San Gabriel Valley Jr. All-American

Football Conference Inc.

A Non-Profit Organization 501 (c)(3)

BYLAWS

And CONSTITUTION MANUAL

Revised 2018

Phone # (626)327-8909 Email: sgvjaaprez@gmail.com

Conference Website: www.sgvjaafc.org

ABRIDGED VERSION PART #5

AWARDS & BYLAW VIOLATIONS

Brian Duffield Conference President 536 S. Second Ave #G

Covina, CA 91723

VIOLATION OF RULES

CAN RESULT IN FINES,

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE RULEBOOK

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

I pledge allegiance to the flag Of the United States of America

And to the republic for which it stands, One nation under God,

Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

Let Us Not Forget 9-11-01

The following is the Junior All-American Huddle Prayer To be said with players on one knee,

Helmet in hand, prior to the start of any game.

HUDDLE PRAYER God our Father hear us pray,

As we prepare to play this day; Give us strength and courage, too,

To do our best in all we do, Protect us as we play this game,

This much we ask and in Thy name.

Conference Office (College Scholarships & Records)

S.G.V.J.A.A Football Conference, Inc. P.O. Box 2969

Covina, CA 91722 Email: sgvjaafcoff@gmail.com

Insurance Coordinator

Kathy D’Amato (909)599-2525

Email: vp@kapmfg.com

Conference Minutes S.G.V.J.A.A Football Conference, Inc. Erika Navarro – Conference Secretary

Email: sgvjaasec@gmail.com

San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football conference, Inc. 2018 ELECTED OFFICERS

*Members of the Conference Executive Board

Conference President Brian Duffield* 626-327-8909

Conference Vice Pres. Kathy D’Amato* 909-599-2525

Conference Secretary Erika Navarro* 424-750-6737

Conference Treasurer Cynthia Ordonez* 626-806-5713

Jr. Gremlin Div. Pres. Gaby Alvarado* 562-708-4419

Gremlin Div. Pres. Rigo Flores* 626-820-3087

Jr. Pee-Wee Div. Pres. Tommy Avila* 626-253-8585

Pee-Wee Div. Pres. Mike D’Amato* 626-786-2773

Jr Midget Div. Pres. Albert Canchola* 626-399-9636

Appointed

Conf. Cheer Coordinator Rosio Flores-Canchola 626-494-4529

Conf. A.D. Coordinator Dena Santos 626-324-4400

Conf. Legal Counsel Kevin Lacey 818-248-1800

MANUAL AND CONSTITUTION

VOLUME I Amateur football fully deserves its important place in the lives of American youth. From its original soccer and rugby background it has grown to one of the most popular sports in this country. Because we appreciate the vital role of football as a builder of the country’s youth, both morally and physically, and because we believe in the principles and doctrine of the game itself, this booklet containing the constitution and bylaws of an amateur football’s governing organization is herewith presented. Board of Directors San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football Conference, Inc. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this program are: to inspire youth to practice the ideals of health, citizenship, and character; to bring closer together through the means of a common interest in sportsmanship, fair play and fellowship; to impart to the game elements of safety, mindfulness and intelligent supervision; to keep the welfare of the player first, foremost and entirely free of adult lust for glory. JURISDICTION The San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football Conference, Inc. claims complete jurisdiction and is the sole governing body over the game of the amateur football, as played under the rules and regulations of the San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football Conference, Inc. A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION Granted under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Incorporated in the State of California on August 22, 1968. Federal I.D. #95-6225422 State I.D. #D-0551756 Charitable Trust #CT-112168

THIS IS AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF: THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

JR. ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE, INC.

BYLAWS AND CONSTITUTION

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS:

PART #5 – AWARDS & BYLAW VIOLATIONS

• AWARDS GENERAL RULES • CONFERENCE AWARDS • INDIVIDUAL & TEAM AWARD

LIMITATIONS • JR. GREMLIN DIVISION • SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE • VIOLATION OF BYLAWS

o GENERAL INFO • MONETARY FINES • ACTS OF SUSPENSION &

DISBARMENT • ELIGIBILITY PROTESTS • ACCUSATIONS OF

MISCONDUCT AGAINST MEMBERS

• REQUESTING AND CONDUCT OF HEARINGS

*ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE FULL SET OF BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION AT ALL TIMES.

FULL VERSION OF THE SGVJAA BYLAWS AND

CONSTITUTION IS LOCATED ON THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE.

WWW.SGVJAAFC.ORG

ADDITIONAL ABRIDGED VERSIONS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON THE

CONFERENCE WEBSITE:

PART #1 – ARTICLES I - XXV CONFERENCE, FRANCHISE FORMATION, RECRUITING,

AND COACHING

PART #2 – ARTICLES XXVI - XL CONDITIONING, PRACTICE,

SCRIMMAGE, CERTIFICATION, GAMES AND PLAYOFFS

PART #3 – ARTICLES I - VIII

JR. GREMLIN FLAG FOOTBALL

PART #4 – ARTICLES I - VII CHEER RULES

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Table of Contents

PART IV – AWARDS .................................................................................... 88

ARTICLE I ..................................................................................................... 88

GENERAL RULES ........................................................................................... 88 Section 1: Purpose: .................................................................................. 88 Section 2: Conference Awards: ............................................................... 89

A. Scholarship Patches: ................................................................ 89 B. Scholarship Team Trophy: ....................................................... 89 C. Team Sportsmanship Patches: ................................................. 89 D. Coaching Sportsmanship Patches: ........................................... 89 E. Championship Team Trophy: .................................................. 89 F. Championship Patches: ............................................................ 89 G. Teams Present for Awards: ...................................................... 89

Section 3: Individual Team Awards and Limitations: ............................. 89 Section 4: Junior Gremlin Division: ........................................................ 89 Section 5: Scholarship Committee: .......................................................... 89

PART V – VIOLATIONS OF BYLAWS & RULES ................................. 90

ARTICLE I ..................................................................................................... 90

GENERAL RULES ........................................................................................... 90 Section 1: General Principles: ................................................................. 90 Section 2: Violations of Franchise Bylaws and Rules: ............................ 90

ARTICLE II .................................................................................................... 90

MONETARY FINES ........................................................................................ 90 Section 1: Fines: ...................................................................................... 90 Section 2: Factors to be Considered: ...................................................... 90

A. Violation Intentional: ............................................................... 90 B. Prior Violation: ........................................................................ 90 C. Nature of Offense: .................................................................... 90 D. No Factors Present: .................................................................. 91

Section 3: Payment of Fines: ................................................................... 91 A. Oral Notification: ..................................................................... 91 B. Written Notification: ................................................................ 91

Section 4: Timeliness of Notification: ...................................................... 91 Section 5: Limitation on Activities Until Fine is Paid: ........................... 91

A. Franchise Outstanding Fines: ................................................... 91 B. Team Outstanding Fines: ......................................................... 91 C. Member Outstanding Fines: ..................................................... 91

Section 6: Conference General Operating Account: ............................... 92 Section 7: No Appeal or Review: ............................................................. 92

ARTICLE III .................................................................................................. 92

ACTS OF SUSPENSION AND DISBARMENT .................................................... 92 Section 1: Defined: ................................................................................... 92

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Section 2: Suspension and Disbarment: .................................................. 92 Section 3: Conduct Meriting Suspension: ............................................... 92

A. Violation Intentional: ............................................................... 92 B. Prior Violation of Same Rule: ................................................. 92 C. Nature of Offense: .................................................................... 92

Section 4: Length of Suspension: ............................................................. 93 Section 5: Approved by Board of Directors: ........................................... 93 Section 6: Presidential Prerogative: ....................................................... 93 Section 7: Disbarment: ............................................................................ 93

A. Fraud: ....................................................................................... 93 B. Paid coaching: .......................................................................... 93 C. Competing for money: ............................................................. 93 D. Violence: .................................................................................. 93 E. Multiple Suspensions: .............................................................. 93

Section 8: Hearing Required: .................................................................. 93

ARTICLE IV .................................................................................................. 93

ELIGIBILITY PROTESTS ................................................................................. 93 Section 1: Protest Defined: ...................................................................... 93 Section 2: Pre-Game Protests: ................................................................ 93

A. Example: .................................................................................. 93 Section 3: Issues Arising During the Game: ........................................... 94 Section 4: No Other Remedy Available: .................................................. 94 Section 5: Protest Procedure: .................................................................. 94

A. Must be Written: ...................................................................... 94 B. Transmission Timeframe: ........................................................ 94 C. Deposit Required with Protest: ................................................ 94 D. Non-Compliance Results in Denial: ........................................ 94

Section 6: Review Committee: ................................................................. 94 A. Appointment of Committee: .................................................... 94 B. Decision Based on Reports: ..................................................... 94

Section 7: Decision by the Review Committee: ....................................... 94 A. Limitation of Decision: ............................................................ 95 B. Other Proceedings: ................................................................... 95 C. No Violation Deposit forfeited: ............................................... 95

ARTICLE V .................................................................................................... 95

ACCUSATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST MEMBERS ................................. 95 Section 1: General: .................................................................................. 95 Section 2: Procedure: .............................................................................. 95

A. Must be in Writing: .................................................................. 95 B. Transmission Timeframe: ........................................................ 95 C. Deposit Required: .................................................................... 95 D. Non-Compliance Results in Denial: ........................................ 96

Section 3: Hearing: .................................................................................. 96

ARTICLE VI .................................................................................................. 96

REQUESTING AND CONDUCT OF HEARINGS ................................................. 96 Section 1: Defined: ................................................................................... 96 Section 2: Jurisdiction: ............................................................................ 96

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Section 3: Requesting a Hearing: ............................................................ 96 A. Email: ....................................................................................... 96 B. Regular Mail: ........................................................................... 96 C. Personal Service ....................................................................... 96 D. Service on Franchise President: ............................................... 96

Section 4: Contents of the Request for Hearing: ..................................... 96 Section 5: Calendaring of Hearing: ........................................................ 96 Section 6: Other Information: .................................................................. 97 Section 7: Compliance with Request: ...................................................... 97 Section 8: Conduct of the Hearing: ......................................................... 97 Section 9: Litigation Waiver: ................................................................... 97 Section 10: Status of Member Pending Hearing: .................................... 97

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BYLAWS OF SAN GABRIEL VALLEY JUNIOR ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE, INC.

ABRIDGED VERSION CONTAINING PART #5 AWARDS & BYLAW VIOLATIONS

Part IV – Awards

Article I General Rules

Section 1: Purpose: Awards and Limitations on Awards are intended to promote the goals and objective of our Conference as set forth in Part I, Article III. To that end, Conference Awards are intended to emphasize academics and good sportsmanship and not to highlight or endorse individual physical achievements.

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Section 2: Conference Awards: Conference Awards shall be as follows in order of importance:

A. Scholarship Patches: Scholarship Patches will be awarded to any player with a 3.3 or better GPA on the Conference Grade Report Card. A 3.25 GPA can be “rolled up” for a Scholarship Patch Award only. To be eligible to receive a Scholarship Patch the Eligible Participant must have participated in no less than six (6) games during the season, unless prevented by injury or sickness.

B. Scholarship Team Trophy: a Scholarship Team Trophy will be awarded to the Football Team and Cheer Team in each Division with the highest overall combined GPA.

C. Team Sportsmanship Patches: Sportsmanship Patches will be awarded to the Football Team in each Division with the highest overall sportsmanship score. For purposes of this rule, sportsmanship scores are tallied through the eighth Game of the regular season.

D. Coaching Sportsmanship Patches: Sportsmanship Patches will be awarded to the Coaching Staff in each Division with the highest overall sportsmanship score. For purposes of this rule, sportsmanship scores are tallied through the eighth Game of the regular season.

E. Championship Team Trophy: A Team Trophy will be awarded to the Conference Champion Team in each tackle Division. Every Eligible Participant on a Champion Team will also receive an individual trophy. In the event of a tie both teams will be awarded a Team Trophy and every Eligible Participant on both teams will be awarded an individual trophy.

F. Championship Patches: Championship Patches will be awarded in the tackle Divisions Only.

A Blue Championship Patch shall designate Lead Champion. A White Championship Patch shall designate Conference runner-up (finalist). A Red Championship Patch shall designate Conference Champion.

G. Teams Present for Awards: Teams must be present at the Conference Championship Games and should be attired in game jerseys to receive team awards. Teams not present shall forfeit their awards. Every effort should be made to ensure that individual scholarship winners are also present to receive recognition.

Section 3: Individual Team Awards and Limitations: Franchises may award general participation trophies to their individual teams and cheerleaders. No trophy awarded shall exceed $35.00 each. No Franchise may award individual player or cheerleader awards, except for recognition of scholarships. No awards or gifts may be made to any Member, including cheer and football coaches exceeding $35.00 in total value. Section 4: Junior Gremlin Division: Since this Division is designed to encourage and train young players no Championship or other Conference Awards shall apply with the exception of scholarship and sportsmanship awards. Franchises may give participation trophies only. No trophy awarded shall exceed $35.00 each. Section 5: Scholarship Committee: The Scholarship Committee shall consist of the Division Presidents and the Conference Cheer Coordinator. The Scholarship Committee will resolve any and all disputes regarding any Eligible Participant’s academic eligibility and scholarship status. The Division President will have final determination of any Eligible Participant’s academic eligibility and scholarship status within the President’s respective Division. The Conference Cheer Coordinator will have final determination of any Eligible Participant’s academic eligibility and scholarship status with respect to all cheerleaders in any Division.

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Part V – Violations of Bylaws & Rules

Article I General Rules

Section 1: General Principles: The purpose of this section is to ensure compliance with the Bylaws and Rules of Junior All-American Football. While all the Bylaws and Rules are important to the proper functioning of the organization, Conference recognizes that violations that undermine the integrity and/or the general purposes of this Corporation as set forth in Part I, Article III, are more serious than other violations and will be treated as such. Section 2: Violations of Franchise Bylaws and Rules: Violations of Franchise Bylaws and Rules by any person or Member of that Franchise shall be resolved within the confines of that Franchise and Conference shall not become involved in any such dispute. Conference may, at the discretion of the Conference Executive Board, become involved if the Conference Executive Board determines that the violation in question also violates Conference Bylaws. Each Franchise is expected to enforce its own Bylaws and Rules without Conference interference or participation.

Article II

Monetary Fines Section 1: Fines: The Conference President, any Division President, or any Member of the Conference Executive Board may impose monetary fines on any Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise who violates any Conference Bylaw or Rule. Monetary fines shall not be less than $25.00 or more than $500.00. Any Franchise, Team, or any Member of any Franchise who is fined by Conference in an amount less than $150.00 shall be orally advised of the basis for the fine. Any Franchise, Team, or any Member of any Franchise who is fined by Conference in an amount more than $150.00 shall be advised in writing of the basis for the fine.

Section 2: Factors to be Considered: When imposing any monetary fine the following factors shall be taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine:

A. Violation Intentional: Whether the violation was intentional.

1. For purposes of this Section an act or conduct is considered “intentional” if the person intended the consequences of the act of conduct. For conduct to be deemed “intentional” the person need not be subjectively aware that the conduct or act is prohibited by a specific Bylaw or Rule.

2. For purposes of this Section, if it is established that the person was aware of the existence of a Bylaw or Rule prohibiting the act or conduct and, nevertheless, engaged in such conduct, the act or conduct is intentional.

3. For purposes of this Section a person’s subjective intent may be considered as a mitigating factor only with respect to the imposition of a suspension.

B. Prior Violation: Whether the Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise previously

violated the same Bylaw or Rule during the same season.

1. For purposes of this Section the term “the same season” shall refer to period between the date when Required Physical Conditioning commences and the date of Championship weekend, inclusive.

C. Nature of Offense: Whether the violation is deemed by Conference to undermine the integrity

and/or general purposes of this Corporation.

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1. For purposes of this Section, violations of any Bylaw or Rule relating to academics; sportsmanship; the general purposes of this Corporation as set forth in Part I, Article III, Section 3; that involve acts of moral turpitude (such as the misrepresentation of any information either orally or on any forms submitted to Conference); that involve any acts of physical or emotional abuse toward any parent, Member, or Eligible Participant; or which violate the Member or Coaches Code of Ethics are considered a violation of this Section.

D. No Factors Present: If none of the factors set forth in subsections (A)-(C) of this Section are

present, the Franchise, Team, or any Member of any Franchise shall only be subject to a monetary fine of $50.00 or less. If one of the factors set forth in subsections (A)-(C) of this section are present, the Franchise, Team, or any Member of any Franchise may be subject to fine up to $500.00 based on the severity of the offense. If more than one of the factors set forth in subsections (A)-(C) of this section are present, the Franchise, Team, or any Member of any Franchise may be subject to fine up to $500.00 and possible suspension based on the severity of the offense. (See Article III.)

Section 3: Payment of Fines: Fines of less than $150.00 shall be paid within five calendar days of oral notification of the Bylaw or Rule violation. Fines of $150.00 or more shall be paid within five calendar days of written notification of the Bylaw or Rule violation.

A. Oral Notification: For purposes of this rule a Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise is deemed “notified” when any Member of that Franchise Executive Board is advised orally by the Conference President, the Division President, or the Member of the Conference Executive Board imposing the fine.

B. Written Notification: For purposes of this rule a Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise is deemed “notified” when any Member of that Franchise Executive Board is advised in writing by the Conference President, the Division President, or the Member of the Conference Executive Board imposing the fine. If written notice is provided by regular mail, the postage date on the letter shall be considered the date of notification for purposes of this rule. If written notice is provided by email, the date of the email shall be considered the date of notification.

Section 4: Timeliness of Notification: Notification of the fine, either orally or in writing, must be made no later than five (5) days after the purported violation has occurred. If notification is made after five (5) days has elapsed since the purported violation no fine may be imposed. If the fine exceeds $150.00 the Conference President, the Division President, or the Member of the Conference Executive Board imposing the fine shall identify the basis of the fine, including reference to Section 2(A)-(C) of this Article, that justify the imposition of the fine in the written notification. Section 5: Limitation on Activities Until Fine is Paid: If a fine is assessed against a Franchise that fine must be paid before the Franchise conducts any further activity occurs, including playing any Games or Playoff Games, with any other Franchise or with Conference. If a fine is assessed against a Team that fine must be paid before the Team conducts any further activity occurs, including playing any Games or Playoff Games, with any other Team or with Conference. If a fine is assessed against a Member of any Franchise that fine must be paid before the Member conducts any further activity occurs, including playing any Games or Playoff Games, with any other Franchise or with Conference.

A. Franchise Outstanding Fines: In the event that a Franchise has outstanding fines at the end

of the season, that Franchise shall not be permitted to enroll the following year until all such fines have been paid or otherwise resolved.

B. Team Outstanding Fines: In the event a Team has outstanding fines at the end of the season, that Franchise may not enroll any Eligible Participants for that Division until all such fines have been paid or otherwise resolved.

C. Member Outstanding Fines: In the event a Member has outstanding fines at the end of the season, that Member may not obtain a Membership Identification Card for the following season until all such fines have been paid or otherwise resolved.

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Section 6: Conference General Operating Account: Unless otherwise specified, all monetary fines shall be deposited into the Conference general operating account. Section 7: No Appeal or Review: Fines are not subject to review. No Member who has been fined may request a Hearing. Whether to impose, reduce, amend, or eliminate a fine is within the sole discretion of the Conference President, the Division President, or that Member of the Conference Executive Board who imposed the fine. If, however, the fine is imposed in conjunction with a suspension or disbarment the Member may request a Hearing pursuant to Article VI.

Article III Acts of Suspension and Disbarment

Section 1: Defined: Certain acts of misconduct are such that by their very nature the acts undermines the integrity of the organization and/or the general purposes of this Corporation as set forth in Part I, Article III. Such misconduct may result in suspension or disbarment.

Section 2: Suspension and Disbarment: A Member may be suspended for misconduct for a period of days, weeks, months or one or more seasons depending on the severity of the offence. While suspended, the Member may not participate, in any way, with any Team or Franchise affiliated with Conference. Any Member who is permanently suspended is considered Disbarred. Section 3: Conduct Meriting Suspension: In order to impose a suspension on any Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise, at least two of the following factors must have been involved with the alleged Bylaw of Rule violation:

A. Violation Intentional: The violation must have been intentional.

1. For purposes of this Section an act or conduct is considered “intentional” if the person intended the consequences of the act or conduct. For conduct to be deemed “intentional” the person need not be subjectively aware that the conduct or act is prohibited by a specific Bylaw or Rule.

2. For purposes of this Section, if it is established that the person was aware of the existence of a Bylaw or Rule prohibiting the act or conduct and, nevertheless, engaged in such conduct, the act or conduct is intentional.

3. For purposes of this Section a person’s subjective intent may be considered as a mitigating factor only with respect to the imposition of a suspension.

B. Prior Violation of Same Rule: The Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise must have violated the same Bylaw or Rule during the same season.

1. For purposes of this Section the term “the same season” shall refer to period between the

date when Required Physical Conditioning commences and the date of Championship weekend, inclusive.

C. Nature of Offense: The violation must undermine the integrity and/or general purposes of this

Corporation.

1. For purposes of this Section, violations of any Bylaw or Rule relating to academics; sportsmanship; the general purposes of this Corporation as set forth in Part I, Article II, Section 3; that involve acts of moral turpitude (such as the misrepresentation of any information either orally or on any forms submitted to Conference); that involve any acts of physical or emotional abuse toward any parent, Member, or Eligible Participant; or that violate the Member or Coaches Code of Ethics are considered a violation of this Section.

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Section 4: Length of Suspension: Unless stated otherwise in these Bylaws, the length of any suspension imposed on a Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise shall be at the discretion of Conference Executive Board. Section 5: Approved by Board of Directors: All suspensions must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Section 6: Presidential Prerogative: Nothing in this Article is intended to restrict or impinge the Conference President’s authority to suspend as set forth in Part I, Article V, Section 5. Section 7: Disbarment: This Section applies only to individuals. No Franchise or Team may be disbarred. Conference recognizes that disbarment is a severe penalty. Therefore, disbarment shall be imposed only under the following circumstances:

A. Fraud: By participating in any Game, Playoff Game, or Cheer Competition under an assumed name.

B. Paid coaching: By receiving any portion of his or her annual income for services as a manager or coach.

C. Competing for money: By directly or indirectly receiving pay or financial benefits for participating in any Game, Playoff Game, or Cheer Competition.

D. Violence: Any Member who strikes another Member.

E. Multiple Suspensions: Any Member who is suspended a second time for the violation of these Bylaws or Rules.

Section 8: Hearing Required: No Member may be suspended or disbarred without a Hearing if the Member submits a timely request. (See Article VI.)

Article IV Eligibility Protests

Section 1: Protest Defined: A Franchise or Member of any Franchise may object and protest only with respect to the eligibility of any purported Eligible Participant. No other protests or objections will be considered. Section 2: Pre-Game Protests: If an objection relates to an issue arising before start of the Game or Playoff Game begins, the objecting Franchise must inform the head Official prior to the start of the Game or Playoff Game and brought the attention of the head Official and, if the head Official refuses to act upon the protest or objection, inform the head Official that the game is being played “under protest”. Failure to raise a pre-Game or pre-Playoff Game objection to the attention of the head Official prior to the start of that Game or Playoff game waives any right of the Franchise or Member of any Franchise to later protest the rule violation to Conference.

A. Example: Prior or the commencement of a game, and after both Teams have weighed in, the Athletic Director of Team “A” observes members of Team “B” changing jerseys in violation of these Bylaws. The Athletic Director informs the head Official prior to kick-off of what was observed. Even if the head Official does nothing about the alleged rule violation, the Athletic Director or the Franchise may later raise this as an official protest to Conference. If the Athletic Director does not inform the head Official prior to kick-off of what was observed any potential protest of the rule violation by Team “B” has been waived and will not be considered by Conference.

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Section 3: Issues Arising During the Game: If an objection relates to an issue arising during a Game or Playoff Game, the objecting Franchise must inform the head Official of the violation and, if the head Official refuses to act upon the protest or objection, inform the head Official that the game is being played “under protest”.

Section 4: No Other Remedy Available: Informing the head Official of the perceived violation and playing the Game or Playoff Game “under protest” are the only available remedies to any Franchise, Team, or Member of Any Franchise. Any other action, such as confronting the other Team or refusing to participate in the Game or Playoff Game, is not permitted. Section 5: Protest Procedure: In order to submit a valid eligibility protest following a Game or Playoff Game the Member must:

A. Must be Written: Prepare a written protest of the proposed Rule or Bylaw violation. The protest shall, at a minimum, contain the following information:

1. Name and Franchise office of the Member making the protest;

2. A brief statement of what the Member observed;

3. A specific reference to what Rule or Bylaw was violated; and

4. An affirmative statement that the Member asserting the protest complied with either

Section 2 or 3 of this Article, and this statement shall include the name of the head Official to whom the protest was made.

B. Transmission Timeframe: Transmit the protest report within twenty-four (24) hours to:

1. The appropriate Division President; and

2. The President of the Franchise against which the protest is being lodged.

C. Deposit Required with Protest: Within three (3) calendar days the Franchise making the

protest must also deposit $100.00 with the Conference Treasurer.

D. Non-Compliance Results in Denial: The failure to comply with subdivisions A through C of this Section will result in an automatic denial without review of the protest.

Section 6: Review Committee: Upon the receipt of a properly submitted protest report and following the deposit of $100.00, the Division President shall review the information submitted by the Member and obtain whatever other information the Division President believes may be relevant or necessary to the resolution of the protest. The Division President shall next:

A. Appointment of Committee: Appoint a Review Committee consisting of the Division President and two other Members of the Conference Executive Board selected by the Division President. The Review Committee will then jointly review the information obtained by the Division President.

B. Decision Based on Reports: The Review Committee will issue a decision based on the written report(s) and other information obtained by the Division President.

Section 7: Decision by the Review Committee: The decision by the Review Committee must be made no later than five (5) days after receipt of the written protest submitted pursuant to Section 5 of this Article. The decision will be submitted in writing and transmitted to the Franchise Presidents of all the Franchises involved with the protest. The decision by the Review Committee is a final determination of the protest.

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A. Limitation of Decision: The decision by the Review Committee shall be limited to a determination of the player eligibility issue only. If it concludes that a violation occurred, the Review Committee may determine that the violating Team forfeited the game in which the offense occurred. If the person who was deemed ineligible had previously been certified by Conference, the Review Committee may not issue any ruling that results in the forfeiture of any game(s) prior to that in which the protest was made. If the person who was deemed ineligible had not previously been certified by Conference, the Review Committee may issue a ruling that results in the forfeiture of any prior game(s) in which the ineligible person participated.

B. Other Proceedings: If the Review Committee determines that one or more Members involved

with the circumstances surrounding the protest may have violated the Bylaws or Rules, the Review Committee shall inform the Conference President. If the Conference President concurs with the findings, he may issue a fine, suspension, or disbarment and proceedings shall proceed pursuant to Article II or III against that Member. If proceedings are instituted as a result of the Review Committee’s finding, the perceived violation shall be deemed to have occurred as of the date the Review Committee issued its decision for purposes of determining Notification of the violation.

C. No Violation Deposit forfeited: If the Review Committee determines that no violation

occurred or otherwise does not uphold the protest, the Franchise making the protest forfeits the $100.00 deposit referred to in Section 5(C) of this Article. If the Review Committee determines that a violation occurred it shall instruct the Conference Treasurer to refund the $100.00 deposit referred to in Section 5(C) of this Article.

Article V

Accusations of Misconduct Against Members

Section 1: General: Any Member may formally charge another Member of a different Franchise with violations of the Bylaws and Rules of Conference. Disputes regarding violations between Members of the same Franchise shall be resolved by the Executive Board of that Franchise. Section 2: Procedure: In order to submit a valid charge against a Member of a different Franchise with violations of the Bylaws and Rules of Conference the Member must:

A. Must be in Writing: Prepare a written statement of the Rule or Bylaw violation. The statement shall, at a minimum, contain the following information:

1. Name and Franchise office of the Member making the accusation;

2. A brief statement of what the Member observed;

3. A specific reference to what Rule or Bylaw was violated; and

B. Transmission Timeframe: Transmit the protest report within three (3) days to:

1. The appropriate Division President;

2. The Conference President; and

3. The President of the Franchise of which the accused person is a Member.

C. Deposit Required: Within three (3) calendar days the Member or Franchise making the

accusation must also deposit $100.00 with the Conference Treasurer. If the accusation is not sustained, the deposit is forfeit to Conference. If the accusation is sustained, the Conference President shall direct the Conference Treasurer to refund the deposit to the Member or Franchise making the accusation.

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D. Non-Compliance Results in Denial: The failure to comply with subdivisions A through C of this Section will result in an automatic rejection of the complaint without review.

Section 3: Hearing: Upon receipt of a properly submitted complaint and the deposit of $100.00, the President of Conference shall, in conjunction with the Conference Executive Board, review the complaint and any other relevant information available. If a majority of the Conference Executive Board determines that a potential violation has occurred the Conference President shall set and conduct a hearing in compliance with Article VI. If a majority of the Conference Executive Board determines that no potential violation has occurred the Conference President shall issue a written statement to the Presidents of both Franchises stating why no violation has occurred.

Article VI

Requesting and Conduct of Hearings

Section 1: Defined: A special meeting of the Conference Executive Board that is convened for the purposes of determining whether to impose a suspension or disbarment of any Member. Section 2: Jurisdiction: Any Member who has received a punishment that includes a suspension or disbarment may request a Hearing. No Franchise, Team or Member of a Franchise may request a Hearing regarding the imposition of a monetary fine. If the Member has received a penalty including both a suspension and/or disbarment in conjunction with a monetary fine, the Hearing may only resolve the issue of the suspension and/or disbarment. Section 3: Requesting a Hearing: Any Member who has received a penalty that includes disbarment or suspension may request a Hearing before the Conference Executive Board. To request a Hearing the Member must submit a written request for a Hearing within (3) three calendar days of that Member’s receipt of the Notice of Suspension or a Notice of Disbarment. A request for Hearing may also be made by any Member of a Franchise’s Executive Board on behalf of any of its Members.

A. Email: For purposes of this section, the “date of receipt” shall be the date of the email that was sent to the Franchise, Team or Member of a Franchise containing the penalty of suspension or disbarment. Email is the preferred method of notification.

B. Regular Mail: For purposes of this section, the “date of receipt” shall be the postage cancellation date on the envelope containing the letter sent to the Franchise, Team or Member of a Franchise containing the penalty of suspension or disbarment. If the notice is sent by regular mail, the time frame in which the Franchise, Team or Member of a Franchise has to request a hearing shall be extended to five (5) days.

C. Personal Service: For purposes of this section, the “date of receipt” shall be the date on which the letter was handed to the Franchise, Team or Member of a Franchise containing the penalty of suspension or disbarment.

D. Service on Franchise President: For purposes of this rule service pursuant to subdivisions (A) through (C) of this section is deemed effective if notice is delivered to the Franchise President.

Section 4: Contents of the Request for Hearing: A request for Hearing need only contain a statement that the Franchise, Team, or Member of any Franchise “requests a hearing to challenge” the suspension or disbarment. The initial request need contain no other information. Section 5: Calendaring of Hearing: Upon receipt of a request for a Hearing, the Conference President shall set a Hearing date no later than fifteen (15) days from the date the request was received. This time frame may be extended only at the request of the Member against whom the penalty of suspension or disbarment has been issued. The Conference President shall send out notice of the hearing date via email to the Franchise President(s) whose Members are involved with the Hearing process.

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Section 6: Other Information: In conjunction with the notice of Hearing the Conference President may also request other information relevant to the determination of the suspension or disbarment. This may include, but is not limited to:

A. A request for the name(s) and contact information of any potential witnesses whose testimony may be relevant to the Hearing.

B. A request for a written statement concerning the circumstances surrounding the suspension or disbarment.

C. A request for documents if relevant to the Hearing.

Section 7: Compliance with Request: It is incumbent upon those involved with the Hearing to respond to the Conference President’s request for information. If information requested before the hearing is not supplied or is deemed insufficient, the Conference Executive Board may exclude such information, including witnesses at the time of the Hearing. If the information or documents are unavailable, it is incumbent upon the Franchise or Member to advise the Conference President of this fact in a timely manner. Any information requested, or statement that the information is unavailable, must be provided at least five (5) days before the date set for the Hearing. Section 8: Conduct of the Hearing: Hearings are informal. The Conference President shall conduct the Hearing in conjunction with a quorum of the Conference Executive Board and shall afford each person a reasonable time to present evidence or testimony. Only those persons who have information relevant to the determination of the Hearing shall be permitted to attend. Those in attendance shall conduct themselves with proper deference and decorum. The Member against whom a penalty of disbarment or suspension has been issued may represent himself/herself or may be represented by the Member’s Franchise President. Upon the conclusion of the evidentiary portion of the Hearing, the Conference Executive Board shall excuse all persons and shall vote whether to uphold, modify, or reject the proposed suspension or disbarment. This decision shall be final. Section 9: Litigation Waiver: Upon receipt of a notice of suspension or disbarment should the Member or the Member’s Franchise institute, or threaten to institute, formal civil litigation such litigation or threat of litigation shall constitute a complete and total waiver of that Member’s right to any Hearing. Section 10: Status of Member Pending Hearing: A Member under penalty of suspension or disbarment shall be deemed suspended or disbarred for purposes of participating in any Conference related activities, including practices, Games, Playoff Games, until after the Hearing is concluded. If any Member under penalty of suspension or disbarment continues to participate in any Conference related activity before the Hearing, that Member’s penalty shall be deemed final and no Hearing will be held.