conditioning requirements if
the players have participated in conditioning in other organized sports.
3. Location:
Team practices shall be
conducted at the location designated by L.J.F.L. Practice schedules (and
deviations) shall be submitted to the Division Coordinator and Player Agent.
Indoor physical practices shall not be allowed for any individual team during
the season unless facilities are made available to all teams.
4. Limitations:
There will be NO
practices held on Sunday.
SECTION VII - GAME RULES
1. Game Eligibility:
For each game, players
must be designated eligible or ineligible.
A. All players are
eligible except:
1) Those that have missed
practices. All practices are MANDATORY, unless excused by the coach and then
only one practice per week may be missed. League guidelines are as follows: 1
missed practice equals 1 missed quarter of play, 2 missed practices equal 2
missed quarters of play, 3 missed practices equal missing the entire game. The player
must attend the game. School camp attendance will waive this requirement.
2) Those that are injured
or ill.
3) Those who are benched by
the coach, with the consent of the Player Agent, for discipline purposes. A
written report must be sent to the player's parents.
2. Discipline:
If any player is ejected
from the game by the officials for unsportsmanlike conduct:
A) That judgment shall
stand; judgment decisions by game officials are not grounds for a protest.
B) The player shall be
held out for the first half of the next game for the first offense of the
season.
C) The player shall be held
out for the next full game for the second offense of the season, but must attend the game in full
uniform and remain with
his team
during the game.
D) The player shall be
suspended from the League for the third offense. It shall be the responsibility
of the Player Agent to verify the status of each team member by the above
classifications using the game list and practice attendance record.
Participation by an ineligible player requires automatic forfeiture. Should
there be any questions as to the ruling, it must be brought before the Board of
Directors in writing within 72 hours of the dispute.
3. Eligible Player
Assignment:
Each eligible member of
each team will be assigned to either the defensive or offensive squads.
A. At game time, if a
team has less than 22 eligible players the unassigned offensive and defensive positions
may be filled by free substitution. EXAMPLE: A team has 19 players – nine
playing offense and ten playing defense. The offense has two unassigned
positions, the defense has one. The two unassigned offense positions may be
filled by any defensive players, and the unassigned defense position may be
filled by any offensive player. This type of rotation, by necessity, requires
some players to play both offense and defense. However, the players who were
initially assigned to offense or defense squads must play every down on the squad
to which they were originally assigned (See Section 3. c. below).
B. For a team with more
than twenty-two eligible players, the "excess" players on either the
offensive or defensive squad may not be used to bench the less talented
players. The 12th or 13th player must be given a fair chance to play on his
assigned squad. The affected coaching staff must act on this rule in good faith
and to the satisfaction of the Player Agent. (NOTE: All eligible players must
play a minimum of one quarter per game.)
C. Each coaching staff
must maintain their original offensive and defensive squads throughout a game. However:
1) A coach may change the
particular positions initially designated for the individual players e.g.,
defensive end switched to safety;
2) A coach may submit a
new line-up form at half-time for the second half of the game:
3). A player shaken up on
a play may be removed for the limited period required to regain his equilibrium
and to preserve his health. All players injured in a game are to be evaluated
by a medic.
4) A player may be
removed from further action due to injury.
5) In case of a runaway
ball game, 18 or more points lead, the coaching staff of the winning team shall
make an effort to hold down the score. To achieve this goal, players may be
substituted freely from offense or defense to positions they have not played
before. When such substitutions are made, the opposing coaches, the officials,
and when possible, the Player Agent shall be notified.
D. Special kicking and
kick receiving teams may be used.
E. Each coaching staff
and member must cooperate with and exhibit respect for the Player Agent and
officials during the game.
F. It appears that a
regularly assigned player has been removed from the game in violation of
Section C (above), the Player Agent, or opposing coaches may call an official
time out to determine the reason for the removal. If the removal is found to be
in violation of Section C, the offending team shall:
1) Immediately be
penalized 15 yards from the line of scrimmage, and if it is the offensive team,
forfeit the next down; be penalized 30 yards from the line of scrimmage for a
second offense, and if it is the offensive team, lose possession of the ball.
(NOTE: To prevent unnecessary official time outs, each coaching staff will be
allowed only one "mistaken" time out without penalty. For all other
"mistaken" time outs, the team of the coach calling the time out
shall be penalized 15 yards from the line of scrimmage, and if it is the
offensive team, forfeit the next down.)
G. Each coaching staff
shall have prepared at game time, a player line up. A copy of the line up shall
be given to the Player Agent and to the opposing coaching staff. The line up
shall include:
1) Designation by name,
number and squad for each eligible team member.
2) Status and
identification of all non-playing members.
SECTION VIII -L.J.F.L. GAME PLAY
The L.J.F.L, Regulations
shall be the current year's High School Football Rules as published by the
National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations except as
amended below:
EXCEPTION 1: Game Time
The clock running time
for each Junior Division game is 32 minutes, divided into four eight minute
periods. The clock running time for other Division games will be 40 minutes,
divided into four 10 minute periods. The
Bantam Division game running time is 20 minutes, divided into four five–minute
periods.
EXCEPTION 2: Kicking Situations
To minimize the injuries
common to kicking situations the following special rule shall apply to the Bantam
Division, Junior & Intermediate Divisions:
A. In kicking situations
the referee shall determine from the offensive team captain, or coach, whether
the team chooses to kick. Such choice shall be announced to both teams and
benches by the referee. QUICK KICKS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED.
B. After such announced
kick, the kick must be attempted. Both teams must have at least five men on the
line of scrimmage until the kick is made. In the Bantam, Junior &
Intermediate Divisions, there shall be no forward charge by any member of
either team across the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked. A charge by
either team shall be treated as an off-side infraction.
1. The play clock will stop for change of
possession in the Bantam, Junior and Intermediate divisions. The play clock will start when the punting
team actually kicks the ball.
2. In the Advanced and
Senior Divisions, a full rush by the defense and fake kicks by the offense
shall be allowed.
3. The kicking team shall
have five seconds after the snap to get the kick away. Failure to kick within
the time limit will result in a delay of game penalty, unless other infractions
occur. Failure to successfully kick after the second try will result in an
automatic first point after touchdown attempt.
D. Field goal attempts
and P.A.T. attempts shall be considered kicking situations.
1. In the Bantam, Junior
and Intermediate Division, no defensive rushing or false kicks by the offense
is allowed.
2. In the Advanced and
Senior Divisions, a full rush by the defense and fake kicks by the offense
shall be allowed.
EXCEPTION 3: Play Time Limit
Each offensive team has
35 seconds in which to start the next play without incurring a delay of game
penalty.
EXCEPTION 4: Game Playing Time Limit.
Playing time of the game
may be cut at the discretion of the referee and Player Agent. Both head coaches
must be informed.
EXCEPTION 5: Game Forfeit
Once a game has been
started, a forfeit can only occur:
A. When because of
injury, a team is unable to field a team of l 1 players, and
B. Upon recommendation of
the coach of the leading team, and the agreement of the referee and Player
Agent.
EXCEPTION 6: Runaway
Games
When the score of winning
team’s score exceeds another by 18 points (3 touchdowns), the winning team must
take every effort to hold the score down.
A.
Star players should either be taken out of the game or must
play offensive or defensive line.
Players should be shifted into positions that they are not familiar
with.
B.
The winning team’s offensive coaches should call and run low
percentage plays.
C.
The winning team’s defensive coaches should not call any blitzes.
D.
Running up the score will result in forfeiture of the game
(42 point difference or 7 touchdowns).
E.
Once the score differential drops below 18 points (3 touchdowns),
the winning team may resume their regular lineup.
SECTION IX - DISPUTES
1. Disputes or
challenges:
Disputes or challenges
arising from actions toward or by a Player Agent and/or involving an infraction
of the rules will be appealed in writing to the President and adjudicated by
the Board of Directors.
2. Appeals:
The appeal must be made
within 72 hours of the dispute and be accompanied by a $20.00 filing fee that
will be returned only if the appeal is upheld. If the appeal concerns a game
protest, the referee must be notified before the game ends. The referee will
notify the opposing coach.