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ARTICLE I – DIVISIONS
The Rockville Football league has six
divisions for boys and girls:
Flag
Ankle Biter
Pony
Pee Wee
Intermediate
Middle School
A player’s eligibility for a
particular division is determined by the age and weight
criteria described in Articles II and III herein as
established by the RFL Board of Directors.
Eligible players will receive an RFL
Identification Card, which shall be be provided by the
league for a nominal fee established by the Board of
Directors.
Any request for an exception to the Age and Weight
Eligibility rules must be made in writing to the Board
of Directors with appropriate documentation, including
but not limited to a statement from a physician.
ARTICLE II - AGE ELIGIBILITY
A player’s age shall be determined
based on the player’s age as of August 1 of the
particular year.
Age eligibility shall be
established by the following:
A valid passport; A valid
government issued photo identification card; or A Birth
Certificate accompanied by an Affidavit from the
player’s parent or legal guardian in the form
established by the RFL Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III – WEIGHT ELIGIBILITY
Regular
Season Eligibility
1)
A Player’s
eligibility for a particular weight division shall be
determined through the weigh in process described
herein. In
order for a player to be eligible to participate in a
particular division, the player must meet that
division’s weight requirement.
2)
In order to
ascertain a player’s weight eligibility, RFL will
schedule a “Preseason Weigh-In”. The Preseason
Weigh-In will be scheduled by the Vice President for a date not more
that 2 weeks before
the first
regular season game.
3)
Players who
are unable to attend the “Preseason Weigh-In” or are
within eight (8) lbs of the designated weight for their
age/division will be afforded the opportunity to attend
a “Make-up Preseason
Weigh-In” as scheduled by the Vice President of the RFL.
There will be at least one “Make-Up Preseason
Weigh-In.” Additional opportunities for players to weigh
in are at the sole discretion of the Vice President.
Players more than eight (8) lbs. over the
designated weight shall be moved up a division without
the opportunity to attend a Make Up Preseason Weigh-in.
Pre-Season
Weigh-in
1)
No
player shall be permitted to weigh in without first
satisfying RFL’s Age Eligibility requirement.
2)
The weighing
of all players will be supervised by at least 2 members
of the RFL Board of Directors.
3)
Players shall
dress in the manner prescribed by the Vice President.
4)
Each player
shall be afforded an appropriate tare allowance as
determined by the Vice President.
5)
True mathematical rounding will be utilized
to record the player's official weight (i.e.,
90.49 equals 90 pounds. 90.5 equals 91 pounds, etc.).
6)
RFL will use its best efforts to maintain
respect and confidentiality, when players weigh-in.
At all times the mental, physical, emotional and
spiritual well being of the players will be considered a
first and foremost priority of those
administering,
witnessing or any other function participating in
weigh-ins. Any person who deviates from
the intent and purpose
of this rule is subject to discipline.
7)
Pre-Season
Weigh-ins of any player in a division may be witnessed
by the head coach or one designee of another team within
the same division upon approval by the division
commissioner in said commissioner’s sole discretion.
8)
No player
shall be permitted to weigh in more than one time on the
day of the Pre-Season Weigh-in day unless:
i)
The player is not more than 2.0 pounds above
the prescribed weigh limit for the applicable division
the Vice President or in the absence of the Vice
President, another member of the Board of Directors, in
his or her sole discretion, permits such additional
opportunity.
Make-Up
Weigh-In
1)
A player not
making weight during the Pre-Season Weigh-in, and who is
within eight (8) pounds of their age/division weight
limit, will have the opportunity to attend at least one
additional weigh-in at a time and place scheduled by the
Vice President.
All Make-Up Weigh-In’s shall be governed by the
procedure of the Pre-Season Weigh In except as set forth
in this Paragraph.
2)
Players
who do not meet weight eligibility for a particular
division are permitted to move up to the next Division
WITHIN their original
organization if there are available slots on the
roster. At
the sole discretion of the Board, players may
be permitted to move
up to the next Division outside their original
organization if age eligible, and if there are available
slots.
Any player who moves up a division to an
organization other than their original organization,
they will be permitted ONE (1) time to return to their
original organization; and only in the immediate year
following the year in which they moved up a division.
They shall be given "new"
player registration
priority in returning to their original organization if
opting to return.
3)
No player
will be allowed to weigh-in within a division after the
final game of the 2nd
scheduled "week" of
divisional games under any circumstances, without RFL
Board approval
of extenuating circumstances. A player may only weigh-in
after the 2nd
scheduled week of
games, upon a petition approved the board in writing
documenting
any extenuating circumstances.
Unavailability
for prior weigh-ins shall not be grounds for any
extension.
If the exception is granted by the
Board, the player
will have one and only one opportunity to weigh in.
There is no right to an additional make-up
weigh-in.
4)
Any player
unable to meet the weigh-in requirements as defined this
Article or II will not be permitted to play in the RFL
for that season.
5)
No player may
weigh in less than 48 hours prior to a game.
Playoff
Weigh-ins
This Section shall apply to a weigh in to
determine playoff eligibility.
1)
The Vice
President shall schedule a “Playoff Weigh-In” to take
place within 30 minutes of the conclusion of each team's
final regular season game or as close thereto as
practicable as determined by the Vice President (the
“Playoff Weigh-In”).
2)
Players who
do not meet Playoff Weight Requirements are INELIGIBLE
for the entirety of playoffs.
3)
Weights
limits for each division shall increase by six (6) lbs.
4)
Subject to
the other provisions of Section II of this Article, Make
up Playoff Weigh Ins are at the sole discretion of the
Vice President.
5)
Players
within three (3) pounds of the Division weight limit for
their age group will
be permitted to attend a make-up weigh-in. Players
exceeding the Playoff weight by more than three
pounds will not be permitted to weigh-in again and are
INELIGIBLE for the entirety of the playoffs.
6)
Players
exceeding the required weight limit by two (2) pounds or
less during the initial
weigh-in may return on
the same day and attempt to weigh-in again; at the
discretion of the RFL's VP of Personnel or
Officer in Charge of the weigh-in process, they may have
multiple attempts within the assigned time period to
make weight.
7)
No player may
weigh less than 48 hours before a game.
ARTICLE
IV - COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
The Head
Coach will be responsible for the conduct of assistant
coaches, team players, and the
team parents.
Coaches will be responsible for keeping bench areas, as
well as their entire sideline clear of anyone other than
team members.
2.
Coaches will
examine and ensure that all playing and practice
equipment of players is in good condition and worn
properly at all times. Before each practice and game,
coaches will check all equipment for completeness and
safety.
3.
Coaches are
responsible for seeing that no player participates in
practice or any game without receiving a signed
participation permission form and appropriate
registration fee from the player.
4.
At the end of
the season, coaches are responsible for turning in all
RFL equipment issued to the team and its players. Any
equipment not returned to the RFL will be billed to the
coach at current replacement costs.
5.
Coaches
requiring replacement of equipment by the RFL must
submit written notification to the Board twelve months
prior to the purchase of the equipment. Upon review by
the Board at the next Board of Director's meeting
following the request, the requestor will be notified by
the President of the RFL Board of Director's of the
approval/denial of the request. If there is any
outstanding equipment from the prior year, no new
equipment will be purchased and/or distributed until the
old equipment is returned.
6.
In addition,
any team that is new to the RFL that has previously
supplied their own equipment to their players and now
require equipment from the RFL must follow the same
guidelines as above. Written notification must be
submitted to the Board twelve months prior to the need
for equipment. Upon review by the Board at the next
Board of Director's meeting following the request, the
requestor will be notified by the President of the RFL
Board of Director's of the approval/denial of the
request.
7.
The Head
Coach is required to attend all meetings and clinics
deemed "mandatory" by the Board.
Head Coaches are responsible to see that the
Snack Bar is properly staffed on the night assigned to
their team if such assignments are necessary.
Failure to attend a mandatory meeting or clinic,
or fulfill Snack Bar or Play Monitor responsibilities
may result in the suspension of the Head Coach for not
less than one game.
Repeated failures may result in additional
sanctions as stated in Article V.
8.
Any tackle
team that does not register a minimum of 12 players
during June registration will be put on warning.
If the team does not have 16 players by July 1,
then the Commissioner upon review and approval by the
BOD can replace the coach and work with a new coach to
make sure the team is viable.
9.
In order to
insure that all players are receiving the minimum eight
(8) plays per
game in the Navy Division and ten (10) in the
Army Division the following procedure will be followed.
Based on a
schedule to be posted on the web site and
distributed to coaches and parents by early August,
teams will be responsible for providing two parents to
act as play monitors several times during the season.
Each play monitor will stand on each teams
sideline and using a provided form, record the number of
plays each player plays until 8 is reached.
Once 8 Navy or 10 Army is reached that player no longer needs to
be tracked.
At the end of the 3rd Quarter the sideline officials
will take the play monitor sheet from the play monitor
and inform each coach as to which players have not
received the minimum number of plays.
Each and every player that has not played 8 Navy
or 10 Army plays
will start the 4th Quarter and remain in the game until
he or she has 8 or 10 plays.
The only exception to this will be injured
players and players that with the Commissioners consent
are being disciplined.
Players that arrive late for games will be
Assigned a pro-rated number of plays based on two plays
per quarter.
Late arriving players must be reported to the play
monitor by a coach. In the Intermediate
Division only, Special team plays will count towards the
minimum requirement.
ARTICLE V - COACHES REVIEW
PROCEDURES
Coaches
Tenure and Approval
1.
Coaches shall
serve from season to season, subject to review and
renewal each season by the RFL Board of Directors.
2.
Coaches must
have passed the fingerprinting check and satisfy
applicable certification requirements.
Coaches Review
1.
Coaches shall
strictly adhere to all RFL rules
throughout the season and complaints or incidents
involving infractions of these shall be brought to the
attention of the Board of Directors.
2.
Coaches who
have been found by the President or Vice President of Administration
to be in violation of applicable RFL rules,
shall receive a warning; and upon failure to adequately
correct or cease such violation, in the judgment of the
President or
Vice President of Administration, shall be placed on
probation.
3.
A coach
placed on probation shall remain in such status for the
remainder of that season. Any violation of RFL
rules during the period of probation, shall result in a
suspension of the coach for the remainder of the season.
In instances of severe infractions, the RFL Board of
Directors may take additional punitive measure as deemed
necessary.
4.
A suspended
coach may seek eligibility following the full season of
his or her suspension provided the RFL Board of
Directors approves reinstatement.
Procedures for Review
1.
A coach
having been found by the President or Vice President of
Administration to continue to violate RFL rules
after a warning during a season, shall have the
opportunity to provide a response and prior to the
imposition of probation, to be heard by the RFL Board of
Directors.
2.
The RFL Board
of Directors shall determine, based on record and facts
presented whether to impose probation.
3.
Any coach
placed on probation whose suspension is ordered shall
also have a right to appeal to the RFL Board of
Directors. The appeal must be submitted in writing (can
be faxed/email) to the President or Vice President
within 72 hours or the right to appeal is void.
4.
All coaches
shall be entitled to notice, public hearing, and other
due process protection with respect to any disciplinary
action by the RFL Board of Directors.
5.
The identity
of complaints or sources of information giving rise to
proceedings under section B shall be kept confidential;
except during the hearing phase the RFL Board of
Directors or counsel, shall disclose to the coach the
specific rules alleged to have been violated or the
nature of the complaints forming the basis for action.
6.
Any
coach/player suspended twice within a one (1) year
period shall be thereafter barred from
coaching/participating in the Rockville Football League.
7.
This
violation shall become part of a permanent record.
ARTICLE VI -
PLAYING RULES
USAFootball Youth Rules will
govern all Division/League games except those cases
where RFL rules have been specified.
ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE FLAG DIVISION
BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME
1.
The Referee
will call the captains together for a toss of the coin
to decide a choice of Offense or Defense. The losing
captains will have the same choice at the beginning of
the second half.
PLAYERS
1.
The game is
played between two (2) teams of eight players each. Game
may be played with 6 or 7 players but teams must have
equal number of players.
TIME
1.
The game will
consist of two 20-minute halves (Running Clock). A two
(2) minute warning will be given at the end of each
half. The clock will be stopped to notify each coach of
the 2-minute warning. The referee will then restart the
clock. The last two (2) minutes of each half will be
played within the NFHS rules. Half-time will be 5 min in
length. Each team has two (2) time-outs per game.
PLAY
1.
Two games
will be played simultaneously, one on each side of the
50 yard-line
2.
The offense
will always drive in the same direction
3.
Play begins
on the 40-yard line.
4.
Each Team
will have four (4) consecutive downs to advance the ball
into the next 20-yard zone or to score a touchdown. Once
a team enters the next zone it is a first down. If a
first down is not achieved, place the ball on the
40-yard line and it will be first down for the opponent.
If a turn-over (interception) occurs the defensive
player can return the interception until de-flagged or
reaches the 40-yard line. The ball will be placed on the
40-yard line regardless of where the interception was
returned.
5.
There are no
fumbles. If the ball carrier drops the ball it is dead
at the point the ball is dropped and hits the ground. If
the offensive snap hit the ground, the ball is dead at
the point it contacts the ground.
DE-FLAGGING
1.
There shall
be no tackling of the ball carrier or passer.
2.
The player
carrying or having possession of the ball is considered
down when the flag is removed from his or waist
(De-flagged).
3.
The
de-flagging defensive player will hold the flag above
his or head and the ball will be declared dead at that
spot.
4.
The ball
carrier with less than 2 flags will be deemed down at
the spot that he or she receives the ball.
5.
The defender
may not leave his or her feet in an effort to de-flag
the opponent.
6.
A defender
may not intentionally hold, grab or otherwise impede a
ball carrier.
DEFENSE
1.
A defensive
player may not push or hold the ball carrier to remove
his or her flag.
2.
A defensive
player must go for the passers flag and may not go for
the passers arm.
3.
NO defensive
player on the line of scrimmage may line up either
across from the Snapper or in the “A” gap. (The “A” gap
may not be wider than 1 yard).
4.
CHUCKING: Is
the only recognized BLOCKING technique. It consists of
bent elbows pointing down, open palms away from the body
and straight fingers pointing up. The action is that of
a spring but elbows must never be locked (Straight
arming).
5.
A blocker
must be on his feet while CHUCKING.
6.
All lineman
must assume an upright position and await the snap.
Anything but a 2 point upright stance is prohibited
except the center and even the center must be upright
before he or she throws a block (Chuck).
PROHIBITED BLOCKS
1.
Two on one
blocks beyond the line of scrimmage.
2.
Clipping and
tripping.
3.
Butting,
elbowing or leaving one’s feet.
4.
OFFENSE
5.
Must have at
least 5 players on the line before snapping the ball.
The ball must be snapped between the snappers legs. The
offense may not run the ball directly over the center or
through the “A” Gap.
6.
BALL CARRIERS
7.
May not use
hands or arms to protect his or flag.
8.
May not lower
head to drive or run into an opponent.
9.
May not
hurdle an opponent to prevent de-flagging.
10.
May not
stiff-arm an opponent.
11.
May not spin
like a top to avoid de-flagging. May spin one time
around.
SCOREKEEPING
NO SCORE WILL BE
KEPT. NO EXTRA POINTS
PENALTIES
1.
THIRTY-FIVE
SECOND RULE: Failure to get the play off within 35
seconds of the referee declaring the ball “ready for
play”. First violation; Stop the clock and warn the
coach; Second violation: 5-yard penalty. All further
violations: 5-yard penalty and loss of down. This rule
will be strictly enforced.
2.
DECLARED KICK
Penalties: Five yards (5).
3.
DELAY OF GAME
Penalty: Five yards (5).
4.
DE-FLAGGING
Penalty: Ten yards (10) from point of infraction.
5.
TACKLING,
DIVING FOR THE FLAG, IMPEDING THE BALL CARRIER, Ten
yards (10) from point of infraction.
6.
ILLEGAL
SPINNING, ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS BY BALL CARRIER: Ten
yards (10) from point of infraction.
7.
UNECESSARY
ROUGHNESS; Ten yards (10)
8.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: Ten yards (10).
9.
FIGHTING: Ten
yards (10). Ejection if warranted.
10.
PERSONAL
FOUL: Ten yards (10).
11.
DEFENSIVE
PASS INTERFERENCE: Ten yards (10) from previous spot and
automatic first down.
12.
OFFENSIVE
PASS INTERFERENCE: Ten yards (10) from previous spot and
loss of down.
13.
“A” GAP
VIOLATIONS:
Offense / Defense: 5 yard penalty (Immediate dead ball).
Do not let play continue.
NOTES: NFHS shall be used as a
guideline for any Rule not covered.
The Officials can use discretion
and restrict a player to the bench for as long as they
deem
necessary rather than ejection for serious offenses.
Delays for Injury, Thunder,
Lightning
Thunder or lightning: Clear field,
Must wait 30 minutes between each occurrence.
Injury or Thunder or lightning:
Game will end if delay interferes with the following
game.
ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANKLE BITER DIVISION
PLAY:
1.
Game will be
played in accordance with the USAFootball Football rules except in those
cases where RFL rules have been specified.
PLAYERS:
1.
The game may
be played with 9 players. If one of the teams does not
have 11 players and elects to play then the opponent
will play with the same number of players. Team may also
borrow
players from their opponent to continue play. If one
team cannot field a team the clock will start and if
unable to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled start
time then the game will be declared ”NO CONTEST”.
Based on the coin toss each team will put their
offense or defense on the field for the first ten plays.
There will be no substitutions except for
injuries.
2.
After 10
plays the teams will switch sides of the ball and
replace all 11 players for he next 10 play set.
In the second half the 11 players that played
offense in the first half will play defense in the
second half and vice versa for the first half defensive
players.
Each player will play 10 plays on offense and 10 plays
on defense during a complete game.
If a team does not have 22 players then players
from the first group will be used to fill in.
These fill in players will play one play and then
be replaced by another player from the first group for
each of the 10 plays.
The same process will be used players with
medical issues.
TIME:
1.
The game will
consist of two 20 play series in each half (NO GAME
CLOCK). Half-time will be 5 min. in length. Three time
outs per team per game.
GAME:
1.
Each half
will start with a free kick. Receiving team (A) will
have 10 offensive plays starting at the A team 40-yard
line (The free kick does not count as a play) If the
offense scores, turns the ball over or does not make a
first down in 4 plays the ball will be returned to the
40. After a
score, place the ball on the A team 40-yard line and
continue until 10 plays are completed. After 10 plays
the ball will be placed on the 40 yard line and a new 10
play series started for the team that was on defense.
The order of possession will be reversed in the
second half.
FREE-BLOCKING ZONE:
1.
There will be
no low blocks by the offense in the free-blocking zone.
THIRTY-FIVE SECOND RULE:
1.
Failure to
get a play off within 35-seconds of the referee
declaring the ball “ready for play”. First violation;
Stop clock and warn coach; Second violation: 5-yard
penalty. This rule will be strictly enforced.
DEFENSE:
1.
No defensive
player on the line of may line up across from the
Snapper or in the “A” gap. (The “A” gap may be no wider
than 1-yard). No rushing through the “A” Gap. No
BLITZING by any player not on the line of scrimmage at
the snap. 5-yard penalty (Immediate dead ball – do not
let play continue).
NEUTRAL ZONE VIOLATIONS:
1.
Will be
treated as live ball fouls unless contact is made.
SNAPPING:
1.
All offensive
plays will begin by passing or handing the ball through
the center's legs.
Center may not stand sideways or facing the
player to receive the snap.
COACHES ON FIELD:
1.
One coach is
allowed on the field at all times.
He must be positioned a minimum of 10 yards
behind the line of scrimmage when the ref signals ball
in play.
Penalty for violation is 5 yards for illegal procedure.
SCOREKEEPING:
1.
NO SCORE WILL
BE KEPT.
2.
NO EXTRA
POINTS
Delays for Injury, Thunder,
Lightning
Thunder or lightning: Clear field,
Must wait 30 minutes between each occurrence.
Injury or Thunder or lightning:
Game will end if delay interferes with the following
game.
NOTE: The Officials can use
discretion and restrict a player to the bench for as
long as they deem necessary rather than ejection for
serious offenses A coach receiving an unsportsmanlike
penalty must leave the field..
ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE PEE-WEE AND PONY DIVISION
PLAY:
1.
Game will be
played in accordance with the USAFootball Youth Football rules except in those
cases where RFL rules have been specified.
TIME:
1.
The game
consists of four 10 minute quarters (Running Clock). A
two (2) minute warning will be given at the end of each
half. The clock will be stopped to notify each coach of
the 2 minute warning. The Referee will then restart the
clock. In the last 2 minutes of each half the clock will
operate within the USAFootball Youth rules. During the playoffs the
clock will also be stopped in the fourth quarter of the
game for all scores and start when legally touched by
either team after the kickoff.
2.
TWENTY-FIVE
SECOND RULE: (After ball is marked ready for play).
a)
First
violation: Stop clock and warn coach
b)
Second
violation: 5-yard penalty.
c)
All further
violations: 5-yard penalty and loss of down.
d)
This rule
will be strictly enforced.
HALFTIME:
Will be 10 minutes in duration.
Play begins with a kickoff from
the kickers 40-yard line (30-yard line on 80 yard
field). Kick untouched out of bounds, place the ball 25
yards from where kicked or at the inbounds spot if the
kick does not go 25 yards.
SCORING:
1.
Touchdown: 6
points
2.
Field goal: 3
points
3.
Safety: 2
points
4.
Extra points:
5.
Run 1 point.
6.
Kick (with
rush): 2 points
7.
Kick (without
rush): 1 point
PLACE KICK AND LONG SNAP:
1. No
defensive player may be lined up over the snapper and
within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage if there is no
player within 5 yards to take a hand-to-hand snap. The
restriction is not in effect if an offensive player
shifts to a position to take a hand-to-hand snap.
2.
Ball must be
snapped between the snappers legs, and must leave his
hands before touching
the ground or any other player.
(No player may receive the ball from under center). The
holder
may receive the ball either with one knee on
the ground or standing. Holder may recover the
snap
and retain the same options of going back to a knee for
a kick, advance, pass or run the ball.
DECLARED KICK:
1.
A declared
kick or “FREE KICK” may be announced by the offense at
any time. This intention must be announced by the
referee. (If a time-out is granted before the kick is
made then the intention must be announced again before
the ball is marked ready for play.)
2.
Rushing the
punter is prohibited. No defensive or offensive player
may cross the line of scrimmage until the kick has been
made.
3.
There will be
at least 7 players from each team on the line of
scrimmage during the kick.
4.
The kicker
must kick the ball from approximately the same area he
receives the snap. He may
not move outside the tackles.
NEUTRAL ZONE VIOLATIONS:
1.
By the
defense will be treated as a live ball foul unless
contact has been made.
2.
Offense
lining up in the neutral zone will be treated as a live
ball foul.
LOW BLOCKS:
1.
Blocking
below the waist by the offense including in the
free-blocking zone is prohibited.
POINT DIFFERENTIAL RULE:
This rule applies when a team is
25 or more points ahead in the fourth quarter.
1.
Clock only
stops for injury or time-out by team behind in score.
2.
Team ahead
may not pass (Forward or backward).
3.
Only one
hand-off.
4.
If team ahead
scores they may not on-side or squib kick.
5.
The game may
be shortened or ended if the team behind wishes.
VIOLATION OF b, c, or d: Immediately stop play
and penalize 5 yards, and loss of down.
TIE GAME:
1.
If the game
ends in a tie during the regular season it will end as a
tie except in the Navy Division one overtime will be
played using the USAFootball procedure.
During the playoffs the USAFootball Youth Rules ten-yard overtime
procedure will be used. If still tied after first
overtime period continue alternating offense and defense
at same end of field.
DELAYS FOR: Injury, Thunder,
Lightning
Thunder or Lightning: Clear field,
Must wait 30 minutes between occurrence.
Injury or Thunder or Lightning: If
game is delayed as to interfere with the following game
start time use the following criteria:
Second half and Point Differential
spread has been reached – Game over
Fourth Quarter and either team has
a 14-point lead – Game over
Game:
Less than a 2 touchdown lead:
Officials must record status of game (score; team in
possession; down and distance; ball location; number of
time-outs remaining; time left in game).
Use common sense. If at all
possible finish game but not at the expense of the
nights’ schedule.
NOTE: The Officials can use
discretion and restrict a player to the bench for as
long as they deem necessary rather than an ejection for
serious offenses.
ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
PLAY:
1.
Game will be
played in accordance with the USAFootball Youth Football rules except in those
cases where RFL rules have been specified.
TIME:
1.
The game
consists of four 12 minute quarters (Running Clock). A
two (2) minute warning will be given at the end of each
half. The clock will be stopped to notify each coach of
the 2 minute warning. The Referee will then restart the
clock. In the last 2 minutes of each half the clock will
operate within the USAFootball Youth rules. During the playoffs the
clock will also be stopped in the fourth quarter of the
game for all scores and will start when legally touched
by either team after the kickoff.
2.
25-SECOND
RULE (after ball is marked ready for play)
a)
First
violation: Stop clock and warn coach
b)
Second
violation: 5-yard penalty
c)
Any further
violations: 5-yard penalty and loss of down
d)
This rule
will be strictly enforced.
HALFTIME:
Will be 10 minutes in duration.
Play begins with a kickoff from
the kickers 40-yard line. Kick untouched out of bounds,
place the ball 25 yards from where kicked or at the
inbounds spot if the kick does not go 25 yards.
SCORING:
1.
Touchdown: 6
points
2.
Field goal: 3
points
3.
Safety: 2
points
4.
Extra point:
5.
Kick 2
points.
6.
Run: 1 point.
PLACE KICK AND LONG SNAP:
1.
No defensive player may be lined up over the snapper and
within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage if there is no
player within 5 yards to take a hand-to-hand snap. The
restriction is not in effect if an offensive player
shifts to a position to take a hand-to-hand snap.
2.
Ball must be
snapped between the snappers legs, and must leave his
hands before touching the ground or any other player.
The holder may receive the ball either with one knee on
the ground or standing. Holder may recover the snap and
retain the same options of going back to a knee for the
kick, advance, pass or run the ball.
POINT DIFFERENTIAL RULE: This rule
applies when a team is ahead by 25 or more points in the
fourth quarter.
1.
Clock only
stops for injury.
2.
Team ahead
may not pass (Forward or backward).
3.
Team ahead
may only use one hand-off.
4.
If team ahead
scores they may not on-side or squib kick.
5.
The game may
be shortened or ended if the team behind wishes.
VIOLATION OF b, c, and d: Immediately stop the
play and penalize 5 yards, and loss of down.
NEUTRAL ZONE VIOLATIONS:
1.
By the
defense will be treated as a live ball foul unless
contact is made.
2.
Offense
lining up in the neutral zone will be treated as a live
ball foul.
LOW BLOCKS:
1.
Blocking
below the waist by the offense including in the
free-blocking zone is prohibited.
TIE GAME:
1.
If the game
ends in a tie during the regular season it will end as a
tie except in the Navy Division one overtime will be
played using the USAFootball procedure. During the playoffs the USAFootball Youth Rule ten-yard overtime
procedure will be used. If still tied after first
overtime period continue alternating offense and defense
at same end of field.
NOTE: The Officials can use
discretion and restrict a player to the bench for as
long as they deem necessary rather than an ejection for
serious offenses.
DELAYS FOR: Injury, Thunder,
Lightning
Thunder or Lightning: Clear field,
Must wait 30 minutes between occurrence.
Injury or Thunder or Lightning: If
game is delayed as to interfere with the following game
start time use the following criteria:
1.
Second half
and Differential Point Spread has been reached – Game
over
2.
Fourth
Quarter and either team has a 14-point lead – Game over
3.
Game: Less
than a 2 touchdown lead: Officials must record status of
game (score; team in possession; down and distance; ball
location; number of time-outs remaining; time left in
game).
ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE MIDDLE SCHOOL
GAME:
1.
The game will
be played in accordance within the NHSF Rules for youth
below 9th grade (8-minute quarters) with exceptions of
below listed.
2.
2-minute
warning at end of second and fourth quarters.
3.
Point
Differential Rule will be 25 instead of 35.
4.
Delays for
Injury, Thunder, Lightning
5.
Thunder or
Lightning: Clear field, Must wait 30 minutes between
occurrence.
6.
Injury or
Thunder or Lightning: If game is delayed as to interfere
with the following game start time use the following
criteria:
7.
Second half
and point spread has been reached – Game over
8.
Fourth
Quarter and either team has a 14-point lead – Game over
9.
Game: Less
than a 2 touchdown lead: Officials must record status of
game (score; team in
possession; down and distance; ball location;
number of time-outs remaining; time left in
game).
GENERAL RULES & DEFINITIONS
1.
The
Differential Point Spread (Mercy Rule) applies when a
team is 25 points ahead of an opposing team in the
fourth quarter.
The clock will only stop for time outs by the
losing team. Also, the team up by 25 points cannot
on-side kick, squib kick, pass or run multiple
hand-offs.
2.
The high
school tie-breaker rule will not be used for regular
season games except Navy games and MSFL. However, the high school tie-breaker rule,
starting at the 10 yard line will be used in all playoff
games.
3.
Protests
involving judgment call by game officials will not be
accepted. Protests involving rules interpretation and
player eligibility must be presented, by a Head Coach,
in writing to the President within 48 hours of the
infraction.
4.
The athletic
field foreman for the City of Rockville will evaluate
the conditions of all fields scheduled for play and make
all decisions as to whether fields are open or closed
for the night. The RFL President or designee will be
notified as soon as this decision is reached.
5.
All Navy players
must play a minimum of eight plays, not counting special
teams , per game, Army
players must play 10, not counting special teams, as verified
by designated Play Monitors.
In the Intermediate
Division only, Special Team plays will count towards the
minimum requirement. If players are not played a
minimum of eight or 10 plays per game, the following
disciplinary actions will be brought against the coach:
a)
First time -
player will be played and a verbal warning will be
administered to the coaching staff.
b)
Second time -
Coaching staff will be put on probation.
c)
Third time -
Coach will be suspended for one (1) game.
d)
Each offence
will be cumulative throughout the season.
Misc Rules and
Stipulations:
1.
The “coaches’
box” is 2 yards deep, marked in color, and includes the
distances between the two 25 yard lines.
2.
All coaches
must prominently display sideline passes. Only NYSCA and
USA Football certified coaches will be issued sideline
passes. Each team is allowed one non-adult water person
and one adult camera person (non-certified) on the side
line. One statistician pass will be issued to each team
(non-certified). Assistant coaches/cheer instructors
under the age of 18 must be registered with the RFL to
receive field passes. This rule will be strictly
enforced.
3.
Concerns
regarding participants missing practice time and
allocation of playing time must be brought to the
appropriate commissioner in writing.
The commissioner will make the decision.
4.
No RFL
football player can play in 2 recreational football
leagues during the season.
Private schools that offer team football
participation as a physical education option (ie;
Bullis, Landon, Mater Dei) are not considered
recreational leagues.
5.
Teams can
only come together for practices or team meetings 4
times a week. Ankle Biter Division is limited to 3
meetings per week.
Any practice, film session, game, scrimmage
constitutes a Team Meeting.
Once the season starts, a game counts as a team
meeting.
Practices are limited to two hours.
6.
Reserved for Future Use
7.
During
time-outs, only one coach (and one non-adult, i.e. a
water person) may go out to the huddle.
Player Movement:
1.
Any player
that has been moved by the RFL Board of Directors (for
whatever reason) may return to his “home” team the next
season, room permitting.
2.
An RFL head
coach is the only person that has the prerogative to
move his/her children to the team the coach is taking
responsibility for.
Division standings and Play Off
Standings:
1.
Will be based
on win-lose percentage against
"League" opponents.
2.
In the event
teams have the same win-lose percentage, the following
procedure will be used to break the tie:
a)
Head-to-head
competition
b)
Fewest points
allowed during the season against "League" teams
c)
Coin toss by
the Division Commissioner or Board President
ARTICLE VII - CONCESSIONS STAND
OPERATION
1.
The operation
of the concession stand is very important for the
success of the Rockville Football League. The profits
made from all concessions sales go directly to the
League for payment of League expenses.
2.
Upon request
by the Fund-raising and Concessions Committee or the
Parent Liaison, all teams must provide a listing of
parents who will represent the team during that team's
assigned snack bar operation time. This information must
be submitted no later than September 7th. The
Intermediate Division is responsible for snack bar
operation on Friday nights; and Pee-Wee Division is
responsible for Saturday nights. Ankle Biter & Flag
Divisions will fill in on either Friday or Saturday
nights as needed.
ARTICLE VIII - PLAYERS AND BOUNDARIES
1. The
Memo of Understanding agreement between the League and
City of Rockville documents player geographic
requirements.
2.
Players shall
be permitted to play only with the team from the
geographic area in which they live. Exceptions to this
rule are possible only with the approval of the RFL
Board of Directors.
3.
All players
must submit a signed Parent Permission form authorizing
the player to compete in the Rockville Football League,
as well as a signed NYSCA Parents' Code of Ethics. No
player may participate in any practice, contact role, or
game without submission of these forms.
4.
No player may
participate in any practice, contact role, or game
without a complete set of equipment that is in good
condition.
5.
A complete
set of equipment for tackle Divisions/Leagues MUST
include ALL of the following:
a.
Helmet
b.
Knee pads
c.
Shoulder pads
d.
Thigh and
knee pads
e.
Mouthpiece
f.
Jersey
g.
** shoes and
socks
h.
** cup
i.
**practice
pants
6.
A complete
set of equipment for Flag Division/League MUST include
ALL of the following:
a.
Mouth piece
b.
Jersey and
WHITE pants
c.
** shoes and
socks
d.
** cup
e.
Any football
or soccer cleats or sneakers may be used.
No metal-tipped cleats or hard street shoes may
be used.
7.
All Players
MUST wear a mouthpiece at all times during practices and
games. Each player will be issued one (1) mouthpiece
prior to the first practice. Any replacement mouthpieces
that are necessary must be purchased by the individual
players at $1.00 per mouthpiece. NO EXCEPTIONS.
8.
** Suggested. To be
provided by player.
9.
A
registration fee, as determined by the RFL Board of
Directors, will be assessed each player. The fee will
cover the following:
a.
City of
Rockville/Montgomery County fee
b.
Rockville
Football League fee
c.
Helmet
d.
Game jersey
e.
1 Mouthpiece
f.
Shoulder pads
g.
Insurance
Credit Cards
or Electronic Checks to be used for payment using the
League's on-line reg
istration
system.
10.
No player who
is on any other recreational football team may
participate in the Rockville Football League. The
penalty for this infraction will be suspension of both
the player and coach, and forfeiture of all games in
which the ineligible player has participated.
THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES
DESIGNATED FOR INDIVIDUAL TEAMS WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY
THE RFL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR EACH SEASON.
Article IX - Sponsorship Policy
Team Sponsorships:
1.
Teams receive
80% of each sponsorship acquired by said team after RFL
cost, limited to $800 per team, per year on approved
items. In addition, 20% of each additional sponsor
(after cost) above the $800 limit is reached will go to
the team. Reimbursement will be issued upon presentation
of receipt to the Treasurer for approved items.
2.
Approved
Items:
3.
Names on
jerseys
4.
Team party
5.
Uniform
accessories (socks, helmet reward stickers, arm pads,
neck rolls, first aid equipment, coaches shirts and
hats)
6.
Field
equipment (hand shields, dummies)
a.
Field
equipment will be shared property of the RFL & Team
purchasing the equipment.
b.
Field
equipment will be collected at the end of the season by
the equipment manager.
c.
Field
equipment will be re-issued to the returning coach or
same team the following season.
Additional items may be added by
request & approval by the RFL Board of Directors.
Additional
items may be added by request & approval by the RFL
Board of Directors.
Constitution
ARTICLE I - NAME
The
name of this organization shall be the Rockville
Football League, hereinafter referred to as the RFL or
League. The RFL will be sponsored and operated by the
citizens of Rockville, Maryland, in conjunction with The
Department of Recreation and Parks of the City of
Rockville.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the RFL shall be to
provide an opportunity for youths to learn the
fundamentals of football, cheerleading, and
sportsmanship through participation in the RFL. The
objective of the League shall include the development of
good character and citizenship, physical and mental
health and an appreciation of football. The RFL will
attempt to instill the will to win and the courage to
accept defeat and disappointment. Great emphasis will be
given to clean play and good sportsmanship at all times,
both on and off the field.
ARTICLE III - LEAGUE OPERATION
The RFL operates under the
Constitution and Rules and Regulations of the Rockville
Football League. Rule changes, amendments and/or repeals
require a simple majority vote of the voting members of
the Board of Directors. Changes and/or amendments to the
rules can be made at any time prior to the start of the
season, during the season and after the season.
ARTICLE IV - VOTING MEMBERS
A two-thirds majority of the Board
of Directors, with a quorum present, shall have veto
power over any action taken by any Division where it
believes that action would be a detriment to the League.
A two-thirds vote, with a quorum present, of the General
Membership defined as Head Coaches and Board Members,
may override any vote of the Board of Directors. Each
Board member can only hold one (1) proxy vote.
ARTICLE V - MEETINGS
There shall be one general
membership meeting of the League each year. The meetings
shall be called by the President. The meeting shall be
held during January for the purpose of evaluating the
previous season's program and making recommendations for
the next season's Board of Directors.
The President shall convene
additional meetings as required by giving each voting
member no less than 48 hours advance notice by telephone
or mail.
ARTICLE VI - ELECTIONS
The election of the RFL Board of
Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board, will
take place within six weeks following the end of the
current season.
ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall
consist of the following:
President, Vice President for
Administration, Vice President for Personnel, Secretary,
Treasurer, Equipment Manager, Tackle Commissioner,
Pee-Wee Commissioner, Flag Commissioner, Cheerleading
Coordinator, Ways and Means/Public Relations,
Fundraisers/Concessions, Parent Liaison, and the
Representative of the Department of Recreation Parks.
The term of office shall be from February 1 to January
31 of the following year. All board members are
responsible for notifying the secretary 24 hours in
advance if they are unable to make a meeting and the
cause. If two meetings are missed, that member is
subject to removal upon majority vote of the Board of
Directors.
If the majority of the Board
determines that a rule should come up for review, the
Board of Directors has the power to amend the rules at
any time before, during or after the season.
Powers and Duties of the Officers:
The powers and duties of the
President shall be as follows:
1.
To guide and
direct the RFL.
2.
To carry out
the will of the voting members.
3.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
4.
To preside at
meetings of the RFL.
5.
To call such
general Membership and Board meetings as are required
in; Article V hereof and such other meetings as the
President deems necessary to carry out the objectives
thereof.
6.
To
countersign all checks drawn by the Treasurer.
7.
To appoint
committees, either standing or Ad Hoc, including a
nomination committee for elective positions in the
League, consisting of three or more committee members.
8.
To preside at
the annual awards ceremony.
9.
To establish
the presence of a quorum, before convening any meeting
of the Board of Directors.
10.
To carry out
such other duties as are required under this
Constitution and Rules and Regulations.
11.
To suspend
any member, with reasonable cause, for a period of seven
days pending a meeting of the Board. If the Board does
not convene during the seven day's suspension period,
the suspended member is to be automatically reinstated
until the Board is able to convene.
12.
The President
shall have the power, with the Board concurrence, to
reprimand, suspend or expel any player, team official,
team, teams or other RFL member(s) from the RFL. Such
power to reprimand, suspend or expel shall be exercised
when it is deemed by the President and the Board to be
in the best interest of the RFL.
13.
At the
Direction of the Board, to work with all donors,
sponsors, advertisers and other major contributors to
promote the RFL.
14.
To assist in
the promotion of all fundraisers.
The powers and duties of the Vice
President for Administration shall be as follows:
1.
To assist the
President.
2.
To act for
the President in the absence or disability of the
President.
3.
To coordinate
the recruitment and assignment of coaches to teams
through the Division Commissioners.
4.
To hold a
meeting(s) as needed, of all new coaches for the purpose
of reviewing the rules and regulations of the league,
prior to the opening day games.
5.
To receive
rosters and monies of every team and report to the
division Commissioners any discrepancies as well as
provide the secretary with the originals.
6.
To submit an
alignment of any farm systems to the Board no later than
the first general membership meetings.
7.
To secure
from the Division Commissioners, the final standings of
their leagues at the end of the season and report it to
the Secretary.
8.
To secure
permits for practice fields.
9.
He is
responsible for insuring that all Board Members and
coaches are NYSCA trained.
10.
To
countersign all checks drawn by the Treasurer.
11.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
12.
The powers
and duties of the Vice President for Personnel are to
recruit and register players, verify player eligibility
(including age, residence and fees paid), maintain the
league feeder system, assign players to teams and keep
official rosters. The Vice President is assisted by a
Parent Liaison in carrying out these responsibilities.
Specific duties include:
13.
Coordinating
registration procedures, schedules and requirements with
the Treasurer and the Division Commissioners.
14.
Maintaining a
current roster of every team's player/ personnel and,
together with Division Commissioners, resolving any
discrepancies.
15.
Verifying the
birth date and other information on each team's roster
as necessary.
16.
Administering
the "feeder system" for assigning players from teams in
a lower age-bracket Division to teams in a higher
age-bracket Division.
17.
With
Divisional Commissioner and Parent Liaison, investigate
complaints and grievances related to player safety,
playing time, harassment and other discrimination
offenses.
The powers and duties of the
Secretary shall be as follows:
1.
To call and
keep the roll.
2.
To read the
minutes of the previous General Membership and/or Board
Meeting and to record the minutes of all meetings of the
General Membership and the Board.
3.
To note in
the minutes of every Board meeting that a quorum has
been established before the transaction of any official
business.
4.
To keep files
of League papers.
5.
To secure
from the Vice President and record in the minutes, the
final standings of their leagues at the end of the
season.
6.
To keep a
complete file of all requests for interpretations of the
RFL, Constitution, and upon request to make such file
available to any member of the Interpretations Council
of the League.
7.
To receive
rosters from the Vice President, of every team and
report to the Division Commissioners any discrepancies.
8.
To obtain
verification, if deemed necessary, of the date of birth
information entered on each team's roster submitted by
the League.
9.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
The powers and duties of the
Treasurer shall be as follows:
1.
To receive
all monies.
2.
To keep a
detailed account of all receipts, expenditures and
monies on hand.
3.
To be
prepared to give an accurate and current Treasurer's
Report at all League meetings.
4.
To provide a
detailed, written financial audit (including a profit
and loss statement and a balance sheet at the first
general membership meeting at the close of the current
season) of all league income and expenses including
figures for concession operations and to publish same
yearly figures at the annual meeting of the general
Member- ship.
5.
To approve,
distribute, oversee and collect monies from any
fundraisers, concessions and/or raffles that are
intended to benefit the entire RFL Program.
6.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
7.
The powers
and duties of the Equipment Manager shall be as follows:
8.
To collect
all equipment and make inventory, such as: flags,
shoulder pads, pants, and helmets.
9.
To get helmet
re-certification.
10.
To order
and/or purchase any equipment as necessary as approved
by the Board.
11.
Purchase new
First Aid kits for football coaches and cheerleader
coordinator.
12.
To distribute
equipment to coaches after all registration fees have
been turned in.
13.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
The powers and duties of the
Commissioners for Intermediate, Pee-Wee and Flag shall
be as follows:
1.
To assist the
Vice President.
2.
To prepare
their respective division schedules in cooperation with
the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Vice
President of the League.
3.
To assist in
the planning, preparation and implementation of the
Opening Day Jamboree to be held on the second Saturday
in September.
4.
To collect
registration fees, forms and equipment.
5.
To keep
current standings in their respective divisions, and
submit the final standings to the League Vice President
at the close of the regular season. (Excluding the Flag
division).
6.
To call
meetings of team coaches in their respective Divisions
as necessary, to resolve questions and/or problems and
to make recommendations concerning program
administration.
7.
To bring
unresolved problems to the attention of the Board.
8.
To assist the
Vice President in checking player(s) eligibility by
reviewing the rosters of their Divisions as to age,
residency and previous team affiliation.
9.
To assist the
Vice President in confirming that all coaches are NYSCA
trained.
10.
To receive
rosters from managers of their Divisions noting the
following: completeness of the information entered
thereon, time and dates.
11.
To coordinate
the weigh-in of all players in their Division.
12.
To coordinate
with the Department of Recreation to reschedule
postponed or incomplete games.
13.
TO ATTEND ALL
SAID GAMES.
14.
To secure
permits for practice fields from the Vice President.
15.
To work with
the Parent Liaison in conjunction with the team parent.
16.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
The powers and duties of the
Cheerleading Coordinator shall be as follows:
1.
To assist the
Vice President.
2.
To assist in
the planning, preparation and implementation of the
Opening Day Jamboree to be held on the second Saturday
in September.
3.
To collect
registration fees, forms and equipment.
4.
To prepare a
schedule for cheerleading clinic in cooperation with the
Department of Recreation and Parks to be held the first
week in September.
5.
To call
meetings of team coaches in their respective Divisions
as necessary, to resolve questions and/or problems and
to make recommendations concerning program
administration.
6.
To bring
unresolved problems to the attention of the Board.
7.
To receive
rosters from managers of their Divisions noting the
following: completeness of the information entered
thereon, time and dates received, as well as delivering
said rosters to the Vice President.
8.
To coordinate
picture day.
9.
TO ATTEND ALL
SAID GAMES.
10.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
11.
The powers
and duties of Fundraisers/Concession shall be as
follows:
12.
To work with
the Treasurer in order to establish equitable and
adequate profit margins and assign prices to snack bar
items.
13.
To assist the
Treasurer in distributing, collecting and overseeing
monies from fundraisers and/or raffles that are intended
to benefit the entire RFL Program, and documenting same.
14.
To establish
rates for advertising in the program book and to seek
out advertisers for same.
15.
To market any
other form of advertising approved by the RFL Board.
16.
To provide
volunteers for Rockville Day and Hometown Holidays.
17.
To coordinate
Rockville Day and Hometown Holidays.
18.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
The powers and duties of Parent
Liaison shall be as follows:
1.
Establish and
coordinate with team parents.
2.
To provide
volunteers for Jamboree Day.
3.
To handle the
coordination of team pictures with Rockville City
Representatives.
4.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
The powers and duties of School
Liaison (SL) shall be as follows:
1.
Will maintain
a list of High School, Middle School and Elementary
School contacts for the areas served by the League.
This should include Principals, Athletic
Directors, Head Football Coaches, Booster/Football Club
Presidents and PTA Presidents.
2.
The SL will
explore and implement any and all avenues of potential
promotion activity for the RFL within the schools, both
public and private.
3.
The SL will
coordinate all requests for Summer Football and
Cheerleader Camps.
d)
The SL will promote the RFL and its players to high
school coaches.
4.
To represent
and speak for the RFL.
ARTICLE VIII - EQUIPMENT, SUPPLY &
UNIFORM PURCHASE
Only Board members authorized by
the Board may use the name ROCKVILLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE or
RFL in connection with the purchase of any items for use
by the league or any team in the League.
THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES
DESIGNATED FOR INDIVIDUAL FLAG AND TACKLE FOOTBALL TEAMS
WILL BE ESTABLISHED EACH YEAR BY THE BOARD.
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