TDFA 2002 By-Laws

Article I: Name

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Tarrant/Dallas Football Association.

Section 2: This shall be a nonprofit organization.

Article II: Objectives

Section 1: The objective of this organization shall be to promote the ideas of good sportsmanship, personal integrity, and team cooperation through participation and instruction in the game of football.

Section 2: The objectives of this organization shall be reached by providing supervised competition. The primary goal is to properly mold future citizens with encouragement toward good sportsmanship.

Section 3: Our objectives will be applied to everyone equally with no emphasis on ability. Anyone wanting to participate will be allowed to participate.

Article III: Offices

Section 1: This organization shall maintain offices as the governing body deems necessary to conduct the business of this association.

Article IV: Members

Section 1: Membership of this organization shall consist of local associations dedicated to the same objectives as this organization. These organizations must meet certain membership requirements, and have had their memberships approved by two-thirds vote of the majority of voting members at any meeting before June 1. Associations may also be removed by the same means with a two-thirds vote for any bylaw violation.

A. Local associations must have a formal structure. This structure must include such things as bylaws, officers, etc., to be presented to the TDFA prior to their acceptance to this association.

B. These associations must guarantee to have a minimum of seven teams total and one team per playing division. Does not apply to existing association members.

C. Shall appoint or elect two individuals to act as representatives on the board of the TDFA. Shall also appoint or elect one individual to act as commissioner to TDFA.

D. Shall pay or cause to be paid all dues, fines or assessments, etc., as directed by the board of directors of TDFA. TDFA yearly dues per association are $400.00, or equal division to have a year-end balance of $2000.00. If the account balance at year-end is $2000.00 or more, there will be no dues.

E. Shall provide facilities and/or services.

F. Shall have boundaries, from which participants are drawn, acceptable to the board of TDFA.

G: Shall provide proof of excess medical and board liability insurance to the TDFA before the beginning of the football season (if not participating in the TDFA insurance program).

H: No bylaw of any local association will supersede these bylaws.

I: Associations petitioning for membership after February 1, 2000, will be subject to the following membership restraints:

1. Probation period shall be for two years.

2. After first year approval, the new association shall have one vote.

3. After second year approval, the new association will become a full voting member with two votes.

4. Acceptance of petitioning association requires a $1000.00 membership fee, to be used as TDFA deems necessary.

5. All new associations must draft all teams. All players go into the draft, as there are no returning players in any division or on any team (first year only). The draft will be conducted at the direction of the TDFA draft auditor as he/she sees fit (including draft order).

6. Any and all previous bylaw violations from the past season concerning the associations petitioning for membership must be reported to the TDFA. These violations will be reviewed and may be acted on prior to accepting the petitioning association. The petitioning association as part of their probationary period must enforce any ruling from the TDFA board concerning these violations.

7. Petitioning associations must submit to the TDFA copies of their bylaws for review. These bylaws will be reviewed for compliance with the TDFA bylaws, and any requested changes must be made prior to the beginning of the first regular season game. Failure to amend the bylaws is automatic dismissal from the TDFA. Any request from the TDFA board concerning the petitioning association's draft or any other function prior to the first regular season game must be put forth at the local level as a resolution until the bylaw can be changed. This resolution must be made within thirty days notice from the TDFA board of requested bylaw changes. A copy of the minutes from the local association meeting must be submitted to the TDFA as proof of passage of the resolution.

8. The petitioning association must also provide the complete list of officers of their association to the TDFA board at the time of petitioning for acceptance.

9. TDFA reserves the right to suspend or demand replacement of any petitioning association's TDFA representative at any time and/or as a prerequisite for membership to the TDFA. If such a demand is made, the petitioning association has fifteen days to act on the request or forfeit their $1000.00 membership fee.

10. Any additional information requested by the TDFA board must be submitted in writing within fifteen days of the request.

11. TDFA reserves the right to put any prerequisite on any petitioning association deemed necessary.

12. The TDFA also reserves the right to waive (in part or in whole) these requirements put on petitioning associations if deemed necessary by a two-thirds vote of the voting membership, including allowing the petitioning association to become a full voting member once all prerequisites have been met.

Section 2: Voting members will be limited to the two representatives from each local association, and the TDFA president, in cases of a tie vote, will cast his/her vote to break the tie.

A. A voting member may assign his/her vote by submitting a signed proxy to the secretary before the meeting in which the vote will be assigned.

B. No member association shall be allowed to carry more than
two votes in any meeting.

Article V: Government

Section 1: An Executive Board shall be appointed or elected by the local associations. Each association belonging to TDFA shall be entitled to fill two positions on the Executive Board. The officers of the TDFA shall be current or past Executive Board members. If the president is elected from the current Executive Board, his/her home association will need to fill his/her position on the Executive Board.

Section 2: The Executive Board being equally divided among the local associations will be the bylaw and rules enforcement arm of the organization. All decisions of the Executive Board are final with no course for appeal.

Section 3: The Executive Board will be the board of directors for this organization. They will manage and conduct the business and affairs of the organization. They may exercise all such powers of the organization and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by these bylaws otherwise regulated.

Section 4: The Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered in these bylaws.

Section 5: All checks or demands for money and all notes for the organization shall be signed by the president and such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the board of directors may from time to time designate if not otherwise covered by these bylaws.

Section 6: The organization shall keep correct and complete records of accounts, and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its meetings.

Section 7: The Executive Board shall have an annual meeting in December to discuss the state of the organization and provide at this meeting a reasonable complete balance sheet and income statement.

Section 8: Any director or commissioner may resign by giving written notice to the president or secretary. Such resignation shall take effect immediately unless otherwise stated in the written notice. The acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 9: In the event of the resignation of an executive officer, the TDFA president shall appoint an executive board member to complete the remainder of the term of the resigned member.

Article VI: Officers

Section 1: Two executive board members shall be elected or appointed by each local football association before the first meeting of the New Year. Each executive officer shall be elected to a term of one year.

A. No executive officer may hold any office for more than four years.

B. Any Executive Board member or officer may be removed from his office for bylaw violations at any meeting. The removal must be made by a majority of the voting members present at said meeting.

Section 2: Duties of the Executive Officers

A. The President shall:

1. Preside over all meetings

2. Appoint committees and act as ex-officio

3. Break any tie vote

4. Countersign orders and checks when needed

5. Call meetings when needed

6. Perform other duties as the board of directors shall prescribe

7. Prepare an agenda for each meeting

8. Shall veto any motion that he/she deems necessary. Veto may only be overruled by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members

B: The Vice-President shall:

1. Preside over all meetings in the absence of the president

2. Perform all duties assigned him/her by the president

3. Assume the duty of any officer who is unable to perform his/her duties until that office is filled

4. Perform all duties as the board of directors shall prescribe

C: The Treasurer shall:

1. Sign all checks authorized by the president

2. Maintain accurate financial records for the league

3. Collect any dues, fines, etc., due TDFA

4. Perform all duties assigned him/her by the president

5. Perform all duties as the board of directors shall prescribe

D: The Secretary shall:

1. Take and preserve the minutes of all meetings and record all votes taken

2. Perform all duties assigned him/her by the president

3. Handle all correspondence as the board of directors shall prescribe

E: The Parliamentarian shall:

1. Review all motions and procedures to assure compliance with these bylaws

2. Shall assure the compliance of order in all meetings

3. Shall know the bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order

4. Shall preside as the secretary in his/her absence

F: The Director of Officials shall:

1. Oversee all issues concerning officiating

2. Enforce all rulings concerning officiating

3. Assign numbers to each official

4. Grade all officials on their performance

5. Report all complaints from officials or coaches to the TDFA board

G: At Large Commissioner shall:

1. Be a position that consist of two past board members

2. These positions shall be non-voting positions

H: Web Director shall:

1. Update all game results, game statistics, and any general TDFA information.

Section 3: Each member association must appoint or elect one commissioner who shall have the following duties:

A. Coordinate matters between their local association and the Executive Board.

B. Enforce all rulings by the bylaws of this association.

C. Resolve any disputes concerning game rules/bylaw rules at local association game sites.

D. Perform such duties as the board of directors shall prescribe.

E. In the event a commissioner is not at his/her local association field, he/she may appoint an alternate.

F. Must wear an identifying hat approved by the TDFA board at all home games. The game official shall not be required to recognize anyone without this hat.

G. Shall strive to set an example for the local association that best exemplifies the goals and objectives of this association.

H. Will know the rules of play as well as, if not better than, anyone in the local association.

I. Shall base all decisions rendered on what effect his decision will have on the rest of the associations. No decision can be given which shows favoritism of one association over another.

J. Shall ensure strict adherence to the bylaws of TDFA at his/her local association.

K. Shall be first and foremost a commissioner of TDFA and second a member of his/her local association.

L. Shall be accountable to the directors of TDFA for all matters brought before the board concerning their local association.

M. Shall monitor the local association coaches to see that they are in compliance with the goals and objectives of TDFA in regard to the treatment of the children under their care. May remove anyone if he/she is not in compliance with these bylaws at any TDFA event.

Article VII: Meetings

Section 1: A general meeting shall be held before the close of championship play.

Section 2: Regular meetings of the board shall be held as directed by the president.

Section 3: Special meeting of the board, the Executive Board, head coaches, committees and/or membership for any purpose, unless otherwise prescribed by statutes or by these bylaws, shall be delivered by the president or not less than three Executive Board members, or by three commissioners.

Section 4: Forty-eight (48) hours written, printed, telephone or Internet notice stating the place, day and hour of any meetings (in case of special meeting, the purpose for which it is called) shall be delivered by or at the direction of the president, not less than three members of the Executive Board, or by three commissioners.

Section 5: Two-thirds of the members entitled to vote must be present to constitute a quorum at all meetings. Proxies count towards this two-third count.

Section 6: When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the majority of members having voting power (including proxy) shall decide any questions brought before such meeting, unless the question is one that, by express provision, shall govern and control the decision of such question. The voting members present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until the withdrawal of enough voting members to leave less than a quorum. Any member or members leaving a meeting to avoid a vote will be in violation of these bylaws (poor sportsmanship) and are subject to any action taken by the remaining members.

Section 7: The first meeting should be held in the first quarter of the New Year.

Section 8: The secretary shall notify the local associations of any fines or the removal of any individual.

A. Any association failing to have representation at a meeting of which proper notification has been given shall be subject to action by the Executive Board.

B. Any executive officer failing to attend a meeting of which proper notification has been given shall be subject to action by the Executive Board, unless excused by the president.

C. In the event of any association failing to be present at two meetings, the president may request that association to provide new executive board members. Further, any association failing to be present at the meetings may be put on probation and face possible expulsion from the TDFA.

D. Any three executive board members may call a special executive board meeting at any time. The president will be required to set the time and place for all meetings. Members calling for the special meeting will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the purpose of this meeting.

Article VIII: Miscellaneous

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended or repealed annually at a predetermined meeting by a two-third-majority vote of the voting members present or by proxy. Changes will be in effect immediately.

Section 2: If any part of these bylaws shall be held invalid or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, so far as possible and reasonable, shall be valid and operative.

Section 3: Any dues, assessments, fines, etc., levied by TDFA against any individual or member association shall be paid as follows:

A: Dues shall be established by TDFA board and are payable to TDFA on demand by whatever means deemed proper by the TDFA board.

B: Any fines levied by TDFA shall be due and payable within two weeks (15 days).

Section 4: Resolutions - The executive board from time to time may approve any reasonable resolution put forth by any executive board member (including probationary members). This resolution will be in effect immediately. The resolution must be put forth for vote the following season for repeal or acceptance in the bylaws. No resolution may stay in effect for more than twelve months from acceptance date. No resolution can be put forth for vote after failing to be accepted into the bylaws from the previous season. No resolution may be put in place to supersede any bylaw without a two-thirds vote.

Article IX: Bylaw Violations

Section 1: If any officer, commissioner, coach shall be determined guilty of a violation of TDFA bylaws or of misconduct at any TDFA sanctioned event (game site, practice sessions, meeting, etc.) said violator shall be requested to appear before the TDFA Executive Board for review of possible violations (said violator need not be present for determination of guilt, innocence, or imposition of penalty). The Executive Board shall determine the extent, if any, of the penalty to be imposed. If a penalty is imposed and the penalized individual shall violate the terms of this penalty, the local parent association shall be required to appear before the Executive Board to determine any action that may be imposed against said association. All local associations must adhere to and enforce any ruling concerning bylaw violations or any other ruling handed down by the Executive Board for any purpose. Occurrence of the infraction, i.e., flagged during game, ejected during game, removed during game, warned at any event, warned by any TDFA official, warned by any game official, may be reviewed by the TDFA Board of Directors. If these issues are to be taken up at the next scheduled meeting of the TDFA board, said violators will be notified. If the said violator fails to appear, he/she gives up the right to defend themselves before the TDFA board and agrees to accept any punishment imposed by the board. The findings of the TDFA board and any penalty imposed are final.

A. A penalty or action imposed by the Executive Board of TDFA shall be final with no course for appeal.

B. This includes all board members and local associations

C. Will also include all participants of TDFA games, as well as practices

Section 2: Any member association failing to report to TDFA a known violation by any of its members may be subject to a fine of $200.00 and suspension of all its teams from participating in any post-season activity for one year and face possible probation for their association.

A. Notification must be given within 72 hours

B. Includes all members of TDFA

Section 3: Any protest must be accompanied by a NON-REFUNDABLE protest fee.

A. Protest fee shall be $150.00

Article X: Player Qualifications

Section 1: Shall not be less than 5 years of age or over 12 years of age on or before September 1 of the current year.

A. Shall present to the local official at the time of registration a certified birth certificate (or a copy thereof). Proof of birth date accepted by local school district may also be accepted.

B. No child may participate if conditions of Article X, Section 1 are not accomplished.

C. Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Board.

Section 2: Shall participate only with the local association whose boundaries circumscribe the players' residence. Three Executive Board members must approve any exceptions.

A. Any child residing in a location not within the boundaries of TDFA member association shall be considered residing in a neutral zone and may participate with the member association of choice.

B. Any participant who shall move from one association boundary into another before registration deadline, and who is not an upgraded player, shall have the option of staying with team from the previous year.

C. Participants attending school in either the Dallas or Ft. Worth Independent School District(s) are not eligible to participate in TDFA activities.

Section 3: Any child participating or who is eligible to participate in a school affiliated football program shall be prohibited from participation in TDFA as a player.

Section 4: Any children with special / physical needs MUST be brought before the TDFA Board for approval to participate in the program.

Article XI: Coaches

Section 1: The TDFA board will require ALL Head Coaches to sign a code of ethics. All head coaches selected by the local association for participation in TDFA activities must be presented to the TDFA board for final approval.

Section 2: Each team must have one individual designated as a head coach.

A. The head coach must carry team pictures and official team roster to all game sites, as well as a signed copy of the TDFA Coaches code of Ethics.

B. Penalty for not having picture and official roster at game site is $25.00 to the local association for the first offense. The coach may be required to appear before the TDFA Executive Board for the second offense. The Executive Board will determine any penalty.

C. It is the responsibility of the head coach for conduct unbecoming to the objectives and goals of TDFA for himself/herself, his/her assistant coaches, players and the players' parents.

D. TDFA rules allow for only one head coach, five assistant coaches, and one statistician to be on the field at game sites.

E. The head coach and one alternate must attend the sports medicine/bylaw and officials meeting sponsored by their local association. Head Coaches must also be a field commissioner and attend a commissioner meeting.

F. The penalty for violation of Article XVI shall consist of: first offense, notification to the TDFA board and possible one-game suspension; second offense, automatic one-game suspension and $100.00 fine to the local association; third offense, possible suspension/banning from the league.

G. The board of directors dictates suspension.

H. "Banned" is out for life.

I. Any unsportsman like conduct penalty against any coach must be reported to the TDFA board of directors. The board of directors will review the cause and determine any further action to be taken. The penalty and coach name must be written on the game outcome report. At the time of the infraction, the coach shall consider this his notice to appear before the TDFA board at the next scheduled meeting to defend or confess his/her actions.

No head coach may quit his/her previous year's team to take another team within the same division without TDFA board approval. No team may be disbanded to supersede this rule. No team with an existing head coach may be disbanded.

Article XII: Divisions

Section 1: Flag division players aged 5 years and 6 years on or before September 1 may participate in this division.

Section 2: Bantam division players aged 7 years and 8 years on or before September 1 may participate in this division.

Section 3: Junior division players aged 9 years and 10 years on or before September 1 may participate in this division.

Section 4: Senior division players aged 11 years and 12 years on or before September 1 may participate in this division as per Article 10 section 3.

Section 5: Any deviations from sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 as listed above, MUST go through the local Association. Final approval is with the TDFA board. Any request(s) may be required to appear before the TDFA board.

Section 6: Any parent that wishes to move their child up to the next division, MUST present a letter to the TDFA Board no later than the Sunday meeting prior to the Local Association draft on the following Saturday.

Article XIII: Weight Restrictions

Section 1: No weight restriction shall be required for participation.

Section 2: Weight restrictions will be imposed in the following circumstances:

A. Any offensive player lined up in the backfield or at end position. The tight end if weight restricted must be used for blocking purposes only (this includes the punter).

B. Any offensive player carrying the ball from the line of scrimmage, any offensive, kick return and kicking team weight restricted player having possession the ball at any time will cause the ball to be declared dead at that spot.

C. Any defensive player at the time of the snap of the ball in position behind the line of scrimmage.

1. The definition of the line of scrimmage for TDFA shall be considered to be one yard either side of the ball. See diagram.

________________________________________________________________
1 yard
Football here
1 yard

D: Weight restricted players may advance the ball only on:

1. Blocked punts
2. Fumbles
3. Interception
4. Stripping of the ball carrier

Section 3: Any player exposed to the aforementioned circumstance shall have his/her weight certified by TDFA officials at the official weigh-in before the first regular season game.

A. The official weigh-ins shall be at a specified time and place designated by the TDFA board. Each association must make arrangements to have a minimum of two reps present at all times at the weigh-in. Failure to do so will be a mandatory fine of $500.00. The president of the TDFA may grant an exemption to not showing with enough members; however, the fine is mandatory if no exemption is given.

B. Any player coming to the official TDFA weigh-in who does not have his/her helmet will have his/her weight listed on the official roster as an overweight player. The president or the Executive Board must approve any exceptions.

Section 4: Weight restrictions as mentioned in Article XIII, Section 2 shall be applied as follows:

A. The flag division will not have a weight restriction.

B. The bantam division restricted player weight shall not exceed eighty (80) pounds at official weigh- in.

C. The junior division restricted player weight shall not exceed one hundred (100) pounds at official weigh-in.

D. The senior division restricted player weight shall not exceed one hundred fifteen (115) pounds at official weigh-in.

Section 5: The use of a player in a weight restricted position whose weight exceeds that specified in Section 4, or of those whose weight does not exceed those in Section 4 but did not have their weight certified at an official weigh-in, does constitute a violation of the bylaws of TDFA, and the head coach will be subject to action under Article IX. During the game the offending team will be assessed a fifteen-yard unsportsman like conduct penalty. The coach may be brought before the Executive Board.

Section 6: Those players at official weigh-in shall have their weights certified by TDFA officials. No Executive Board member may be the official weigh-in supervisor for his/her local association.

Section 7:Any player whose weight is above the division weight restriction shall have his/her helmet labeled in a conspicuous manner by TDFA officials. Violation (for not wearing it) will cost the local association $25.00 for the first offense. The second offense may be removal of the player from the official roster.

Article XIV: Player Certification

Section 1: Each player is to be certified as to participation eligibility.

Section 2: The official team roster shall serve as the document of certification, with team picture certified by TDFA officials. Team rosters will be made available upon request to each member association at any time.

Section3: The local association shall have the responsibility for certification of player residence

Section 4: No player shall participate who has not been certified

Section 5: The penalty for playing a player whose age or residence was not certified, or has been falsified shall be suspension of the player from the TDFA for one year. The head coach and local association may be brought before the Executive Board for consideration of bylaw violations under Article IX. The local association may elect to do as they deem necessary to any coach for violating any bylaw; however, their final judgment does not prevent TDFA from imposing further penalties.

Article XV: Player Allocation and Teams

Section 1: No team in any division shall consist of less than eleven (11) players of more than twenty-eight (28) players.

A. If any association shall have twenty-nine (29) to fifty (50) players register in any age division, two teams shall be formed.

B. If any association shall have fifty-one (51) to sixty-eight (68) players register in any age division, three (3) teams shall be formed. If more than (68) players per division, number of teams will be determined by the same format.

C. If any team falls to sixteen (16) players or below, that team may sign up additional players to make up to twenty (20) players on the team with Executive Board approval. These additional players, if signed up after the official weigh-in, shall be limited to participation as weight restricted players only. No player may quit one team and move to another team.

D. Any exceptions to this article must be brought before the TDFA Executive Board

Section 2: Player registration

A. All players shall register with their local association on or before the registration deadline. The Executive Board will set this deadline.

B. Each association shall have a registration period of no less than two (2) weeks before registration deadline.

C. TDFA shall publish the registration deadline no less than eight (8) weeks before deadline.

D. No player may be turned down for registration prior to the local association draft.

E. If a city sees that its numbers are down or not enough to split by the first weigh in, then that city may petition the TDFA to hold a late registration. The TDFA board will allocate any late registration players signed up.

Section 3: Player allocation

A. Each local association will establish an allocation procedure (draft) which will assure an equal distribution of players by age when two (2) or more teams in any one division shall register with TDFA. Draft order shall be determined by hat pick, conducted by the draft auditor. No player allocation procedure shall supersede these bylaws in any way. Each local association MUST provide a copy of draft procedures to the TDFA board prior to the draft. This copy will be carried by the TDFA draft auditors to the local associations draft.

B. This procedure shall allocate new players and upgraded players to teams by alternate draft or blind draw methods. The draft or drawing shall be taken from the older age group and continued until all players within that age group are allocated before starting the younger age group.

C. Existing teams must retain all returning players. Any exceptions to this must have TDFA Executive Board approval.

D. All teams shall blind draw from the older age group of new and upgraded division players until it shall equal the returning players on existing teams in that same age group. All necessary teams shall also blind draw from the younger age group of new and upgraded division players until it shall equal the protected players on teams in that same age group.

E. Head coaches assigned to a team may have their child or children automatically assigned to that team. Each team will be allowed one protected or frozen player per season. Equalization for this protected player will follow Article XV, Section 3, paragraph D, as stated above. Head coaches are prohibited from relinquishing their positions (stepping down) to add additional players/coaches to their roster.

F. Any team that looses a player due to their parent becoming a Head Coach for another team will then receive a compensation pick equal to the child that was lost. This pick will be at the end of the round in which the moved child was originally picked. The TDFA board will verify the draft location. Note: Freezes are considered first round picks.

G. Try-outs for new and upgraded players may be conducted for one week before the draft; no returning players may participate in this try-out.

H. Any or all plays and team formations are prohibited during these tryouts. Note: No effort shall be made to cull, cut, limit number of players on a team or to restrict number of teams registered. If full pads are not allowed, only running, agility, ball handling, dexterity (i.e., no contact drills may be used.)

I. Each local association shall establish a specific time and place, within TDFA guidelines, to conduct player allocation.

J. The Executive Board shall have "draft auditors" attend each local association draft. If in the opinion of the draft auditors there are improprieties or team loading suspected, the auditors may elect to call for a blind draft at their discretion.

K. No draft auditor may monitor his/her local association draft.

L. When deemed necessary, the board shall appoint alternates for assigned auditors to serve in their absence.

M. At the conclusion of each draft, the draft auditor shall cause to be prepared an official roster for each team.

N. The official roster form shall be provided by TDFA.

O. The official roster form shall include:

01. Local association and region commissioner
02. Team name
03. Team division
04. Team conference (added later)
05. Head coach name, first assistant
06. Player number
07. Player name
08. Player residence
09. Player school
10. Player age
11. Birth date
12. Weight (O Over or U Under)
13. Signature of head coach, region commissioner, draft auditor, and TDFA official

P. The draft auditor shall retain and submit the original copy of the roster to the TDFA secretary at a prescribed time and place.

Section 4: Following player allocation and roster acceptance, the head coach may begin team practice.

A. No practice shall be conducted on Sunday.

B. No practice shall be held before the official starting date set by TDFA.

C. No team shall practice more than (4) days per week after the start of school. No practice shall exceed two (2) hours in length.

D. Saturday scrimmage games before the first regular season game will be permitted with Executive Board authorization. This will not count as a practice session.

E. Flag teams shall practice no more four (4) days per week. No practice shall exceed two (2) hours in length.

Section 5. League season

A. Starting date, number of games and scheduling will be determined by the Executive Board.

B. The Executive Board at an annual scheduling meeting shall establish the procedure for determining play-off participation.

Section 6. Any regular season game called off due to adverse weather shall be classified "postponed" and made up as soon as possible.

A. In the event of forfeiture by the visiting team, said team shall be liable to the home team for any officiating expenses incurred by the latter as a direct result of the forfeiture.

B. In the event of adverse weather conditions during a game in which the officials have postponed play, the two (2) head coaches and area commissioner may elect to call it an official game at that point with no makeup. The TDFA Executive Board will determine the decision about the status of the make up of the postponed game.

Article XVI: Player Participation

Section 1: Every player shall participate as a player in every game in which he/she is in attendance.

Section 2: An injured or ill player in attendance at a game shall be allowed in the bench area and shall not be required to play provided he/she is not in full pads.

Section 3: Each player will play a minimum of seven (7) downs per half (14 minimum per game) in every game in which he/she is in attendance. Kick-off or return teams will count as part of this rule.

Section 4: Only a member of the TDFA Board for any reason may grant authorization for restriction of a player's participation to a requesting head coach. The player's parent(s) must be notified prior to the beginning of play. No Executive Board member that is also a head coach may grant him/herself a restriction. They must seek out another Executive Board member to ask for the restriction.

Section 5: Each coach must have a statistic sheet. This sheet must record player name, game, date, and number of downs per player up to (7) and signature of statistician. TDFA officials will randomly check statistic sheets.

Article XVII: Play-Off Sites

Section 1: The TDFA final and semi-final play-offs will alternate sites between zones from year to year.

A. Play-off locations and schedules shall be established by the Executive Board.

B. The "A" Super Bowl host will be allowed to pick the games that they wish to host. This will allow the "host" city to choose its own teams to play in its home location.

C. The Executive Board will assign the remaining sites/games. The board's decision is final. There will be no movement of game sites/locations/teams after the process is finalized.

Article XVIII: Addition of Players-Exceptions

Section 1: No player may be added to any roster of any TDFA team once the draft procedure is completed except in the following circumstances:

A. If the situation is described by Article XV, Section 1, and Paragraph C.

B. If a player moves into a TDFA area from outside the area at any time after the draft procedures are complete. In this case the player will be added, provided acceptable proof of movement. A letter from the school of attendance showing when the individual moved into the area will be sufficient.

C. This player will be sticker

Article IXX: Game Rules

Section 1: All games shall be played according to the current rules of the NCAA, with the exception of NCAA jersey numbering systems (i.e., no ineligible jersey numbers) unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.

Section 2: Game duration

A. Each game will consist of four (4) quarters with a 15-minute half time.

B. Quarters in the flag division shall be ten (10) minutes.

C. Quarters in the bantam division shall be ten (10) minutes.

D. Quarters in the junior division shall be ten (10) minutes.

E. Quarters in the senior division shall be ten (10) minutes.

F. Time of quarters may, by mutual consent of opposing head coaches, be shortened at any time during the game.

G. Game forfeit time (15 minutes allowance approved).

Section 3: Football sizes

A. All game balls must be Wilson as approved by the board of directors of TDFA.

1. Flag division will use K2 (Wilson).

2. Bantam division will use K2 (Wilson).

3. Junior division will use TDJ (Wilson).

4. Senior division will use TDY (Wilson).

Section 4: Coaches

A. One flag coach will be allowed on the field at all times.

B. One bantam coach (offensive or defensive) are to be ten (10) yards from the deepest player prior to the snap. Once the offense is lined up, coaches are not to direct players.

1. First offense - warning

2. Second offense - 5-yard illegal procedure penalty

3. Third offense - new coach on field for remainder of that game

C. In all other divisions, coaches will only be allowed on the field to help an injured player.

D. Bench area will be restricted to players and coaches only.

Section 5: Game winner determination

A. The team scoring the most points in regulation time shall be judged the winner.

B. If, at the conclusion of regulation play, both teams are tied in score, penetrations, and first downs, the game will be continued in the following format:

1. The below description on tiebreakers shall apply to all games. There are no ties in TDFA football games.

2. The mini overtime shall be conducted as follows:

A coin toss shall determine which team shall have the option of offense or defense first. The offensive team shall have the option to go toward either end of the field. The offensive team shall then have four (4) consecutive downs from the 50-yard line to advance the ball, regardless of the fumbles, touchdowns, pass interceptions, penalties, etc.
A fumble by the offensive team, which is recovered by the defensive team, shall count as one down with no yards gained, but shall count as yards lost if the recovery is made behind the line of scrimmage. A penalty against either team counts as yards gained or lost unless defense has the option and declines, in which case the down shall not count (includes automatic penalties). If the offensive team is thrown for a loss, the down counts as minus yardage. At the completion of four (4) downs, possession shall change and the other team follows the same procedure. The team gaining the most yardage is declared the winner. In the event both teams remain tied, the game shall continue until a winner is determined.

C: If a divisional Super bowl game ends in a tie score at the end of regulation play, each team shall be considered co-champions. (Note: record of penetrations and first downs is not kept at these games)

D: If at any time during regulation play a team is leading another by thirty (30) points or more, from that time on the game clock shall not be stopped except for the following:

1. A team still has time-outs left.

2. The official stops it.

3. Seven-play rule is still in place but not used to penalize a coach due to time shortage.

Section 6: Trophies, awards, and sponsors

A: Sponsor name may not appear on uniform.
v Sponsors should be those organizations, firms or companies whose activities or products are not detrimental to the welfare of youth. Specifically no firm or company whose advertising reflects the sale of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products shall be permitted to sponsor the program or be permitted to display any form of such advertising in connection with the program.

B: The Board of directors shall authorize any trophies and or awards presented under the auspices of TDFA.

C: The head coach of the team receiving recognition may keep any TDFA award represented by a singular item (i.e., team trophy)

D: Headhunter stickers cannot be awarded.

1. Participants in championship play-offs may receive awards from TDFA.

Section 7: In the bantam division, all punts will be free, with no rushing allowed. The offensive team may punt (kick) or request an automatic advancement. If the automatic advancement is requested, the officials will advance the ball twenty (20) yards. This twenty (20) yard advancement will not penetrate the opponent's twenty (20) yard line. All divisions may kick field goals and extra points with no rush allowed by the defense. These field goals and extra point kicks must be attempted within the play clock limits. No fakes are allowed. No return of a missed kick is allowed. The defensive team takes possession of the ball at the line of scrimmage if the kick is missed. The defensive team is allowed to jump to block the kick but cannot cross the line of scrimmage while doing so. No boosting to elevate a player to block the kick is allowed. The defensive team must remain on the field during all kicks.

Article XX: Protest Procedure

Section 1: No protest will be allowed concerning officials (includes all judgment calls and quality of officials). These items fall under complaint category and should be reported to the local region commissioner.

Section 2: To protest game in progress

A: Head coach will call a time-out (will not count as a charged time-out for game).

B: Head coach will inform the official that he wants to protest game. Immediately following the notification to the official, the protest fee must be paid to the Field Commissioner. (No other explanation is necessary).

C: Request region commissioner and head coach of other team to meet in private. (No spectators, officials, or assistants present).

D: Explain details of protest to region commissioner and other head coach.

E: Complete game with no other interruptions concerning the protest.

F: Immediately after game, if possible, but no later than 72 hours, reduce the protest to writing and submit to the region commissioner for delivery to TDFA Executive Board.

G: The region commissioner, upon receiving the protest, must notify all parties concerned before submitting to the TDFA Executive Board.

H: All decisions of the Executive Board concerning all protests, either game rules or rule violations of TDFA bylaws, are final with no course for appeal.

Section 3: To protest any other violations of TDFA rules or bylaws, start at G above and proceed through H.

Section 4: No protest will be acted on if all the above items or steps are not adhered to, and protest will be disregarded.

Article XXI: Flag Football Rules

Section 1: Players

A: A game may be played between two teams consisting of a minimum of eight (8) players each.

B: Each team roster shall have a maximum of 20 players who must be dressed and ready to play each game.

C: Only players appearing on the official TDFA team rosters are allowed to play.

D: Any division may play with nine (9) players at any time. The offensive team must have seven (7) players on the line and one in the backfield. The defensive team may choose any formation except in kicking formation.

E: Mandatory play rule: All players will play a minimum of seven (7) plays per half.

F: A team will have 30 seconds to put the ball in play after the ready signal.

G: One coach from each team shall be on the field at all times for the purpose of lining up his/her team. No coaching is allowed after team has been set for play.

Section 2: Playing fields

A: The field shall be a normal football field reduced to 80 yards.

1. This field measures one hundred yards in length with two end zones of ten yards each. It is 50 yards wide.

2. Goal posts are unnecessary as points after conversions are made only by passing or running and there are no field goals kicked.

3. A conversion line will be marked 3 yards from the goal line and at an equal distance from each sideline.

Section 3: Equipment

A: Game ball shall be of a good grade of leather.

B: The flags will be attached to the pants with TDFA approved Velcro that is sewn on the side seam of the waistband.

C: Flags will be 10 inches long and 1 ½" inches wide.

D: All Flags must be an approved color by the TDFA board.

E: The securing of flags to the body or waist other than provided by 3B above is illegal.

F: Jerseys cannot be worn over flags.

G: If a player's flag is inadvertently lost, he/she is ineligible to handle the ball.

H: Mouth pieces are mandatory for all participants.

Section 4: Game uniform

A: All team members must wear the same color jersey.

B: All jerseys will be numbered, front and back, for proper identification by officials and statisticians.

C: Only football or baseball type pants may be worn.

D: Jerseys will be tucked in at all times.

E: Sneakers are the preferred shoes; however, non-detachable, rubber-cleated shoes (soccer style) are allowed. No other footwear is acceptable.

F. Only matching team Headbands are permitted in lieu of helmets.

Section 5: Prohibited equipment

A: Spiked or street shoes.

B: All hard surface padding such as shoulder pads, hip pads, and helmets are prohibited.

C: Hard metal or any other hard substance on a player's clothing or person.

D: Anything that conceals the flags.

E: Sticky substances such as grease or glue on a player's clothing, body, or equipment.

F: Any equipment, in the opinion of the referee, that will endanger or confuse players.

G: FLAG BELTS ARE PROHIBITED.

Section 6: Referees

A: There will be two (2) referees.

B: There shall be at least three (3) referees for a sanctioned TDFA play-off/championship.

C: Each game official will carry a red or yellow handkerchief and drop it when an infraction occurs.

Section 7: The rules of the game

A: Players - the free substitution rule is always in effect and a player may enter the game anytime the ball is dead.

B: Team captains:

1. Each team will have at least one captain on the field at all times during the game.
2. The captain will address the referees only on matters of interpretation and obtain information.

C: Team coaches - one coach for each team will be permitted on the field.

Section 8: Time

A: Four 12-minute quarters with running clock. Clock will stop only on change of possession, after each touchdown and penalties, time-outs, referee discretion. The clock will be kept to regulation during two (2) minute warning.

B: Three (3) time-outs per half.

C: Ten (10) minutes between halves.

Section 9: Ball placement

A: Each half will start with the ball placed on the 20-yard line of the receiving team and for each kickoff.

B: The referee will call the team captains together for a toss of a coin to decide a choice of receiving. The winning captain has the choice.

1. The losing captain has the same choice at the beginning of the second half.

Section 10: Downs

A: Each team will have four consecutive downs to advance the ball 10 yards or to score a touchdown.

B: Once a team moves the ball 10 yards, it is a first down and a new series of downs begins.

C: A team failing to move the ball 10 yards will lose possession. The opposing team takes over at the point where the ball is declared dead and begins its series.

D: The forward part of the ball touching any line will be the determining factor in measuring for a first down.

Section 11: De-flagging

A: There shall be no tackling of the ball carrier, passer, or kicker.

B: The player carrying or having possession of the ball is down when flag is removed from his/her waist (de-flagging). The defensive player shall hold the flag above his/her head and stand still.

C: The defensive player cannot hold or push the ball carrier to remove his/her flag. An accidental touch of the body or shoulder while reaching for the flag shall not be considered a violation; however, touching of the head or face shall be considered a violation.

D: A defensive player may not run over, push, or pull a blocker away from him/her. He/she may push him sideways if he gets past him/her, but he/she cannot push the blocker down.

E: A defensive player must go for the passer's flag. He/she cannot touch the passer's arm.

Section 12: Blocking

A: A blocker must be on his/her feet at all times while blocking. All linemen, except the center, must not assume the three-point stance or otherwise sprint from a coiled or crouching start. Instead, they must simply stand at the line of scrimmage and await the snap. The center, though crouching, if he/she is to block, must first stand straight up.

B: Cross body and roll blocking are not permitted.

C: An offensive player will be restricted in the use of his/her hands to the defensive player's body and shoulders.

D: A defensive player cannot block or push a ball carrier out-of-bounds.

E: Butting, elbowing or knee blocking is not permitted.

F: There will be no two-on-one blocking for the ball carrier beyond the line of scrimmage.

G: Blocking a player from behind is not permitted (clipping).

H: There will be no interlock blocking.

I: A defensive player will be restricted in the use of his/her hands to the blocker's body and shoulders.

J: There shall be no downfield contact blocking beyond the line of scrimmage (see Article XVIII, Section 2). If a downfield block occurs, the ball will be placed at that spot or at the spot the ball carrier is at the time of the infraction, whichever is furthest from the defense's goal line.

Section 13: Ball carrier

A: The ball carrier cannot use his/her hands or arms to protect his flags. The defensive player must have the opportunity to remove the ball carrier's flags.

B: The ball carrier cannot lower his/her head to drive or run into a defensive player.

C: Stiff-arming by the ball carrier is illegal.

D: The ball carrier cannot spin or hurdle to prevent a defensive player from removing his/her flags.

E: He/she may run in any direction until the ball is declared dead.

F: For the center to be eligible to carry the ball, he must transfer possession of the ball to a player in the backfield first.

Section 14: Center - (See Section 13A)

A: The center must snap the ball between his/her legs.

B: He/she must have both feet on the scrimmage line with no part of his/her body beyond the forward point of the ball.

C: He/she may adjust the long part of the ball at right angels to the scrimmage line, one time only.

Section 15: Passing

A: All backfield players are eligible passers.

B: Passing will be attempted from behind the line of scrimmage only.

C: A lateral pass is a pass thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or back toward the passer's own goal line. A lateral pass is not considered a forward pass.

D: A forward pass is a pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage toward the defensive team's goal line.

Section 16: Receiving

A: Only backs and ends are eligible to receive forward passes.

B: Two or more receivers may touch a ball in succession resulting in a completed pass.

C: If an offensive and defensive player catches a pass simultaneously, the ball is declared dead at the spot of the catch and the passing team is awarded possession.

D: An offensive player cannot be out-of-bounds and return in-bounds to catch a pass. This will be ruled an incomplete pass.

Section 17: Dead ball - All balls touching the ground are immediately dead. (For example, the ball is declared dead at the following times):

A: When the ball carrier touches the ground with his/her body, other than hands or feet.

B: When the ball carrier's flag has been pulled.

C: If a pass receiver or ball carrier has a missing flag (ball is dead at the spot).

D: Following a touchdown, safety or touchback.

E: When the ball goes out-of-bounds for any reason.

F: If the center's snap hits the ground before reaching a backfield player.

G: When the ball hits the ground as a result of a fumble or muffed ball. There are no fumble recoveries in TDFA flag, and no stripping of the ball is allowed.

H: If a lateral pass touches the ground, ball is declared dead at that point. If a lateral pass goes out-of bounds, the ball is ruled dead at the point it crosses the boundary line.

I: If a forward pass strikes the ground or is caught at the same time by an opposing player(s).

J: When a player on the kicking team touches a punt before a player on the receiving team.

K: A free catch cannot be advanced.

Article XXII: Miscellaneous

Section 1: Game acceleration

A: When one team is 30 or more points ahead, there will be no regulation clock (only in the second half).

Section 2: Scoring values

A: Touchdown 06 points

B: Safety 02 points

C: Points after touchdown

Passing 02 points
Running 02 points
Kicking 01 point

D: Field goals 03 points

E: Forfeit (offended team wins by) 1 point to 0 points

Section 3: Injured players

A: Once removed from a game because of injury, the player must sit out at least one down or use one (1) time-out.

Section 4: Penalties

A: The 80-yard field will be assessed five (5) and ten (10) yard penalties.

B: The offended team will always have the choice of accepting or declining a penalty. If the penalty is declined, the down will remain the same as if no infraction occurred. Also, when the penalty is greater than the distance to the goal line, the penalty shall be half the distance to the goal line.

Section 5: Pullover jerseys

A: If in the opinion of game officials, or TDFA area official, the jersey colors of the two (2) teams are too difficult to distinguish between, the home team will be responsible for wearing pullover or replacement jerseys of non-conflicting color.

Section 6: Protests

A: Refer to Article XX.

Section 7:

A: Any local association complaining to any other body than the TDFA about the officiating of the games shall face possible expulsion from TDFA immediately with no recourse for appeal.

B: The TDFA board of directors shall have a meeting prior to the beginning of play with ALL the officials. The bylaws and rules changes will be covered and our expectations will be put forth.

C: The TDFA reserves the right to expel any official that is not in compliance with our bylaws and goals for the betterment of our children.

D: Unsportsman like conduct penalties against any coach will be accompanied with a 15-yard penalty. The official MUST eject the coach at his second infraction. This is an ejection only. The team will not be assessed a 15-yard penalty for the second infraction.

E: Excessive running of the clock by the officials will be cause for refusal of game payment. The offending official must be warned prior to refusal of payment.

F: Officials are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Any official that is considered as goading a coach will be removed at once (to be determined by the field commissioner.)

G: Any coach, parent or any other person or persons confronting an official in any disrespectful manner at any time will be subject to the full penalty extent and maximum penalty that can be imposed by the TDFA board of directors.

Section 8: All associations (board of directors and members), whether charter members or probationary members, agree to hold harmless from responsibility for any and all actions, incidents or injuries, all associations, city parks and recreation departments, members, affiliated members, sponsors, participants, parents, executive board member, officials, and coaches.