Part I. Purpose
This is a Religious Ministry, using Football to spread
the word of God.
Mission Statement:
Our overall mission is to use football and other religious activities, and non-religious activities
as a means to glorify God and to bring others to Christ.
By providing football to adults in various communities, the athletes will be given the opportunity
to experience spiritual, mental, physical, and social development.
Coaches will be able to use football and Biblical principles to teach self-discipline and self-motivation,
leadership, and sportsmanship.
Our program is open to anyone who shares in our beliefs, values, and principles, is willing to
follow our rules and understands that he will be exposed to the word of God and Biblical principles.
Mandatory
Bible Study
Pre-Game Bible Study:
Prior
to the start of each game, there will be a mandatory Bible study.
The
Bible study will not last more than 15 minutes.
Non-Attendance
Penalty
1
– 4 mins late: sit out the 1st quarter
5
– 9 mins late: sit out the 1st and 2nd quarters
10
– 14 mins: sit out the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters
Missed
completely – will not play
Part II. Team and Individual
Requirements:
Responsible
for purchasing their own equipment and uniforms.
Responsible
for purchasing their own Accident/Medical Insurance coverage.
Responsible
for securing their own practice site and any cost involved.
State Law prohibits convicted Felons being on School Board Property. (Our league
will abide by this Policy.)
Players
and coaches may be asked to assist in Community, Social, and Environmental causes/events.
Examples: Participate in Religious events or activities, community
projects, or fundraisers for
March of Dimes, Breast Cancer, Leukemia, Cerebral Palsy, Hope Children’s
Home, etc.
Individual Requirements:
You
do not have to be a Christian, but must be willing to follow rules and policies of our league.
Demonstrate
positive character traits and behavior.
Be
of good Moral Character
Be
Drug and Alcohol Free (Abuse of these substances is prohibited.)
Attend Mandatory practices and meetings.
Must
not be involved in any criminal activities. (See below.)
Criminal Background Review
Any
player, coach, or any other team member with a criminal history must be approved to play.
He may
be asked to provide his arrest record to the Commissioner.
May
be require to pay a small fee for a background check
If
a team fails to report team members with criminal records it will be fined and will forfeit all games.
Part III. Administration policies
Conduct/ Behavior
Of Fans And Spectators
The primary objective of the league is
to provide a fun and recreational game that the whole family can enjoy. Fans are
encouraged to cheer and have fun; however, good sportsmanship will be required of all who attends our games. Fans will not
be allowed to Taunt, Argue or make fun of players, coaches, Refs or any other persons. The use of Profanity and other Anti-Social
behaviors or Gestures will not be tolerated. Fans may not smoke inside the game complex. Violators will be asked to leave
the complex area immediately. No refunds will be given to anyone who is ejected due to his/her behavior.
Fans are not allowed to
bring into the complex: Food, Drinks, Alcohol, Drugs, weapons, Tobacco products, or Animals of any kind
Weapons, Drugs and Alcohol Policy
All players, coaches, or anyone else involved with the team will not carry,
display, or use any weapons, use or abuse any drugs or alcohol while at any game, practice, or any other FSFA event. Any player
or team member or participant found to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or who possess drugs during
a game or practice, or any other FSFA event will be immediately removed from that event and will be automatically expelled
from the league.
Possession of Alcohol
Any player or coach who uses or possesses alcohol while at the game site
complex or the adjoining
parking lots will be suspended for two weeks and must pay a $100.00 fine
Use of tobacco
Any player or coach who uses any tobacco products while inside the game
site complex may be fined
$25.00. Each additional violation will be a one game suspension and $50.00
fine per incident.
Noisemakers
Noisemaker that mimics the sound of an
officials whistle, are prohibited
Neutrality
Game announcers must remain unbias
and courteous to all.
Chain Crew members, Trainers and team Video/Photographers
must be courteous to all and or not allowed to make comments to the Refs and/or the opposing ream’s players or fans.
Team Uniforms
FSFA recommends that players wear
all protective pads. Coaches
must have all players sign the Equipment Waiver Form. Any player who elects not to wear certain pads does so at his own risk
A.
Team Colors and Logos:
1. No more than two teams in the league my have the same colors.
2. First team to enter the league with his team colors has first right
to that color.
3. Second team to enter the league with the same color must have a jersey
with a different color when
playing the team with first rights to that color.
B.
Every team entering the League will be allowed to pick a primary color. Color selection will be base on
Seniority. Primary Jersey color by team:
C. Equipment: Players not wearing
all of their elected equipment do so at their own RISK
1. All equipment must meet NCAA or NHSAA requirements.
2. Players must wear
helmets, shoulder pads, and mouthpiece.
3. Mouthpiece must be attached to the face mask.
4. Football shoes must have rubber cleats.
5. Jewelry should not be worn.
6. Any metal objects or buckles must be
covered.
7. Towels worn by players may be any color
other than yellow.
8. Nicknames and numbers on jersey must
not be offensive to others.
9. Players may wear any color plastic face
shields if the eyes can be seen by Medical Personnel.
10. Game jerseys and pants must be uniform in color and appearance.
11. Jerseys must have contrasting numbers. Any 1 or 2 digit number may
be used regardless of player
position.
Non-Players
on Game Field
1. Each team must have one Non-Player Coach
or an Adult Team Representative On the sideline during all
games.
2.
It is the responsibility of the Team Coach/Representative to control all non-players on their sidelines.
3.
All non-players must have a field pass to be on the sidelines; this includes Coaches, Trainers, and
Team Video/Photographer. (A team may have up to 2 water boys/girls, and no field pass is required.)
4.
To receive a field pass:
a. Complete a Waiver of Liability Form
b. Submit two wallet
size pictures.
c. Follow all rules and guidelines of F.S.F.A.
d. Be listed on the game day roster.
e. The Team Coach/Rep must escort violators off the field.
Game
Cancellation
The FSFA web site
will be the official notification method of all game cancellations. Cancelled games will not be made up unless it is necessary
to determine:
1. Tie breaker
2. Play-off
berth - All play-off games will be made up.
Team Forfeiting
a Game
Any team forfeiting an entire game will
be fine $140.00 - fines must be paid prior to the start of the next scheduled game.
4.
The score of a forfeited game shall be the teams scoring average to zero.
5.
If a team forfeits two games without good reason, that team may be
dismissed from league play.
Teams
arriving late
The team that arrived late will:
1. Lose of time outs.
a.
15 mins or less, they will loose their times out for the first half
b.
More than 15 mins late, they will loose all of their time outs.
2. Not be allowed to receive
the ball for the opening kickoff
3. Receive a 15 yard penalty
4. Second violation – an addition to above,
they will have to pay a $50.00 fine.
Ending
a game due to team or individual(s) behavior
Games will be cancelled when behavior
of players, coaches, or fans becomes excessive.
Examples:
arguing, verbal insults, taunting, name calling, fights, face to face confrontations, threats to
do violence or injury, or an ejected player
not leaving the complex in a timely manner.
Ejections
and fines
1. A player who is ejected from a game must leave the complex immediately. Failure to
do so will result in
his being arrested for trespass after warning, a $100.00 fine and violator may also be
suspended additional
games and/or expelled from the league.
2. During his suspension, he is not allowed to attend any Games.
3. Must pay fine prior to playing in next eligible game
4. Any player who plays in a game, prior to paying his fines will be suspended for an
additional 2
games and he will be fined $50.00. Team will forfeit all game that
the ineligible player played in.
5. If a player is removed or quits the team prior to paying a fine, the
team must pay the fine.
Game protests
During a game, rule interpretations
can be challenged. If ruling is overturned, no time out will be charged.
At no time may a player or coach approach the league commissioner after a game with a complaint or protest unless he has
completed a written statement detailing the facts for the protest.
1. All game protests must be in writing with complete details of the incident including what you are
protesting, names or description of the Official(s), and names of witnesses and their
contact information..
2. Protest letters must be postmarked no later than 2 days after the incident.
a. Letters may be emailed to srohow2@yahoo.com
b. Letters may be mailed to 1429 Pinebrook Dr., Clearwater, FL 33755.
3.
Judgment calls by game officials will not be overturned.
Video review protesting
player ejection
It is up to the protestor to submit
a video to the league no later than 3 days after the game. The Game
Official’s ruling will stand
until the game video is reviewed. The League Commissioner may over rule a
player ejection if video evidence
clearly shows that an error
was made.
Part IV. GAME PROCEDURES
With a few specific exceptions, we follow High School Football Rules.
A. Game Start Time
1.
It is recommended that players arrive at least one hour prior to their scheduled game time.
2. Games may start no
earlier than 10 minutes prior to scheduled time.
3. Teams must be ready
to play 10 minutes prior to scheduled start time.
B. Electronic Transmitter Equipment
The Quarterback may use an electronic receiver to receive calls and directions from a coach. The
Receiver must be constructed and worn in such a manner that is not a hazard
to the user or any other
player. The electronic device must not be capable of transmitting
two-way communication. After the
quarterback breaks the huddle, transmission will not be made to the quarterback.
1st Violation: Any team found in violation receive a 15 yard
penalty, loss of down and will forfeit the
right to use the electronic device for the rest of that game.
2nd Violation: Will result in a 15 yard penalty, loss of down, a $100.00 fine and the team will not be
allowed to use any electronic device for the rest of the season.
C. Playing Field
1.
The playing surface is 40 yards wide and 80 yards long. End zones are 10 yards.
2.
The Goal posts are 25 feet apart and the crossbar is 9 feet above the ground.
D. Game Ball
The offense will use a football the official size and weight of a high school, college, or NFL football.
E. GAME CLOCK
1.
Games 1 - 3, each Quarter will be 8 minutes, with water breaks.
2.
Games 4 thru 10 will have 9 minutes quarters, with no water breaks.
3.
All Playoff and All Star games will have 10 minute quarters.
4.
All Games will have a 15-minute halftime
5.
Three (3) timeouts per half. Referee Conference may result in a lost of a timeout.
F. Mercy Rule
If a team is behind by 35 points or more during the 2nd half:
1.
The game will continue with a running clock.
2.
The losing team may choose to end the game at any time.
G. Scoring: Field Goal/Extra Point any size tee may be used
1. Six (6) points for a touchdown
2. One (1) point for a conversion by running or passing the ball into
the end zone.
3. Two (2) points for kicking after a touchdown.
4. Four (4) points are awarded for a field goal.
5. Two (2) points for a safety.
6. Drop kicks during a field goal or a point after down is allowed. Kicker
may be hit.
7. During a field goal a block can be recovered and run by any team.
8. New change: during an extra point try, if Team B blocks the kick or gains possession
of the ball, it
may be return
for a score. Team B will be award the points that team A would received had they
been successful.
H. Overtime Rules
1. There will be a coin toss to determine who will go on offense
first.
2. Team on offense first will be on defense for the second
overtime period, if needed.
3. Ball will be placed on the 25-yard line.
4. Offensive team my pick up 1 (one) first down.
5. A team my try for a field goal at anytime during an offensive
down.
6. For the first two overtime periods, teams must kick for the point after touchdown
7. Starting the third overtime period, team may run or pass
for P.A.T.
8. Non Conference games can end in a tie if no teams
have scored by the end of the 3rd overtime.
9. Conference games will not end in a tie.
I. Kickoff Any size tee may be used. (Defer to the second half know what it means)
1. On a kick off,
the receiver may return a ball from the end zones
2. Touchbacks – ball will be placed on the 15 yardline
3. Kickoffs are from the 30-yard line.
4. Kicker may elect not to use a tee.
5. Kick after safety is from the 15-yard line.
6. The receiving team must line up 10 yards from the point of the kick.
7. The ball must travel 10 yards on a kick off (or place kick/punt. after
a safety) or be touched by the
receiving team before members of the kicking team are eligible to touch it.
8. A free kick out of bounds between
the goal lines untouched inbounds by a player of the receiving
team is a
foul. The receiving team may elect to have a re-kick with a 5 yard penalty from the
previous spot, or they may put the ball in play 20 yards beyond the kicking team's restraining line
at the inbounds spot (30 yard line).
J. On Side Kicks In the 4th Quarter
If a team is ahead by 20 points or more at anytime during the 4th quarter, they will not be allowed to
attempt an onside or squibble kick. Violation: Kicker will be ejected. Ball
will be placed on the
kicking's team's 30 yard line.
K. Defensive Rush on Kicks
Defenders May Not rush from the outside on Field goals and extra point attempts.
L. Infraction Enforcements
If a offensive team scores a point, and during that play, the defensive teams commits a file, the offensive
team may take the play and have the penalty enforced:
1. On the extra point attempt
2. Or on the preceding kickoff
M. Ball Advancement (downing the ball- must be forward, not backwards)
1. Six players on defense, six players on offense.
2. There must be at least three (3) offensive players on the line of scrimmage.
3. The Center can be uncovered.
4. Four (4) downs are allowed to advance the ball fifteen (15) yards for
a first down, or to score.
5. Unless the ball is kicked or forward passed, it may not be advanced
beyond the neutral zone until after an
exchange has been made between the receiver of the snap and another player. (Loss of Down)
6. If
a Team A player catches or recovers a muffed snap behind the neutral zone, he may legally
advance it only after a legal exchange.
7.
An exchange is completed when possession of the football is gained by a receiver of the snap, given
up voluntarily
or involuntarily by the receiver of the snap, and possession is regained by another
player of Team
A.
8.
The ball may be handed in any direction to any player during a scrimmage down behind the Neutral
Zone.
9. A center may receive a direct handoff from the Q.B. if he steps 1 yard behind the line of
scrimmage.
The center can not receive a handoff through his legs are behind his back
10. A
center or other lineman may receive a pass if the ball is thrown 1 or more yards in flight.
11. Other lineman may receive a forward hand-off
at any time and does not have to face his goal prior to
receiving the hand-off if he is 1 yards behind his line of scrimmage
12. If the snap is muffed and Team A player catches or recovers the ball
beyond the neutral zone, he may not
advance it. PENALTY: Loss of down (illegal procedure) from previous spot, 5 yards from the previous
spot is also assessed if the Team A player advances the ball If a Team A player catches or recovers the
muffed snap behind the neutral zone, he may legally advance it only after an exchange.
13. The ball is dead when a passer catches his own pass
(untouched by Team B), and it is ruled as an
incomplete forward pass. Note: Player is down if he is on a knee when catches a pass.
Note: A Player is down if he has one or
both knees on the ground. A holder on a P.A.T. or field goal attempt -
can
not run the ball from a direct snap to him. One foot down is a catch. Ground can't cause a fumble.
Once ball breaks the plan of the end zone it
a touch down.
N. Forward Pass behind the Line Of Scrimmage
Only one forward pass from behind the line of scrimmage will be allowed.
O. Player Pass Eligibility
A. All players are eligible to catch a
forward pass, except that a pass is ruled incomplete when caught by
the passer.
If a forward pass is thrown to the snapper, it must travel at least one yard in flight.
B. After the ready and before the snap, each player of A must momentarily be within 12 yards of the
spot of the snap.
P. Man in Motion
High School rules apply with the following exception: One player may run
forward (Arena football
rule) so long as he does not cross the line of Scrimmage prior to the snap of the ball.
Note: entire team may move or shift, but must be set for one second prior to
snap. Q.B. lifts legs
at the same time as the motion man is -
illegal.
Q. Blocking Rules
1. No blocking below the waist at any time.
2. The center cannot be blocked from the front or head on while his head
is down if:
a. The quarterback is in shot gun position.
b. The center is snapping a long snap to a punter or place holder.
3. Violation: 15 yard penalty, player ejection, $25.00 fine, and one week
suspension.
R. Crack Back Blocks
Are Allowed High low combo blocks are illegal (chop blocks)
1. Hands must be positioned in the front or the side of player being blocked.
Head can be in back, if player
turns while being block it is not a block in the back.
2. Be aware this a judgment call made by the officials.
3. Blocker can also be penalized for unnecessary roughness.
4. Some infractions that
occur on the Backside or down field away from the play, that does not affect
the play, may or may not be called at Refs discretion.
S. Jamming the Receiver
New Rule: Can jam the receiver
if the ball is not in the air
T. Holding
In order for a violation to occur, there must be a twist, turn or take down and
the player must make an
attempt to get away from the person holding him
Examples: Factors: If the player being held is not tying to get away, a
holding call may not be made.
Did the violation impede or interfere with the play.
Violations away from play may or may not be called (judgment call made by the official)
U. Unnecessary Hit on Receiver
A defender may not hit a receiver if a ball is thrown in such a manner that it could not be caught by a
receiver. A Flagrant violation is a 15 -yard penalty, Second violation by the same defender is an ejection
for the rest of that game, a one week suspension and a $25.00 fine.
V. Illegal Tackling
A. No
Defender may not interlock his legs to a runner’s leg to assist him in throwing him to the ground.
Violation: personal foul - 15 yard penalty
B. The use of a leg whip is illegal - Violation: personal foul - 15 yard penalty
C. Horse Collaring: Defender may not
grab the collar of the runner’s shoulder pad and take him to the
ground. Violation: 15 yard penalty.
D. Helmet Contact: As of 2007, it is a violation in all high school football games played in the U.S.
for a
player’s Helmet to come into direct contact head-on with the runner.
E. The following violations will not be tolerated: Cheap
shoots, Spearing or Helmet to the knee. Flagrant
late hits. - Violation: 15 yard penalty
and a loss of down, an immediate ejection from that game, plus
one additional game suspension.
W. Two personal fouls
or two unsportsmanlike fouls will result in an automatic ejection
X. Behavior of Chain Crew Members
At no time may a chain crew member argue or yell insults at a game official, opposing player/coaches or
fans. Chain crew members are not allowed to give or recommend plays or game stragity to a coach or
player. Violation will be treated as an unsportsmanlike penalty.
Y. Communications (non participants)
1. No Player, Coach, or any Team Member may talk trash, yield insults,
or make any obscene gestures to
the opposing fans, players, coach or other team personnel.
2. First violation is a warning to the team.
3. Each additional violation may result in a $25.00 fine to the
violator.
Z. Red Flag
Any League Official or his designees may throw a red flag during a game for
flagrant
violations, anti-social behavior, misconduct, or any acts deemed detrimental
to the league or safety of
others. This flag may be thrown with or without witness of a game official.
Violation will result in: a loss of down and a 15 yard penalty. Violator may be ejected one or more
games, fined, and/or suspended from the league.
SERIOUS VIOLATIONS
A. Communication with game officials
1. Only a coach may address the game officials concerning enforcement
of penalties, or other officiating
decisions. Any player may request game officials to observe the behavior of another player. Players may
also request information concerning number of downs or time-outs, time on the clock, etc. Any other
conversation with game officials by players may be considered a violation. (5 yard penalty)
2 . Threat to do physical
harm to a Game or League Official
a. Team will be penalized 15 yards
b. Player will be ejected and must serve a two week suspension and must
pay a $100.00 fine.
c. Second violation
1. Player will be suspended for the rest of the season.
2. If less than four games remain, he must sit out the first four game of the following season.
3. Any player, coach, or team member who uses physical force on an Official
will be immediately
arrested, charged with a
3rd degree felony, and may face a civil law suit.
The player will be automatically
expelled from the league.
4. Pursuit of officials following a contest – $100.00 and 1 game
suspension and/or removal from the league.
If a player is removed or quits the team prior to paying a fine, the team must pay the fine.
B. Anti - Social Behavior
Unnecessary Arguing, Verbal Insults, Trash Talking, using Profanity, taunts or baiting another player
will not be tolerated.
1. Violation/Penalty:
a. Team will be penalized 15 yards per offense.
b. If the same player is penalized a second time during the same game, the team will be penalized
15 yards, and the player will be ejected for the rest of that game, sit out the first half of the
next game.
2.
Throwing
a helmet will be an automatic suspension for the rest of that game. In addition, the team will
be accessed a 15 yard penalty
and the violator must pay a $25.00 fine.
C. Pushing or Grabbing
a player
If a player pushes or grabs another player (and no other incident occurs)
the Violation is a 15-yard
penalty, loss of down and First violation:
Second
violation: The violator will be suspended from that game and will
sit out one additional game and
will be fined $50.00.
D. Fight or any other serious acts of misconduct
Individuals or multiple players that evoke, cause, or are involved in conduct that is deemed detrimental to
the league or safety of others will be immediately suspended
for a minim of two weeks. Individuals could
also be expelled from league, and/or fined. This includes
conduct before, during, and after game. And
includes areas
such as; the game field , the complex and surrounding parking.lots.
Players running onto the field or area of conflict will be suspended one game and fined $50.00.
E. Gross conduct or repeated misconduct
1. A player, coach, or any team member may be removed and/or suspended
at any time for any
Acts, conduct or comments deemed harmful or detrimental to the league or the safety of others.
2. Any player who repeatedly demonstrates anti social behavior or who
shows reckless regards for the
safety of others will be suspended, fined, and/or removed from the
league.
F. Major game violations
The following violations will not be tolerated: Intentional Cheap shoots and Spearing, Helmet to the knee.
1st violation: 15 yard penalty and a loss of down, an immediate
ejection from that game, one game
suspension, and a $25.00 fine.
2nd violation: 15 yard penalty and a loss of down, an immediate ejection
from that game and a two game
suspension, and a $50.00 fine.
3rd violation: The player will be Fine $100.00 and will be suspended for the rest of the season or longer if
the infraction is deemed flagrant or severe.
G. Celebrations
Player( s) may celebrate after a tackle, (if a player was
not injured) or while running into the end zone or
after any play if:
1. It is not offensive or obscene or shows poor taste or sportsmanship.
2. It does not belittle or taunt the opposing player or team.
3. It is not done over a player or a while facing the opposing player
or team.
4. It does not delay the game.
5. Violation - 5 yard penalty.
