ARIZONA CACTUS FOOTBALL LEAGUE BYLAWS - Ngin
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ARIZONA CACTUS
FOOTBALL LEAGUE
BYLAWSAZ CACTUS FOOTBALL LEAGUE INTRODUCTION
The AZ Cactus Football League is a minor-professional developmental football league in Arizona. AZCFL
commits to providing a level of professionalism and organization that will draw teams and athletes of the
best caliber to participate. Included in this commitment are: a game schedule including times and locations
set and announced before the start of the season; experienced officiating staff for every game; game fields
that give teams access to locker rooms, stands for fans, security, concessions and fan-gear available for
sale onsite, and a family-friendly environment for all. The bylaws exist to give players, team owners, and
league owners as a governance for appropriate conduct, sets forth the rules, and communicates the
expectations of all involved. The league fiscal year is defined as July 1 to June 30 of the respective league
year. The bylaws supersede any team contract when there is a discrepancy.
DEFINITION OF ENTITIES OF AZCFL
Leadership of AZCFL – The AZCFL is an LLC operated by the following individuals: Matt Archer, Rafiel
Ashante Lee and the governing board. The leadership has separate roles in the operation of the league in
order to ensure that the commitment set forth above is fulfilled for the benefit of all involved.
Team – An entity comprised of Owners, Coaches, Players and Staff. The team will have signed a one-
year contract. At the beginning of each year the team(s) will be evaluated prior to the league contracting
with the team for the new season. The owner conduct, financial stability, coach and player conduct will all
be a part of the review process. This review will be conducted by league leadership. The review will take
all members of the team into consideration for reviewing its application for the next season. The AZCFL
reserves the right to not offer a contract to any team for any reason. The AZCFL can, at any time and
solely at its discretion, without ramifications, terminate the contract of any given team. A team is not
considered part of AZCFL until all monies are paid in full.
Team Owner – This individual or group of individuals “owns” its individual team. Their responsibilities
include but are not limited to:
Personally responsible for its individual team finances, team personnel conduct including coaches,
players and support staff.
Attends all league meetings and assists in determining AZCFL playing rules or decisions not
directly dealt with in the AZCFL Bylaws. A team representative may attend any discussion or
actively participate in any discussion. In addition, failure to attend on a consistent basis can affect
the team’s status in the next season.
Responsible for ensuring the team has an adequate number of coaches and support staff
Responsible for maintaining website, a complete set of professional looking and matching uniforms
which will consist of light uniforms for away games, dark uniforms for home games, with no
exceptions. The team owner is responsible to ensure that all helmets are matching and are
reconditioned and painted by a NOCSAE licensed helmet re-conditioner.
The team owner will be held financially responsible for the cost of repairs for any physical property
damage his team or those directly associated with his team may cause to league property or any
facility or field provided by the league. The AZCFL will bring the problem immediately to the team
owner and/or head coach.
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Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020 Personally responsible to ensure that all members of team fully understand all rules and regulations
of the AZCFL. In addition, the team owner is expected to ensure that his/her team follows said
rules and regulations.
A team owner who is also a team player will be a team player while on the sideline. A team owner
that is suited up and playing in the game will not be granted any special consideration or “rights” to
speak as a team owner but will always still be expected to manage their team.
Team Coach – These individuals are there to manage the team on game day. Each coach is expected to
understand the NCAA rules and all AZCFL exceptions. The coach or coaching staff is responsible for each
of their respective team players. A coach will take all player issues and issues regarding the AZCFL to its
team ownership for discussion. The AZCFL and the officials associated with the league will hold a
mandatory meeting prior to the season in an attempt to clarify exceptions and review all rules that teams
may have questions on. The right to be a coach of a team in the AZCFL is subject to review at any time
and can be revoked by league leadership. Should a coach choose to play during a game, he will forfeit all
rights as a coach and will be considered a player during the entire game. In order to qualify for the playoffs
the coach will have to play in at least 5 games.
Player – Each player has the right to play for any team he chooses, however once the individual player has
signed all AZCFL documents and declared the team they have chosen transfer rules will be in effect.
Individual players are expected to represent themselves, their teams, and the league in a professional
manner in practice, games, or any other AZCFL activities. The right to be a player of a team in the AZCFL
is subject to review at any time and can be revoked by league leadership for any cause.
Team Personnel – Each team may have a support staff that consists of Assistant Coaches, (1)
Physician/Trainer, (1) Photographer, and (3) water personnel or prior authorization from the AZCFL. In
order to be on the sidelines, each member of the support staff must be a minimum of 10 years old, have
filled out all required AZCFL Forms and Waiver, and be wearing team apparel at all times. Each team is
limited to a maximum of three (3) 10-to-17-year-olds that may be on the field/sidelines at any time. The
right to be team personnel of a team in the AZCFL is subject to review at any time and can be revoked by
league leadership for cause.
PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES
GAME ELIGIBILITY
Each player must complete all AZCFL paperwork including a physical that is performed by a licensed
medical doctor and pay the league fee online by the deadline outlined for the respective registration year.
Each player, and staff must check in as directed by AZCFL Staff and show a photo ID (there will be NO
visual confirmation by any member of the AZCFL staff, fellow players, coaches or team owners accepted)
and a photo ID is the only acceptable manor in which one will be allowed to participate. Only individuals
with completed paperwork and fees paid will be allowed in without paying an entrance fee and allowed on
the field or sideline. An AZCFL staff member will make a team count during the game; any discrepancies
between the check-in list and actual field count will result in suspensions and/or fines. Once check in has
been completed and not later than the beginning of the third quarter of the game, the check-in will be
considered complete and no changes will be made.
PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
Any player must play in a minimum of 5 games with the team qualifying for playoffs in order to participate in
the playoffs. An injured player may be granted an exception to the minimum number of games required by
obtaining a note by a licensed medical physician within two weeks of the injury and it must be submitted to
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Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020the AZCFL office. Any military personnel that are deployed during the season may be granted an exception
once a letter by commanding officer has been given to the AZCFL.
CONDUCT
SPORTSMANSHIP
The teams and players that are playing in this league are considered the best in minor professional
football. By saying this, it is important to show sportsmanship at all games. Shaking hands, showing
respect, and helping one another is expected of our players. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
There will be consequences, suspensions, fines, etc. up to and including league dismissal. If an individual
is banned from the AZCFL for any reason, they are eligible to apply for reinstatement no less than 24
months from date of dismissal and/or ban affective date.
CONDUCT
All persons associated with the AZCFL are required to avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and
public confidence in the Arizona Cactus Football League.” This requirement applies to players, coaches,
other team staff, owners, game officials and all others privileged to work/volunteer in the AZCFL. All
persons participating in AZCFL events (games, fundraisers, etc.) will conduct themselves in a professional
manner both on and off the field and on social media accounts as well. Conduct that undermines or puts at
risk the integrity and reputation of the AZCFL, its teams or players, such as Profanity and foul language is
unacceptable. It is mandatory that Coaches report any negative behavior by team members’ on/off the
field. Persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to
discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime. Definitions can be detailed
below, and discipline is detailed in the code of conduct in a later section of these by-laws.
THREATS
- Referees must be immediately notified if any threats are made.
- Referees must notify coaches of both teams when threats are made.
- If threats continue, the player is ejected, and the police are called.
- The referees have the right to call the game if they are threatened.
- Threatening a referee will automatically result in a 3-game suspension.
- Threats made to anyone one or more persons life will result in the police being called and the offender will
be banned from the AZCFL for life.
TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
TEAM PRACTICES
Teams are responsible for their own practices and practice-related issues, including but not limited to
insurance, equipment, fields, and schedule. AZCFL is not responsible for any team’s practice or what may
or may not occur at team practice.
TEAM LEAGUE FEES
Team Leagues fees and schedule of payment is outlined in the season specific Addendum.
The previous years’ AZCFL Champion will receive 100% off their league fee only if they remain in the next
concurrent year. Refund requests must be made by the deadline identified. It is expected that the team is
fully committed, agrees to all terms, and no fees will be refunded. Fees will be paid online via the AZCFL
website.
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Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020TEAM OWNER RESPONBILITIES Effective after August 1st, 2019, Teams must submit application with specific documents subject to league vote and approval. Admission will be approved with a simple majority vote of team owners present; this collective vote will count for one board vote. The remainder of the votes will come from the AZCFL board members, with team acceptance being determined by a majority board vote. In the event of a tie in votes the league owner will break the tie. Owners must sign a contract. All contracts are valid for one season year. By signing these by-laws, you are saying that you will have your league fees paid on time when required by the league. You will be held responsible for the code and conduct of your team while participating in the AZCFL, and you will follow the rules set up by the league. After signing the contract, if for any reason you break any of the league policies, you are accepting that your organization and members of your organization can be fined, suspended, and/or removed from the league without refund. In the event your team is removed from league play during the current season, for whatever reason, you must reapply to the league, and must be re-voted in by the team Owners’ and League. Basic Team Owner responsibilities: - Collect all fees and fines and execute suspensions for their teams. - Keep league and other owners informed of relevant information. Honoring the league’s NDA. - Adhere to all league rules and deadlines. - Pay all league fees by deadline advised. - Conduct the day-to-day business affairs of the teams. - Have full authority to take any action that in their judgment, if necessary or desirable, to prevent or discourage any unprofessional conduct by any member(s) or person(s) which is in the best interest of the league, its members, or the sport of football. - Make known and enforce the provisions of these by-laws and rules of the league. - Bring in examples where possible for the League to examine for protested games or violations in a timely manner. Must be submitted no later than 48hrs following said violations or protest. - Keep your team’s website/social media current and professional. - As an Owner of an AZCFL Team, you will be expected to sign a CODE OF CONDUCT contract along with your players, staff, and coaches. A copy of the CODE OF CONDUCT must be filed in your team binder so it can remain on file for the current season. - Have a single “team” email address that is monitored to receive information from the AZCFL and other teams. - Any fines/suspensions assessed must be fulfilled before players/teams can resume play on schedule. No refunds will be given. Fines must be submitted to League at least 24 hours prior to the next game. - Teams are responsible for keeping and having present at all games a team binder with the applications and ID copies of all coaches, staff and players. TEAM FIGHTING Fights (Physical Altercation) involving 2 or more players from the same team, any location on league facilities, will result in the forfeit of current and follow on next game. In addition a $500.00 team fine will be assessed. A team will be suspended for the remainder of the season upon a 2ND Offense and a $1,000 fee assessed. A fight is defined as any team personnel that leaves their bench area to heighten any non- football activity on or off the field of play. Any incident will be reviewed by the League and decided on a case-by-case basis. _______________ 5 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
TAUNTING - Taunting the opposing team, staff, and players will not be tolerated. Whether by the person who instigates it or the person who retaliates, both can be ejected. - Referees will take action during the game; league will take action after the game. - If a player is injured in the game all players will report to their teams’ huddle, and not celebrate while the player is looked after. FACILITIES The AZCFL plays its home football games on high school grounds and each owner, coach, player, or staff member, and his/her guests are expected to follow all campus, state and federal guidelines the entire time they are on campus. Any failure to follow those guidelines can result in suspension and/or ban without a refund of any monies by the AZCFL. There will be zero tolerance for the use of drugs (including marijuana) or alcohol on any campus (field, facility, or parking lot) as well as zero tolerance for weapons/violence. No smoking cigarettes and/or vapor pens on campus premises. Any team personnel ejected during a game may serve at least a one game suspension, he/she will not be allowed at the facility/field hosting the game during which the suspension is being served. If any coach, assistant coach, or owner is suspended – he/she will not be allowed at the facility/field hosting the game during which the suspension is being served. Ejections will be reviewed by league leadership and suspensions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any member of a team that is ejected/suspended during the season will lose the right to be selected to AZCFL special honors such as but not limited to: All League Teams, All Star Teams, and Tournament Teams. Any player fighting act on the field of play, as determined by the referee will be an automatic ejection and at least an additional two game suspension, a second fighting act in a season will be an automatic ejection and at least the remainder of the season suspension. Team fighting is outlined in the Team fighting section on page 5. Helmet throwing will be an automatic ejection and possibly an additional one game suspension. Any act that disrupts AZCFL’s commitment to a family environment will result in at least a half game suspension. Any and all subsequent acts not outlined specifically will be handled on a case-by-case basis and the players’ past actions will be used in determining the length of any suspension. All suspensions will only count for the next team game played. Forfeits, bye weeks and rainouts do NOT count. Any act by any fan or member of a team that falls outside of the AZCFL’s commitment to a family-friendly environment will be removed from the facility and will not be allowed to enter the facility until the league ownership has decided whether it wishes to continue any relationship with said party. RIGHT OF REVIEW If a player, coach, or staff member is suspended from one or more games, they may request the leadership make a second review of the conduct and suspension, giving more explanation to the circumstances as appropriate. This request must be made via email with 48hrs of the occurrence of the incident. There is no obligation for the leadership to make a second review or respond to the request. AZCFL TRAVEL GAMES AZCFL Teams scheduled for travel are responsible for all transportation and housing costs that said team incurs. _______________ 6 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
PLAYER UNIFORM
Each player of a team must match in terms of uniform, this includes helmets, jerseys and pants. Players
must wear all pads per NCAA guidelines and pads must be covered at all times; exception, the lower back
plate may be visible.
Any towel must be white, or team colors made of a moisture-absorbing material, must be worn on the front
or side of the belt and must not be altered in any way (Team logos are acceptable). The enforcement will
begin at benefit games/preseason games and be fully enforced during any AZCFL game. AZCFL staff will
monitor uniform requirements and will remove any player not matching. AZCFL Officials will monitor any
safety equipment and handle per NCAA guidelines. Any player found in violation of the uniform policy will
be removed from the game and will not participate until the issue is corrected.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Only equipment that meets the dimensions and specifications in the most current NCAA Football Rules and
Interpretations may be used in League competition. All players shall wear the following mandatory
equipment, which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease protection:
a. Soft knee pads. Players of a team shall wear pants of the same color and design.
b. A helmet with a face mask and a secured four- or six-point chin strap. Facemask and helmet must
be certified and painted by a NOCSAE* licensed re-conditioner. NO USE OF SPRAY PAINT!
Players of a team shall wear helmets of the same color and decal, and facemasks of the same
color. *NOCSAE: All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a
manufacturer’s or re-conditioner’s certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards.
c. Shoulder pads, hip pads with tailbone protector and thigh guards.
d. An intra-oral mouthpiece must be worn at all times on the field. Team owners and coaching staff are
responsible for ensuring players are using all safety equipment, including mouthpieces on the field.
e. One jersey, with sleeves that cover the shoulder pads, that is not altered or designed to tear and
conforms to Rule 1-4-4-f.
f. Clearly visible, permanent Arabic numerals on one jersey at least 6” to 12” inches in height front
and back, respectively, of a color(s) in distinct contrast with the jersey. All players of a team shall
have the same color and style numbers front and back. The individual bars must be approximately
1-1/2 inches wide.
g. Numbers on any part of the uniform shall correspond with the mandatory front and back jersey
numbers. In the case of death or catastrophic injury or illness, a person may be memorialized by an
insignia not greater than 1-1/2 inches diameter that displays the number, name or initials of the
individual on the uniform or helmet.
For any questions regarding legal and illegal equipment refer to the most current NCAA Rules
found at the following website: http://www.ncaa.org/playing-rules/football-rules-game
PLAYER PAYMENTS
Payments are to be paid online on the AZCFL website. The AZCFL is an adult minor professional league
that attempts to promote its players to the college and professional level. No AZCFL team/ownership will
pay its players to play, will not pay its players for performance, pay the players’ league fees, nor provide its
individual team players anything that violates NCAA Guidelines. It is the intent of the AZCFL to make sure
no player is compensated in any way. Any attempt on the part of team owners to compensate players will
result in the automatic removal of the player(s) involved from participation in the league until the incident is
reviewed and ruled on by the Review Board.
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Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020PLAYER TRANSFERS Once a player has completed all paperwork, declared the team he will be playing for and paid all AZCFL fees, the player is considered to be part of that team throughout the current season. Players may, from time to time, request to transfer from one team to another; any player who has been added to a team roster and is requesting to transfer must first complete a league transfer request via email. Transfers request will only be reviewed by the league when made by email. Transfer requests must be made no later than Tuesday, 5pm local time prior to Game 2. The player must be cleared by the league to transfer. Transfers after Game 2 will not be permitted. Player is not allowed to practice, play, or attend team functions with any other team than the team declared at registration without a league approved transfer form signed by both transfer team organizers and an authorized league representative. Team found to be in violation of transfer policy might be dropped or placed on “Suspended” status as deemed appropriate. PLAYER RECURITING Players have the right to choose which team they play for within the AZCFL. Players can communicate with as many teams as they deem necessary to achieve their own success. Teams are to respect the players’ wishes once they have declared a team or requested not to be contacted again. A player is only recognized as a player on (1) team once said player has completed the league player registration through the AZCFL website. A player is subject to monies lost if they decide to move teams. Player contracts and monies between the team and players are between the team and players. The League will only intervene if the player has registered with the league and now is transferring teams. Each transfer is subject to approval from the AZCFL. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY 1. Players must be 18 years or older to play in the AZCFL. 2. Players must be out of high school or equivalent to play in AZCFL. 3. Players must sign a league by-law, code of conduct, and medical waiver to play in AZCFL. 4. No player will play in a regular season game without signed forms. 5. Players must be in good standings with league. 6. Players cannot play with two different leagues while the AZCFL is in regular season, in playoffs, or championship game. 7. Players will not be allowed to represent the AZCFL for any reason, at any time, if they are playing with a comparable league. 8. All players must have provided a copy of their legal ID to their teams for team binder roster check-in. If copy of ID/Picture on paperwork is not present in the team binder with paperwork at roster check, player is not in AZCFL compliance. No nicknames on IDs are acceptable. No ID means no playing. No exceptions. 9. All players must be in full uniform with team complimenting helmet, pants, and jerseys in order to play on game day. 10. Players must check-in with League representative at the gate before playing. Players who have not checked-in before halftime will not be eligible to play. 11. Players that leave to another league during the regular season may not come back until next season. 12. If a player is to play in the AZCFL they must have served all previous standing AZCFL suspensions/fines before they can be eligible to play in the current year’s season. 13. Players are encouraged to have their own Medical Insurance and/or supplemental insurance such as AFLAC. _______________ 8 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
LEAGUE CONTRACT
The contract to own a team in AZCFL must be signed by an owner. The contract clearly demonstrates the
financial commitment, personal commitment, and management skills expected to maintain the AZCFL’s
commitment to its fans and players. Acknowledgement of an agreement to the AZCFL Bylaws by team
owners will constitute the contract between AZCFL and team owners. The contract will commence from the
date of signing to the end of the Championship game. Teams shall select one individual to act as its
representative for league matters and communication between the team and the league. This individual
may be the owner, coach, or any other individual with knowledge and authority to make decisions on behalf
of the team, as well as communicate with the team regarding league issues. League leadership will deal
only with this team representative throughout the duration of the season with limited exceptions.
Only members of the team ownership will represent themselves in the ownership meetings, as determined
by the AZCFL at the beginning of each season. Team representatives will not be permitted to vote or
present their thoughts or ideas.
If any team or owner is not complying with the AZCFL contract and/or owner expectations, AZCFL has the
right to remove the team without refunding any fees.
Teams must provide the following no later than the outlined deadline:
- State provided incorporation paperwork. Ex. Incorporation application, Incorporation documents,
and/or 501(c)3 article of Non-profit incorporation
- Financial plan to provide team with all necessary items: Team league fee, uniforms, practice facility
- Electronic mock-up copy of home and away uniforms
- Electronic mock-up copy of helmet
- If applicable, copy of team by-laws/player contract. (Teams will be required to have team by-laws
and player contract starting 2021 season.)
TEAM COLORS/LOGOS
Team colors and logos must be presented to league leadership not less than one month following the
original contract being signed. Teams that purchase anything in regard to teams’ color prior to final
approval will not hold AZCFL responsible for any monies required to replace those items. Team must
supply a logo in final form of at least 800 x 600, color separated, in either .jpeg format or .psd format not
less than two months prior to the beginning of the season. The AZCFL will have unlimited use of the logo
and team colors for anything deemed necessary for promotion of AZCFL and its league. AZCFL will not
own the team logo or team colors at any time and will cease to use either in the event the team has
provided written documentation that the team no longer wishes to maintain its membership status with the
AZCFL. The AZCFL can provide team branding and identity assistance for a nominal fee.
ROSTERS:
- Teams may have a 50-player roster, with a minimum of 25, and a maximum of 50 players.
- Without exception, the roster cutoff will be the two weeks prior to 1st regular season game. Any team that
does not finalize their roster in a timely manner will forfeit their games each week, until they are released
from the league.
- The numbers and names of the players must match the roster and the players ID.
- Teams using players that are not on their roster will receive a forfeit and may be removed from the
league.
- Roster check-ins when called for is mandatory to perform at that game.
- All teams must have a minimum of 18 players at each game to kick off the game.
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Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020UNIFORMS A complete set of matching professional looking uniforms consisting of light-colored jerseys, dark colored jerseys and game pants with an optional alternate jersey must be in the teams’ possession no less than four weeks prior to the preseason game or will forfeit each game thereafter until the requirement has been met. No logo from another non-approved league will be present on uniforms. Each member of the team including coaches, team photographer, physician/trainer and support staff must wear team shirts while on the sideline area. Water technicians may wear t-shirts in team colors with the team logo. Home team will have first choice of uniform color, visitor team will wear opposite. Uniform colors must be agreed upon by both teams. FORFEITED GAMES Once the final teams have been determined for play in the AZCFL, any game that a team forfeits for any reason will be fined $500.00 for each game forfeited. The fine must be paid the following Wednesday and will continue to accrue until the end of the regular season or until the team can field enough players to complete a game as determined by the AZCFL. The game will be forfeited or rescheduled if the following situations occur (Any exceptions must be league approved): 1. The hosting team does not have a field by Wednesday, the week of the game (outside Phx metro area) 2. The field is deemed unsafe by the head referee and the opposing team. 3. The field is not properly lined to league specs, and missing equipment such as down markers, chains, and goal posts. 4. If either team is using an ineligible player as defined by league. 5. A team will not be held accountable if a game cannot be played because of acts of God, vehicle malfunction, or field owners overriding field usage for that game. If this occurs all attempts will be made to reschedule the game during the next open week. 6. If a forfeit should occur due to home or visiting teams’ irresponsibility to show up, team in violation will be held accountable for the financial loss. 7. Forfeits scores will be 2-0 8. Forfeits not approved by the AZCFL will result in a $500 fine for each. 9. Forfeits by choice will not be allowed, the game must be played. If a forfeit is needed it must be approved by the AZCFL a least 2 days in advance of the game. All other forfeits are determined by the AZCFL. TEAM SIDELINES Only registered members of the team with the appropriate AZCFL paperwork, individuals with a VIP pass, or league credentials will be allowed to be in the field vicinity. All other individuals will have to sit in the fan designated areas of the game site. All injured players must be in their own uniform tops if they are to be on the sidelines. Teams found with unauthorized personnel on their sidelines will be fined $50 per person and those people will be removed immediately. Repeat offenders will be subjected to additional fines and/or suspensions as the league leadership feels appropriate. The AZCFL reserves the right to ask for an ID at any time or to ask the person to leave the sideline. The team is responsible for any actions of anyone standing on their sideline at any time. Not more than three (3) 10-to-17-year-old team personnel may be on the sideline at any given time and must have all documentation signed with the league prior to entering the field or sidelines. _______________ 10 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
TEAM WEBSITES Each team must maintain a website/Facebook page and every reasonable effort must be made to keep it updated with information. Because we play at high school venues there will be no adult material present, no advertising for adult clubs, alcohol, tobacco products or anything that the AZCFL deems not appropriate for its family atmosphere. Team links will be maintained on the AZCFL website as long as the team is considered in good standing. TEAM COLLAPSE Should any team collapse due to team ownership, AZCFL will take over the team operations in order to honor the commitment of the players to the team and the league. Ownership will turn over all uniforms, playbooks, and equipment to AZCFL for the duration of the season and such items will be returned at the end of the season. If the team owner fails to comply with the turnover of equipment, uniforms, and playbook, he/she will be subject to a claim in small claims court of $5,000 for breach of contract. This is to protect the players who have paid league fees and team fees in order to play a season with AZCFL and AZCFL is serious about returning the level of commitment to its players. The $5,000 claim represents the funds that AZCFL will return to players for their league and team fees should they not get the full season they have contracted for. This amount includes actual damages and does not include punitive damages. Additionally, any team owner that fails to comply with this paragraph will forfeit the ability to own a team in AZCFL in the future. SCRIMMAGES Scrimmages are optional and are up to individual teams to organize, schedule, and staff. AZCFL will not be responsible for any scrimmage-related issues, including but not limited to: fees, fields, schedules, insurance, equipment, officials, etc. LOCKER ROOM/FACILITES The AZCFL has secured the rights of each team to have clean and sanitary locker room for its use. Each team is responsible for ensuring that their locker room is clean following a game. All debris must be cleaned off the floor and put into garbage cans, all toilets flushed, and locker room swept out. Following the end of the game a member of the team will have a member of the AZCFL staff sign off on the locker room prior to leaving. If a team repeatedly proves that it can’t maintain a clean/sanitary locker room, then it will forfeit its right to use and players will be required to come to the game site fully dressed. PLAYOFFS/CHAMPIONSHIP Teams will qualify be able for the Championship Tournament as defined by the schedule/numbers of teams for that respective season and will be outlined in the season addendum; the following criteria will be used in selecting the overall top 8 teams: Win/loss record, Head to Head, Points Against The top teams as determined above will hold a single elimination championship tournament with the final two teams playing in the Championship. The winner of the Championship will receive a trophy for MVP and Team as well as Championship t-shirts. PRESSBOX This area is to be used for AZCFL personnel only; no member of a team may use the press box for any reason without league authorization. _______________ 11 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
LEAGUE GAME FILM - PHOTOGRAPHY AZCFL will have photography taken of games as well as videos. These will be available for general use on the AZCFL website. AZCFL does not have any obligation to film or photograph every AZCFL game or player. Game HUDL film will be uploaded to HUDL no later than 8:00 p.m. the Monday after Saturday’s games. The league retains the right to use photography of teams, players, fans, etc. without limitation. AZCFL also has the right to utilize the logo of each team in the AZCFL and will not make any changes to such logo. SOCIAL MEDIA - RADIO - TELEVISION - PRESS There will be no delayed or live televising of any football game(s), unless approved by the AZCFL and/or League marketing coordinator. If any person(s) or TV station requests a delayed taping, please direct them to the AZCFL office. Request for a live telecast must have prior approval from the AZCFL. Any radio station desiring to broadcast any game, live or delayed, must contact the league president to secure permission to broadcast. All requests for space should be done through the league commissioner or league marketing coordinator. The league reserves the right to discontinue broadcasting of any station, at any time, if such broadcast is considered by the League to be in poor taste or incompatible with the association. There shall not be any destructive criticism of the game or game officials and their decisions either directly or indirectly. The rights to any future use for commercial purpose(s) or distribution of any photos, videotapes, or radio broadcasts connected with these games, are reserved by the AZCFL. The AZCFL recognizes that the internet provides unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on topics using a wide variety of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. However, use of social media can pose risks to confidential and proprietary information, reputation and brands, and can jeopardize the compliance with business rules and laws. If your post would violate any of the AZCFL’s policies in another forum, it will also violate in an online forum. Anyone under AZCFL contract who violates AZCFL policies will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of contract and league dismissal. The AZCFL prohibits you from posting disparaging or defamatory statements about the league/teams/players/officials or its interest and you should also avoid social media communications that might be misconstrued in a way that could damage the league’s goodwill and business reputation, even indirectly. RULES QUESTIONS/PLAY REVIEW The Commissioner of Officials is available via email for any questions regarding the AZCFL or NCAA playing rules. Each team owner may request a play review via email; the team owner must accurately describe the time of the game, play and question the legality of the play. Blankets statements such as “they blocked below the waist”, “they held” during the entire game will NOT warrant any review by the Commissioner of Officials. Only plays on which a penalty was called will be reviewed. AZCFL COMMUNICATION POLICY The leadership of AZCFL will be available by email. Leadership will only communicate with the designated team representative with certain limited exceptions. WEATHER CANCELLATIONS League leadership will decide on whether games will be played or not due to weather conditions. The decision will be made based on several factors including potential for injury, potential for destroying the field, standing water and the host schools’ input. Team owners will be notified as early as possible as to _______________ 12 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
whether games will be played that day. Should the games not be played the team owners and league
leadership will determine when the games will be rescheduled.
SCHEDULE
Each team can expect 10 games a season to be played with possible one bye, in addition a week or two
may be postponed due to weather issues. The AZCFL will make every attempt to ensure that all teams
enjoy a 10 game schedule.
GAME START TIMES
The first game of the day at each site will start promptly at its published time and each subsequent game
will start not less than 30 minutes following the previous game or its published start time should that time
be greater than 30 minutes. All members of AZCFL are expected to allow plenty of travel time to arrive in a
timely manner so that all games start promptly. The facilities will be opened to all teams/team
members/fans 1.5 hours prior to the first game scheduled start.
AZCFL RULES OF THE GAME
The Arizona Cactus Football League uses the NCAA rules to govern the on-field play; in addition, it
incorporates accepted officiating philosophies used in college and NFL. The most current NCAA Rule
book will be used at all venues with only the exceptions outlined in the AZCFL exceptions to NCAA rules
documents found on the AZCFL website.
ADDITIONAL AZCFL RULES
- Mercy Rule-After halftime if there is a 35 point or greater point differential, we will go to a running
clock that will only stop for team timeouts, quarter change and injuries. The 2 minute warning will no
longer apply once mercy rule in enacted.
- Any player that throws their helmet on the field of play or sidelines – will be ejected from the game
and serve a minimum of 1 game suspension.
- Any player/coach ejected from a game will be suspended 1 additional game. (Targeting ejection is
subject to league review to establish 1 game is needed.)
- Any team and/or team member that threatens or endangers fellow players, opposing players,
coaches, opposing coaches, fans, AZCFL officials, game officials, school personnel or school
property will be suspended indefinitely. In addition, the AZCFL and its membership will use any and
all resources to ensure the responsible parties are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
_______________ 13
Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020I __________________________________ have received a copy of the Arizona Cactus Football League Bylaws, as owner of the ________________________________ understand that it is my responsibility to read all content herein and enforce not only the written word but also the spirit in which the Bylaws were written. I agree that as the owner of the ________________________________ I will ensure that the entire team is informed of the rules of the Arizona Cactus Football League and the information contained in the Bylaws, I will also ensure that my team will enforce the rules of the AZ Cactus Football League without exception. I understand that I am ultimately responsible for my own team affairs and financial responsibilities. My signature acknowledges the AZCFL Bylaws and signifies my contract as a team owner in AZCFL and the rights and responsibilities that come with being a team owner in AZCFL. _______________________________ _______________________________ Team Owner Signature/Date Signed Team Name _______________________________ _______________________________ League Owner Signature/Date Signed League Name _______________ 14 Team Owner Initials Draft 1.0 July 17, 2020
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