Mission
Statement:
To provide the youth of Waynesville and surrounding areas the opportunity to play in an organization that provides an effective leadership role in the form of teaching youth football skills, teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship, and love of the game.
Purpose:
This document is intended to provide a set of by-laws which the Waynesville Youth Football League's athletes, parents, volunteers, and coaches must abide by in order to participate.
Scope:
This document will be limited to definitions of league management and operation listed here in.
League Management Methodology:
The Waynesville Youth Football League will be managed by a governing committee. This committee will be comprised of five positions as listed below.
President: Jay Schofield
The league president shall oversee all league activity and provide leadership. Responsibilities will be to document season plan, activities, produce forms, programs, rosters, chair meetings, and provide all communications with outside organization.
Financial Officer/Secretary: Missy Carroll
The financial responsibility will include accounting of funds, insurance, and budget planning/recommendations. Financial status will be available at each committee meeting and regular presentation of the league financial position will be made visible. To establish and organize a snack bar during league games. Participate in meetings and in support of season planning activities.
Football Director: Micheal Wright
The football director shall act in the absence of the director and provide administration and leadership in this event. The football director shall provide game schedules, and field preparation/management. Participate in meetings and in support of season planning activities.
Equipment Officer/Coach Liaison: Frank Carroll
The equipment officer is in charge of collection, distrubution, inventory of all league equipment and gear. As the coaches liaison, he will bring all issues, comments, suggestions from league coaches to the board for review and discussion.
Operations Officer: Robert Moreau
The operations officer shall be involed in all daily operations of the league; to include fundraiseing, sponsorship, boosters, and referees. The operations officer will look into new and impoved ways to increase the over all football program for the community and kids. Ensures safety in player training, ensures safe playing conditions and prevention of injuries.
Each Committee member will have one vote except for the President. The President will vote only in the event of a tie.
Donations shall be used in the general fund for Waynesville Youth Football league unless otherwise designated by the donor and approved by the committee. If The Waynesville Youth Football League is dissolved, all remaining funds and equipment, after outstanding bills and refunds are paid, will be donated to the Waynesville Recreation/Parks Commission.
The league shall maintain a behavior policy to provide direction and management of issues related to behavior and sportsmanship. The league committee shall enforce this policy. (Code of Conduct)
CRITERIA USED FOR COACH SELECTION AND COACHES REQUIREMENTS:
A: As this is meant to be a positive experience for the player and the parents, parents of players will receive some preference during the appointment of coaches. This does not mean a parent will always get the selection, but when there are no overwhelming factors for choosing an individual without a player, the parent should get to coach. Note: Bad language, poor attitude or sportsmanship will not be acceptable, and shall be grounds for removal. Note: All final decisions on coaches will be made and determined by the WYFL board.
1. Coaching selection criteria goes as follows: a. Parents of a player that have successfully coached in the league, parents/volunteers without kids in the league that have successfully coached in the league, parents of a player that are new to the league, and parents/volunteers without players in the league but want to help. (Coaches may only coach one team at a time).
2. Any coach that is ejected from a game will serve a one game suspension automatically enforced on there next game. The Head coaches in that coaches grade level will vote on any further actions that may be enforced i.e. removal from league or serve more than a one game suspension. All final say will come from the league board with recommendations from the Head coaches in those grades.
2. Any player that is ejected from a game will serve a one game suspension automatically enforced on there next game. Any player ejected more than once will subject to removal from league play as determined by the league board.
B: A team's coaching staff is in complete charge of the team whenever it is together on the practice or playing field, traveling as a group to and from practice sessions and games, or together for any team function, such as a banquet. The coaching staff is under the direction of the Head Coach; other coaches are called Assistant Coaches. The following applies to all coaches:
E: All Coaches must have a current National Youth Sports Coaches Association Card for Football. Cards will be checked at the first game during official weigh in. Coaches can obtain their card at www.nays.org
F: All coaches and assistant coaches must attend the coaches’ brief and camp to be eligible for the season, as a head coach or assistant coach on the field.
H: All coaches will be available for additional duties, in support of the league during the season. Additional duties will include, but are not limited to; game day set-up, camp, league fundraisers, concessions, equipment issue, clean up and other league events passed down from the committee.
REGISTRATION:
A player will be drafted by a team and may begin practice with that team. The player must have all paperwork turned in to the League by the first game or the player will not play. " NO EXCEPTIONS".
CERTIFICATION OF PLAYERS: (All candidates must furnish the following:)
A. A player must meet the grade/age/registration/health physical requirements as specified by the League for the applicable grade.
B. A player that is enrolled in the upcoming school year that is a 1st or 7th grader shall be ineligible to play in the league. A player that will be 13 years old on or before July 31st of the current year will be ineligible to play for the youth league.
PARENTAL CONSENT: (League provided)
The League will supply a standard registration form for either parent or the legal guardian to fill out. This action gives their child permission to play.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION:
A signed statement from an examining physician that the candidate is physically fit and there are no observable conditions, which would contra-indicate him playing football. Note: Any player that is hurt during the season must submit a medical release form to begin play again.
PROOF OF AGE:
A certified copy of the birth certificate on file bearing the seal of the issuing office of the state of birth is the best guarantee of reliability of claimed birth date. Passports are also reliable. Military ID cards are acceptable.
FORMATION OF TEAMS:
Tryouts of any kind within the Waynesville Youth Football League are prohibited. A1l players will participate in the league camp and draft for selection to a team.
AWARDS:
Awards for individual performances displayed on the helmets are prohibited (i.e., no stars, hatchets, footballs, etc.). The only decals allowed are the team logo, player number, and the US Flag.
ARTICLE 9:
IMPORTANT POINT-MEDICAL:
The League has the responsibility to provide medical coverage at each game. In the absence of a physician and or ambulance on the site, the minimum safety requirement will be the presence of one individual associated with the League who is currently EMT qualified or is currently certified in Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety or its equivalent. Work together with your local EMTs to establish an emergency plan that fits your specific area and needs. Our emergency plan should include, but not be limited to, the following: Review emergency plan with coaches at minimum the first game. Note: Any player that is hurt during a play must be taken out of the game for at least one complete play before returning to the game. If a player is hurt during the season either because of football or activities outside the league and misses games or practice. That player will be required to get a medical release form from his/her medical personnel.
ARTICLE 10:
CHARGING ADMISSION:
No admission shall be charged. Donations may be solicited at the gate.
ARTICLE 11:
PROTESTS:
A: Only protests involving the eligibility of a player participant shall be considered.
B: Protests are decided in accordance with the administrative procedures of the League.
C: Teams have the responsibility to communicate protests as soon as they are known to exist. Lack of prompt notification may result in denial of the protest.
WAYNESVILLE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS:
A. Rules: Except as specifically modified for the Waynesville Youth Football League all games are to be played under the state rules for varsity high school football/National Federation Rules of the applicable governing body. The rules contained herein are required and will be enforced by the Waynesville Youth Football League, referee, and League Committee.
B. Penalties: The penalties of football have been prepared to aid players and fans in their understanding of the game. In any case of conflict between explanations and the official rules, the official rules always have precedence. Waynesville Youth Football League is not responsible for inaccuracies, omissions, or errors.
1. Only eligible ball handling players can be in ball handling positions. Example Tight end, Running Back, Wide Receiver, and Quarterback.
2. Field goals/Extra points: Are dead ball and must be announced. (New change for 5th and 6th grade, look at exception to rules).
3. There will be no bull-dogging of any offensive center regardless of age group.
4. 1st and 2nd Grade exceptions to the rules.
i. The 1st and 2nd grade teams will play:
a. 6 on 6
b. Half field length. The field will be divided in half and two teams will pay at the same time.
c. No kick offs (ball placed 20 yards from goal line. All punts are dead and must be announced. Punts will be marked where caught or touched..
ii. Defensive set must consist of three down linemen. Defensive linemen must be heads up on offensive line.
iii. One coach will be allowed on the field to call plays and aid in organizing the team for orderly play. (No physically moving of players by coach after huddle is broke, and a 45 second play clock).
5. 3rd and 4th grade exceptions to the rules.
i. (4) offensive players will be on the line at the snap of the ball.
ii. Defensive set must consist of three down linemen. Defensive linemen must be heads up on offensive line.
iii. One coach will be allowed on the field to call plays and aid in organizing the team for orderly play. (No physically moving of players by coach after huddle is broke, and a 45 second play clock).
iv. No kick-offs. The ball will be placed at the 40-yard line of the receiving team and play will start.
v. All punts are dead and must be announced. Punts will be marked where caught or touched..
6. 5th and 6th grade exceptions to the rules.
i. Punts are live and field goals will go live after the holder say's hut. (There will be no false counts). The ball held for the kicker will be placed above head with arms extend straight up, on snap count everything goes live.
D. Ball handling positions/weight.
1. 1 & 2 Grade Ball handling positions must be 75lbs and below. (All other players over 75lbs will place a single strip on their helmet).
2. 3 & 4 Grade Ball handling positions must be 100lbs and below. (All other players over 100lbs will place a single strip on their helmet).
3. 5 & 6 Grade Ball handling positions must be 130lbs and below. (All other players over 130lbs will place a single strip on their helmet)
4. Both grades; The only strips on helmets are those put on the helmet by the league for weight purpose only. (It's the responsiblity of the Team coaching staff to maintain those players that need strips on there helmets throughout the season.)
E. Scoring for PAT for all grade levels.
1. 1st and 2nd grade will be - 1 point for run, 2 points for pass.
2. 3rd and 4th grade will be - 1 point for run, 2 points for pass.
3. 5th and 6th grade will be - 1 point for run, 2 points for kick.
F. Scouting.
1. Scouting football teams is permitted in the form of video tape and written reports - only permitted during Official Games Only. (Scouting at any type of practice is strictly prohibited).
INITIAL WEIGH-IN FIRST GAME:
The initial weigh-in will be conducted at camp. Prior to the first game an official weigh in will be conducted using the same scale that was used for the camp weigh in and that weight will stand for the whole season. (The players will be weighed wearing t-shirt, shorts & socks). i.e Once a player is stripped , he/she is stripped for the entire season.
THE FIELD:
Official High School Football Field will be used.
GAME BALL:
The ball will be an Official Junior Size football for 3rd thru 6th and a Mini size for 1st and 2nd..
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Mouth guard (Keeper Strap required), Athletic Supporter (male players only), Shoes: In all divisions of play: sneakers, molded rubber cleats (soccer style), or detachable rubber (football style) cleats are permitted. No metal cleats are permitted. No jewelry of any type shall be permitted. All players will wear shoulder pads and padded pants; any additional equipment will be inspected by the Head Coach for approval. Any questions on safety should be brought up to the league Officials prior to any game or practice.
LENGTH OF PERIODS:
Maximum lengths of periods by division of play are: 4 quarters.
A. 1st and 2nd Grade 08 minute quarters.
B. 3rd and 4th Grade 10 minutes quarters.
C. 5th and 6th Grade 12 minutes quarters.
Note: Each will have (4) 8,10 or 12-minute quarters with the clock continually running until the two-minute warning of each half. A 2 minute warning will be given by the referee at the completion of the play inside that time. Then the clock will stop for incomplete passes, out-of-bounds, time outs, first downs and penalties. (The clock will always stop for injured players.)
INTERMISSION LENGTH:
Between 1st & 2nd; 3rd & 4th quarters 2 minutes. Half time 10 minutes.
TIME CLOCK:
The referee has final authority to have the clock kept on the field.
PLAYERS:
A: A free substitution rule is always in effect.
B: It is strictly prohibited for a player or group of players to participate in any other football league or
practice session or game with players from another division of play. (exception; WYFL traveling teams)
C: Injured player: Once removed by reason of injury or hurt that causes play to
stop, that player shall not re-enter the game for at least one play.
D: All players shall be given the opportunity to get a minimum of 10 plays in, during a game from the line of scrimmage.
1. Player misses one practices - mininum of 5 plays.
2. Player misses two practices - zero plays.
( Due to the safety of the player and team. The league has the ability to limit the players playing time based of practice time. The lack of practice time affects the players ability to obtain the conditioning and knowlegde of the game needed for playing time. Although missing practice is of no fault of the player, it's still needed to gain the skills for game time. The league will allow the coaches to determine the playing time of players who do not meet the practice time needed. If a parent doesn't agree, they can bring it up to the league board for review).
OVERTIME:
High School Overtime rules with a modification: Each team will get the ball on the 20 yard line, if one team scores and the other team does not score the game over. If either team does not score or ties after 2nd attempt, it will go by yards gained during their 3rd attempt.
MERCY RULE:
Any time a team goes up by 28 points or more, the following will occur:
A. Once a 28-point difference is obtained between the two opponents, the winning team cannot pass the ball. All running plays must be a hand off (no pitches). If the winning team fails to abide by this rule, each violation will be a loss of down and a 5- yard penalty.
FULL INVESTIGATION/DISAGREEMENTS:
When coaches are in disagreement, the League Committee shall require the Head Coach and all Assistant Coaches of each team to submit written answers to the following questions:
A. What in your opinion caused the problem?
B. Is there any ill will or animosity among the coaching staff of Team A toward the coaching staff of Team B?
RULE 12:
SIDELINE PERSONNEL:
In addition to the coaching staff, a team may have additional support personnel positioned within a team box during the game. The total number of team support personnel, including coaches, in a team box shall not exceed 5. (All members on sideline are required to have Coaching Certification.) Note: Each team is allowed one water boy/girl under the age of 15 years old in addition to the 5.)
RULE 13:
PRACTICE:
In addition to the requirements for practice the following also apply:
A. PRE-SEASON - In all Leagues, the first week of practice shall be devoted entirely and exclusively to conditioning. Wearing of pads and helmets shall be permitted, however no contact drills will be permitted.
C. All league practices to include pads or no pads will take place at the Old Waynesville Middle School (WYFL Camp site) Football field and the Waynesville city park ONLY........... Any questions please call the League Board for details.
SCHEDULES.
A. The schedule of games will be given to the Head Coaches one week prior to the first game.
B. The League will schedule a maximum number of 6 to 10 regular season games for the season.
C. Post season play: Tiger Bowl Saturday will be the last game of the season. Teams will be seated in a Bowl game from their regular season record.
OFFICIALS:
There will be three paid officials per game and the others will be volunteers from the Fort Leonard Wood Community Service Program. There shall be a minimum of two officials scheduled to work each Waynesville Youth
Football League game. If a player or adult should strike (hit) a game official, the offender shall be subject to suspension or to being banned from the Waynesville Youth Football League.
B. The draft will start with a Coach, assistant coach or league official drawing a number. The number that is drawn will be the order of drafting for the draft.
C. The draft will consist of coach (a) taking the first pick and then followed by coach (b,c,d and all others). If a Coach or Assistant coach has a son/daughter in the designated grade group then that is a must pick for that coach. The picks will go by grades starting with 2nd and ending with 6th. After each round a new number will be drawn and selections started over. If a coach has a son/daughter in the league then the coach will take a by in the 3rd and 5th round of the grade there kids are playing.
D. Siblings who are in the same division, (i.e. 3rd and 4th grades), if that coach drafts a player that has a sibling in the same division that coach must pick that sibling when eligible and if parents wish for them to be together.
E. This style of draft will take place until all players have been drafted.
A. All equipment will be
turned-in directly after the last game of each team. No exceptions to the rule.
The responsibility of the Football League shall be to provide leadership, guidance, mentorship, training, basic fundamentals, sportsmanship in the sport of football. To guide the governing committee with the direction that would achieve league success.
A. The Waynesville Youth Football League Official Logo. Placed on cover page of By-Laws.
B. Addition notes/Changes added during season
A. Demonstrating a positive attitude - Players, parents, and coaches are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or fans undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of WYFL.
B. Setting a good example - Each person associated with WYFL is accountable for his/her own behavior at all times on or off the field of play. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by example - it is up to the adults to set good examples. WYFL will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community. Such conduct includes: Vulgarity by coaches, players or parents: harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a game: and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by all participants - both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
1. Officials - The referee's job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents or players who believe their team has been treated unfairly or has been assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches should inform the appropriate League officials about blatant officiating problems. Coaches should make reports through appropriate channels. Referees have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and parents/supporters.
2. Opponents - Players and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and being respectful to opposing players, coaches and fans at all times. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of football, is completely undermined. Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level, we will have lost regardless of the final score.
3. Our Own Team - In an environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but also frequently against each other, it can be difficult to control jealousies and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases, parental example is all-important.