AOP CYO FOOTBALL League By Laws

2017 SEASON

 

Table of Contents

 

Section I - League Organization

1. INTRODUCTION TO CYO ATHLETIC MINISTRY Page 3

2. LEAGUE ORGANIZATION Page 3

Section II - Team Requirements

1. HOST PARISH /TEAM REGISTRATION Page 5

2. COACHES CERTIFICATION Page 5

3. CYO OFFICIAL ROSTERS Page 5

4. LEAGUE FEES Page 5

5. LEAGUE MEETINGS Page 6

Section III - League Rules

1. PROGRAM AFFILIATIONS Page 7

2. DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT Page 8

3. ROSTER SIZE Page 8

4. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY Page 8

5. INELIGLBLE OR ILLEGAL PLAYERS Page 8

6. PLAYER EXCEPTION PROCESS Page 9

7. SCHEDULING Page 9

8. B LEAGUE Page 10

9. CODE OF CONDUCT Page 11

10. INTERPRETATION OF RULES Page 11

11. CHANGES TO GAME RULES Page 11

12. START DATE OF RULES Page 12

Section IV - Football Season

1. START OF SEASON Page 13

2. LENGTH OF SEASON Page 13

3. NUMBER OF GAMES TO BE PLAYED Page 13

4. PARADE OF CHAMPIONS Page 13

5. COACHES INVITATIONAL BOWL Page 13

6. SCORING UPDATES Page 13

AOP CYO FOOTBALL

Section V - Game Rules

1. OFFICIAL RULES Page 14

2. GAME OFFICIALS Page 14

3. LENGTH OF GAMES Page 14

4. OVERTIME FORMAT

5. GAME BALLS Page 14

6. FOOTBALL CLEATS Page 14

7. MOUTHPIECES Page 14

8. HELMETS Page 15

9. FIRST AIDE KIT Page 15

10. CASTS Page 15

11. PRE GAME INSPECTIONS Page 15

12. FORFEITED GAME Page 15

13. POSTPONEMENT OF GAMES Page 16

14. RESCHEDULING OF GAMES Page 16

15. CODE OF CONDUCT Page 16

16. PROTEST AND GREIVANCES Page 17

17. USE OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT Page 17

18. SCOUTING OF OTHER TEAMS Page 17

19. STARTING TIME OF GAMES Page 17

20. KICKOFFS Page 17

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AOP CYO FOOTBALL

SECTION I – LEAGUE ORGANIZATION

1. Introduction to CYO Athletic Ministry

A. CYO Sports Mission Statement

➢ CYO Sports is one component of a parish’s comprehensive youth ministry program which

enables the partnership of parent’s, coaches, priests, religious, teachers, and adult leaders to manage and support a sports program that allows youth to grow in their relationship with GOD and come to better understand themselves and the Catholic faith.

B. The purposes of the league are:

i. To foster the ideal’s of teamwork, good sportsmanship, good citizenship and character.

ii. To teach the benefit of becoming positive examples for others.

iii. To educate players, parents, coaches and the community about the game of tackle youth

football and the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

iv. To reinforce the primary importance of schoolwork in elementary school and middle school

students lives.

C. It is important to remember as to “WHY” we are here.

➢ We are here for the children we coach. We are here for the ministry of the children. We

are here to teach the children values, sportsmanship, and enjoyment.

D. CYO reserves the right to change any section of this document at any time without prior

notice.

2. League Organization

A. League Commissioner

i. The league shall be run under the direction of the CYO Football League Commissioner.

(Appointed by the Archdiocesan Director of Athletic Ministry)

ii. He or she shall have the authority to appoint commissioner position(s). The number of commissioners shall be no less than the number of divisions active under these bylaws. He or she shall also have the authority to appoint commissioners or authorize sub committees who will assist with administration and governance of the league.

iii. He or she shall have the authority to settle any dispute or grievance in coordination with

the League Commissioning Board.

iv. He or she shall have the authority to accept or reject any rule change or any item not

covered in these rules and guidelines in coordination with the Board.

v. He or she shall have the authority to install or remove a commissioner, suspend any

coach or coaches, cancel any games, or do whatever is necessary to insure the integrity of the Archdiocesan CYO Football League.

vi. He or she shall have the authority to call any meeting and/or any special meeting, as

he/she deems necessary.

vii. He or she shall have the authority to approve divisional alignment and game schedules.

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viii. He or she shall have the authority to approve league expenditures and will be

responsible for the league’s financial welfare.

B. Divisional / Functional Commissioners

i. Together the commissioners shall serve as the League Commissioning Board under the

direction of the League Coordinator.

ii. They shall assist the League Coordinator in maintaining and governing the respective

divisions of the Archdiocesan CYO Football League.

iii. Each divisional commissioner shall be assigned to one division in the league. There may

be more than one commissioner assigned to a division.

iv. The divisional commissioner oversees the day-to-day management of their division. He

or she coordinates with the League Commissioning Board to ensure that all teams within their division are in compliance with the Archdiocesan CYO Football League By-Laws.

v. The functional commissioners oversee special areas of responsibility including website

management, scoring updates, B league, and other special projects.

vi. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to attend any meeting, then one (1)

of the commissioners will act in his behalf.

C. Current League Commissioning Board

Chris McCune

Mick France Bob Kinkade

Bill Morris Mike Cavanaugh

Tony Gregorio Kevin O'Shea

Jim McNulty

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SECTION II – TEAM REQUIREMENTS

1. HOST PARISH /TEAM REGISTRATION

A. Each Host Parish/Team is required to submit the C.Y.O Registration Form along with league dues by the May or August league meeting each season as designated.

B. This form must be completed in its entirety with all the appropriate signatures.

2. COACHES CERTIFICATION

A. It is incumbent upon each program to ensure that all coaches be certified. This rule is per

CYO handbook.

B. Each commissioner is responsible for ensuring that their division’s coaches are compliant

with all CYO coaching eligibility requirements.

C. Each team is required to have a Player Safety Coach (PSC). Each PSC is required to be

complete USA Footballs Head Up tackling program and be certified

D. Each coach is required to complete the USA Football Level 1 Training

3. CYO OFFICIAL ROSTERS

A. CYO rosters listing the players' names, complete addresses, phone number and birth

dates etc., will be prepared for each team and must be submitted to each division’s Commissioner(s) before a deadline established by the League Coordinator.

B. Players should be listed by grade in alphabetical order (by last name).

C. A separate roster per level (Varsity & JV) is required for each affiliate parish.

D. Each parish roster is required to have and X through any unfilled player lines.

E. Each parish roster is required to have the parish seal stamped on it.

F. Coaching Eligibility Affidavit forms are required.

G. All rosters shall be 100% completed and submitted in triplicate

H. If a roster is deemed to be incomplete by the commissioner(s), on the due date set by

the League Coordinator, then that team (be it varsity and jv) will not be allowed to practice and that team(s) will forfeit any and all games until the roster(s) are deemed acceptable. Games will be played but forfeited.

I. No program will be allowed to participate in league play until all forms and documents

that are required by CYO Central are sent in and accepted.

4. LEAGUE FEES

A. League fees are comprised of three items:

i. CYO Registration Fee ($150 per program)

ii. AOP League Fee ($150 per program)

iii. League Assignor($40 per program)

B. League fees are due at the first coaches meeting in August.

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C. League fees are paid by a single check for both amounts ($300/$350)

D. Checks should be made out to “AOP CYO Football”

E. If a program does not pay the league fee, then they will ineligible to play in any league games.

5. LEAGUE MEETINGS

A. There will be three annual league meetings.

- April/May: League Kickoff Meeting - August: Season Kickoff Meeting - September: Roster Collection / Schedule Handout Meeting

B. The board of commissioners reserves the right to call special meetings when needed

C. Attendance records shall be kept by the league.

- Attendance shall mean one (1) representative from the varsity team and one (1)

representative from the junior varsity team. - It shall be incumbent on each program to attend league meetings. - If a program does not attend two (2) consecutive meetings in a row they will forfeit

any voting rights until they have attended two (2) consecutive meetings.

D. All meetings will start at the announced time.

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SECTION III – LEAGUE RULES

1. AFFILIATIONS

A. Guiding Principles

➢ The primary intent of the affiliation process is to provide children who reside in a parish that

does not have a C.Y.O. football program, the opportunity to participate in a faith based youth football program at a neighboring parish.

➢ A secondary intent of the affiliation process is to provide assistance in the form of additional

players to parish teams that are struggling with overall player numbers.

➢ Parish Affiliations are a very sensitive issue throughout our league. We will strive to balance

an individual’s opportunity to play with competitive parity for all teams.

➢ Our goal is to develop an affiliation process that fosters league growth, promotes team

parity, respects standing parish relationships, and strongly encourages parishes to bring in their own teams when the numbers make sense. This includes realigning previously affiliated parishes when the timing and situation is appropriate.

➢ A Host Parish is permitted to have up to four affiliate parishes. This in no way guarantees

any Host Parish a certain number of Affiliate Parishes.

➢ Affiliate Parishes must be geographically adjacent to the Host Parish and are only allowed to

be affiliated with one Host Parish.

➢ Parish Affiliations are subject to change every year. They will be reviewed after the season

to determine if changes are needed for the next season.

➢ In the event an Affiliate Parish is reassigned only the returning 8th Grade class will be grand fathered to the previous Host Parish provided there is at least one returning player from last season’s roster going into 8th grade.

➢ If a parish is unaffiliated and there are eligible members of that parish that would like to

play CYO football then the League Coordinator in consultation with the league commissioning board will determine where those interested participants are allowed to play for that season. This is a single season decision and constitutes no commitment for future seasons.

➢ O.Y.Y.A has final determination on Parish Affiliations. An individual parish does have the

right to decide if they want to be an affiliate. They do not have the right to choose where they will play.

B. Affiliation Review Process

i. The board of commissioners will meet with the CYO Football Coordinator to review

affiliations and make change recommendations to O.Y.Y.A for the upcoming season (PHASE 1). The CYO Football Coordinator will present the league commissioning board’s findings to O.Y.Y.A. Information reviewed will include:

a. Historical Roster Trends b. Parish & School Demographics c. Geographical Parish Maps d. League Expansion & Contraction

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ii. The CYO Football Coordinator will meet with the parish AD’s, Head Coaches, and Pastors of

the affected host and affiliate parishes to review the recommendations and solicit feedback.

iii. The CYO Football Coordinator will meet with AOP personnel to review all information on the

recommended affiliation changes and make a final determination for the upcoming season.

iv. Team affiliations for the upcoming season will be finalized before the May coaches’ meeting

v. Failure to comply with your designated affiliations shall result in the program forfeiting all

games for that season.

2. DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT

A. Teams will be grouped into as many divisions as deemed necessary by the League

B. The board of commissioners reserves the right to alter divisional alignment at any time prior

to the start of the season.

3. ROSTER SIZE

A. Programs with multiple parishes are not permitted to have cuts.

B. All teams (Varsity & JV) must start the season with at least 15 players on their roster (by 9/8). Teams that are unable to meet this requirement will not be eligible to participate in league games. We will work with any team impacted by this rule to find homes at neighboring programs for their players.

4. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligibility shall be determined as per the current CYO handbook with exception to age and

participation for other football teams.

B. Participants cannot turn 13 (JV) or 15 (Varsity) before December 1st of the current season.

5. INELIGIBLE OR ILLEGAL PLAYER

A. If an ineligible and/or illegal player is discovered to be playing or has played on a team the

following process must be completed and disciplinary actions carried out:

i. The player shall not be allowed to participate in a scheduled game(s) from the time of

discovery until the issue(s) of eligibility are resolved.

ii. The head coach of the team is directly responsible for his players and as such disciplinary

actions will be directed to him. A disciplinary hearing will be called and held by the League Commissioning Board prior to the team's next scheduled game (if possible) to hear the facts of the case and render a decision concerning the eligibility and determine disciplinary action of the head coach, player, and/or board member. The disciplinary actions are as follows:

Coach: If the head coach has knowingly played an ineligible and/or illegal player said coach will be suspended until the start of the next season. If a suspended coach participates by attending a practice or game that coach will be banned for life from coaching CYO football.

Player: Suspended for the season. All games he played in will be forfeited.

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Board Member (AD): If a board member (AD) knowingly entered an illegal/ineligible player, then the matter will be turned over to the Archdiocese for disciplinary action. The above rule and hearing shall be done in a timely manner. The decision by the League Commissioning Board shall be deemed final and binding. The League will publish its findings with copies sent to all participating team member organizations.

B. Any league official shall have the right to question any player’s eligibility.

C. In the event a player’s eligibility is questioned, it shall be incumbent upon the program in

question to offer documented proof as to the player’s eligibility.

D. Documented proof of eligibility shall consist of one (1) or more items of the following;

- A letter signed by the Pastor stating that the player is a member of that parish.

- A letter signed by the school principal.

- A letter from the CCD coordinator stating that the player is registered and attending.

- An original birth certificate.

F. If the football season has ended (last regular season game), and a team has been found to have used an illegal and or ineligible player, then said team will forfeit that season’s games and be ineligible for post season play in the current and following season.

- A letter will be sent to all programs concerning this issue.

- If said team was a division winner, then they will be stripped of any and all titles.

- The next team eligible will be declared the division winner for that year.

5. PLAYER EXCEPTION PROCESS

A. League Request (unusual circumstances)

- All requests should be sent in writing to your Division Commissioner. The Division Commissioner will review with the League Director and make a determination the request.

B. Program to Program Request

- The coach of the program requesting the exception reaches out to the coach of the

program where the player is suppose to play to initiate communication.

- The coach of the program requesting the exception send an email to their Division

Commissioner letting him know about the request and whether the coaches were able to come to an agreement. If an agreement is reached, the exception will need to be approved by the respective Division Commissioner(s)

- If agreement can't be reached then a summary of the request along with each side's

perspective will be forwarded to the Player Exception Commissioner. They will review the information provided, discuss with both sides as well as the parish Athletic Directors (when practical), and make a final determination on the request.

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6. SCHEDULING

A. Scheduling shall be agreed upon before the start of the new season.

- Schedules shall be distributed at the August/September Meeting.

- The board reserves the right to make changes to the schedule.

7. B LEAGUE RULES

A. Guiding Principles

➢ “B Games” provide players who are not getting sufficient time in the regular season games

the opportunity to get game situational playing time against other players of equal ability.

➢ Programs participating in the league sponsored B games need to have a minimum roster size

of 20 players.

➢ Each program participating in the league sponsored B games must have a minimum

attendance of at least 20 players or 80% of team whichever is greater at their regular scheduled games.

➢ “B Games” are meant to be instructional and build a player’s confidence.

➢ Teams are prohibited from establishing separate “A” and “B” teams. Any team found to be

violating this rule will be banned from participating in league sponsored “B Games”. The Head Coach of a violating program will be suspended for two games. The violating team will also jeopardize eligibility for regular league post-season play.

➢ Each program will be allowed to field one “B Team” per level (JV & Varsity) for the league

sponsored B games. Exception request should be made to the B league Commissioner.

B. Schedule

- Teams are permitted to play “B Games” throughout the season.

- The league will provide a 5-6 week “B Game” schedule.

- Priority will be given to league scheduled “B Games”.

- Games will be scheduled based on geography.

- Teams may play each other more than once.

- Teams are prohibited from changing the league sanctioned “B” schedule games

unless approved by the “B” league commissioner or Football Coordinator. In the event a game is changed without proper notification and approval, the head coach of the offending program will be suspended for a minimum of 1 regular league game.

- Each participating team will be given at least one home game.

C. Player Eligibility

- An individual player’s status for a “B Game” should be determined at the conclusion

of the regular season game for that week.

- Starting players in the regular game are ineligible for B games unless agreed to the

coaches of both teams prior to their B game contest.

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D. Game Rules

- Blitzing is strictly prohibited in B Games (no exceptions).

- Special Teams play is permitted if both teams agree prior to the start of the game.

- In lieu of special teams, the ball will be placed at the 40 yard line of the receiving

team to start each half and after each score. Punts will be marked off 30 yards. Teams are not permitted to punt when inside the opposing team’s 40 yard line.

8. CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Please refer to CYO Athletic Ministry Handbook for a complete overview on Code of Conduct.

- In the event a new rule or change is made to the CYO Handbook, then the new rule or

change shall supersede and take precedence over any rule herein.

- If any rule(s) herein are changed by CYO then the new ruling will be enforced as of the

issue date.

- The Archdiocesan by-laws will be amended to reflect the new rule or change by CYO.

B. No CYO coach or CYO Athletic Director or any person involved with a program may recruit

players from outside of their host or affiliated parishes.

- Any CYO coach or others who is found guilty of recruiting a player(s) from another

CYO team or area will result in the head coach being suspended for one (1) year from the date the penalty is imposed.

- Suspension shall mean that the coach in question shall have no contact with the

team.

C. Any CYO coach who has been found guilty of perjury, misrepresentation, deceit, or any other dishonest or harmful acts that does not represent the ideals of the CYO shall face disciplinary action up to and including a lifetime ban from the league.

The head coach from each team is held responsible for the conduct of his players and

spectators.

9. INTERPRETATION OF RULES

A. The interpretation of the rules herein shall rest solely with the League Coordinator and the

League Commissioning Board. They shall have the final decision on any ruling.

10. CHANGES TO GAME RULES

A. Any program in good standing may propose a change to an existing rule or a new rule(s).

B. Good Standing shall mean that the program’s dues fees are paid up and their attendance

record is up to date.

C. The program should put the proposal in writing and present it to their Commissioner.

D. Proposals will not be addressed until after the football season has ended.

E. The proposed change at a minimum will include the following:

- Proposed wording for the change. - The specific subsection of the rules where the change should be made.

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- An explanation of the intent of the change. - A list of any related rule (s) that might be impacted should the change be adopted. - If adopted, a new rule or any change to a rule may not be revisited for two years. - If rejected, it may not be revisited for two years.

F. The proposal shall be considered by the League Coordinator and the League

Commissioning Board in coordination with the Regional AD’s. If the League Coordinator and League Commissioning Board deem it a valid proposal, it will be presented in following manner.

G. Prior to the August meeting all valid proposals will be presented or emailed to the league

as a whole.

H. Each program will be handed or emailed a paper outlining the sections to be changed or

new rule(s) submitted.

I. If in the opinion of the League Coordinator there can be limited debate on the new

issues, it is to their discretion to review the item(s) and call for a vote.

J. The League Coordinator shall have the authority to limit the time of discussion on all

items presented.

K. The League Coordinator will determine if there has been sufficient debate on the issue,

he or she shall call for a vote or establish a voting deadline (email).

L. Each Head Coach from every program in good standing shall have One (1) vote.

- Voting shall be done by a voice vote of either “yes” or “no”. - Voting may be done and accepted via email if deemed appropriate by the Board.

M. In order for a vote to be accepted, it shall be required to pass by a simple majority of those eligible to vote with a minimum requirement of 60% overall participation.

- Simple majority shall mean one (1) vote. - A tie vote on any issue shall be considered as not being accepted. - The League Coordinator will tally the votes and report the results to the league.

11. START DATE OF RULES

A. These rules shall be in effect starting with the league meeting in August 2016.

B. Approved proposals shall go in to effect immediately at the start of the May meeting.

C. There will be no changes or modifications to the rules once they go into effect for that

season.

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SECTION IV – FOOTBALL SEASON

1. START OF SEASON

A. The start of the CYO Archdiocesan football season shall begin on August 15th.

B. No team is allowed to practice prior to August 15th. This includes any form of organized

practiced whether supervised or not.

C. Infraction of this rule will result in the head coach being suspended from the league for a

period of one (1) calendar year from the date the penalty is imposed.

2. LENGTH OF SEASON

A. The football season will start on August 14th and end December 10th.

B. Teams are required to play their league schedule in its entirety.

C. Post Season Schedule will be determined at the conclusion of the regular season. All teams

will participate in the first week of the post season.

3. NUMBER OF GAMES TO BE PLAYED

A. The league commissioning board will determine the season format and number of overall

games to be played once the divisional alignment has been completed.

B. Each team will have 1 Preseason Game (optional), 7 Regular Season Games, and either 1 or

2 Post Season games (depending on your finish in the regular season).

4. POST SEASON

A. The Parade of Champions is held on the Saturday and/or Sunday before Thanksgiving.

B. The League will sponsor four (4) varsity level and four (4) JV level championship football

games governed by NFHS and CYO Rules. They reserve the right to expand or contract this format with input from the league coordinator.

C. The League Coordinator in consultation with the League Commissioning Board will

determine the amount of league financial support and individual team fees for these events.

A. There may be multiple game sites with the potential for play on both Saturday and Sunday.

B. The League Coordinator in consultation with the league commissioning board and appointed

subcommittee if applicable will determine game site locations.

C. The League Coordinator in consultation with the league commissioning board will establish a

game fee per team to cover the associated game costs including referee fees, game balls, and team trophies.

6. SCORING UPDATES A. The home teams are required to communicate (by email preferably) the scores of both their Varsity and JV games each week by Sunday of that same weekend to the website/scoring commissioner.

B. The website/scoring commissioner will publish weekly standings based on the results. He or she will email the standings to the entire league by Wednesday (starting week 2)

C. The central point of contact will also post this information on our league website.

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SECTION V – GAME RULES

1. OFFICIAL GAME RULES

A. Where applicable and with changes, additions listed herein, the official rules are those rules of the National Federation State High School Athletic Association, referred to in these rules and regulations as Official high school rules.

B. Water, cleat cleaners, etc. may be taken out onto the field by team players during timeouts.

2. GAME OFFICIALS

A. Four (4) paid officials are assigned for league games. The game may be played with only three officials if

both coaches agree. The cost is to be shared equally between both programs.

3. LENGTH OF GAMES

A. Each game shall consist of four (4) quarters.

B. JUNIOR VARSITY & VARSITY will play 10 minute quarters.

C. The JUNIOR VARSITY will have a 2 minute warning per half.

D. The VARSITY will have a 4 minute warning per half.

4. OVERTIME FORMAT

A. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, we will move to an overtime format (3 minute intermission.

B. There will be a maximum of three overtime periods for Varsity and two overtime periods for JV.

C. Each overtime period will consist of each team having one offensive possession.

D. Coin Toss will be the Visitor's choice in 1st overtime. (rotate in subsequent OT)

1. Offense vs. Defense. 2. Choice of end of field to put ball in play... only one end will be utilized during the two sets of downs.

E. The offensive possession will start from the opponent’s 10 yard line.

F. Defense is not permitted to score with the exception of a safety.

5. GAME BALLS

A. The official league football is the Wilson TDY football.

B. Teams are permitted to use either the leather or composite version of the TDY football.

6. FOOTBALL CLEATS

A. Football shoes / cleats must be one (1) piece molded.

B. Screw-on cleats are not permitted. Any player found to be wearing screw in cleats will be subject to a

15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and be automatically ejected.

7. MOUTHPIECES

A. Mouthpieces are mandatory and shall not be altered in any way. B. Mouthpieces must be colored (not clear). C. Special mouthpieces are permitted with a letter signed by a dentist.

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8. HELMETS

A. Helmets should be inspected every other year at a minimum.

B. Only NOSCAE approved helmets are permitted.

C. Helmet faces shields are permitted only if a player has a laminated signed letter from a doctor.

D. If an approved face shield is worn, it must be clear (no tinted or shaded face shields will be allowed).

E. The head coach must show the letter to the official before the game.

9. FIRST AID KIT

A. Each team shall have a stocked first aid kit available for each game.

10. CASTS

A. All casts (hard and soft) are strictly prohibited.

11. PRE GAME INSPECTION

A. Officials will conduct a pre game equipment check before the start of each game.

B. Each team shall present a stocked first aid kit.

C. Each team will have all their players take a knee in a single file line for an equipment check.

D. Officials will check to ensure that all players are properly equipped.

E. In the event both teams have similar color jerseys, the visiting team will need to wear pinnies over their

game jerseys. The game officials shall in their opinion determine if pinnies are required.

12. FORFEITED GAME

A. A scheduled game is automatically forfeited by any team that cannot field 15 eligible players within 30

minutes of the scheduled game time.

B. In the event the scheduled game is forfeited, the referees shall be paid their normal fee by the forfeiting

team.

13. POSTPONEMENT OF GAMES

A. A game may be postponed or suspended by an official if he deems the playing surface or conditions to be

potentially hazardous to the players. If a game is suspended during play, the commissioners will have the final determination as to whether the game will be resumed from that point or if the results are to be final or the game needs to be relayed in its entirety.

14. RESCHEDULING OF GAMES

A. Rescheduling of games will be done as soon as possible by mutual agreement of both teams. If a game

needs to be rescheduled it should be played on Sunday after 1 PM. This is a CYO guideline.

B. In the event that the game cannot be played on Sunday, the game must be played at a mutually agreeable

time and place no later than Wednesday of the following week. If the HOME team is unable to secure a field then the VISITING TEAM will be given the chance to host the game. The respective Division Commissioners will arbitrate any disagreements in this situation.

C. In the event it is not possible to reschedule a game within the time parameter, then the League Coordinator

will determine if the game will be cancelled, or re-scheduled for a later date. Unfinished or unplayed games can affect division standings and play a factor in determining eligibility for post season play. The league coordinator will have the authority and discretion to make a case by case decision when this type of situation presents itself.

D. It shall be the HOME team’s responsibility to set up the referees in the event of a rescheduled game by

calling the Officials assignor and setting up a time and place.

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E. In the event of inclement weather, it shall be the HOME team’s responsibility to decide whether the game

shall be played. The home team shall make every effort to contact the opposing team and the Officials assignor as soon as possible to cancel the game (usually a minimum of two (2) hours).

15. CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Please refer to CYO Athletic Ministry Handbook for a complete overview on Code of Conduct.

B. Each program is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy playing environment.

C. In the event, a Head Coach feels that an unsafe or unhealthy environment is developing he is to notify the

Head Game Official immediately and request a review of the situation.

D. The Head Game Official has the authority to cancel a game at anytime if he feels that an unsafe or

unhealthy environment has developed and can’t be corrected.

E. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on or in close vicinity (adjacent parking lots) of the playing field

is prohibited.

F. Each program shall be responsible for keeping their spectators orderly and off the playing field, behind

the spectator's boundary.

G. Home Teams will be required to rope off their field if it is determined by game or league officials that

crowds are having an adverse affect on the game. In the event a Home Team is unable to rope off their field to the satisfaction of the game and league officials with prior sufficient notice then that team will lose any remaining home games for the rest of the season. In 2008, home teams will be required to rope off their field for all games.

H. Shouting abusive language at a player, coach, officials or other spectators is strictly prohibited, and the

violation shall result in enforcement of penalties including ejection of the offending party.

I. At the immediate time of any verbal or physical abuse of an official by a spectator, the officials will meet

with the head coaches of both teams in order that every effort is made to identify the assailant. Physical abuse of an official by a coach will result in suspension of the coach from the league for the entire calendar year or 365 days, commencing with the date of the infraction.

J. Any player, coach (head or assistant) who is ejected from a game by the officials, or causes a game to be forfeited due to un-sportsman like conduct will automatically and minimally be suspended for the next game (scheduled, Parade or bowl games) on the first offense. A second such offense will cause such player, or coach to be automatically suspended for the remainder of the season including the post season and Thanksgiving.

K. Suspended coaches and players are not permitted to participate or attend team activities (including

practices) until the suspension is served. A coach or player that has been found to violate this rule will be subject to further disciplinary action including up to a lifetime ban.

L. In the event of a player or coach ejection, the game officials are required to notify and provide a brief

report to the Referee Assignor. The Assignor will notify the League Coordinator of any ejections each week. The League Coordinator will meet with the respective Division Commissioner and Director of Athletic Ministry (if necessary) to determine suspension length.

M. In the event a coach is suspended, he or she is prohibited from attending any team functions including practices and games while serving his or her suspension. If a coach that is suspended participates in any activities while on suspension, he or she will be banned for life.

N. Officials will enforce official high school rules pertaining to coaches and boundaries. A Head Coach may

ask for a rule interpretation or reasonable measurement from a game official provided the coach does so in a professional manner. Excessive measurement request by a Head Coach will be denied.

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AOP CYO FOOTBALL

16. PROTESTS AND GRIEVANCES

A. Any by-law infractions and/or grievance shall be submitted to your division commissioner.

- The proper procedure for filing a protest and/or grievance is to either call or e-mail your appropriate

division commissioner first to alert them of the situation. - This is to be followed with a written document stating exactly what rule or by–law is not being

adhered to. If filing a grievance then simply state the grievance you think has occurred. - With respect to a protest related to player’s eligibility, the protesting coach will list the specific player

or players by name, number on the jersey, and position played if known. - A team cannot protest judgment calls or game rules by the officials. - If the Div. Commissioner is unable to resolve the issue then it be turned over the Coordinator. - The League Coordinator will have the final determination in the matter

17. USE OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT

A. Videotaping of your team’s game is permitted.

- Videotaping must take place on lines from goal-line to goal-line and not from the end zones. - Videotaping by either of the participating teams can in no manner impede safe play or restrict the

officials in performance of their duties.

B. Videotaping of an opponent is strictly prohibited

- This includes any parent or any person associated with your program. - Videotape exchange is strictly prohibited. - Teams found guilty of violating this rule will be subject to punishment by the league. - Punishment may include forfeiture of games and suspension of coaches.

C. Videotape or any other means will not be considered for a reversal of any play call(s) or decisions by the

league game officials to determine the outcome of a game. Once the game has ended, the final score stands.

18. SCOUTING OF OTHER TEAMS

A. Teams are permitted to scout any opposing team, as long as it is done with documentation or voice taping. B. Scouting at practices or scrimmages is strictly prohibited. C. Scouting is allowed from either end zone or the opposing team’s sideline

19. STARTING TIME OF GAMES:

A. The starting time of the first game will be per the master league schedule.

i. The varsity shall play first, with junior varsity will follow the varsity game. ii. The default game time for the first game each week is 10AM. B. In the event of special circumstances (field availability) the game and date times may be changed upon

mutual agreement of both programs. C. No game shall start before 1 P.M. on Sundays.

20. KICKOFFS:

A. JV games will only have a kickoff to start each half. Onside kicks are not permitted. After a score, the offense will take the next possession from their 40 yard line.

B. Varsity games will have kickoff to start each half and following any score by a team. Onside kick attempts s are limited to the 4th quarter only by the trailing team.

C. If a ball fails to travel more than 10 yards in the air on a kick attempt or the referees determine an onside kick was attempted prior to the 4th quarter of the Varsity game, the play will be blown dead and possession given to the receiving team at the 50 yard line

 

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