Home Of Marshall County Jr. Football League

To Teach and inspire youth in the basics of the sport of football through adult supervision; to always consider safety of the athlete first and foremost; to practice the ideals of sportsmanship for athletes, coaches and parents.

ARTICLE II: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

SECTION A: Ages: Boys or girls must be 8 years old before December 31^st, and must not be 13 prior to December 31^st.

SECTIONS B: WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Weigh-ins are to be held before every game.

A. CARRYING THE BALL: All players over the designated weight allowed for the position they are to play, and their division, will wear a strip on their helmet, running from front to rear of the helmet. All striped helmet players must take a knee, and the play is blown dead upon catching or intercepting the ball. Coach must supply at the weight a roster with the player’s names and numbers to be used during the weigh in.

B. WEIGH-INS: All players will weigh-in before each game, in each area played, on scales similar to those in each area played. A governing referee or area commissioner and one coach representing each team will conduct the weigh-ins.

i. PONY LEAGUE RESTRICTIONS: with full gear, any player over one hundred five pounds (105) will wear a contrasting strip on the helmet from front to back. Offensively, a player with a contrasting stripe is allowed to play: Center, Guard, Tackle, or Tight end (but is ineligible to run the ball or receive the ball). Defensively, a player with a contrasting stripe can play any position.

ii. BRONCO LEAGUE RESTRICTIONS: with full gear, any player over one hundred thirty pounds (130) will be noted with one contrasting stripe from front to back. Any player over one hundred fifty pounds (150) will be noted with two contrasting stripes. Offensively, and un-striped player can play any position, one or two stripped players can play: Center, Guard, Tackle, Tight end (but are ineligible to run the ball or receive the ball). Defensively two striped players can only play defensive line positions (including the defensive end) as long as they play from the down position. Striped players cannot advance the ball.

SECTION C: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/PHYSICAL CONDITION: The league expects the parents or legal guardians to be responsible to make sure their child is in a physical condition (without physical limitations) for a sport as physically demanding as football. If any parent or legal guardian were in question of their child’s physical condition of health, then the league requires an examination by a medical doctor at the parents or legal guardians expense.

SECTION D: INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION: Any child within the above age bracket will be allowed to play until that child is in the seventh grade. (This includes children who may be home schooled) Players may not compete in both their respective school and the MCJFL.

SECTION E: SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS: Children registered, as qualified players must maintain a sound scholastic record. The maintenance of a sound scholastic record shall be attested to by the constant vigil of the team head coach. Children whose scholastic qualifications are in question will be given the opportunity to play, only with the written approval of parents.

SECTION F: REGISTRATION: All children must register with the MCJFL program. Dates will be announced in advance each year. The registration will include: (1) Proof of birth date, and (2) Signed parental or legal guardian permission form.

ARTICLE III: TEAM AND LEAGUE REQUIRMENTS

SECTION A: TEAM COMPOSITION: Each team will consist of a minimum of 11 registered players with the maximum of 30; team may go over 30 with board approval.

SECTION B: LEAGUE COMPOSITION: There will be 2 divisions in the MCJFL. A lower league division consisting of eligible 8, and 9 year olds. Ten year olds weighing more than 115 pounds at registration can only play in the upper league. The upper league division will consist of ten year olds weighing more than 115 pounds at the time of registration, as well as 11 and 12 year olds. Players may only play on one team and in one division.

SECTION C: INSURANCE: Accident insurance coverage must be obtained by the parents or legal guardians for participants if desired, on an individual basis. The cost of this insurance is to be paid by the parents or legal guardians of the participants.

SECTION D: MINIMUM PLAYING TIME: Each player must play a complete series each half or a minimum of four plays on offense or defense. A series is defined as the beginning to the end of any possession of the ball. This could be an offensive possession or a defensive position; it may be for one play or many plays. Also playing time shall be determined by the players’ attendance at practices (active participation during practices, attitude, being on time, etc…) to be determined by the head coach.

ARTICLE IV: SCHEDULES

SECTION A: PRACTICE: Practices shall not exceed two-hours in duration. The first two weeks of practice shall be limited to five (5) two-hour sessions per week. Subsequent week of practices shall be limited to two (2) two-hour practices per week, with an optional third practice per week without pads on the third. Two non-contact practices are required between the team “draw” and the first contact practice. The first contact practice is to be Tuesday after Labor Day. Practices for all teams will be held at the same time, same day; at a pre-determined area and for the same length of time, as approved by the area commissioner. Evening practices must terminate not later than 8:00 pm. Start the Monday before Labor Day and you must have two non-contact practices before any contact practices. You must have at least ten contact practices and no more than fourteen total practices before the first game.

SECTION B: REGULAR SEASON: The schedule for each division in the league will be established by the league, subject to the following limitations:

1. League schedules will be for no more than eight games.

2. All divisions are permitted to play pre or post season games as approved by the Board of Directors

3. A period of at least four full days must elapse from the conclusion on one game prior to the playing of another, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

4. All night games must be scheduled to begin not later than 7:30 pm and completed not later than 10:00 pm. Local curfew laws and other athletic contest ordinances must be taken into consideration when scheduling games.

5. Under no circumstances may a team play a game with a team, which is not in the same age and weight classifications.

SECION C: ALL STAR GAMES: The MCJFL does not endorse ALL-STAR games where players are picked on football prowess alone. Players in the MCJFL are not permitted to take part in such ALL-STAR events, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

ATRICLE V: COACHES AND GAME OFFICIALS

SECTION A: COACHES: Each team shall elect one (1) head coach and not more than three (3) assistant coaches. A prospective coach questionnaire must be provided to the league, for review, before anyone is permitted to coach. The current secretary of the MCJFL will keep this on the file. All first year coaches are on probationary status. Coaches are to be reviewed by the Board of Directors each year. All MCJFL coaches must attend one annual coaching clinic.

SECTON B: GAME OFFICIALS: All game officials should be recognized professional, college, high school or independent officials with a complete knowledge on Indiana High School rules and MCJFL variations thereof. It is the responsibility of the Area Commissioners to arrange for a minimum of 2 qualified officials for each game and provide each official with a copy of the MCJFL rules and regulations. At least one, if at all possible, of the two officials per game should be registered in good standing with the IHSAA. Officials should have complete support of the league. Their judgment should be final during the game. The officials should maintain complete control of the game at all times and if necessary, the official may eject players, coaches, parent or any other spectators from the game or sidelines as needed. Officials may not be a close relative, defined as mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, niece, nephew, first cousin or in-law, to any player or coach participating in the game being officiated. Officials must be at least 16 years of age, have a copy of the MCJFL on there person (will be provided by the commissioner), a basic infraction “cheat sheet” and before each meeting have a pre-game meeting with both teams and there coaching staffs. During such meeting the officials should introduce themselves, and coaches likewise. If the individual officiating is unsure on a call during the game, 1 coach (and only 1 coach) from each team must be present to come to a decision on the call. The official should NEVER just ask the home field coach. Both teams must have a representative involved. If a solution can’t be resolved between the coaches and official, then the official has the final call. Coaches must accept their decision.

ARTICLE VI: EQUIPMENT AND PLAYING FIELD

SECTION A: UNIFORM: MCJFL teams must be fully equipped with a complete line of high quality, safety-first equipment for every player taking part in any practice with full contact, scrimmage or games. The following equipment items are mandatory in all MCJFL divisions: Helmets, Shoulder Pads, Hip Pads, Thigh Pads, Knee Pads, Jersey, Pants, and mouthpieces (no clear)

SECTION B: SHOES: Footwear for all divisions is, rubber-cleated shoes or tennis shoes. Metal, detachable cleats are prohibited.

SECTION C: OPTIONAL ITEMS: Optional equipment such as stockings, parkas, capes, jackets, etc. may be purchased at the discretion of the individual. However, it is recommended that every child have some sort of foul-weather gear.

SECTION D: BALL: The approved ball shall be a Rawlings junior or Nike equivalent, tackified ball.

SECTION E: PLAYING FIELD: The standard 100-yard football field should be used for the Upper league. The field for the Lower league will be standard size whenever possible; with a minimum of 80 yards in length. All fields should be properly marked.

ARTICLE VII: GAME RULES

SECTION A: BASIC RULES: All MCJFL games are played under the Rules and Regulations of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, and all its affiliated National organizations, with the exception of specified MCJFL rules. The free substitution rule is always in effect

SECTION B: SPECIFIC: MARSHALL COUNTY JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

1. TIME OF QUARTERS: 10 minutes

2. TIME CLOCK: The time clock will be kept on the field or the scoreboard if available. The time clock will follow the IHSAA rules. The play clock starts on the touching of the ball after the kick, 45 seconds to snap. All special teams executions have a 45 second clock.

3. KICK OFFS:

a. On a 100 yard field – 40 yard line

b. If the field is less than 100 yards, from the X – as marked by the field director.

4. ITERMISSIONS: ALL MCJFL divisions are subject to the following game intermission times:

a. Between 1^st & 2^nd and 3^rd & 4^th quarters ……….2 minutes

b. Halftime, at the end of the 2^nd quarter ………….10 minutes

5. SCORING

a. Touchdown……………………………………..6 points

b. Extra point after touchdown:

i. Run or pass ……………………………1 point

ii. Kick …………………………………...2 points

c. Field Goal ………………………………………...3 points

*PAT – On the PAT of Field Goal block must be placed within the confines of the “Tackle to Tackle” of the Offensive line. The splits maybe no wider than double arm length.

6. COACHES ON THE FIELD: The coach must not interfere with play and must clearly be out of the playing area prior to the snap of the ball. Two (2) coaches are permitted on the field during and official timeout. Electronic communication is prohibited.

7. TIME OUTS: Each team is permitted five (5) time-outs during each half in the lower division. Under two minutes the maximum number of timeouts is three (3). The upper division is permitted three (3) time-outs per half. A time out is one minute.

8. WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: All players over the designated weight for there division, (for carrying the ball) will wear a contrasting strip on their helmet, running from front to rear of helmet. At no time may any helmet warning labels be covered! All award stickers must be applied in such a manner that they are not mistaken as a strip.

9. KICKING SITUATIONS: During a kicking situation, the coach for the kicking team will announce whether his team will or will not punt the ball. If the punting team announces that they are going to punt, there will be NO rushing or crossing the line of scrimmage by either team. The following are penalties for this situation:

a. Saying that you are going to punt and you DO NOT………………15 yards (For the kicking team)

b. Kicking the ball and NOT announcing that you will kick …………15 yards (For the kicking team)

c. Rushing the kicker (when it has been announced that the ball will be punted).. 15 yards (for the defensive team); and the offensive team will retain possession of the ball.

d. Illegal Defensive Alignment …………….15 yard & Automatic 1^st down

(Defensive alignment needs to include at least 4 linemen on the line of scrimmage)

10. DEFENSIVE FORMATION: Linebackers must line up 3 yards of the line of scrimmage with the secondary personnel lined up 5 yards off the line of scrimmage. No more than 8 players are allowed in the box (the box goes sideline to sideline). Must have at least 4 players on the line of scrimmage (in either the up or down position) and not to exceed 6 players on the line of scrimmage.

11. NO BLITZING!!!!!

12. GAME DISRUPTIONS: Any interference, disruption, harassment, or continuing argument causing any problems to referees, coaches, or League Officials by any spectator, parent, player, coach, etc.. will not be tolerated. See “Zero Tolerance Policy”

13. PROTESTS: Only the head coach or acting Head coach is allowed to file a protest of the game. First the acting head coach should immediately notify the official and opposing coach that the game is being played under protest. A protest should not be considered valid, if protested after the game is complete, unless: The reason for the protest was caused during the last play or plays of the game, preventing a time-out being called by the protesting coach. Second, a written protest should be filed with the current Board President, written 48 hours after the fame under protest. Third, the Board of Directors should meet within 7 days to resolve the protest. The current Board President will determine if the protest is valid before brining the protest to the board. Video footage is not used to determine or resolve protests. Walking off the field is not a protest. It is unprofessional. Should this occur, the exiting coach will forfeit the game, and the coach will be brought before the board of directors.

SECTION C: AWARDS: The Commissioners of each area will decide awards. No championship trophy will be awarded. All players are champions

ARTICLE VIII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION A: COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD: The management of the league shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Equipment Manger, One Member-at-large, Scheduler and an area Commissioner from each city in the league.

SECTION B: TERM OF BOARD MEMBERS: The terms of the Board of Directors shall be for one year.

SECTION C: FUNCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS BY POSITION:

President: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the League. He or she shall preside at all meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors of the League. He or She may call any special meeting of members and or the Board of Directors. He or she shall have, subject to approval of the Board of Directors- general charge of the business of the League, and shall execute with the Secretary, in the name of the League: all certificates of membership, contacts, litigation, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and miscellaneous administrative paperwork, which have first been approved by the Board of Directors, ton ensue the continued smooth operation of the League. The MCJFL shall follow Roberts Rules of Order, with the President being a non-voting position- unless there is a tie vote.

Vice President: This role is currently being defined. Currently all duties assigned by the President of the League.

Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceeding of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall notify the members of the Board, at the request of the President; of special meetings, changes made by the Board, upcoming events, and other occasions as they arise. The Secretary will keep a current list of the Board of Directors including phone numbers, as well as coaches during the official season. The secretary will keep and update the Articles of Incorporation, Rules and Regulations, By-laws, Tax I.D. number, all contracts, litigation, Coaches application (currently called a coaches questionnaire). As required; which have first been approved by the Board of Directors. Paperwork generated through the league, such as specials votes; the Secretary shall also maintain motions, game protests, and appeals, with the original copy being maintained on file. The Secretary is accountable to the Board of Directors, and reports to the President of the League. At the direction of the President, the Secretary will assist the President as requested, in any area.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall sign, in the name of the League, all checks for the expenditures authorized by the Board of Directors. He or she shall receive and deposit all funds of the League, in the bank selected by the Board of Directors. Funds shall be paid out only by check, which shall bare two signatures of the members of the Board of Directors not residing in the same home, nor related to each other. The Treasurer shall provide a current profit and loss statement of the central League funds at each monthly league meeting, to account for receipts, disbursements, balances and investments. The treasurer will be responsible for filing taxes as required. The treasurer will keep on file the written profit loss statements provided to him by each area represented in the league. The treasurer will report at monthly meetings any concerns regarding area expenditures. The treasurer shall submit to an independent audit of the League books, at the direction of the Board of Directors, not less than once per year. The treasurer shall perform all duties instant to the office of Treasurer, as required or requested by the Board of Directors and the President.

Member-at-Large: Is an advisory position to the Board of Directors including: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Equipment Manager, Scheduler, and all Commissioners. The Member-at-Large should have extensive knowledge of each position, and is a source of information for each position as well as providing continuity for the MCJFL as a whole. The member-at-large attends the monthly MCJFL meetings and is a voting member. The member-at-large also attends coaches meetings, coach’s clinics, and area meetings as requested. Discrepancies between existing game rules, league by-laws, or the league mission should be directed to this position for clarity and continuity. This position reports to the President of the MCJFL.

ARTICLE IX: BOARD MEETINGS

SECTION A: ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting of the League shall be held in December for he election of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, Scheduler, Equipment Manager, and 1 Member-at-Large. Their terms begins in January and lasts until the following December. Commissioners are to be elected by their area at the end of each season by majority vote. The area commissioner presents coaches to the Board for approval, usually in January. First year coaches are on probation.

SECTION B: QUORUM: Twenty percent (20%) of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at all Board of Directors meetings.

SECTION C: ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER: Shall be followed in the conduct of all meetings of the League or its Board of Directors.

SECTION D: AMENDMENTS: Amendments to the by-laws or game rules shall be by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at a Board meeting.

ARTICLE X: PARENT’S CLUB

A Parent’s Club shall be organized to aid the league in the funding, promotion, execution and conduct of the League’s programs. The Parent’s Club shall be a self-governing, selecting such officers, directors or chairpersons as are from time to time, found necessary. They collect dues, schedule meetings and program according to the will of their membership. The Parent’s Club shall however, obtain prior approval of the Board of Directors of the League before any fund-raising project.

ARTICLE XI: ROLE OF THE PARENT

The role of the parent in the MCJFL should be one of support. Parental support is essential to the success of the League. Parents should support the MCJFL by watching their child at games, to becoming an active member of the Board of Directors. Under no circumstances, should a parent be negative or derogatory toward the MCJFL at any time, nor should a parent be overly vocal at a practice or game. See “Zero Tolerance Policy” for further clarification. The responsibility of the operation the MCJFL lies with the Board of Directors. Parents should never interfere with the operation of the MCJFL. Coaches, and coaches alone will decide the positions a child is to play, formations used, strategy and all judgments related to the particular team. The following avenue is available to the parents to present the Board of Directors, a problem or complaint of a serious nature:

The complaint or problem of a serious nature should first be directed to the area commissioner, if the issue remains unresolved, the complainant should follow up with a member of the Board of Directors in writing, describing the situation. The complaint/problem will be addressed by the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days and an appropriate response will be delivered to the complaining parent, coach, etc… If appropriate, all parties will be notified and invited to attend the discussion to obtain a resolution.

ARTICLE XII: ROLE OF THE COACH

Coaches are selected by the area commissioner each year. The names are brought to the Board of Directors for approval. Every coach is required to have on file with the League Secretary a background information form (currently called a coaches questionnaire). The first year is probationary. Coaches are responsible to the area commissioner, and in the absence or availability, another member of the Board of Directors. Coaches are to be the first at practice and the last to leave. They are responsible for understand the rules and regulations as well as following the mission of the MCJFL. Safety must always come first. Coaches must regularly inspect each player for the proper and properly fitting equipment. They must be current on safe drilling and playing practices. They are responsible for their own conduct on and off the field. Coaches are also responsible for obtaining any needed equipment for their players, including jersey, and returning them at the appointed time. Coaches are responsible for their teams at picture day, and at any League banquet or League approved function. Coaches are also responsible for educating and informing parents of rules, regulations, expected behaviors, games, pictures. Changes in practice or game schedules, and other team functions. Difficulties that arise with a parent coach or other Board Member should immediately be referred to the area commissioner. The coach must sign and agree to a code of conduct. Coaches must attend a minimum of one MCJFL clinic, and one mandatory area meeting each season.

Article XII Role of the Commissioner

Job description

As a member of the Board of Directors: To follow and support the Mission of the MCJFL and its Members. To attend and participate in the monthly MCJFL Board meetings. To work as a team with the other Commissioner to ensure safety and continued growth of the MCJFL.

As An Area Representative

To effectively communicate the mission of the MCJFL, as well as the goals to parents, businesses and coaches. To build a relationship with the parents, school, coaches and businesses. To support the Parents club. To maintain a stable financial base and secure sponsorships for their area.

As the Supervisor for the Coaches/Home Games

To ensure the safety of each child on each team. To recruit, train and retain coaches. To properly supervise coaches. To oversee the equipment needs of the children, coaches and referees for his area.

Duties included limited but not limited to:

Attend monthly MCJFL meetings. Communicate the results of these meetings to his area. Overseeing the Parents Club, Supervising the Head Coach & Assistant Coaches, including training, rules & regulations, disciplinary action, meetings and equipment needs. Approval of expenditures by the MCJFL. Approval of expenditures of his area. Providing written documentation of all money deposited or withdrawn from the area account to the MCJFL Board of Directors, upon reasonable request, but no less than each quarter. Assisting with registration and draft. Provide a day for pictures, and secure a photographer. Secure a safe practice area, ensuring that the Commissioner is the first to arrive and the last to leave every practice and every game, and that the area is maintained properly. Securing a place for home games and providing a concession stand. Securing and training of officials for his home games according to the MCJFL rules and regulations. Supervising weigh-ins, and introductions of visiting teams to home teams officials, field representative and medical personnel. Retaining qualified medical personnel at all practices and games for his area. Establishing a relationship with the local school and its coaches, when appropriate. Obtaining sponsorship for each team in his area. Providing an event at the end of the season to acknowledge the children, parents, coaches and sponsors. To establish and maintain a Parent Club and ensure each parent has an opportunity to participate. To resolve conflict with player, parents, coaches, businesses. To ensure safe equipment on each child in his area, as required, and to assist with handing it out and returning it.

Term

This is a one-year elected position. This position is a voting position on the Board of Directors. This position is accountable to the Board of Directors. In the event of conflict between the Board and the Commissioner or two Commissioners, it is to be resolved by the MCJFL President.

Contact the Webmaster GaryStrong@mcjfl.com

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