2010 tufl rules

2010 TUFL Rules and Bylaws

League AdministratorGary [email protected](903) 288-6224

Managing MembersGary CraigLarry Anding

Northern Conference Advisory BoardPatrick Porter, ChairmanGary FulenwiderJames Taylor

Southern Conference Advisory BoardFred Williams, ChairmanRicky AguilarDennis Bates

Supervisor of Officials

Bruce [email protected]

Attorney/ Legal CounselBill FrizzellFrizzell Law Firm

Texas UnitedFootball League, LLC8426 FM 1615, Athens, Texas 75752

2010 League Rules & Bylaws


Section 1League Management

(A) All Texas United Football League, LLC (hereafter referred to as TUFL) issues will be resolved by the League Administrator, Supervisor of Officials, and/or appropriate Advisory Board. Any situation that cannot be resolved by the simplification or explanation of the TUFL rules by the League Administrator and Supervisor of Officials will be presented to the TUFL Advisory Board for a decision. The Northern Conference Advisory Board will evaluate and vote on any disputed issues pertaining to the Southern Conference and the Southern Conference Advisory Board will evaluate and vote on Northern Conference issues. If the vote on an issue is unresolved by the Advisory Board, the TUFL Attorney will make a final decision. All decisions made by the League Administrator, Supervisor of Officials, Advisory Board, and TUFL Attorney will be final.

(B) The success of the TUFL is a mere reflection of its membership teams. Therefore, all teams are urged to work together in unity. The TUFL Managing Members reserve the right, under the guidance of the TUFL Attorney, to overrule any vote that could prove to be detrimental to the league or teams therein.

(C) All teams must comply with all written bylaws, rules, and regulations set forth by the TUFL. If any bylaws or rules are to be added, deleted, or altered after the start of the season, it will be at the discretion of the TUFL Attorney.

(D) Each team’s designated representative must participate in all league business deemed necessary. A team owner can represent their team or appoint one (1) designated person to coordinate all league business pertaining to the TUFL on behalf of their team. If an owner appoints a designated contact person, their name, phone number, and email address must be included on the TUFL Team Membership Application.

(E) The TUFL reserves the right to expand team membership to out of state teams if geographically feasible. With this in mind, it is understood the annual league meetings would be difficult for everyone to attend. The majority of all league business will be conducted by email, as this is the most cost efficient and expedient method of correspondence.

(F) The Managing Members will appoint a Division Representative for each division. All teams must report their scores from scheduled games each week to their Division Representative no later than 5:00 PM Sunday following all games. The Division Representatives will then report game scores to the League Administrator. Score reporting is imperative.

(G) Although the TUFL is a League Administrative supervised league assisted by the Supervisor of Officials, TUFL Attorney, and Advisory Board, each division will essentially run itself at the direction of the appointed Division Representative. Any complaint within a division that cannot be resolved by the Division Representative will be presented to the League Administrator. The League Administrator and/or TUFL Supervisor of Officials will then perform an investigation of all parties involved. This shall include, but not be limited to, contact with each teams representative, players, participants, officiating crews, and non-participants if needed. This will ensure all information gathered can be evaluated fairly and an appropriate decision be reached by the League Administrator, Supervisor of Officials, or Advisory Board if necessary for a final decision.

(H) The TUFL does not offer any medical or life insurance to teams, players, staff, or anyone associated with a TUFL team. Team owners are responsible for informing players, coaches, and staff members that the TUFL does not provide any from of insurance and is not responsible for injuries, accidents, death, or any form of liability that may occur while traveling to, attending, participating in, or traveling from a TUFL event. It is the responsibility of each team owner, player, coach, or staff member to retain medical insurance if desired.

(I) Teams that withdraw or dissolve during the course of the season will not be eligible for reinstatement during the remainder of the currently scheduled season and possibly the following season. Following season team eligibilities will be determined by each individual circumstance after review by the league Managing Members.

(J) In fairness to all TUFL teams, each home team will allow a maximum of ten (10) staff passes at no cost to each visiting team. These passes are valid only for coaches, trainers, water boys, staff, etc. All others must pay full ticket price for admission.

(K) TUFL teams will not be permitted to pay or compensate any player.


(L) Complaints regarding any teams officiating crew/members must be addressed to Bruce Selph, TUFL Supervisor of Officials: Work (903) 237-5803, Cell (903) 235-8635, or Email [email protected].

Section 2League Fees

(A) Each team will remit a $500.00 non-refundable league fee for the 2010 season. The Team Application form for TUFL Membership, with a minimum of $250.00 of the league fee, must be received on or before December 1, 2009. In order to be eligible for team membership, the remainder of the league fee must be received no later than January 1, 2010. There are no exceptions to this rule. To help aid in tentative game scheduling, teams are urged to submit their Team Membership application form at the annual league meeting or ASAP after the meeting. If a team remits a portion of their league fee and does not remit their remaining balance by the specified deadline, that team will not be permitted to participate in the TUFL. Partial payments will not be reimbursed, as this will be a breach in that team’s contract.

(B) Any team that is fined (i.e. late roster submissions, playing field violations, etc.) must pay their obligation before they are eligible to participate in their next scheduled game.

Section 3Players and Player Transactions

(A) Players must be a minimum of 18 years of age with no maximum age for player eligibility.(B) Players must sign the TUFL Waiver of Liability form to be eligible for play in the TUFL. TUFL

Waiver of Liability forms cannot be signed prior to January 1, 2010. Team management should explain to players prior to signing the TUFL Waiver of Liability form that they are bound to that team. Teams must maintain a TUFL Team Book that will be made available at every game. Each teams TUFL Team Book must contain their current roster and the opposing teams roster copied from the TUFL website, a copy of all players TUFL Player Waiver of Liability, and a copy of a valid photo ID (i.e. drivers license, student ID card, employee photo ID, etc). All documents must be in numerical order by jersey number. It is the responsibility of team owner/management to ensure the notebook is in proper order.

(C) Each team reserves the right to request the officiating crew to check the opposing team’s TUFL Team Book to assure that each players name matches their photo ID. These requests must be made no later than 30 minutes prior to kickoff. If a player arrives after kickoff, that players identification may be checked by the opposing team either before he enters the field of play or after the completion of the game.

(D) Teams who may have a player that falls into question as per the current posted TUFL website roster, and who fails to provide the required Player Waiver of Liability form and/or photo ID, will be ineligible to play in any current or future games until their team has secured all required documentation for their TUFL Team Book.

(E) Players may be added or deleted from rosters weekly prior to the sixth (6th) game of the season if reported no later than Thursday prior to each game. All roster changes must be submitted to the League Administrator by email. Each time the roster is changed, a full roster in numerical jersey order is required, not just individual player additions/deletions. Player’s given name must be used, no nicknames are allowed. If no roster changes are made, the original submitted roster would remain official. No roster changes will be made after Thursday, May 8, 2010. At that point and time, all rosters will be final and any team that is found to be in violation of this rule will be expelled from the TUFL immediately.

(F) Once a player signs and submits a TUFL Membership Form with any TUFL team, they cannot join another team unless both teams involved are in agreement. If an agreement is justified (commonly referred to as a trade or outright release), that agreement/release must be reported by email or phone by both teams involved to the League Administrator. Teams that retain a new player by trade/release must submit their roster as outlined in Section 3, Paragraph E to the


League Administrator to ensure that all parties ratify the transaction. Improper transactions will result in a $100 team fine in addition to any other violations that may result.

(G) If a player leaves a TUFL team at any time including current or past seasons and retains any equipment, property, or has unpaid financial obligations to that team, that person will be regarded as ineligible to play for any other TUFL team until the obligation has been satisfied. Teams must have a legitimate sign-out form with the player signature, date, and listed items of team property issued. Teams shall surrender the sign-out form to the player when the property issued is returned. If a player does not pay all or a potion of their financial obligations and a dispute arises, the player must provide a receipt(s) showing proof of payment.

(H) If a player is found to have participated illegally in any TUFL sanctioned game, that player and team will be suspended immediately from the TUFL for the remainder of the current season.

(I) Preseason rosters with a maximum of 53 players must be submitted via email to the League Administrator no later than February 13, 2010. Preseason rosters cannot be changed until after the first regular season game.

(J) Late submissions of rosters will result in a $50 per day team fine until the roster has been submitted to the League Administrator.

(K) TUFL teams reserve the right to ban any player, coach, or staff member from their team. If reported to the League Administrator, anyone banned from a team will be banned indefinitely from the TUFL.

Section 4League Play (A) The 2010 TUFL season will begin on February 27, 2010 with a 10 game regular season schedule.

The TUFL reserves the right to add additional teams, if needed, after February 27, 2010, barring a conflict in rescheduling regular season games.

(B) All teams must submit their home stadium name, stadium contact persons name, phone number, and physical address no later than February 6, 2010.

(C) The TUFL will play under current National Football League and adopted TUFL rules.(D) In overtime games, each team will receive an equal amount of scoring opportunities (NCAA

Rule). All overtime rules will apply as in regulation time.(E) In the event a team surrenders a 2-point safety, that team may elect the free kick to be a punt or

kick without the aid of a tee. Tees used for kickoffs will be NFL regulation tees. (F) Defensive players will not be permitted to line up over or in the A gap of the offensive center on

Punts, FG, and PAT although the defensive player can advance through the A gap after the ball is snapped.

(G) For the protection of players, there will be no initial contact below the waist by offensive and defensive players. This includes cut and chop blocking. Contact below the waist does not apply to players that are advancing the ball.

(H) Home teams will not be required to furnish game footballs to the visiting team. Teams must use official NFL footballs bearing the NFL logo and is of regulation size and color. Footballs marked Composite are acceptable. Rubber balls are unacceptable.

(I) All teams must play scheduled games set forth by the TUFL. Pre-season and post-season games are not TUFL sanctioned so therefore teams can play anyone, anywhere they choose. Any team that qualifies for the TUFL playoffs must participate in that game or be expelled from the league. Exception: If a team cannot host or travel to a playoff game, the next qualified team can accept the game after approval by the Managing Members.

(J) Teams must be present a minimum of one (1) hour prior to scheduled kickoff times. Kickoff time extensions may be granted to traveling teams in cases of emergency at the discretion of the home team and crew chief official of the game. All regular season games will be played on Saturdays and kickoff times will be no earlier than 6:00 PM. However, if the host and visiting team both agree and submit in writing or by telephone to the League Administrator no less than 72 hours prior to the original kickoff time, a different day and/or kickoff time for a regular season game will be permissible. A scheduled game can be postponed only if the head official deems it necessary for the safety of the players or fans. If a team, by circumstances out of their control, cannot host a scheduled game, the visiting team, if in agreement with the scheduled home team,


has the option to host the game. If that is not possible, the teams must agree to reschedule the game, and it must be reported immediately to the League Administrator. If that is not possible due to scheduling conflicts, the original host team will forfeit that game and the host team will not be expelled from the league. Teams rescheduling games must use bye week dates or weekdays if possible, and if this occurs, it must be reported to the League Administrator.

(K) There will be no regular scheduled Saturday or Sunday games during the weekends of Easter, April 3 and 4, as well as Mothers Day, May 8 and 9.

(L) Each team will be responsible for securing their home field and paying stadium rental fees. Officials for regular season home games will also be retained and paid an agreed upon fee by the home team. A minimum of (5) five officials will be required to officiate regular season games. Officials must be paid no later than the start of the second half. Officials must be aware of all TUFL adopted rules. Each team will be emailed a copy of TUFL adopted rules for officials that must be presented to your teams officiating crew well in advance of the start of the season. A team owner, head coach, and/or team captain will make themselves’ available to the crew chief official prior to each game to clarify any questions concerning all parties.

(M) All teams must submit their TUFL officiating crew information form listing each officials name, phone number, email address, type of certification, year’s experience, and positions worked. This form will be emailed in advance to each team prior to the beginning of the season and must be filled out and submitted for approval to Bruce Selph, TUFL Supervisor of Officials, no later than February 13, 2010. The TUFL Supervisor of Officials will assign an officiating crew for any team that fails to submit this form. All officials must be TASO (or equivalent) certified or greater.

(N) If desired, the TUFL Supervisor of Officials may assign officiating crews for all regular season games. Officiating crews assigned by the TUFL Supervisor of Officials will be paid a minimum of $80.00 per official.

(O) The TUFL urges that video recordings be made at each game. The TUFL reserves the right to allow any TUFL team to record TUFL sanctioned games. Games must be recorded in order for any official complaints to be filed for reviewing by the League Administrator, Supervisor of Officials, or Advisory Board.

(P) The TUFL reserves the right to suspend any player, coach, staff member, or team owner indefinitely for inappropriate actions.

(Q) Fighting: The TUFL has zero tolerance concerning fighting. This includes all participants prior, during, and after any game. The first offense for any player, coach, staff member, or team owner who participates in an altercation, be it physical or verbal, will be suspended for the remainder of the current game (if applicable) and the next two (2) regularly scheduled games. If the game is in the fourth quarter of play, anyone ejected will be suspended for the remainder of the game and the following three (3) scheduled games. These individuals must leave the premises immediately. If they refuse, their team will be forced to forfeit the game. If anyone that has been ejected returns inside the stadium area, they will be suspended indefinitely. All ejections or altercations must be reported to the TUFL Supervisor of Officials and the League Administrator by both teams. Failure to comply will result in team suspensions from the TUFL.

(R) Any player, coach, staff member, or owner ejected for any reason by the officiating crew must remit a $100 fine to the TUFL before they are eligible to return to any TUFL event or function. After review, the Managing Members and Supervisor of Officials reserve the right to suspend anyone who has been charged with a second offense for the remainder of the season, including any subsequent playoff games. Suspensions will carry over to the following season if applicable. Anyone banned from the TUFL can be reinstated after review by the Managing Members and the Supervisor of Officials.

(S) Any player who instigates or retaliates in a fight, whether physical contact is made or not, will be immediately ejected from the game. The officiating crew will have some latitude on a case-by-case scenario. Team owners and coaches must provide the crew chief official of the game with the offending participants name(s) to be forwarded to the TUFL League Administrator and Supervisor of Officials for violations enforcement. There will be no exceptions to these rules. The Managing Members and Supervisor of Officials, at their discretion, will suspend players, coaches, staff members, and owners for any inappropriate conduct not included in outlined rules.

(T) The TUFL will not allow taunting or cursing from any player, coach, staff member, or owner. If these infractions occur, a 15-yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty (UC) will be enforced for


each occurrence. Anyone that is accessed two (2) UC penalties in a game will be ejected and subject to the same guidelines as outlined above in Section 4 paragraph (P), (Q), (R) and (S). If anyone associated with a TUFL team curses, verbally abuses, or makes any physical contact with an officiating crew member prior, during, or after any TUFL sanctioned game they will be suspended immediately until further notice. Remember that all participants are representing the TUFL, yourself, your team, family, fans, and your hometown as a player, coach, staff member, and owner.

(U) Helmet Visor Shields: Players cannot use tinted or colored helmet visor shields. Only clear helmet visor shields are acceptable. Exception: Players can wear a tinted/colored shield if a copy of a written statement from an Optometrist or Medical Doctor recommending such use and the written statement is on file in the Team Book and a copy forwarded to the League Administrator prior to use.

(V) There is no jersey numbering system in the TUFL, but team players must report to crew chief official if there is an odd jersey numbered player wishing to be considered eligible to advance the ball prior to any offensive play. The official will then make an announcement to the defense what player number is eligible to advance the ball. If a player is to be considered eligible for the entire game, the crew chief official must be notified prior to the game to inform the opposing team.

(W) All players must wear the same colored numbered jersey, helmets, pants, and socks for game participation. With consideration to new teams all players uniforms must match by the sixth game of the season. All Teams will be required to have a home colored jersey (excluding white) as well as a white jersey for away games. No zero (0) numbers can be worn. A player must wear the same jersey number at home and on the road throughout the entire season including playoff games. Considerations will be made for players whose jerseys have been damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen. On these occasions, it falls under the transactions reporting rule and teams must report this change to the League Administrator by email if a permanent jersey number change is made. Exception: If a player fails to bring his jersey to a game he will be allowed to wear an alternate jersey number if it is reported to and agreed upon by the opposing team’s owner/coach and crew chief official prior to the beginning of the game.

(X) Down boxes and chains must be present and in good working condition, goal posts padded and erected on each end of the field, end zone pylons in place, and the field must be NFL regulation size. All fields must have an operable time clock/scoreboard and dressing room facilities. If a team’s clock/scoreboard fails to work due to unforeseen circumstances, it will be permissible to play or resume the game. Each team’s coaching staff will be responsible for keeping sidelines clear for the wing official, chain crew, and the safety of players and staff. Violation of field suitability will result in a $100 fine for each game reported. A visiting team that wishes to enforce these rules must report field conditions/infractions explicitly to the officiating crew chief for any violation to be enforced.

(Y) Home teams are responsible for the following: Ensuring all fields are visibly marked a minimum of every 10 yards including hash marks, and end zones, sidelines, restricted area (chain crew area), and coach’s box. Players must remain behind the coach’s box.

(Z) All regular season and playoff game forfeitures will result in a score of 2-0. Scores from regular season forfeiture games will not be considered in points allowed and points forced. Example: If a team is eligible for the playoffs based on Win-loss records and received one (1) or more forfeits their PA and PF will be divided by the amount of actual games played.

(AA) If a team forfeits or does not field a team for a scheduled game, that team will immediately be suspended for the remainder of the season, therefore forfeiting all remaining scheduled games. If a game is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (bad weather, natural disaster, etc.), that game will be rescheduled as a makeup game and must be reported to the League Administrator within 24 hours following the cancelled game. Both teams involved must mutually agree upon a rescheduled game date, location, and kickoff time. If the previous host team cannot secure or reschedule a game within the 24-hour window, that team may be suspended from the league. Exception: The visiting team of a cancelled game reserves the right to be the host team, if desired, in the event the previous host team cannot secure a suitable stadium or specific makeup game date within the allotted 24 hours. Makeup games may be played on any weekday if in agreement with both teams involved. At any time during the regular season, the visiting team can


host any game if agreed upon by both teams and submitted to the League Administrator by each team.

(BB) It is the responsibility of each team owner to read and explain to their players, coaches, and staff all rules and regulations pertaining to those individuals.

Section 5Playoffs and Championship Game

(A) The top eight (8) teams from the Northern and Southern Conference will qualify for the playoffs based on Win-loss records and tiebreakers. The #1 seeded team will host the #8 team, #2 will host #7, #3 will host #6, and #4 will host #5.

(B) Home field advantage and tiebreakers for playoff games will be determined by: (1) overall win-loss records (2) points allowed (3) points forced, and (4) head to head competition if applicable.

(C) Six (6) on filed officials and an additional certified official to be the official time keeper will be required for all playoff games.

(D) Team Books with current TUFL posted rosters will be checked prior to all playoff games.(E) All playoff games and the championship game will kickoff at 7:00 PM. (F) The TUFL Supervisor of Officials will assign officiating crews for all playoff games. (G) All playoff game officiating crews will be paid a minimum of $80.00 each. (H) The TUFL will secure a neutral location for the 2010 Championship Game and pay for stadium

rental and officials. Teams are responsible for their own transportation and expenses.

Section 6Media and Marketing

(A) The first and foremost purpose of the TUFL is to provide team members a league to compete within. The TUFL makes no promises or guarantees for bowl game appearances, but will make every effort to arrange such games. Any opportunity or idea for advancement of teams and players should be forwarded to the TUFL Managing Members.

(B) Teams may only use the TUFL league name and logo for approved league business. Request to use the name and logo in any other fashion should be forwarded to the Managing Members.

(C) Each team is urged to retain a website for all to view with the TUFL logo posted therein. Team website information must be submitted to League Administrator and will be posted on the TUFL website.

(D) It is encouraged that all team website Guestbook entries be reviewed frequently by their Website Administrator. Entries containing inappropriate language or improper comments should be removed as soon as possible. The TUFL reserves the right to request improper Guestbook entries and language be removed. Each team is required to remove all improper entries from their Guestbook within 24 hours after TUFL notification.


Player Waiver of Liability

Every player of each team within the Texas United Football League, LLC (hereafter referred to as the TUFL) is required to sign this affidavit and supply a copy of the players Driver’s License or other valid photo ID. (DL # can be blacked out for security reasons). Players are also required to have their ID available at all games. Any player that does not sign this form is in violation of league policy and will be suspended from league play, therefore subjecting their team to suspension and/or fine. This form must be available for viewing at all regular and post season scheduled games.

Team Name ______________________________________

Player Name ______________________________________

I, (print player name) ______________________________________, understand that I am playing the game of football as a member of a TUFL team at my own risk. I understand that the TUFL is a full contact semi-professional football league, and that serious injury and/or death may occur from participation or faulty equipment. I understand these risks, and agree that I, my heirs, family members, or representatives will not hold the TUFL or it’s members harmless for any injury or death occurred while I am participating in any TUFL activity or event. I also understand that no insurance is provided by the TUFL, and that I am participating at my own free will. I understand that I will abide by all league rules, policies, and bylaws. I also agree that any infraction of these rules may subject me to suspension or expulsion from the league and it’s activities. I agree that I will not participate in any event or activity with any other team in the TUFL, other than the team named above for the duration of the TUFL season. I also agree, by signing this form, that I am waiving all possible future liabilities in regards to the TUFL for use of my name, photos, or any likeness thereof. I understand that the TUFL may use my name, voice, photos, or likeness in marketing, media, and Internet. I understand and agree to all terms in this membership form, and further understand that my membership in the TUFL with the above named team is for the duration of the 2010 Season. The 2010 TUFL season concludes the day following the TUFL Championship game.

_____________________________________Player Signature

_______________________Date

_____________________________________Team Owner/Representative Signature


Team Application for TUFL Membership

Please fill out this affidavit completely and mail the original to Texas United Football League LLC (TUFL), 8426 FM 1615 Athens, Texas 75752. Membership will be considered only after the form is completed and received by mail. Applications must be received no later than December 1, 2009 for the 2010 regular season. Please type or print neatly.

Team Name: _______________________________________

Team Home Town: _______________________________________

Team Owner(s): _______________________________________

Team Mailing Address: _______________________________________

_______________________________________

Team Email: _______________________________________

Name Associated w/Team Email: _______________________________________

Home Phone: _________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________

Head Coach Name: _______________________________________

Team Colors

Primary: ___________________ Secondary: ___________________ Other: ____________________

Home Field Name: _______________________________________(If secured)

Address: _______________________________________

______________________________________


If the team owner(s) has appointed a Team Contact Person other than themselves for their team, please list their information below. (As reviewed in Section 1, Paragraph B of the Bylaws)

Name: _______________________________________

Mailing Address: _______________________________________

_______________________________________

Email: _______________________________________


Alternate Contact Person (If owner and/or team contact person cannot be reached)

Name: _______________________________________

Mailing Address: _______________________________________

_______________________________________

Email: _______________________________________


I (printed name) _____________________________________ declare that I have read, understand, and accept all rules and regulation of the TUFL. All information submitted by me on this application is true and correct.

____________________________________________ ____________________Signature

2010 tufl rules

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