Coaches Handbook - Valley Youth Football League

1 2017 Coaches Handbook Table of Contents Key definitions, Mission Chapters & VYFL Representatives Forfeits and Game officials, Game length & Overtime Scoring and Mercy Ball Game Equipment & Coaches attire & Freshman rules & Sophomore rules & Practice and Important dates for 2017 Heat restrictions ..29-32 Where every child matters The rules found in this document are only meant to cover areas where the VYFL has decided to follow rules that are not currently found in the NFHS or CIF Blue Book rules . The order we will abide by in terms of rule priority will be: 1. VYFL Rule Book 2. CIF Blue Book 3. NFHS Rule Book This means that if a rule is stated in this VYFL Rule Book, it will be followed as stated even if it differs from what s stated in the CIF Blue Book or NFHS Rule Book. If a rule is NOT stated in this VYFL Rule Book, we will follow first what is stated in the CIF Blue Book and then what is stated in the NFHS Rulebook.

2 Key Definitions/Terminology 1. VYFL refers exclusively to the Valley Youth Football League . 2. Chapter refers to a Chapter franchised by the VYFL. 3. Franchised team is one which has met the requirements of its Chapter and the VYFL Mission Statement/Purpose Mission statement: The objective of Valley Youth Football League is to inspire Youth , to practice the ideals of health, citizenship and character; to bring our Youth closer together through the means of common interest in sportsmanship and fair play; to impart to the game elements of safety, sanity and intelligent supervision; and keep the welfare of the player first and foremost. Purpose: To acquaint the players with the fundamentals of the game rules , running, kicking, blocking and tackling. To teach through the game sportsmanship, love of the game and discipline; to promote safe play throughout all divisions of play. Chapters and Conferences as of 4/10/17 Northern Conference Dinuba Gladiators Hanford United Sunnyside Wildcats Central Conference Arvin Grizzlies Bakersfield Bruins Bakersfield Mustangs South Bakersfield Rams Southwest Bakersfield Panthers Northwest Bakersfield Browns Eastern Conference Bishop Broncos Boron Wildcats Cal City Mighty Ducks IWV Burros Kern Valley Broncs Section A: AD s, Coaches and Team Officials -Eligibility 1.

3 Athletic Director/Coach at Large/Chapter AD must be 21 years of age or over. 2. Head Coach ( Football ) must be 21 years of age or over. 3. A 21 year old or older head coach or assistant must be present at all practices/games. 4. All chapter personnel must submit a background check and must not have been convicted of any crime, which would cause them to register under Section 290 of the California Penal Code or be found to be of a violent nature. If information is found, they may be found ineligible by their Chapter or by the General Membership of VYFL for conviction of any crime. The Chapters will collect verifiable information necessary to check all Coaches , 18 years and older with the Megan's Law files. 5. All Coaches must abide by the rules /regulations outlined in the Coaches Handbook . All Coaches are required to sign the VYFL code of conduct included in the Handbook . Each Coach of each team in a Chapter may be required to take a test on the VYFL Rule Book.

4 6. Coaching staff are limited to 1 head coach & 6 assistant Coaches . A minimum of 2 Coaches are required per staff. Section B. Coaches : 1. Coaches can receive fines ( to ) and or ejections from games or of a season from deputy commissioners for violation of: Code of Conduct or Parent code of conduct policy Any insubordination towards fellow board member or affiliate of VYFL Any outburst towards any game official Any rule book code that is broken Any social media outbursts Coaches code of conduct: Valley Youth Football League Code of Conduct The Valley Youth Football League (VYFL) believes that: participation in any sports program plays an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of our Youth . It is essential for the VYFL to provide a positive and enjoyable learning experience for Youth , teaching sportsmanship, fair play, integrity, honor, respect, loyalty, personal courage and dedication through the game of Football .

5 Furthermore, parents, Coaches , spectators and officials involved in Youth sports events should be models of such statements and should lead by example by demonstrating fairness, respect and self-control. The VYFL has established this Code of Conduct and requires that you commit to be responsible for your words and actions while attending or participating in all events and that you conform your behavior to the following Code of Conduct: With regard to my players: 1. I believe that my role as a coach is to contribute to the overall success, physical and athletic growth through participating in Football . 2. I will endeavor to be a good instructor and a positive role model for my players. 3. I believe that the score of a game comes second to the safety and welfare for my players. 4. I will endeavor to put winning in its proper perspective. 5. I am responsible for understanding and competing within the letter and the spirit of the rules set forth by the VYFL.

6 6. I will teach my players to understand and play within the letter and spirit of the rules as well. With regard to opposing teams: 1. I believe that the way my team conducts itself has an influence, for better or worse, on those we compete against. 2. I will endeavor to make my team a positive role model. 3. I will not coach, nor allow my players to play, with intent to cause injury to opposing players. 4. Neither I, nor my players and spectators, will display hostile behavior towards opposing players. 5. Neither I, nor my players and spectators, will speak in a negative manner toward any member or spectator from the opposing team. 6. I will emphasize winning without boasting and losing without bitterness. With regard to game officials: 1. I believe that referees, just as Coaches and players, are attempting to do their best. 2. I will instill in my players and spectators a respect for that fact. 3. I understand that my attitude can influence my players and spectators.

7 4. I will display a controlled and undemonstrative attitude towards referees at all times. 5. Neither I, nor my players and spectators, will address a referee before, during or after the game in a demeaning fashion. Other items: 1. We expect you to create a FUN environment for the kids. 2. We expect the kids to work hard and get better everyday they are having fun and working hard, we have accomplished our goals. 3. We expect Coaches to remain positive; it s not all about winning. 4. We expect constant communication with your parents e-mails, website, phone calls, etc. 5. There will be fines and suspensions if any Coaches cannot conduct themselves. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and the spectators on their side of the field, specifically as it relates to the referees, Coaches , players, and spectators of the other team. Verbal and/or physical abuse will not be tolerated. Any coach showing this type of behavior shall be subject to disciplinary action as dictated by and at the discretion of the VYFL.

8 I further understand that my failure to abide by this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action by the VYFL, which may include but is not limited to game suspension and/or my rights to participate as a coach for the Valley Youth Football League . Section C: Penalties (a violation of any rule contained herein may subject a chapter, team, or individuals to any one or more of the following penalties). 1. Forfeiture of game(s). 2. Disqualification from competing for, or taking part in season games. 3. Disqualification from participating in bowl or post-season games. 4. Subject to a fine of not less than $ and no more than $ 5. Suspension, expulsion, ineligibility, disbarment, or probation. 6. Loss of franchise. Ejections Players and Coaches While each club may elect to enforce their own disciplinary policy on ejected players, the ejected player is still subject to VYFL rules . Any player ejected from a game is suspended for the next subsequent game.

9 If a player is ejected a second time within the same season, the player s actions will be reviewed by a deputy commissioner for possible further sanctions or suspension for the remainder of the season. Any coach ejected from a game shall immediately leave the premises. The coach is automatically suspended for the next subsequent game. All coach ejections will be subject to a fine as well. Section D: Forfeits & Protest Protests: VYFL has no protest rule. All games are final. Team forfeits A-Forfeits In the event that a team must forfeit a game, no less than Monday of the game advance notice must be given by the forfeiting chapter to the AD of scheduling If forfeit is less than Monday before the game notice is given, the forfeiting chapter will be responsible for paying any incurred fees. No show rule is subject to a fine to the opposing chapter, no exceptions due Friday before the game if not (Monday before the game ). All Forfeits (no game played see 11 player rules ) will incur a $250 dollar penalty, per forfeited game.

10 Forfeit penalty to be paid by the Friday before the next game to opposing chapter, No exceptions. Games forfeited 1. Coaches exhibiting un-sportsmanlike conduct toward any game official, player, director, or opposing coach or player. 2. Parents and/or followers of a team using un-sportsmanlike conduct toward any official, player, coach, director, or opposing coach or player. NOTE: Before the game is forfeited, one warning will be given by a game official & the game officials will consult with the chapter presidents to agree a forfeit is necessary 3. Not following the 10 play rule in the freshman division. 4. Overage of age & falsification of data concerning age. Team is subject to be removed for League play. that is not at assigned game time (30 minutes after time) will be subject to forfeit and fine. Section E: Roster Sizes Maximum Roster We recommend that not more than 35 players shall be certified onto a team roster. A team with less than 11 certifiable players will not be permitted to form and play.