Bylaws
CFL Bylaws
THIS DECLARATION, BYLAWS, AND RULES AND REGULATIONS, pursuant to Article IX of the
Central Football League Bylaws dated January, 2011, is made on the date hereinafter set forth by the
Central Football League (“CFL”). Amended by majority vote March 30th, 2014
Recitals:
Article I. Organization of League and Principal Office
Section 1.1 Corporate Status. The Central Football League is a Central Football League nonprofit
corporation established and maintained in accordance with the laws of the States of Oklahoma, Kansas,
Arkansas, and Missouri. The Central Football League Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act, C.R.S. 7-121101. et. seq. shall apply.
Section 1.2 References. The Central Football League may be referred to as the “Central Football League”,
the “CFL”, or the “League”.
Section 1.3 CFL Office: The official office of the CFL shall be established by the Chairman of the Board of
the CFL in his or her city of residence.
Section 1.4 Board of Directors: A board of directors shall be established in accordance with Article V
hereunder.
Article II. Definitions
Section 2.1 Board of Directors: The body authorized to manage the affairs of the CFL.
Section 2.2 Board of Representatives: The body constituting the representative of each team.
Section 2.3 Celebrating: Excessive displays of excitement, jubilation, joy or exultation intended to
humiliate or otherwise demean an opponent.
Section 2.4 Forfeit Bond: 500$ Personal Check submitted to the Chairman of the board at the November
meeting. Once a forfeit has been approved by the Commissioner or Board of Directors, The forfeit bond
(500$ Check) will be given to the opposing team.
Section 2.5 EMT: Emergency Medical Technician.
Section 2.6 Equipment List: A written list of player(s)/staff (s) names submitted by a team owner to the
conference.
Section 2.7 Fighting: Any attempt by a player or non player to strike or engage an opponent in a combative
manner unrelated to football. Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to strike an opponent(s)
with the arm(s), hand(s), leg(s), or foot (feet), whether or not physical contact results.
Section 2.8 Flagrant Late Hit: When a player charges into or throws an opponent to the ground after he is
obviously out of the play or after the ball is clearly dead either in or out of bounds.
Section 2.9 Franchise: An agreement to allow a team to participate in the CFL. A franchise may be
operated by an individual, partnership, or corporation.
Section 2.10 Inclement Weather: Weather that prevents a contest from occurring in a safe, competitive
environment.
Section 2.11 League: The Central Football League as comprised of the Board of Directors and Board of
Representatives.
Section 2.12 Inadvertent Whistle: Is when a whistle is blown during a live ball play which immediately
makes the ball dead.
Section 2.13 Current High School Rules with amendments. 1. Down by contact. 2. Cutting allowed between
tackles and within 5yrds of line of scrimmage.
Section 2.14 Officials Evaluation Form: The official CFL Officials Evaluation Report, as amended,
provided by the CFL.
Section 2.15 Player: Any person not signed to a commitment to any CFL team. Player must 18 years of age
to participate.
Section 2.16 Player/Staff Commitment Form: The official CFL Player/Staff Commitment Form, as
amended, provided by the CFL wherein a player or staff member agrees not to join another Adult Football
team unless and until the management of the former team first releases the player/staff from the
commitment.
Section 2.17 Player/Staff Liability Release Form: The official CFL Player/Staff Liability Release Form, as
amended, provided by the CFL, wherein an owner, player or staff member releases the CFL and assumes
the risk of participating in the CFL.
Section 2.18 Player/Staff Release Form: The official CFL Player/Staff Release Form, as amended, provided
by the CFL, wherein an owner/general manager of CFL team agrees to release player/staff from
commitment.
Section 2.19 Professional Player: A player who has played professional football in the NFL, CFL, or Arena
1 football.
Section 2.20 Paramedics: Persons who assists medical personnel.
Section 2.21 Quorum: Unless otherwise specified herein, a quorum for voting at League meetings will be
constituted by a simple majority of representatives and directors. A quorum for voting at directors’
meetings will be constituted by a simple majority of directors. A quorum of 2/3 Owner’s / voting
representative must be present at any meeting called by the Director in order that votes of such meeting
become legal and binding.
Section 2.22 Representative: The individual appointed by each team to attend league meetings. Only proxy
designated members (max of 3) may participate in voting.
Section 2.23 Sportsmanship Agreement: A mutual sportsmanship agreement between each team of the CFL
which requires the submittal of a $250 money order per team in lieu of possible team and player fines.
Fines:
No Coaches weekly report $25
Failure to attend scheduled meeting $100
Leaving early from meeting $50
Failure to adhere Game film $50
Failure to Submit Weekly Stats $75
All remaining balances will be refunded to each team that submitted them.
Section 2.24 Staff: Staff shall include, without limitation, coaches, trainers, equipment personnel, team
physicians, statisticians, and any other individual assisting a competing team. Staff members must wear
sideline staff badges.
Section 2.25 Tampering: To engage in improper or secret dealings with the players or staff of another team,
without authorization, in an effort to influence, persuade or alter their decision to participate with violating
team.
Section 2.26 Taunting: Baiting or taunting acts, words or insignia which engender ill will. The CFL
expressly disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or
demean others under any circumstances including, but not limited to, on the basis of race, religion, gender,
or national origin. Additionally, any prolonged, aggressive act or delay in which a player/staff attempts to
draw attention to him shall be prohibited.
Section 2.27 Team: An operation organized for the purpose of participating in nonprofessional club
football. A team may also be referred to as member.
Section 2.28 Threatening: The use of profanity, insulting or vulgar language, or similar gestures shall be
prohibited. Further, the use of profanity, insulting or vulgar language or similar gestures intended to incite
physical confrontation with an opponent, another player, staff or spectator, as well as officials and the
Board of Directors, is prohibited and will result in ejection.
Section 2.29 Voting Proxy Designees. Individual(s) recognized by the Board of Directors as having voting
rights on league issues.
Section 2.30 Web Address: The official web address of the CFL shall be www.cfleague.info.
Article III. Purposes and Orientation of the CFL
Section 3.1 Purpose: The mission of the CFL is to promote and foster an amateur football organization in
the states Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, while providing young men the opportunity to
advance their playing days in the sport they love at numerous levels of the game: College, Arena Football,
Canadian Football, as well as other Professional Levels and the NFL
Section 3.2 Method: The CFL shall provide organization, scheduling, guidance and oversight consistent
with the philosophies of amateur sports to achieve its stated purpose.
Section 3.3 Non-Discrimination Policy: It the express policy of the CFL that any member associated with
the CFL shall enjoy all of the privileges of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, et al. This mandate includes,
without limitation, freedom from discrimination based upon an individual’s gender, race, ethnic
background, political orientation and/or affiliation, religious preference, marital status or physical
disability.
Section 3.4 Advertising: The CFL, in order to partially fund its endeavors, may obtain advertisements to
promote the League or otherwise offset the costs inherent in conducting League activities. In no instance
shall these advertising activities jeopardize the nonprofit status of the CFL may or may not obtain.
Article IV. Eligibility for Membership in the CFL
Section 4.1 New Team Eligibility: Any prepared organization desiring to form a team to compete in the
CFL must first file an Application for Admission with the Board of Directors. A $250.00 non-refundable
application fee is due at the time of application. Submission of an Application for Admission does not
necessarily imply automatic admission to the CFL. All new teams applying for admission into the CFL
must be 50 miles outside of an existing franchise. In some cases, teams will be allowed into the league
within a 50 mile radius if the existing franchise agrees and or the applying team is voted in by a 2/3 vote by
the board.
Section 4.2 Franchise Dues. League Dues will be paid with three payments made in November , December
, and January -- Payment of league dues can be made by personal check. Any team bouncing a check for
payment fee will be fined 10% of the amount that will be taken from the Sportsmanship Dues.
Section 4.2a Team Commitment: At the regularly scheduled League meeting in November a representative
of each team that intends to compete in the CFL in the next season must give the Board of Directors verbal
affirmation of that team’s intent to play. At the time the affirmation is given, their first of three
participation payments off $500.00 must be paid to the League. The remaining fees will be $200.00 due
December 1st, and $300.00 due January 1 to complete the Team fee for the upcoming season of the CFL.
Failure to pay the return fee will be cause for the team to be expelled from the CFL.
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Section 4.3 Probation.: All new teams will be on probation. If a new team does not return, (quits or is
*voted out), for a second year, they will lose any monies refunded to other participating teams. All new
teams will be required to leave their entire refund in the general fund. Upon return the said team will have
the refund added to their league dues for the upcoming season.* Upon a majority vote of two-thirds of the
CFL teams.
Section 4.4 Team Ownership Info: Each November all teams will fill out updated ownership information
sheets. All ownership info will be posted under the "contact us" section of the league website.
Section 4.5 Adherence to Rules and Regulations: Each team agrees to abide by all mandates, rules and
regulations of the CFL. Further, each team agrees to maintain a high standard of ethics in competition and
to encourage fair play and course of conduct in all instances.
Section 4.6 Admission of New Teams: In order to protect current franchisees, no team will gain admission
to the CFL without a two-thirds majority vote of the League. The team logo and color scheme shall be
submitted to the League for approval. Each team will also be required to have a team website that functions
the entire year. A blog page will not be sufficient.
Section 4.7 Change of Ownership of Franchise: In the event the ownership of a franchise changes, either
partially or wholly the franchise will be treated as a new team/organization based on a two-thirds majority
vote. The new owner or team will also have to pay the $100.00 application fee and $150.00 new team fee
as well.
Section 4.7a Suspension of Owner: The league reserves the right to suspend participation of a team owner
based on a two-thirds vote. Ineligibility of an owner to participate shall be based totally on acts which are
detrimental to the league or conflicts of interest. Owner’s suspension shall last for one season and
suspended owner(s) will be required to petition the league for reinsertion.
Article V. Officers of the CFL
Section 5.1 Board of Directors: A Board of Directors shall manage the overall operation of the CFL. The
Board of Directors shall consist of a Chairman of the Board, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Secretary,
Treasurer and League Commissioner. All positions must be nominated bye the owner of a CFL team in
good standing at the time of the meeting and must be elected by a majority of the CFL board members.
Only removed by a ¾ vote of full CFL Board of Directors..
Section 5.2 Terms of Directors. Each member of the Board of Directors shall serve one year. Elected in the
November meeting.
Section 5.3 Elections: Each position on the Board of Directors hall be voted upon every year. Elections
shall be conducted for the upcoming year at the November league meetiong to re-elect of fill bacancies of
out-going members of the Board of Directors. Yearly elections of new board positions will be voted on by a
minimum of 3 present teams. Each position must require a ¾ vote to pass.
Section 5.4 Chairman of the Board: The Chairman of the Board shall maintain
a League office, telephone and Email address in the city of his or her residence. The Chairman of the
Board shall promote the operations of the CFL, direct all CFL meetings, act as a liaison between League
teams, make interpretations regarding League policy whenever a League meeting would otherwise delay
necessary action, and to act, at all times, in the best interests of the CFL. Sign CFL checks as 2 nd signature.
Section 5.5 Vice-Chairman of the Board: Manage CFL employees, Is the liaison
between the board and the employees, Ensures that they are paid. Tells the webmaster what goes on the
website. Makes sure that the webmaster does their job. Becomes Chairman of the Board in case the
Chairman resigns or otherwise leaves the position. Reports on employees progress at each meeting. Heads
The Sponsorship, Field and Fans Support Committee.
Section 5.6 Treasurer: Manage the finances of the league The Treasurer shall
provide financial reports at each CFL meeting regarding the financial position of the CFL; shall establish at
least one CFL bank account and maintain the account(s) in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles; shall collect all established dues and fees and disperse funds as directed by the Board of
Directors for CFL purposes. Provides 1 st signature on all checks, signs all purchase orders. Treasurer shall
administer the Sportsmanship Fund.
Section 5.7 Secretary: The Secretary shall take the minutes at all Central Football
League meetings and present reports of prior meeting minutes at all League meetings. Write, issue and
store on file all CFL correspondence, bulletins and announcements and other writings. The Secretary shall
maintain a current CFL mailing and phone list in order to disseminate any pertinent league information to
all league members. The Secretary shall prepare copies of the minutes for distribution to all League
members. Ensure all board members, League officials, League employees and other leage affiliates are kept
up to date with league news that directly affects them.
Section 5.8 Purchasing Agent: Find out which teams are in need of what items
and find the best deal possible. Bring in samples where possible for the board to examine. Solicit board
members for purchasing ideas on where to get good deals. E-mail out a list of items needed to all other
teams so that surplus items from other teams might be used. When a decision to purchase is made the
treasurer must collect the money upfront and sign a purchase order BEFORE the items are ordered.
Section 5.9 League Commissioner: Sets the playing schedule in November .
Consults CFL written playing rules, conduct rules, and team rules and issues rulings based on written rules
when asked to do so. Refers items not covered in rules to the Judiciary committee then issues a ruling based
on the Judiciary Committee’s vote. Decide tied Judiciary Committee votes. Hands out and enforces game
suspensions based on the rules or judiciary committee. Oversees and manages the under commissioners
Section 5.10 League Committees
Title: CFL Judiciary Committee
Make up: Four members
Duties: Make decisions using impartial, best judgment in writing when called upon by the League
commissioner. Ties will be decided by the CFL League Commissioner
Title: CFL Rules and Referee Committee
Make up: Three members
Duties: Work with head of referees to improve refereeing quality, standardization, accuracy and
impartiality. Keep an electronic copy of the rules and update them when needed. Educate the referees and
ensure that all referees and owners have the latest and correct copy of the rules. CFL commissioner will be
the 4th participating party if needed.
Title: CFL Sponsorship, Field and Fan Support Committee
Make up: Three members
Duties: Work with together to with media, local government and schools to find better fields, sponsors and
generate fan interest in the CFL. Work with the league employees to maximize the effectiveness of the
committees efforts. The CFL Vice-Chairman is automatically on this committee. Each committee
chairperson will report at CFL meetings any updates and information regarding their committee and such
duties thereof.
Section 5.11 Conflicts of Interest. A conflict of interest is simply an irreconcilable conundrum, or potential
there of, an individual with public obligations and responsibilities has with his or her own private interests
or affairs. i.e. with another team. If a member of the Board of Directors suspects a potential or actual
conflict of interest exists on a matter placed before the CFL or its Board of Directors, he shall promptly
excuse himself from the discussion of the matter and from any subsequent vote. Any member may raise the
question of conflicts of interest. No team representative may vote on actions directly affecting their team.
Section 5.12 Removal of Directors: Directors elected by the Board of Representatives may be removed by a
two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Representatives, and may be removed only for cause.
Section 5.13 Resignation of Directors: A Director may resign at any time by giving 2 weeks written notice
of the resignation to the CFL.
Section 5.14 Liability to Third Parties: The directors and board members of the CFL franchises are not, as
such, personally liable for the acts, debts, liabilities or obligations of the CFL.
Section 5.15 Payments of CFL debts. All debts owed by the CFL not in the budget shall be paid by check
requiring at least (2) signatures from appointed board members. No debt shall be paid or money be made
available for board spending except those mandated for league operations without league votes.
Article VI. Meetings
Section 6.1 Annual and Regular Meetings: The directors of the CFL shall hold a League meeting once a
month during season (typically teleconference). The Chairman of the Board of Directors, at his/her sole
discretion, shall determine the time, date and location of any meeting. The preseason and postseason
meetings will require each teams attendance in person. The post-season meeting should be held within a
month of the season ending. The pre season meeting will be held in November. Each meeting will be set up
by the CFL League Chairman.
Section 6.2 Notice of Meeting: The directors shall give each member at least one week advance notice for
any meeting called. A minimum of 3 owners must be present at any meeting called by the director in order
that votes of such meeting become legal and binding.
Section 6.3 Tardiness: Shall result in the offending parties paying the tip on the next meeting. Minimum of
15% gratuity.
Section 6.4 Voting: Each member of the Board of Representatives shall have one (1) vote during League
meetings. If a new franchise is accepted into the CFL, it must attend three (3) consecutive League meetings
prior to obtaining voting privileges. When a new franchise is admitted to the League, the meeting at which
they are admitted shall count as one of the three meetings required to obtain voting privileges.
If voting results in a tie, the Commissioner shall cast the deciding and final vote.
Section 6.5 Special Meetings. The Chairman of the Board of Directors may, from time to time at his sole
discretion, call special meetings of the Board of Directors or the League. Proper notice of any special
meetings shall be supplied, as provided in Section 6.2 of this Article.
Section 6.6 Failure to Appear at Meeting: If a team representative fails to appear for a scheduled League
meeting, and had received sufficient notice of the meeting, THE UNREPRESENTED TEAM SHALL
BE FINED, NO TEAM CAN BE REPRESENTED BY ANY OTHER TEAM. The fine will be waived
only if the meeting is missed due to inclement weather and the unrepresented team has called the day of the
meeting, prior to the meeting. MISSED MEETING FINES WILL BE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS
($100.00), TO BE TAKEN FROM THE SPORTSMANSHIP AGREEMENT, BUT MAY BE
REIMBURSED BY THAT TEAM BEFORE THEIR $250.00 IS EXHAUSTED PURSUANT TO
THE SPORTSMANSHIP AGREEMENT
Section 6.7 Meetings. The Board of Directors shall attend all CFL meetings and any and all special
meetings called by the Chairman of the Board.
Article VII. Rules and Regulations of the CFL
Section 7.0 Rule on Rules: No rule or regulation adopted by the Executive Committee may be changed
until one year after the date of its adoption, including this rule.
Section 7.1 Equipment and Safety: All player equipment must conform to the standards specified in the
NCAA Football Rule Book, with the exceptions specified in Section 7.25 of this
document. The CFL requires all teams and players to provide proper football equipment for each individual
prior to participating in any practice or game. Ultimately, each player is responsible for his own equipment,
its condition and the functionality of the same. There are no national rules, regulations and standards
regarding re-certification of equipment. Each team may have its equipment re-certified at its discretion and
at its own expense.
Section 7.1a Uniforms: Each team shall have at least one jersey. Teams should do everything they can to
have home and away uniforms. All uniforms must match-helmet, jerseys and uniform pants. If a player
does not have matching helmet, jersey, and pants, said player shall be ruled ineligible to participate until uniform is
corrected. Under no circumstances are game officials to allow players in non-conforming uniforms or equipment to
participate in regular season league and playoff contests.
Section 7.2 Sideline Staff: Anyone on either side of the sideline must possess an issued Sideline pass from
their team or will be asked to go to the stands
Section 7.3 Team Roster, Commitment Form, Liability Release Form: Team Rosters may have a
MAXIMUM of fifty-five (55) players and a MINIMUM of Thirty(30) on its roster by the February/March
meeting. Teams are authorized to add players up to the 4 league game of the regular season. Each team must
submit one (1) copy of a completed roster in numerical order including a copy of each player’s signed
Player/Staff Commitment Form and a signed Player/Staff Liability Release Form. (*anyone without a
liability waiver on the sideline is subject to removal from the sideline WITH NO EXCEPTIONS).
Final Rosters and all supporting materials as described previously must be submitted to the Chairman Of The Board
and League Commissioner by 12am (midnight) CST the Friday before a team’s 4th league contest. Final rosters will
be posted to the league website.
All rosters will be printed and considered final at this time with exception of player(s) jersey
number. The League website roster is the OFFICIAL roster of the CFL, not each team’s website. It is each
teams responsibility to have their website roster updated weekly.
Upon completion of a Team’s current season, excluding teams in playoffs and Championships, TEAM
ROSTERS will become immediately released after the All Star Game of that season. No player will be
allowed to sign TEAM COMMITMENT forms until January 1st of the upcoming season. NO PLAYER
under a CFL contract after January 1st can be contacted for recruiting purposes without a release from the
current team’s owner. Players who have signed with a team and participated in any team events, pre-season
included, must sit out the following contest against a league opponent if transferring to another league team. This
applies prior to roster lock. Any team in violation shall be fined $100.00 per incident. FAILURE TO SUBMIT
THE FOREGOING SHALL RENDER AN INDIVIDUAL INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN
CFL ACTIVITIES. ANY TEAM THAT FAILS TO SUBMIT THE FOREGOING BY THE DATE
SPECIFIED SHALL BE FINED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00). FURTHER, ANY TEAM
WHO KNOWINGLY ACCEPTS A PLAYER THAT HAS NOT PROPERLY BEEN RELEASED
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FROM ANOTHER TEAM SHALL BE FINED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) AND
FORFEIT ANY GAMES IN WHICH THE INELIGIBLE PLAYER PARTICIPATED.
Section 7.4 Venue and Game Management: Synthetic turf fields are the approved surface for any CFL
game, as regulated by the game officials. E. Spectators are barred from the playing field and all team areas.
All game and team support personnel of the CFL or an individual team who are in the team area must be
ten years of age or older. The chain crew must consist of individuals sixteen years of age or older and sign
wavier prior to helping. All teams must have a suitable home stadium, (sideline barriers, bathrooms,
bleachers for fans, as well as facilities for players/staff to change into uniforms, operable scoreboard, time
keeping equipment, field safety equipment such as goal post bumpers, etc.). Certified (insured) uniformed
security is suggested. Wednesday 12:00PM is the deadline for a home team to declare that their field is not
available. Refer to section 7.8.
Section 7.5 Legal Action: Any legal action brought against the CFL, the directors, a board member,
franchise team, or a person or persons who are members of a CFL team, by any person who is a member of
a CFL team (e.g., owner, coach, player) shall cause the team of which the person initiating the legal action
is a member to be suspended from all CFL activity until said legal action is resolved. Said CFL activity
includes scheduled games, practices, and meetings. With the exception of, owners filing suit to retrieve
assigned/loaned equipment.
Section 7.6 Official Game Ball: The official football of the CFL will be designated by the Board of
Directors prior to the beginning of each season. The home team shall be responsible to supply at least two
(2) game balls to the umpire of the officiating crew prior to the start of the game. The visiting team may
provide its own game balls provided the balls are CFL official balls and approved by the official of said
game. CFL game balls must be OFFICIAL NFL SIZE. Balls with stripes may not be used.
Section 7.7 Rules. All CFL games shall be governed by the current National Federation High School rules in effect
the year prior to the current CFL season with exceptions specified in Section 7.25 of this document.
Section 7.8 Sunday Games: Games may be scheduled for make up games or contract disputes on Sunday.
However, if an opponent objects to the day scheduled, the opposing team becomes the home team on the
Saturday of that week and is responsible for the field and related expenses of conducting the game. When
scheduling games, attention should be paid to national and religious holidays.
Section 7.9 Rules Violation Forfeits. There are five ways a game can be called due to forfeit. Inadequate
field conditions. One of the teams failed to show up. The home team changed the game time, day or
location without proper notification (2 weeks). The game was called by the referee official. One of the
teams used an ineligible player. Any team that forfeits a game due to the inability to participate in the
scheduled game shall incur a fine of $500.00, and may be ineligible for post season play (pending a review
by the board). A $500.00 forfeit bond in the form of a check must be mailed to the CFL League Chairman
no later than the last meeting prior to season kickoff.
Section 7.10 Maps. Each team shall provide directions and the address of their home field to the
Webmaster and Board of Directors by January 1st. The league will have a map on the league website you
can access with current addresses and directions.
Section 7.11 Conference Season: The regular season of the CFL shall commence on a date specified by the
Board of Directors.
Section 7.12 Playoffs: The CFL playoffs shall consist of one (1) quarterfinal game in each division, one (1)
semifinal game in each division, and a championship game between the division champions.
The following is the formula that will be used to resolve ties:
1. Overall record
2. Head to Head
3. 13 point system
4. A toss of the coin
CFL will operate on the 13 point system described below
Tie Breakers:
The use of + or – 13 points will be used to help break any ties for playoff.
13 is the maximum number of points that can be gained or lost.
The winning team will pick up the + numbers of points they won the game by.
The losing team will pick up the - numbers of points they lost the game by.
Example:
Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers end up in a 3-way tie for the playoffs.
The game scores are as followed:
Chiefs 21 – Raiders 0 (Chargers bye) Chargers 0-0 0
Chiefs get a +13 since they won by 13 Chiefs 1-0 +13
Raiders get a -13 since they lost by 13 Raiders 0-1 -13
Raiders 6 - Chargers 0 (Chiefs bye) Chiefs 1-0 +13
Raiders get a +6 since they won by 6, but -13+6=-7 Raiders 1-1 -7
Chargers get a -6 since they lost by 6 Chargers 0-1 -6
Chargers 15 – Chiefs 9 (Raiders bye) Raiders 1-1 -7
Chiefs get a -6 since they lost by 6, but +13-6=+7 Chiefs 1-1 +7
Chargers get a +6 since they won, but -6+6=0 Chargers 1-1 0
Final Standing with the point differential is: #1 Chiefs 1-1 +7
#2 Chargers 1-1 0
#3 Raiders 1-1 -7
Raiders sit at home while the Chargers are @ KC
The top teams in each division will have home field advantage. After advancing, the top seated teams will
play the lowest seated teams. The championship field will be hosted by the highest seed team in the Championship
or at a location as voted on by league.
Section 7.12a Player PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY: No player may participate in the CFL playoffs without a
signed and submitted wavier prior to week 4's game. The number of teams, as voted by the league, will be taken to
the playoffs in a non-divisional league setup. If the league is set up with divisions, the top teams, as voted by the
league, from each division will advance to the playoffs.
Section 7.13 All Conference Method of Selection. The All-Star awards selection is recognized for
award and All-Star game.
Section 7.14 CFL All Star Traveling Team: The CFL will select a 40 Player Squad to represent the CFL
in any post season play. The criteria for selection of these players will be on ability only without regard to
team affiliation or record. Each CFL team shall have a Coaching representative present at the May
selection meeting. The selection will begin with the Quarterback, skill backs and receivers and continue
through the rest of the offense. The procedure will repeat for the defense and special teams. Criteria for this
selection will be skill and excellence at each position. The All Star Head Coach will be selected by the CFL
board at this meeting and will select a staff of CFL Coaches to assist him. The selected Head Coach will
have the ability to select a limited number of alternates based on need at specific positions. Players selected
to this team will inform their team owner of their intent to commit to preparation or decline the nomination.
Any player not accepting the nomination in a timely manner will be replaced. Any CFL Player who
attempts to participate in the All Star activities not elected by the selection board or invited by the
All Star Head Coach will be suspended from further CFL activities and must be reinstated by the
CFL board.
Section 7.15 Grievances. A written detailed petition for grievance must be submitted to
the CFL Commissioner. In the grievance, the petitioner must explain the circumstances
that led up to the difference of opinion and what the petitioner feels would be a remedy
for the situation. A fee of $100.00 is required and must accompany any Grievance when
filed. If a grievance is upheld, the fee will be refunded. If it is denied the money will be
forfeited to the CFL to offset costs of the panel. The CFL Commissioner will then direct
the Grievance Committee Chairman to commence action or deny the grievance as
unfounded.
All misconduct ejections will be automatically set for grievance Proceedings and the
$100.00 fee waived. Official’s penalty or play calls under National High School Federation football rules and
amendments are judgment calls and are not grievable.
Section 7.16 Rescheduled Games. If a team withdraws from the CFL following the completion of the
League schedule, the remaining opponent shall be awarded automatic victories for the previously scheduled
contests as well as (+13) for the point differential system.
Section 7.17 Inclement Weather: A game may be delayed, postponed, or a game in progress may be
suspended, if the referee believes that there exists any hazard to the safety of the team members, spectators,
or officials. This includes, but is not limited to, field conditions and weather. The referee may consult with
the head coach of each team before making his decision whether to delay, postpone or suspend a game. A
game must begin within one hour and thirty minutes (1.5 hours) of the scheduled start time. If it cannot, it
will be rescheduled. If a game is postponed, it will be rescheduled by agreement of the Board of Directors
and the head coach and owner of each team. If a game is suspended during play (once or more than once),
the total delay will be a maximum of one hour and thirty minutes (1.5 hours). If the game is suspended and
the one hour and thirty minute time limit is reached, the following applies:
If the game is in the third quarter, it is ended with the score at that time becoming the final score.
If the game is in the first or second quarter, it will be resumed at a later date at the point it was
suspended, unless both coaches agree that it shall be complete, with the score at that time becoming the
final score.
If a game is delayed and then suspended after it begins, the delay time will be included in the total
suspension time to determine if the game must be continued at a later date.”
Section 7.18 Pre-Season Games. Any team will be allowed to play an unlimited amount of pre-season
games. Requests for officials must be made in writing to the Supervisor of Officials (officials for preseason
games must be paid for by the participating teams, and game sites are also the responsibility of the
participants). The board recommends that EMT’s and/or paramedics be available.
Section 7.19 Game Film: It is required that each home team film each home game. Mailing should be
postmarked by the Monday following the game using next day delivery to the league webmaster. The
league will have a film page that will be accessible by each team in the CFL. If a home team fails to submit
film a $50.00 fine will be imposed for each exchange not provided by the home team, and the team will not
be granted access to view/scout previous films for two weeks for film available on the league website. Teams may
also upload to youtube accounts or similar media to be shared with other teams.
Section 7.20 Game Statistics: Each team in the CFL will be required to submit statistics each week.
If a team fails to submit stats a $75 fine will be taken from the sportsmanship account. First All-star selections will
be considered for teams who have entered season stats.
Section 7.21 Game Ejections: Any CFL Player, Coach or Staff member maybe ejected for any serious
game day infraction per National Federation HS rules or willful misconduct. Examples of such conduct include but
are not limited to:
1. Threats or challenging any person to fight (outside normal sports bantering)
2. Flagrant intentional late hits
3. Fist fighting on the field or in locker room
4. Throwing or destroying field, team or personal equipment that endangers others
(This includes throwing helmets on the field or sidelines.)
1. Leaving the field of play to engage in altercations in the spectator stands
2. 2 personal fouls in the same contest
3. Carrying or displaying any weapon in any game venue.
In addition to the referee, the CFL Commissioner or League Chairman will have the authority to affect a
willful misconduct ejection related to the above behavior.
Any person ejected will leave the stadium immediately. The referee will not commence the contest until the
ejected person has left the stadium.
ALL EJECTIONS WILL TRIGGER A GRIEVANCE HEARING
By CFL rule, the ejected person MUST appear before a grievance board that will review the ejection. The
board will then convene pursuant to the league grievance proceeding rule and then determine the severity
of the conduct and determine which penalties listed below or combination thereof will be appropriate.
1. Fine the ejected person $50 to $100 if warranted
2. Suspend the ejected from future contests
3. Suspend the ejected for the remaining CFL season
4. Dismiss the suspension as unfounded
Any fines, suspensions or conditions placed upon the ejected person must be satisfied prior to that persons
return to league play. In accessing any punishment the board will use the 1 game suspension rule as
a minimum standard
Section 7.22 Tampering: The purpose of the tampering rule is to establish procedures, responsibilities and
sanctions which govern team conduct when allegations of tampering with another team’s players or staff. It
shall be the responsibility of the CFL commissioner to establish a fact finding procedure to substantiate or
remand the allegations of tampering. If the findings are substantiated a fine of $100 shall be paid from the
violating team’s sportsmanship agreement.
Section 7.23 Intentionally left blank.
Section 7.24 Open Rosters: Players who are not currently signed a commitment to a team may be added to
any team up to the fourth week of regular season. No player under a CFL contract to a team may be
contacted by any other team for recruiting purposes without the expressed permission of that player’s team
owner. Any team in violation shall be fined $100.00 per incident. A revised roster and player/liability
commitment forms must be received by the Board of Directors or League Commissioner before the new player(s)
may participate.
Section 7.25 Exceptions to Equipment and Safety
1. A player’s jersey may be cropped to approximately belt-length provided the jersey is hemmed, as such
and shall not be tucked into a player’s pants.
2. Hip pads and tail bone pads are highly recommended but are not mandatory.
3. Knee pads and thigh pads are highly recommended but are not mandatory.
4. A mouthpiece is highly recommended but is not mandatory.
5. Socks and leg coverings as specified are not mandatory.
6. A four-point or six-point chin strap is not mandatory.
7. Gloves may be of any color.
8. Game pants to strike top of knee.
9. Visors- only clear, amber, smoke. No mirror.
Section 7.26 Exceptions to Rules
1. The ball is not declared dead until a part of the runner’s body other than a hand or foot is touching the
ground when an opponent makes contact with the runner.
2. There will be cutting allowed within the box. The box is classified as between the tackles, and 5yrds on
either side of the line of scrimmage.
2. Running clock in the 3rd quarter if 35 point lead is reached except for administration of penalties and
time outs.
Section 7.27 Player/Staff Eligibility: A player’s or staff’s eligibility is conditioned upon adherence to this
instrument and the mandates of the CFL. An owner, player or staff member’s eligibility is further
conditioned upon the submission of a Player/Staff Liability Release Form and a Player/Staff Commitment
Form. No player/coach may participate with more than one CFL team, minor league, adult/ amateur
football league, two weeks prior to the first scheduled CFL season game. PENALTY: Any team in
violation shall be fined $100.00 per incident and forfeit all games in which any illegal player or staff
member participated.
Section 7.28 Division of Teams: The teams in the CFL shall be divided into two divisions—the East/West
Divisions or the North/South Divisions.
Section 7.29 Scheduling: CFL shall play a season schedule consisting both divisional and non
divisional games, depending on the number of teams that season as voted at yearly league meeting.
Section 7.30 Identification Of Players: A valid photo id matching all players on each teams roster, must be
presented to the officials, prior to kickoff. When asked. Any players not presenting their valid photo id
prior to the game will not be allowed to participate. If it is agreed by both teams not to check id’s then a
grievance cannot be filed. It is suggested that teams upload player head shots to the website roster for easy
identification.
Section 7.31 Enforcement of Equipment Lists: This policy requires that individual players and staff settle
their debts, cash or equipment fees, with the previous team for which they played. The guidelines of this
section govern debts for cash or equipment fees which may be claimed by each team who participated in
the CFL the year prior to the claim and must be posted by January 1st and can be amended by March 1st.
Claims levied against a player/staff by a team prohibit participation by the same. Claims may carry from
year to year and it shall be at the discretion of each team whether a player or staff participates after their
year’s expiration of participation. Claims made by teams should be handled at its lowest level through
negotiations and arranged settlements. If a settlement has not been made by April 15 th of the presiding year,
the CFL commissioner and assistant commissioner shall make a ruling, based on findings, year, the CFL
commissioner and assistant commissioner shall make a ruling, based on findings, by remanding the claim
or reversing it mandating that the player or staff may participate for the presiding year. If the owner, player
and /or staff have not resolved the claim or dispute by June 1 st of the presiding year, the player/staff will be
declared automatically ineligible to participate in league functions for that season. No team shall make
claims for payments or debts which would constitute fraud or for equipment in excess of fair market value
(the cost of the item at present market).
PENALTY: ** If a team allows any player(s)/staff to knowingly participate in games, said team will forfeit
any games in which that player (s)/staff participated. Furthermore, if a player(s) knowingly participates in
games, the player (s) will be suspended for the season or the upcoming season if violation appears at
season’s end.
Article VIII. Insurance
Section 8.1 Property Liability Insurance: The CFL will purchase and provide commercial general liability
insurance for the League. The policy shall be reviewed each year, prior to the commencement of a season
by the members of the Board of Directors. Requests for liability insurance with regard to playing fields
must be made through the Board of Directors.
Section 8.2 Willful Negligence: Responsible teams will assume legal liability injuries or property damage
that occurs before, during or after a game that may result from a team’s willful negligence or violation of
CFL rules, regulations and/or policies.
Section 8.3 Insurance: Private health insurance for a player is not a condition of eligibility. However, the
CFL strongly encourages each player to personally procure a health insurance policy that will cover
athletic-related injuries. The CFL will also have a Insurance provider at both annual meetings to cover
policy questions.
Article IX. Officials
Section 9.1 Requirements and Number. There shall be five minimum (5)high school certified officials per
game. All available officials will be listed on the CFL website. NO official not listed on the CFL website
not approved by the board will be used in any game. The CFL contracts officials at a rate of $75 per
contest.
Section 9.2 Nature of Employment: Officials hired by the CFL are independent contractors and not
employees of the CFL.
Section 9.3 intentionally left blank
Section 9.4 intentionally left blank
Section 9.5 Game reports. Each team is required to complete a game report on a form supplied by the CFL,
it will include an officials evaluation, it is to be submitted to the Supervisor of Officials and the league
office, within two (2) days following a contest. FAILURE TO TIMELY SUBMIT THE OFFICIALS
EVALUATION FORM SHALL BAR THE TEAM IN VIOLATION OF THE SECTION FROM
LODGING COMPLAINTS AGAINST ANY LEAGUE OFFICIAL. ADDITIONALLY, A TEAM
WILL BE FINED TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) UNDER THE SPORTSMANSHIP
AGREEMENT FOR EACH AND EVERY FAILURE TO TIMELY SUBMIT AN OFFICIALS
EVALUATION. The director of officials will submit a weekly report to the League office detailing
ejections, fines or concerns.
Section 9.6 Ejections of Players or Staff: Officials, Official Committee Chairperson, and opposing coaches
shall report the ejection of any player or staff to the Supervisor of Officials and League Commissioner, who will in
turn notify the League office no later than Monday following the game. Intentional non-reporting will result in a
forfeit for violating teams following contest based on video or photo evidence provided to the league. Anyone
ejected from game MUST LEAVE THE STADIUM.
Section 9.7 Game Day Evaluations: All Crew Chiefs will submit game day evaluations to the Supervisor of
Officials and League Commissioner, within two (2) days following a contest. Failure to comply will result in a
$25.00 fine. The Owner for that Home game will be responsible.
Article X. General Provisions
Section 10.1 Enforcement: Any individual associated with the CFL—including, but not limited to, owners,
coaches, players, directors, and team staff members—may enforce the restrictions, conditions or
reservations imposed by the provisions of this instrument.
Section 10.2 Severability: Each of the provisions of this instrument shall be deemed independent and
severable. If any provision of this instrument or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this instrument which can be
given effect without the invalid provisions or applications.
Section 10.3 Term of Declaration, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations. This document shall remain in full
force and effect until January 1th, 2015, unless sooner amended, reaffirmed or abolished.
Section 10.4 Technical, Clerical, Typographical or Clarification Amendment. If any phrase, word, letter or
number in this instrument is the product of unintended inclusion or omission, it may be amended to reflect
the actual intent of the drafters. If the technical, clerical, or typographical error substantially alters the
meaning of the phrase, word, letter, or number, the amendment must be approved in accordance with
Section 10.5 Amendment of Declaration, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the CFL. This Declaration,
Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations may be amended by meeting, mail, or telephone, with the consent of a
two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Representatives. In the case of a tie, the Commissioner shall cast
the deciding vote.
Section 10.6 Interpretation: The provisions of this instrument shall be liberally construed to effectuate their
purposes of establishing and maintaining a nonprofessional club football organization as set forth in the
Recitals of this instrument.
Section 10.7 intentionally left blank
Section 10.8 Consultants. One or more accountants, attorneys or other advisors may be employed by the
Board of Directors to perform financial, legal, or other services for the CFL, as may be required from time
to time. Such advisors may be terminated or removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause.
Section 10.9 Construction: Unless the context requires otherwise, words denoting the singular may be
construed as denoting the plural. Words of the plural may be construed as denoting the singular. Words of
one gender may be construed as denoting another gender, if appropriate.
Section 10.10 Captions. All captions and titles used in this instrument are intended solely for convenience
of reference and shall not limit, enlarge or otherwise affect that which is set forth in any paragraph, section,
or article hereof.
Section 10.11 Execution in Counterparts: This instrument may be executed in counterparts and each copy
shall have full force and effect when evidenced by copies of the remaining signatures.