MENDO-LAKE EMPIRE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE BY-LAWS
Revised August 2015
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Know All People By These Present: that the undersigned members of the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior
Football League (MLEJFL), do hereby certify that the following By-Laws were duly adopted by the
membership as the By-Laws of said association on August 22, 2015, and that the same do now
constitute the By-Laws of the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League.
MLEJFL Staff
Commissioner…............................................ Donald Ryan
Co-Commissioner…....................................... Rick Evans
Secretary….................................................... Melissa Cramer
Team Voting Representatives
Fort Bragg Cubs …........................................
Kelseyville Chiefs …......................................
Lower Lake Trojans …....................................
Middletown Colts …......................................
Westshore Cardinals …................................
Willits Cougars ….........................................
China Comer
Paul Holt
James Jones
Shaun Sims
Jason Soderquist
Brad Coleman
Note: The original copy will be in the possession of The League Secretary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE
PAGE
I:
Organization …................................................................................. 4
II:
Name …............................................................................................. 4
III:
Goals & Objectives …....................................................................... 4
IV:
Governing Body ….......….................................................................. 4
A.
Board of Representatives ….................................
4
B.
League Meetings …..............................................
4
C.
Amending the By-Laws …....................................
5
V:
Commissioner & Co-Commissioner …............................................. 5
A.
Duties of Office …................................................
5
B.
Probations .….......................................................
5
C.
Suspensions …...................................................... 5
D.
Rights of Appeal ..….............................................
5
E.
Game Day Privileges …......................................... 5
F.
Roster Changes ..…............................................... 5
VI:
Conduct: Coaches, Parents, Spectators, Etc. …............................... 5
A.
Role Models …...................................................... 5
B.
Coaches Code of Conduct …................................
5
C.
Spectator Areas …................................................. 6
D.
Sidelines ..….......................................................... 6
E.
25-yard Marker …................................................. 6
F.
Injuries ….............................................................. 6
G.
Grievance Process …............................................. 6
VII:
Teams …............................................................................................ 6
A.
Team Types …........................................................ 6
B.
Pee Wee (PW) Teams …....................................... 6
C.
Junior Varsity (JV) Teams …................................... 6
D.
Varsity Teams …..................................................... 6
E.
Rosters …............................................................... 7
F.
Physicals …............................................................. 7
G.
Equipment ….......................................................... 7
H.
Uniforms …............................................................. 7
I.
Footballs …............................................................. 7
VIII: Eligibility …....................................................................................... 7
A.
Right to Participate …............................................ 7
B.
League Age …........................................................ 7
C.
Maximum Limitations …....................................... 7
D.
Residential Boundaries …..................................... 7
E.
Grade & Age Verification …..................................
7
F.
Verifying Home School …...................................... 7
G.
Verification Difficulties ….....................................
7
H.
Rosters ….............................................................. 8
I.
Roster Addendums …...........................................
8
J.
Criteria for Roster Changes …..............................
8
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MLEJFL By-Laws
IX:
Practices …...................................................................................... 8
A.
Sign-Ups …............................................................ 8
B.
Conditioning ….....................................................
8
C.
Full Contact …......................................................
8
D.
Limitations …........................................................ 8
E.
Scrimmages …......................................................
8
X:
Games ….......................................................................................... 8
A.
Number of Players …............................................ 8
B.
Scales …................................................................ 8
C.
Weigh-Ins ….......................................................... 8
D.
Game Times, Days & Cancellation …...................
9
E.
Scoring ….............................................................. 9
F.
Kicks ….................................................................. 9
G.
Medical Personnel …............................................
9
H.
Officials & Fee …..................................................
9
I.
Admission ….........................................................
9
J.
Rules & Regulations ….......................................... 9
K.
Non-League Games …..........................................
9
L.
Mercy Rule ….......................................................
9
M.
Mercy Rule Violations …....................................... 9
N.
Headsets …........................................................... 10
XI: Disciplinary Action & Responsibility ….................................................. 10
A. Media Restrictions …...................................................
10
B. League Representative Responsibilities …..................
10
C. Roster Signatures ….....................................................
10
D. Coach Misconduct …...................................................
10
E. Background Checks ….................................................
10
XII: Dues & League Expenses ….................................................................... 10
A. Initiation Fees & Dues ….............................................
10
B. Actual Expenditures ….................................................
10
C. Incurring Expenses …...................................................
10
D. Insurance (Proof of Insurance) …................................
11
Appendixes
A. Grievance Form ................................................................................................. 12-13
B. Official Roster Forms (sent electronically to each Team)……………………..……….. 14
C. Official Roster Addendum Form (sent electronically to each Team)……..…….… 14
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MLEJFL By-Laws
ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATION
The Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League shall be organized for the purpose of providing
a junior football program for players 7-14 years of age under the supervision of mature adults. It shall
consist of teams approved by a majority vote of the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League board
members.
ARTICLE II – NAME
The organization shall be known as Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League, hereafter
known as The League.
ARTICLE III – GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of The League is to develop a recreational program that will provide
fun and enjoyment for players from 7-14 years of age, while teaching basic skills and fundamentals of
tackle football through qualified adult supervision; and to develop a program that is low-key and lowpressure without the win-at-all-cost attitude. To this end, no League play-off games, bowl games, or
championship games will be sanctioned by The League.
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODY
A. Board of Representatives The policy-making body of The League shall be the Board of
Representatives, hereafter known as The Board.
1. Team Representatives The Board shall consist of two (2) representatives and one (1)
alternate from each community who will have one (1) vote between them. In the case
of a tie, the Commissioner of The League (or Co-Commissioner if the Commissioner is
not present) shall cast the deciding vote.
2. Quorum A quorum, or majority, shall consist of four (4) votes or four (4) pair of
representatives. Each community will be responsible for selecting its own League
representatives who will serve for at least a one (1) year term. An alternate
representative is selected in case one of these representatives is unable to attend a
League meeting. However, only two (2) representatives will be allowed to sit in or enter
into any discussion of the board.
3. Guests Guests may be allowed at board meetings as silent observers, but may not
offer any comments, suggestions, or dialogue unless recognized by the board.
B. League Meetings The secretary shall notify/remind all teams and referee associations of
meetings one week prior to the meeting via email and/or text message. It is the individual
community’s responsibility to keep their information current.
1. General Meeting There shall be one League meeting on an annual basis for the
purpose of reporting on League status, vote on proposals pending, and to provide
beneficial guest speakers (such as referees, coaches providing technical assistance,
medical information, and other topics relevant to League operations).
2. Roster Meeting There shall also be a roster meeting held one to two weeks prior to
the first League game (time and location to be announced) which, along with The
League representatives, will require the mandatory presence of the Varsity and Junior
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Varsity head coaches. Each team must be present with a completed roster and
verifications along with a copy for each team and The League Commissioner.
3. Additional Meetings In the event of necessity, additional meetings may be held as
required.
C. Amending the By-Laws Any team may request a rule change or addition. Proposals (either
written or verbal) may be brought up for discussion at any meeting.
ARTICLE V – COMMISSIONER & CO-COMMISSIONER
A. Duties of Office The Commissioner shall be the chief executive officer of The League and
will work with the Co-Commissioner to give general supervision, control, and direction of
matters relating to the administering of The League, as well as govern meetings and enforce
rules. S/he shall call all meetings of The League when s/he deems it necessary.
B. Probations The Commissioner/Co-Commissioner may place a player, coach, team, or
League member on probation for a specified period of time. “Probation” shall mean that a
formal warning of a breach or violation of a League rule has occurred.
C. Suspensions Further violations within the same playing year will result in a temporary
suspension pending a League hearing. “Suspension” means revocation of membership from
The League and disassociation with any team or club within The League.
D. Rights of Appeal Any player, coach, team, or League member having been suspended may
appeal the decision of the Commissioner/Co-Commissioner and request a hearing at the next
regularly scheduled League meeting.
E. Game Day Privileges The League Commissioner and one (1) guest may attend any game
free of admission as well as The League Co-Commissioner and his/her one (1) guest. Each will
have the right to attend weigh-ins and make side-line observations that will not affect the play
of the game.
F. Roster Changes The League Commissioner/Co-Commissioner shall have the authority to
allow any team to add a member, or make changes, to their roster after the initial deadline.
See Article VIII, Section I for details.
ARTICLE VI – CONDUCT COACHES, PARENTS, SPECTATORS, ETC.
A. Role Models Coaches and adults connected with this program will conduct themselves at
all times in a manner befitting mature individuals so as to set good examples for the youth
involved.
B. Coaches Code of Conduct All coaches are expected to conduct themselves by the following
standards:
1. Tobacco in any form is not to be used in the presence of the players, at any team
function, or on school grounds.
2. The consumption of drugs or alcohol in any form is not to be used in the presence of
the players, or at any team function, or on school grounds.
3. Profane or abusive language is not to be used at any time in the presence of players.
4. Grabbing players by their face masks or any physical abuse is not acceptable.
5. Verbal hazing or vocal abuse of players is not in the best interest of the player or
team and is not acceptable.
6. It is important to remember that if we are to teach players the idea that good
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MLEJFL By-Laws
behavior, sportsmanship and the idea of fair play, it is imperative that we, as adults and
coaches, lead by example.
C. Spectator Areas Parents and all other spectators will remain in the stands and far removed
from the benches and playing field at all times during the game. They will also refrain from
yelling at the players. The referees should be made aware of these rules and, if necessary, stop
the game until everyone has returned to the stands or moved away from the sidelines.
D. Sidelines Each team will be limited to only approved personnel on the sidelines during the
game.
1. All home team personnel, including chain gang and film crew, to remain on the
home team side of the field and visitors to remain on the visitors side.
E. 25-yard Markers All coaches and players on the sidelines will stay between the 25-yard
markers during the game, except when there is an injured player on the field. The coach may
then go to the injured player on the field for a first-hand evaluation of the injury.
F. Injuries Any violation of the rules and regulations by any of the coaches, assistants, or
representatives will result in the forfeiture of the game or games as the case may be.
G. Grievance Process Should any team, player, parent, etc. have a grievance the following
procedure will be followed:
1. Rather than react in the heat of the moment, stop, and think about what occurred.
The Grievant will fill out the League Grievance Form (Appendix A) in order to put
his/her thoughts in order.
2. The Grievant will then begin with the coach/team rep. Talk it over in a civil manner
to try and find a reasonable solution, etc. The Grievant should wait no longer, than the
Friday after the incident took place to discuss the matter with the coach. The coach will
then deal with the situation immediately and write the results on the grievance form
and discuss the end result with the Grievant.
3. If the Grievant is dissatisfied, he/she should take the Grievance Form complete with
results from the coach to the Team Board of Directors. They will check into the
situation and note the results.
4. If all of the above has failed, as a last resort the Grievant will take the completed
Grievance Form with each result and documentation to The League Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII – TEAMS
A. Team Types The League will consist of Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Pee Wee Teams. New
teams may be entered into The League at any time by a majority approval of the Board of
Representatives.
B. Pee Wee Team Pee Wee players will be Fourth graders on down. The maximum weight for
this division will be 90 pounds stripped weight prior to each game. The maximum age will be
10 years on or before the last scheduled game of the present year. Players over 90 pounds may
play up. (Proof of grade will be required.)
C. Junior Varsity Team Junior Varsity players will be sixth graders on down. The maximum
weight for this division will be 120 pounds stripped weight prior to each game. The maximum
age will be 12 years on or before the last scheduled game of the present year. Players over 120
pounds may play up. (Proof of grade will be required.)
D. Varsity Team Varsity players will be eighth graders down. The maximum weight for this
division will be 155 pounds stripped weight prior to each game. The maximum age will be 14
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MLEJFL By-Laws
years on or before the last scheduled game of the present season. There will be no minimum
weight or age restriction, but good judgment by the coaches should be exercised when putting
a small or young person on the Varsity team. (Proof of grade will be required.)
E. Rosters There will be no maximum number of players on each team roster nor, will there be
any age break down as for the number of players at each age level. Official Rosters must be
turned in at the roster meeting prior to the first game of the season. Once the rosters are set,
they may not be changed without approval from The League Commissioner. (Article VIII,
Sections H & I)
F. Physicals All players must have a physical by a doctor who must provide a release to play.
Each team must keep a copy of said physical on file.
G. Equipment All players will be outfitted in the proper football equipment. (i.e. NOCSAE
updated helmets, all-purpose shoes, and NFHS approved equipment.)
H. Uniforms No team may change or add colors to uniforms without written permission from
The League Commissioner. The League does not require teams to have a numbering system.
I. Footballs All pee wee teams will use “Pee Wee” sized footballs. Junior varsity teams are to
use a “Junior” sized footballs, and the varsity teams will use “Youth” sized footballs.
ARTICLE VIII – ELIGIBILITY
A. Right to Participate No player will be denied the right to participate because of race, color,
creed, or religion.
B. League Age League age shall be that age the player will be prior to midnight, the last
scheduled game, of the present season.
C. Maximum Limitations The maximum age is 14 years league age, 8th grade student, and
must meet the weight requirements.
D. Residential Boundaries There will be no residential boundary requirements. Disputes
between teams over players will be referred to The League Commissioner/Co-Commissioner.
The League Commissioner/Co-Commissioner will make the final decision.
E. Grade & Age Verification Each player’s grade must be verified by either the registrar,
secretary, principal or vice principal from the player’s school or district office and the roster
signed by that official. If a team has players from different schools, then each of those schools
must sign the roster verifying the information for each of its respective player(s). A copy of
each player’s birth certificate must be kept on hand at each game to be shown upon demand
by the opposing team’s Head Coach, League Representative, Commissioner, or CoCommissioner to show proof of age.
F. Verifying Home School Verification of home-schooled students will come from the parents
of said child by providing a letter from the supervising school on school letterhead stating that
the child is indeed being home schooled and what grade that player will be entering.
G. Verification Difficulties Should the Commissioner or Co-Commissioner encounter any
difficulties in verifying a team’s roster, that team will be notified immediately. It is then up to
the team to clear up any questions that the Commissioner and Co-Commissioner may have.
H. Roster A team roster with each player’s name, jersey number, weight, League age, and
grade in school will be available to every team at the roster meeting prior to the first game. If a
player’s name does not appear on the roster list, the player is not eligible to play in this
football League during the current season without written approval of the Commissioner/CoCommissioner. (Appendix B)
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MLEJFL By-Laws
I. Roster Addendum Teams wishing to make changes need to complete the Roster Addendum
(Appendix C) and send it to the Commissioner or Co-Commissioner. The Commissioner or CoCommissioner will sign his/her approval and send the request back to the originating team. It
is the originating team’s responsibility to send copies and/or notify the teams they are playing
of the changes. The originating team should also keep a copy of the signed form with him/her
at the games in case of questions.
J. Criteria for Roster Changes When adding to or making changes to a roster, the following
considerations must be met:
1. No application will be accepted after the 4th Sunday of League play. New teams are
exempt and may add players throughout the entire season for one year only.
2. The applicant must meet all age and weight requirements.
3. The applicant is moving up or down due to weight, etc. and was previously
registered by the original deadline. Only one move may be made per player in a
season.
4. Absolutely no changes will be allowed without completing the Roster Addendum
Form (Appendix C) and forwarding it to the Commissioner/Co-Commissioner with an
appropriate verification of age and grade from the attending school, approved physical
from a doctor on file, and a statement by the applying team that they have a birth
certificate on file and that the requested player will meet the minimal 10-hour
conditioning, and 10-hour contact before playing a game.
ARTICLE IX – PRACTICES
A. Sign-Ups Sign-ups may commence at any time.
B. Conditioning A conditioning period with no contact may begin any time on or after August
1st.
C. Full Contact Contact practice cannot start until a player has completed 10 hours of
conditioning.
D. Limitations A minimum of five (5) practices with pads must be held before the first game.
Beginning the day after Labor Day, practices will be limited to three (3) per calendar week and
should not exceed two (2) hours per session. These practices will be exclusive of games. A
fourth day of non-field practice may be held (such as class-room chalk talk, etc.)
E. Scrimmages Only two (2) controlled scrimmages will be allowed with any other team in The
League during or prior to the season. The host team must provide medical personnel as during
any League game and weigh-ins must be held with an absolute maximum of three (3) pounds
over League game weight allowed. That is, 93 pound maximum for Pee Wee, 123 pound
maximum for Junior Varsity, and 158 pound maximum for Varsity. Jamborees are considered
separately, but must follow all scrimmage rules.
ARTICLE X – GAMES
A. Number of Players Each team will field an 11-man team.
B. Scales All weigh-in scales must be accurate and must be certified, every year, by County
Weights & Measures. Any team may bring a certified scale. In the event of a dispute, the
certified scale must be used.
C. Weigh-Ins All players must be weighed in prior to each game. Weigh masters are in control
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MLEJFL By-Laws
of the weigh-ins and all coaches must be out of the facility at the time of the official weigh in.
If a player does not make the weight requirement, the player does not play and may be on the
sidelines, but not allowed to wear shoulder pads under the jersey. Strip weight is allowed. A
player may weigh in as many times as is necessary, the last time being no later than ten (10)
minutes before scheduled game time. The ruling of the weigh master is final. All “heavies” may
weigh-in immediately following Pee Wee weigh-ins.
D. Timing & Dates League games shall consist of four 10 minute quarters (not a running clock)
with a 15 minute half-time, for both Varsity and Junior Varsity games. Pee Wee games shall
consist of four 8 minute quarters (not a running clock) and have a 10 minute half-time to
include the 3 minute captain’s meeting.
1. Game start times will be: Pee Wee 4:00pm, JV 5:30pm and Varsity 7:30pm.
2. In the event of a game cancellation the make-up game shall be played Sunday,
immediately following the cancellation, on the original field. Game start times will be:
Pee Wee 12:00pm, JV 1:30pm, Varsity 3:30pm.
E. Scoring Touchdowns will count 6 points; Field goals 3 points; Safety 2 points; PAT by place
or drop kick 2 points; PAT by run or pass 1 point.
F. Kicks Place kicking or kick-offs will be done with standard tee and shoes on. In Pee Wee
games there will be no rushing the punter.
G. Medical Personnel An ambulance or proper medical personnel (EMT or doctor) with
stretcher and medical emergency bag must be present at each game. Although it is the home
team’s responsibility to furnish the equipment and personnel, it is the responsibility of each
team to verify this prior to fielding their teams. The officials must not start the game until this
is completed.
H. Officials & Fees There will be at least three (3) paid officials for all games, be it Pee Wee,
J.V., or Varsity. The home team will be responsible for paying the fees for the officials.
I. Admission Charge of admission to all league games cannot be more than $4.00 for all adults
& $1.00 for children 14 & under. This can’t be changed without the approval of The Board.
J. Rules and Regulations Where not specified, the game rules will follow the National
Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) rules and regulations. A copy of these can be
obtained thru their web site at www.nfhs.org.
K. Non-League Games The scheduling of games outside the League may be done by any team
without prior approval or sanction of the board so long as there is no conflict with scheduled
League games.
L. Mercy Rule If one team gets ahead by eighteen (18) points, it must immediately pull all
their starters from Offense and Defense and play their reserves. If they do not have enough
reserve players, they then must play their second string or weakest players (both offense and
defense) until the other team scores. The leading team may then put its first string back into
the game. When they score again, reaching the 18-point lead, they must play their reserves
again. If the leading team does not have enough players for a second string, all positions must
be shuffled around to weaken the team. Special teams are the only exception to this rule (PAT,
Kick-Off, Kick-Off Return, Punt and Punt Return teams).
1. Mercy Rule Notification It is the responsibility of the hosting team to advise the
referees of the 18-point rule and remind the referees that they need to call a “Referee
time out” to allow the team’s time to rearrange their players.
M. Mercy Rule Violations The 3-tier disciplinary system for coaches/teams found to be in
violation of the 18-point Mercy Rule shall be as follows:
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1. Suspected Violation If you suspect a team of violating the Mercy Rule as outlined
above you must document it on film, making sure to record the score at the time of the
offense.
2. File a Grievance Fill out the League Grievance Form and send it with video
documentation to the Commissioner/Co-Commissioner. All complaints must be filed
within 72 hours of the incident.
3. 1st Offense After the first offense has been verified, the head coach of the
offending team shall be removed for one (1) game. And may have to forfeit the game.
4. 2nd Offense After the second offense has been verified, the offending team’s board
will be fined $500.00 to be equally divided up amongst the teams of The League. And
the coach will be removed from 2 games. And will have to forfeit the game.
5. 3rd Offense After the third offense has been verified, the coach of the offending
team shall be permanently removed from coaching within The League.
N. Headsets The use of headsets during youth football games are not legal under any
circumstances.
ARTICLE XI – DISCIPLINARY ACTION & RESPONSIBILITY
A. Media Restrictions No team shall release to the media any information regarding League
business, whether derogatory or otherwise, without the approval of The League
Commissioner or Co-Commissioner.
B. League Representative Responsibilities It will be the responsibility of The League
representatives to be certain that all their coaches and assistant coaches have read all The
League rules and regulations, are familiar with them, and have agreed to abide by them.
C. Roster Signatures All Coaches and Assistant Coaches must sign the Coach’s Oath (Page 2,
Item 3 of the Official Roster) stating that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by
the rules and regulations of The League.
D. Coach Misconduct Any coach or assistant coach whose conduct or behavior is found to be
in conflict with the goals and objectives of The League shall be disqualified and dropped from
The League. This action could take place at the board meeting (after a majority approval)
when all the facts have been heard. But may be done at the community level without
interference from The League board.
E. Background Checks Background checks will not be performed by The League. All teams
shall put in place a background check system for all adults who regularly come in contact with
minors.
ARTICLE XIII – DUES & LEAGUE EXPENSES
A. Initiation Fee and Dues There will be no initiation fee or dues to belong to The League.
However, if any league expenses are incurred for legal, insurance, secretarial, page or other
similar expenditures, it may be necessary to assess each community, or team, a pro-rata share
to cover such costs.
B. Actual Expenditures In no event will assessments of expenses be in excess of the actual
expenditures nor will any funds be accumulated.
C. Incurring Expenses A majority approval of the board will be necessary before The League
will be allowed to incur any expenses.
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D. Insurance Each of the members of The League will pitch in to purchase “Directors and
Officers” insurance for “The Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League.” The League, the
Commissioner and Co-Commissioner, as well as the current board members will be covered. It
is also recommended that each team add “The Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League” as
additionally insured to their liability policies.
1. Proof of Insurance Proof of said insurance for the current season shall be submitted
to the League Commissioner at the Roster Meeting each August.
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MENDO-LAKE EMPIRE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Appendix A – Grievance Form (Page 1 of 2)
Name of Grievant
Date
Email Address
Contact #
Mailing Address
City
Grievance Filed Against (Team Name)
Date of Incident
Location
Persons Involved
Witness Name(s)
Contact #
1.
2.
3.
Description of Incident (be brief and state the facts only).
Proposed Resolution
Signature of Grievant
Grievance Review – Step #1 to be completed by Head Coach or Team Representative.
Print Name
Title
Signature
Date
Action Taken
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MENDO-LAKE EMPIRE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Appendix A – Grievance Form (Page 2 of 2)
Grievance Review – Step #2 to be completed by Team Board Representative.
Print Name
Title
Signature
Date
Action Taken
Grievance Review – Step #3 to be completed by MLEJFL Commissioner/Co-Commissioner.
Name
Title
Signature
Date
Action Taken
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MENDO-LAKE EMPIRE JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Appendix B – Official Roster Forms
The Official Roster forms (Appendix B) are sent electronically to each Team by The League Secretary.
Request a copy and completed example from The League Secretary.
Appendix C – Official Roster Addendum Form
The Official Roster Addendum form (Appendix C) is sent electronically to each Team by The League
Secretary. Request a copy and completed example from The League Secretary.
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MLEJFL By-Laws