Bi-County Junior Scholastic

Football League

RULE BOOK 2019

2019

BCJSFL

Executive Committee

Marisa Clarino – President

Teshawn Warren – Vice President

Joe Surace – Treasurer

Cathy Costanzo- Secretary

Committee Chairmen

Teshawn Warren- Englewood (Rules)

Joe Surace- Fort Lee (Scheduling)

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Table of Contents

Page(s)

Introduction and Composition 4

Administration

5

New Members 8

Expulsion of Members 9

Eligibility 1

Certificate of Eligibility/Weigh-In Procedures 11-12

Weigh-in Procedures 1

Home team responsibilities 1

Equipment for all players 1

Common Rules – All players 16-18

Playing Rules – Pee-Wee 1

Ejections 2

Coaches Code of Conduct 2

Code Fines & Penalties 2

Scouting 2

Scheduling 2

League Score 26-27

Conduct of Meetings 2

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Introduction and Composition

The Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League is formed for the purpose of providing junior football in a hospitable environment. It is recognized that adolescent and preadolescent sports all too often assume an overly competitive atmosphere as a result of overzealous adult influence. This atmosphere, while sometimes resulting in excellent play, is considered more often detrimental to the vast majority of youth in this age group. It is also recognized that only the highest excellence in teaching and sportsmanship can be sought. The rules, therefore, shall be designed to maintain such excellence while preventing the over coached competitive environment of the youth in the league’s respective communities.

The adopted philosophy of the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League is “Athletes First — Winning Second.” By this statement we mean that every decision you make as a town should first be in the best interest of your athletes, and second in the desire to win.

The league shall consist of one division, each team playing each other. When the size of the league requires that each town play more than 10 games, the league shall be divided into equal divisions with play in and outside of their division to achieve a maximum of 10 games. The league was incorporated as a not for profit corporation on May 24, 1996 as

the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League, Inc. The certificate of incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State in Trenton, New Jersey pursuant to New Jersey Statute Title 15, “An act to incorporate associations not for pecuniary profit,” and a certificate of incorporation was duly filed with the Bergen County Clerk’s office.

Each town or combination of towns in the league will be required to field Pee-Wee, Junior and Senior teams, defined and classified by specifications herein.

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 Administration 1. League officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and an

Immediate Past President, to be elected at the January meeting by a majority vote. The President will also appoint the Rules Chairman, Schedule Chairman, and Weigh-In Chairman on a rotating basis.

2. The league shall carry directors’ insurance. 3. Administration of the league will be conducted by the league representatives or their

designated alternates. Any alleged rules violation/grievance should be brought to the attention of the President immediately, and no later than Tuesday following the President’s notification, an email notification shall be sent to all league representatives to discuss the situation. The league’s decision about any alleged rules violation/grievance will be by a majority vote of the league membership unless otherwise specified herein.

4. Each league community member will be assessed $450.00 per year payable at the February meeting to cover the cost of conducting league business including the head official’s fee, director’s insurance and championship trophies. The Treasurer shall give a financial report at each meeting.

5. Subject to league approval, each member team will be permitted to accept players from no more than two towns. That is to say that if two towns play football for one high school and one of the towns does not have a youth football program, (e.g. Little Ferry/Ridgefield Park and Cliffside Park/Fairview) those players would be permitted to play for one program in the BCJSFL. In the event three towns play for one high school only TWO towns would be permitted to play for one program. If both towns which attend the same high school have two separate youth football programs, players will only be permitted to play for the member program in the town in which they reside (e.g. Little Ferry/Ridgefield Park).

A. Bergenfield B. Bogota C. Cliffside Park/Fairview D. Englewood/Englewood Cliffs E. Fort Lee/Edgewater F. Little Ferry/Ridgefield Park G. Ridgefield/Palisades Park H. Weehawken

6. Each community shall have one vote in any given voting situation except probationary members. Designated representatives are the only members eligible to vote, with the exception of a designated alternate in the event of absence.

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7. Official spokesperson for a member shall be league representative and/or alternate in any official discussions (maximum two representatives per team) at any meeting. Habitual absence (less than 50% attendance of league meetings) will result in a forfeiture of a home game in the following season.

8. Accident and/or liability insurance are considered the responsibility of each

individual town and may be provided in those towns either by individual parents’ policies or team insurance.

Accident and liability insurance is compulsory for each team. Certificates of liability

should list the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League as an additional insured, to be submitted with Rosters at Weigh-In.

9. All major injuries (concussions, broken bones, outbreaks, etc) must be reported to

the league President ASAP to be compiled during the December meeting. 10. There will be six (6) regular meetings per year as follows. In addition to business

that comes up as appropriate, the following schedule of business will be conducted at each of these meetings:

A. Fourth Tuesday in January

1. Review of injuries.

2. Accept applications for new membership.

3. Review of season problems.

4. Election of officers.

B. Fourth Tuesday in February

1. Payment of the league dues.

2. Proposals for changes to the rulebook.

C. Fourth Tuesday in March, April and June

1. Vote on new changes in rulebook.

2. Welcome new members.

3. Discuss Future Scheduling Problems.

4. Finalize Team colors for all three teams.

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D. Fourth Tuesday in August

1. Review of schedule, changing of games by mutual agreement at this time.

2. Review of new high school rules.

3. Review of weigh-in procedures

11. Special meetings may be called by the president at any time. 12. In the absence of the President the Vice President shall act on his/her behalf. 13. All rule book changes must be proposed at the February meeting with approval to be

decided by a majority vote.

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New Members 1. Applications for membership must be submitted in writing to the President. No

application for the current year will be accepted after the May meeting. 2. The Executive Committee will examine the applicant(s) as to sponsorship,

equipment, playing field and sufficient squad strength. This committee will report at the next meeting or a special meeting, if necessary, their findings. Vote by mail ballot or special meeting will be taken and the respective community notified by the first Monday in June of the league’s decision.

3. A new member’s community population should not exceed 36,000 and its high

school’s NJSIAA group ranking (football) should by 2 or lower (if applicable). 4. A majority vote of the total membership shall be required to admit new members 5. Any new member will serve a non-voting probationary period not to exceed one

playing season. A vote for full member status will be conducted at the December meeting.

6. There will be a $200.00 (non-refundable) initiation fee for all new members.

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Expulsion of Members 1. If evidence of a rule and/or code of conduct violation is presented to the President,

an email notification will be sent to all league representatives and he can call a meeting within 72 hours of the Executive Meeting.

2. This committee will examine the evidence and report to the membership at an open

meeting. 3. Member under investigation will be given full opportunity for defense. 4. A majority vote of the total membership will be necessary to expel a member from

the league. 9

Age/Weight Eligibility

1. Senior Group — shall consist of any player not having reached their 15th birthday during the calendar year. Players in the 9th grade and higher in any case are ineligible. Maximum offensive backfield and end weight is 145 lbs. Maximum offensive line, tackle-to-tackle, unlimited. Line only players must also be down lineman or defensive ends but not linebackers on defense.

2. Junior Group — shall consist of any player not having reached their 13th birthday

during the calendar year. Players in the 7th grade are ineligible except when they will not have reached their 12th birthday until after September 30th of the playing year and are therefore scholastically 1 year ahead of their 6th grade peers. Maximum offensive backfield and end weight is 120 lbs. Maximum offensive line, tackle-to-tackle, unlimited. Line only players must also be down linemen or defensive ends, but not linebackers on defense.

3. Pee-Wee Group — shall consist of any player not having reached their 11th birthday

during the calendar year. Players in the 5th grade or higher are ineligible except when they will not have reached their 10th birthday until after September 30th of the playing year and are therefore scholastically 1 year ahead of their 4th grade peers. Maximum offensive backfield and end weight is 95 lbs. Maximum offensive line, tackle-to-tackle, unlimited. Line only players must also be down lineman or defensive ends, but not linebackers on defense.

4. Any player within 5 lbs. of the maximum weight at the time of the first weigh-in will be

re-weighed at the midseason re-weigh. Any player originally designated as backfield/end with a midseason re-weigh may convert to line only without being re-weighed.

5. All procedures on weight and age will be determined by a majority vote of the league

representatives at a regular meeting. 6. Any player found to be illegal will result in the forfeit of all games which the

offending player was on the team roster, also if recommended the offending program will face an expulsion hearing as outlined on page 9. All league representatives should be notified via email within 72 hours of game played. The referee should be notified at the time of discovery. The coach or league representative should note the name and contact information of the referee who noted the complaint at the time of discovery.

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Certificate of Eligibility/Weigh-In Procedures

1. The President will appoint Weigh-In Chairman and Committee (one member from

each town) who will have the responsibility for making all arrangements at a central point for the weigh-in of all players. Each league member will assign a representative from each team to assist at the weigh-in. The Weigh-In Chairman will notify team representatives of the time and place of the weigh- in. All players must be accompanied at weigh-ins by team coach, league representative or other person authorized by Weigh-In Chairman.

2. On the scheduled Saturday, team coaches must weigh each squad member in the

presence of the Weigh-In Committee on a scale provided by the Weigh-In Chairman and certified by the County Board of Weights and Standards. A birth certificate will be presented for each player to the Weigh-In Committee and there shall be no late submissions permitted. In addition, two (2) photo cards for each player shall be presented to the Weigh-In Committee with complete information including a current photo (passport style/head shot) of each player. Player ID cards can be found in the “downloads” section of the league website. At the time of weigh-in, a legible squad roster “and ID cards, which have been reviewed by the Executive Committee, at a time and place to be determined, prior to the actual weigh-in, will be presented to the Weigh-In Committee. Squad rosters shall not be changed in any way after the first weigh-in until midseason weigh-ins.

3. All players must live in the town(s) which represents the team on which they

play with consideration to Administrative Rule number five (#5) outlined on page five (pg.5).

4. Each player will be permitted to step on the scale once at each weigh-in. No

exception will be made to the above. 5. Squad rosters shall include the following:

a. Jersey numbers (no duplicate numbers) b. Name c. Date of birth (to be filled in from birth certificate present at weigh-in) d. Residence including town and phone number. e. Weight (LO-RW-OK to be filled in at weigh-in) f. Names of head coach and assistant coaches

6. Ineligible players must be reported to the Weigh-in Chairman and league

President as they occur. The Weigh-In Chairman will notify the other representatives as these changes occur.

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7. The original rosters shall be given to the Weigh-In Chairman at the 1st weigh- in,

who in turn shall forward copies to membership teams with an additional copy to the league Secretary following the alternate weigh-in. Photo ID. cards will be stamped by the league and one (1) copy will be returned to the appropriate team coach. The team photo cards will be placed in a loose leaf binder arranged on the pages in the same order they appear on the roster. The book will also contain a copy of the league roster. These photo rosters must or at the discretion of each town, be exchanged between head coaches prior to the start of all league games. Penalty for not having photo albums at a game will result in forfeiture. If the books are not reviewed, there will be no basis for any protest based on that game’s attendance. a) All rosters shall be uploaded and emailed to all league representatives prior to

the first regular season game. b) Any roster changes, to include jersey number changes, should be submitted to

all league representatives via email immediately upon change. c) Penalty for failure to notify towns of any changes will be subject to forfeiture of all

games played prior to discovery. 8. A 2nd alternate weigh-in will be held on the Wednesday night following weigh-in

Saturday. This weigh-in shall be for those players unable to attend the first weigh-in as long as their name appeared on the original roster. Any player who missed the original roster cannot be eligible to play until completion of the midseason weigh-in.

9. A midseason weigh-in will be conducted the Wednesday evening before the 6th regular season game of a nine game season and the Wednesday evening before the 5th regular season game of an eight game season. All players who are within 5lbs. of the maximum backfield/end weight must be present for this weigh-in unless they wish to switch their category to “line only.” The maximum limits in each case are 95lbs., 120lbs. and 145lbs., for peewee, junior and senior groups respectively. Any team may add new players to their rosters at this point by presenting their photo I.D. cards, birth certificates, and all other required materials at this time. A new roster sheet and copy must be supplied for all new players. Should they qualify for the league, they may play in all the remaining games thereafter. They will be required to make the midseason weight. Players that were previously designated as line only at the original weigh-in may not be reweighed at this time to qualify as backfield or end position.

10.All teams in the league must advise the Secretary in writing of their intention not to participate in league play for the following season by the February meeting.

11.Any member town which fields a team in a league other than the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League (BCJSFL) will not be permitted to roster players in the BCJSFL during the current playing season. Players may not be on the rosters in both leagues. Member towns to whom this rule applies must submit a copy of the original roster for the current season, of the teams in a league other than the BCJSFL to the weigh-in chairman on weigh-in day.

12.Failure to submit any of the aforementioned documents to the Weigh-In Chairman at the first weigh-in shall result in the declaration of the offending team as ineligible to compete in any of the league scheduled games of the season.

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Weigh-In Procedures 1. In order to expedite the weighing-in of league team members, the following

procedures are to be followed:

a. Each team must be ready for weighing-in 15 minutes before the time they are assigned.

b. Each team player must be lined up in the order in which they appear on the

roster.

c. Each team member must have his photo cards and birth certificate in hand.

d. Each team being weighed-in must have two (2) adult representatives present.

e. A player may be weighed with a minimum of under shorts at the

discretion of the coach. Nudity strictly prohibited. 2. Items required:

a. Two (2) photo cards. Picture must be glued to the cards (staples will not be accepted)

b. Cards must be filled in as set forth in the league rules. c. A legal birth certificate (original or copy) is required. This is a certificate

issued by state, federal or local government. Church baptismal certificates are not acceptable. You can obtain the proper certificate by contacting the city hall where the child was born. Any team having a problem obtaining a birth certificate should contact the Weigh-In Chairman at least two weeks in advance of the weigh-in. Original passports or green cards are acceptable.

d. Team roster (two original copies required). e. A list of all coaches and sideline personnel (except chain crew) must be

submitted to the league President to receive sideline passes. f. Signed Code of Conduct (all Coaches)

3. Players who are unable to attend the official weigh-in may attend the alternate

weigh-in the following Wednesday. Failure to make either weigh-in makes a player ineligible until midseason.

4. Maximum weight offensive backfield and ends, and defensive linebackers and secondary:

a. Pee-Wees 90.1 to 95lbs. (re weigh) b. Juniors 115.1 to 120lbs. (re weigh) c. Seniors 140.1 to 145lbs (re weigh)

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Home Team Responsibilities 1. No field shall be less than 80 yards in length plus 10 yard end zones by 40 yards in

width. Yard lines shall be marked a minimum of every 10 yards with an additional 35-yard line.

2. Four officials, when a field clock is available, or three officials, when a field clock is not available, to be assigned by the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League Officials Association. Cost will be at a rate to be negotiated annually or bi-annually. No official may officiate a game in which his hometown participates.

3. A first aid kit and water supply. Each team is responsible for their own first aid kit. 4. A junior football (Rawlings Pro 5 Jr., Wilson TDJ and Wilson Duke Jr.) and senior

football (Rawlings R5-Y and Wilson TDY), a peewee football (Wilson K2 or Rawlings R5-PW football), ten yard chains, down marker, goal line markers and benches for players.If you do not have any of the approved balls prior to your scheduled game you must notify the league president. If you fail to contact the president you will have to use the opposing teams ball for the game.

5. For the safety of spectators and players, a rope or barrier shall be erected at least

30 feet from the sidelines running the entire length of the field. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in an automatic $50.00 fine each game date. The head coach of each team shall be responsible to the league for the conduct of his spectators. Sideline personnel other than players must wear league approved sideline passes.

6. Team colors may not be changed without permission of the league. New members must submit team colors to the league for approval. All members must submit team colors to the league at the May meeting. Each team must have two different colored jerseys. As per National Federation of High School, colors will be home jerseys and white or light will be road jerseys.

7. The home team will notify the opposing team and officials no less than two hours before game time, of weather or any other cause making the playing of the game impossible. In the event game officials arrive at the playing site and the game is subsequently called off due to inclement weather before the start of the first game a $60.00 payment to each official will be made by the home team. Make up games for postponed games should be played on the following day, weather permitting, or as soon as possible before the next game.

8. Violations of home team’s responsibility are to be reported within 48 hours to the Executive Committee who will take such action, as they deem necessary. Total enforcement could mean forfeiture of the game.

9. The home team must notify the Scheduling Chairman of peewee, junior and senior game results at a time designated by the Scheduling Chairman.

10.The Home Team must provide a “Chain Crew”, for the down and distance yard markers. The“Chain Crew”, must be lined up on the same side of the field as the Home Team. Crew members must be adults, however, when adults are not available, high school juniors or seniors may be utilized. Teams should refrain from using any person under the age of 18 whenever possible.

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Equipment for All Players

1. NOCSAE approved helmets with facemask. 2. Shoulder pads. 3. Padded football pants. 4. Game jersey with numeral. 5. Canvas top sneakers or leather shoes with molded rubber cleats. Metal or

removable cleats are prohibited. 6. Athletic supporter with hard cup for boys. 7. Mouth guard protector. 8. A three inch strip of reflective tape (red) or a color that will be in contrast to

the color of the helmet will be affixed at the front and rear of helmets on all line-only players.

9. Hard casts are prohibited, but soft casts are permitted with medical doctor written certification at game time. The player’s head coach will notify the opposing team’s head coach and officials prior to game time.

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Common Rules All Groups The National Federation of High Schools Rule Book shall be the rule guide with the following exceptions:

1. Free substitutions shall be allowed.

2. No sleeper plays shall be allowed.

3. Game Time, all groups – 10 minutes per quarter, regulation clock.

4. The half time shall be 10 minutes maximum.

5. Time out for injury shall be charged to the officials.

6. Three time-outs are permitted each half. All Groups.

7. When time out is called for injury, the player involved must retire from the game for at least one play.

8. Each bench will be notified when there are two minutes remaining in the second

and fourth quarters, NFL rule applies.

9. The offensive team shall be allowed 30 seconds to put the ball in play after formation of the huddle. All groups.

10. On the reduced field, the 40-yard line shall be midfield. The kicking team will

kick from their 30 yard line, and the receiving team will place a minimum of five players between their own 35 and 40 yard line. Ball kicked out of bounds on the kick off will be placed on the 30-yard line. Ball kicked into or through the end zone will be placed on the 15-yard line.

11. On a reduced field, penalties shall be 5 yards for a 5-yard penalty and 10 yards

for a 15-yard penalty.

12. The point after touchdown will count as one point when attempted from the 2.5-yard line, two points when attempted from the 5-yard line and one point when kicked from the 2.5-yard line.

13. Sideline passes will be issued based on the number of coaches indicated on the

rosters at weigh-in (page 13, line e). Guest passes shall be distributed and surrendered at the discretion of the Head Coach of the respective team (and will be held accountable for the actions of any guests).

 

14. Whenever an 18-point spread is achieved in the course of the game, the following shall apply:

16 a. The leading team MUST substitute the entire 2nd string or as many of the

remaining players that are dressed for the game on the ensuing drive (starters may remain in the game for the point after attempt which must be a 1 point try only). In the case of smaller squads (less than 22 players) adjustments including playing players out of position must be made, starting skilled positions shall be moved to line positions.

b. In the second half of the game the clock shall run continuously (except for

time-outs). If the point spread falls below 18, regulation timing rules then apply

c. Kick-offs will be eliminated from the game while the point spread is 18 or

greater. The ball will be spotted on the 30 yard line on a 100 yard field and the 25 yard line on an 80 yard field.

d. Punting situation will be as follows: Once a team is ahead by 18 points there

will be no rushing the punting team, the punt therefore will be a free punt. If the offense elects to punt a punt shall be made no fake punts or trick plays are permitted. Fake punts or trick plays will be considered an unsportsmanlike foul against the head coach and a 15 yard penalty will be enforced. This rule applies to both teams whether ahead or down by 18.

15. The penalty for violating the 18-point rule will be a two game suspension for the

head coach and the loss of a home game the following season. 16. All coaches will contain themselves between the 25 yard line and players between

the 30 yard lines. Coaches and players will contain themselves between the 20 yard lines on the reduced field. Penalty 5 yards.

17. No player over the maximum backfield/end weight can line up or play in the

offensive backfield. 18. LINE ONLY PLAYERS: Line only players on the offensive line may not be the last

man on the line of scrimmage effectively becoming the tight end. A line only player must be covered by a tight-end or wide receiver on the line of scrimmage becoming the outside most player on the line. Line only players on the defensive line may not line up as line-backers and may not go back into pass coverage. Line only players first step must either be across or parallel to the line of scrimmage

19. Line only players may not advance the ball at any time. The ball becomes “dead” at

the moment of possession by a line only player. 20. The punter may not exceed maximum backfield weight. Jr. and Sr. groups only. 17

21. The kick off receiving team — No player over the maximum backfield weight can line

up behind the 35-yard line on the reduced field or the 45-yard line on a regulation field.

22. On a 4th down punting situation, the player back (corners and safeties) with intent to

receive the punt cannot exceed the maximum backfield/end weight. 23. All teams must show up for the game with a minimum of 13 players in full equipment

under penalty of forfeiture. The recommended number, however, is 15. 24. The official roster of each team must consist of a minimum of 15 players. The

recommended number, however, is 20. 25. No spring practice and no practice prior to July 15th. 26. No players are permitted to practice with any protective gear or equipment (helmet,

pads, etc.) prior to August 1st; participants are regulated to shorts & t-shirts or sweats & long-sleeves shirts.

27. No coach or official of the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League Member Organization may participate in any pre-season football activity of any kind involving their players. Each town, however, is permitted to host one (1) mini-camp prior to July 15th. All towns are required to notify all league representatives via email before the prospective date on which the Mini Camp is to be held. The NFL’s Junior Player Development (JPD) Program is excluded from this rule. Coaching clinics for educational purposes for the coaching staff are excluded. The league requires that all coaches, assistant coaches, program administrators and cheering advisors, take a safety certification course (i.e., ACEP, NAYS, NYSCA and Rutgers).

28. Following Labor Day, no team shall be permitted to hold more than 3

weekday/weeknight practice sessions each week. One weekend practice shall be permitted when there are no games. Scrimmages are considered practices.

29. No team shall be permitted to play more than 10 games including nonscheduled

games against an organized team during the regularly scheduled season. Scrimmages unlimited.

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30. Decisions of the game officials may be protested at any time during the game where the decision involves interpretations of the playing rules. Where there is a violation of player and/or position eligibility, as defined in the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League Official Rules, it must be protested at the time of the alleged infraction. Officials will be required to immediately record the nature of the alleged infraction and their observation of same. Protest of both playing rules and player and/or position eligibility must be made to the league President in writing, immediately after the game. The officials, in case of the latter protest, will be required to file their written observations made at the time of the protest within 48 hours. The coaches must accept the officials’ decision in a matter of judgment. The officials’ integrity should never be questioned on the field. Officials will be furnished with copies of the league rules.Any infractions of these rules must be called to the official’s attention at the time of the infraction. The Ref will then note your complaint and report it. If proven guilty, you will automatically forfeit the game.

31. Any challenges made by a team about eligibility of an opponent’s player must be made prior to the start of their game and preferably during the previous game.

32. The use of radio equipment, head sets, and/or videotaping equipment, will be allowed by either or both teams. However, the home team must provide equal access to observation vantage points, or provide an equal vantage observation point, before the game begins.

33. No member of the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League, coach, player or representative will be allowed to observe or video tape any game,including

34. their own, from the end zone, any extension of the end zone or on the playing field.

35. Four paid officials (at a negotiated rate) will be present for each game at fields with a field time clock. One official will work the clock and will not go on the field. At fields without a field time clock then three paid officials will be present for each game.

37. All Representatives and Head Coaches are required to complete the National Federation of High School Sports course on concussions. The Heads UP Concussion in Youth Sports course by the CDC is also acceptable. The certificate of completion shall be presented to the league President no later than Weigh-In day. 38. NEW RULE EST. 2017: Any player, in a single game, that commits 3 personal fouls (to be recorded by the officials) will be ejected from the remainder of said game. SUSPENSION from the next game will be warranted by the discretion of the official(s), contingent on severity of foul.This includes personal foul facemask, hurdling, unnecessary roughness,late/blind side hits, horse collars and ANY personal foul. 39. NEW OVERTIME RULE REGULAR SEASON EST. 2019: Each team will line up on the 25 Yard line and get 4 attempts (downs) to score. If after still no score game ends in tie.

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Pee-Wee Division Rules

The Federation Rule Book shall be the rule guide with the following exceptions:

1. Coaches or players on the field may call time out. 2. Two coaches from each team will remain on the field during the game. These coaches

must be 10 yards behind the deepest man lined up on the field when the ball is put into play. The coaches’ conduct shall be exemplary in that his actions shall not materially slow down the game.

3. All punts shall be free punts — that is to say, there will be no rushing, everyone holding position for the snap and punt. Rushing is allowed on point after touchdown kicks and field goal attempts.

4. Any player may punt, regardless of weight status, that is to say that line-only players may line up in the backfield to attempt to punt the ball.

Ejections

1. If a player is ejected from a contest, the following shall be enforced: a. For the first offense by an individual, ejection plus suspension from the team’s next

contest. b. For a second offense by an individual in the same season, ejection plus suspension

from the team’s next two contests. c. For a third offense by an individual in the same season, ejection and suspension for

the remainder of the season. d. Enforcement shall carry over into the following season if necessary to meet the

penalty. 2. Physically abusing an official shall result in permanent expulsion from any future

participation in the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League. 3. No one will be allowed on the playing field under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. 4. No coach will be allowed to physically abuse players. 5. Notification of ejection is the responsibility of the crew chief to report to the Head Official

who will report to the League President. Any ejections shall be sent to all league representatives via email.

6. All coaches participating with a member team of the BCJSFL MUST sign the BCJSFL Coaches Code of Conduct (CCoC). Coaches will be responsible to uphold the code and be held to its fines and penalties. Any coach refusing to sign the CCoC will NOT be permitted to participate at any sanctioned BCJSFL event until the CCoC is signed. All coaches listed a member teams season roster are required to sign the CCoC. (See following pages for

CCoC, fines, penalties and procedures.) The respective head coach of each division, for each town is responsible for all authorized coaches.

7. NEW RULE EST. 2017: Any player, in a single game, that commits 3 personal fouls (to be recorded by the officials) will be ejected from the remainder of said

game. SUSPENSION from the next game will be warranted by the discretion of the official(s), contingent on severity of the foul(s). This includes personal foul facemask, hurdling,unnecessary roughness, late/blind side hits, horse collars and ANY personal foul.

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BCJSFL Coaches Code of Conduct The primary goal of coaches should be the development of boys and girls to be better citizens. The players must be taught sportsmanship and fair play, and these teachings should always govern their behavior while at practice and at games. Coaches shall be responsible for the conduct of all players, members of the coaching staff and spectators. This includes the time periods before, during, and after league games and other events. Improper conduct, in the judgment of the game officials, on the part of the players, coaches or spectators may result in penalties, expulsion, and suspension or forfeiture of the game. By signing this code of conduct, I fully understand the rules set forth by the league.

1. The coach will not criticize players in front of spectators 2. The coach will accept the decisions of officials 3. The coach will not criticize the officials, the opposing team, the coaches, fans or

parents, through language or gesture. 4. The coach will emphasize that good athletes are good students, and both are

physically and mentally alert. 5. The coach will strive to make every football activity serve as a training ground for

life, and as a basis for good mental and physical health. 6. The coach will emphasize that winning a game is the result of teamwork. 7. The coach shall not use abusive or profane language before anyone connected

with the game. 8. The coach shall not be under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs 9. The coach will set an example in personal conduct at all times. 10. The coach will not smoke or use any form of tobacco while on the field of play

during games, scrimmages or practices. 11.The coach will treat each player, opposing coach, parent and administrator with

respect and dignity. 12.The coach will learn the strengths and weakness of his/her players so they might

place them into situations where they have a maximum opportunity to achieve success.

13.The coach will protect the health and safety of his/her players by insisting that all of the activities under his/her control be conducted for their psychological and physiological welfare, rather than interests of adults.

Coaches Signature:____________________________ Date:__________ Team:_________________________________ Division:_____________ 21

Rule Infraction and/or Violation and Code of Conduct Fines and Penalties

*The fines and penalties outlined below are subject to any and all rule or code of

conduct violation indicated herein, unless otherwise indicated.

1. First Offense:

a. A two (2) game suspension and a $250.00 fine to be paid by the offending coach. The $250.00 fine must be paid prior to the second game of the suspension for the coach to return to sanctioned games of the BCJSFL.

1. If a coach is ejected during the last three weeks of said season the fine

must be paid prior to the end of the season. Said coach will not be allowed to return the following season if the fine is not paid.

2. Fines and penalties will carry-over to the following season if a coach is

ejected during the last two weeks of the season or during the play-offs.

3. Said coach will surrender his/her sideline pass until the suspension has been served.

4. If a sideline guest of a member program is ejected, the guest will

surrender his/her sideline pass to the member teams representative, and is permanently banned from future sideline access. A $250.00 fine will be assessed to the offending program.

2. Second Offense:

a. If a coach is ejected for a second time during the same season, the coach will be suspended for the remainder of said season and must pay an additional $250.00 fine.

b. The offending coach will also serve a one (1) year probationary period, at

which time he/she should not violate the CCoC. Violation of the CCoC during the probationary period is considered a third offense.

3. Third Offense:

a. A coach ejected for a third time will be permanently expelled from any future participation in the BCJSFL.

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Ejection Notification Procedure 1. Ejections will be reported to the Head Official by the crew chief of the game in

question as outlined on page twenty (pg. 20)

2. The Head Official will notify the League President within 24 hours of the ejection.

3. The league President will then notify the Executive Board of the infraction and contact the Member Representatives from both towns for explanation of the infraction. If deemed necessary by the Executive Board a hearing on the matter will be scheduled immediately prior to the next sanctioned game to resolve the issue (the immediate Monday following the game in question is suggested).

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Scouting 1. All communities associated with the Bi-County Junior Scholastic Football League

shall not send scouts, to include coaches, parents or associates of any particular town to any other community’s team practice.

2. Game films may be taken of home or away games. There will be no exchange of

game films.

a. Home teams must provide equal access to observation vantage points, or provide an equal vantage observation point, before the game begins. There will be no taping of any games from the end zone or any extension of the end zone.

3. Scouting of the peewee, junior and senior games is permitted. Video and/or

audio recording is permitted. However, video recording from the end zone and end zone area is prohibited (line #34, page 18). Note taking is also permitted.

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Scheduling 1. The league President will appoint a Scheduling Chairman. Proposed schedules will

be presented to the league representatives who must review the schedule promptly, and date revisions must be agreed upon by the Scheduling Chairman. Official schedules will then be sent to all league representatives.

2. On Friday nights, the pee-wee games begin at 6:00PM, juniors at 7:00pm and

seniors at 8:30PM. In the event the junior game ends early, the senior game will begin 10 minutes after the junior game ends. All Bogota home games will begin as follows: Pee-Wee 11:00am, Junior 12:30pm and Senior 2:00pm.

3. All teams must meet league obligations in accordance with official league rules, and

all scheduled games must be played as scheduled under penalty of forfeiture of entire league schedule, and be suspended from the league the following year. Any and all special problems or unusual schedule conflicts due to weather or otherwise, may be referred to the Executive Committee for decision.

4. Any team refusing to play a scheduled game shall forfeit that game and will be

responsible for official’s fees for that game. 5. Any community which, for whatever reason, cannot or will not field a peewee, junior

or senior team for the entire season will:

a. Have all games for that season scheduled as away games.

b. Be responsible for the officials’ fees for one game on the date games are scheduled.

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League Score All Groups 1. The league shall consist of two conferences, when applicable (refer to page 4,

paragraph 3), American and National. Member teams for each conference shall be determined by the previous season’s power points. The American conference shall consist of the teams with the highest power points.

2. Following each league conference game, each team will receive a “league score.”

Such score shall be assigned in accordance with the following:

a. Winning teams 2 points each

b. Tie games 1 point each

c. Losing teams 0 points each 3. Each week, the league score sheet will contain the weekly game scores and a won,

loss, tie record in addition to a league conference point score. 4. League conference winners, when applicable, shall be determined by reference to

the cumulative overall points at the end of the season, and not by won. Loss, tie record.

5. Conference tie-breakers are:

a. Overall power points

b. Points against/Point scored 6. Play-offs:

a. The four teams finishing with the best win/loss records will be seeded 1 thru 4.

b. The first round will have 1st seed playing 4th seed and 2nd seed playing 3rd

seed.

c. 1st and 2nd seeded teams will be considered the HOME teams.

d. Games for the first round will be played on successive nights (Friday and Saturday) one week following the last game. 1st and 4th seeds Friday night and 2nd and 3rd seeds Saturday night.

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e. Division leaders, when applicable, will play the next two teams with the best cumulative points in a playoff to determine who will play in the championship game.

f. First in points will play last in points, second in points will play third in points Art McDonald Memorial Championship:

a. Winners of the first round of play-offs will play in the championship game

b. League championship games will be played on the Friday night following the first round play-off weekend at a site to be determined.

8. League and conference winners, when applicable, will receive Championship

trophies from the league. 9. President’s Trophy — the town with the most power points across all three levels will

be awarded the President’s trophy. In the event of a tie both teams will receive a trophy

Conduct of Business 1) Order of Business (Agenda)

a. Call to order

b. Roll call

c. Inquiries from the public

d. Correspondence

e. Reports

f. Approval of bills

g. Approval of requisitions

h. Old business

i. New business

j. Comments from members

k. Adjournment 27

g. Rules Governing Meetings – In the conduct of its business, the procedure the Board shall be governed by “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

2) Procedure — Orderly procedure shall prevail at all meetings. 3) Members willing to speak shall address the chair and be recognized. 4) The President may call upon other members to participate in the discussion of

questions before the members. 5) Non-Board members who wish to present their views or relate information to the

members may request permission to do so orally or in writing. 6) Voting Roll call vote shall be taken and recorded on all motions which involve the

expenditure of money, elections, or when requested by any member.

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