| the Calgary and Area MIDGET Football Association
Rules & Regulations
Pursuant to Article 7.13 of the Bylaws of the Calgary and Area Midget Football Association (hereinafter “Association”), the following rules and regulations have been adopted by the Executive to govern conduct of the Association and football play of Players and Teams of the Association.
These Regulations shall be read subject to the Bylaws of the Association and shall not, in any way or manner whatsoever, be deemed to limit the effect of the Bylaws of the Association. In the event a conflict between the Bylaws and the Regulations arises, the Bylaws shall govern. These Regulations shall be interpreted with the understanding that one of the main mission statements of the Association is the improve football in the City of Calgary for Midget age Players.
2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise specifies or requires:
“Commissioner” or “Commissioners” shall be that person or those persons chosen by the Executive;
“Midget Age Group” means Individuals enrolled in Grade 9, Grade 10 or Grade 11 and attending a school, charter school, private school or home school recognized by Alberta Education; and whose nineteenth (19th) birthday does not fall on or before March 1, in the Year;
"Midget Team" means a group of individuals of Midget Age Group, including managers and coaches, admitted to the membership in the Society pursuant to Article 3.2 of the Bylaws;
"Non Designated Player" means a player who is not a Non Eligible Player and who lives in an area that does not have a Midget Team in the designated Team District for that particular player;
"Non Eligible Player" means a player who lives outside the City of Calgary city limits unless the player lives in an area that has a Midget Team currently in good standing with the Association;
“Player” means an individual of the Midget Age Group;
“Rule Book” means the Canadian Rule Book for Amateur Football;
“Team District” means the team areas or districts as determined by the Executive. As guideline, Team Districts are to be the same as specified in the Calgary Bantam Football Association rules. However, the Executive has full power and authority to determine the Team Districts and if the designated area for a team as specified in the Calgary Bantam Football Association rules is different than the designated area for a team as determined by the Executive, the Team area designated by the Executive prevails and governs over the team area specified by the Calgary Bantam Football Association;
“Year” means the calendar year containing the current football season
3. The terms contained in these Regulations which are defined in the Bylaws shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Bylaws.
4. Word importing the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine or neuter genders.
5. (a) Each Player shall submit to his Team the following, on or before the Player’s first league game:
(i) A duly completed registration form, including, without limitation, proof of such Player’s enrolment at a school or home school and grade level and age, with all parts completed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, such form to be in a form and contain such matters which are satisfactory to the Executive; and
(ii) A registration fee in the sum designated by the Executive, each Year. Such registration fee sum to be in the sole discretion of the Executive; and
(iii) A Consent and Release Form, as prescribed each year by the Executive.
(b) Any Player who has failed to provide his registration form, the registration fee and the Consent and Release Form to his Team on or before such Player’s first league game shall be ineligible to participate in any activity of the Association including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, practicing with any Team or playing any football games.
(c) Any Team who knowingly allows a Player who has failed to provide his registration form, the registration fee and the Consent and Release Form to the Team on or before such Player’s first league game, to practice or play in any league games shall forfeit any league games in which such Player has played and may be liable to suspension or penalty, as determined by the Executive.
(d) All Teams shall forward a registration list of all Players, whether trying out or on the final roster, plus a sum amount required for obtaining insurance with Football Alberta (such amount amended from time to time by Football Alberta). Such registration lists and insurance fees shall be forwarded to such person as designated by the Association.
(e) All Teams shall forward to the Association a registration fee in the amount specified each year, by the Executive, for each and every player that the Team has registered.
(f) No Team shall operate or sponsor a contact spring camp prior to March 15th in any Year. After March 15th in any year, when a Team does operate or sponsor a contact spring camp, that Team shall obtain liability insurance for all staff and Players prior to commencement of the contact spring camp.
6. Each Player must be of the Midget Age Group and must present a birth certificate or similar document to his Team as proof that he is of the Midget Age Group, along with satisfactory proof of his school enrolment and any other document requested by the Executive.
7. A Player shall not be eligible to participate in any playoff games unless he has participated in one or more league games. If a Player has not participated in one or more league games due to an injury suffered while playing football with his Team he shall be eligible to participate in the playoff games of that Team.
8. The following Regulations govern the conduct of each and every Player in the Association and any breach of the Regulation shall be dealt with as follows:
(a) A Player who:
(i) is suspended or expelled from school or fails to continue in following a recognized home school program; or
(ii) destroys or pilfers property belonging to another person; or
(iii) utilizes narcotics or abuses other drugs; or
(iv) commits any other act which the Executive deems detrimental to the Association or its objects,
may be suspended or expelled from the Association, with or without warning by the Commissioner and the Team to which the offending Player belongs may forfeit one or more games, in the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
(b) Any Player found by the officials in a game to be guilty of rough play with intent to injure shall be immediately suspended from all further play in the Association pending a hearing in the presence of the Commissioner who shall, in his sole discretion, make a decision as to the further play of that Player.
9. (a) A Player must play for the Team in the Team District in which the Player lives unless, the Player:
(i) has been released from the Team in the Team District in which he lives and waived by that Team. Players released at Calgary Bantam Football Association are eligible to stay with the organization for which they played Bantam (signed release must be attached to registration form); or
(ii) has received a signed release ( back of registration and medical forms ) from the Team in the Team District in which he lives.
(b) Any Team which knowingly breaches the provisions of paragraph 9 (a) hereof and allows a Player who does not live in its district to play for it shall forfeit all games in which that Player has played and in addition, all coaches and managers who had participated or acquiesced in such breach may be suspended or expelled from the Association.
(b) Team Districts are as determined by the Executive. As a guideline, Team Districts are to be the same as specified in the Calgary Bantam Football Association rules. However, the Executive has full power and authority to determine the Team Districts and if the designated area for a team as specified in the Calgary Bantam Football Association rules is different than the designated area for a team as determined by the Executive, the Team Districts will be as designated by the Executive and the Executive decision prevails and governs over the team area specified by the Calgary Bantam Football Association.
(c) Unless provided by the Executive, a Non Eligible Player cannot play for any Midget Team.
(d) A Non Designated Player can play for whichever Midget Team they choose. If a Non Designated Player plays for a Midget Team in any Year, that Non Designated Player becomes the property of the Midget Team the player played for in that Year and cannot play for any other Team unless the player obtains a release from that team.
(e) Except as stated in Regulation 9(c), no Team may register a player from outside their Team District without that player having been waived by the Team in whose Team District the player resides. Players who reside outside a Team District and play for a Team without a waiver from the Team in whose Team District the player resides shall be deemed to be ineligible. An exception shall be Players who change residence within the football season. Those players shall be deemed to be resident in the Team District which was their residence on February 1, in the Year.
10. Any Player who is waived by a Team shall be waived by that Team for the entire duration of that Player’s eligibility for Midget Football. If the Player then plays for another Team, the Player becomes property of that Team and cannot play for any other Team unless the player obtains a release from that Team.
11. All adults associated with any Team in a capacity as coach, manager, trainer, or otherwise shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the objectives of the Association. If, in the sole opinion of the Executive, any such person conducts himself in a manner which may be detrimental to the Association, he shall be liable to suspension or expulsion from the Association.
12. Prior to the commencement of each game, other than exhibition games, each Team involved in the games shall provide the timekeeper with one (1) copy of the roster of players for that game, with players listed in numerical order, in accordance with their respective sweater numbers on a computer generated, typewritten or handwritten roster form. Failure to include a player or players on such roster shall result in the immediate disqualification of such player or players from the remainder of that game. Only players who are actually dressed for that game shall be included on the game roster. Any deletions from the regular roster of the Team shall be noted on the game roster with a reason for that players exclusion from the game roster.
13. (a) Teams participating in league play must have clean uniforms. It is the responsibility of the coaches and managers to see that their Players comply with this Regulation.
(b) Each Team shall only use helmets which are in good condition and which are periodically certified, by qualified firms or individuals, for use by Players in the Association.
14. Each Team designated as “Home Team” participating in a league game shall provide at least six (6) people for the entire game for the purpose of assisting the Executive and the officials with game responsibilities including, working the yardsticks, spotting, and assisting at the time keeper’s bench, or any other game day task assigned by the Executive.
15. Teams must be prepared to play their respective games at the time scheduled for such game. Teams arriving late will be penalized in accordance with Rule Book or otherwise, as the Commissioner deems fit. Games delayed by up to 45 minutes from the scheduled start time shall be rescheduled, if practical, by the Executive or cancelled, if rescheduling is not practical, at the sole discretion of the Executive.
16. No Team shall contact any Team outside the Association with a view to engaging in any scrimmage or exhibition games, or playoff games, unless it has received the prior written permission of the Executive.
17. No Team “use” participation in the Association’s league simply as a spring league for a particular high school team.
18. All Teams shall provide all players with a fair and unbiased opportunity to compete for a position and not exert any inappropriate pressure or exclude or “ostracize” any particular Player from participating on a Team simple because of that Player’s association with another high school program.
19. No Team shall have more than fifty percent (50%) of the Team’s coaches from one particular High School.
20. Only sixty percent (60%) of a Team’s Players can be enrolled in one particular High School. For clarity, sixty percent (60%) quota applies to Grade 10 and 11 players from any particular High School and Grade 9's that may be attending a Junior High School but will be attending that High School as Grade 10's in upcoming season.
21. Prior to the commencement of the season each Team shall provide to the Executive a complete Team roster in a form suitable to the Executive.
22. Subject to the Regulations, the Rule Book shall apply to all games played in the Association.
23. Timing of league, and exhibition games shall be as follows:
(a) All quarters shall be 12 minutes in duration and during the last three minutes of the second and fourth quarter, timing shall be in accordance with the Rule Book (stop time);
(b) The clock shall also stop on all changes of possession (after kickoff, punts, field goal attempts, interceptions, fumbles recovered by an opponent, etc.), time outs, injuries, long incomplete passes, scores and the ensuing convert and penalties and their applications during the first and third quarters and during the first 9 minutes of the second and fourth quarters.
(c) Half time shall be of 10 minutes duration; and
(d) All games, other than playoff games, which are tied at the end of regulation time shall be registered as a tie game.
24. Timing of Playoff games shall be the same as specified in Regulation 19, except that overtime in accordance with the Rule Book shall apply to playoff games only.
25. Blocking below the waist shall be a 10 yard penalty except where it occurs in the close line play area where it shall not be penalized.
26. Players shall wear mouth guards at all times during practice and during all games.
27. Each Team shall be entitled to 2 time outs per half
28. Scoring shall be in accordance with the Rule Book.
29. Prior to the first full contact practice, each Team shall have liability insurance in place covering each player, coach, manager and trainer.
30. Full contact practices shall not be allowed until the Team shall have completed the Football Alberta Membership application form and/or league registration form which is provided by the Commissioner, or his designate, to each of the Teams. Team members shall be responsible for maintaining a membership application on file for each and every Player on that Team.
31. Teams are not permitted to commence full contact practices prior to March 30, in any Year.
32. Without restricting the generality of any of the Regulations any Team using ineligible Players shall forfeit each game in which such ineligible Player has played and the coach or coaches may be liable to suspension following an investigation by the Commissioner.
33. Each Team shall have a minimum of 25 eligible Players in full football equipment for each regular season and playoff game.
34. No Team shall play two way Players, except for Players playing as a down lineman. The position of tight end is not classified as a down lineman.
35. All coaches shall have obtained, or be in the process of obtaining, at least level I Technical and Theory component of the Canadian Amateur Football Association Coaching Certification Program. All coaches who are in the process of obtaining level I Certification must complete Level I prior to the commencement of the following season. This also applies to any coaches who change teams. A maximum one year period will be allowed for any coach to obtain level I Certification.
36. Each Team shall strictly adhere to the schedule which is to be provided to each Team prior to the first game of the season subject to variations communicated to any Team from the Executive.
37. Unless otherwise decided by the Executive, the Playoff format shall be as follows:
a) The first place Team in regular season play shall play the fourth place Team;
b) The second place Team in regular season play shall play the third place Team; and
c) The winners of those two games shall play for the Association championship.
In addition there shall be a second division championship which playoff format shall be as follows:
a) The fifth place Team in regular season play shall play the eighth place Team;
b) The sixth place Team in regular season play shall play the seventh place Team; and
c) The winners of those two games shall play for the Association’s second division championship.
38. In the event that there are less than eight Teams in the Association, the Executive shall formulate a replacement Playoff format.
39. In the event of a tie in the standings at the end of the regular season the following tie breaking formula shall be used to determine rankings:
i) Head to head games between tied teams,
ii) Total season points against (least points against having the advantage),
iii.) Total number of wins,
iv.) Coin toss with Team with name closest to the beginning of the alphabet calling the toss.
40. In accordance with Clause 3.1 of the Bylaws, all coaches, managers and trainers shall provide information regarding themselves that in the Executive’s sole discretion may be relevant to membership. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to:
(a) a criminal record check;
(b) a history of involvement in sports;
(c) coaching proficiency; and
(d) a history of involvement with youth.
41. (a) Any complaints or concerns from a member regarding a breach of the Rules, Regulations or Bylaws by a player member shall be directed to the Commissioner. The Commissioner, in his complete discretion, shall deal with the complaint and come to a decision on any action to be taken. Such complaints may be either verbal or written.
(b) If the Commissioner, in his sole discretion, deems there are no reasonable grounds for the complaint he may dismiss the complaint and shall so advise the complainant.
(c) If the Commissioner deems there is reasonable grounds for a complaint against a player member he shall advise the player member of the complaint and shall hear submissions from the subject player member and his parents only. At the initial hearing the Commissioner shall not hear from any witnesses aside from the subject of the complaint and his parents. After the initial hearing the Commissioner, in his sole discretion, may render a decision to either dismiss the complaint or to take disciplinary action against the subject of the complaint.
(d) After the initial hearing if the Commissioner, in his sole discretion, cannot make a determination on whether to dismiss the complaint or to take disciplinary action against the subject, he may convene further hearings to hear from witnesses.
(e) The rules of evidence do not apply in any hearing convened by the Commissioner. No party shall be entitled to representation at any hearing. The decision of the Commissioner is final subject to appeals as stated in the Bylaws.
42. (a) Any complaints or concerns from a member regarding a breach of the Rules, Regulations or Bylaws by a Team, coach or manager, or disputes between teams or coaches or managers, shall be directed in writing to the Commissioner who shall then either hear and determine the dispute or bring the complaint forward to the Executive.
(b) The Commissioner shall have complete and unfettered discretion in determining whether the matter should be determined by him or forwarded to the Executive. In the event the matter is forwarded to the Executive they, in their complete discretion, shall deal with the complaint and come to a decision on any action to be taken. No action shall be taken by the Executive or the Commissioner on verbal complaints or concerns about Team Members, coaches or managers.
(c) If the Executive, in its sole discretion, deems there are no reasonable grounds for the complaint they may dismiss the complaint and shall so advise the complainant.
(d) If the Executive deems there is reasonable grounds for a complaint against a coach, Team or manager the Executive shall provide a copy of the written complaint to the subject of the complaint and shall schedule a hearing (the “initial hearing”) within one(1) month of the provision of the written complaint to the subject. At the initial hearing the Executive shall hear submissions from the subject only. At the initial hearing the Executive shall not hear from any witnesses aside from the subject of the complaint. After the initial hearing the Executive, in its sole discretion, may render a decision to either dismiss the complaint or to take disciplinary action against the subject of the complaint.
(e) After the initial hearing if the Executive, in its sole discretion, cannot make a determination on whether to dismiss the complaint or to take disciplinary action against the subject, the Executive may convene further hearings to hear from witnesses.
(f) The rules of evidence do not apply in any hearing convened by the Executive. No party shall be entitled to representation at any hearing. The decision of the Executive is final subject to appeal as stated in the Bylaws.
43. The Executive shall appoint one Director to each Member Team. The Member Team shall be responsible to that Director for meeting all obligations, providing all forms and funds, and any other matters which are required under the bylaws or regulation or as the Executive may determine from time to time.
44. The penalty for the breach of any rule or regulation shall be determined by the Executive of the Calgary and Area Midget Football Association, in their sole discretion, after due investigation in accordance with these regulations.
Created by: Sarah McLaren -- Last updated:Feb 24, 2010
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