RULES AND GUIDELINES
RULES STATEMENT
The Greater Seattle Youth Football & Cheer League (GSYF&C) shall use The National Federation High School Rules of play for tackle football, and the AYF rule book except as modified by the President’s Board of the GSYF&C League and as written in this RULES & GUIDELINES BOOK.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
Objective........................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Coaches Code of Ethics................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Administrators Code of Ethics……………………………………………………...…................................................................ 5
Players Code of Ethics…………………………………………………………………................................................................ 6
Parent’s Code of Ethics……………………………………………….......................................................................................... 7
Parent’s Code of Ethics Contract…………………………………………………….................................................................. 8
Volunteers Code of Ethics……………………………………………………………………...................................................... 9
Franchise Description....................... .......................................................................................................................................... 10
For the Good of the League............. .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Ages & Divisions................................ .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Game Play Rules............................... .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Ball Description.................................. .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Playoff Rules....................................... .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Tie Breaker Rules.............................. .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Additional Rules................................. .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Rules for Governing Board of GSYFC...................................................................................................................................... 16
OBJECTIVE OF
GREATER SEATTLE YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER
- ALL VOLUNTEERS WILL ABIDE BY OUR MOTTO “FOR THE KIDS”.
2. TO INSPIRE YOUTH, REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, OR CREED, TO PARTICIPATE IN A VIGOROUS AND ENTERTAINING ACTIVITY.
3. TO BRING OUR YOUTH CLOSER TOGETHER THROUGH THE MEANS OF A COMMON INTEREST IN TEAMWORK, FAIR PLAY AND FELLOWSHIP.
4. TO ACQUAINT CHEERLEADERS WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS IN ORGANIZED CHEERING AND
DANCE ROUTINES.
5. TO TEACH PLAYERS THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE GAME WHILE EMPLOYING THE ELEMENT OF SAFETY AND INTELLIGENT SUPERVISION.
6. TO TEACH SPORTSMANSHIP IN DEFEAT AS WELL AS VICTORY, HONESTY OF ONESELF, AS WELL AS TEAMMATES AND COACHES, THE LOVE OF THE GAME, WITH THE ABILITY TO TAKE A FEW KNOCKS AND BUMPS.
7. TO KEEP THE WELFARE OF OUR YOUTH FIRST, FOREMOST AND ENTIRELY FREE OF ADULT LUST FOR GLORY.
GREATER SEATTLE YOUTH FOOTBALL AND CHEER
COACHES CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby pledge to live up to my certification as a GSYFC Coach by following the GSYFC/USA FOOTBALL Coaches’ Code of Ethics:
Ø I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
Ø I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
Ø I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
Ø I will promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.
Ø I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for my players.
Ø I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
Ø I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
Ø I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.
Ø I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills that I teach.
Ø I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and
Ø not adults.
Signature Date
ADMINISTRATORS CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby pledge to provide positive support to all youth sports programs in my community, to administer youth sports programs with professionalism and in the best interests of the children involved by following the Youth Sports Administrators’ Code of Ethics:
Ø I will run youth sports programs for the children involved, not the adults.
Ø I will ensure that I am knowledgeable in the area of youth sports administration.
Ø I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for all participants.
Ø I will provide support for coaches, officials and parents to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
Ø I will require all coaches and officials to be trained in the responsibilities of being a volunteer within the organization and that they uphold the GSYFC/AYF/PNFOA Code of Ethics.
Ø I will implement and enforce the National Standards for Youth Sports, USA Football, NYSCCA, and WIAA.
Ø I promise to keep informed about current issues involving youth sports programs.
Signature Date
PLAYERS CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experiences and accept responsibility for my participation by following this Players’ Code of Ethics pledge:
Ø I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
Ø I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.
Ø I will expect to receive fair and equal amount of playing time.
Ø I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
Ø I will treat my coaches, other players, officials, and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
Ø I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun.
Ø I deserve to play in an environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
Ø I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it is important to me.
Ø I will do my very best in school.
Ø I will remember that sports participation is an opportunity to learn and have fun.
Signature Date
PARENTS’ CODE OF ETHICS
I hereby pledge to provide positive support and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this code of ethics.
Ø I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.
Ø I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of any personal desire to win.
Ø I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
Ø I will provide support for coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all.
Ø I will demand a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free sports environment for my child and agree to assist by refraining from there use at all youth sports events.
Ø I will remember that the game is for children and not for adults.
Ø I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
Ø I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
Ø I will promise to help my child enjoy the youth sports experience within my personal constraints by assisting with coaching, being a respectful fan, providing transportation or whatever I am capable of doing.
Ø I will require that my child’s coaches be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach agrees to the youth sports Coaches’ Code of Ethics.
Ø I will read the GSYFC/ AYF National Standards for Youth Sports and do everything in my power to assist all youth sports organizations to implement and enforce them.
______________________ _______________________
Volunteer Signature Date
PARENT CODE OF ETHICS CONTRACT
In consideration for being allowed to participate in the Greater Seattle Youth Football & Cheer Junior League, (GSYF&CL) related events, games and practices; you will acknowledge our parent code of ethics and your franchise rules. Please note: This contract is part of the league certification process and your child will be ineligible to participate in any scheduled league events, games, or practices unless this form is completed.
GSYF&CL and all Franchises will provide assurance to each parent of each Franchise of each child, participating in GSYF&CL, that their child will be treated with respect regardless of ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. GSYF&CL and all Franchises will provide assurance to each parent of each child participating in GSYF&CL football or cheer, that our coaches will provide a drug, alcohol and tobacco free environment, without abusive language and will maintain a safe and healthy environment; this includes any taunting from players or coaches.
In turn GSYF&CL and all franchises are unified in requiring appropriate behavior from parents, friends & family members or guests, older siblings and participants. This means: 1) No Illegal Drugs; 2) No Alcohol; 3) No Tobacco; 4) No Marijuana; within 100 yards of the practice field, game venue, or parking lot; 5) No physical confrontations directed at the Coaches, League Officials or game day Officials; 6) I will not argue with board members, officials, coaches, or spectators. Nor will I make negative or taunting comments or use profanity directed toward an opposing team, board members, coaches or game officials; 7) No weapons of any sort at any GSYF&CL sporting venue, whether practice field, game day venues or said parking lots of any of these venues.
Should any such violation occur, GSYF&CL and all Franchises are unified in removing the participant and his or her family member of any Franchise in the GSYF&CL. Additionally, any and all means necessary to assure a safe and secure learning environment for all participants, coaches, game day officials, board members and non- offending parents, relatives and friends will be pursued with due diligence.
This contract affirms that you have received a copy of the Greater Seattle Youth Football & Cheer Parent Code of Ethics and you’re Franchise Rules.
Franchise:
Participant Printed Name:
Age: Date of Birth:
Division:
Parent Printed Name:
By signing this contract you agree & understand the following rules and terms of our league.
Parent Signature: Date:
Franchise Witness: Date:
American Youth Football (AYF) – The World’s Largest Youth Football & Cheer Organization on Earth
Volunteer Code of Ethics
In accordance with these truths and the spirit contained within, I promise to subscribe to and abide by the following Volunteer’s Code of Conduct:
Ø As a volunteer, I will honor the objective of GSYFC, and obey its Rules and Regulations.
Ø I interpret “volunteer” to mean that I will be a “partner-in-service” to my franchise as well as to GSYFC.
Ø I understand that sportsmanship and fair play are more important than winning.
Ø I will treat all participants, coaches, board members, and spectators, regardless of franchise affiliation, with respect. Positive motivation will be used rather than negative.
Ø I will endeavor to reward effort and team play over results and avoid singling out any individual for criticism, or engage in practices such as emphasizing player statistics.
Ø I will not argue with board members/officials/coaches, or spectators. Nor will I make negative or taunting comments or use profanity directed toward an opposing team, board members/coaches or game officials.
Ø I will endeavor to control taunting or other un-sportsmanlike conduct by my team and its fans.
Ø I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all participants, coaches, and officials at every game and practice.
Ø I will place the emotional and physical well-being of all participants ahead of any personal desire to win.
Ø I will insist that all participants play and/or practice in a safe and healthy environment.
Ø I will provide support coaches and officials in order their efforts to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
Ø I will demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
Ø I will remember that the game is for youth-NOT FOR ADULTS.
Ø I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for all participants.
Ø I will treat all participants, coaches, fans, and officials, with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
Ø I promise to help all participants to enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.
Ø I will require that all coaches be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that all coaches uphold the Coaches' Code of Ethics.
Ø I am aware that all franchise coaches, board members/officers and staff, as well as GSYFC board members are volunteers as well.
Ø I will refrain from any physical violence during practices and games
Ø I will be honest and helpful to participants, coaches, volunteers and spectators.
Ø I understand that violation of the Volunteer Code of Ethics may lead to forfeiture of, and/or ejection from a game.
Ø Furthermore, serious or repeated violations of the Volunteer Code of Ethics may lead to suspension or loss of volunteer privileges with GSYFC
______________________ _______________________
Volunteer Signature Date
FRANCHISE DESCRIPTION
The Greater Seattle Youth Football & Cheer League will consider a franchise for membership to the League as long as the following Criteria are met:
Four Teams, maximum 36 participants each:
a) The Franchise must be able to field three (3) of the four (4) divisions by the date of the Roster Night.
b) Each team must have twelve (13) players registered by the Jamboree, if fewer than eighteen (18) players, the franchise may ask for a three-week extension to sign more players up.
c) The last day to register will be at the roster night, unless a three-week extension has been granted. For franchise(s) granted a two-week extension, players will need to be certified prior to the athlete’s participation in any competition.
d) All teams have to turn their rosters in to the league secretary and A.D. by the Sunday before Roster night- photo roster desired.
Current Franchises & Colors:
Your team colors need to be unique and distinguishable from the current League Franchises.
They are as follows for 2021
TBD
Application Process to GSYF&C League:
a) All applications for membership shall be submitted online before March League meeting 3rd Thursday of the month of each year to the President’s Board and must include the following:
b) A representative of the proposed Franchise must attend a meeting in person and submit the written request.
c) Application must be submitted with a commitment to two- years in our league and a pre-pay check for money order of a $500.00 Good Faith Payment . The Good Faith Payments are refundable if the Franchise is not voted into the League and will be returned within two weeks of the decision. If accepted into the League, the payment is non-refundable and will be applied to the Franchises league fees at the time their probationary membership is approved by the President’s Board.
d) If the team is newly established they must present a business plan, to include - how will the Franchise be financed and where will recruiting come from. Give a list of competing clubs in their area, and a list of all board members, coaches, volunteers, etc.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEAGUE
Fighting (a physical altercation of any kind) occurring at any league or franchise event, at any time other than during the field of play, will be Suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs for the current season, and the offender(s) may be subject to arrest. GSYF&CL may consider permanent suspension from the League if warranted.
Any instance of fighting during the course of the game will be dealt with by the referees of the game. Fighting, while on the field of play, during a game, may be reviewed by the League for consideration of additional penalties including permanent suspension.
It is suggested that when visiting another franchises practice, check in with the Franchise President or Athletic Director.
AGES & DIVISIONS
All football & cheer participants must meet the following qualifications to participate in the League. It will be the responsibility of each franchise to verify that their players meet these age requirements.
1) A participant must provide suitable proof of age (Passport, Birth Certificate, certified letter from school on letterhead with a stamp, school registration form) and their school Report Card or Progress Report (indicating advancement to the next grade level, and these must have date of birth shown on them) at the time of registration.(No hospital records with foot print/hand written proof of birth)
2) A birth certificate alone will not comply with this requirement. A school form signed by the registrar will not fulfill both requirements. Each student must show proof of age and school grade for the upcoming school year in order to finalize their registration and be certified to participate in GSYF&CL activities.
3) Falsification of eligibility documents by a coach or franchise representative shall be treated as cheating and may result in punishment up to and including permanent suspension from the League. All players must have a signed release from the previous franchise or is subject to an ineligible player.
4) Falsifying birth or any other documents to make a participant eligible, may become grounds for forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible participant has participated and permanent suspension of the adult(s) responsible for falsifying the eligibility documents
or the adult(s) that ignored or took no action to prevent the use of false documents. Any acts of falsification may be turned over to the local law enforcement authorities for possible criminal prosecution.
5) GSYF&C League will return to the “age only” system of Divisions for the 2021 Seasons for all
Football & Cheer Participants (with the exception of Cheer Mascots): Divisions and their qualifications are as follows:
6U (6 yrs old (Must turn 6 on or before July 31th
8U (7 & 8 yrs old (Must turn 7 or 8 on or before 31th
10U: (9 & 10 yrs old (Must turn 9 or 10 on or before July 31th
12U: (11 & 12yrs old (Must turn 11 or 12 on or before July 31th
14U: (13 & 14 yr olds. (Must turn 13 or 14 on or before July 31th
(13yr olds high school players OK and can play. But cannot play High School Football or during the same season/year.)
GAME PLAY RULES
Each team/player are required to certify 30 min before the first game of the day then certification will be at half time of each game thereafter.
If a player is absent during the certification time must be certified before active. It is up to the opposing team to allow that player to play. If there has already been a kick-off the player will have to wait until half time. Each team must have a Rep/coach present during certification
It is required that each team must have the minimum number of 12 players eligible and able to participate to start a regulation or play-off game. If the team does not have 13 players present and eligible for play at the start of a regulation or play-off game, the game shall be forfeited. If the total number of players eligible and able to participate falls below 10 players, the game shall be forfeited.
The GSYF&CL adopts a lopsided score rule of “mercy” rule which shall be as follows: If the score is of the game has reached a 30 Point difference, the game clock will become a running clock that may only be stopped by an injury or team timeout signaled by the referee.
If the team that is behind should score enough points to close the gap reducing the difference to less than 30 points, then the game clock will return to a normal stop clock and be run in accordance with normal game clock operation rules. If the score returns again to be 30 points difference, the clock will become a running clock for the remainder of the game regardless of what the score may be and may only be stopped for injury or team timeouts signaled by the referee.
Nothing in this rule should be interpreted or construed as relieving any head coach from making sure that strict compliance with the minimum play rule for each player is honored and completed.
TIME CLOCK /POINT RULES
Level 6U 2 half of 20 minute RUNNING clock.
Level 8U- 14U (10) minute, STOP clock.
Scoring shall be as follows for 2020 and 2021 season:
Touchdowns - 6 points.
Scoring play after touchdown (running) - 1 point
Scoring play after touchdown (passing) - 2 points
Scoring play after touchdown (kicking) - 2 points
Safety (awarded to opponent) - 2 Points
Celebration rule is ok with the active players on the field only up to 1min ( No explicit hands or body actions)
Field Goal - 3 Points
NO RUSHING FIELD GOALS FOR 6U & 8U (only jump at the line of scrimmage)
Forfeit Score shall be: 6 – 0
See “Tie Breaker Rules” section for Tie Breaker rules.
BALL DESCRIPTION, SIZE & USE
A team can use any brand ball but it must be leather or a synthetic leather ball (no rubber balls).
6U / Pee Wees: Peewee (PW)
8U / 8yrs/7yrs : Junior Size (100)
10U / Junior: Junior Size (100)
12U / Bantaums: Junior Size (100)
14U / Seniors: Youth Size (200)
The scoring team must use the same ball that they scored with for the kickoff.
PLAYOFFS
Conference winner will be determined by best win/loss record.
Tie-breakers are determined as follows:
a) Head to head during regular season (see #4 below).
b) Coin toss to determine Playoff seeds 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. (These teams will be declared division co-champions or co-third place).
c) Coin toss to determine seeds 2 and 3 (These Teams will be declared division co-second place).
Playoff teams will be matched or positioned based on season standings.
1 and 4
2 and 3
Three Teams for Two Entries:
Draw for A, B, & C will be conducted by the League Commissioner.
| A | | | | |
| | W Game 1 | | L Game 1 | |
| B | | | | Winner is #2 Entry |
| | C | If C Loses | C | |
| | | | |
TIE BREAKER RULES
Regular Season and Playoffs Ties
a) There will be one (1) coin toss and four (4) downs for each team played from the ten (10) yard line. The loser of the coin toss has the choice of second over-time four (4) downs for each team played from the five (5) yard line.
b) If regulation time for a Playoff or Championship game ends in a tie, there will be no limit of over-time periods. If the team winning the coin tosses elects not to choose to receive first, the losing team then has that option. If the winning team chooses to receive first, the losing team has the option of choosing the side of the goal.
c) Over-time will be four (4) downs for each team played from the ten (10) yard line; second and subsequent over-time(s) will be four (4) downs from the five (5) yard line.
d) During the second and subsequent over-time(s), the teams will alternate, whoever received first during the previous over-time period will receive last, however, the ends of the field will not change.
e) If C wins game #2, then C is #1 division entry; loser of game 2 is #2 division entry.
f) If C loses, Division entry C then plays loser of game #1 for the #2 division entry.
g) Three Teams One Entry Follow
h) The above rules except winner of game #2 earns the entry
6U & 8U (PEE WEE)RULE MODIFICATIONS
No Kickoffs. 6U & 8U will start on the 40 yard line in the middle of the field between the hash marks
2 Coaches can be on the field to help aid the players. They have 40 seconds to call the play and move back ten yards, past the deepest player. Failure to move beyond the or snap the ball is delay of game for both the offense and the defensive coach.
DRESS & APPAREL ON THE FIELD:
Football players will be allowed to wear Gloves, of any brand. Tinted visors ok.
Football players will be allowed to tuck in a Terry Towels in to their uniform. Towels will be allowed to have logo or player number on them. Any color towel is acceptable except, yellow or gold in color, as they could be confused with a referee flag.
RULES FOR THE GOVERNING BOARD OF GSYF&C LEAGUE
Changes to the GSYF&CL rules may be considered for adoption by the President’s Board every two (2) years beginning with the adoption of the 2020 GSYF&CL Rules and Regulations. Changes shall be submitted in writing by email or other suitable electronic means to the League Commissioner not later than February 15th of the year in which changes to rules and regulations are permitted. A copy of the proposed rule changes shall be then be forwarded to all Franchise Presidents not later 5 days after receipt by the League Commissioner. All rule changes submitted for consideration in a timely manner shall be reviewed, considered and adopted, modified and adopted or rejected not later than the President’s Board meeting the 3rd Thursday in March
Unless the President’s Board finds that an emergency exists that warrants consideration of a rule change during the two (2) year period, in which rule and regulations may not be modified or otherwise changed, there shall be no rule modifications introduced or debated by the President’s Board.
The 2020 Season will begin on July 20th, in order to accommodate the schedule.
Scouting of any kind during a team’s practice session is strictly prohibited. Any coach, team member or associate found or determined to be scouting another teams’ practice will be cause for the immediate suspension of the person involved and he head coach of the team being scouted for.