
CFA Football League Constitution
& Bylaws
Revised - April 12, 2010
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 - Divisions and Super Bowl Playoffs.
a.
The CFA Football League shall be comprised of four (4) divisions.
b.
Division #1, AAAA, Gold; Division #2, AAA, Blue; Division #3, AA, White; and
Division #4, A, Red.
c.
The 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 as deemed necessary by the Commissioner.
d. The criteria to select Associations (Teams) for each division will be
developed by the Commissioner and presented to the CFA member organizations.
e. Each CFA Association (Teams) will play an eight (8) game regular season
schedule developed by the Commissioner.
f. At the end of the eight (8) game regular season schedule, all Association
(Teams) will be ranked according to the criteria set up by the Commissioner.
The top fourteen (14) Peewee, Pony and Midget Teams will be eligible for the
American and National Super Bowl Championship Playoff Games.
g. The top six (6) Peewee, Pony and Midget Teams will play for the American
Super Bowl Championship Games and the remaining eight (8) Peewee, Pony and
Midget Teams will play for the National Super Bowl Championship Games.
h. The Playoffs, and Super Bowl Championship 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, plus $20 per
year for PIAA assignor fee, 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 the Super Bowl go to the CFA.
d. Gate receipts for the Semi-Final Playoffs goes to host site. The host
site makes a reasonable contribution to CFA.
e. Teams will receive a statement at each monthly meeting outlining
receipts and expenses incurred.
f. 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. All proposed revisions/amendments shall be
reviewed by the commissioner prior to the final vote required by Art. III,
Section 1 (a). If the Commissioner has questions regarding the appropriateness
of the proposed revision/amendment, he will circulate them to all team
representatives. The revision/amendment will be removed from the ballot until
such time as the commissioners concerns are discussed at the next scheduled
league meeting. Once discussed, the revision/amendment will be voted on as set
forth in these bylaws.
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.
4. If,
at the end of regulation play, a regular season game ends in a tie, the teams
will play no more than two overtime series pursuant to PIAA rules in an effort
to have a winner of the game.
Section 2 - Scoring System - Standings.
a. Win Points Awarded.
Division #1 - AAA = 4
Division #2 - AAA = 3
Division #3 - AA = 2
Division #4 - A = 1
b. Tie Points Awarded (1/2 the value of Win Points.
Division #1 - AAA = 2
Division #2 - AAA = 1.5
Division #3 - AA = 1
Division #4 - A = 0.5
c. Bonus Points Added for being a Regular Season
Division Champion = 2 Points.
d.
All league games will count in the standings.
Section 3 - Ties.
a. 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.
b.
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 -
Strength of Victory. Overall points of teams defeated.
3rd-Strength of schedule. Overall points of teams played.
4th-Overall Won/Loss Record.
5th-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.
6th –
Winning Percentage vs. Common Opponents (Use current winning percentage
calculation).
7th-Coin Toss.
(b).
Three (3) or more teams.
1st-Head to Head. The winner over both teams.
2nd-3rd-4th-5th-6th, 7th, 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 Games require five (5) PIAA officials to be paid by the CFA. The
Super Bowl also will include three (3) PIAA officials for the chain crew.
f.
The Semi-Final Games require five (5) PIAA officials to be paid by the host
site. The host site will provide the chain crew.
g.
Any official affiliated with a team or player in the CFA may not officiate a
game when that team or player is participating.
Section 5 – None.
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. At
least one coach from each CFA
association 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 CFA association not in
attendance.
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 and/or
spring and summer 7 on 7 camps/clinics/tournaments must be open to all CFA
associations and/or to its players and must be approved by the league
commissioners.
b.
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. All CFA Associations must prepare a team
registration roster book each season containing the player’s registration form,
birth certificate, physician’s affidavit of physical examination, parent or
guardian’s consent authorization and a computerized list of players by squad
(Smurf, Peewee, Pony and Midget) with the player’s jersey number included. The
roster book will submitted to the CFA on the official roster night, normally the
3rd Monday in August, 6 or
7 days prior to the first regular season game. Each team will provide the
commissioner with contact info on the person that will be responsible to develop
and update the roster book. 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. Failure to comply with
the above could result in forfeit of game. Late registration will be
accomplished as set forth below. Note, any changes to player’s jersey numbers
must be provided to the commissioner’s office 4 days prior to the team’s next
game so that the CFA Web Site could be updated. The CFA Web Site will contain
the official player rosters for each association. It is the responsibility of
each association to review and provide web site updates to the commissioner as
required. Web site player roster conflicts will be resolved by the commissioner.
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.
4.
Territories:
a. All teams will be limited to players drawn from specific
territories. Each CFA Association will provide their specific territory to the
CFA Commissioner. All areas not specifically designated as team territories
will be classified as either Free Zones and/or Buffer Zones. Free Zones (open
areas) are areas outside of territories claimed by any CFA team and are open
territory to any CFA Team. Buffer Zones are areas where two or more CFA teams
can solicit equally. Buffer Zones and teams involved must be specifically
designated and provided to the CFA Commissioner.
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. Requests for all player waivers must be communicated by
the commissioner as soon as possible to all team reps via CFA meeting or email.
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. Any team in the CFA may dispute eligibility by providing a
written complaint to the commissioners. The complaint shall be place on the
agenda and discussed at the next CFA meeting/Special meeting. If a team is
found using an ineligible player they shall forfeit all games in which said
player has participated.
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. Metal tipped cleats
are prohibited.
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.
c.
Players playing with a cast. The requirements for players who are playing with a
cast are as follows: The cast must be covered with at least ½ inch high density
closed-cell polyurethane (or something similar). The player must have a doctor’s
note (or a copy of the doctor’s note) to be handed to the official at each game
to keep. This is in accordance with PIAA rules.
Section 5 - Game Equipment.
a.
The regulation game balls shall be as follows and may be either leather or
composite:
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 VII - 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 155 or 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 125 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 100 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 7 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. Teams that use a digital scale note that the weight is
always rounded down, I.E. 96.9 means 96 at weigh in, etc.
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 - Weigh 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.
1. Early weigh-ins for borderline weight players. Each team must have a
self ink stamp with PERMANENT ink to hand stamp ALL early borderline weight
players who qualify to play in that game at an early weigh in. If a borderline
weight player does not have their hand stamped, they have not qualified to play.
All borderline weight players must weigh-in with their team at the regularly
scheduled 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.
d.
A
courtesy call should be placed to the visiting team at least 2 weeks in
advance if no ambulance is planning to be present so that the visiting team can
attempt to schedule and provide, at their cost, an ambulance and crew, if so
desired.
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. The suspension will
occur the following weekend and the suspended player or coach forfeits their
right to have any contact with their team that weekend (I.E. no pre-game or
sideline interaction, etc.).
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.
Section 1a - Bench Flags.
a.
All bench flags
that result in an ejection 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 Commissioners.
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 written report of finances and present same to
the CFA once per month or 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 or She
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 or she shall attend all meetings of the CFA with the requisite
books and papers at the time prescribed. He or she 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 or she shall perform
such duties as may be required of him by the Bylaws. He or she shall at the expiration
of his term of office deliver to his successor all books, papers, and other
property in his or her 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 5th, 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.
Section 2 - CFA Cheerleader Scholastic Awards.
CFA
Football League
2008 Scholastic All-American Cheerleading Team Information.
We
will reward
those league member cheerleaders who have excelled in not only as a cheerleader,
but also in the classroom. They should be named to a Scholastic All-American
Cheerleading team of which all member teams may submit candidates for
recognition.
The
process of
implementation should be in the simplest of forms and follow the same guidelines
as the Football Scholastic All-American. All cheerleaders that meet the minimum
requirements for consideration will be named to the team and will receive a
special CFA Football League certificate for recognition of their achievement.
The minimum requirements for this honor will be as follows:
Only
members who
were active rosters for a CFA Football League member team for the 2008 football
season are eligible.
Roster
cheerleaders
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.
Cheerleaders
who
attend a qualified school whose marking period ends after the deadline may
submit a special request to the CFA Football League for consideration after
their respective grading period ends.
Only
cheerleaders,
who are in 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th
grades are eligible.
Cheerleaders
must
have met the requirements of their respective school for selection to their
respective schools Honor Roll or Distinguished Honor Rolls.
Cheerleaders
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 no less than a
"B" in any major subject and no more than 1 subject grade no less than a "C".
Basically the Cheerleaders must have all "A’s" and "B’s" in all major subjects
and can have one grade that is a "C" as long as it is not a major subject.
Coaches
or a team
rep must submit a photocopy of each candidate’s 1st marking period
report card and a complete list of all their teams’ candidates no later than the
deadline date set forth by the CFA for consideration.
Teams
will receive
their cheerleader’s certificates only after the CFA Commissioner has received
their cheerleader’s report cards. Do not submit originals of report cards.
Teams
may email the
commissioner their list of candidates prior to submitting their report cards to
speed up the certificate process, however, no team will receive their team’s
certificates until they have submitted their candidate’s report cards.
Any
member who has made their respective schools Honor Roll whose report card does
not so state on it, must have a letter of verification submitted along with the
report card from their respective schools principal. Schools may submit one
letter naming all of their students or cheerleaders that have been named, but a
copy of the students official first marking period report card must also be
submitted with it.
Article XIII - CFA Midget All Star
Selection/Senior Bowl Selections.
Section 1 -
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.
Section 2 -
Senior
Bowl Selections
Senior
Bowl
Selection will be developed by the Senior Bowl 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.
Article XV - Dissolution.
Upon the dissolution of the CFA Football League, the CFA Commissioners and Team
Reps shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the
liabilities of the Program, dispose of all of the assets of the Program
exclusively for the purposes of the Program in such manner, or to such
organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable,
education, religious or scientific purposes and shall at the time qualify as an
exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States
Internal Revenue Law) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such
assets not so disposed shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the
County in which the principal office of the Program is then located, exclusively
for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall
determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

|