CFA Football League 2007 Constitution and Bylaws

CFA Football League Constitution & Bylaws

Article I - Name and Object.

Section 1 – Name.

a. The name of this organization shall be the CFA Football League (CFA).

b. The CFA was incorporated October 24, 1997.

Section 2 - Object

a. The object of this organization is to establish and maintain a program of supervised football for children through the development of the following fundamentals: sportsmanship, mental and physical health, character, and cultural and scholastic achievements.

Article II – Structure

Section 1 – Conference and Divisions

a. The CFA Football League shall be composed of two (2) Conferences, the American Conference and the National Conference.

b. There will be two (2) Divisions within each conference. Divisions 1 and 2 in the American Conference. Divisions 3 and 4 in the National Conference.

c. The conference and division structure will remain in-tact for two (2) years to maintain the home and away scheduling, and/or may be reorganized every year by the Commissioner or as deemed necessary by the Commissioner.

d. The procedure to select associations (teams) for each conference will be developed by the commissioner and provided to all CFA Associations.

e. Regular season games. Each association will play an eight (8) game, eight (8) week regular season schedule. This schedule will be developed by the Commissioner. An example would be that each association play six (6) games in their respective conference. Three (3) games in their division and three (3) games in the other division of the conference that they play in, and two (2) cross over games within the other conference divisions.

f. Eight (8) teams in each conference will make the playoffs.

g. Each conference will hold a super bowl championship game for their peewees, ponies and midget teams.

h. The playoff games and super bowl games schedule will be developed by the Commissioner.

i. Any conflicts will be resolved by the commissioner.

j. New teams may be added as deemed necessary by the commissioners and team reps. A majority vote is required for acceptance. Commissioner will coordinate this action with all Commissioners and Teams Reps.

k. New teams will be placed on a one (1) year probationary period. At the end of the first season, a vote will be taken by Team Reps to accept the team or teams. A majority vote is required for acceptance. If a team is not accepted, the Team Reps may vote to place the new team or teams on probation for an additional year.

l. Any team on probation is not eligible to vote on any changes or revisions to the bylaws. However, they are eligible to vote on daily business.

 

Section 2 - Governing Body.

a. The Governing Body of the CFA shall be composed of the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners and Team Representatives, who will be assisted by a non-voting officers, the

Secretary and the Treasurer. One representative from every CFA association shall compose Team Representatives.

b. Election of Officers.

1. COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner shall be elected at least once every three-(3) years. The election shall be held in March and the Commissioner shall assume office as of April 1st of the year in which elected. To be eligible to run for the Commissioner position the person must have been active in the program for at least three (3) years. May only vote to break ties and on protests and/or penalties.

2. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS. Assistant Commissioners shall be appointed by the Commissioner and shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner. Assistant Commissioner Appointments automatically expire when the appointing Commissioner leaves office. Provided however, Assistant Commissioners may be removed from office against the will of the Commissioner by an affirmative vote of at least two thirds of all member teams at a duly constituted meeting of the Association. Assistant Commissioners may only vote on protests and/or penalties.

3. SECRETARY. The Secretary, a non-voting position, shall be appointed by the Commissioner and shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner.

4. TREASURER. The Treasurer, a non-voting position, shall be appointed by the Commissioner and shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner.

c. The terms of this amendment shall become effective upon the resignation of the current Assistant Commissioners or by the expiration of their elected terms, whichever event occurs sooner.

Section 3 - Finances

a. Each home team will pay for PIAA Football Officials during regular season games.

b. CFA League dues will be $500 per year per organization, payable on or about August 1st of each season. In the event dues are not paid by roster night, then said association will forfeit all games until dues are paid. The games must be played, however.

c. Gate receipts for Semi-final Playoffs and the Super Bowl go to the CFA.

d. Teams will receive a statement at each monthly meeting outlining receipts and expenses incurred.

e. New Projects. Funds to pay for new projects such as All Stars, post season games and other will be voted on by each association when the new project or projects are up for CFA approval.

Section 4 – Trophies

a. A trophy shall be presented to the Division Peewee, Pony and Midget Team Champs and to the Super Bowl Winner and Runner-up in both the American Conference and National Conference.

b. Gold medallions will be presented to the Super Bowl Peewee, Pony and Midget winners. Silver medallions to the runner-up.

c. The game ball will be presented to the Super Bowl winners.

Section 5 – Team – Commissioners Representation.

a. CFA meetings are held the 2nd Monday of every month. All team reps must contact league commissioner that they will attend the meeting or name the replacement rep attending.

b. Commissioners and/or Team Reps must attend all CFA Regular Meetings, Bylaws Meetings and any other Special Meetings called by the Commissioner. A CFA Association that is not represented at any of these meetings will be fined $50.00. This is an automatic fine. However, the fine may be waived by the commissioners if an appropriate excuse explaining the reason for non attendance by the association is submitted, by e-mail to the commissioners, and an excuse is given by the commissioners.

c. All commissioners are required to attend all CFA meetings.

Article III - Revision of Bylaws.

Section 1 – Amendments.

a. The Bylaws may be revised or amended by a 2/3 vote of the eligible members present and voting at the designated bylaws meeting for the upcoming season.

Section 2 - Submission of Amendments.

a. No revision or amendments may be considered unless the same has been submitted in written form to the Commissioner by one month prior to the designated bylaws meeting for the upcoming season.

b. The proposed revisions or amendments shall then be mailed to each Team Rep.

Section 3 – Effectiveness.

a. The changes of amendments shall go into effect immediately upon adoption by the Governing Body and Team Representatives.

Section 4 - Bylaws Committee.

a. The Bylaws committee will be composed of at least one (1) Team Representative from each association, and an Assistant Commissioner. The commissioner will appoint a spokesperson that will chair all Bylaws meetings, normally scheduled in February.

b. Bylaw changes recommended by the Bylaws committee during their meeting will require a 50% vote of the members present. All committee actions will be coordinated with the Commissioner.

Section 5 – Member Team Bylaws.

a. Each member team is permitted to have its own governing body and organizational structure in addition to the league by-laws. To the extent a member team adopts its own by-laws, said by-laws may not override or conflict the league by-laws. Questions regarding conflicts are to be resolved by vote of the members of the association.

Article IV - League Play.

Section 1 – Games.

a. All league games shall be played according to PIAA football rules:

1. Length of quarters as specified herein for each class of team.

2. Point after touchdown: Two (2) points for a successful kick, One (1) point for a successful run or pass.

3. Recommended time for starting games:

Sunday Games: Peewee Game 1:00 P.M., Pony Game 2:30 P.M., Midget Game 4:00 P.M.

Saturday Games: Peewee Game 4:00 P.M., Pony Game 5:30 P.M., Midget Game 7:00 P.M.

No games shall start after 9:30 PM.

Section 2 - Scoring System – Standings.

a. Two (2) points for a win or forfeit.

b. One (1) point for a tie.

c. All league games will count in the standings.

Section 3 – Ties.

In case of a tie at the end of regulation season play these guidelines will be used to determine division winners and playoff seeding tie breakers:

1. Tie Breakers.

(a). Two (2) teams.

1st-Head to Head. The winner of the game played between the teams in question during regular scheduled play.

2nd-Winning Percentage. Ties will be used in the calculation by taking the average between a win and loss. A team with one (1) tie will be calculated as follows: Team A finishes 6-1-1; the winning percentage is the average between 7-1 and 6-2, which is .813. A team with two (2) ties will be calculated as follows: Team A finishes 5-1-2; the winning percentage is the average between 7-1 and 5-3, which is .750.

3rd – Winning Percentage vs. Common Opponents (Use current winning percentage calculation)

4th - Strength of Victory. Overall points of teams defeated

5th-Strength of schedule. Overall points of teams played.

6th-Coin Toss.

(b). Three (3) or more teams.

1st-Head to Head. The winner over both teams.

2nd-3rd-4th-5th-6th, same as 1(a) excluding 1st-Head to Head.

b. As higher teams are placed the remaining teams revert back to first tiebreaker.

 

Section 4 – Officials.

a. All officials used in league games shall be PIAA approved football officials.

b. Game officials shall allow 10 minutes between games for sufficient warm up and exercise.

c. Full minute time outs at the change of quarters so coach can confer with the team captain.

d. First Round Playoffs require four (4) PIAA officials to be paid by the Host Team.

e. Super Bowl & Semi-final Games require five (5) PIAA officials to be paid by the CFA.

f. Any official affiliated with a team or player in the CFA may not officiate a game when that team or player is participating.

Section 6 - Number of Games.

a. League scheduled games and playoffs shall take precedence over non-league games.

Section 7 - Play-off Games - Super Bowl Games.

a. Commissioner shall determine play-off sites, and approve all post-season games.

b. Each organization is required to supply one person to work (i.e. collect at gate, sell 50/50, etc.) for the CFA at all post season games.

c. All associations must have a team representative to assist at the Super Bowls or pay $100 fine. Commissioners will coordinate Super Bowl tasks and duties.

Section 8 - Night Games.

a. No game shall be permitted to start after 9:30 P.M.

Section 9 - Cancellation of Games.

a. Only severe weather conditions may cause the cancellation of a scheduled game. Cancellation to be made only after consultation and mutual agreement by the Directors of the two teams involved. The Commissioner must be notified and will resolve any disagreements.

b. When a game is canceled by mutual agreement a new date and time should be set and the Commissioner shall be notified. If the game is cancelled on Saturday, it must be played on the following day, Sunday. If the game is cancelled on Sunday, it must be played on the following day, Monday. The Commissioner will resolve any disagreements.

c. Any team canceling a game must notify the opposing team 2 hours prior to the time specified by the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of PIAA officials, normally by 10:00 A.M. of game day.

d. Those teams not complying with the above will be required to pay the officials for the game or games involved.

e. A contingency plan for Monday Night Game Sites will be developed by the Commissioner.

Section 10 - Playoff Site Requirements.

a. Any team wishing to host a post-season game must submit a request in written form. The request is to be given to the Commissioners Office prior to September 15th.

b. Site selection for post-season games will be announced at the October meeting.

c. To host a semi-final or super bowl game, the following requirements must be met for a bid to be considered: operable score board clock, lighted playing field, adequate seating for both home and away fans.

d. If locker room facilities are only available for one (1) team, then locker room facilities cannot be used by either team.

e. A team hosting playoff games will be permitted to maintain home side integrity i.e. their teams and fans will be permitted to sit on the home side of the field.

Article V - Coaching Eligibility.

Section 1 - Coaching Requirements.

a. All new coaches within their first two (2) years in the CFA must meet one of numbers 1 and 2 and must meet number 3 in their first year to be approved as a registered CFA Coach:

1. Attend a CFA approved clinic.

2. Be certified by NYSCA.

3. Have a background check (Each CFA Team will be Responsible).

b. Background Check.

1. Effective for the start of the 2003 season. All persons affiliated with a member program shall submit to an Act 34 criminal record and an Act 151 child abuse history checks. The costs associated with completing the checks will be born by member program. The criminal record check will be completed by submitting form SP4-164 to the Pennsylvania State Police. The child abuse history check will be completed by submitting form CY 113 to the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare. Any individual added to the staff of a member program must submit to the above tests before being allowed to participate, whether during an existing season or any new season hereafter.

2. The results of the checks will be maintained by the member program. Each member program will submit a Certificate of Compliance to the Commissioner when all checks are completed listing all eligible individuals.

3. It will be the responsibility of the member team to terminate an existing staff member or deny a position to an applicant based on the results of the tests. It is suggested that no individual be accepted to a program who has been convicted of a felony, a crime against a child, violent crime, domestic violence, or alcohol/drug offense.

As long as the person checked remains on the staff of the same member team, a new series of checks need not be completed unless the member team has reason to believe there has been a change of circumstances. All individuals checked have an affirmative duty to report any change in circumstance to his/her member team.

Section 2 – PIAA Rules Update.

a. The head midget, pony and peewee coach and/or his designated approved assistant and all new coaches must attend the annual PIAA rules update meeting conducted by the PIAA each year for the CFA or attend an approved PIAA event.

b. Violation of this rule will result in a $25 fine for each level (midget, pony or peewee) team coach absent.

Article VI – Scheduling.

Section 1 – Schedule.

a. All league games will be scheduled and distributed to each Team Representative 4 months prior to the first league game, if possible.

b. The CFA schedule will be set up and finalized by the Commissioner only.

c. The Commissioner is authorized to set time and place for all playoff and rescheduled games.

d. Where possible, all non-divisional games should be played at the beginning of the schedule.

e. The Commissioner shall use the following criteria for post-season games:

1. Consider all team written requests to host games.

2. Use alternate division/alternate conference basis for placing games.

3. Assure site conditions conducive to good gate collection.

Section 2 - Length of Season.

a. Practice may begin on Monday, the week of August 1st. Summer camps must be open to all CFA associations and/or to its players and must be approved by the league commissioners.

c. All playoff games shall be completed no later than the third Sunday in November, unless cancellations were caused by an Act of God.

Article VII – Players.

Section 1 – Eligibility.

a. Players to be eligible to compete in the CFA Football League must meet the requirements set forth below. The team registration "Roster Book" containing the completed player’s registration form, birth certificate, physician’s affidavit of physical examination and parent or guardian’s consent authorization must be turned into the commissioner’s office on Roster Night. This will be normally be the 3rd Monday in August, 6 or 7 days prior to the first regular season game. The team player roster for Smurf, Peewee, Pony and Midget players will be completed by each organization, in Microsoft Excel Format, and submitted to the commissioner by e-mail as soon as possible and at least one week prior to roster night. Each team will provide the commissioner with contact info on the person that will be responsible to develop the files. It is CFA league policy that no player is allowed to practice and/or compete in the CFA without these documents. Only the players listed in the submitted team roster book on roster night with all of the above mentioned documents included will be eligible to play. Late registration will be accomplished as set forth below.

1. Be between the ages of 5 and 13 years. The age shall be determined on April 30th. If a player is 13 on April 30th, the player is eligible. If a player is 14 on April 30th, the player is ineligible. Proof of date of birth shall be determined by birth certificate presented at the time of registration. Any other form of proof must be submitted to the Governing Body for certification.

2. Each CFA team will keep a copy of the Player Registration Form and submit a duplicate copy to the League Office, Commissioner and/or Secretary for review and entry into the CFA data roster system, for approval or rejection during the official Team Registration and Team Player Roster meeting.

3. A new CFA Registration Form will be submitted to the League Office each year that the player competes in the CFA Football League. The CFA Representative upon initial submission of the CFA Player Registration Form must only certify proof of date of birth. That is the players first year in the CFA Football League. CFA Governing Board approval and/or rejection will be indicated on the form each year.

b. Any team found using an ineligible player should forfeit all games in which said player has participated.

c. Parental Consent:

1. Each player must have the written consent of parent or guardian.

2. Consent affidavit, parent or guardian’s authorization (signature), authorization for medical care and physician’s affidavit must be completed and/or renewed each year.

d. Physical Examination: Each player must present a physical examination report for the current season from a physician on or before the first day of practice. Players without physicals will not be allowed to practice or play in scrimmages or games.

e. Registration:

1. Team registration shall take place prior to the opening game of the league schedule.

2. Late registration of individual players may be permitted if good cause is shown.

3. Under no circumstances will registration of players be permitted later than the second league game.

4. All requests for player exceptions will be requested by email or letter to the commissioner with the reasons for the exception. This will be reviewed by the commissioner and assistant commissioners and be acted upon. The commissioners’ decision will be final.

5. Any team that registers less than 24 players at player registration night may add additional players, not replacement players, up to a team size of 24. These additional players will not be eligible to participate in a league game until the second game following the player’s date of registration in the CFA. Teams registering 24 or more players may add additional players, but they will not be able to participate until the fourth game following their league registration. In case of extreme hardship, the commissioner may grant a waiver, on a case-by-case basis.

6. All CFA teams are required to submit their registrations to the league office 1 week prior to roster night.

7. Player Registration. Provide for procedure for submission player registration form to commissioner. Identify contact for each association. All rosters (all levels) must come from the same individual. All rosters should be completed and submitted to the commissioner prior to the Monday before opening weekend.

f. Financial Eligibility: To be eligible for registration, all dues must be paid.

g. Players in question may be checked through the Bureau of Vital Statistics with parent’s permission. Failure to comply, player will be immediately removed from the roster until the matter is resolved.

h. Authorized officer of the association must verify and sign their respective roster.

i. Player must participate in the authorized CFA program school district, and/or parish area, where he lives or attends school. The Commissioner will develop and keep on file team boundaries with each association. The Commissioner will resolve boundary questions. Players who move after their first year of competition or at any time during their eligibility have the option to remain in their original program without a waiver. If a player attends a parish and/or parish school that does not have a team participating in the CFA, the player may opt to play for a parish team that does participate in the CFA regardless of boundaries.

1. No player would be eligible to play outside the designated boundaries without the approval of the league Commissioner and the written approval from the team in whose area he resides. This will become open information by adding a column on the CFA roster form indicating any players that a team rosters beyond said teams’ boundaries.

2. Open area (free players). Open area players are defined as players not living in any association area, school districts or parish areas covered by CFA Team Boundaries. CFA teams that need additional players to fill a team may use these areas. Normally at the midget level. It is not to be abused.

3. Players in open areas may play with any CFA team they choose, however a waiver must be obtained from the team they had previously played on. They are considered "Free Players" with no team affiliation.

4. Any questions as to eligibility will be resolved by the Commissioner, and will be coordinated with the Assistant commissioners.

j. No team is permitted to actively recruit a player(s) to switch team affiliations.

k. Player(s) added to your roster after they were cut from another CFA team may play whenever the new association that signed them up decides to play them provided the player(s) had a physical and birth certificate completed during registration by the team that cut them. The "2 week" rule would not apply after rosters are closed.

l. Once a player initiates participation with a designated team in a particular season, the player may not leave that team to play for another team in the CFA during that same season. The participation date will be roster night.

m. Commissioners will publish all CFA teams’ boundaries.

Section 2 - Size of Squad.

a. It is recommended that each team must register at least 18 players unless the Commissioner grants waiver of this.

b. Each association sets its’ own maximum players per level.

c. Lower level players may be moved up to meet the recommended number of 18 players.

d. All lower level players must appear on lower level roster and their normal level must be noted on upper level roster.

Section 3 - Player Agreement

a. Each player shall sign a player agreement with his respective team.

Section 4 - Player Personal Equipment

a. Full safety equipment is mandatory for each team participant.

b. It is the individual team responsibility to provide or ensure the team participant has the following minimum safety equipment:

1. NOCSAE approved helmet and face guard.

2. Playing Jersey and Shoulder pads.

3. Football pants with belt or waistband and proper fitting knee and thigh pads.

4. Football girdles or belts pads with proper fitting hip and tail pads.

5. Football shoes with rubber/plastic cleats or tennis shoes.

6. Mouthpiece. Mouthpieces must be attached to the face mask at all times and cannot be clear/white. All mouthpieces must be colored.

7. Visible exterior warning label for all helmets.

8. All chinstraps are required to have plastic snaps.

Section 5 - Game Equipment.

a. The regulation game balls shall be as follows:

Pee Wee - Wilson K2" - "Pony - Wilson TDJ" - "Midget - Wilson TDY"

b. No two or more players on the same team may wear the same numbered jersey in the same game.

c. Team’s helmets, jerseys, and pants should be closely associated in color and style as to easily enable team recognition.

d. Each team must supply jersey colors, both home (dark) and away (light) prior to the start of the season to the Governing Body, in return, the Governing Body will supply each team with this list.

Section 6 - Players Disqualification

a. Any individual who appears on the official team roster of an officially recognized scholastic football team during the current season shall be ineligible to become a team member and participate in CFA league play.

b. The commissioner will resolve any questions as to eligibility.

Article VIII - Level of Competition.

Section 1 - Midget Level.

a. Between the ages of 7 and 13 years old on April 30.

b. Official Weight. Player must weigh 148 pounds or less.

c. The time period for playing game quarters or periods shall be 8 minutes.

d. Games must be played with at least 3 PIAA Officials for each game.

e. Any player whose name appears on the Midget roster as an officially recognized Midget player at the time of the first regularly scheduled league game may not play at a lower level during the regular season, unless otherwise authorized by the Governing Body.

f. A trophy shall be presented to the 4 winning teams of their divisions as well as the league and Super Bowl champions.

Section 2 - Pony Level.

a. Between the ages of 7 and 11 years old on April 30.

b. Official weight: Player must weigh 120 pounds or less.

c. The time period for playing game quarters or periods shall be 8 minutes.

d. Games must be played with at least 3 PIAA officials for each league game.

e. Any player who’s name appears on the Pony roster as an officially recognized Pony player at the time of the first regularly scheduled league game may not play at a lower level during the regular scheduled season. A Pony player because of weight or other considerations may move up to the Midget team.

f. A trophy shall be presented to the 4 winning teams of their divisions as well as league and Super Bowl champions.

Section 3 - Peewee Level.

a. Between the ages of 5 and 9 years old on April 30.

b. Official weight: Player must weigh 96 pounds or less.

c. The time period for playing game quarters or periods shall be 8 Minutes.

d. Games must be played with at least 3 PIAA Officials for each league game.

e. The Peewee player may advance to a higher level.

f. The length of the field shall be 100 yards. Penalties will be according to PIAA rules.

g. A trophy shall be presented to the 4 winning teams of their divisions as well as league and Super Bowl champions.

Section 3a – Smurf Level.

a. Between the ages of 5 and 8 years old on April 30. Recommended starting age is 6 years old. 5 year olds may be added based on team policy.

b. Official weight: Player must weigh 75 pounds or less. Weigh in 90 minutes prior to start of the Peewee game. This will also be an early weigh in for other levels.

c. The time period for playing game quarters or periods shall be: Two (2) twenty (20) minute halves or as adjusted by the coaches prior to the game.

d. No more than two (2) coaches per team, plus officials, on the field during play.

e. A separate roster will be developed for Smurfs. A Smurf player may advance to a higher level.

f. The length of the field shall be 80 yards. Eliminate 15-yard penalties. Change all 15-yard penalties to 10 yards.

g. Score keeping and standings for this level are not allowed.

h. Trophies will not be awarded for this level of play.

i. Both teams must appoint one official for the entire game; the appointed coach may not be a Smurf coach.

j. Smurf defenses must be a 5-man front or less and blitzing is not permitted.

k. Any smurf official must be at least 18 years of age.

Section 4 - Weigh Master Guidelines.

a. Certified check weights: Each team may use a set of certified weights to balance scales prior to weigh in.

b. Peewee balance at 75 pounds, Pony balance at 100 pounds, Midget balance at 125 pounds.

c. The individual teams shall have an appointed weigh master (and may have an assistant) who must be recognized by each team prior to weigh in time for each game.

d. Weigh master must exclude any player from game participation if that player exceeds the weight requirements specified for that level of play.

e. Scales used for weigh in must be certified each year from a weights and measurements firm with a current sticker attached. They shall be balanced beam or digital type scales.

f. Both team weigh masters must agree on all points prior to weigh in and cannot disagree or protest weigh in once started unless a violation of rules is evident.

g. Each team will provide to the league office during team registration and player roster meeting the name of its official weigh master. No coach may be a weigh master for the level of players coached.

h. Only one team at a time maybe present at the weigh in area. Visiting teams weigh in first.

i. No jerseys or pants made of plastic including garbage bags permitted to be worn by any player at anytime to help in weight loss while under respective CFA Teams’ care i.e. practice/games.

Section 5 - Weight In Times.

a. Weigh in times for all games follows.

1. Smurf – 90 minutes prior to start of Peewee game.

2. Peewee – 30 minutes before game time.

3. Pony – halftime of Peewee game.

4. Midget – halftime of Pony game.

b. Borderline weight Midget, Pony and/or Peewee players may be weighed by each team weigh master any official weigh in time.

c. Following weigh in, coaches are permitted to assemble their teams to prepare for the upcoming game in an area close by the playing field. In doing so, it is not permitted for any player to change the personal equipment used for weigh in.

d. Weigh in must be accomplished prior to the start of the game being played. In case of inclement weather or incidents beyond control, the time may be changed by mutual agreement of both weigh masters of each team.

e. When a team completes an official weigh-in and the game is cancelled by the officials due to unplayable conditions, all players that were weighed-in for that specific game, that weigh-in will carry over to the following day. No weigh-in is required.

Article IX - Medical Care.

a. Each home team must have one of the following present during a game:

An Ambulance, and/or a Doctor, Registered EMT, Paramedic or Nurse.

b. If an athlete is injured and requires the use of an ambulance, it will be the financial responsibility of the parent team only if the athlete is not covered by private insurance policy or insurance from his parents or guardians employer.

c. If none of the required medical staff is present at a given game, the game cannot continue.

Article X - Protest and Penalties.

Section 1 - Basis for Protest and/or Penalties.

a. Team showing up thirty (30) minutes later than scheduled starting time without notifying their opponents (with the exception of an Act of God). Penalty shall be a forfeit.

b. Use of ineligible player or players at any time. Penalty shall be the forfeit of all games in which the players are or were involved.

c. Unsportsmanlike conduct by individuals, spectators, teams or coaches.

d. Team personnel (players, coaches, trainers, assistants, board members, and league representatives) who engage in acts of serious misconduct or who may cause fighting among themselves, opponents, or spectators before, during or after a game, or who may threaten, push, verbally abuse through the use of profanity or otherwise abuse officials or league staff will be subject to discipline by the Officers of the Association. The nature and severity of such discipline shall be in the absolute discretion of the Officers whose decision shall be final and binding on team personnel. Discipline may include suspension, permanent or temporary disqualification from league-sponsored contests, reprimands and fines. In reaching a decision about discipline the Officers shall consider the nature and severity of the misconduct and the prior record of the personnel involved in the incident. However, the Officers shall have the absolute discretion to determine if discipline shall be imposed and the amount and type of such discipline. The decision of the Officers in disciplinary matters shall be final and binding and shall not be subject to appeal or challenge in the courts. Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the Governing Body who takes any action in court involving or arising out of disciplinary action imposed by the Officers shall immediately and automatically become ineligible to participate in league sponsored contests for the balance of the calendar year in which such judicial action is filed and for the subsequent calendar year, unless the Officers agree to waive such disqualification.

e. A team whose fans physically assault, verbally abuse through the use of profanity or otherwise abuse officials, players, league staff or abuse players, coaches, other fans and/or officials will be subject to discipline by the Officers. Each team is responsible for the behavior of its fans and fan misconduct will not be tolerated by the league. Fan misconduct may result in the, fine, suspension, disqualification and or probation of the offending team based upon the judgment of the Officers.

f. Coaches who remove their team from the field before the game is completed shall forfeit that game and shall be suspended for the period of one year.

g. A designated representative of each team should introduce himself to the officials before each game and obtain their names. Coaches are then asked to grade those officials as bad, fair, or good and why. Such reports should be submitted in writing at the meeting during the season. In accordance with this rule, we are asking that the league instruct the official’s chapter to have their men file a report on all bench penalties, verbal abuse, threats, or other unsportsmanlike conduct to our league office. Repeated violations shall be brought to the attention of the Officers for action merited by the severity of the incidents.

h. It is the duty of coaches to teach sportsmanship to their players. We ask that this be stressed in practice and in games. No coach shall prevent his players from shaking hands with the other team. This practice should be encouraged by coaches and should occur as a regular matter of natural course.

i. Field insufficiently or improperly lined as determined by PIAA officials.

j. Changing or replacing equipment after weigh in without approval of opposing team.

k. In cases involving an ejection of a player or coach, a Team Rep from both teams playing must report the incident within eight (8) hours to the Commissioner and/or Assistant Commissioners.

l. During the course of a given season, any player or coach that gets ejected from a game automatically must serve a one (1) game suspension.

m. During the course of a given season, any player or coach that gets ejected a second time from a game automatically will be suspended for the balance of the season.

n. Any player or coach who is ejected during the said organization’s last game of the season and has eligibility for the next season must serve their suspension. If the last game was the 2nd ejection it is up to the Commissioners to determine if the player or coach will be suspended for the following season.

1-A – Bench Flags

a. All bench flags must be reported to the Commissioner within 48 hours. If known, the name of the coach who the received the bench flag and the official’s name who threw the flag should accompany the report.

Section 2 - Procedure for Filing Protest.

a. A statement of facts shall be called in to the Commissioner on the day the incident occurred and be submitted to the Commissioner in written form within 24 hours after the incident causing the protest.

b. All protests must be accepted. They will then be acted upon accordingly. The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners will review and discuss the incident and if needed call an emergency league meeting. Their decision will be final.

Article XI – Duties of Officers and Team Representatives.

Section 1 – Commissioner.

It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to preside at all meetings of the CFA and maintain order therein. He shall take a vote on all motions after they have been properly made and seconded and decide the question when the vote is a tie. He shall appoint all committees not otherwise provided for and perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Bylaws. He shall require such reports, in addition to those prescribed by the Bylaws as may be deemed necessary to the proper supervision of CFA activities. See that the Bylaws are enforced, and see that harmony is preserved throughout the CFA.

Section 2 – Assistant Commissioner.

It shall be the duty of the Assistant Commissioners to preside at the meetings in the absence of the Commissioner and perform all the duties of the Commissioner.

Section 3 – Team Representatives.

It shall be the duty of the Team Representatives to meet as a Governing Board with the CFA Officers at least once a month. Its proceedings shall be recorded. The minutes shall be signed by the Commissioner and shall be read at every regular meeting. Its proceedings shall become records of the CFA. All actions of the Team Representatives shall be governed by a majority vote of the CFA. The Team Representatives shall perform such other duties, as may be required of them by the Bylaws.

Section 4 – Treasurer.

It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all monies and dues of the CFA giving receipt for same, approve and pay all obligations of the CFA in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws. He shall maintain an accurate accounting system and immediately notify the Officers and Team Representatives when the accounts are not in balance. He shall keep a just and true account of all monies paid out, make a full report of finances and present same to the CFA at any time the Commissioner may direct. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Bylaws. He shall at the expiration of his term, deliver to his successor all books, papers, and monies in his possession belonging to the CFA.

Section 5 – Secretary.

He shall keep a true record of the proceedings of the CFA, in a book provided for that purpose, subject at all times to the inspection of the Officers and Team Representatives. He shall attend all meetings of the CFA with the requisite books and papers at the time prescribed. He shall keep a direct list of all Officers and Team Representatives and perform such other duties pertinent to his office as the Commissioner may from time to time designate. He shall perform such duties as may be required of him by the Bylaws. He shall at the expiration of his term of office deliver to his successor all books, papers, and other property in his possession belonging to the CFA.

Article XII – CFA Scholastic All American Team.

The CFA will name a Scholastic All American Team for each football season. The CFA will reward players who have excelled not only on the football field, but also in the classroom. These players will be given a CFA Scholastic All American Award Certificate signed by the Commissioner and their names will be placed on the CFA Football League Web Site.

Roster players must have been enrolled in a public or private school that does grade reporting on a 4 quarter marking period of which the marking period ends before the deadline date set forth by the CFA. Players who attend a qualified school whose marking period ends after the CFA deadline date may submit a special request to the CFA Commissioner for consideration after their respective grading period ends.

Players must be on their schools "Honor Roll" or Distinguished Honor Roll". Only players who are in 6th, 7th 8th or 9th grades are eligible.

Players who attend schools that do not name an Honor Roll or Distinguished Honor Roll must have maintained a "B" or "80%" average in all classes reported and not less than a "B" in any major subject and no more than 1 subject grade no less than a "C".

CFA associations must submit a photocopy of each candidate’s 1st marking period report card and a complete list of all their teams candidates no later that the 24th of November of each reporting season for consideration.

CFA associations will receive their player’s certificates only after the CFA Commissioner has received their player’s report cards. Please do not submit originals of report cards.

CFA associations may e-mail their list of candidates to the CFA Commissioner prior to submitting their report cards to speed up the certificate process. However, no association will receive their team’s certificates until they have submitted their candidate’s report cards.

Article XIII – CFA Midget All-Star Selection

Midget All-Star Selection will be developed by the Midget All-Star Coordinators and presented to the league reps prior to the start of the regular season. The format will be shown on our web site.

Article XIV - CFA JV League

The CFA JV League will adopt and utilize Article VIII Level of Competition Rules as our standard for the CFA JV League.