Coaches Manual & Rule Book
Coaches Manual & Rule Book 2013 Index Page# Introduction……………………………………………….………..… Responsible Coaching………………………….…………………..… Safety……………………………….……………………..…………… Practices…………………..….…………………….…….....…….…… Rosters & Weigh-Ins….………………………………….…………... Concussion Training….………………………………….…………... Background Checks………………………………………………….. On-Line Resources……………………………..………….................. 2013 Rule Book……………………………………………………….. Important Dates……………………………………………………… 2 3 4-6 7 8 8 9 9 10-27 27 How to Have a Successful Season? Let me share with you the secret to success this season with your EVW Youth Football team. It revolves around these 4 things… 1.) Having fun! Make sure the kids are having fun playing tackle football. Wearing a helmet and pads while conditioning, being hit, hitting someone else and trying to perform to the expectation of themselves, their teammates, their coaches and their parents is not easy. Make tackle football something they enjoy playing and want to play. 2.) Seeing the good in every player on your team, at all times, and tell them regularly how great they are. These kids just want to earn the respect of their teammates, coaches and parents through their performance. Nothing more than that matters. Compliments go a long ways in developing their confidence in themselves and their respect for you. 3.) Not placing an emphasis on winning, but rather on each player and the team competing as hard as possible each and every play. The kids already place enough pressure on themselves to win. They will all experience success and failure this season. They know the difference. Help them to learn from every experience. 4.) Ensuring that each player has the opportunity to develop as a football player and person. This means playing each player as much as possible to gain game experience. This also means planning your practices to be productive every minute you have them and do not just let them stand around. Allow them to try different positions and explain techniques, fundamentals, and expectations fully. Make sure to put each player in a position to be a leader or captain at practice or a game. Encourage them to be a leader on the team. Todd Jakopovic President, EVW Youth Football 1 An Introduction to EVW Youth Football… The EVW Youth Football League, a non-profit organization, seeks to make the football experience safe, fun and healthy for all children. EVW Youth Football promotes the value and importance of sports and physical activities in the emotional, physical, social and mental development of youth. The league believes that participation in youth football develops important character traits and lifelong values. In addition, EVW believes that the lives of youngsters can be positively impacted by participation in youth football. The EVW Football League was founded in 1994. The organization, originally named the Elkhorn, Valley & Waterloo Football League, thus EVW, focused on providing an environment for youths to learn sportsmanship while learning the game of tackle football. Since 1994, the League has grown from fewer than 75 players on 4 teams representing the communities of Elkhorn, Valley and Waterloo in eastern Nebraska, to our current number of more than 2,300 players on more than 100 teams representing 23 communities in Nebraska and Western Iowa. The EVW Football League places the safety of its players first. All volunteer coaches and administrators must pass a thorough background check administered through the National Center for Safety Initiatives in conjunction with USA Football. Each coach is required to adhere to a Standards of Conduct agreement. Fair play is ensured through the administration of League rules governing player ages and weights, practice and game schedules and overall team composition. We thank you sincerely for choosing to be a part of the EVW Youth Football family and we will work diligently to ensure that as a league, we are continually looking for ways to improve and make this the best league it can be for everyone who wants to coach or participate in EVW. As a member of the EVW Youth Football family we will hold you accountable to be a positive role model, teacher and leader for the parents, players and others throughout your experience in our league. We welcome you to the EVW family for the 2013 football season and are dedicated to making this a wonderful experience for each and every one of you. 2 Responsible Coaching Responsible coaching can mean a number of things to different people and can be interpreted in a number of ways. In EVW Youth Football, we believe that responsible coaching is a commitment to: - Understanding that the life lessons you teach your athletes carry far beyond the playing field. Ensuring player safety at all times. Coaching player development in fundamentals and skills. Teaching positive life lessons ahead of wins and losses. Helping our youth to enjoy their experience as a part of our league. Seeing the good in everyone and provide adequate praise in all they do. Showing a high-level of sportsmanship as a representative of our league. Always respecting spectators, parents, coaches, officials and league and community representatives. Making a positive impact on the overall experience of parents and participants. Ensuring that football is more than just fun and that teaching the fundamental aspects of the game are of highest importance. Some of the recommended goals to focus on for your players throughout the season outside of the X’s and O’s are: - Teamwork & Sacrifice - Confidence - Persistence, Effort and Over-Coming Adversity - Leadership - Sportsmanship EVW has established specific code of conduct rules for coaches to abide by. These rules should be respected and followed at all time. The rules are: - No swearing or foul language is permitted towards coaches, officials, parents or around players. - No alcohol or drug use will be tolerated. Any violations will result in expulsion from the league. Tobacco use is prohibited in front of your players. - Allow the officials to do their jobs. There will be no yelling at the officials. No one call can cost a team to lose. As a coach in EVW Youth Football you are also responsible for the behavior of your parents and players. We recommend that you share the following guidelines with both parents and players: Players o Always use appropriate language. o Respect the officials’ judgments and interpretation of the rules. o Exercise self-control Parents & Spectators o Respect decisions made by officials o Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach and the effort of the players o Avoid critiquing and criticizing coaches, players and officials 3 In EVW Youth Football, we do not condone or accept unethical or unsportsmanlike behavior. This is youth football and the focus and goals of each of you should revolve around making this an enjoyable, positive learning experience…both good and bad. EVW Youth Football and its Board of Directors reserve the right to address any and all issues as made aware. The Board of Directors also reserves the right to discipline, suspend, or remove any coach who fails to meet the leagues Responsible Coaching directives. Safety The safety of everyone involved in EVW Youth Football including spectators, coaches, players and officials is our #1 priority. EVW Youth Football stresses the importance of always making safety the top priority in all situations including: - Inclement Weather Conditioning Hydration Injury Handling Medical Conditions Equipment Warm-Ups Proper Techniques Inclement Weather – Severe Heat, Cold, Lightning, Weather Warnings Severe Heat – When outside temperatures exceed 90 degrees, special care and consideration should be given to holding practices and events. Refer to EVW Rule Book 1000.7 for specific guidelines relating to practicing in extreme heat conditions. Severe Cold – Even though we rarely have this occurrence during the football season, at times when there are temperatures below normal, ensure that players are dressed appropriately and layered. It is easier to take clothing layers off than being cold and miserable! Lightning – With any sign of lightning, practices and games must be suspended immediately. Practice and games should not be resumed until there has been no lightning spotted for a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes. Weather Warnings – Any weather warning issued for your immediate area during the course of an event will be cause for immediate suspension or cancellation of the event, until it is deemed safe to resume play. 4 Conditioning – Physically capable of playing at peak levels consistently. Ensure that a portion of every practice is dedicated to conditioning. Proper conditioning can and should include football drills every time, including cool down time. Studies indicate that a well-conditioned athlete suffers fewer injuries than a lesser conditioned athlete. Help your players to understand the importance of proper conditioning and how it can improve their performance and the performance of the entire team. Do not make conditioning a punishment at this level. Make it a fundamental part of the game and how it is being taught. Hydration Adequate water breaks should be taken repeatedly through any game or practice session. Fluid intake should continue after the practice or event, as well. If adequate fluid intake does not happen, then de-hydration can occur. Dehydration can result in serious injury and worse. Strenuous activity, excessive sweating, high fever, and prolonged vomiting or diarrhea are common causes of dehydration. So are staying in the sun too long and not drinking enough fluids. Signs of Dehydration • • • • being thirsty feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or tired rapid heartbeat dry lips and mouth Treatment Increased fluid intake and replacement of lost electrolytes are usually sufficient to restore fluid balances in patients who are mildly or moderately dehydrated. For individuals who are mildly dehydrated, just drinking plain water may be all the treatment that is needed. Severe dehydration can require hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement. If an individual's blood pressure drops enough to cause or threaten the development of shock, medical treatment is usually required. Injury Handling When a player becomes injured, do not attempt to move them or their equipment until the situation has been properly assessed and it is safe to do so. Ask questions of the injured player, immobilize them if necessary, seek advanced medical assistance if warranted. If you are not sure whether to move them or not, then error on the side of caution and do not 5 attempt to move them. Always be sympathetic to the injured party and attempt to make them comfortable. Prior to the start of your season it is recommended that you identify parents and coaches on your team that have advanced medical backgrounds such as nurses, doctors, etc. In cases where advanced medical care is needed, seek these people out or the fastest qualified care provider. Each team is required to have a basic first aid kit with them at all practices and games. In the event of a serious injury, do not attempt to move the party. Call 911 immediately. In every community, emergency responders are only a few minutes away. Medical Conditions – Asthma, Allergies, Pre-Existing Conditions, Other Always err on the side of caution when dealing with a medical issue or concern. Ask parents to share pre-existing or known medical conditions with you and to help advise you on care and treatment. As an example, if a player has asthma, they should not be practicing without having proper medication and/or an inhaler present at each and every practice or event. Failure to come to practice without the inhaler means they cannot practice. Knowing these medical conditions upfront can help to make your job as a coach easier and help you to identify and treat issues before they become serious. Equipment Coaches please make sure that you have inspected all equipment either prior to check-out or before the first day of contact. Replace any damaged or improperly sized equipment before allowing the player to participate in contact drills. A proper fitted mouthpiece is required to participate in EVW Youth Football. Mouthpieces must be colored (not clear) and must have a strap attaching them to the facemask. Check player’s equipment regularly throughout the season and ask them periodically if there are any issues. Issues should be addressed immediately before contact is continued. Injuries are much less likely to occur when players are fitted properly and using equipment that is working properly. Warm-Ups Make sure that adequate time is devoted to stretching and warming-up prior to any contact drills or games. Warm-ups should include proper stretching of all parts of the body. Additionally, small to moderate physical exercise is recommended as a part of proper warm-up. Athletes who spend proper time warming-up before events are less prone to injury and consistently perform at a higher level during competition. 6 Proper Techniques As a youth football coach, it is imperative that an emphasis is placed on the fundamental teaching of the game of football. There are proper techniques involved in all phases of football, including stretching, warm-ups, position techniques, tackling…all the way through cool downs. A large portion of each practice and pre-game warm-ups should be spent on teaching proper techniques. A great resource for proper technique coaching is USA Football. All coaches are encouraged to visit the USA Football web-site at www.usafootball.com. Additionally, USA Football offers a “Coaches Handbook” that advises on how to teach proper techniques through a variety of drills. Practices All EVW Youth Football teams will begin practicing on or after July 29, 2013. No exceptions. There is to be no pads and no contact on days one and two of practice. Full-contact is allowed on day three and after of the beginning of practices. The following practice guidelines are to be adhered to in the 2013 season: Pee Wees and Jr. Midgets Will be allowed to practice 4 times per week through August 16th, 2013. After this date, practice will decrease to a maximum of 2 nights per week. Practices are limited to 2 hours maximum. Scrimmages will be allowed once a week. Scrimmages are considered a practice. A 1-hour walk-through practice without pads will be allowed once a week, but will only be allowed the week of a teams scheduled game. Midgets Will be allowed to practice 5 times per week through August 16th, 2013. After this date, practice will decrease to a maximum of 2 nights per week. Practices are limited to 2 hours maximum. Scrimmages will be allowed once a week. Scrimmages are considered a practice. A 1-hour walk-through practice without pads will be allowed once a week, but will only be allowed the week of a teams scheduled game. It is our recommendation in EVW Youth Football that you have a script or plan to follow for practices in order to minimize standing around time and maximize the opportunities you have to teach. 7 Rosters & Weigh-Ins Rosters - There is a 25 player limit per game roster per team. Rosters must be assembled in a fair and equitable manner and not through a selection process. A draft or other fair means of distributing players must be adhered to. Weigh-ins - Will be held at three designated locations throughout our communities prior to the first games of the season. Each and every player in EVW is required to attend their teams designated weigh-in. If a player cannot attend their team’s designated weigh-in time, then they must attend another weigh-in site and location. A player is only allowed to be weighedin once. They cannot travel from site-to-site in order to try to make weight. Players attending an alternate weigh-in must follow these guidelines: 1. They must be in attendance a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled weigh-in that day. 2. They must be wearing their game jersey and have the proper completed Parent Form. Each team will be provided a designated weigh-in date, location and time. It is your responsibility as a coach to ensure that your team is assembled and lined-up in order, from lowest jersey number to highest jersey number, at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled weigh-in. All coaches must have a completed roster, furnished through EVW Youth Football, which must be emailed to the league a minimum of 48 hours prior to your teams scheduled weigh-in. All players must wear their game jersey and have a signed parent form. Additionally, coaches must submit a signed Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement which must be signed by all head and assistant coaches for their team. If a coach or player fails to supply the EVW Youth Football officials present at the weigh-in with proper game jersey and/or signed required documents, then that individual player will not be permitted to be weighed-in. Concussion Training for Coaches All head and assistant coaches are required to complete concussion awareness training annually. This is a legal requirement set for in Nebraska Statute LB260 and Iowa Section Code 280.13c. Training can be completed by visiting the EVW Youth Football website at www.evwfootball.com. On the left hand side of the EVW home page there is a section titled Concussion Awareness. Click on the Coaches Training Link. This link will direct you to Coach Training 101 for Concussions. There are 4 sections that need to be completed: Recognize Respond, Return and Prevent. This training will train you on how to recognize a concussion, how to respond if you believe a player has suffered a concussion, when it is safe for a player to return to action after suffering a concussion and steps that you can take as a coach to help keep your players and team as safe from concussions as possible. Once you have completed the training, please email the EVW League administrator that you have completed the training. Send completion email to webmaster@evwfootball.com. Include your name and the team name of the team that you coach with in your email body. 8 Background Checks In the best interests of EVW Youth Football, it’s Board of Directors, Coaches, Parents and Participants; all head coaches and assistant coaches, of every team throughout our league, will be administered a background check. EVW Youth Football is proud to continue a working partnership with the National Center for Safety Initiatives, through which we will engage in a comprehensive background screening program. EVW Youth Football has taken important steps to ensure the highest level of safety within our programs - for the youth participants and also for you, who make the program a success. One of these steps is the implementation of a standardized approach to background screening for our coaches through the National Center for Safety Initiatives. This includes a comprehensive background screening using the Center’s Check it Twice™ product and a simple “Red Light/Green Light” clearance report issued in accordance with the Recommended Guidelines® published by the National Council of Youth Sports. This is part of a national movement towards the standardization of safety programs for youth-serving organizations in this country. EVW Youth Football has worked with National Center for Safety Initiatives to ensure that this process is convenient, secure and confidential. Simply go to http://www.ncsisafe.com and click on “Background Check Self Registration” on the left side of the webpage. Complete three easy steps: Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Enter Self Registration Number: 94194253 Enter Your Information as Requested Provide Legal Authorization and Certification “Red Light/Green Light” Results will be sent to EVW Youth Football League. National Center for Safety Initiatives will contact you directly if there are any questions, problems or issues related to your specific information. It is important when entering your name, you use your full legal name as written on your birth certificate or driver’s license. Please also verify that your social security number was typed correctly. Using nicknames or failing to type a correct social security number may delay or invalidate your background check. Thank you for your continued participation and your cooperation in this important process. On-Line Resources It is the goal of EVW Youth Football to provide superior communication throughout our communities. The following resources are available for your use: EVW Youth Football Web-Site - www.evwfootball.com. This web-site will contain communication, updates, scores, standings, rosters and much more. We recommend you visit this web-site regularly throughout the season and make sure that your parents and players are using this site regularly. USA Football Web-Site – EVW Youth Football is a proud member of USA Football. USA Football is a nationally recognized organization that is committed to improving youth football in all facets of the game, from coaching, sportsmanship, teaching, practices, drills, etc. It is a great resource for each of you as coaches to maximize the positive learning experience you are providing. The web-site is: www.usafootball.com. 9 2013 L_[gu_ Rul_s 10 INDEX SECTION EVW 100 - EVW MISSION EVW 200 - EVW LEAGUE PREFACE EVW 300 - EVW DEFINITIONS EVW 400 - DATES AND TIME FRAMES EVW 500 - ELIGIBILITY OF ATHLETES EVW 600 - ELIGIBILTY OF COACHES EVW 700 – PROGRAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES AND HOSTING CONTESTS EVW 800 - PRE-SEASON, REGULAR SEASON AND POST SEASON CONTESTS, SITE SELECTION EVW 900 - TEAM COMPOSITION AND LIMITATIONS EVW 1000 - PRACTICES EVW 1100 - RULES OF COMPETITION EVW1200 - RULES VARIATIONS EVW1300 - PLAYER EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES EVW1400 - WEIGH-INS AND TEAM ROSTERS EVW1500 - SCOUTING EVW1600 - CODES OF CONDUCT 11 EVW 100 - EVW MISSION: The goal of the EVW Youth Football League is to provide kids in 3rd through 8th grade the opportunity to play organized football in a fun and safe manner, by teaching the proper fundamentals and keeping away the pressures of winning. League guidelines mandate fair play at all levels and allow for the success of all players. EVW 200 - EVW LEAGUE PREFACE: The EVW Youth Football League is the presiding authority of the league. Changes in the league rules and day-to-day operations of the member communities and teams are subject to the oversight and final approval of the EVW Board of Directors. Rules of the EVW Football League are rules and regulations of the EVW Football Board of Directors, reputable handbooks, the National Federation of State High School Football (NFHS) Rule Book, and the Nebraska Schools Activities Association (NSAA) Guidelines. The EVW Youth Football League Board of Directors has the right to interpret, add, amend, revoke, suspend, or delete any rule contained herein, in the spirit of fair competition, at any time. The following general rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing EVW Youth Football competition, apply to all pre-season, regular season and post-season football activities. EVW 300 - EVW DEFINITIONS: Conferences - The league is divided into 2 conferences - North & South. This division is done geographically to limit travel distances, as much as possible. However, communities with 3 or more teams at the same level may be placed in separate conferences if they choose. Divisions - Each conference will be divided into several divisions based on the total # of teams playing at that level. Teams will be split as equally as possible, to allow for an equal, or near equal, number of teams in each division. Practice - Is defined to include a gathering of players and/or prospective players to discuss, study, view film, walk through or perform plays and techniques relating to football. Grade Requirements: (All Based on 2013-2014 school grade of players) - Pee Wee Level - 3rd & 4th Grade - Jr. Midget Level - 5th & 6th Grade - Midget Level: 7th & 8th Grade EVW400 - DATES AND TIME FRAMES: EVW400.1 - Off-Season: Will be the time from January 1st to the EVW established first day of practice, July 29th, 2013. No EVW team will engage in any organized physical conditioning or other football type activity involving players, or prospective players, no sooner than the EVW established first day of practice. NOTE: A waiver may be obtained for this rule from the EVW President. Such waivers are for the purpose of camps that will benefit and/or are open for ALL members of the league. EVW400.2 - Pre-Season: Shall be the time from the date of the EVW declared first day of practice to the first regular season game. EVW400.3 - Regular Season: Shall be from the first regular season game to the completion of the final regular season game. This time frame would most likely be an 8 or 9 week period, under normal circumstances. 12 EVW400.4 - Post Season: The Post-Season shall be the time period from which the final EVW regular season game has been completed and will continue to December 31st. EVW400.5 - Game Scheduling: The EVW Football League will be responsible for producing a working game schedule. During scheduling, attempts will be made to keep entire program member teams together at home and away whenever possible. EVW500 - ELIGIBILITY OF ATHLETES: EVW500.1 Member programs and teams are required to properly outfit all players before they are eligible to participate in an EVW league game, practice or scrimmage. Additionally, players may not be added to a roster until he/she has been registered and approved by the EVW Youth Football League. EVW500.2 - To be eligible to participate for a Community, Program or team in the EVW Youth Football League a player: 1. Must attend a league sponsored weigh-in and must meet the weight requirements for his/her grade level of play. 2. Must be regularly enrolled, and, in regular attendance at a public, private, parochial, home, or military school. 3. Must not have, or currently be, participating in any high school athletic program, to include school organized summer weightlifting programs/classes. 9th graders are not allowed to participate in EVW Youth Football. 4. Must submit signed Parental Consent Form, Pre-Existing Injury Release and Parental Pledge Form to the league. 5. Must be at least entering the 2nd grade to participate in any practice or game. 6. Must not reach the age of 15 prior to August 1, 2013 7. Must participate for only 1 team at one play level. 8. Must display good sportsmanship and follow the rules of competition of EVW Youth Football. 9. Shall not have been recruited away from one team to another. NOTE: Participation of an ineligible player, whether accidental or intentional, in any contest, shall constitute a mandatory and automatic forfeit of each contest the ineligible player participated in. EVW600 - ELIGIBILTY OF COACHES: EVW600.1 - Background Checks: Member coaches are required to submit to a background check administered by The National Center for Safety Initiatives or provide a copy of a valid and current background check through their local school administration, in accordance with a teaching certificate, before they participate or interact in any practice or contest. Background checks must remain current every 24 months. Communities are required to withhold ineligible coaches from all contact with players and participation as coaches. EVW600.2 - To be eligible to coach or assist coach for an EVW team, the coaching candidate must: 1. Submit to an aforementioned mandatory background check, and if candidate is denied coaching eligibility, they may appeal to their Program Leader and the EVW Board of Directors. Both authorities must give approval before the coach is allowed to continue coaching in the league. 2. Head Coaches must be a minimum 21 years of age and assistants or trainers must be a minimum 18 years of age. 3. All Head Coaches must attend an EVW Youth Football Coaches Meeting annually. 4. Must not have presented any false or incomplete information to his/her Program or EVW Official to gain eligibility. 13 5. Must display good sportsmanship, follow the rules of competition and follow the EVW Coaches Code of Conduct before, during and after every contest. 6. Must pass league approved Concussion Awareness and Diagnosis Training prior to the start of practices. All coaches, including all Head and Assistant Coaches, are required pass this test or they will not be allowed to coach at any level. EVW 700 – PROGRAM MEMBER RESPONSIBLITIES & HOSTING CONTESTS: EVW700.1 - Schedule Responsibilities: EVW League member programs are required to fulfill their EVW league and schedule responsibilities. Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in forfeitures of games and/or expulsion from the League. EVW700.2 - Admission Fees: No game field site may charge a fee for any EVW contest, except the league championship game, if approved by the EVW Board of Directors. EVW700.3 - Chain Gang Crew: The host program will ensure that there is a "Chain Gang" of 3 people (2 marker and 1 down marker) present on the field a minimum of 5 minutes prior to each game. Each chain gang member will be at least 16 years old. The "Chain Gang" must be on the home team sidelines throughout the contest and not on the visitor sideline. The chain gang will abide by the NFHS rules to include: remaining neutral and is not allowed to relay, communicate or gesture in any way, any information to anyone other than the officials. Any chain gang member violating this rule will be immediately ejected from the game, must leave the premises, be disqualified from attending the teams next scheduled game and will not be allowed to serve as a chain gang member again during his/her life in EVW Youth Football. EVW700.4 - Event Support Staff: All host member programs are required to provide a designated Site Supervisor during all EVW contests hosted at their facility. The Site Supervisor must identify themselves to the game officials as they arrive for the contests. EVW700.5 - Facility Requirements: Any member program that intends to host any EVW Youth Football pre-season, regular season or post-season contests, must meet a minimum of the following requirements: 1. Must have a concession stand. 2. Must have 2 restrooms (1 male, 1 female) in working condition. 3. Must have a working electronic scoreboard w/clock visible to both teams. 4. Must have a lined field, with all lines clearly visible, and the field must be in safe playing condition. 5. Must have yard markers, clearly visible to spectators and officials. 6. Playing field must have a barrier between players and fans. Barrier may be a temporary fence or track. 7. Game field must be 53 yds. wide x 100 yds. long. 8. Must have bench areas marked at each 25 yd. line. 9. Have a host Site Supervisor “In Charge” and “On Duty” at all times. EVW700.6 - Game Balls/Official Balls: The host team will provide game balls for all contests it hosts. Game ball must be approved by both home and visiting teams. Visiting teams have the option of using their own game ball and must utilize their 8-play coach to have ball ready for game officials for change of possessions. EVW Authorized Footballs: - Pee Wee Level: Pee Wee Size - Jr. Midget Level: Junior Size - Midget Level: Youth Size 14 EVW700.7 - Officials: All EVW games shall use only EVW contracted officials. A minimum of 2 officials will be provided per game. EVW700.7b - Host sites will provide, free of charge, a drink and food at half-time and between each game to each game official, as requested. EVW700.8 - Security: The host site and coaches are responsible for the control of spectators during all contests it hosts. The EVW recommends that the host Site Supervisors notify the EVW league office of any possible negative tensions or issues among spectators. Any and all disruptive situations will be reported to the EVW league office by 8pm the day of the event/issue. EVW 700.9 - Warm-up Areas: Host sites must provide a warm-up area for all teams to warm-up prior to a game. EVW 800 - PRE-SEASON, REGULAR SEASON AND POST SEASON CONTESTS AND SITE SELECTION: EVW800.1 - Pre-Season Contests: No player shall participate on any team unless they are on the teams’ official roster and provided all signed consent forms and medical release documents to the league, prior to any contests or practices. EVW800.2 - Pre-Season Scrimmages - No team shall play in a scrimmage contest until after it has completed at least 4 days of full contact practices. EVW800.3 - Postseason Contests: Teams that do not win their division and do not qualify for the playoffs are required to play a Friendship Bowl game against an opponent of similar record and strength of schedule as determined by the league. Refusal to play in a Friendship Bowl game will include a fine for the member program the following season of $500, and/or expulsion from the league. EVW800.3a - Division Champions, Wild Cards and Conference Championship Games will be seeded as follows: 1. Division winners will be determined by best record, then head-to-head results. All efforts will be made in the final regular season game to pair up any teams to play each other that are tied for 1st place in their division heading into the final weekend of games, if those teams have not previously played each other. 2. If teams remain tied for the division lead after the completion of the regular season and have not played each other, the tie-breaker will be the Opponents Strength of Schedule (Opponents Winning Percentage). 3. Home teams for Conference Championship Games will be determined by best regular season record, headto-head results, if applicable, Opponents Strength of Schedule, and home field availability. EVW800.4 - Non-EVW Contests: Any EVW team wishing to play or scrimmage a non-EVW team must have a liability waiver signed by each players parent acknowledging that they are aware the EVW has not verified that the opposing teams players meet EVW eligibility requirements and that the EVW Youth Football is not sanctioning the contest, and therefore, not the governing body over that contest. EVW800.4a - No EVW team will practice with or scrimmage against, or compete in a game against, any team at a higher level. A Pee Wee team cannot practice or scrimmage with or against a Jr. Midget team, etc. 15 EVW800.5 - Friendship Bowl Host Sites: will be selected as follows: 1. Host sites for Friendship Bowl Games will be determined by field availability, then to satisfy teams with fewer home games, then by best regular season record. EVW800.6 - Championship Game Sites: The EVW Board of Directors will select a site for the Championship games. Sites will be selected by the EVW Board of Directors for the best interest of the event and the league members. EVW900 - TEAM COMPOSITION AND LIMITATIONS: EVW900.1 - Team Composition: Teams must be comprised through a draft process, ensuring that talent and grade levels are split in a fair and equitable manner. EVW900.1a – Program Members that have 2 teams playing at the same level for the upcoming season must divide all talent and players in each grade, equally, regardless of the coach the player played for the season. EVW900.1b – Program Members that have 3 teams or more playing at the same level for the upcoming season have the option of allowing returning players the opportunity to return to the same team, as long as the player was originally drafted onto that team through a fair and equitable process. EVW900.1c – When forming teams, for any Program Member with more than 1 team at a given level of play, regardless of the number of teams, each Program Member must ensure that an equal number of players representing each grade is present on each roster. (ex. If a program has 44 players at the Pee Wee level and 22 rd th rd th are 3 graders and 22 are 4 graders, then each of their two teams must consist of 11 – 3 Graders and 11 – 4 Graders.) EVW900.1d - The EVW Board of Directors reserves the right to oversee/supervise the draft process of each participating Program Member. Oversight includes the leagues presence at registrations and drafts. The league reserves the right to move players between program member teams to ensure all teams are comprised in a fair and equitable manner. EVW900.2 - Maximum Roster Size: The maximum # of players that a team can field is 25 players, maximum, per game. Teams that have more than 25 players on their official team roster can only suit 25 players per game. Players that do not suit up for a game, must suit up for all future games and different players on the team roster must take turns sitting out games. The process for determining players that do not suit up, over the 25 player maximum, must be done through a random drawing by the local Program Leader each week and not determined by the teams coaches. EVW900.3 - Minimum Roster Size: Minimum roster/team size is 11 players. A team must have 11 players minimum to start a game. EVW900.3a - No team shall have less than 11 players on the field at any time. If a team has less than 11 players able to play, it will forfeit the game to its opponent. No further play will be allowed for that contest. EVW900.4 - Coaching Staffs: A team will have one designated Head Coach, up to 3 Assistant Coaches, and 1- 8 Play Coach. A maximum of 4 coaches and one 8 play coach are allowed on the sidelines during a game. If a team has more than 5 non-players on their sideline during a game, the offending team will be penalized 15 yds. and the game stopped until all non-designated coaches and players are removed. Teams are not permitted to have a team trainer or ball person on the sidelines. 16 EVW900.5 - Responsibility of Formation of Teams: Member Program Leaders and Head Coaches will be responsible for fair and equitable formation of teams and the accuracy of their team roster. EVW900.6 - Team Rosters: Head Coaches are responsible to ensure that all team rosters are current with the league office at all times throughout the season. Additionally, head coaches are responsible for ensuring that all player names and jersey #'s on the league web-site is accurate and current at all times throughout the season. EVW1000 - PRACTICES: EVW1000.1 - The EVW football practices will follow this format: 1. The first two practices for all players will be "No Contact" in which only helmets and cleats may be worn. No personal protective padding may be worn by players during this time. 2. No two-a-day practices are allowed at any time. 3. Any player, regardless of when they start practicing, must abide by the "No Contact" practice rule for 2 consecutive practices. 4. After the first two non-contact practices, teams may start full contact drills and preseason scrimmages. 5. No Player shall play in a game without having attended practice and observed the No Contact, No Pads rule for 2 consecutive practices. EVW1000.2 - Team Practices: Teams will limit their practices to no more than 2 hours of active, exertive practicing. EVW1000.2a - Pee Wee and Jr. Midget teams will be allowed to practice a maximum of 4 times per week from th th th July 29 through August 16 . After August 16 , teams can practice a maximum of 2x per week. th EVW1000.2b - Midget team will be allowed to practice a maximum of 5 times per week from July 29 th th through August 16 . After August 16 , teams can practice a maximum of 2x per week. EVW1000.3 - A 1-Hour Walk-Through Practice will be allowed, in addition to the regular practice allowance, only on the week of a teams scheduled game. Walk-Through practices will be without pads and non-contact. No pre-season walkthrough practices are allowed. EVW1000.4 - No practice will extend past 9pm. EVW1000.5 - No team shall practice on Sunday without league approval. EVW1000.6 - Scrimmages will be considered an official practice and count toward a teams’ maximum practice allowance each week. EVW1000.7 - The following heat index guidelines must be followed: EVW1000.7a - If the outside heat index is less than 95 degrees, optional water breaks should be taken every 30 minutes, for 10 minutes in duration. EVW1000.7b - If the outside heat index is 95 to 102 degrees, a 10 minute mandatory water break must be given to all players every 30 minutes. Additionally, removal of helmets and pads is encouraged during all non-contact drills. Water must always be available and players allowed to drink as much water as they desire at any time during practice. 17 EVW1000.7c - If the outside heat index is 102 degrees or more, no outside practices are allowed and only practices and/or team meetings inside air conditioned buildings are permitted. EVW 1100 - RULES OF COMPETITION: EVW1100.1 - All games of the EVW Youth Football League will be played under current Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Guidelines and National Federation of State High School Football (NFHS) Rules, with the exception of the EVW League Rules, contained herein. EVW1100.2 - League Rules: The EVW Youth Football League Rules will supersede all others. This is to ensure stricter rules and that fair play is in place at all times. EVW1100.3 - Player Grade Level: The grade level a player will be entering in the 2013-2014 school year will determine what level the player will compete in. EVW1100.4 - 8 Play Rule: All players are required to play a minimum of 8 plays per half. Plays to be counted can include kick-offs, extra points, and punts. Each team is required to have one person designated to track each player’s playing time. If a team is found to have not played each player a minimum of 8 plays per half, they are subject to automatic forfeiture of the game. Additionally, coaches in violation of this rule will be placed on league probation for a first offense and will be suspended a minimum of 2 games, including all practices, for subsequent violations. In the event that a player will not play the minimum of 8 plays per half, this must be communicated to the opposing teams head coach prior to the start of the game. The parent (s) of the player (s) must also be notified prior to the start of the game. Reasons for a player not playing 8 plays per half can include missing practices, illness, injury or disciplinary reasons. In the event of injuries that occurred during the game that prevents a player from competing a minimum of 8 plays in a half, the opposing head coach must be notified either at halftime, or immediately following the game, dependent on when the injury occurred. Failure to comply with proper communication and reasons can result in automatic forfeiture of the game. EVW1100.4a - 8 Play Rule: Automatic punts at the Pee Wee level do not count as a play toward the minimum 8play rule. EVW1100.5 - Player Proof of Identity: The EVW Football League officials reserve the right to request further proof of any child’s age, grade, school attending, or identity, at any time during the season, if it deems necessary. Said proof must be provided within 2 days or player may be declared ineligible. EVW1100.6 – Cheer Leading Guidelines: Cheerleaders should avoid football teams, if possible, by occupying the area from the 25 yard line to the 5 yard line. EVW1100.7 - Electronic Equipment: The use of sideline electronic communication equipment during EVW Youth Football contests will be prohibited. Sideline coaches and personnel will be allowed to carry their cell phone, however, if they take a call, (that means the phone comes off his/her hip or out of their pocket) they must leave the sideline IMMEDIATELY. Phone, communication or other surveillance devices placed in or near the ear are prohibited. Repeated interruptions of cell phones can be interpreted as cheating and it is recommended that if sideline personnel are repeatedly using a phone during a game, he/she should remove themselves from the game or shut the phone off. This includes text messaging as well. EVW1100.8 - Failure to Appear: A team must give the EVW League officials 72 hours’ notice prior to game day that it cannot make its scheduled game. The team must give its reason for not being able to man a team for its game. Failure to notify the league at least 72 hours in advance of the game may result in possible forfeiture of the contest. 18 EVW1100.9 - Inclement Weather: At the first sign of inclement weather, league representatives and/or game officials will decide whether to delay or suspend the game(s). The safety and welfare of participants and fans is paramount. Any sign of lightning in the area will delay the game for 30 minutes from the last sign of lightning. EVW1101.0a – Making-up Games: In the event of a game postponement or suspension, the EVW Football League President will determine the make update, time and location or decide to call the game as complete and declare a winner. EVW1101.1 - Mercy Rule: Once a 21 point spread between teams has been reached; the game will enter the Mercy Rule. EVW1101.1a - Mercy Rule Options: If a game reaches the Mercy Rule, the losing coach can elect to: 1. Freeze the score as final, and continue to play under normal clock operations, for the purpose of giving 8-play players the opportunity to play more and develop. No scoring will be kept for the remainder of the game. The score when the game reached the mercy rule will kept on the scoreboard and considered final. No scoring will change the score and it will be considered as final. The losing coach will be allowed to switch from option #1 to option #2 during the game, except the score will remain frozen as final. 2. Play under Mercy Rule Guidelines whereas the referee will start the clock and let it run continuously until the end of each quarter and again until all 4 quarters have been played. The losing coach cannot change to option #1, once they have chosen option #2. The only times the clock will stop are: 1. Timeouts 2. Change of Possessions 3. End of Quarters 4. Injuries 5. Score becomes less than 21 points. If this occurs, the game clock will operate as normal. EVW1101.1b - The losing coach can elect to change to a running clock at any time during the contest, if they first elect to freeze the score as final. The score cannot change and will still be considered as final, but the clock will run, for the sake of finishing the game and will not return to normal clock function, regardless of scoring. EVW1101.1c - No teams leading in Mercy Rule in Mercy Rule situations are permitted to onside kick. If the game official feels that an onside kick was attempted, either intentionally or accidentally, they have right to award possession of the ball to the receiving team at the spot of the recovery. EVW1101.1d – Once the game has reached the Mercy Rule neither defensive team is not allowed to blitz or place more than 7 players in the Blocking Free Zone prior to the snap of the ball, unless it is a Goal Line situation. Furthermore, the offense for the winning team is not allowed to pass or run plays outside of the Free Blocking Zone. Ball carriers are only permitted to break the run to the outside of the Free Blocking Zone once they cross the line of scrimmage. No passing or reverses are allowed by the winning team. Any infraction of this rule by either team will result in a 15 yd. unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. EVW1101.2 - Striper Weight Limits: Eligible players whose body weight exceeds the established weight limits for their grade division, will be denoted as a Striper. Striper Weights for the 2013 Season: - Pee Wee Level: 85 lbs. - Jr. Midget Level: 120 lbs. 19 - Midget Level: 160 lbs. Striper Rules Include: 1. Stripers must have a horizontal stripe on their helmet. The tape must be visible on all sides of the helmet and must be 3/4” wide, minimum. Light colored helmets must have black tape and dark colored helmets must have white tape. 2. Striper players must play the interior line positions, either the center, guard, or tackle position and must line up in the free blocking zone, which defined by NFHS - Rule 2, Section 17 Article 1: The free blocking zone extends from 4 yds. to the right and left of the ball and 3 yds. to the front and back of the ball. A striper must be aligned no more than 2 positions from the ball and can play only center, guard or tackle. 3. Defensive stripers must be in a 3 point or 4 point stance at the snap of the ball. Defensive players cannot line up any further outside than the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. 4. Offensive players may maintain a 2-point pass blocking stance at the snap of the ball, in addition to the 3 or 4 point stance. On kick-off or kick return teams’, a striper player does not have to be in a 3-point or 4-point stance. 5. A play will be blown dead if, and when, a striper comes into possession of the ball. The exception is if the punter is a striper. In this case the punter must punt and cannot fake a punt or advance the ball. No ball advancement or laterals are permitted by striper players. 6. Once a player is declared a striper, he/she cannot be re-certified as a skill position player if he/she loses weight. 7. Any team found illegally using a striper player or illegally lining up striper player at a skill position will be assessed a 15 yard penalty for un-sportsmanlike conduct and if it is determined to have impacted the results of the game, forfeiture of the game will occur. EVW1101.3 - Double Striper: Older/ Lighter Rule: Players meeting the following criteria will be allowed to follow the Older/Lighter Rule: 1. 5th graders weighing 60 lbs. or less have the option of playing at the Pee Wee level. 2. 7th graders weighing 90 lbs. or less have the option of playing at the Jr. Midget level. EVW1101.3a - Older/ Lighter players: will be denoted with a Double Stripe on their helmets and are not allowed to play running back or quarterback positions, and are not allowed to advance the ball unless they intercept a pass, return a punt or kick-off, recover a fumble, or catch a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Double stripers are not required to play tackle-to-tackle. EVW1101.4 - Game Time Limits: All EVW Youth Football games will be 4 – 10 minute Quarters with a 10-minute halftime. There will be a stop and go clock. Each team is allowed 3 timeouts per half. EVW1101.4a - No game will begin before its scheduled time, as set by the league office. EVW1101.5 - Overtime Rules: A coin flip will determine which team plays offense and which team plays defense to start the overtime period. The team that wins the coin toss will choose whether want to play offense or defense to start the overtime period. The team that loses the coin toss will determine which end of the field the overtime periods will be played on. Each team will be given 4 plays to score from the 10-yard line. If neither team scores or both teams score and remain tied after the first overtime, we will attempt a second overtime. The team that lost the coin toss to start the first overtime period, will choose whether to play offense or defense to start the 2nd overtime period. If the first team to have the ball scores, then the second team must score in the same amount of plays or fewer. If the score remains tied after the second overtime, the game will be ruled a tie. EVW1101.5a – Championship Game Overtime Rules: If tied in the game determining the Division Championship, Conference or League Championship Game, the game will continue until there is an official winner. In Playoff or Championship games, the teams will follow the first overtime rules until there is a winner. 20 EVW1101.6 - Team Scoring: Teams will be awarded points for the following: Pee Wee Level Jr. Midget Level Midget Level Touchdowns 6 points 6 points 6 points Point after TD by Play 1 point 1 point 1 point Points after TD by Kick 2 points 2 points 2 points Safety 2 points 2 points 2 points Field Goal 3 points 3 points 3 points EVW1101.7 - Reporting of Game Scores: Both Head Coaches for the winning team and losing team are required to email their score to the designated league administrator, no later than 8pm of the day the game was played. EVW1101.8 - Game Protests: There will be NO protest because of an officials’ call. When a game has ended it is OFFICIAL. Please remember this game is for the kids to have fun, and learn to play football. No one call makes a difference. The only protests allowed are for issues pertaining to player eligibility, use of stripers, or coaches not adhering to the 8-play rule. EVW1200 - RULES VARIATIONS: EVW1200.1 - Pee Wee Level Coaches on Field: Pee Level games: teams are allowed to have 1 coach on the field to assist with play calling, lining up, and huddling for the first 4 weeks of the season. No coaches are allowed on the field during kick-off or kick return plays during any point of the season. EVW1200.1a - The offensive team coach must be 10 yards behind the deepest offensive player at the snap of the ball. The defensive team coach must 5 yards behind the deepest defensive player and 10 yards away from any player. EVW1200.1b - Neither on field coach may coach, nor give directions or gestures, once the huddle is broke. He/she may assist with players lining up, as long as he/she does not make blocking assignments or delay the game. On field coaches will make all attempts to avoid interfering with the play. On field coaches will not attempt to deceive the opposing players between or during plays. (i.e. being involved in a trick play.) EVW1200.1c – If an on-field coach is found to interfere in a play, the game will be stopped and a warning issued the offending teams head coach. The second offense will result in an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the on-field coach will be removed from the field for the remainder of the contest and the offending team will not be allowed to have any coach on the field for the remainder of the game. EVW1200.2 - Pee Wee Punts: Pee Wee Teams can only punt on 4th down. Pee Wee Head Coaches have 10 seconds to declare, from the end of the previous play, whether they will punt or go for the 4th down play. To declare, Head Coaches must clearly state to the head official their decision. If the Head Coach fails to provide a decision to the head referee within 10 seconds, the game clock will be stopped and will not restart until the ball is put back into play. EVW1200.2a - Pee Wee Level Automatic Punts: Pee Wee teams have the option to punt the ball or ask the officials for an automatic punt. After declaring an automatic punt, the ball will be moved 25 yards automatically. The ball can be placed no further than the opponents’ 20-yard line on an automatic punt, as a team cannot pin their opponent inside of the 20 yd. line. 21 EVW1200.2b- Pee Wee Punts: If a Pee Wee team chooses to have a player punt, no rush is allowed and no contact can be made, by either team, until after the punt has occurred. No fake punts are allowed. The center must snap the ball to the punter, between the legs. The punting team cannot release downfield field until the punt has taken place. During actual punt plays, the receiving team must have a minimum of 5 players lined up on the line of scrimmage in the free blocking zone. * Fake punts ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Pee Wee level. Once the offensive team snaps the ball, they have 10 seconds to punt the football. After the ball has been snapped, and before the punter kicks it, the football may not be touched by any player on the offensive team, except the punter. If the ball is not punted in the allotted 10 seconds, the play is dead and the ball is spotted, as a change of possession, at the place of the ball when the play was blown dead. The head official will be responsible for timing the punt. EVW1200.3 - Pee Wee Level Field Goals & Extra Points: The kicking team must alert the officials that they are going to attempt an extra point or field goal. The officials will alert the defensive team that an extra point or field goal is going to be attempted. The offensive team must snap the ball from the center, between the legs, to the holder, to start the play. Neither team will be allowed to make contact with any player on the opposing team. The defensive team will be allowed to jump and waive their arms, but touching an offensive player or crossing the line of scrimmage will result in an offside penalty being assessed. Once the offensive team snaps the ball, they have 10 seconds to kick the football. After the ball has been snapped, and before the kicker kicks it, the football may not be touched by any player on the offensive team, except the holder. If the ball is not kicked in the allotted 10 seconds, the play is dead and no points are awarded. The head official will be responsible for timing the kick. * Fake extra points or field goals ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Pee Wee level. EVW1200.4 - Jr. Midget Level Punts: Jr. Midget teams can elect to punt on any down. No rush is allowed and no contact can be made, by either team, until after the punt has occurred. No fake punts are allowed. The center must snap the ball to the punter, between the legs. The punting team cannot release downfield field until the punt has taken place. During actual punt plays, the receiving team must have a minimum of 5 players lined up on the line of scrimmage in the free blocking zone. Once the offensive team snaps the ball, they have 5 seconds to punt the football. After the ball has been snapped, and before the punter kicks it, the football may not be touched by any player on the offensive team, except the punter. If the ball is not punted in the allotted 5 seconds, the play is dead and the ball is spotted at the place of the ball when the play was blown dead. If the snap goes beyond the punter the ball is dead where it is picked up or becomes dead. The head official will be responsible for timing the punt. * Fake punts ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Jr. Midget level. EVW1200.5 - Jr. Midget Level Field Goals & Extra Points: The kicking team must alert the officials that they are going to attempt an extra point or field goal. The officials will alert the defensive team that an extra point or field goal is going to be attempted. The offensive team must snap the ball from the center, between the legs, to the holder, to start the play. Neither team will be allowed to make contact with any player on the opposing team. The defensive team will be allowed to jump and waive their arms, but touching an offensive player or crossing the line of scrimmage will result in an offside penalty being assessed. Once the offensive team snaps the ball, they have 3 seconds to kick the football. After the ball has been snapped, and before the kicker kicks it, the football may not be touched by any player on the offensive team, except the holder. If the ball is not kicked in the allotted 3 seconds, the play is dead and no points are awarded. If the ball is snapped beyond the kicker it is declared dead. The head official will be responsible for timing the kick. * Fake extra points or field goals ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Jr. Midget level. 22 EVW1200.6 – Midget Level Punts & Extra Points: All Midget level punts and extra points are live and follow NFHS rules. * Fake punts and Field Goals ARE ALLOWED at the Midget level. EVW1300 - PLAYER EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES: EVW1300.1 - Player Equipment: All players must have Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Jersey, Hip Pads, Thigh Pads, Tail Pad, Knee Pads and Athletic Supporter/Compression Shorts. The NSAA guidelines shall govern the player’s equipment with the exceptions herein: EVW1300.1a - Mouth-pieces: Must be any color, except clear, and must be attached to the helmet or face mask at all times. EVW1300.1b - Cleats: No detachable screw-in cleats will be allowed in the Pee Wee level, but are allowed in the Jr. Midget and Midget levels. Shoes must not have any metal spikes or cleats, or hard or sharp materials. EVW1300.2 - Uniform Sponsors/Advertising:: Teams may add sponsors names or logos to the shoulder and sleeve areas of the jersey. The front and back of the jersey should only have the team logo or mascot name, players’ name and/or jersey number. No reference to tobacco or liquor establishments is permitted on uniforms. EVW1300.3 - Uniforms: Each player will only be assigned 1 jersey number per season. If that jersey becomes lost or unusable, the player may use a backup jersey. In the event that a player must use a backup jersey with a different jersey number, the league must be notified immediately. EVW1300.3a - The jersey number must be secure and readable on the front and behind, at weigh-ins and during games. If a number is not readable, the jersey/number must be repaired or replaced immediately. EVW1300.4 - Helmet Visors: Must be clear to allow referees/first aid personnel to see the player’s eyes. EVW1300.5 - Glasses: If glasses are worn, they must be safety glasses with a strap that fits securely around the head. EVW1300.6 - Casts: Any player who is wearing a cast and wishes to play must present a medical release form to the head of officials prior to the start of the game. Additionally, the cast must be a soft cast and have a minimum of 1” of foam wrapped around it securely. EVW1300.7 - Game Readiness - Prior to the start of each game, Head Coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players are properly equipped. Any player who is not properly equipped will not be allowed to participate. Additionally, game officials will ask each Head Coach, prior to the start of a game, if all players are properly equipped to play. By an admission of yes, all burden and responsibility of ensuring players are properly equipped is the responsibility of the Head Coach. EVW1400 - WEIGH-INS AND TEAM ROSTERS: EVW1400.1 - Official Weigh-In Procedures: The EVW Board of Directors will conduct and supervise all formal weigh-ins. Weigh-ins will be held at 3 geographically designated sites, and each team will be assigned an official weigh-in time for their team. Communities will be offered the opportunity to schedule a local team weigh-in at a nominal cost, to avoid travel to designated sites. 23 EVW1400.1a - Weigh-Ins Procedures Include: 1. All head Coaches are required to submit, via email, a completed roster to the league, on a league provided roster form, a minimum of 48 hours prior to their team’s scheduled weigh-in time. 2. The scales at all weigh-ins will be provided by the League and only those scales can be used. 3. Be at weigh-ins at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time! 4. All paperwork will be collected at weigh-ins. If you do not have a player’s paperwork with you at that time, then that player will not be eligible to play until that paperwork is turned in to the league. 5. Have all of this done before your weigh-in time. DO NOT ORGANIZE AT WEIGH-INS! a. Each player must have a completed Consent / Pre-Existing Condition / Parental Pledge Form. b. Make sure each player has their game jersey on at weigh-ins. Failure to wear game jersey will result in them not being weighed-in and they will have to attend an alternate weigh-in site. c. Players must be lined up by jersey # (lowest to highest) and ready for weigh-ins. Coaches must submit all completed paperwork, including player forms and coaching forms, before the team will be allowed to weigh-in. 6. Each player will be allowed a maximum of 1 attempt to make weight. Players cannot attend more than 1 weigh-in site. If a player fails to make weight, they are allowed the opportunity to strip-down. EVW1400.1b - Weigh-In Strip-Down Policy: Male: A male student-athlete may voluntarily strip down to his shorts. Under circumstances is he to disrobe beyond that, voluntary or not. Female: A female student-athlete may voluntarily strip down to her shorts and sports bra. Under circumstance is she to disrobe beyond that, whether voluntary or not. If you have a player that cannot attend weigh-ins on your teams scheduled date, that player must weigh-in at another weigh-in location. The players attending an alternate weigh-in site must arrive and be ready to weigh-in 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled weigh-in. EVW1400.2 - Player Weight Loss: No player shall voluntarily or involuntarily engage in any method of weight loss. This is to include over-the-counter weight loss remedies, excessive exercise, body suits, or saunas. EVW1400.3 - Older/ Lighter – Refer to Rule EVW1101.3 - All older / lighter players must be identified to the league prior to weigh-ins, or immediately after, your teams scheduled weigh-in. EVW1400.4 - Team & Coaching Rosters: Rosters provided to the EVW League representatives prior to official team weigh-ins will be deemed final and posted on the league web-site. Information on the web-site for each team will include player’s name, jersey # and denote if the player is a striper or double striper (Older/Lighter). Teams with home and away jerseys with different jersey #'s must provide both jersey #'s for posting on the web-site. Any deviation found between web-site rosters and actual player rosters should be reported, via email, to the EVW President as soon as possible. If not reported, an investigation will be launched to determine the reason for the deviation and its’ effects on game results. Forfeiture of games may result if the infraction was found to be negligent. 24 EVW1400.4a - Adding players to the final roster - This request requires coaches to contact the EVW League Administration. Player information, including completed consent and medical release forms must be provided at that time. A "special" weigh-in time will be established to determine player weight. EVW1400.4b - Final Date to add new players - No new player will be permitted to join a team roster or play in an EVW game, if they are not included on their teams roster after week #4 of games. EVW1500 - SCOUTING: EVW1500.1 - Game Scouting: Scouting is allowed, however all Head Coaches must ensure compliance with all regulations regarding scouting. EVW1500.1a - An opposing team may scout only regular season & post season game(s). This is to include the charting of plays and hand written notes, or the use of video equipment. 1. Under no conditions will an opposing team's practices or practice scrimmages be scouted. 2. The act of scouting is not restricted to the team's coaching staff, but can be committed by anyone (player, fan, friend, parent, etc.). All Head Coaches will be held accountable for any violation following this guideline. 3. Coaches may exchange game film between teams. EVW1600 - CODES OF CONDUCT: EVW1600.1 - Player Code of Conduct: The EVW Board of Directors reserves the right to disqualify any player based on the severity of their action. The following guidelines will be followed: 1. DISRESPECT FOR AUTHORITY: Players will have respect towards other players, cheerleaders, Coaches, League Officials or other teams. 2. FIGHTING: Players will not engage in any act of fighting or otherwise abusive behavior at all. 3. INTIMIDATION: Players will not engage in any verbal or physical intimidation of opponents outside of the normal across the line talk. This is to include threatening gestures. 4. PROFANITY: Players will not use profane language or gestures at any EVW activities. 5. GOOD SPORTMANSHIP: Players must display good sportsmanship, follow the rules of competition and abide by the EVW Players Code of Conduct before, during and after every contest. 6. DRUGS: Players must avoid the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, tobacco products, drugs and performanceenhancing drugs at all times. EVW1600.2 - Coaches Guidelines and Code of Conduct: The EVW Board of Directors reserves the right to disqualify any coach based on the severity of their action. The following guidelines will be followed: 1. Head Coaches and the coaching staff participating in the program shall be held responsible for their knowledge of NSAA, NFHS and EVW Youth Football rules. 2. The Head Coach is responsible for the actions of his staff, team members, parents and fans. Your actions will dictate the responses of others. 3. EVW Youth Football has the right to suspend coaches from games, for any unsportsmanlike or eligibility infraction. 4. There shall be no more than five (5) team staff members, per team, on a team’s sideline. Head coach will ensure his/her sideline is clear of non-authorized persons. Only designated personnel are allowed on the sidelines! 25 5. During games, all coaches must remain within the designated Coach's Box. 6. Coaches will show consideration for all personnel connected with the game. This includes EVW officers, officials, the opposing team fans, and side-line personnel, at all times. Remember, this is youth sports! 7. All coaches will have a background check performed, a minimum of every 2 years, through the National Center for Safety Initiatives, or through a local school board, in conjunction with a teaching certificate. 8. No Alcohol, tobacco or drug use is tolerated at any EVW event, including practices. 9. No profanity will be tolerated by the EVW Youth Football League. Violators will be automatically suspended for 1 game for the first offense and up to 1 year for the second offense. 10. It is the Head Coach’s responsibility, in the event of an injury, to meet with the parents or guardian of the participant (player or cheerleader) injured, and to help assist the parent in any way to ensure the child is taken to receive proper medical care during/after an EVW event. 11. A Coach in good standing with the EVW will meet all criteria in the Coaches Code of Conduct. If a Coach is not found in good standing with the EVW, he/she may lose his/her right to continue coaching. 12. It is the Head Coaches responsibility to ensure that his/her team’s roster is accurate and correct, and that it is received by the EVW league office, before its due time. 13. All coaches will refrain from handling any player by the facemask, snatching, grabbing, hitting or contacting inappropriately any part of a child, equipment or body. 14. Any coach found to be in violation of Nebraska Statute LB260 or Iowa Senate File 367- Section Code 280.13c for failure to abide by law in the event a suspected concussion has occurred with a player will be suspended indefinitely. Any coach knowingly violating this law by allowing a player suspected to either have, or potentially have, suffered a concussion will not be allowed to coach before a hearing in front of the EVW Board of Directors to decide their coaching future. EVW1600.3 - Disqualification of a coach: A coach who is disqualified (ejected) from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct or unacceptable behavior shall be ineligible to compete for the remainder of that contest and the next contest. During this time, the EVW President will review the disqualification and approve the coach’s return or extend the disqualification. EVW1600.3a - A coach that has been disqualified (ejected) will be given seven (7) minutes to leave the event site/property. All game play will stop until the person has left the event. If the ejected person refuses to leave an EVW event, the official will declare a forfeit of the game. A coach who has been disqualified from a contest and continues to be disruptive shall be disqualified for the remainder of the season. EVW1600.3b - Any coach who has been repeatedly disqualified from multiple contests during his/her lifetime in the EVW Football league may be permanently disqualified from EVW events and contests. EVW1600.3c - In the event there has been 3 or more disqualifications of a coach(s), player(s), attendant or parents, from the same team in a season, that Program Members designated leader, and the teams entire coaching staff will meet to review and take measures to correct the negative situations. EVW1600.3d – Any coach that grabs, hits, intimidates or reprimands a player physically will be subject to permanent suspension as a coach in the EVW Youth Football program. EVW1600.4 - Spectator Guidelines and Code of Conduct - Any and all spectators must observe proper and good sportsmanship at all times. Parents must observe the Parental Pledge, which they are mandated to sign and abide by. EVW Youth Football will not tolerate profanity, abusive language, comments and gestures made toward any officials, coaches, players or league representatives. Failure to abide by these rules will mandate a 15 yd. unsportsmanlike penalty against the team of the offending spectator. At that time, the head coach will be asked to address the spectator(s) and ensure that repeated violations do not occur. If another infraction occurs, another 15 yd. penalty will be assessed and the spectator will be ejected from the game. EVW1600.4a - Fans must remain behind the barrier at all times. Failure to remain away from the playing field will result in the game being halted until all fans, players and coaches are in compliance. No one may sit or 26 congregate in the back of the end zone to watch the games. Head Coaches are responsible to not allow parents to enter the game field during competition. EVW1600.5 - League Rights to Eject: EVW League officials, EVW Community officials, and game officials, have the authority to eject any person, (i.e., Coaches, Players, Cheerleaders, Parents and Spectators) from any EVW event, at any time, without warning, if necessary. Any person ejected from an EVW event will be given seven (7) minutes to leave the event. All game play will stop until the person has left the event. If the ejected person refuses to leave the EVW event, the game official will stop the game and the offending team will forfeit the game. EVW1600.5a - Detrimental Actions or Activities - Any adult, whose actions or activities are detrimental to the EVW, are subject to disciplinary action, including permanent dismissal and/or suspension of attending any and all future league events. EVW Youth Football reserves the right to accept, deny or revoke continued membership/certification to any adult, coach, team, spectator or community, in the league, at any time. EVW1600.6 - Internet Postings & Media Broadcasts - Any Player, Parent, Coach or Program Leader within EVW Youth Football who posts or communicates inappropriate or negative league related media on the internet, radio or television, without the written approval of the league office may face disciplinary action up to, and including, permanent suspension from the league for themselves, their team, and/or program. IMPORTANT NOTES: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION: IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION: NAME:______________________________ NAME:______________________________ PHONE:_____________________________ PHONE:_____________________________ E-MAIL:______________________________ E-MAIL:______________________________ IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER FOR THE 2013 SEASON: th July 27 – Deadline to complete online background check. th July 29 – First Day of Practices th th July 29 – August 16 – Weigh-Ins th August 10 – Game Schedule Released th th August 17 / 18 – First Weekend of Games st st August 31 / September 1 Weekend – No Schedules games (Except for Bye Week games) th th October 5 / 6 - Last Regular Season Game for all teams th th th th October 12 / 13 – Friendship Bowl and Playoff Games for all teams October 19 / 20 - League Conference Championship Games @ Elkhorn E-1 Field th October 27 – EVW League Championship Games (Site to be Determined) 27
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