1 Austin Christian Athletic Association By-Laws

Member School Responsibilities 1. Each member school must be a Christian organization. 2. Pay all fees and dues by a specified date. An Administrative fee of $175 is due in August at the first league meeting. (new 2014) 3. Fill out rosters and waiver forms for each sport and keep on file where accessible upon request. 4. Participation in , and Track is required. Flag may be optional depending on the philosophy of the school or if the school currently participates in another fall sport not offered by the ACAA. If a member school chooses not to field a team at any level for the required sports, they will incur a penalty of 50% of that sport fee. (revised 2014 back to original language) 5. Report scores on a weekly basis in Leagueminder and League President. 6. All member schools are REQUIRED to have a school representative at each meeting. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays each month at 1030am at a place determined by the President. Each year, the league President will send out a calendar of meeting dates. Schools should have a backup person that will attend meeting if that school’s designated person was unable to attend scheduled meeting. Failure to have a school representative at a meeting will result in: 1) a school missing 2 scheduled meetings, will be placed on probation for a sports season 2) a school missing 3 scheduled meetings, school will be asked to meet before the Executive Board to discuss sanctions 3) a school missing 4 meetings will incur a fine set by the Executive Board and a meeting with Executive Board which will include that school’s head of school and athletic director 4) a school missing 5 or more meetings will incur a probationary period for the school to be set by the Executive Board. (new 2014) 7. Comply with the “letter and spirit of the rules and regulations” of the ACAA Constitution, By-Laws and Academic and Athletic plans. 8. Provide a minimum of facilities for ACAA events to be set by the Executive Board. 9. All member schools must be a member of the League Minder scheduling system. www.leagueminder.com 10. To be eligible to play on an ACAA team, with the exception of true homeschoolers (51% rule), “athletes must be enrolled in at least one non-athletic course at their league school and cannot be enrolled in a charter or public school.” It is the idea of the spirit of fair play. (new 2012)

Association Responsibilities 1. Obtaining officials for league games. 2. Scheduling league-wide events and league play. (Individual school changes and make-up games will be rescheduled by individual schools involved.) 3. Sanctioning ACAA events, awards and recognition. 4. Enforcing Association Constitution, By-Laws, Athletic plans and Association standards.

ACAA New Membership Guidelines 1. Current members of the ACAA will discuss the petitioning school and must agree that the petitioning school meets preliminary requirements. 2. The petitioning school must write a statement to include, but not limited to, the following items: mission, vision and future plans for the school. 3. The petitioning school must read and sign the current constitution and by-laws of the ACAA.

May, 2014 2 4. The petitioning school is not required to field all sports, but must work toward fielding a majority of the sports offered by the ACAA. 5. The letter must include credentials signed by a Head Administrator or Athletic Director. 6. Once the statement is received, the ACAA will convene to review the petition. 7. If the petitioning school is accepted by the ACAA, they will have a probationary season for a Fall or Winter season. They will not be able to compete in the post season tournament. 8. At the end of the probationary season, the ACAA will convene to vote on the petitioning school.

Code of Ethics Each member school should act in accordance with scripture in modeling Christian character. Coaches, players and spectators should be encouraged in the goals of this association. Coaches, players and spectators will refrain from profanity, abusive language, outbursts and any physical abuse or fighting directed at teammates, opposing players, coaches, spectators and officials. All present at ACAA contests should conduct themselves in the most professional manner possible.

1. Coaches are the heart and soul and have primary responsibility of carrying out and accomplishing the goals of the ACAA. Therefore, conduct of the coach should be above reproach. Infractions by a coach should be reported to that school’s athletic director. At that point, if the issue is not resolved, it should be taken to the league president. The president and member schools will determine what sanctions are to be levied on coaches or schools in violation.

2. Players are representative of Christ, their school and the ACAA. Any inappropriate behavior should be dealt with by the member school, with the exception of an ejection of a player for any of the above. In this case, the ACAA mandates the player be suspended for at least one game in addition to the game from which he or she was ejected.

3. Spectators are the supporters of the players and member schools and are expected to conduct themselves in a Christian manner. Any misconduct on the part of spectators needs to be addressed by the coach or administrator of the member school.

Eligibility and Competition 1. The elementary division is 5/6th grade. The junior high division is 7/8th grade. 2. Academic eligibility will be determined by individual member schools. 3. Athletes may not be older than 14 years old as of September 1st of the current school year to participate in the Junior High Division or 12 years old as of September 1st of the current school year to participate in the Elementary Division. A student will only be granted 2 years of eligibility in each division. *Appeals may be made and granted on a case by case basis in order to field a team. (revised 2014) 4. Eligibility will be inputted into Leaguemider by the first game of league play or be a forfeited game until eligibility is submitted. (new 2014) 5. A player is committed to the team that he/she played at the start of the season. 6. After the start of the season, a player may only move up (in level) to a new team. Once the player has moved up, he or she may not move back down. The one exception to this rule is a player who moves up for one game only to enable that team to field enough players. The opposing coach must be notified as soon as possible. 7. On rare occasions where a few players must be used in order to field both an elementary and junior high team, for the good of the league, players may be used for both teams provided that all member schools are informed and agree to the arrangement in advance. Players (as much as possible) are to play on age- appropriate teams and only one of the “teams” can compete in the tournament and must do so in the junior high tournament.

May, 2014 3 8. Students that are home-schooled must play with the same school for a full calendar year unless that school cannot field a team in a certain sport. An official declaration to the league must be made in order for home school students to participate on a non-home school team. 9. Teams that fail to meet their commitment and do not play a regularly scheduled game will be put on probationary status for one year. 10. Teams that fail to meet a scheduled commitment for a second game will be prohibited from fielding a team the following year in the sport at the level forfeited. The executive board will also review the schools Association status and may choose to remove the school from the Association. 11. No student will be allowed to participate in ACAA athletics if they have participated in a sport at the varsity level.

Practice/Off-Season/Summer Guidelines 1. Team practices may not begin before the following dates: Volleyball and Flag Football – determined by league at last May meeting (August 11th) Basketball – at the completion of league schools Volleyball and Flag Football season (no earlier than October 27th Track – at the completion of league schools Basketball season (no earlier than March 3rd) 2. Practice times may not exceed 6 hours a week of team instruction outside of the school day. 3. Off Season Practices – May not exceed 3 hours a week of general instruction, pickup games etc. May not include team instruction. 4. Coaches may not coach their own team or players in leagues or clubs outside of their sports season until all ACAA seasons are completed. Appeals may be granted on a case by case basis. 5. Summer coaching for leagues is allowed.

ACAA Tournament Specifics 1. Each team will provide one qualified bookkeeper or one qualified scorekeeper (clock/scoreboard) for tournament games/matches. 2. For the first game of the tournament, a 30 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. Subsequent games, a 15 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. 3. During the regular season and the end of season tournament, a volleyball match can start with 5 players, but the team must take a side out on the 6th rotation. The opposing team can play with a full team. 4. During the regular season and the end of season tournament, a basketball game can start with 4 players. The opposing team can play with a full team.

Protests/Violations 1. Protests must be made orally by the protesting school’s athletic director to the league president within 24 hours of the alleged infraction. A letter shall be sent to the president within 48 hours of oral notification and shall outline the reasons for the protest. 2. Upon notification the president will have the option of having the association review the protest violation. 3. An association member from the school in question shall disqualify himself or herself from any review. 4. A majority vote of the association will decide within one week of the written notification. 5. Any issue dealing with officiating is not a valid ground for protest.

Association Rules for Specific Sports

Girls Volleyball Rules - $250 per team 1. Best 2 out of 3 games played to 25, rally scoring, win by 2, cap @ 30.

May, 2014 4 2. 3rd game to 15, win by 2, cap @ 20. 3. Let serves are played (does not side out). 4. 2 timeouts per coach per game. 5. Unlimited substitution under volleyball substitution rules. 6. Volley-lites are the required for 5th/6th grade volleyball. 7. All players must serve from behind the serving line. 8. Each team needs to provide one qualified linesman (16 or older). 9. End of season tournament: For the first game of the tournament, a 30 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. Subsequent games, a 15 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. 10. During the regular season and the end of season tournament, the game can start with 5 players, but the team must take a side out on the 6th rotation. The opposing team can play with a full team.

Basketball Rules - $300 per team 1. All Basketball games will be (2) 20 minutes halves with a 5 minute halftime. Game clock will run the entire game except for free throws and timeouts. (new 2014) 2. All teams will use the women’s basketball (28.5), except junior high boys who use men’s regulation size . 3. Elementary teams will get to move up 12” from the free throw line. In other words, the free throw will be at 14’ instead of 15’. 4. Elementary teams may not full court press if they are ahead by 10 or more points. Junior high teams may not full court press if they are ahead by 20 or more points. Point of etiquette: In junior high, do not fast break when up by 30 or more points. In elementary, do not fast break when up by 15 or more points. 5. Each team gets four full timeouts per game. Coaches have the option of calling a 30 second time out, but it will count as a full timeout. 6. Elementary overtime is two minutes; junior high is three minutes. Overtime periods begin with a tip- off and the position arrow is restarted after the tip. After the 2nd overtime period, the game will end in a tie except in tournament play. 7. Each team gets one additional full timeout per overtime period and any unused timeouts can be carried over after the end of regulation. 8. “Floaters” will be allowed within the same division when there are 7 or less players on a team, but the opposing coach must be notified in advance and be in agreement. Floaters between divisions are not allowed unless there has been prior approval from the ACAA executive board. Starters from the A team may not be “floaters” and may not play down to the B team. During the tournament, players may play on only one team. 9. During the regular season and the end of season tournament, the game can start with 4 players. The opposing team can play with a full team. 10. End of season tournament: For the first game of the tournament, a 30 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. For each subsequent game, a 15 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team.

Track Rules - $75 fee per division (5 or more athletes) OR $15 per athlete (4 or less) Track Meet Events, Schedule, and Rules Scratch Meeting Beginning of Field Events and 3200M Run (JH Only)

May, 2014 5 Field Events: Rolling Rotation Rotation will be determined by the number of athletes entered in each field event 5th/6th (4ft tape line for long jump) 7th/8th Long Jump (3 attempts) Long Jump (3 attempts) High Jump Triple Jump (3 attempts) Shot put (3 throws) 6 lb shot High Jump Discus (3 throws) 1 kg Shot put (3 throws) (Girls 6lb) (Boys 8lb) Discus (3 throws) (Girls and Boys 1 kg)

1:00 Running Events (In Order) Running Events will begin approximately at 1:00, but please listen for announcements for exact time to start the running events. We will run the events by division in the following order: elementary girls, elementary boys, junior high girls, junior high boys. Running Events 3200 Run (JH Only—run at start of field events) 400 Relay 800 Run 100 Low Hurdles 5th/6th Girls and Boys, 7th/8th Girls, 110 Low Hurdles 7th/8th Boys 100 Run 800 Relay 400 Run 300 Hurdles (JH Only) 50 Run (Elem. Only) 200 Run 1600 Run 1600 Relay

**Coaches—please keep your kids outside of the track unless they are checking into an event or have checked in and are about to start an event.

Meet Procedures Standard Scoring will be in effect. Individual Events 1st—10 Relays 1st—20 2nd—8 2nd—16 3rd—6 3rd—12 4th—4 4th—8 5th—2 5th—4 6th—1 6th—2

1. Schools are allowed to enter individuals in up to 5 events with no more than 3 running events. (this includes relays) 2. Each school is allowed up to four entries per event, except for relays where each school is allowed only one relay team per relay. (Some exceptions may be made to this rule to allow extra participants to run, though not for points. If lanes are available) 3. Starting height for high jump will be 3’0” for elementary (boys and girls), 3’6” for junior high girls, and 4’0” for junior high boys. May, 2014 6 4. Concessions will be available all day for participants and parents.

Meet Rules: Throwing Events: All participants must enter and exit through the back of the ring and must stay behind the ring at all times. Workers should warn kids ahead of time (in order to teach the kids), but any offenses will result in a scratched throw. All participants will receive three throws with their top throw (not scratched) used to determine placing. Any touching of the ring will result in a scratch. Any throw outside the boundaries is a scratch. Any unorthodox throw (such as throwing a discus Frisbee-style) will be a scratch. Shot puts will be measured to the front of the ring. Discus throws will be measured to the center of the ring.

Long Jump: Students must jump off of one foot from a running start—any deviation will result in a scratch. Crossing the end of the board, even with the tip of the foot, will result in a scratch. Participants will be given three jumps, with the longest (not scratched) being used to determine placing. Measurements will be done from the mark made closest to the board (at any time) back to the edge of the board.

High Jump: Participants get three attempts at each height. Any attempt that touches the pit in any way will count, though a “run-through” does not. Touching the bar does not count as a miss, but participants must be out of the pit, with the bar still on the standards, to count as a cleared height. The bar will be moved up two inches each time a round is finished until all participants are eliminated. Participants may “pass” on heights (with the understanding that a pass will be looked at as a miss if there is a tie). A round is complete when all participants have either cleared the height or missed on three attempts. If a tie results, placing will be determined based on misses at earlier heights. If participants are still tied, a jump-off will be done, starting at the first height that either participant missed.

Relays: A relay will be disqualified if the baton is not passed, on each exchange, within the exchange zone. If a baton is thrown from one teammate to another, that team will be disqualified. Teams will not be disqualified for dropping a baton if the same teammate picks up the baton that dropped it, if that teammate does not interfere with other teams, and if the runner does not then run more than three steps forward outside of their lane.

Running Events: The 1600 and 3200 will be started from a waterfall start with everyone being able to cut in immediately. The 800 will be run in lanes for the first curve and then participants may cut in. The 1600 Relay will be run in lanes for the first leg and the first curve of the second leg and then competitors will be able to cut in to the inside lane. In all other events, competitors will stay in their lanes the whole time.

Any pushing, elbowing, or tripping will result in disqualification at the discretion of the meet director and meet officials. Participants who run inside the inside lane for more than three steps (for any reason) will be disqualified.

May, 2014 7 Co-ed Soccer Rules (Fees to be determined) 1. 8v8 format: Two 20-minute halves for elementary; Two 25-minute halves for junior high; 5-minute halftime. A minimum of 3 girls and maximum of 5 boys. If you cannot begin a regular season game with 8 players, it is up to the opposing coach if he/she wants to play with less than 8. 2. 11 v 11 format: Two 25-minute halves for elementary; Two 30-minute halves for junior high; 10- minute halftime. A minimum of 4 girls and maximum of 7 boys. If you cannot begin a regular season game with 11 players, it is up to the opposing coach if he/she wants to play with less than 11. 3. If a regular season game ends in a tie, there will be one 5 minute overtime period. If still tied after the over time, there will be one 5 man shootout. The game will end in a tie if the shootout does not decide a winner. 4. 8 v8 soccer fields should be a minimum of 40 yards wide and 80 yards in length. 11 v 11 soccer fields should be a minimum of 50 yards wide and 100 yards in length. 5. Elementary will use a size 4 ball and Junior High will use a size 5 ball. 6. Shin guards are REQUIRED. 7. Football and soccer rubber cleats are acceptable. No metal cleats or shoes with a toe . 8. For the safety of the kids, slide tackling WILL NOT be allowed and a foul will be called.

Boys 6-Man Flag Football Rules – ELEM: $250 fee, JH: $300 fee (new 2014) Divisions 1. 5th/6th grade division (elementary) will use a junior sized ball. 2. 5th-8th grade or 7th/8th grade division (Junior High) will use a youth sized ball. 3. In crossover games, the offense will use the ball specified for their division.

Playing Field 1. The playing field is 60 yards long by 30-40 yards wide. The total length of the field is 80 yards long. Where field conditions permit, a 40 yard wide field is recommended. 2. The field is divided by four (4) 15 yard markers. An additional 10 yards on each end is added for the end zone. 3. No goal posts are needed in flag football.

Game 1. A coin toss will determine first possession. The team winning the coin toss will choose to kick- off, to receive or to defer; the other team chooses preference of sides of field. HOME team will call toss in the air. 2. Kicking team will kick from their own 15 yd. line. On-sidekicks must travel a minimum of 15 yards and can only be recovered by the kicking team if the ball goes untouched by the receiving team. The kicking team MAY advance the ball if so recovered. 3. The ball may be advanced out of the end zone provided the receiving team player fields the ball cleanly out of the air. The play is called dead if the ball is not fielded after breaking the plane of the goal line and the ball will be placed on the 15yd line. 4. After play is called dead, the receiving team will have four (4) downs to cross over the nearest 15 yard (first down) marker. 5. The offense will be given a three (3) yard cushion from the line of scrimmage and the defensive linemen. If any player crosses in this zone, a false start or off-sides penalty will be enforced. The zone will be marked by two separate markers placed by the officials. 6. If the team does not reach the first down marker within 4 downs, the ball will change possession. 7. Each game will consist of two (2), 20 minute halves. The clock will run the entire game. The clock will only stop at the official’s discretion, and during timeouts. In the last two (2) minutes of

May, 2014 8 each half, the official will stop the clock on all out of bounds, timeouts, incomplete passes, and change of possessions. 8. Teams will change sides of the playing field at halftime. 9. Half-time will be 5 minutes long. 10. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, overtime will begin immediately. A coin toss will determine first possession. a). Each team gets one possession with the ball starting on the 30 yard line. b). Team retains the football until they score or lose possession. (Note, this would mean that a team could earn a first down by advancing to the opponent's 15 yard line). c) Only two Overtimes will be played in a regular season game. If the score is tied after the 2nd Overtime period, the game will end in a tie. d) During Tournament play the overtime periods will continue until a winner is determined. 11. Each time the ball is spotted, the offensive team has 30 seconds to snap the ball. Teams will receive one warning before a delay-of-game penalty is enforced (5 yd. Penalty). 12. Huddle clarification: Teams are allowed to break the huddle with seven players as long as the extra player returns to the sideline before the ball is snapped. After the ball is spotted, all substitutions must occur through the huddle. 13. Offensive line of scrimmage must have a minimum of three (3) players on the line. There is not a requirement for the defensive line. 14. Each team has two (2) 30-second time-outs per half. In overtime games, one (1) additional timeout will be given to both teams. 15. End of season tournament: For the first game of the tournament, a 30 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team. For each subsequent game, a 15 minute grace period will be in effect for a delayed team.

Scoring 1. Touchdown: 6 points. 2. Extras Point: 1 point (from the 5 yard line) or 2 points (from the 10 yard line), if a point after attempt is intercepted, the ball is called dead. No point is reward for a run-back interception of a failed point-after attempt. 3. Safety: 2 points and the ball changes possession by punting (free kick) from the 20 yard line.

Running 1. The ball must be in possession of two different offensive players before it is run across the line of scrimmage. The ball can be thrown across the line of scrimmage by any offensive player. Offense may use multiple hand-offs. 2. All defensive players are eligible to rush. 3. Spinning is allowed, but players cannot leave their feet to avoid a defensive player. 4. Ball is spotted where the ball carriers feet are when their flag is pulled, not where the ball is. 5. Any time the ball or the ball carriers knee touches the turf, the play is called dead.

Blocking 1. The offensive team must have three players on the line of scrimmage in order for the play to begin. 2. Players may “block” defenders only by impeding their path. The blocking player must keep both hands and arms behind their back and remain still in order for any contact to be allowed. 3. The may move their feet, but if contact between the blocker and the defense is made while the blocker is still in motion, a penalty will be called. 4. Blockers may not use their arms, elbows, or shoulders to obstruct the defensive player. May, 2014 9 5. There shall be no downfield blocking on plays from the line of scrimmage – this does not effect to punts or kick returns.

Defensive Rushing 1. All defensive players may rush the offense in the backfield at any time after the snap of the ball. 2. Defensive players must make an effort to avoid contact with the offensive blockers and runners. If a defensive player makes extreme contact (referees discretion), an illegal contact call will be enforced (10 yds. automatic first down). 3. Defensive players may not make any attempt to block the ball as it is in the passers hand. Any contact with the quarterback/passers arm or the ball while it is in the passers hand, will result in a roughing the passer penalty (10 yard penalty and an automatic first down for the offense). 4. Defense may not dive to grab an offensive players’ flag. Receiving 1. All players are eligible to receive passes. 2. Only one player is allowed in motion at a time. 3. A player must have at least one foot inbounds when making a reception.

Passing 1. Forward passes (lateral, shovel, etc) are legal behind the line of scrimmage. However, only one forward pass is allowed per play. 2. Pitches and laterals beyond the line of scrimmage must be thrown behind the ball carriers yardage marker (as marked by the ball carriers feet). 3. Interceptions change the possession of the ball at the point of the interception and the ball is spotted where the ball carriers (person who intercepted the ball) flag is pulled.

Punting 1. The offense may punt, but the punt must be announced to the opposing team. Neither the offensive team nor the defensive team may not cross the line of scrimmage until after the ball has been punted. 2. If the punter drops the snap or is snapped over the punters head, the punter may pick the ball up from the spot of retrieval, take one step and punt the ball, this is the only time that the ball may touch the hands of the carrier and be picked up without a dead ball being called. 3. A snapped ball that travels completely through the end zone shall be considered a safety.

Dead 1. The ball must be snapped between the center’s legs to start offensive play. 2. Substitutions may be made on any dead ball. 3. Play is ruled “dead” when:  Ball carrier’s flag is pulled (ball is down where flag is pulled, no matter where ball is)  Ball carrier steps out of bounds  Touchdown or safety is scored  Ball carrier’s knee hits the ground  Ball carrier’s flag falls out  The ball hits the ground (examples- fumbles, incomplete passes, dropped kick-off or punt return, mishandled snap, etc)  The referee stops play by blowing the whistle.  Inadvertent whistle procedure: In the event of an inadvertent whistle on the part of an official, (i.e. Whistle blown before the ball carrier was legally down ), the offensive team

May, 2014 10 shall have the option to either accept the result of the play at the time the whistle was blown, or to replay the down with no penalty.

Penalties 1. All penalties are called by the game official(s): Defensive- Offsides- 5 yards  Interference- 10 yds and automatic first down  Illegal contact- 10 yds and automatic first down  Illegal flag pull- 10 yds and automatic first down  Diving for flag- 10 yds and automatic first down  Roughing the passer- 10 yds and automatic first down Offensive-  Illegal motion or false start- 5 yds  Illegal forward pass- 5 yds and loss of down  Offensive pass interference (illegal pick or block, pushing away from the defender)- 10 yds and loss of down  Flag guarding- 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down  Delay of game- Clock stops, 5 yard penalty. 2. Referees determine incidental contact that may result from normal play. All penalties will be assessed from the line of scrimmage. 3. Referees can issue yellow or red card to individuals initiating extreme contact or reoccurring rule infractions. Yellow card is a first warning to the player and a red card requires the player to be taken out of the game for the remainder of the competition. 4. Games cannot end on a defensive penalty unless the offense declines the penalty.

Players and equipment 1. All participants must wear their official jersey at each game. No metal cleats will be allowed. Only rubber/plastic cleats or shoes. 2. All players must wear protective mouthpieces during practice and games. No exceptions! 3. Each team must be ready to play the game with a minimum of five (5) players at the games scheduled time. Note: the game is played with 6 players on the field for each side, but they can play and finish the game with no less than five (5) players. 4. Sonic Flags are the flags used by the ACAA. Flag length should be 16.5 inches long. Flags may not be the same color as the athlete’s shorts. All Jerseys must be tucked in unless they are waist length cut.

May, 2014