season arizona cactus football league bylaws€¦ · arizona cactus football league bylaws _____...

2020 SEASON

ARIZONA CACTUS

FOOTBALL LEAGUE

BYLAWS

_______________ Team Owner Initials Final 1.0 Oct., 2019

2

AZ CACTUS FOOTBALL LEAGUE INTRODUCTION The AZ Cactus Football League is a semi-professional football league in Arizona. AZCFL commits to providing a level of professionalism and organization that will draw teams and athletes of the best caliber to participate. Included in this commitment are: a game schedule including times and locations set and announced before the start of the season; experienced officiating staff for every game; game fields that give teams access to locker rooms, stands for fans, security, concessions and fan-gear available for sale onsite, and a family-friendly environment for all. The bylaws exist to give players, team owners, and league owners a guide for appropriate conduct, sets forth the rules, and communicates the expectations of all involved.

DEFINITION OF ENTITIES OF AZCFL

Leadership of AZCFL – The AZCFL is an LLC operated by the following individuals: Matt Archer, and Rafiel Ashante Lee. The leadership has separate roles in the operation of the league in order to ensure that the commitment set forth above is fulfilled for the benefit of all involved. Team – An entity comprised of Owners, Coaches, Players and Staff. The team will have signed a one-year contract. At the beginning of each year the team(s) will be evaluated prior to the league contracting with the team for the new season. The owner conduct, financial stability, coach and player conduct will all be a part of the review process. This review will be conducted by league leadership. The review will take all members of the team into consideration for reviewing its application for the next season. The AZCFL reserves the right to not offer a contract to any team for any reason. The AZCFL can, at any time and solely at its discretion, without ramifications, terminate the contract of any given team. A team is not considered part of AZCFL until all monies are paid in full.

Team Owner – This individual or group of individuals “owns” its individual team. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Personally responsible for its individual team finances, team personnel including coaches, players and support staff.

Attends all league meetings and assists in determining AZCFL playing rules or decisions not

directly dealt with in the AZCFL Bylaws. A team representative may attend any discussion or actively participate in any discussion. In addition, failure to attend on a consistent basis can affect the team’s status in the next season.

Responsible for ensuring the team has an adequate number of coaches and support staff

Responsible for maintaining website, a complete set of professional looking and matching uniforms

which will consist of light uniforms for away games, dark uniforms for home games, with no exceptions. The team owner is responsible to ensure that all helmets are matching and are reconditioned and painted by a NOCSAE licensed helmet reconditioner.

The team owner will be held financially responsible for the cost of repairs for any physical property damage his team or those directly associated with his team may cause to league property or any


3

facility or field provided by the league. The AZCFL will bring the problem immediately to the team owner and/or head coach.

Personally responsible to ensure that all members of team fully understand all rules and regulations

of the AZCFL. In addition, the team owner is expected to ensure that his/her team follows said rules and regulations.

A team owner who is also a team player will be a team player while on the sideline. A team owner

that is suited up and playing in the game will not be granted any special consideration or “rights” to speak as a team owner but will still be expected to manage their team at all times.

Team Coach – These individuals are there to manage the team on game day. Each coach is expected to understand the NCAA rules and all AZCFL exceptions. The coach or coaching staff is responsible for each of their respective team players. A coach will take all player issues and issues regarding the AZCFL to its team ownership for discussion. The AZCFL and the officials associated with the league will hold a mandatory meeting prior to the season in an attempt to clarify exceptions and review all rules that teams may have questions on. The right to be a coach of a team in the AZCFL is subject to review at any time and can be revoked by league leadership. Should a coach choose to play during a game, he will forfeit all rights as a coach and will be considered a player during the entire game. In order to qualify for the playoffs the coach will have to play in at least 5 games. Player – Each player has the right to play for any team he chooses, however once the individual player has signed all AZCFL documents and declared the team they have chosen transfer rules will be in effect. A player may transfer to any other team within the first two weeks of the regular season only. Individual players are expected to represent themselves, their teams, and the league in a professional manner in practice, games, or any other AZCFL activities. The right to be a player of a team in the AZCFL is subject to review at any time and can be revoked by league leadership for any cause. Team Personnel – Each team may have a support staff that consists of Assistant Coaches, (1) Physician/Trainer, (1) Photographer, and (3) water personnel. In order to be on the sidelines, each member of the support staff must be a minimum of 10 years old, have filled out all required AZCFL Forms and Waiver, and be wearing team apparel at all times. Each team is limited to a maximum of three (3) 10-to-17-year-olds that may be on the field/sidelines at any time. The right to be team personnel of a team in the AZCFL is subject to review at any time and can be revoked by league leadership for cause.

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES GAME ELIGIBILITY Each player must complete all AZCFL paperwork including a physical that is performed by a licensed medical doctor and pay the league fee online by December 1st, 2019 without a late fee, or up until the third game with a late fee. Each player, and staff must check in as directed by AZCFL Staff and show a photo ID (there will be NO visual confirmation by any member of the AZCFL staff, fellow players, coaches or team owners accepted) and a photo ID is the only acceptable manor in which one will be allowed to participate. Only individuals with completed paperwork and fees paid will be allowed in without paying an entrance fee and allowed on the field or sideline. An AZCFL staff member will make a team count during the game; any discrepancies between the check-in list and actual field count will result in suspensions and/or fines. Once check in has been completed and not later than the beginning of the third quarter of the game, the check-in will be considered complete and no changes will be made.


4

PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY Any player must play in a minimum of 5 games with the team qualifying for playoffs in order to participate in the playoffs. An injured player may be granted an exception to the minimum number of games required by obtaining a note by a licensed medical physician within two weeks of the injury and it must be submitted to the AZCFL office. Any military personnel that are deployed during the season may be granted an exception once a letter by commanding officer has been given to the AZCFL. If an individual is banned from the AZCFL for any reason, they are eligible to apply for reinstatement no less than 24 months from date of dismissal and/or ban affective date.

PLAYER CONDUCT SPORTSMANSHIP The teams and players that are playing in this league are considered the best in minor professional football. By saying this, it is important to show sportsmanship at all games. Shaking hands, showing respect, and helping one another is expected of our players. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. There will be consequences, suspensions, fines, etc. up to and including league dismissal. CONDUCT All persons associated with the AZCFL are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the Arizona Cactus Football League.” This requirement applies to players, coaches, other team staff, owners, game officials and all others privileged to work/volunteer in the AZCFL. All persons participating in AZCFL events (games, fundraisers, etc.) will conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the field and on social media accounts as well. Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the AZCFL, its teams or players, such as Profanity and foul language is unacceptable. It is mandatory that Coaches report any negative behavior by team members’ on/off the field. Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime. Definitions can be detailed below, and discipline is detailed in the code of conduct in a later section of these by-laws. THREATS - Referees must be immediately notified if any threats are made. - Referees must notify coaches of both teams when threats are made. - If threats continue, the player is ejected, and the police are called. - The referees have the right to call the game if they are threatened. - Threatening a referee will automatically result in a 3-game suspension. - Threats made to anyone one or more persons life will result in the police being called and the offender will be banned from the AZCFL for life.


5

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

TEAM PRACTICES Teams are responsible for their own practices and practice-related issues, including but not limited to insurance, equipment, fields, schedule. AZCFL is not responsible for any team’s practice or what may or may not occur at team practice. TEAM LEAGUE FEES 2019 Team League fees total $3,000.00 and are due as follows: 1st payment $500 due August 1, 2019 2nd payment $1,000 due September 1, 2019 3rd payment $1,000 due October 1, 2019 4th payment $500 due November 1, 2019 (The previous years’ AZCFL Champion will receive 100% off their league fee only if they remain in the next concurrent year.) Refund requests must be made by September 1, 2019. Beyond September 1, 2019, it is expected that the team is fully committed, agrees to all terms, and no fees will be refunded. Fees will be paid online via the AZCFL website. TEAM OWNER RESPONBILITIES Effective after August 1st, 2019, Teams must submit a presentation for review along with their application subject to league vote and approval. Admission will be approved with a simple majority vote of team owners present. Owners must sign a contract. All contracts are valid for one season year. By signing these by-laws, you are saying that you will have your league fees paid on time when required by the league. You will be held responsible for the code and conduct of your team while participating in the AZCFL, and you will follow the rules set up by the league. After signing the contract; if for any reason you break any of the league policies, you are accepting that your organization and members of your organization can be fined, suspended, and/or removed from the league without refund. In the event your team is removed from league play during the current season, for whatever reason, you must reapply to the league, and must be re-voted in by the team Owners’ and League. Other Team Owner responsibilities: - Collect all fees and fines and execute suspensions for their teams. - Keep league and other owners informed of relevant information. Honoring the league’s NDA. - Adhere to all league rules and deadlines. - Pay all league fees by deadline advised. - Conduct the day-to-day business affairs of the teams. - Have full authority to take any action that in their judgment, if necessary or desirable, to prevent or discourage any unprofessional conduct by any member(s) or person(s) which is in the best interest of the league, its members, or the sport of football. - Make known and enforce the provisions of these by-laws and rules of the league. - Bring in examples where possible for the League to examine for protested games or violations in a timely manner. Must be submitted no later than 48hrs following said violations or protest. - Keep your team’s website/social media current and professional.


6

- As an Owner of an AZCFL Team, you will be expected to sign a CODE OF CONDUCT contract along with your players, staff, and coaches. A copy of the CODE OF CONDUCT must be filed in your team binder so it can remain on file for the current season. - Have a single “team” email address that is monitored to receive information from the AZCFL and other teams. - Any fines/suspensions assessed must be paid in full before players/teams can resume play on schedule. No refunds will be given. Fines must be submitted to League at least 24 hours prior to the next game. - Teams are responsible for keeping and having present at all games a team binder with the applications and ID copies of all coaches, staff and players. TEAM FIGHTING Fights involving 3 or more players from the same team will result in the forfeit of game, and automatic loss for that team. A $500.00 team fine will be assessed. A team will be suspended for the remainder of the season upon a 2ND Offense. Any team/player that leaves their bench area to heighten any non-football activity will be subject to forfeit of games and/or suspension of play. Any incident will be reviewed by the League and decided on a case-by-case basis. TAUNTING - Taunting the opposing team, staff, and players will not be tolerated. Whether by the person who instigates it or the person who retaliates, both can be ejected. - Referees will take action during the game; league will take action after the game. - If a player is injured in the game all players will report to their teams’ huddle, and not celebrate while the player is looked after. FACILITIES The AZCFL plays its home football games on high school grounds and each owner, coach, player, or staff member, and his/her guests are expected to follow all campus, state and federal guidelines the entire time they are on campus. Any failure to follow those guidelines can result in suspension and/or ban without a refund of any monies by the AZCFL. There will be zero tolerance for the use of drugs (including marijuana) or alcohol on any campus (field, facility, or parking lot) as well as zero tolerance for weapons/violence. No smoking cigarettes and/or vapor pens on campus premises. Any team player ejected during a game may serve at least a one game suspension, he/she will not be allowed at the facility/field hosting the game during which the suspension is being served. If any coach, assistant coach, or owner is suspended – he/she will not be allowed at the facility/field hosting the game during which the suspension is being served. Ejections will be reviewed by league leadership and suspensions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any member of a team that is ejected/suspended during the season will lose the right to be selected to AZCFL special honors such as but not limited to: All League Teams, All Star Teams, and Tournament Teams. Helmet throwing will be an automatic ejection and possibly an additional one game suspension. Any fighting act will be an automatic ejection and at least an additional two game suspension, a second fighting act in a season will be an automatic ejection and at least the remainder of the season suspension.


7

Any act that disrupts AZCFL’s commitment to a family environment will result in at least a half game suspension. Any and all subsequent acts not outlined specifically will be handled on a case-by-case basis and the players’ past actions will be used in determining the length of any suspension. All suspensions will only count for the next team game played. Forfeits, bye weeks and rainouts do NOT count. All ejections will be upheld without review. Any act by any fan or member of a team that falls outside of the AZCFL’s commitment to a family-friendly environment will be removed from the facility and will not be allowed to enter the facility until the league ownership has decided whether it wishes to continue any relationship with said party. RIGHT OF REVIEW If a player, coach, or staff member is suspended from one or more games, they may request the leadership make a second review of the conduct and suspension, giving more explanation to the circumstances as appropriate. There is no obligation for the leadership to make a second review or respond to the request. AZCFL TRAVEL GAMES AZCFL Teams scheduled for travel are responsible for all transportation and housing costs that said team incurs. PLAYER UNIFORM Each player of a team must match in terms of uniform, this includes helmets, jerseys and pants. Players must wear all pads per NCAA guidelines and pads must be covered at all times; exception, the lower back plate may be visible. Any towel must be white, or team colors made of a moisture-absorbing material, must be worn on the front or side of the belt and must not be altered in any way (Team logos are acceptable). The enforcement will begin at the benefit games/preseason games and be fully enforced during any AZCFL game. AZCFL staff will monitor uniform requirements and will remove any player not matching. AZCFL Officials will monitor any safety equipment and handle per NCAA guidelines. Any player found in violation of the uniform policy will be removed from the game and will not participate until the issue is corrected. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT All players shall wear the following mandatory equipment, which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease protection:

a. Soft knee pads that must cover the knees and be covered by pants. Players of a team shall wear pants of the same color and design.

b. A helmet with a face mask and a secured four- or six-point chin strap. Facemask and helmet must be certified and painted by a NOCSAE* licensed reconditioner. NO USE OF SPRAY PAINT!


8

Players of a team shall wear helmets of the same color and design, and facemasks of the same color.

c. Shoulder pads, hip pads with tailbone protector and thigh guards. d. An intra-oral mouthpiece must be worn at all times on the field. Team owners and coaching staff are

responsible for ensuring players are using all safety equipment, including mouthpieces on the field. e. One jersey, with sleeves that cover the shoulder pads, that is not altered or designed to tear and

conforms to Rule 1-4-4-f. f. Clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals on one jersey at least 6” to 12” inches in height front

and back, respectively, of a color(s) in distinct contrast with the jersey. All players of a team shall have the same color and style numbers front and back. The individual bars must be approximately 1-1/2 inches wide.

g. Numbers on any part of the uniform shall correspond with the mandatory front and back jersey numbers. In the case of death or catastrophic injury or illness, a person may be memorialized by an insignia not greater than 1-1/2 inches diameter that displays the number, name or initials of the individual on the uniform or helmet.

*NOCSAE: All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer’s or reconditioner’s certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards. All such reconditioned helmets shall show recertification to indicate satisfaction with the NOCSAE test standard. *National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Only equipment that meets the dimensions and specifications in the NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations may be used in Gridiron Football League competition. For any questions regarding legal and illegal equipment refer to the NCAA Rules found at the following website: http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4514-2016-and-2017-ncaa-football-rules-and-interpretations-updated-version-with-changes-7-19-2017-pdf-version-only-not-in-print.aspx?CategoryID=0&SectionID=0&ManufacturerID=0&DistributorID=0&GenreID=0&VectorID=0& PLAYER PAYMENTS Payments are to be paid online on the AZCFL website. The AZCFL is an adult amateur league that attempts to promote its players to the college and professional level. No AZCFL team/ownership will pay its players to play, will not pay its players for performance, pay the players’ league fees, nor provide its individual team players anything that violates NCAA Guidelines. It is the intent of the AZCFL to make sure no player is compensated in any way. Any attempt on the part of team owners to compensate players will result in the automatic removal of the player(s) involved from participation in the league until the incident is reviewed and ruled on by the Review Board. 2020 AZCFL season player’s fees: Before Nov 30th, 2019; $75.00 Dec 1st, 2019 through January 15th, 2020: $100.00 January 16th, 2020 through game 3: $125.00 Game 3 through end of the Championship game: Ineligible PLAYER TRANSFERS Once a player has completed all paperwork, declared the team he will be playing for and paid all AZCFL fees, the player is considered to be part of that team throughout the current season. Players may, from time to time, request to transfer from one team to another; any player who has been added to a team roster and is requesting to transfer must first complete a league transfer request. Transfer requests must be


9

made Monday, February 17th, 2020, 5pm local time in order to play in Game 3. The player must be cleared by the initial team and approved by the transfer team. The initial team has four days to respond to the request to clear the player for transfer. If the team owner does not respond within that timeframe it is assumed that the player is cleared to transfer. Transfers after February 17th will not be permitted. Player is not allowed to practice, play, or attend team functions with any other team than the team declared at registration without a league approved transfer form signed by both transfer team organizers and an authorized league representative. Team found to be in violation of transfer policy might be dropped or placed on “Suspended” status as deemed appropriate. An individual team can release a player and must forward the players contact information to the league office via email by the teams’ ownership. Once the released players’ information is received by the league an email with that player’s information will be distributed to all AZCFL teams for review. A released team player is assumed to have completed his/her previous teams’ requirement and can move to any AZCFL team without a fee. PLAYER RECURITING Players have the right to choose which team they play for within the AZCFL. Players can communicate with as many teams as they deem necessary to achieve their own success. Teams are to respect the players’ wishes once they have declared a team or requested not to be contacted again. The team reserves the right not to communicate or continue communications if a players decommits from another team and returns to the next team to discuss the players involvement. A player is only recognized as a player on (1) team once said player has completed the league player registration through the AZCFL website. A player is subject to monies lost if they decide to move teams. Player contracts and monies between the team and players are between the team and players. The League will only intervene if the player has registered with the league and now is transferring teams. Each transfer is subject to approval from the AZCFL. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY 1. Players must be 18 years or older to play in the AZCFL. 2. Players must be out of high school or equivalent to play in AZCFL. 3. Players must sign a league by-law, code of conduct, and medical waiver to play in AZCFL. 4. No player will play in a regular season game without signed forms. 5. Players must be in good standings with league and team; no fines, all uniforms turned in to the previous team, suspensions fulfilled, no money owed to previous teams, and has been released from previous team with release form or season has ended. 6. Players cannot play with two different leagues while the AZCFL is in regular season, in playoffs, or championship game. 7. Players will not be allowed to represent the AZCFL for any reason, at any time, if they are playing with a comparable league. 8. All players must have provided a copy of their legal ID to their teams for team binder roster check-in. If copy of ID/Picture on paperwork is not present in the team binder with paperwork at roster check, player is not in AZCFL compliance. No nicknames on IDs are acceptable. No ID means no playing. No exceptions. 9. All players must be in full uniform with team complimenting helmet, pants, and jerseys in order to play on game day. 10. Players must check-in with League representative at the gate before playing. Players who have not checked-in before halftime will not be eligible to play. 11. Players that leave to another league during the regular season may not come back until next season.


10

12. If a player is to play in the AZCFL they must have served all previous standing AZCFL suspensions/fines before they can be eligible to play in the current year’s season. 13. Players are encouraged to have their own Medical Insurance and/or supplemental insurance such as AFLAC.

TEAM REQUIREMENTS LEAGUE CONTRACT The contract to own a team in AZCFL must be signed by an owner. The contract clearly demonstrates the financial commitment, personal commitment, and management skills expected to maintain the AZCFL’s commitment to its fans and players. Acknowledgement of an agreement to the AZCFL Bylaws by team owners will constitute the contract between AZCFL and team owners. The contract will commence from the date of signing to the end of the Championship game. Teams shall select one individual to act as its representative for league matters and communication between the team and the league. This individual may be the owner, coach, or any other individual with knowledge and authority to make decisions on behalf of the team, as well as communicate with the team regarding league issues. League leadership will deal only with this team representative throughout the duration of the season with limited exceptions. Only members of the team ownership will represent themselves in the ownership meetings, as determined by the AZCFL at the beginning of each season. Team representatives will not be permitted to vote or present their thoughts or ideas. If any team or owner is not complying with the AZCFL contract and/or owner expectations, AZCFL has the right to remove the team without refunding any fees. Teams must provide the following no later than Sept. 1st, 2019: - State provided incorporation paperwork. Ex. Incorporation application, Incorporation documents, and/or 501(c)3 article of Non-profit incorporation - Financial plan to provide team with all necessary items: Team league fee, uniforms, practice facility - Electronic mock-up copy of home and away uniforms - Electronic mock-up copy of helmet - If applicable, copy of team by-laws/player contract. (Teams will be required to have team by-laws and player contract starting 2021 season.) TEAM COLORS/LOGOS Team colors and logos must be presented to league leadership not less than one month following the original contract being signed. Teams that purchase anything in regard to teams’ color prior to final approval will not hold AZCFL responsible for any monies required to replace those items. Team must supply a logo in final form of at least 800 x 600, color separated, in either .jpeg format or .psd format not less than two months prior to the beginning of the season. The AZCFL will have unlimited use of the logo and team colors for anything deemed necessary for promotion of AZCFL and its league. AZCFL will not own the team logo or team colors at any time and will cease to use either in the event the team has provided written documentation that the team no longer wishes to maintain its membership status with the AZCFL. AZCFL can provide team branding and identity assistance for a nominal fee. ROSTERS:


11

- Teams may have a 50-player roster, with a minimum of 25, and a maximum of 50 players. - Without exception, the roster cutoff will be the two weeks prior to 1st regular season game. Any team that does not finalize their roster in a timely manner will forfeit their games each week, until they are released from the league. - The AZCFL will open rosters for a 48-hour window during Week 3 to allow ONLY non-AZCFL player additions. All teams must still remain under their 50-player cap, NO EXCEPTIONS. - The numbers and names of the players must match the roster and the players ID. - Teams using players that are not on their roster will receive a forfeit and may be removed from the league. - Roster check-ins when called for is mandatory to perform at that game. - All teams must have a minimum of 18 players at each game. UNIFORMS A complete set of matching professional looking uniforms consisting of light-colored jerseys, dark colored jerseys and game pants with an optional alternate jersey must be in the teams’ possession no less than four weeks prior to the preseason game or will forfeit each game thereafter until the requirement has been met. No logo from another non-approved league will be present on uniforms. Each member of the team including coaches, team photographer, physician/trainer and support staff must wear team shirts while on the sideline area. Water technicians may wear t-shirts in team colors with the team logo. Home team will have first choice of uniform color, visitor team will wear opposite. Uniform colors must be agreed upon by both teams. FORFEITED GAMES Once the final teams have been determined for play in the AZCFL, any game that a team forfeits for any reason will be fined $500.00 for each game forfeited. The fine must be paid the following Wednesday and will continue to accrue until the end of the regular season or until the team can field enough players to complete a game as determined by the AZCFL. The game will be forfeited or rescheduled if the following situations occur (Any exceptions must be league approved): 1. The hosting team does not have a field by Thursday, the week of the game (outside Phx metro area) 2. The field is deemed unsafe by the head referee and the opposing team. 3. The field is not properly lined to league specs, and missing equipment such as down markers, chains, and goal posts. 4. If either team is using an ineligible player, who has not been released from previous team during the season, or not in good standings with former team, or league. 5. A team will not be held accountable if a game cannot be played because of acts of God, vehicle malfunction, or field owners overriding field usage for that game. If this occurs all attempts will be made to reschedule the game during the next open week. 6. If a forfeit should occur due to home or visiting teams’ irresponsibility to show up, team in violation will be held accountable for the financial loss. 7. Forfeits scores will be 2-0 8. Forfeits not approved by the AZCFL will result in a $500 fine for each. 9. Forfeits by choice will not be allowed, the game must be played. If a forfeit is needed it must be approved by the AZCFL a least 2 days in advance of the game. All other forfeits are determined by the AZCFL.


12

TEAM SIDELINES Only registered members of the team with the appropriate AZCFL paperwork, individuals with a VIP pass, or league credentials will be allowed to be in the field vicinity. All other individuals will have to sit in the fan designated areas of the game site. All injured players must be in their own uniform tops if they are to be on the sidelines. Teams found with unauthorized personnel on their sidelines will be fined $50 per person and those people will be removed immediately. Repeat offenders will be subjected to additional fines and/or suspensions as the league leadership feels appropriate. The AZCFL reserves the right to ask for an ID at any time or to ask the person to leave the sideline. The team is responsible for any actions of anyone standing on their sideline at any time. Not more than three (3) 10-to-17-year-old team personnel may be on the sideline at any given time and must have all documentation signed with the league prior to entering the field or sidelines. TEAM WEBSITES Each team must maintain a website/Facebook page and every reasonable effort must be made to keep it updated with information. Because we play at high school venues there will be no adult material present, no advertising for adult clubs, alcohol, tobacco products or anything that the AZCFL deems not appropriate for its family atmosphere. Team links will be maintained on the AZCFL website as long as the team is considered in good standing. TEAM COLLAPSE Should any team collapse due to team ownership, AZCFL will take over the team operations in order to honor the commitment of the players to the team and the league. Ownership will turn over all uniforms, playbooks, and equipment to AZCFL for the duration of the season and such items will be returned at the end of the season. If the team owner fails to comply with the turnover of equipment, uniforms, and playbook, he/she will be subject to a claim in small claims court of $5,000 for breach of contract. This is to protect the players who have paid league fees and team fees in order to play a season with AZCFL and AZCFL is serious about returning the level of commitment to its players. The $5,000 claim represents the funds that AZCFL will return to players for their league and team fees should they not get the full season they have contracted for. This amount includes actual damages and does not include punitive damages. Additionally, any team owner that fails to comply with this paragraph will forfeit the ability to own a team in AZCFL in the future. SCRIMMAGES Scrimmages are optional and are up to individual teams to organize, schedule, and staff. AZCFL will not be responsible for any scrimmage-related issues, including but not limited to: fees, fields, schedules, insurance, equipment, officials, etc. LOCKER ROOM/FACILITES The AZCFL has secured the rights of each team to have clean and sanitary locker room for its use. Each team is responsible for ensuring that their locker room is clean following a game. All debris must be cleaned off the floor and put into garbage cans, all toilets flushed, and locker room swept out. Following the end of the game a member of the team will have a member of the AZCFL staff sign off on the locker room prior to leaving. If a team repeatedly proves that it can’t maintain a clean/sanitary locker room, then it will forfeit its right to use and players will be required to come to the game site fully dressed.


13

PLAYOFFS TBD teams will qualify for the Championship Tournament; The following criteria will be used in selecting the overall top 8 teams: Win/loss record Head to Head Points Against CHAMPIONSHIP The top eight teams as determined above will hold a single elimination championship tournament with the final two teams playing in the Championship. The winner of the Championship will receive a trophy for MVP and Team as well as Championship t-shirts. PRESSBOX This area is to be used for AZCFL personnel only; no member of a team may use the press box for any reason. LEAGUE GAME FILM - PHOTOGRAPHY AZCFL will have photography taken of games as well as videos. These will be available for general use on the AZCFL website. AZCFL does not have any obligation to film or photograph every AZCFL game or player. Game HUDL film will be uploaded to HUDL no later than 8:00 p.m. the Sunday after Saturday’s games. The league retains the right to use photography of teams, players, fans, etc without limitation. AZCFL also has the right to utilize the logo of each team in the AZCFL and will not make any changes to such logo. SOCIAL MEDIA - RADIO - TELEVISION - PRESS There will be no delayed or live televising of any football game(s), unless approved by the AZCFL and/or League marketing coordinator. If any person(s) or TV station requests a delayed taping, please direct them to the AZCFL office. Request for a live telecast must have prior approval from the AZCFL. Any radio station desiring to broadcast any game, live or delayed, must contact the league president to secure permission to broadcast. All requests for space should be done through the league commissioner or league marketing coordinator. The league reserves the right to discontinue broadcasting of any station, at any time, if such broadcast is considered by the League to be in poor taste or incompatible with the association. There shall not be any destructive criticism of the game or game officials and their decisions either directly or indirectly. The rights to any future use for commercial purpose(s) or distribution of any photos, videotapes, or radio broadcasts connected with these games, are reserved by the AZCFL. The AZCFL recognizes that the internet provides unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on topics using a wide variety of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and wikis. However, use of social media can pose risks to confidential and proprietary information, reputation and brands, and can jeopardize the compliance with business rules and laws. If your post would violate any of the AZCFL’s policies in another forum, it will also violate them in an online forum. Anyone under AZCFL contract who violates AZCFL policies will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of contract and league dismissal. The AZCFL prohibits you from posting disparaging or defamatory statements about the league/teams/players or its interest and you should also avoid social


14

media communications that might be misconstrued in a way that could damage the league’s goodwill and business reputation, even indirectly. RULES QUESTIONS/PLAY REVIEW The Commissioner of Officials is available via email for any questions regarding the AZCFL or NCAA playing rules. Each team owner may request a play review via email; the team owner must accurately describe the time of the game, play and question the legality of the play. Blankets statements such as “they blocked below the waist”, “they held” during the entire game will NOT warrant any review by the Commissioner of Officials. Only plays on which a penalty was called will be reviewed. AZCFL COMMUNICATION POLICY The leadership of AZCFL will be available by email and all emails will receive a response within 24 hours, not including Sundays. Leadership will only communicate with the designated team representative with certain limited exceptions. WEATHER CANCELLATIONS League leadership will decide on whether games will be played or not due to weather conditions. The decision will be made based on several factors including potential for injury, potential for destroying the field, standing water and the host schools’ input. Team owners will be notified as early as possible as to whether games will be played that day. Should the games not be played the team owners and league leadership will determine when the games will be rescheduled. SCHEDULE Each team can expect 10 games a season to be played with possible one bye, in addition a week or two may be postponed due to weather issues. The AZCFL will make every attempt to ensure that all teams enjoy a 10 game schedule. GAME START TIMES The first game of the day at each site will start promptly at its published time and each subsequent game will start not less than 30 minutes following the previous game or its published start time should that time be greater than 30 minutes. All members of AZCFL are expected to allow plenty of travel time to arrive in a timely manner so that all games start promptly. The facilities will be opened to all teams/team members/fans 1.5 hours prior to the first game scheduled start.

AZCFL RULES OF THE GAME


15

The Arizona Cactus Football League uses the NCAA rules to govern the on-field play; in addition, it incorporates accepted officiating philosophies used in college and NFL. The NCAA 2016-2017 Rule book will be used at all venues with only the following exceptions: Exceptions to NCAA Rules for AZ Cactus Football League: Rule 1, Section 2 – The field (May use NFHS inbounds marks as needed and NFHS goal posts) Rule 1, Section 3 – AZCFL will use common league balls as provided by AZCFL ownership, 3 balls per game (Official NFL Wilson Game Ball “The Duke”) Rule 1, Section 4 m – Players may wear tinted shields but need to have a quick release on them. If there is no quick release the player needs to sign a waiver. Rule 1, Section 4 p – No restriction on the number of players allowed wearing towels on offense or defense in addition the team logo may professionally sewed on the towel. Rule 1, Section 8 – Players may have electronic equipment for communication with sideline. Rule 2 – A 40 second clock play clock will be used where available. Rule 2, Section 3, Art. 2b – Players may not “slide” to block below the waist. Rule 3, Timing of the game: Clock will start on the ready for play except for

Kickoffs – NCAA Guidelines Following a Time out – NCAA Guidelines At 2 minutes of each half the clock will stop, and a 30 second time out will occur, following the next

play standard NCAA guidelines will take place. Rule 9, Section 1 e – There is no blocking below the waist, the definition of below the waist will be below the beltline and not the thigh pads. Rule 9, Section 2 b – The player that scores may spike the ball away from opposing players or celebrate in any manner that can’t construed as a taunt to the other team. Rule 9, Section 2, Art. 4 – The player will be removed from the game and suspended indefinitely from the league. Rule 9, Section 5 – Players that participate in a fight or fighting acts will be suspended for the remainder of the game and a minimum of 2 games. A second time during the season will earn them a minimum of at least the remainder of the season suspension. Rule 9, Section 6 – A player ejected for a targeting foul at any point during the game will be ejected and remain ineligible for the duration of the game. Rule 12 – No replay will be used. ADDITIONAL AZCFL RULES Any player that throws their helmet on the field of play or sidelines – will be ejected from the game and serve a minimum of 1 game suspension. Any player/coach ejected from a game will be suspended 1 additional game. (Targeting ejection is subject to league review to establish 1 game is needed.) Any team and/or team member that threatens or endangers fellow players, opposing players, coaches, opposing coaches, fans, AZCFL officials, game officials, school personnel or school property will be suspended indefinitely. In addition, the AZCFL and its membership will use any and all resources to ensure the responsible parties are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.


16

I __________________________________ have received a copy of the 2020 Arizona Cactus Football

League Bylaws, as owner of the ________________________________ understand that it is my

responsibility to read all content herein and enforce not only the written word but also the spirit in which the

Bylaws were written. I agree that as the owner of the ________________________________ I will ensure

that the entire team is informed of the rules of the Arizona Cactus Football League and the information

contained in the Bylaws, I will also ensure that my team will enforce the rules of the AZ Cactus Football

League without exception. I understand that I am ultimately responsible for my own team affairs and

financial responsibilities. My signature acknowledges the AZCFL Bylaws and signifies my contract as a

team owner in AZCFL and the rights and responsibilities that come with being a team owner in AZCFL.

_______________________________ _______________________________ Team Owner Team Name

_______________________________ _______________________________

League Owner League Owner

season arizona cactus football league bylaws€¦ · arizona cactus football league bylaws _____...

Documents