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 Officials and Rules |
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 | | Wayne Bunk, Paul Sneeringer, Richard Puzniak |  |
Thursday, April 7
Officiating Crew
NAME USFTL EXPERIENCE(YRS)
Paul Sneeringer Referee 15
Richard Puzniak Back Judge 10
Wayne Bunk Side Judge 10
Alternates
Henry "Hank" Mouson 18
Dave Collier 8
Ed Siemenmeyer 8
BULLDOG IMPROVISED RULES & REGULATIONS revised 4/10/2006
Any Team or Individual(free agent) is welcome to participate as long as they abide by the USFTL/BDFFL RULES and REGULATIONS and contibute in a positive manner to the organization in which Bull'DOG' Flag-Football sponsors. It is Teams and Individual players responsibility to abide by league and team rules or be suspended or banned from the league play without refund.
It matters what you do say on and off the field to others in the league and to the public. just like the NFL.
With a positive attitude, board members (Owners/Coaches/Captains) and affiliates are to add solutions through meetings and communication with league authoritys as situations and problems arise.
Coaches/Captains/Players be well aware that officials will make mistakes as even NFL officials do, BUT the officiating crew will be knowledgeable of ALL USFTL 9-man RULES and REGULATIONS with BULLDOG LEAGUE improvisions. Also, the crew will HUSTLE and COMMUNICATE with the Coaches/Captains and they will DRESS in full required officiating gear with ACCESSORIES as outline in the USFTL manual in what officials are supposed to have. In order for 9-man Flag-Football to survive and the season to be a success it is key that officials work to do this. Most calls/non-calls are of Officials discretion. Understand that most every football game is of this. Quoting from Bill Parcells "stick around for about 10-15 years and you will see that you will get as many for you as you do against you".
DEFINITIONS: (In order of authority)
Executive Director(ED)/President(P)=One who has administrative or managerial authority over an organization and all titles below them
Commissioner= Official that runs an association and/or league to exercise administrative or regulatory powers over it, also known as State and/or Local Director and has responsibility therefore defined
Chief Official= One who is responsible for getting all the other officials together, communicating information about the league and administrating on field duties as Referee
Game Official=Referee, Head Linesman, Back Judge, Line Judge, Umpire, Field Judge, Side Judge and performs the duties as therefore defined
(O)Owner of Team, is person which creates/aquired a team and owns the exclusive rights as therefore defined.
(GM)General Manager, can oversee the team operations and be delegated duties by the Owner
(HC)Head Coach, is the person which coaches and has full authority over all Assistant Coaches and Players. In most cases and where applicable via USFTL rulebook, the HC is the one to be the Owner of the team.
(AC)Assistant Coach (sometimes just labeled as a "Coach" and can have a specific title within such as Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator)
(C)Captain, is one who helps out with the team in a leadership role
(TR) Team Representative, is one who has been given authority by the upper management of his team to speak for his team at meetings or communicate to others in the league
(M)Manager, is one that helps out the Head Coach and Players such as with keeping of on and off the field records of stats, accounts and other information
(P)Player, is one who is one the roster and plays a position(s) on the field
*A person can have more than one title on a team
TEAMS: Have a Owner/Coaches/Captains and Team Representative, manager who will have the responsibility to inform his players of team/league Rules and information. Owners/Coaches must pay the registration fee which includes a field usage fee and the U.S.F.T.L. sanctioning & certification fee which then they will obtain a U.S.F.T.L. rulebook from USFTL HEADQUARTERS. Owners/Coach/Captains are given a team website on the league website page where they can drop players and add new players during the season. (Read "ROSTERS and FREE AGENCY" below). Each franchise is also aloud to have their own rules as longs as its in the confines of the USFTL/BDFFL rules and regulations.
BOARD MEMBERS: All Owners make up 1/3 of the board (legislative branch), the Commissioner makes up 1/3 of the board (executive branch), the Officials make up 1/3 of the board (judicial branch). The Board Members are allowed to vote (1 overall vote per team) on "issues" that the Commissioner sets before them. If the Commissioner has his own team he can only use 1 vote on any issue voted on by the board. Therefore if the league has a tie vote on an issue, then where applicable the Chief official may make the deciding vote. Where the issue is not applicable (which may be decided by the Commissioner), a coin toss will be used as it says in Proverbs 16:33, "We toss the coin, but its Lord that controls its decision". The coin toss will be done in front of at least 2 Coaches of the board, when and as soon as possible.
SEASON(S):Everyone should be made known that the USFTL "Football Year" starts with the Spring Tournaments and Leagues in February/March and ends with the USFTL Nationals in January,(when total point calculations are totalled) and therefore that is why the Agenda is listed as such on the Home page.
OFFICIALS PAY: In a Regular season game including the Playoffs, Championship, with 15 minute quarters each Official is paid $44 a game, so each team must pay $66 a game for 3 Officials or $44 a game if only 2 Officials are present.
In a Tournament game or shortened game where there are TWO-26 minute running halves, each official is to be paid $30 each per game, so each team must pay $45 for 3 officials or $30 a game if only 2 officials are present.
Officials shall be paid BEFORE the game begins usually at the 'Coin Toss'.
FORFEITS: A team must at least start with 7 players and play with at least 7 players throughout the game or forfeit the game. A team cannot get ANY other player(s) from ANY other team to fill in and play. If a team forfeits a game prior to it starting then the forfeiting team has to pay the the other teams officials fees. Failing to do this will mean a disbarment from the league and civil court action to collect money owed.
INCLEMENT WEATHER (Rain) POLICY: Please call 410-313-4455 for "Field Report", at least 1 1/2 hours before your game on Sundays, starting at 7:30am, even if it is not raining or not any
signs of "inclement weather". As it might have rained at the field
site 1 or 2 days before hand or even Sunday morning and the field
might be deemed "unplayable" via park closed. Call every half an hour for updates.
Every Owner/Coach/Captain is to do this. All Owners/Coaches/Captains are to give all their players the above phone number.
When you call you will hear a Park Manager recording approving/disapproving,if the field is playable or closed all day or closed for certain period of time. The protocol is, that the HCRP managers assign someone to check out fields in the surrounding area starting at 7am and then they call it in when they are done. This recording can be put on anytime after 7am and up until maybe somewhat after 8am. So please make sure you call. They usually make postponements to either 10am or 11am.
I ask all to listen carefully to the field report message and if it says anything with associated wording "AT THIS TIME", know that means it will be at least a 1 hour delay, maybe 2 hour delay, but it doesn't mean the park is closed. So as stated in the rules, your players must show up and be ready to play with delay time pending. I'm sorry there is no better solution. This doesn't happen every week and hopefully won't happen that much. I realize some players come over an hour away and it would stink for them if games are cancelled for the day. As a suggestion, if this happens turn it into a practice BEHIND the elementary school.
No matter what, NEVER go on the field or on the baseball field as they can and would violate our permit for that.
In order to prepare for this situation in the future, call my # AFTER 8am and I may leave a voice recording. Or I will call you by 8:30am. Know if either is not done (a recording or call) then show up on time.
If you have the first game (approx.9:00am) game and there is a postponement, your game is moved up until the field is deemed to be opened. (which is usually a 1-2 hour delay but can be more)
If you have the second game (approx.10:30am) then that would be moved up to be played right after the first scheduled game.
If you have the third game (approx.12:00pm) game then that would be moved up to be played right after the second scheduled game.
If you have the 4th game(approx.1:30pm) game then that would be moved up to be played right after the third scheduled game.
*All Teams/Players have to show up because the field might not open up until right before your game time. If it is deemed not playable, we will have to reschedule that one also.
*Just because it may be raining hard where you are, it may not be raining hard if at all at the field and vice-versa. ALWAYS show up for your game if you cannot reach the message or there is a postponement notification. Owners/Coaches will still be responsible for the Officials fees if you do not show.
Please understand this is the way it is in the best interests of the
Howard County Recreation and Parks and USFTL/BDFFL program.
The Commissioner and/or Officials have the right to stop a
game under their discretion if it starts raining in the middle of a game or in between games. The bottom line is, we cannot tear up the field. (See below)
Authority of Commissioner's Office
1. Authority to cancel, postpone, or terminate games is vested only in the Commissioner and/or the League President (other League office representatives and referees may suspend play temporarily; see point No. 3 under this section and point No. 1 under "Authority of Referee" below). The following definitions apply:
Cancel: To cancel a game is to nullify it either before or after it begins and to make no provision for rescheduling it or for including its score or other performance statistics in League records.
Postpone: To postpone a game is (a) to defer its starting time to a later date, or (b) to suspend it after play has begun and to make provision to resume at a later date with all scores and other performance statistics up to the point of postponement added to those achieved in the resumed portion of the game.
Terminate: To terminate a game is to end it short of a full 60 minutes of play, to record it officially as a completed game, and to make no provision to resume it at a later date. The Commissioner or League President may terminate a game in an emergency if, in his opinion, it is reasonable to project that its resumption (a) would not change its ultimate result or (b) would not adversely affect any other interteam competitive issue.
Forfeit: The Commissioner, (except in cases of disciplinary action; see last section on "Removing Team from Field") and/or League President, and their representatives, including referees, are not authorized unilaterally to declare forfeits. A forfeit occurs only when a game is not played because of the failure or refusal of one team to participate or doesn't have enough players to, or doesn't have funds to cover the game. In that event, the other team, if ready and willing to play, is the winner by a score of 1-0.
2. If an emergency arises that may require cancellation, postponement, or termination (see above), the highest ranking representative from the Commissioner's office working the game in a "control" capacity will consult with the Commissionerand/or League President, or game-day duty officer designated by the League which should be Chief official (by telephone, if that person is not in attendance) concerning such decision. If circumstances warrant, the League representative should also attempt to consult with the weather bureau and with appropriate security personnel of the League, club, stadium, and local authorities. If no representative from the Commissioner's office is working the game in a "control" capacity, the referee will be in charge (see "Authority of Referee" below).
3. In circumstances where safety is of immediate concern i.e. inclement weather, the Commissioner's-office representative may, after consulting with the referee, authorize a temporary suspension in play and, if warranted, removal of the participants from the playing field. The representative should be mindful of the safety of spectators, players, game officials, nonplayer personnel in the bench areas, and other field-level personnel such as photographers and cheerleaders.
4. If possible, the League-office representative should consult with authorized re- presentatives of the two participating clubs before any decision involving cancellation, postponement, or termination is made by the Commissioner and/or League President.
5. If the Commissioner and/or League President decides to cancel, postpone, or terminate a game, his representative at the game or the game-day duty officer will then determine the method(s) for announcing such decision, e.g.,by public-address announcement by home club, or by communication to radio, television, and other news media.
Authority of referee
1. If a referee determines that an emergency warrants immediate removal of participants from the playing field for safety reasons, he may do so on his own authority. If, however, circumstances allow him the time, he must reach the highest ranking full-time League office representative working at the game in a "control" capacity or the game-day duty officer designated by the League (by telephone, if that person is not in attendance) and discuss the actual or potential emergency with such representative or duty officer. That representative or duty officer then will make the final decision on removal of participants from the field or obtain a decision from the Commissioner or League President.
2. If a referee removes participants from the playing field under No. 1 above, he may order them to their respective bench areas or to their locker rooms, whichever is appropriate in the circumstances.
3. After appropriate consultation under No. 1 above, the referee must advise the two participating head coaches of the nature of the emergency and the action contemplated (if the decision has not yet been reached) or of the final decision.
4. The referee must not, before a decision is reached, make an announcement concerning the possibility of a cancellation, postponement, or termination unless instructed to do so by an appropriate representative of the Commissioner's office.
5. The referee must not discuss a forfeit with head coaches or club personnel and must not use that term (see definition of forfeit under No. 1 of "Authority of Commissioner's Office" above).
6. The referee must not assess an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty on the home team for actions of fans that cause or contribute to an emergency.
7. The referee should be mindful of the safety of not only players and officials, but also of the spectators and other nonparticipants.
8. If an emergency involves spectator interference (for example, nonparticipants on the field or thrown objects), the referee immediately should contact the appropriate club or League representative for additional security assistance, including, if applicable, involvement of the League's security representative(s) assigned to the game.
9. The referee may order the resumption of play when he deems conditions safe for all concerned and, if circumstances warrant, after consultation with appropriate representatives of the Commissioner's office.
10. Under no circumstances is the referee authorized to cancel, postpone, terminate, or declare forfeiture of a game unilaterally.
PROCEDURES FOR STARTING AND RESUMING GAMES
Subject to the points of authority listed above, League personnel and referees will be guided by the following procedures for starting and resuming games that are affected by emergencies.
1. If, because of an emergency, a regular-season or postseason game is not started at its scheduled time and cannot be played at any later time that same day, the game nevertheless must be played on a subsequent date to be determined by the Commissioner.
2. If an emergency threatens to occur during the playing of a game (for example, an incoming tropical storm), the starting time of the game will not be moved to an earlier/later time unless there is clearly sufficient time to make an orderly change.
3. All games that are suspended temporarily and resumed on the same day, and all suspended games that are postponed to a later date, will be resumed at the point of suspension. On suspension, the referee will call timeout and make a record of the following: team possessing the ball, direction in which its offense was headed, position of the ball on the field, down, distance, period, time remaining in the period, and any other pertinent information required for an orderly and equitable resumption of play.
4. For regular-season postponements, the Commissioner will make every effort to set the game for no later than 1 month after its originally scheduled date and at the same site. If unable to schedule at the same site, he will select an appropriate alternative site. The Commissioner will keep in mind the potential for competitive inequities if one or both of the involved clubs has already been scheduled for a game close to make up date.
5. For postseason postponements, the Commissioner will make every effort to set the game as soon as possible after its originally scheduled date and at the same site. If unable to schedule at the same site, he will select an appropriate alternative site.
6. Whenever postponement is attributable to negligence by a club, the negligent club is responsible for all home club costs and expenses, including, subject to approval by the Commissioner.
GAME TIME:
Regular Season and Playoffs
(4) 15 minute 'running time' Quarters, with the last 2 minutes of 2nd and 4th quarters will be that of 'regulation time'. The game clock stops on Scores and not start until the next kickoff touch OR snap.
Teams shall have a 25-second clock, as they will throughout the whole game with the REFEREE counting it down from 10 seconds each and every play. This will speed guys along to get more plays thus get more possessions in the game.
We are aiming at each team getting 4 possessions a half or at least one team getting 3 possessions and the other team getting 4, with a total number of at least 15-18 plays per team per half like we used to have. Teams will learn that they must hustle, with the officials hustling them along with the 25-second clock, which will start immediately after the ball is placed.
This will also give the officials more control thus making it easier on the officials and the teams with time management discipline. NEVER SHORTEN TIME as Officials have done in the past. make sure inside each 2 minute half, a 5 second play IS a 5 second play. Commissioners will be monitoring this with stop watches and video tape with clock counters.
After a TOUCHDOWN, the Referee or other official will yell "1 minute for extra point!" and then counting it down from 25 seconds, if the scoring team has not converted the extra point within a minute, it is a delay of game penalty. After the extra point the Referee will yell "1 minute to kickoff!" and then counting it down from 25 seconds, if the kicking team has not kicked the ball by then, it is a delay of game penalty. The clock will not start until the receiving team has touched the ball, either by the kickoff touch or the first snap from scrimmage.
After a FIELD GOAL the Referee will yell "1 minute to kickoff!" and then counting it down from 25 seconds, if the kicking team has not kicked the ball by then, it is a delay of game penalty. The clock will not start until the receiving team has touched the ball, either by the kickoff touch or the first snap from scrimmage.
After a SAFETY the Referee will yell "1 minute to kickoff or punt from the 20 yard line!" and then counting it down from 25 seconds, if the kicking team has not kicked the ball by then, it is a delay of game penalty. The clock will not start until the receiving team has touched the ball, either by the kickoff or the first snap from scrimmage.
Two minute warning: During the final 2 minutes of each half, the game clock official will call the time out loudly towards both sidelines (offense first) after each play and say the clock is either stopped or still running. When the game clock is within 30 seconds of each half the game clock official will countdown loudly from 30 seconds until time has expired.
Time outs: Each team will get 3 timeouts per half and will not lose one if not used inside either 2 minute warning. Each timeout will be a maximum 1 minute in length and the clock will not start until the snap of the next play.
*Any injury will be taken from that teams timeout of the injured player.
*Between 1st and 2nd - 3rd and 4th Quarters, it should take teams 1 minute to change sides of the field, with the playclock being reset.
*There will be 5 minute halftimes. Within 2 minutes teams will line up for the second half kickoff.
OVERTIME: In the event of overtime, each team will do 4 down possessions (unless there is an interception)each from the 20y line (Kansas shootout). There will be a coin toss to see who will get to choose to go first on offense or choose to go on defense. The team calling the toss will be the one who didn't get to call the toss before the opening kickoff. The team losing the toss will get to choose which goal they want to defend or try to score into. After the each team has a possession and if the game is still tied. The choice of choosing Offense or Defense will alternate.
EQUIPMENT:
Uniform Code: See "uniform code"
Flag Belts: Sonic-boom flags are the ONLY allowed flag.
All belts/flags have to be opposite of your football pants color and of your team color coordination.
Every player must have sonic-boom flags on or if they get the ball and don't have a belt on, then they need only be touched between the waist and the shoulders.
Regulation size ball: All teams must use a "regulation size ball" on their offensive and Kicking/Punting possessions.
OFFENSE:
*2 on 1 Blocking is allowed *(New 2004-05 USFTL Rule 1 Section 2)
*Although stiff-arming a defender is allowed, a ball carrier cannot run down the field with his arm extended, nor can he run with a forward straight arm and then lower his shoulder in a simultaneous motion. (See USFTL Rule 12 Section 5 Article 3)
*A ballcarrier can dive for yardage, first down line or cone or end zone pylon, but cannot dive into anyone (charging). It will be officials discrepency.
*Ballcarrier can get up and run if has ball and fell on the ground or knee hits ground and was not touched by defensive team. He cannot get up if he rolled over on the ball via ball has touched the ground.
*A snap from the center to the QB or other back that is trapped is live.
*Spot of ball being marked: Officials judgment of spot of ball will be of where 1st flag was deflagged and where the front part of "ball" was at the time of first flag being pulled.
DEFENSE:
*You can strip the ball by knocking it cleanly (without hitting ball carriers arm. You can take the ball out of a ball carriers hand if he is bobbling, juggling or doesn't have control of the ball (officials discretion). You cannot hit the arm of a ball carrier, maul at, excessively try to rip, grab the ball out a players hands if they have controlled possession.
*Southern Comfort will apply where the NG must give the Center a 1 yard circumference from the football, thus in all fairness the QB must take a quick step back before a QB sneak play. This rule does not apply when the Offense is inside the Defenses 5 yard line.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Punts: (scrimmage kicks): All punts are declared/undeclared (as opposed to USFTL Rule 10 Section 3 Article 2)
Kicks: No onside kicks can be attempted, kicker must attempt to kick it away.
*If the ball is kicked and hits the ground and bounces up and a returner attempts to grab and it goes off of him and defender catches in the air before it hits the ground again, it is the kicking teams ball but cannot be advanced. If kicked and the ball didn't hit ground and touches a returner and doesn't hit the ground, then defender can return the ball.
*The ball is dead if the returner drops a kick in the air, as it is a dead ball via a muff that is on the ground and the returner cannot pick up cleanly. Therefore he must catch it or pick it cleanly if it bounces or travels along ground ( i.e. squibbed).
*The ball cannot touch one player and be returned by another, unless it is first controlled and then lateraled
*Extra Points that are kicked and Field Goals are always live (cannot be declared as in punts/scrimmage kicks), but defense cannot rush through Center-Guard gaps. If a snap skips or rolls across the ground it is a dead ball. A trapped ball by the holder from the snapper is live.
*A trapped ball from the center to the punter is still live
"TRAPPED BALL" Explanation letter to Senior Owner from Commissioner
Alvin,
I understand. But there is "guesswork involved" via officials judgement and control no matter what the rule is...as this was discussed and voted by everyone before you got to the meeting and unanamously everyone agreed on the rule the way it is. You were then briefed on what we discussed and you agreed to the rule also for this season.
The purpose was/is on a snapped ball that is close to hitting the ground in front or does (hard to judge by anyone) via "blade of grass rule", that it would stay live. This is the officials discretion to make the call.
Yesterday I had 2 in question, via the game film, one I definitely got as it was an inch off the ground as it traveled a few inches off the ground all the way back to me. The other, yes one end of the ball appeared to have hit the ground while I grabbed the other end of the ball. Even on the film you can't tell if there was a millimeter of difference of separation, hence did one end hit before I grabbed the other end.
Even if you say the ball is dead if it hits the ground on a snap or fumble for that matter its STILL going to come down to an officials judgement. When its that close its advantageous to the officials judgement not to call it dead. There is also the issue of "control", that is why a trap is allowed, because the QB or holder is "still in control" if they get it clean. If its a clear bounce in front of a QB and/or holder yes then it is dead just like the extra point we failed on at the end of the game.
The rule can be up for review before the beggining of each season, as for now it stands as is.
BDFFL COMMISSIONER,
Dave "Bulldog" Mitchell
CODES OF CONDUCT and ETHICS:
USFTL Rules of Conduct(page 13): This also applys to League play as well as Tournament play.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Fighting or Flagrant misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in ejection with a subsequent 1-3 game minimum suspension or a season suspension and up to a lifetime maximum suspension. Termination can also result upon a player under Commissioners/Officials discretion if he feels his conduct merits it. Any player given 2 unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant fouls in the same game can be ejected. Taunting or other heckling from players, spectators from the sideline or on the field is unsportsmanlike conduct.
Officials have the right to sit players for a down(s), series, quarter or a half or eject from the entire game.
Respect to Commissioner, Officials, Owners, Coaches/Captains, Players, Spectators: It will be unethical for anyone from any team, spectators included to make derogatory comments to or about the Commissioner, especially in regards to him getting any favortism from the Officials. If the Commissioner plays, he then takes off his Commissioners hat and becomes a player and is under the same rules and regulations as all players on the field. However, any ill-will towards the Commissioner or any other league affiliate either by physical cheapshot or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Players are to conduct themselves maturely in a way where they control their emotions or they will be subjected to the "UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT" rule in the Code of conduct and ethics. This also applies to the Officials, Coaches/Captains, and all Players both active and reserve as well as Spectators.
Fighting: Any altercation that breaks out should be immediately contained by both sides, thus restraining their own players. The player that throws the "first punch" or "first blow" is the one that is in immediate violation. Although retaliation is not recommended, there are understandable times when a person must defend themselves without using excessive violence or force.
If ANY players come off the sideline (which is known as bench clearing), those players or the team at the Officials disretion will be ejected and game is subject to a FF loss. If both teams violate this, then it can be a DFF for both teams. Failing to restrain parties in altercation in an immediate timely manner will result in the HOWARD COUNTY POLICE being called and those parties will be subject to ASSAULT CHARGES.
UNFAIR ACTS
Commissioner's authority
The Commissioner has sole authority to investigate and to take appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures if any club action, nonparticipant interference, or emergency occurs in a game which he deems so unfair or outside the accepted tactics encountered in football that such action has a major effect on the result of a game.
No club protests
The authority and measures provided for in this section (UNFAIR ACTS) do not constitute a protest machinery clubs to dispute the result of a game. The Commissioner will conduct an investigation under this section only to review an act or occurrence that he deems so unfair that the result of the game in question may be inequitable to one of the participating teams. The Commissioner will not apply his authority under this section when a club registers a complaint concerning judgmental errors or routine errors of omission by game officials. Games involving such complaints will continue to stand as completed.
Penalties for unfair acts
The Commissioner's powers under this section (UNFAIR ACTS) include the imposition of monetary fines, suspension of persons involved, and, if appropriate, the reversal of a game's result or the rescheduling of a game, either from the beginning or from the point at which the extraordinary act occurred. In the event of rescheduling a game, the Commissioner will be guided by the procedures specified above ("Procedures for Starting and Resuming Games" under EMERGENCIES). In all cases, the Commissioner will conduct a full investigation, including the opportunity for hearings, use of game videotape, and any other procedures he deems appropriate.
Removing team from field:
No player, coach, or other person affiliated with a club may remove that club's team from the field during the playing of any game, including preseason, except at the direction of the referee. Any club violating this rule will be subject to disciplinary action by the Commissioner, including possible game forfeiture and sole liability for financial losses suffered by the opposing club and any other affected member clubs of the League.
ROSTERS:(USFTL RULEBOOK)
Article 12-Individual Player Eligibility
Section 7-Rosters
A)When a team qualifies for a Local, State, Sectional, Regional, National or World Tournament, the team roster will be FROZEN. Players will be bound to the qualified team, up to and including the teams respective Local, State, Sectional, regional, National or World Tournament. A team coach may release and add up to three players from his team's qualified frozen roster.
B)Any player that is released from a qualifying teams roster CANNOT return to that team during the current season.
C)Thirty (30) player roster limit Flag Football, Touch and INELIGIBLE LINMAN Flag Football.
D)All rosters must be submitted to the Local Director by October 1st! (NO EXCEPTIONS)
E)No players may be added to a roster after October 1st
F)A player may change teams only if his current team coach gives a written release to the Local Director
G)A player may only change teams one time per year
ARTICLE 26-Tournament Procedures, By-Laws and Guidelines
Section 7-Rosters and Adding Players
*In "League Play" Owners/Coaches/Captains are allowed to add/replace and/or Release/Trade players as long as this is done by Saturday evening before 11:59pm prior to your next day game. You MUST notify the Commissioner about ANY of these roster changes.
Make sure you read the rules about "Rosters" (Constitution Article 12, Section 7) in the USFTL Rulebook.
Right now the USFTL rule is a 30 man roster limit which includes coaches (if they play). The rule used to be it didn't include coaches.
I wrote the Executive Director (Mike Cihon) about this and he told me the coaches count if they play (30 players are 30 players--no exceptions), so when cutting your roster down or building it up to 30, know that Coaches that play count towards your 30 man roster.
Understand the roster limit is there to prevent teams from lopsiding and one team from having and holding all the better players via stacking a team. There is no practice squad roster (players you have in reserve) that you can alternate to your team line up roster.
Remember to get your final rosters on the USFTL website the Saturday before your game by 11:59am via using your username and password for your teams sub site. They will need to be on the BDFFL site even if you have a linking site to another domain i.e. league lineup.
Make sure when you make these transactions, you email me and let me know and make the change on your website by Saturday night before your game. If that player is not on your roster on your website and he plays just 1 down, under protest your game will be forfeited.
You can add/drop players any time through the season, as long as they meet player eligibility defined in the USFTL rulebook constitution.
INJURED RESERVE or PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM
The player has to be injured enough to where he is unable to play and has to have a note from a Doctor saying that (just like a work note). He of course cannot play during this time. In the Position section of the Website Roster, you must mark him (IR)or (PUP) before Saturday 11:59pm/Sunday 12:00am.
He can be kept on the roster, not against the maximum 30, for the reason of getting someone to temporarily take his place or take the place of the roster spot and so no team can pick him up in the FA pool, but when he returns you have to take someone off, who cannot be put back on for the remainder of the season.
TRADES/RELEASES
The trading deadline is the Saturday before that teams "sixth game" *(in a 10 game season.) All parties must agree to the agreement of the trade for it to happen and it must be approved by the Commissioner and/or Board Members. Players that move from one team to another by trade or release and are aquired must do so by the "sixth game" *(in a 10 game season) of the season and cannot return to the Team they left that season.
You can pick up any released player from another team, but not after your "sixth game" *(in a 10 game season) or that team the player is from "sixth game". The purpose of this rule, but not limited to,is to not allow a player to jump off a team that may be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and by the same token not allow a team to pick up a player to use them down the stretch and/or for the playoffs. This is to create integral strength within the league via the teams via the player so he sticks out the season/year with his team in order for that team to grow better. *(If the season is 12 games, then by the 7th week, If the season is 14 games, then by the 8th week).
WAIVER/LIABILITY AGREEMENT CONTRACT:
I will need the signed waiver/liability/agreement document that I give to all of you on opening day BEFORE your game. Please make a few copies of the waiver/liability/agreement document. Turn the initial one in on opening day and then turn your add ons after. This form should be signed by ALL players on your team.
FREE AGENCY:
Understand the Free Agency rules of your players to the league that if you do not want to play for the team you are currently on during the year, you just can't leave and say you are not playing and then go to another team within the league. This is completely unethical and should not be tolerated by any Owners/Coaches/Captains.
Its like Dolphins RB Ricky Williams retiring in 2004 and then wanting to come back to another team. NOT RIGHT without consequence.
"Hedging" is not aloud by USFTL for teams and will not be aloud by the BDFFL for players. You must let your true intentions be known and stick to that. Its unfair to Owners/Coaches/Captains who are putting together a team and have players that want to hedge on contigencys. This also leads to bad feelings within the league when a player leaves a team and then goes to another (behind their former teams back, so to say). I consider it an unethical, unsportsmanlike conduct and it will not be tolerated.
When players sign(REQUIRED) USFTL/BDFFL liability/waiver document agreement through their Franchise Owners/Head Coaches/Captains, then they are bound to that. Also, if they play just 1 play they are also bound to the rules of the league. They can also be bound if they made their intention to be with said team as stated above.
If a player is already on a team wants to go to another team,he then can go to his Owner/Coach and asked to be released/traded. An Owner/Coach does not have to grant this and can bind the player to the yearly agreement. That player should act professional and playout his agreement
Any potential player contacting the Commissioner/Local Director will be aquired by a Owner/Coach/Captain that needs players and will be contacted and placed on a team as soon as possible by the Commissioner. It is each players responsibility to follow and to stay in touch with their Owner/Coach/Captain and to know all USFTL/BDFFL rules and regulations. Individual players can obtain rulebooks from U.S.F.T.L. Headquarters. There is no individual fee to register as a "free agent". Individuals would just have to pay what is required of the franchise owner of the team they are aquired to.
Players are under the agreement to sign/play for the year with that team(spring league through fall league up until USFTL Nationals). At the conclusion of the USFTL Nationals in January up until the start of the Spring season, Free Agent players in the league, as every player is considered to be a FA at that time, can inquire to be on other teams.
Free Agents that were never in league prior or have come back to the league are under the same rules when they do inquire and are aquired by a team.
O/HC/C can also have their own player agreements as long as they stay within the parameters of the USFTL/BDFFL rules.
At no time, is it allowed during the year for Owners/Coaches/Captains/Players or any affiliates, friends, relatives from a franchise to inquire with another player that already is on another team in the league.
Hence, no Player is either allowed to contact or inquire about being on another team, either by himself or 3rd party agent. A player must be released or given permission by their club owner to inquire with another team.
Club owners are not obligated to give out any contact information of players.
Players that are looking to be picked up after released can use the BDFFL website to contact a team or post a message on the Message Board.
At no time will a player be allowed to go to another team without first settling any outstanding debt owed to their former team.
MERGERS:
If one team wants to merge with another they must first let the Commissioner/Local Director aware of it and when entering a National Tournament thay should let the USFTL aware of it.
EXPANDING FRANCHISES:
It will be allowed with Commissioners/and said Owners approval,for a player to form/ (be a founder of) his own franchise. This being done with the understanding that he does not inquire players from his former team unless given permission by the Owner and that he stays in the parameters of the USFTL/BDFFL rules and regulations.
PLAYERS FEES: Each team owner will determine what a players fee will be for their team and each player must be held accountable to this fee in full or be suspended from playing.
REFUND POLICY:It is and always has been, a NO REFUND policy to the League/Teams/Players. Reason because is it not right or fair to the team and Owner/Coach/Commissioner. And below is the explanation why so you understand.
Also refunds are never given to a player from a Director/Team to a Team/Player for unsportsmanlike conduct, rules violation, or any other ethical reason (i.e. Team/Player not showing up) that leads to suspension/disbarment. This also includes insubornation from players to their Owners/Coaches/Captains.
Any team owner which takes a players fee for their team must keep that player on their roster until their *"sixth game" or pro rate that players fee back, unless the player was released for violation of league/team conduct purposes, also known as conduct detrimental to the league/team.
PLAYERS
For example, 20 players come out pay what is due before they start to practice. The coach then works with this unit. The owner/coach has then already added you to the roster which can only hold 30. That means he has ALREADY cut/released someone from the roster in which USFTL rules state you cannot bring back. Understand the owner/coach has already sacrificed that players fee to make way for you and your fee in covering your spot on the roster.
The owner/coach takes the revenue and turns what fraction is owed into the USFTL, takes another fraction and is paying officials, takes another fraction and pays off equipment i.e. uniform invoice, takes another fraction and pays Recreation & Parks for field usage and any other team expenses. Understand if players got a refund when they wanted to after starting then that would be unfair to the players that paid because there would be not enough revenue to fund the program budget thus the program would fold due to lack of revenue. All the time that Owners/Coaches and Players put in would be for nothing and that would be unfair. For obvious reasons if players unfortunately get injured, you cannot refund their dues for the same reason. That player can remain on the IR or PUP list until he is able to return.
The only time a player gets a refund is if the program via the league is cancelled or the team folds hence no monies were paid out to the powers that be.
However, in fairness to a player that did not like the program for one reason or another, or cannot play for some unforeseen circumstance they can recruit another player to take their place. This also has to be a new player that has not come to a practice, played in the BDFFL before, or has already been recruited. The new player also has to be accepted by the owner/coach. This player then in turn can reimburse the player that is leaving in which his name is added on the roster and the persons leaving is taken off and cannot be added back on in the season. This is also done when a player is released (cut) form a team by the Owner/Coaches.
TEAMS
For the same reason above, once fees are turned in by teams, then their monies are distibuted to all the facets that make the league work. Also, a schedule is done which takes alot of hard work and too much time to change and will not be changed for a team that wants to drop. By turning in your fee you are making a commitment that is expected to be honored by the USFTL/BDFFL. The no refund policy has to be instituted in order for teams to be held to this obligation.
The only time a team gets a refund is if the program via the league is cancelled hence no monies were paid out to the powers that be.
However, in fairness to a team that did not like the program for one reason or another once starting, or cannot play for some unforeseen circumstance they can recruit another team to take their place. This also has to be a new team that has not come to a practice, played in the BDFFL before, or has already been recruited. The new team also has to be accepted by the commissioner. This team then in turn can reimburse the team that is leaving in which his name is added on the website and the team leaving is taken off and cannot be added back on in that season.
RECRUITING: Team Owners are allowed to advertise in the means of getting players (free agents)for their team.
DRAFT: There is currently no drafting system at this time.
PLAYOFFS:
Post Season: Will be done in a single elimination format where teams will be seeded according to how they finished in regular season play.
Seedings shall be done as follows,(Best Record, Head to Head, Divisional Standing, Scoring Differential between tied teams, Overall Scoring Differential).
Sometimes teams may not play equal of number of games because a team may drop out or be in suspension from a rule violation and that is where the Board Members must get together for a aggreable solution so maybe an extra game or 2 has to be played so seeding can be justified.
*ALL other USFTL Rules & Regulations apply. If a rule/situation comes up that is not in the USFTL Rulebook then NFL Pro Rules will apply.
*As Commissioner of the BDFFL, I reserve the right not to admit at my discretion any Teams and/or Players in the league.
OFFICIALS Responsibilities
I would like to give everyone some insight on what "Officials" on the field responsibilitys are as some or alot of you may not know and it is always an issue or concern at the "Meeting" that preludes each season.
Since each league usually only uses 3-4 Officials (Referee, Head Linesman, Back Judge, and maybe Line Judge), I will go over them. The other 3 officiating positions on the field are (Side Judge, Field Judge, Umpire). These are most of there responsibilitys but are not limited to just these below. This might also give you a different perspective when watching NFL games this season.
REFEREE: Positioned 10 to 12 yards behind the LOS (line of scrimmage) just to the QB's right (or left if the passer is lefthanded), he watches for illegal procedure in the backfield. After the ball is snapped on passing plays, he watches the outside lineman on the Head Linesman side, then shifts his focus solely to the QB. He is responsible for flagging ALL penalties involving the QB, including intentional grounding. In kicking situations, watches for infractions against the kicker or punter. He also has the FINAL SAY on all decisions in which there is a disagreement among crew members.
The referee is CEO: During the week he critiques the work of each of his crew members by analyzing the previous weeks games, by talking with commissioner or other sources, he also reads up on any rule changes or developments and sorts out situational things that may have happened in the game. He is also oversees any meetings. His 5 main calls are False Start, Illegal Motion, Holding, Intentional Grounding, Personal Foul.
Head Linesman: He straddles the LOS before the snap, watching for encroachment, offside and false starts on his side of the field (or the whole field if there is no Line Judge). He also marks the spot of a ballcarriers foward progress and oversees where to place the puck marker where the LOS is and signifys what line is the next first down. ALL officials are expected to know what down it is, but the Head Linesman has the LAST WORD. On pass plays he drifts downfield to help out situations involving interference and illegal contact. He also assists the referee on intentional grounding penalties. His 5 main calls are Offside, Illegal Motion, Intentional Grounding, Pass Interference, Illegal Contact.
Back Judge: He stands about 25 yards downfield, usually on the same side as the TE or the strong side of the Offenses formation. He watches for infractions by or against the TE. He must be able to move quickly side to side, as he is often called the "windshield wiper" because he has to move from one side of the field to the other so often. He's a key arbiter on pass interference calls, monitors the "PLAY CLOCK" for delay of games along with the field judge if there is one. He also rules on FG and Extra Point attempts from under the goal posts. His 5 main calls are Delay of Game, Pass Interference, Holding, Illegal Contact, Uncatchable Pass.
*Line Judge: (these responsibilties become the Head Linesman when there are only 3 officials)
He straddles the LOS of scrimmage opposite the Head Linesman, looking for illegal movement along the defensive line and false starts. He also carries the "GAME CLOCK" on the field. and has the power to adjust the time. He is responsible for deciding whether the QB crossed the scrimmage line before throwing a pass and, on punts, whether a player is illegally downfield before the ball is kicked.
The 3 officiating positions that are usually left out of flag-football and other rec ball groups are the following and there responsibilities have to be picked up by the officilas on the field.
Side Judge: Positions himself 20 yards down field from the Head Lineman. Like the Field Judge on the opposite side of him he has to sprint down field to beat the ball carrier to the goal line on a TD. He watches for pass interference, keying on the receiver split to the widest side of the field. At Halftime, he and the Head Linesman switch to the opposite sides of the field. (Thats to prevent one coach from thinking the other coach is working the official on his side so hard that he'll start getting the calls in the 2nd half). His 5 main calls are Pass Interference, Illegal Contact, Holding, Uncatchable Pass, Ball Juggled Inbounds.
Field Judge: Positions himself 20 yards downfield from the Line Judge. Like the Side Judge on the opposite side, he must sprint downfield on longer plays and get into position to determine whether a ball carrier has crossed the goal line. He focuses on the receiver widest on his side of the field. Along with the Back Judge he lines up under the goal post to rule on FG's and EP attempts.
His 5 main calls are Pass Interference, Illegal Contact, Holding, Uncatchable Pass, Ball Juggled Inbounds.
Umpire: Positions himself 5 yards off the LOS in the midst of the LB"s, he watches for false starts, holding by interior lineman and interference on short passes, while he is also like a referee in boxing where he is instrumental in seperating and keeping players emotions under control. There 5 main calls are Holding, Illegal use of Hands, False Start, Illegal Cut, Pass Interference.
These reponsibilties were derived from Mike Pereira, NFL Director of Officiating, USFTL Rulebook and my own 2 decades of experience officiating in various organizations. Any comments or questions please feel free to write back.
Sunday, April 9
UNIFORM CODE FOR SEASON
A reminder to all Owners/Coaches/Captains and Players in the league that you have to stay within your teams color schemes. Order your proper uniform attire now for the season.
Owners/Coaches/Captains and individual Players can call Football America in Columbia at 410-290-6819 ext. 135 and ask for Adam Beaver, manager to get Jerseys and Football pants immediately as they have a full warehouse.
Also,Walt Blahut at SPORTARAMA DISCOUNT SPORTS in Linthicum at 410-859-8456 to place their orders now to be prepared. You can also call Shiflett & Horn in Dundalk at 410-282-1221 or Pro-Am Sportswear in Lutherville at 410-252-6861.
Reasons for this Rule are, but not limited to (via USFTL Rule 4-Equipment; Section 3, Articles 1-3, Section 4 Articles1-6, Section 5 Artical 1, Section 6 Article 1) as it may be a distraction to the other team which is illegal and a personal foul.
Black and White are neutral underneath wear colors.
"Gray" IS NOT or is any other color a neutral underneath color and cannot be worn by any player on any team unless that IS part of your teams color scheme. This includes and is particularly geared towards underneath wear, head gear and accessories. So let your players know. This also includes wristbands, forearm, elbow and knee padding. The only exception are Football Gloves i.e. NFL Neuman tackified gloves. No brimmed hats are allowed.
Secondly, it is our leagues image as media may be out to take pictures of this weekends contests and we do not want to look like a bunch of raga muffins as the county leagues do with sweatpants and mixed color schemes.
In addition to be a quality league and have the ultimate respect of the other leagues around the country as a respected and well kept 9-man organization, DRESS CODE WILL BE ENFORCED!!!!. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS or EXCUSES. If you forget your uniform, lose it or for any misc. reason you still will not play. Coaches/Captains are encouraged to have extra Jerseys and Football Pants.
Also, as the rule states; Officials that see something that could be deemed confusing in some ones dress or equipment will be asked to remove or change that which is deemed inappropriate or that player will not be allowed to participate. Your mature cooperation is expected and appreciated.
To be even more specific, teams must wear the same top jersey color as some teams have more than one color jersey or football type t-shirts as well as football type pants.
i.e. if the Packers go with wearing White tops, then ALL players must wear White Tops and no Green tops (there other color) or any other color. Every player must also wear the same color "football pants". Thus if the Packers wear White football pants, then ALL must wear White football pants and no Yellow (their other color) or any other color. This goes for EVERY SINGLE player on every single team.
Teams Color schemes:
Key: (Jersey/Pants, Trim Color)
TEAMS COLOR SCHEMES
SCORPIONS (Dark Green Jersey, Black Football Pants, Gold Trim)
TIGERS (White Jersey Tops, Black Football Pants, Yellow Trim)
BUCS (Scarlett Red, Pewter Football Pants, Burnt Orange Trim)
OUTLAWZ (Red Jersey, Black Football Pants, White Trim)
TROJANS (White Jerseys, Gold Football Pants, Burgundy Trim)
BLAZE (Black Jerseys, Vegas and White Trimed two toned numbers with red, black and vegas logo. White or Vegas Football Pants, White Trim)
DE STALLIONS (Purple Jersey, Black Football Pants, White Trim)
RAMS (Blue Jerseys with Gold numbers, Vegas Gold Football Pants, Gold Trim)
*You can have stripes on your "Football Pants" , but they must match your teams color scheme or be black or white
*Your "Football Pants" can also be hemmed or shortened above the knee as Official Flag-Football Pants are, but must still look neat and not loose or raggedy.
Uniform Code for Tournaments
ALL Players must have matching tops and bottoms or they will not be allowed to participate until they do!
(i.e. Colts are Royal Blue top, white colored bottom, with white numbers and black and gray underneath wear and trim) This means we cannot wear any color outside our scheme including wristbands and headbands, or any other head attire.
*Non-Conference Teams will have to have matching Tops but are not required Football pants for bottoms, but all must be in "unison color" (i.e. if black is their bottom attire, they ALL must wear black) and you are allowed to grab if by the belt area without it being a holding call if the shorts are loose. This is officials discretion.
*Shorts CANNOT be basketball type shorts or shorts going below the knee
*NO SWEATPANTS are allowed
*NO brimmed hats are allowed
*If teams have long Jerseys they must be tucked in and stay tucked in and cannot overflap pants with flagbelt around them
*If they have the porthole mesh Jerseys like the SCORPIONS they may not extend the waist line or they must be tape tied so they do not hinder any part of the flag
Coaches/Captains//Players/Fans on Site Responsibilities
*ALL players should arrive dressed 1 hour before their game time to insure proper warm-up, as to prevent injuries and be prepared to play as Coaches/Captains need to go over things with you and you need about an hour to do that. Please give your Coach/Captain that respect as he has put in alot of time to build your team and if you want to be organized and increase your chances for a successful season you will give him and yourself this courtesy
*ALL TEAMS are responsible for ALL trash removal of their sideline during and after their game is complete. Bring a trash bag for your team.
*Team Coaches/Captains, Manager or Reps have to e-mail Stats (TD's, Int. and Sacks in weekly (by Monday night to make the medias deadline and be out into the paper that week). Not reporting stats by Monday will result in them not being published.
*All Howard County Recreation and Parks Facility/Field Permit Rules apply
go to...http://www.co.ho.md.us/RAP/rap_homepage.htm and read what they are
ALL BULLDOG GAME REGULATIONS ADDENDUM
-Coaches/Captains will be from the losing teams of the Semi-Final game
-Must wear their team uniform or not be allowed to play-no exceptions
-Officials will be paid $44 each for this regulation game that Head Coach from each team will collect
-Players are to bring $5 each for the officials and field costs of each game
-Only players that were selected to the All Bulldog Game will be allowed to participate
-Same regular season Rules and Regulation apply for this game
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