Last
Updated: July 12, 2006
BY-LAWS OF RIVER VALLEY
YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL LEAGUE, INC.
Article I
NAME
This organization
shall be known as the River Valley Youth Tackle Football League, Inc.
Article II
OBJECTIVE
The objective of
this organization shall be to teach good sportsmanship, teamwork, and the basic
fundamentals of football and to stimulate the young person’s interest in
sports while providing constructive recreational use of leisure time.
Article III
GOVERNMENT
Section 1,
MANAGEMENT: The government of the River Valley Youth Tackle Football League,
Inc., shall be under the supervision of its Officers and Board of Athletic
Directors.
Section 2,
COMPOSITION: The Athletic Board of Directors shall consist of one (1) member
from each team in the League. The Board shall consist of not more than Fourteen
(14) elected athletic directors. The number constituting a quorum shall be one
(1) more than half the Board. The term of office for the Athletic Board of
Directors shall expire December 31 each year. Each Team is responsible for
designating a sitting board member as a back-up representative.
Section 3,
OFFICERS: The Officers of the River Valley Youth Tackle Football League, Inc.,
shall consist of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer. These Officers shall be considered members of the Board of
Directors. Any officers appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve the remainder
of the term from the date of his or her appointment. The Board of Directors shall
make all appointments of Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairpersons.
It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to fill all vacancies
by appointment.
Section 4,
DUTIES: The Officers shall perform the duties and exercise the powers
prescribed by the Articles of Incorporation set forth in these By-Laws. These
duties and powers shall include, but not be limited to the following:
A. PRESIDENT: The
President’s term of office shall be one (1) year and is contingent upon
at least one (1) year Board membership. The President shall act as Chairperson
of the Board of Directors and Ex-Officio Member of all committees. The
President shall be responsible for conducting the affairs of the River Valley
Youth Tackle Football League, Inc. and for executing the policies established
by the Board of Directors. The President shall also review the League’s
activities at the annual adult member (parent) meeting. In addition, the
President shall be responsible for the conduct of the River Valley Youth Tackle
Football League, Inc., and be in strict conformity to the policies, principles,
rules, and regulations of said league. The President shall have the authority
to co-sign checks. The president is
allowed to vote on all issues presented.
B. VICE-PRESIDENT
(INTERNAL): The First Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the
President and shall work with other Officers and Committee Members relating to
internal affairs. The First Vice-President shall also assist the Registration
Chairperson(s) in verifying registration requirements. Both Vice-Presidents
shall carry out such assignments as may be delegated by the President.
C. SECRETARY: The
Secretary shall maintain a register of Members and Directors, record minutes of
each meeting, inform members of said meetings, and maintain a record of the
league’s activities. The Secretary shall be responsible for Board
correspondence.
D. TREASURER: The
Treasurer has the authority to co-sign checks and disperse league funds as
approved by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall maintain financial
records, prepare budgets, and present financial reports at each Board meeting,
as well as an annual report at the January meeting.
No member shall receive any compensation for
serving on the Board.
Article IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1, ADULT
MEMBERS: Any person who has a child enrolled in the program or has an active
interest shall be a member of the River Valley Youth Tackle Football League,
Inc., and shall be subject to its By-Laws.
Section 2, YOUTH
MEMBERS: Any child meeting the requirements as set forth in the
By-Laws of the
River Valley Youth Tackle Football League, Inc., shall be eligible for
participation. If equipment is available, no child will be refused to
participate provided that they conform to the team By-Laws and the River Valley
Rules of Play.
Section 3,
DISQUALIFICATION: Any member not conforming to the By-Laws of the
River Valley
Youth Tackle Football League, Inc., may be disqualified at the discretion of
the Athletic Board of Directors.
LEAGUE, INC. RULES OF PLAY
Each club will
consist of (4) teams, (1) per division, limited by age and weight class. All
weights listed below are stripped weights (w/o equipment).
Super Light
Division
Maximum weight 77
lbs. six, seven, and eight years old. Not to be age nine prior to September 1.
Includes nine year olds, 60 lbs. or under.
(Striper Rule)
Weight not to
exceed 82 lbs. and age not to exceed eight years old.
Six year olds 82
lbs. or over have to have approval from the River Valley League Athletic Board
for all exceptions. They will be, upon request, allowed to be lineman only. All
striper rules apply to these players.
Light Weight
Division
Maximum weight
100 lbs. nine and ten years old. Not to be age eleven prior to
September 1.
Includes eleven year olds 80 lbs. or under.
(Striper Rule)
Weight not to
exceed 105 lbs., and age not to exceed 10 years old. All striper rules apply to
these players.
Junior Varsity
Division
Maximum weight
120 lbs. for eleven and twelve year olds. Not to be age thirteen prior to
September 1. Includes thirteen year olds, 92 lbs. or under.
(Striper Rule)
Weight not to
exceed 125 lbs. and age not to exceed 12 years old. All striper rules apply to
these players.
Varsity Division
Maximum weight
153 lbs. for thirteen and fourteen year olds. Not to be age fifteen prior to
September 1.
(Striper Rule)
Weight not to
exceed 183 lbs. All striper rules apply to these players.
(Double Striper
Rule)
Weight not to
exceed 203 lbs. All striper rules apply to these players.
STRIPER ONLY
WEIGHT AMENDMENT
Players age 11
& under from the beginning of the season are allowed to weigh 138 #’s
with equipment for stripers only.
Players 12 yrs. old will be allowed to increase their weight to 136
#’s starting on Game 5. Striper and double striper weight limits will
increase to 194 & 214 #’s respectively on the varsity starting on
Game 5.
STRIPER RULES
1. Only three (3)
striper players on the playing field at a time. A double striper counts as one
of the three (3) stripers allowed on the field at any time.
2. Striper
players must have a single team color stripe on helmet, front to back, the
exception will be - ANY TEAM WITH A PRE-STRIPED HELMET MUST STRIPE THEIR
HELMETS, FRONT TO BACK, WITH A BRIGHT COLORED TAPE ON BOTH SIDES.
3. Striper
players may not be on the kick-off or kick-off receiving team.
4. Stripers
cannot handle the ball on offense and can only handle the ball if there is a
turnover on defense. In the course of play, if a striper, either on defense or
offense, recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass, he may not advance the ball.
5. Striper
players on defense must be nose-to-nose inside or equal to normal offensive
tackle position. Initial contact must be made on the line of scrimmage, with
the player moving in a forward motion.
6. Striper
positions on offense are down linemen, from normal offensive tackle to tackle
positions. Stripers may not pull.
7. If a striper
plays out of position, an automatic ten (10) yard penalty will be assessed
against offending team.
8. Striper may
kick the ball (punt, extra point, field goal). No trick plays.
9. The double
striper counts as one of the three (3) stripers allowed on the field, plays on
the offensive line only, between the tackles. Dbl. stripers cannot pull.
10. No more than
one double striper on the field at a time.
NOTE: All players
will be allowed an additional eight (8) lbs. for equipment at weigh-in (refer
to rule 3c).
GENERAL RULES
1. All teams must
field eleven (11) players at the start of every game or that game will be
forfeited (refer to rule 6). NOTE: Striper rules apply (refer to striper rule
1).
2. All games will
be played under IHSA Rules with the following exceptions:
A. Extra points will be scored: One (1)
point for run or pass, two (2) points for kick. Super lights and Lightweights
can center the ball twelve (12) yards from the goal post on extra points but
must kick.
B. Field goal tries in Super Light: The
ball will be moved ten (10) yards closer to goal post because of eighty (80)
yard playing field.
C. Game Balls (to
include those listed below, additions or changes by Athletic Board approval)
Super Light
Divisions shall use:
Wilson TDJ
(leather), Baden (leather), Rawlings Pro 5 Jr. (leather) Rawlings RF5J
(rubber), Rawlings R5-PW (smaller), Rawlings ST-5 Pee-wee (simulated leather),
Wilson K2 (smaller), and TAG Collegiate TFB-470 (rubber).
Light Weight
Division shall use:
Wilson TDJ
(leather), Wilson TDY (leather), Rawlings R5Y (leather), Rawlings RF5Y
(rubber), Rawlings ST-5 Junior (simulated leather),
Junior Varsity
Divisions shall use:
Wilson TDY (leather),
Rawlings R5Y (leather),
Varsity
Division shall use:
Wilson TD
(leather), Rawlings R5 (leather),
Each team will
provide their own game ball in offense in any game. The same type of ball must
be used through the entire game. The type of ball each team decides to use must
be introduced at the beginning of the game at the time of the coin toss.
D. Games will
consist of four (4) quarters with fifteen (15) minutes or less at
half-time. All
Divisions will be given a two (2) minute warning in the fourth
quarter
indicating two (2) minutes remaining in the game.
Quarters will be
as follows:
Super Light and
Light Weight Divisions:
Twelve (12)
minutes with clock running continuously with the exceptions of
timeouts,
injuries, touch downs, and the final two (2) minutes of each half at which will
be played by IHSA rules.
Thirty seconds
between plays will be enforced.
The playing field
will be shortened to eighty (80) yards for Super Light.
Junior Varsity
and Varsity Divisions:
Ten (10) minute
quarters and on a regulation field.
Twenty-five
seconds between plays will be enforced (per ISHA regulations).
E. Games will be
controlled by four (4) officials whenever possible. In order to maintain play,
three (3) officials can be used if accepted by both teams involved. Official
time will be kept on the playing field by the referees.
F. If a team
desires, a coach may be on the playing field throughout all Super Light and
Light Weight Division games. This coach will be an advisor and instructor only,
and will let the players make as many decisions as possible.
Both coaches must
be at least (5) yards behind the deepest player on their team at the snap of
the ball. All coaches on the field must remain silent once the quarterback is
under center. If there is an issue
with coaching on the field, the Athletic Directors of those teams should
discuss and handle the situation.
G. NO KICK-OFF
RULE:
(1.) In the Super
Light and Light Weight divisions, when a team leads by eighteen (18) or more
points, the team down by eighteen (18) or more points shall receive the ball on
the 30 yard line of the team that has the eighteen (18) or more point lead,
until the difference is below eighteen (18) points.
(2.) In the
Junior Varsity and Varsity Weight divisions, when a team is up by twenty-four
(24) or more points, the team that has the twenty-four (24) or more point lead
will kick off from the twenty (20) yard line, until the difference is below
twenty-four (24) points.
Regular kick-off
rules will apply to all (4) level teams during the play-offs and Super Bowl.
The starting
backfield* of the leading team must also be substituted and may not handle the
ball on offense until the score is below twenty-four (24) points. If positions
of players are not available as substitutes, positions of players must be
changed.
*The starting
backfields are those players identified in rule #24. The exception to this will
be a player who is listed in the starting backfield and assumes the position of
the punter or kicker. This player may continue to perform these duties but at
no time may he/she advance the ball, other than kicking.
H. NO BLITZING
RULE
(1.) There will
be NO BLITZING ALLOWED at the Super Light Level. Players are not allowed to
blitz the A, B, and/or C gaps from a standing position within three (3) yards
of the line of scrimmage.
Linebackers must line up a minimum of three (3) yards off the line of
scrimmage. There will be no
blitzing at the snap of the ball.
Violation of these rules will result in a ten (10) yard penalty.
(2.) The above
rule applies at the Light Weight level after a team is leading by eighteen (18)
or more points. Violation of these
rules will result in a fifteen (15) yard penalty.
I. TIME-OUTS:
Four (4)
time-outs per half will be allowed for Super Light and Light Weight
Divisions.
Three (3)
time-outs per half will be allowed for the Junior Varsity and Varsity Divisions
in all games.
ALL TIME OUTS are
SIXTY (60) seconds.
J. The Super
Light and Light Weight Division must inform the referee if they are going to
punt on fourth (4th) down. If they are punting, the defensive team cannot rush
the kicker except on extra points or field goal attempts. The Super Light or
Light Weight punter cannot move more than five yards from the right or left
from the center to punt.
K. The Super
Light or Light Weight punter cannot move more than five yards from the right or
left from the center to punt.
L. All tie ball
games will be played off per IHSA Rules.
At the Super Light and Light Weight Divisions, the ball will be placed
at the five (5) yard line in the event of a third over time.
M. All playing
shoes (rubber cleats or tennis shoes) must be IHSA approved shoes. Screw-in
spikes with metal tips are allowed.
N. The Super
Light Division will not have any major penalties to exceed ten (10) Yards.
3. WEIGH-INS: All
weigh-ins will be held at half time of the game going on, except for the first
game of the day. This weigh-in will be one half (1/2) hour prior to start.
A. Each team is
requested to have their Athletic Director or designated coordinator to handle
weigh-ins and disputes. No parents or assistant coaches will be allowed at
weigh-ins.
B. A balance beam
or digital scale is the only scale approved by the league athletic directors. A
fifty (50) pound metal weight will be used to check scale before weigh-ins.
Example: When weighing on a digital scale, weights greater than 60.5 lbs. will
round up.
C. (1.) The average weight of
eight (8) pounds of all equipment consisting of
shoulder pads, girdle pads, knee pads, thigh pads, game jersey,
game pants, game shoes, and socks shall be allowed over the above maximum
weight of the player. “What you weigh in – you play in.”
(2.) Opposing
athletic directors will have the right to inspect this equipment to assure that it is of the type used by the
players in the game.
(3.) At the Junior
Varsity and Varsity levels, if a player comes to the scale with questionable
equipment, he/she may be asked to weigh stripped by Athletic Director to make
weight to play that particular game. Opposing coaches may no longer request
"Without Equipment" weigh-ins.
(4.) At the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels, a player may
weigh-in without shoulder pads and a five (5) pound weight allowance.
D. If a player is
late for a game, they must sit out until halftime to be weighed-in.
E. Junior Varsity
and Varsity players will be weighed carrying their game jersey. Super Light and
Light Weight players may wear their jerseys.
F. If a player
weighs in at half-time prior to his/her game and does not make weight, he/she
has the right to weigh in at half time of his/her game. The five plays per game
rule apply. (At halftime, a striper may not re-weigh to make non-striper.)
4. (A.) Teams
will provide a roster with jersey numbers of players in each weight
division
to the League Athletic Directors and to all opponents no later than the
Wednesday
preceding the opening day of the season (or a $25 fine will be
assessed).
If numbers change by the first game, new rosters must be supplied to
the
opposing team.
(B.)
Additional players may be added to the roster only with the approval of the
League Athletic Directors. No
new players will be allowed after the second League game if a team has
twenty-two (22) or more players.
(C.)
Roster minimum of thirty (30) players before a waiting list may be
started. A team may maintain a
maximum roster of forty (40) players.
5. All games will
be played on Saturdays or Sundays beginning no earlier than 11:00 a.m., except
by special agreement by both teams. If a home team wishes, it may change the
starting positions of a division game. The home team must notify the visiting
team one week prior to the game.
6. Players will
be allowed to move up in division if overweight, but once moved, they will not
be allowed to move back. Players may play in only one division on any scheduled
date, unless to avoid a forfeit.
Final decisions
will be left up to the Athletic Directors involved to avoid a forfeit.
7. If two teams
tie for first place, they will be considered co-champions.
8. REGISTRATION:
(A.)
Registration of players is allowed at any time. NO TRYOUTS. Any team that violates the registration
process by picking players based on ability and not on a first come basis shall
be placed on one (1) year probation and will not participate in that years
playoffs. Practices will start three (3) weeks prior to the first game. No
players will be allowed to practice without insurance and proof of age. All
Super Light and Light Weight teams have been granted permission to conduct an
informational seminar one week prior to start of practice. There is to be NO
contact; class room only. All four (4) divisions: NO EQUIPMENT, NO CONTACT for
the first three (3) practice sessions of the first official week of practice.
HELMETS and SHORTS ONLY. If
additional players are added to the roster, the player must practice in shorts
and helmet only for the first three (3) days.
(B.)
Returning players must register at returning player registration. Players will
be allowed to sign up until the day before open player registration. If a player fails to do so, he/she will
forfeit their returning player status and go into the lottery as a new player.
Siblings of returning players must register with the returning player prior to
new player registration.
(C.)
There will be a lottery system used for all new players registering. All names will be placed in a lottery style
drawing and drawn at the completion of the registration. A roster will consist of a minimum of
thirty (30) players before a waiting list can be started. Maximum roster size will consist of
forty (40) players. (if there are more returning players at a weight class than
forty (40), those returning players will be allowed to be added to the team,
upon proof that they are returning players).
(D.)
Returning players will start the roster.
The number of available roster spots will be filled by pulling names
from the new player lottery until a maximum of forty (40) slots are
filled. After that, the remaining
names will be pulled and placed in order on a waiting list until all the names
are gone. Vacated roster spots will
be filled by the waiting list in the order they were drawn. The 2nd V.P. will hold all
rosters and waiting lists.
(E.)
Players must show proof of legal guardianship when registering under the
sibling guidelines. Appropriate
legal documentation must be presented to the individual league secretary
regarding name changes and guardianship.
(F.)
An ad must be placed in the newspaper two weeks prior to registration. Copies of the ad must be given to the 1st
V.P. (or designee) at the next RVC board meeting.
(G.)
Any new organization starting a football program from scratch will have 16
roster slots designated for coaches or board members’ children with a
maximum of 4 per level with the names to be given to the
9. Leagues will
be allowed five (5) practices per week prior to September 1.
After this date,
the maximum number of practices per week will be four (4). A player must have
one week of practice prior to participating in their first league game. The
league requires all participants to have a sports physical. A copy of one taken
for school will be accepted. Parents who refuse must sign a waiver releasing
league and organizations of any liabilities.
10. Referees and
team Athletic Directors will have full responsibility for maintaining
discipline and control in all matters concerning the conduct of the coaches,
players, fans, and their effect upon playing conditions.
(A.) Players
and/or coaches that are ejected or involved in fighting before, during, or
after a game in the area of, or on the field will receive a one (1) game
suspension. Second offense will result in a suspension for the remainder of the
year.
(B.) Canceled
Games Prior to Completion:
1)
Canceled any time during and prior to the start of fourth quarter are
considered
incomplete and will be continued on the home team’s field at an
agreed
upon date and time.
2)
Games in play during the fourth quarter are considered complete.
C. Game Delays:
The
League recommends delays to last one (1) hour prior to canceling a total game
day or one game. We also require referees to remain on the premises and will be
reimbursed for their time. To minimize the backup of games, if able to
continue, the following options should be utilized:
1) Complete games in progress and cancel next game utilizing 10-B.
2) Cancel game in progress utilizing 10-B or 10-C and start the next
game.
D. Referee fees
will be = $145 per day.
11. No
advertising or soliciting shall be done at any game except by home team, unless
specific permission is given by the home team.
12. Should a
team, for any reason, wish to protest a game, a written statement must be made
to at least three (3) members of the League Athletic Board, giving the reason
for the protest, within seventy-two (72) hours of the completion of the
protested game. The League Athletic Board of Directors will meet at its
earliest opportunity after all teams have been notified of the protest to
determine if the protest is valid. A protest fee of fifty dollars ($50) will be
assessed to the protesting team, to be returned, if the protest is upheld. The
losing team will pay a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). It is the
River Valley League Athletic Board’s discretion on the outcome of the
game that is under protest.
13. Any coaches
or team official found intentionally violating League rules or the accepted
rules of fair play and sportsmanship, that team may be placed on one (1) year
probation. This rule will be strictly enforced by the Board of Athletic
Directors.
14. All new
member teams are placed on a one (1) year probation period with no League
voting rights.
15. All players
must play a minimum of five (5) plays.
16. A list of all
facilities at each home field and a map or directions to each home field shall
be provided to League Directors at roster hand-in.
17. Chains and
down markers will be provided by the home team.
18. A player is
restricted to play in one tackle football league only.
19. Each team
will have the identification registration provided by the teams on the playing
field (includes copy of birth certificate and a recent picture).
20. A twenty-five
dollar ($25) fine will be assessed to any team without a representative at a
League meeting. Second time is fifty dollars ($50), third time is one hundred
dollars ($100), fourth time is one (1) year probation, and fifth time team is
out of the League.
21. All teams
will be required to follow the set schedule. In the interest of safety, all
teams are required to have all helmets and face masks re-certified every two
(2) years.
22. No high
school students will be allowed to play.
23. No alcoholic
beverages allowed at practice or games. Smoking is not allowed on sidelines of
any League game. A no smoking ban is in place at many of the fields being
played on (Illinois State Law prohibits smoking on any school property). Please
observe these rules when posted. Cooking on grills (Tail gating) is prohibited.
24. Prior to
start of each game, the names of the starting backfield line-up will be
exchanged between head coaches and provided to referees. The starting backfield
will consist of the four (4) backs and the two (2) ends listed. To avoid
confusion, the five (5) positions not listed will be the two (2) tackles, two
(2) guards, and center.
25. No player
will be allowed to compete while wearing a hard cast. A player may play while wearing a soft
cast and must have a physician’s release on physician letterhead. Metal bracing must be completely
covered.
26. On offense,
all initial contact below the waist is illegal.
27. Dues for
membership to the River Valley Youth Tackle Football League, Inc. are assessed
YEARLY.
28. Voting
procedures to amend or add to the By-Laws are as follows:
(A.) One vote per organization (see Rule
14 for exception).
(B.) Registered officer of each team, or
in their absence the listed alternate, casts the vote.
(C.) A majority vote of those present is
required to pass or amend a By-Law.
29. The League
has established an all-team tournament format separate from the regular season,
with rotating sites, based on League Board rotation.
30. The League
has established a team representative (members of the Athletic Board of Directors,
coaches, statisticians, etc.) dress code. The representatives must wear a
designated team shirt. Accessories such as bandannas, heavy jewelry, gloves,
etc. will NOT be allowed. Caps may be worn with the bill pointing forward.
31. Rules for
dual team alignment:
A.
Players
will remain on the same team if returning in the same division.
B.
Once a
player is selected by a team designated color, that player will stay designated
to that color.
C.
Players
who advance to the next weight division may opt to be placed in a draft pool
and be divided one-by one by the head coaches:
Coaches, board members, and support staff (medical, equipment, etc.)
will regulate
family participants.
D.
Newly registered
players will be placed in a draft pool in the order that they were picked from
the lottery (based on first, second, third, etc.). Coaches will pick one-by-one until each
team is complete based on the teams maximum per team. Remaining players will be placed on a
waiting list in the order they were selected from the lottery. When a position opens on a team, the
next player at the top of the waiting list will be taken.
E.
Any new
expansion team (second, third, fourth team) can have a one-day evaluation
practice (of existing players, not new players) only if all players in the
organization will be placed in a draft pool, prior to their draft, up to one
month preceding the first scheduled day of practice. The draft shall be a
one-by-one pick until all teams’ rosters are achieved.
F.
Team
roster must contain a thirty (30) player minimum, before a waiting list can be
started.
G.
ADDENDUM: Rule 31 will not be implemented until
the start of the 2005 season
32. Disciplinary
Problems:
The team
representative must be at a League meeting (either a regular meeting or a
special meeting) and present the following:
(A.) Discuss the problem.
(B.) Advise what penalties
have been assessed by his/her organization.
(C.) Advise what is being
done to keep the problem from re-occurring. This
step must be approved by a majority of League representatives.
(D.) Second offense of the
same type violation in a one (1) calendar year
period will result in a one (1) year probation.
(E.) Third offense of the
same type violation in a one (1) calendar year
period will result in ejection from the River Valley Youth Tackle
Football
League, Inc.
(F.) The team ejected from
the League may be reinstated only if they agree to
abide by all conditions set forth by the River Valley League
Representatives
(G.) The River Valley Board
shall elect a three person committee known as the
"Rules Committee" that will oversee problems with officials,
coaches,
disciplinary matters, and rules violations. The Rules Committee will
investigate and if warranted, bring the problem to the full board for
action.
33. There will be
no play-by-play announcing while the play is actually taking place.
34. Any team that
is found circumventing league rules in order to gain unfair advantage before or
during the season shall forfeit any games already played, be placed on
probation for one year, and will not participate in the playoffs.
Definition of
Probation: A team that is on
probation will have no voting rights for one (1) year from the date of the
infraction.
35. Any team that
has violated rules regarding player registration or has been found to have
cheated after the season, shall forfeit any games won, stripped of any super
bowl wins, and will be banned from the upcoming seasons playoffs.
36. Teams that
are found guilty violating league rules shall have their registration process
overseen by the league disciplinary board.
The disciplinary board will then draw the participants tickets at random
based on the roster size set by the offending team, the team rosters will then
be given at the end of that night’s registration to the disciplinary
board.