Established 1973 and combined in 2017 http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/

BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

On behalf of our sponsors, coaches, board members and volunteers, I extend a warm welcome to players and parents for the 2019 Bismarck Youth Football League (BYFL) season. We are excited to be starting our third season as a league combining the great histories of the BMFL and YFL while encompassing two age divisions – a 3rd-4th grade division and a 5th-6th grade division.

Our mission is to enable participants (ages 8-12) the opportunity to benefit from participation in team sports and activities (football & cheerleading) in a safe and structured environment. We are proud that many alumni continue to play football and cheer at the high school and college level as well as our coaches who played in the league.

Our league consists of 28 teams of approximately 22 players each for approximately 620 participants. The league is divided into in two age divisions: 14 – 3rd-4th grade teams and 14 – 5th-6th grade teams. The 3rd-4th grade teams will play their last game during “Super Weekend.” In the 5th-6th grade division there is a playoff format and, after the regular season, playoff positions will be determined by each team’s standing within their conference. The playoffs are divided into three divisions of play: gold, silver and bronze. Our website contains additional league and schedule information http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/

The handbook provides information on league organization, a code of conduct for parents and children and options if you encounter any problems. The information presented is strictly a guide and can be changed or discontinued at any time by the board of directors without notice.

Finally, please be sure to thank our sponsors that keep registration rates reasonable as well as the many volunteers that donate countless hours to ensure your child has a great football experience. Without them, the Bismarck Youth Football League would not be a successful and respected program. We hope that you and your player enjoy this season!

Sincerely,

Donavan Klein President Bismarck Youth Football League

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Bismarck Youth Football League (BYFL) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization operated by dedicated volunteers whose mission is to enable participants (ages 8-12) the opportunity to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment. Through this active participation, BYFL programs teach fundamental values, skills and knowledge that children will use throughout their lives. We are dedicated to sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play.

• Parents can expect the BYFL to provide opportunities for children to be instructed in football by highly motivated and knowledgeable volunteers. • Parents can expect their children to actively participate in all practices. • BYFL will provide practice fields. Although our goal is to have your team’s practice field as near to your home as possible, we are limited by available facility locations and the number of participants from different areas of town. Also, please be aware that some teams may have to change practice locations during the course of the season due to scheduling conflicts or field conditions. Often, these changes are beyond the league’s control. • Regular season games are played at the Cottonwood softball diamonds on south 12th street for 3rd-4th grade and the Hughes Education Center on North Washington Street for 5th-6th grade. • BYFL will provide licensed referees certified in High School and/or . Please remember that they are human, and therefore occasionally may make an officiating error; it is part of the game. Game results are NEVER reversed because of a perceived officiating error. • BYFL is responsible for most of the equipment that each player requires: The league will issue each player a helmet, shoulder pads, football pants and game jersey. Parents are responsible for practice jerseys, mouth guards, jockey “hard” cups, socks and cleats. At the conclusion of the year, all BYFL equipment items are to be returned in good condition at a time and location announced by the league. Failure to return the borrowed equipment will result in the League charging the responsible parent/guardian $400 (cost of the equipment) and any collection costs (including attorney fees, if required). • Parents or legal guardians have the right to remove their child from participation at any time. • Parents should expect the highest standards of conduct from all BYFL football coaches, league officials and adult volunteers. BYFL policy forbids ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR ILLEGAL DRUG use at all games, scrimmages and practices. No foul or obscene language; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or bullying by other players will be tolerated. • BYFL coaches will treat each player, parents/guardians and fans with respect at all times. In return, please show consideration for all personnel connected with the league at all times. ANY PHYSICAL, VERBAL OR PERSONAL ABUSE TOWARD AN OFFICIAL OR VOLUNTEER BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER A GAME WILL BRING IMMEDIATE

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REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE OF THE VIOLATING PLAYERS OR PARENT/GUARDIAN. THIS IS A ZERO TOLERANCE RULE. • BYFL does NOT carry medical insurance for players. This is the responsibility of each participant’s parent/guardian to include ambulance or emergency medical treatment. • The University of Mary student trainers are expected be on hand for all league games and will provide limited medical treatment for minor injuries. • Refer to the BYFL’s website for updated information: http://bismarckyouthfootball.website.siplay.com/

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• BYFL has a “No Refund” policy after the first practice. Refunds will be available before the first practice, less $20 for administrative costs. This means, no refunds for any reason, to include injury, sickness, medical excuse, moving out of town, desire to play a different sport, school issues, fighting, not liking the coach or teammates, practice field is too far away, etc. • All football players must complete a North Dakota High School Activities Association Athletic Pre-participation physical. A copy of the physical form MUST be on file with the BYFL before equipment handout. • BYFL expects each parent and spectator to abide by the same code of conduct required of the volunteers working with your children. This includes NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO OR ILLEGAL DRUG USE at BYFL games, scrimmages or practices. No obscene language and no physical, emotional or other abuse toward any player, parent/guardian, fan or other league volunteers will be tolerated. Like coaches, parents/guardians should be role models for every child on their football team. Please remember to praise your child and members of all teams for their hard work and accomplishments. • For the safety of all of our kids - Obey ALL parking signs at the fields. City officials will enforce the parking regulations. DO NOT climb on or over the fences, please use the gates. NO DOGS ALLOWED AT FIELDS. • BYFL expects all fans to control their emotions at games. Officials are human and fans may not always agree with their decisions. Keep in mind, that parents/guardians’ behavior sends a message to children. There are lessons to be taught in victories, as well as defeats. At the end of the game, talk to your children. Share your feelings in a positive way. • Treat all coaches with respect and dignity. They are unpaid volunteers who contribute their time and talents for the benefit of your children. You may not always agree with a coach's decision, however, he/she has the final say on their football team. • The most successful teams are not necessarily determined by their won-loss record or ability, but by the level of support that parents/guardians/family members/friends provide them and their coaches. Please volunteer your time and talents when requested. Coaches unanimously agree that support, encouragement and time are the most valuable commodities that parents and guardians can provide. A unified football team with support, loyalty and encouragement is a winner. This shows children the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. • During games, only players, coaches and league officials may be near team’s sideline. At Cottonwood softball diamonds we enforce a spectator/team sideline policy. Teams will be on one side and all spectators will be on the opposite side. ONLY authorized coaches and players are on the team sideline. ALL parents & spectators will be on the Parent side – NO exceptions. • Coaches and referees have the right to remove any parent, player, or volunteer, from any BYFL event (including practice), who is creating a disturbance, not abiding by the code of conduct, or creating an unhealthy environment for children, without a refund, pending review by the League’s ‘Grievance Committee’.

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• BYFL has observed that some parents have a tendency to re-live their youth through their children. Please remember that your children do not think like adults. Football may not be easy for them. Do not expect them to play like players at the high school level; they must be allowed to learn and develop at their own rate. • You are not paying for the right to choose a position for your child; otherwise we would have 22 centers on a team. The coaches will decide positions. • If you believe that you are being treated unfairly, please talk to your coach first. If that fails to satisfactorily address your issues, you may contact the league president and division commissioners and/or submit a league grievance form. The League’s ‘Grievance Committee’ will review and follow the procedures outlined on the form. Please remember that BYFL grievance decisions are FINAL. Involving the ‘Grievance Committee’ may cause a coach, parent/guardian and/or the player to be dismissed from the league without refund of deposit. It is always best to try to settle issues with coaches. Any parent/guardian that does not follow this procedure will be in jeopardy of losing their child’s privilege to participate in the League without a refund. BYFL grievance form is available in this document and online. • Parents/guardians are responsible for inspecting their player’s football equipment prior to practices or games. All players must have all their protective equipment in order to practice or play in games. If your child is not properly equipped for football, they will be declared ineligible to participate. Ask coaches for help. • It is everyone's responsibility to inspect practice/game fields and any other BYFL event for safety. If you feel something is unsafe, remove your child from that event. • BYFL expects parents/guardians to get their child to practice and games on time. A coach may exercise discretion to not allow a player to play in a game if they miss too much practice. Additionally, the coach may discipline a player by not allowing the player to play in the game if the player is not following the team rules, directions of the coach or league rules. • If a team has ineligible players, or cheating occurs of any kind, the team will be investigated and, if needed, suspended. Ineligible players will be removed from the team and, if necessary, at the discretion of the BYFL, games may be forfeited and an entire team may be disqualified from postseason play. Reporting ineligible players is everyone's responsibility. Parents and coaches should work together to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

• Tackle football is not like soccer, basketball, baseball or softball. These are contact sports, whereas football is a collision sport. During every play in football, each player has the potential to collide with an opponent. All coaches teach and emphasize safety and heads-up tackling, but please understand injuries may occur. • Full contact football may be a new experience to some kids each year while some may have played for a couple of seasons. Nevertheless, some kids have a tough time dealing with collision sports at this age and we should accept this. Some players that drop out at this age

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eventually return to football at a later age when they are ready to accept the physical aspects and other demands of the sport. • If your child does not want to continue to play football at this age, please accept their decision and allow them to walk away with dignity and an understanding that this type of sport may not be for them at this time. • Individuals who DO NOT wish to continue playing football in the BYFL need to contact their head coach immediately to return their equipment. • NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER THE FIRST PRACTICE. • Failure to return all BYFL Equipment will result in a $400 fine plus collection fees.

The BYFL will allow individuals to play in the first game of the season as long as they have attended and participated in at least two weeks of practice. For example, if an individual quits, the league would assign a replacement player who would be allowed to play after the second week of practice. If a player joins a team a week before the first game, they would not be eligible to play in the first game of the season. NO NEW PLAYERS WILL BE ASSIGNED after the first game of the season.

One of the most important tasks that parents/guardians face is preparing children for life. Sports help children learn to overcome fears and failures, function in a team environment, to try new things and to learn to deal with success, as well as failure. Sometimes, coaches and parents/guardians wrongfully view sports with a “winning at all costs” attitude. Adults teach appropriate behavior by setting a good example through actions and words. Winning a game is not everything; losing can teach children to adapt, modify behavior and to persevere. The challenge of parents and coaches, as role models, is to teach through our own actions, appropriate social skills and behaviors. Working together, we can ensure that each player learns the value of good sportsmanship. Sportsmanship will always be a hallmark of our league.

• Place an emphasis on participation, effort and good attitude, not winning. • Always encourage good sportsmanship. • Teach your child that doing their best as a player is as equally as important as winning. • Teach children to play by the rules. • Support your child with your presence, positive cheering and support at practice and games. • Comment on their good effort. Always be encouraging. • Show self-control and enjoyment while your child is playing or practicing. • Give positive reinforcement to your players and the other team's players. 7 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

• Applaud ALL good plays and efforts for BOTH teams. • If your child makes a mistake that you wish to discuss, first point out the good things they have done before discussing mistakes. Consider doing this away from the other players. • Treat all players, coaches and officials as you would like to be treated. • Cheer along with the cheerleaders. • Leave coaching to the coaches. • Practice and play with your child. Every child wants their parents to be interested in what they are doing. GET INVOLVED. Ask your coach how you can help your team.

• Force a child to play football or participate if they don't want to play. • Yell at your child for making mistakes on the field, even professionals make mistakes. • Criticize a teammate, opposing player, coach or official when discussing a practice or game with your child. • Make exaggerated facial expressions or hand signals to your child while they are playing. • Yell negative comments at opposing teams. • Put all the emphasis on winning. • Question, confront or yell at a coach, official or another parent about the game at the game field. Please wait at least 24 hours before visiting with the coach about an issue.

• Academics should always come first. Help your child manage their time so that their grades are acceptable to you. • Promote a good lifestyle (work ethic, diet, sleep, no alcohol, drugs or tobacco) for your child. • Set the example for good sportsmanship. • Encourage all players on both teams; dwell on positive contributions, don't criticize. • Support the style of play of your team. You are not going to change it by your comments; you will only leave the players doubting the coaches. Don't try to do the coach’s job. • Do not compare other teammates to your child. This is not fair to anyone involved. Everyone has different talents and abilities and contributes to the team in different ways. • Allow your child to make mistakes and learn, find solutions to their problems, and fight their own battles. This is what they will have to do for themselves in life. • Encourage your child to talk to the coach privately first; being able to speak for yourself is a very valuable life skill to learn. • Do not talk to a coach about a problem until 24 hours after an event, unless it’s positive. Please do not discuss playing time; this is the coach’s decision.

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• Football is a game. Smile, enjoy the efforts on the field, and have fun. If you do, the chances are much greater that your child will also have fun! • TRUST the coaches and the league to do what is right for the athletes and the program. We are all on the same side, creating an atmosphere of fun while learning football, participating in a team sport and improving skills.

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1. GENERAL: 1.1. Teams are allowed up to 12 practices before the first game and after the first game each team is allowed two weekly practices. 1.2. A maximum of five coaches total allowed with the team during a game (includes and field).

a. BYFL follows the North Dakota Rules with some exceptions: 1) Playing Field is 80 yards long, regulation width (53-1/3 yards). NOTE: BYFL reduces the field length on a regulation size football field to 80 yards. 2) Kickoffs are from the kicking team’s 35 yard line. 3) Major penalties are 10 yards. 4) The four quarters are twelve minutes in length and are on a continuous clock. i. Exceptions (time stops) to the continuous clock are: 1. Last two minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, the clock will follow normal high school football rules; i.e., stops on incomplete passes and out of bounds plays. 2. During timeouts (1 minute). 3. During attempts for a point after (time will be stopped after a touchdown and will not start until the ensuing kickoff). 4. During equipment repair. 5. During injuries. Injured player must leave the game for one play. 5) There are two (2) minutes between quarters and eight (8) minutes between halves. 6) Teams have twenty-five (25) seconds to put in play after referee has signaled “ready.” This will be enforced with a five yard “delay of game” penalty. 7) ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ circle stickers on players’ helmets indicate players who are NOT eligible to advance the ball. i. WEIGH-IN: All players will be weighed in on the League scale on the day of equipment issue. This will be the ONLY weigh-in ii. Players weighing above the league determined ball-carry weight and up to 145 pounds will be marked with a red circle sticker on their helmet. These players must play on the offensive line but may play anywhere on defense. iii. Players weighing over 145 pounds will be marked with a blue circle sticker on their helmet. The following rules apply only to blue circle marked players. 1. On offense, these players are limited to positions on the offensive line between the tight ends (tackle to tackle) 2. On defense, these players are limited to the three interior defensive line positions (nose guard and tackles). 3. These players CANNOT play on any Special Teams (i.e., kick- offs, kick receiving, punting or receiving). b. Teams will line up to shake hands and congratulate each other at the end of their game. c. Post-game huddles are encouraged involving the coaches and players only.

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d. One coach from the offensive team may be on the field, ten yards behind the during games. The coach may interact with the players in the huddle. e. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field during games except for timeouts. f. Each team has 3 timeouts per half. Each team gets 1 timeout per series. 2. OFFENSE: a. No offensive backs, wide receivers or flankers may weigh over the league determined ball-carrying weight. The league will determine the ball-carrying weight after weigh-ins. b. "Red Dot" players may play tight end, but are ineligible to catch passes. c. No player over the ball-carrying weight limit may legally catch a ball while playing offense. The pass will be ruled incomplete. d. No one over the ball-carrying weight limit may advance the ball. Defensive players over the ball-carrying weight may intercept a pass, recover a , or field a kickoff. The ball will be ruled dead at the spot of recovery. e. No unbalanced offensive line formations. There must be 7 players on the line of scrimmage, 3 on each side of the center. 3. DEFENSE: a. All defensive alignments must consist of a five player front; three defensive linemen and two defensive ends. b. Except for the five defensive linemen, all other defensive players must position themselves and remain at least three (3) yards from the line of scrimmage until the ball is put into play. c. Inside the defense’s own 5 yard line, all non-defensive line players must position themselves and remain at least one (1) yard from the line of scrimmage until the ball is put into play. d. No blitzing is permitted. 1) Only the five defensive line players may cross the line of scrimmage before the ball carrier has reached the line of scrimmage or a point to the outside where the tight ends initially lined-up. Once the ball has reached these points, the defensive backs and linebackers are free to pursue the ball carrier at their discretion. 2) This rule is one of judgment on the part of the defensive backs and linebackers. 4. PUNTS: a. All punts are announced. On fourth situations, the offensive team will be asked if they will punt or attempt to gain a first down. b. Once a team declares their intention to punt, fake punts are not permitted. c. Both punting and punt receiving teams must position seven (7) players on the line of scrimmage from tight-end to tight-end in a “Down Position” (three or four point stance) until the punt is made. d. Punt receiving team may not attempt to block the punt. e. The punt will be re-attempted if the punter misses or drops the ball. f. If the punt hits an offensive lineman, the punt is playable. g. "Fair Catches" are permitted. 11 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

h. If the punt hits a defensive lineman while they are in the “Down Position”, the punt is playable. However, if the punt hits a defensive player who prematurely stands up, it will be considered an attempt to block the kick and is an infraction. The defense will be penalized 5 yards and play is resumed either with another punt or a . This penalty is not an automatic first down. The offense must again declare its intentions to either punt or attempt to gain a first down.

5. POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN (PAT) CONVERSIONS: a. Pass – Two (2) points. b. Run – One (1) point.

6. THE 12-18 RULE: a. If at any time during the first half, a team is leading by 12 or more points, the leading team must replace the offensive backfield. This backfield ( and both running backs) is defined as the normal first team backfield, not necessarily the backfield that is on the field at that time. The replacement offensive backfield must continue to play until the difference is reduced to 7 points or less or until the 1st half ends. b. The “First team” backfield may begin the 2nd half and play until the lead is 18 points or more. The replacement backfield must play until the lead is 12 points or less. c. In the event of an injury to a replacement back, an attempt to replace the injured player with another non-starting player will be made, if possible. d. Any player can play defense at any time.

7. PLAYING TIME (In the 5th-6th grade division, equal playing time is not guaranteed): a. The intention of the league is to provide each player a minimum of the equivalent of one (1) quarter of play in each game. b. For reference: one (1) quarter is approximately 8 to 12 total plays, but variables such as available possessions, player positions and time on the clock are key issues coaches must face in playing kids the minimum one (1) quarter. c. The league would like to see all kids play as much as possible but it must be realized that some players will play more than others due to individual reasons. Coaches have the final say in playing time matters

8. UNSPORTSMANLIKE PENALTIES: a. Players receiving unsportsmanlike penalties will be ejected from the game. b. A second violation will result in a one game suspension. c. A third violation will result in player suspension for the remainder of the season. 9. OVERTIME PERIODS • There will be only two total overtime series during the regular season (weeks 1-5). • During playoff games, overtime series will be continued until a winner is decided

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North Dakota High School Athletic Associations (NDHSAA) playing rules shall apply except as specifically revised in this handbook.

FIELDS, OFFICIALS, TIME AND SCORING

1. The games will be played on the 80-yard fields.

2. There will be 2 officials for each league game.

3. The referee will keep the time on the field.

4. Two coaches are allowed on the field during the game. The coaches on the field call the plays. Do not send in plays from the sidelines. The coaches on the field during play may not advise their team after the quarterback begins his signal cadence. A maximum of five coaches total allowed with the team during a game (includes sidelines and field). Teams can have more than five coaches at a practice with approved background checks competed.

5. 10-minute quarters will be played with a 5-minute half time. The clock will run continuously except for after , injuries, and team timeouts. After a touchdown, the clock starts once the official resets the ball at the 30-yard line. In the last 2 minutes of each half the clock will stop in accordance will high school football rules.

6. Each team will have 2 time-outs per half.

7. There will be no kick-off. There will be a flip of a coin at the beginning of the game. The team that wins the flip has the option of taking the ball on the 30-yard line (first half) or deferring to the second half.

8. There will be no punts. On 4th down, the offensive team has the option to go for it or have the ball advanced 20 yards down field and the opposing team takes over from that spot. If the team is inside the 20- yard line, the ball will be advanced half the distance to the goal line. They must notify the referee and other team of their intention.

9. Should the score be tied at the end of regulation play, there will be no overtime period, the game will end in a tie.

10. Teams will receive 6 points for scoring a touchdown.

11. There will be NO or kicked extra points attempted.

12. Scoring of the Point After a Touchdown (PAT) shall be as follows: • A score of one (1) point will be given to a team who runs the ball beyond the goal line from the 2- yard line. • A score of to (2) points will be given to a team who passes the ball beyond the goal line from the 2-yard line. •

OFFENSE

1. There is a playbook attached that displays 6 different offensive formations. All plays should be run out of one of these formations. Teams cannot use a shot gun formation and no trips formations or unbalanced formations are allowed. The playbook is meant to serve a guide for coaches. 13 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

2. Teams cannot use a crack back block.

3. Teams cannot run a or quarterback draw.

4. Each team will only be allowed to run 2 trick plays per game. Trick plays consist of reverses, halfback passes, receiver passes, etc. A bootleg play is not considered a . If more than 2 trick plays are attempted, a 10-yard penalty will be enforced.

5. See playbook for further offensive instructions.

DEFENSE

1. Defensively, teams will employ a 4-man front on the line of scrimmage at all times. Goal line defenses (5 or 6 man fronts) NOT are allowed.

2. Stunting, “red-dogging,” and “blitzing” is NOT allowed.

3. Linebackers and defensive backs must maintain a minimum of a 5-yard setback from the line of scrimmage. If an offensive team is insides the 5-yard line, the linebackers are allowed to stand on the goal line. Defensive backs and linebackers must not be in a forward motion until the ball is snapped. This will be a penalty.

4. All defensive linemen (Defensive Ends & Tackles) must be in a 3- or 4-point stance at the .

PARTICIPATION RULES

1. Each player must play a minimum of twelve (12) plays per game. The plays may be performed on offense or defense and need not be played consecutively. Each player must start on offence or defense.

2. A player could have his playing time altered for disciplinary reasons. A coach may exempt a player from the mandatory play rule for discipline, for missing practices, or for physical injury or illness but only if the coach notifies and explains the cause for the exemption to the player prior to the game.

3. You may substitute for injuries and instructional purposes only. For instructional purposes the player is to be out only one play and then is to be placed back in the same position the player came from (i.e., you are not allowed to get all your “studs” back in the game to stop a play or score!). You play with the players you have on the field during that possession.

GAME CANCELATIONS 1. Things such as rain, snow or cold temperatures will NOT be grounds to cancel games. Extreme weather, such as lightening may be cause for canceling a game if it is considered a safety problem. After the game starts, the game's referee has the authority to cancel the game.

2. Every attempt will be made reschedule any games that are canceled because of weather. However, certain situations such as field availability, etc. may not allow for canceled games to be rescheduled.

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PRACTICE

1. No player will be allowed on the field for practice until they have a physical by a licensed professional. All such physical forms must be in the possession of the league directors before players are allowed to practice.

2. Practice sessions will be limited to four during the first week and two per week during the remainder of the season. Teams are allowed up to six practices before the first game.

3. A practice shall be defined as any activity involving at least one coach and one player, lasting more than 10 minutes, where the skill of football is being taught, including viewing game films.

4. The team’s coaches will set practice times. It may be a good idea to check with the players to see when some of them may have soccer practice. Maybe it is possible for you and the soccer coach to work together and come up with times that will allow for player to miss as few practices as possible.

5. Each practice will be no longer than 90 minutes.

6. Scrimmage games are not allowed.

WEIGHT LIMITS 1. WEIGH-IN: All players will be weighed in on the League scale on the day of equipment issue. This will be the ONLY weigh-in. An average weight will be determined and 5 pounds will be added to that weight to determine the ball carriers weight.

2. Players exceeding the determined weight will not be allowed to carry the ball and will be identified with a black strip in the middle of their helmet.

3. Non-ball carriers are not to be playing in ball carrier positions (QB, RB, or receivers).

4. Non-ball carriers may play tight end, but are ineligible to catch pass

5. No one over the ball-carrying weight limit may advance the ball. Defensive players over the ball-carrying weight may intercept a pass, recover a fumble, or field a kickoff. The ball will be ruled dead at the spot of recovery.

6. Weight limits are imposed on participants and may change from year to year.

EQUIPMENT 1. A player cannot receive equipment until the player is registered, has paid all fees, has submitted a physical form. Equipment condition is very important to the safety and enjoyment of the game – please take special care of it.

2. Every player must wear equipment provided by BYFL. Safe fitting of helmets is a primary safety concern. All helmets will be issued and fitted by league officials. 3. Every player must use a protective mouth guard in all contact practices and games. Mouth guards are not provided by the BYFL.

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4. Every player must provide his/her own shoes and athletic socks. No player may wear shoes with metal cleats.

5. Game jerseys are to be worn for games ONLY, not practice.

6. Game rosters will be printed after equipment and jerseys are handed out, therefore a player must retain this number throughout the season.

7. If equipment is damaged through abuse or misuse the player will reimburse the League the replacement cost of the damaged equipment.

8. Athletic supporters (cups) are strongly recommended by the league, but are not required.

9. DO NOT wear your equipment except to practice and games. Do NOT alter or attempt to repair your equipment. DO NOT ever put any markings, tape or decals of any kind on any of the equipment. Only the Coaches are allowed to alter any equipment.

10. Clean your equipment weekly.

11. Make sure you try all of your equipment on and become familiar with it before the 1st practice. Come to the 1st practice dressed out and ready to go so the coach can check everyone’s equipment.

12. Equipment return will be at Super Sunday after players play their last game of the season. Please remember to bring a change of clothes on that day.

13. It is very important that we get your equipment on the scheduled day. A player who does not return equipment on time MAY NOT be allowed to play the next season and will be charge replacement cost for any equipment not turned in.

COACHES

1. Each coach will conduct himself/herself in appropriately during games and practices.

2. If a coach receives an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during a game, the coach will be removed from the game and will not be allowed to coach the next game.

3. Assure that ineligible players are not allowed to practice or play.

4. Lead and participate in the "end of the game handshake" with the opposing team in a sportsmanlike manner in keeping with the spirit of the game of football.

5. All coaches are prohibited from physically pushing/shoving, punching, or any in way physically assaulting another coach, a parent or a player. If any of these actions should occur, the coach may/will be removed from the league.

6. Each coach is responsible for maintaining an attendance roster throughout the season for his/her team. The attendance roster will track player attendance at practices and games.

7. Each coach shall meet with the parents of team to discuss player safety, BYFL rules, and other matters of interest to the parents. 16 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

PLAYERS

1. Players should attempt to make it to every practice, health permitting.

2. Players are prohibited from using obscene or abusive language during practice, games, or other league activities. Such behavior is subject to disciplinary action by the coach and/or league directors. Disciplinary action will be determined by the coach and/or league director and may include suspension from a scheduled game or expulsion from the league.

3. Players receiving unsportsmanlike penalties will be ejected from the game. A second violation will result in a one game suspension, and a third violation will result in player suspension for the remainder of the season.

4. Players will participate in the "end of the game handshake" with the opposing team in a sportsmanlike manner in keeping with the spirit of the game of football.

PARENTS

1. If a parent has concerns or issues with other parents’ conduct, that issue/concern should be brought to the attention of a league director.

2. Parents are required to attend a mandatory parent meeting at the beginning of the football season. This meeting is held to inform parents of rules, schedules, and opportunities to volunteer. BYFL appreciates parent volunteers.

3. No parent may use abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language directed toward a BYFL director, coach, player, or game official.

4. Inappropriate conduct by an offending parent will result in the suspension of the parent from the games and practices for the remainder of the football season, except to drop off and pick up his/her player. Repeated violations by an offending parent could result in the expulsion of his/her child from the BYFL program/

17 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019

GRIEVANCE FORM

The Bismarck Youth Football League Grievance Form provides an avenue for individuals to voice their opinions on different issues involving the league, coaches, and operations of the league.

The league will not consider a grievance submitted in any other format

Name: Address: E-mail: Phone Number: Player Name: Team: What is the issue? (If more room is needed, use second sheet of paper)

What is your solution? (The complaint will not be addressed unless you recommend a solution)

Grievances filed against a coach of the league will only be considered if you have contacted and attempted to resolve the issue(s) with the coach(es) prior to submitting a grievance with the league. If the grievance involves one of the league committee members, that member will step aside and not be part of the grievance decision.

All grievances will be reviewed at the completion of the season unless it is decided that the grievance must be addressed immediately.

The Grievance Committee will review the grievance and decide if the complaint is justified. If the grievance is deemed justified by the committee the committee will recommend whether to address the issue and/or forward the grievance to the Board of Directors.

The person initiating the grievance and all affected parties will receive notification of the final decision within ten (10) days after the review.

Any recommendations from the Grievance Committee will be FINAL. (This could mean ejection of the coach, board member, the player(s) and/or parents/guardians from the league.)

Email completed form to: [email protected]

18 BYFL Parents Handbook – 2019