RULES & REGULATIONS

OF THE

POP WARNER FOOTBALL

CONFERENCE OF EASTERN MASS., INC.

AN AFFILIATE OF

POP WARNER LITTLE SCHOLARS, INC.

1985

REVISED - 2017

PROMOTING SCHOLARSHIP AND ATHLETICS THROUGH ADULT COMMITMENT

FORWARD

These Rules and Regulations of the Pop Warner Football Conference of Eastern Massachusetts Inc., (PWFCEM) are to be used in conjunction with Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. Rules and Regulations, 2017 Edition. CHANGES HAVE BEEN UPDATEDED IN RED. The fines you need to be aware of are highlighted in BLUE.

The PWFCEM has, among its powers, the OBLIGATION and AUTHORITY to enforce National Rules and Regulations. In addition, it has the right to make National Pop Warner Rules MORE STRINGENT, with the exception of the Scholastic Fitness requirement. When a PWFCEM Rule or Regulation is more stringent than a National Rule or Regulation, it will have FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, within the jurisdiction of the PWFCEM, and will be fully backed up by National Headquarters.

The PWFCEM will also issue a separate Rules & Regulations Manual for the Cheerleading Program which will be promulgated under a separate cover.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPART I - REGULATIONS

Page: 4 ARTICLE 1: ADMINISTRATION 5 ARTICLE 2: INSURANCE 6 ARTICLE 3: REGISTRATION OF THE ASSOCIATION 7 ARTICLE 4: REGISTRATION FEE'S 8 ARTICLE 5: BOUNDARIES 9 ARTICLE 6: NON-POP WARNER ORGANIZATION RESTRICTIONS 10 ARTICLE 7: GENERAL REGULATIONS APPLYING TO TEAMS 11 ARTICLE 8: REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS 15 ARTICLE 9: COACHES (REQUIREMENTS) 18 ARTICLE 10: PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS 20 ARTICLE 11: WEIGH-IN 25 ARTICLE 11 A: RETENTION OF ELGIBILTY 25 ARTICLE 12: MISCELLANEOUS 30 ARTICLE 13: IN SEASON DETERMINATION OF WEIGHT 32 ARTICLE 14: GAME SCHEDULING 33 ARTICLE 14 A: ADDITIONAL TEAMS 34 ARTICLE 15: PLAYOFF FORMAT & MATCHING 37 ARTICLE 16: LEAGUE TIES & PLAYOFF TIE-BREAKERS 38 ARTICLE 17: PROTESTED GAMES 39 ARTICLE 18: ENFORCEMENT 40 ARTICLE 19: SPONSORS 40 ARTICLE 20: FLAG FOOTBALL

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40 ARTICLE 21: DIVISION 2 41 ARTICLE 22: DIVISION 3

PART II - RULES

42 RULE 1: FIELD & MARKINGS 42 RULE 2: GAME BALL 43 RULE 3: REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 44 RULE 4: PLAYER JERSEY DESIGNATIONS 45 RULE 5: BLOCKING & TACKLING RESTRICTIONS 46 RULE 6: MANDATORY PLAY RULE 48 RULE 7: GAME STARTING TIMES 49 RULE 8: LENGTH OF PERIODS & TIME OUTS 50 RULE 9: TIME CLOCK 50 RULE 10: SCORING VALUES 50 RULE 11: GAME REFEREE 52 RULE 12: LENGTH OF SEASON 52 RULE 12 A: MITEY-MITE RULES 54 RULE 12 B: TINY-MITE RULES 56 RULE 12 C: UNLIMITED (PATRIOT DIVISION) 56 RULE 13: POST SEASON BOWL GAMES 57 RULE 14: PLAYERS 58 RULE 15: INELIGIBLE PLAYERS 58 RULE 16: CORI REQUIREMENTS

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL

NOTE: The Pop Warner Administrative Manual is designed to keep each League and Local Association, up-to-date, on all administrative matters, as well as to contribute to their business- like operation. This Rulebook, the Pop Warner Little Scholars Rulebook 2017 Edition and the Administrative Manual, DO NOT BECOME PERSONAL PROPERTY, but belong to the Team or Association to which the volunteer belongs. All are to be returned to the Local Association when the volunteer leaves its service. No incoming Association President should start his/her term without a copy of these Publications. Contact your League Director for information on replacement copies.

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PART I - PWFCEM REGULATIONS

ARTICLE I: ADMINISTRATION

A. To deal effectively with the Pop Warner Programs in the field, Pop Warner Little Scholars (National) has installed the term “LEAGUE/CONFERENCE” which has two definitions, each separate and distinct as applicable: We shall refer to them as Conference since we use League to differentiate our four Leagues.1.) It is a legal term to define a type of Conference, or2.) It is a grouping of teams of the same ages and weights (playing division) into a

“League” for scheduling purposes.A Conference consists of a minimum of (4) four teams playing in the same age/weight division. Conferences are issued a charter by Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. and must sign an annual charter contract. All Conferences are

responsible to National with the assistance of the appropriate Regional Administrator(s) on behalf of Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

The following will be used and adhered to in all Pop Warner Football Conference of Eastern MA (PWFCEM) communications:

1.) National Football Commissioner2.) Regional Director3.) Conference President, (PWFCEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS)4.) Respective League Presidents, (GBL, ML, MVL, NSL)5.) Local Association President

The above chart is to be used for all communications starting with the Local Association President, and moving up the chain of responsibility. Should no answer or action be given or taken, within a reasonable time, (14 DAYS), a letter may be written to the next Highest Level of Authority, with a courtesy copy to the Initial Authority. The Board of Directors (PWFCEM ) have the Authority and Responsibility to take charge of or communicate directly with any lower authority when the Conference deems that the good name of Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. (Pop Warner Football) or any individual name is in jeopardy. No complaint or request will be acted on, unless all details are given in writing and SIGNED by all those requesting the answer or action [signed means in writing, faxed copy with signature, e-mail with identification (First & Last Name, Home Address, City/Town, State & Zip Code)].

B. National Headquarters in Langhorne, PA. 19047, recognizes the PWFCEM Board of Directors as the sole governing body of the PWFCEM, being made up of representatives from the Greater Boston League, Merrimack Valley League, Middlesex League and North Shore League. If in the future, any league is added to the PWFCEM it will be given equal representation on the PWFCEM Board of Directors.

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C. For the sake of convenience and logistics, the PWFCEM is broken into four leagues, (GBL, MVL, ML, and NSL). These leagues are subordinate to the PWFCEM Board of Directors. The league board will be made up of all Local Association Presidents in that league or the local board member designated to represent the local association at league meetings. The league board will be chaired by the League President who shall be appointed each year by the Conference President and approved by the PWFCEM (currently, the President of the PWFCEM is allowing the Association Presidents in each League to vote their own League President). The leagues have no policy or rule making authority except to recommend to their league representatives, items to be presented to the PWFCEM Board of Directors for a VOTE.

D. The Local Association is subordinate to the league it plays in and to the PWFCEM Board of Directors. The Local Association will be governed by a President and Board of Directors elected by the Local Association. The local governing board will remain AUTONOMOUS from any sponsoring group. Sponsoring Groups have no say or status within the Pop Warner Organization.

E. Unless GRANDFATHERED from the 1982 National Ruling, no Head Coach of any kind may serve on the PWFCEM Board of Directors. If a person is Grandfathered, a Coach may not hold the office of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Spirit Coordinator on the above Board. This format is followed to completely separate administration from Coaching. Coaches do not make Local or League policy. Rather, they carry it out.

NOTE: New Organizations never before affiliated with the PWFCEM, in any past form, will be granted Grandfather status. As Grandfathered Board members retire, they must be replaced with non-coaching personnel.

F. Any individual or Organization found to have UNDERMINED the Administrative Authority of the CONFERENCE (PWFCEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS) or its League Authorities will be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED.

ARTICLE 2: INSURANCE

A. Before any Local Association can be registered for the current playing season they must have Medical and Liability Insurance. Starting with the 1986 playing season, PWFCEM will require that all members take National Pop Warner Insurance or the Conference sponsored carrier. This is being mandated for the logistics problem of verifying Insurance Coverage and the Automatic Liability Coverage of all Conference, League and Local Officials when defending lawsuits. (i.e., Legal Fee's will be covered by the Insurance Company instead of the member organizations when defending lawsuits).

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B. All Medical and Liability Insurance Premiums must be paid to the PWFCEM Secretary by JULY 1st of the current playing season year. This is necessary so that PWFCEM may register and insure all its members with National Headquarters by opening day of August 1st of the current playing year. (Failure to insure by the above date with PWFCEM could result in being fined and/or dropped from the schedule).

C. Member Association Insurance checks, should be made payable to PWFCEM, and is mailed and is received by the PWFCEM Secretary by JULY 15th of the current year. Along with the ORIGINAL completed Insurance Application. (Starting in 1998, a LATE FEE will be assessed, to those Associations whom pay their Insurance Premiums late) In addition, if an extension is approved by the requested date, you must pay the total amount owed by the agreed date otherwise your association will NOT be eligible for any cheer/dance competition or any Conference play-offs or any post season play until it is paid in full included any fines accessed.

NOTE: This Fee will be at the rate of $25.00. Further, any Association, which sends its insurance form and payment directly to National Headquarters, will be fined $25.00.

D. Other Insurance, such as Equipment or Fidelity Bond etc., may be obtained by directly contacting the Plan Administrator & Underwriter as outlined in the Pop Warner Annual Insurance Booklet from National Headquarters.

ARTICLE 3: REGISTRATION OF THE ASSOCIATION

A. Before any local Association can be registered with National, they must be registered with and through their Conference. Starting with the 1997 playing season, all Local Associations will mail their Registration Form and Check, to the PWFCEM Secretary by May 1 ST of the current year (Make check payable to PWFCEM).

NOTE: As is the case with Insurance, a LATE FEE of $25.00 will be assessed starting in 1998.

B. The PWFCEM Secretary will register all teams of the PWFCEM with National and the Region, as of the required date. Any PWFCEM Association not registered by May 1 ST may be dropped from the schedule.

ARTICLE 4: REGISTRATION FEE'S

A. The following is a breakdown of the current year’s schedule of Fee's.1.) Conference (PWFCEM) - $300.00 per/Association.

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2.) New England Region - $70.00 per/Team. ($35.00 per Football $35.00 per Spirit squads). This year (2017) we will only charge $30.00 per Football and Spirit as the amount changed after we sent out our registration forms.

Example: 1 - A or P-Team = $60.001 - B-Team = $60.001 - C-Team = $60.001 - D-Team = $60.001 - E-Team = $60.001 - F-Team = $60.00

TOTAL $360.00

3.) National - $55.00 per/Team. ($30.00 per Football & $25.00 per Spirit squads)

Example: 1 - A or P Team = $55.001 - B-Team = $55.001 - C-Team = $55.001 - D-Team = $55.001 - E-Team = $55.001 - F-Team = $55.00

TOTAL $330.00

Using the above example, one (1) Check would be made out for $990.00, to PWFCEM, and mailed to the PWFCEM Secretary.

B. FEE USAGE:

NATIONAL - To defray the cost of Rulebooks, Administrative Manuals, Registration Forms, Insurance Administration, Scholar/Athlete Program, etc.

REGIONAL - To defray the cost of the Regional Meeting, Regional Playoffs, Bowl Games, Travel, etc. This fee was off set by the profit made on the Regional Championships (Football & Cheerleading)

CONFERENCE - To defray the cost of Telephone, Supplies, Secretarial, Hall Rentals, Legal, Referee Fees, Travel, ScoreMaster, etc.

ARTICLE 5: BOUNDARIES

A. All Players and Cheerleaders must come from within their Town/City Boundaries or Town/City where school district is located, except as provided for in this Article No. 5B

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below. Any player or cheerleader, who moves out of their Town/City, after the initial Weigh-In, shall be permitted to continue playing or cheering with their Team, for the balance of the season. Player or Cheerleader can continue within their original programs as long as the participation remains continuance. If a player or cheerleader chooses to transfer after moving, he/she must do so with the approval of the CONFERENCE or CONFERENCES involved, as space and rules permit and that player or cheerleader can not return to their old association without a transfer form signed by both Presidents and the conference.

NOTE: School district is the city/town in which the school is located and NOT the cities/towns allowed to attend the school.

B. A Player or Cheerleader may be permitted to play outside their Town/City, for another Pop Warner Association, under any of the following conditions:

1.) Your Program does not cut anyone from your Town/City to make room for the non-area player/cheerleader prior to August 1ST.

2.) The Player or Cheerleader is the child of a person who is a Coach in another program and has been a Coach in the transferred program for at least (1) full season, prior to the request. A letter must also be on file with the PWFCEM.

3.) In addition, the coach must continue to coach for the next three seasons otherwise the Child will need to play in the city/town where they reside or go to school in. This is to avoid having a parent coach for the one season and move their child to another program.

4.) Or, if both programs involved in the request to play in another program agree and submit the agreement in writing to the Conference Board (PWFCEM) for final approval as soon as possible prior to August 1st of the current playing season. The Conference Board will make its approval effective August 1. Both Associations signing the agreement must be Pop Warner members. No position can be held for this transfer. Once approved the player or cheerleader may continue in the transfer association until they are no longer eligible in Pop Warner or miss a season.

5.) After August 1ST there is no waiting period for the Player or Cheerleader to join the new Association. This will be on availability and first come first serve basis. The Conference should be notified as soon as the transfer is signed and delivered to the association. The Conference Board must approve this transfer.

6.) All Transfer expires annually on December 31st. The conference must reapprove the transfer using last year’s approval and marking the new Transfer form as ‘Grandfathered”. The Conference will not approve the grandfather status if the player moves back to the original program boundaries within three (3) years. They will need to obtain a current transfer from the program in the city they live and/or attend school in.

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C. Pop Warner Associations may register Players and Cheerleaders from a Town/City that does not have a sanctioned Pop Warner Program under the following conditions,1.) The Town/City directly borders your Town/City.2.) Your Program does not cut anyone from your Town/City to make room for the

non-area player/cheerleader prior to August 1st.3.) Annually, a letter is sent to the PWFCEM Board of Directors requesting

permission to draw from this neighboring Town or City. This must be done by prior to signing up any participates of the current playing season.PENALTY for failure to comply could result in a probation for (1) year for the association and/or not allow the child to participate.

NOTE: If more than one Pop Warner Program borders the non-Pop Warner area, all may draw from this area provided that their letter is on file with the PWFCEM and permission is granted. Under this circumstance it is requested that all programs affected, coordinate their registration efforts.

D. Anyone found guilty of soliciting players or cheerleaders outside their boundary will be accessed a penalty of a suspension not less than one year on the 1ST offense and banned for life upon the 2ND offense.

NOTE: Enforcement of your boundaries is your responsibility. You must take every action to verify the participant qualifies to play within your program based on your boundaries and prior approved transfers. Failure to comply will result in the participant being declared an ineligible player and all games they participated in will result in a forfeit.

ARTICLE 6: NON-POP WARNER ORGANIZATION RESTRICTIONS

A. There shall be NO scrimmages or games of any kind with NON-POP WARNER TEAMS. PENALTY for failure to comply, the offending POP WARNER ASSOCIATION could be permanently suspended.

ARTICLE 7: GENERAL REGULATIONS APPLYING TO TEAMS

A. Each Association will use the National On-Line Roster Software (New this year Blue Sombrero & Affinity).1.) The roster software will have all the information entered that is collected at

registration.2.) The information will include both the participant and the parents of the

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3.) It will also be used in creating teams for the coming season.4.) The information must be entered no later than August 15 th of the competing year.

In addition, the association will enter the team information including player’s assigned, coaches and have available the roster certification rosters. This information can be updated as players are added or dropped prior to the official weigh in without assistance from the conference in order to complete the tasks. NOTE: There will be a fine of $200 per association not completing this prior to the deadline set yearly.

B. Additional In-Season Weigh-In will be allowed in the following manner only;1.) Starting with the 1991 Season, any Team fielding less than (35) Players at the

Initial Certification Weigh-In, or whose Roster drops to less than (35) Players dressed to play, through injury, sickness or quits, will be allowed (1) IN-SEASON WEIGH-IN. This In-Season Weigh-In will take place on the 2nd THURSDAY following the Initial Certification Weigh-In. (Check with your League President, for time, place etc.)

2.) Players dropped at the Initial Certification Weigh-In, may be added to a team roster at this In-Season Weigh-In. They must meet the opening day weight criteria.

3.) Teams may bring their Roster back to a maximum strength of (35) Players at this In-Season Weigh-In. It is strongly recommended that the Local Association President, make a phone

call to the Players Parents, if a particular team in the Association is experiencing excessive QUITS. Excessive quits would be more than 20% from one team within the program.

4.) Any player found to be practicing or playing on a team, who is not officially on the team’s roster after the last weigh-in, will cause that team to FORFEIT their entire schedule for the season.

5.) Any team who drops to less than (16) Players, dressed to play, after the In-Season Weigh-In, due to injury, sickness or quits, may request an Emergency Weigh-In. (at NO time will any roster exceed the maximum of (35) Players allowed by the National Rule). The Local Association President must notify the League President, in writing, to arrange a special Weigh-In, at the Directors convenience. (Teams that request and are granted an Emergency Weigh-In, will NOT be eligible for PWFCEM Playoffs or League Titles)

6.) NO TEAM will be allowed to form, which cannot field a Roster of sixteen (16) players, at the Final Certification Weigh-In.

7.) At all Special Weigh-Ins, the Player will have his or her picture taken with their HOME GAME SHIRT on, by a PWFCEM Board Member. The cost will be ($2.00) per/picture, which will be borne by the Local Association at the time the picture is taken. If the Player comes to the Weigh-In without his/her Home Game Shirt, the Player will not be weighed or added to the Teams Roster. (NO EXCEPTIONS) NOTE: The Association may take a picture of the player in their

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Home Game Shirt and it will be accepted only if it is presented prior to the player stepping on the scale.

ARTICLE 8: REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

A. Public Registration of the Players or Cheerleaders at the local level may begin any time after January 1 5 TH of the current year. However, starting with the 1986 Season, all PWFCEM member Associations, must begin their Registration Drive before MAY 31 ST of the current year, or risk exclusion from the current season schedule. This is being implemented to expedite scheduling of the leagues and game Referee. (Many of our members Associations also use their High School Fields, and must apply for Permits, giving solid schedule dates) Proof of the Registration Drive (Newspaper Ads, School Flyers, etc.) may be asked for by the respective League Director. This will also allow the league and PWFCEM Officials, to help any group who has a numbers problem, before the children head out on school vacation.

B. The following format will be used when Registering Players;

1.) Starting with the 1988 Season, any Association signing up more than the maximum number of 35 Players, per each Team, will make the overage of Players available to play on other PWFCEM Association Teams, no later than August 15TH of the current season. All registered players over the 35 roster limit will be placed on a waiting list and cannot practice with the team. The League Director must be made aware immediately when this condition exists. Any Player, who refuses the opportunity to play in another Association, will be deemed ineligible for the remainder of the current season. Any Player, who accepts the opportunity to play in another Association, shall retain the option to continue playing for that Association, throughout their Pop Warner eligibility period. A Player who accepts the opportunity to play on another Associations Team, must finish out the season, and may not return to his original Association, until the following season. This method will eliminate the Involuntary Cutting of Players.

PENALTY: Failure to comply with Article (8) will result in the Head Coach being SUSPENDED for (1) Year and the Association on Probation for (1) Year.NOTE: An Association who signs up more than the (35) Player maximum, may also form a second team for that division of play, with the abundance of numbers. This will also satisfy the Involuntary Cutting Rule and eliminate the need for the procedure in step (1) above.

Forming additional teams at a division of play will be done on an evenly basis as possible. It is prohibited to place all or vast majority of new players on one team.

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All multiple teams in the same division of play will participate in the same division as the Association.

C After the 1986 Season, there will be automatic Insurance Coverage during Sign Ups, as the PWFCEM Board of Directors is requiring all members to take the National Insurance for logistics and legal reasons. (If you are a NEW Association, joining Pop Warner for the current season, you must check with your previous Insurance Carrier, to determine your status) Do not FAIL to have Insurance Coverage during the Sign Ups or other program activities, as you could be liable for a lawsuit, if someone is injured.

D The following are some proven tips for your Registration Drive that the PWFCEM recommends:1.) MEDIA: Local Ads in newspaper three weeks running in the month of May.

Also, TV and Cable if possible.2.) FLYERS: A one-page message handed out in the schools, Public and Private,

stating the particulars of the Sign Ups and welcoming all new members and parents to join.

3.) POSTERS: National Recruiting Posters or neat hand made posters giving the particulars should be put into the lobbies of schools, supermarkets, churches, etc. Most people will cooperate with you, if the signs are neat and you remember to take them down after the drive is over.

4.) Internet using web sites to provide up to date information regarding your program, dates, times and locations of registration and what the requirements are. You should place the forms required on the site to allow the parents the opportunity to complete them prior to going to registration.

5.) Using roster software (Blue Sombrero) to send e-mails to the parents of last year’s players or e-mail listings to imform parents of registration dates and fees.

6.) STUDENT LIST: Obtain the student list from your local Superintendents Office and make direct bulk mailings to your community.

7.) REGISTRATION OUTLETS: Have your Sign Ups at convenient local areas, such as School Lobbies, Shopping Malls, Church Halls, etc. Have them evenings and Saturdays to cover working parent’s schedules. There is no rule that says you can't register from January 15th, all the way to Weigh-In time. Some of our most successful programs do.

8.) Use of on-line registration using ACTIVE software or other software providers. This will allow the parents to charge the registration fees to their debit or credit cards.

9.) REGISTRATION FEE’s: Keep Registration Fee's within reason and use fundraising as your main source of income. Try to keep the "UP FRONT" financial

burden on the parents to a minimum. However, do have mandatory parents meetings to inform the parents of what it takes to run your program

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NOTE: (Make sure you get the WORD OUT a week in advance about your parents meeting. Have the Coaches remind the Players and Cheerleaders as each day goes by).

Remember, no one said it would be easy. Children have a lot to choose from today, so you must constantly keep your message up front. Any Volunteer in a perennial strong Pop Warner Association, or any other successful Youth Group, will tell you that it’s hard work and not automatic. With the constant fear of concussions please make sure you discuss with your parents the steps we have taken to make the game as safe as possible with regards to the following

All coaches becoming certified using the USA Football Certification program All associations required to use the USA FOOTBALL HEADS UP models and

skills to every player in their association. Attend a Player Safety Coach Clinic taught by USA FOOTBALL Master Trainers

prior to having the destinction of being PSC. Having a Player Safety Coach who is responsible to make sure that all coaches are

certified before walking onto the field for practice, conduct training sessions for all coaches in the association.

Conducting a parent clinic going over with the parents going through helmet fitting, concussion awareness, HEADS UP tackling and HEADS UP blocking that the coaches will be teaching their children.

Monitor practices and games to assure that the proper techinues are being used by all coaches within the association.

E. The following checklist must be accounted for before any Player or Cheerleader is allowed to participate. There must be a file on each child containing this information.1.) PROOF OF AGE: Starting with the 1991 Season, a CERTIFIED ORIGINAL

COPY of the Birth Certificate on file, bearing the SEAL of the issuing office (Town/City Hall, etc.) of the state of birth, is the best guarantee of reliability of claimed birth date. Passports are also reliable. Military ID'S and immigration Papers are acceptable. In addition, if the local association brings a photocopy along with the original birth certificate we will stamp the copy that will be valid for any PWFCEM certification. Any association using this copy will be required to obtain the original if their teams advance beyond the conference. Any other alleged "PROOF OF BIRTH DATE", including photocopies of Original Documents without the Conference stamp, must be accompanied by an Original Letter on School stationery, stating the child’s birth date according to school records. The letter must be signed by a school Official giving their title. Any photocopied document, used for proof of age, will be accepted ONLY upon the willingness of the Association Administration to have its schedule FORFEITED, should fraudulent application later be determined. NOTE: (Any documents used for proof of age that are in a foreign language must be translated into English with a letter from a Bilingual Notary Public. The cost for this translation will be borne by

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the Association submitting such documentation). If a team goes on to a Regional playoff game, then an original birth certificate will be required to participate in the game(s). Hospital Birth Certificates and Baptismal Certificates are NOT valid proof of age.

2.) MEDICAL EXAMINATION: Use the National Physical Fitness and Medical History form for the current year or if the doctor refuses to use this form a signed statement from an examining physician, that the Player or Cheerleader candidate is physically fit, and there are no observable conditions which would contra-indicate him/her playing football or cheerleading and the parent/guardian must complete the first section and attach the doctor’s form to the second part of the form. Starting with the 2014 season you may use CVS Minute Clinic to obtain a physical. Please go to www.cvsminuteclinic.com to find the nearest location.

NOTE: (If regular school medical examination was performed after January 1 of the current year, and the results are releasable to parents/guardians, a copy of such report may be used in lieu of a new examination.

3.) PARENTAL CONSENT – National Participant’s contract and parental consent form must be completed from either parent or the legal guardian, stating the child has his/her permission to play football or cheerlead. The local program may supply a standard form for this purpose.

4.) SCHOLASTIC FITNESS -- Proof of satisfactory progress in school is required to take part in the Pop Warner Program. A copy of last year’s complete report card with an overall average of 70 otherwise, completion of the required National Pop Warner Scholastic Eligibility form by the Player, Parent or Legal Guardian and the Head Coach shall be required stating that the child can participate. No player will be eligible to participate in league play, if they have not met the nationally published scholastic requirements. In addition, a progress report dated between September 1 st and October 16 th must be attached to this form and approved by a Conference representative and be approved by the New England Region by October 17, 2017. Any player not approved will be dropped from the roster.

1.) Associations must have Parents sign a Code of Conduct. Members Code of Conduct also applies to Coaches, Board of Directors and Volunteers.

ARTICLE 9: COACHES (REQUIREMENTS)

A Under NO conditions will a coach make rules or carry out policy or activities without the express permission of his LOCAL BOARD. However, beginning with the 2013 season, Association President’s may listed as the Head Coach for the Football, Cheer or Dance teams.

NOTE: Starting with the 2013 season all coaches will need to complete the USA FOOTBALL LEVEL 1 certification before they are allowed on the field to participate.

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B All Team Head Coaches must be at least (21) years old. Assistant Coaches must be at least (18) years old or a High School graduate. All Coaches must be of unquestionable character. There can only be five (5) assistant coaches and one (1) Head Coach on any Pop Warner Team. In order to conduct a practice when the Head Coach is not present, the team needs an assistance coach who is at least 21 years old.

C Teams are permitted to carry one (1) Coach Trainee, who must be a minimum of (16) years of age as of July 31 ST of the current year and no older than seventeen (17) years of age as of July 31ST of the current year. The coach trainee must submit the same requirements as a player/cheerleader (Report Card, Health Certificate, Original Birth Certificate and Parental Consent)

PENALTY for failure to comply: Association President and the Team Head Coach are SUSPENDED for one (1) year. NOTE: Failure to observe correct coaching ages could VOID all Insurance Coverage for your Association.

D The Head Coach of each individual Team will determine the assignments of the assistant and trainee coaches on his staff.

E No Coach has an automatic coaching position with any local team. Once approved for coaching, a coach is AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATED at the close of each season. To coach the following year, he must be approved again, by his local Board of Directors.

F All Coaches in the PWFCEM are subject to confirmation by the PWFCEM Board of Directors, at its discretion.

G. Any coach leaving an association and going to another association cannot bring any player from the association they are leaving. It is the responsibility of the coach to let his/her former players, including their own son/daughter that they can not transfer to the new association. If three complaints are received then the coach moving will NOT be approved for coaching in the new association. The intent of this rule is to prevent players moving from one association to another because of any coach. The coach’s son/daughter will be allowed to move to the new association after the coach completes one full season with the new association as allowed by Article 5 Rule B Section 2.

H The Head Coach of each Team has final responsibility for his actions, those of his assistant coaches, trainee coach, players, cheerleaders and staff, at all games of Pop Warner Football. However, the Head Coach will not be interfered with except in cases of rule violations, and any other conduct deemed by higher authority to be contrary to the welfare of the youth.

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I Starting with the 1991 Season, all PWFCEM Head Coaches or his/her designee must attend the PWFCEM Certification Clinic & Workshop or equivalent at the beginning of each season.

PENALTY for failure to comply: Association will be fined $25.00 per team not represented by a coach on that team.

J Coaches certification – Please print your certificate and have it included in the Picture book of your team. All coaches are responsible for providing a certificate of

completed training courses.

Head Coaches Are required to complete the USA Football Level 1 certification or

recertification training, which is on-line. This is valid for 1 year before the head coach must be recertified. Going forward from 2014, it is the only valid certification.

In 2013 the requirement of the New England On-line training and the CDC concussion awareness course has been replaced by USA Football.

In 2014 Pop Warner Little Scholars eliminated the ASEP course and replaced it with the USA Football Level 1 certification.

Each Association is required to register with USA Football HEADS UP program and is required to select a Player Safety Coach (PSC), who will attend a training session provided by USA Football.

The nominate should be a respected coach within the association and shall NOT be a Head Coach as the duties of PSC require them to attend all team practices and games to monitor and make corrections to the teachings. It is best to select a former coach, if available.

The PSC is required to attend the PSC training provided by USA Football at a site of their choice prior to the start of the season

They will then conduct training sessions with all the coaches within the association on the new techniques prior to August 1st.

They will also conduct a training session with the parents and players in early August (It is suggested that this be the first week of practice)

Once completed they will monitor each team’s practice and games to make sure the coaching staff is teaching the new approach. This has been added to make our sport as safe as we can going forward.

They will also be responsible for reporting the activities to both the Conference President and USA Football.

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The PSC will also be required to be the focal point for all injuries with the form provided by the conference beginning with the 2016 season. They will provide this information to the conference as requested to do so.

Are required to satisfy the PWFCEM yearly coach clinic requirements mentioned in Article 9 Section H or send a representative for their team

Assistant Coaches Each Assistant coach will be required to complete the USA Football

Level 1 training as well as attend the association’s HEADS UP training conducted by the PSC.

Are welcome to attend the PWFCEM Coaches clinic as space permits It is strongly recommended that each team has someone complete the

P.R.E.P.A.R.E. This an on-line course offered by the National Center for Sport Safety (www.sportsaftey.org) POPWARNER2017 at a cost of $32.40 (10% discount) Special discounted for 2017 to $25.00 until June 30th, need to register and complete it within 60 days of registration. or other Medical training such as First Responder, Athletic Trainer, and Red Cross Card holder.

Anyone listed on an official roster must complete the USA Football Level 1 Certification course or they will not be allowed on the sidelines during games. This includes, Team Parents, Equipment Manager, Trainer, Association Prresident, etc)

ARTICLE 10: PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

A DEFINITION: To prevent possible bending of the rules and as a protection for children, practices are defined as a gathering of players or spirit participants, without minimum number, in the presence of at least one (1) coach, where one or more of the following activities take place:

A. chalk talk/skull sessionB. viewing of fundamentals filmC. group conditioningD. individual skills sessions (QB, receiving, blocking, tackling, kicking, etc.)E. group skills sessionsF. dummies and other inanimate contactG. play run throughs without pads (shorts & T-shirt)H. play run through with equipment, but without contactI. Intra-squad scrimmages with full pads and equipment

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As can be seen, a so-called “party” at a coach’s home, where films are shown, or where football or spirit teams are talked about, can be deemed a practice session, as can a “party” at a parent’s home where one or more coaches are present. Use of a football field is not required to satisfy the definition of a “practice session.” Each League is directed to establish a policy with respect to home videos and/or films of games or competitions and the viewing thereof. Pop Warner strongly recommends League/Associations discourage “parties/ practice sessions” at coaches homes. All the activities/practice sessions that are referenced in A-15-S1, must include a minimum of 2 coaches in attendance the entire session.

B No Pop Warner Football Team may practice before August 1 ST , of the current season. However, all PWFCEM member teams must start practice by August 15 TH of the current season. Unless approved by National Pop Warner and PWFCEM.

C All practices must be attended by at least one person holding a current "EMT" License or Red Cross Multi-Media Card or P.R.E.P.A.R.E. This an on-line course offered by the National Center for Sport Safety (www.sportsaftey.org) or its equivalent. A volunteer PHYSICIAN OR NURSE (Such as a parent of one of the Players or Cheerleaders) is acceptable.

D. The first ten (10) hours of practice will be without equipment or pads. The next ten (10) hours of practice cannot include external scrimmages. This time will be devoted entirely and exclusively to conditioning. The only exception will be, Players can be sized for helmets so they may be adjusted after sweating the helmet in. Any player added to the team after the initial practice is subject to the 20 hours of conditioning prior to being allowed to play in sctrimmages/games.

E Under No Condition will water be withheld as a disciplinary measure from any Player or Cheerleader. Warm Weather precautions as outlined in Rule 29 S2 on Page 45 of the 2017 Edition of the National Pop Warner Rulebook will be adhered to scrupulously.

Penalty: Any Coach found to have violated this Paragraph would be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED upon being found guilty after a Hearing.

F Any Player who weighs (5) or more pounds above the maximum weight for their division of play at the time of the initial practice will not be allowed to play. Also, any Player who weighs (3) pounds under the division limit will not be allowed to play. No Pop Warner Official, Coach, etc., will take any part in or recommend sweating down methods.

PENALTY: for failure to comply: 1st Offense; Coach, Team and/or Association SUSPENDED FOR minimum of one(1) Year and maybe more depending on the circumstances. 2nd Offense, Coach, Team and/or Association; PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED.

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G No Team may schedule more than (10) hours per week of practice before LABOR DAY. This applies to cheerleading squads as well. A Week being (7) consecutive calendar days beginning with Monday. Not more than 2 1/2 hours of practice may be scheduled on any one day. Of the practice time you may only use 1/4 of your total practice time for contact. If you have a practice for 2 hours it means you may contact for 30 minutes and 120 minutes total practice for the week. After Labor Day contact is limited to a maximum of 22 minutes per day and 65 minutes total for the week. Please refer to the National Rule Book page 46 Rule 29, S6 – Contact for more details.

PENALTY for failure to comply: 1st Offense, Head Coach SUSPENDED for (1) Year. 2nd Offense, Head Coach PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED.

H A (10) minute mandatory break after each hour of practice shall be required. Break time is not counted against the (10) hours or 2 1/2 hours of practice time allowed. No coaching, instructing, reviewing films or practice can occur during this break-time.

I Practices after LABOR DAY WEEKEND is limited to (6) hours per week. A week being (7) consecutive calendar days. Practices after LABOR DAY WEEKEND are not to exceed (2) hours per day. (The mandatory (10) minute break will apply).

J No more than (2) SCRIMMAGES per week, with another Association, may be scheduled before LABOR DAY WEEKEND. These Scrimmages will count against allotted practice time and the mandatory (10) minute break time will apply.

PENALTY for failure to comply: 1st Offense, Head Coach and Association President, SUSPENDED for (1) Year. 2nd Offense, Association PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED.

K No more than (1) SCRIMMAGE per week, with another Association, may be scheduled after LABOR DAY WEEKEND. This scrimmage will count against allotted practice time and the mandatory (10) minute break time will apply.

PENALTY for failure to comply: 1st Offense, Head Coach and Association President SUSPENDED for (1) Year. 2nd Offense, Association PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED.

L Teams may scrimmage a team in the same division of play even if the team is on its schedule. As long as both parties agree that there will be no issues with players not playing in the scrimmage but then playing in the game.

NOTE: All scrimmages will be arranged through and by the Local President and in NO case will scrimmages be arranged by coaches. A member of each local Board of Directors will attend all scrimmages or the scrimmage will not be allowed to take place.

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PENALTY for failure to comply: 1st Offense, Coach will be SUSPENDED for (1) Year. 2nd Offense, Coach will be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED. (It is recommended for the sake of economics that all teams from an Association scrimmage an opponent on the same day).

M Any person from an Association, who is found to be attending an opponents practice session including scrimmages without proper justification, will be SUSPENDED for (1) Year on 1st Offense, and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense. Depending on the circumstances, the offending Association may also forfeit their entire schedule for the season.

NOTE: Starting in 2003 scouting games is allowed, however, scouting practice / scrimmages remains against the rules.

ARTICLE 11: CERTIFICATION WEIGH-IN

A ALL member Associations of the PWFCEM will adhere to the certification process of Players in the following manner or risk being dropped from the current season schedule.

B A Dry Weigh-In meeting, i.e. (Documentation without Players present) will be held by the PWFCEM, at least three days before the actual Player Weigh-In. This meeting will be MANDATORY for ALL member Associations of ALL Leagues of the PWFCEM. The meeting purpose will be to present all paper requirements (Certification Rosters, Birth Certificates, Copies of Complete Report Cards (both front and back) with the average highlighted, National Physical Fitness and Medical Form with Health Certificate attached if required (NOTE: First part completed by parent/legal guardian and second part completed by medical staff), National Players Contract and Parental Consent form or other documentation including approved signed Transfer form, and to iron out any problems before the actual LEAGUE CERTIFICATION WEIGH-IN. The certification must be performed by a PWFCEM board member or League Coordinator. If the paper work is ready prior to the meeting the League President may get advanced approval from the Conference President to conduct the review before or after the official meeting. The League President can submit a request to have additional members approved to assist in reviewing the paper work. If approved the League President must observe the process of the alternates to assure the proper review is being conducted.

Penalty: Failure of an Association to attend either the official meeting or the pre-arranged time if before or after meeting, with completed paperwork will result in a fine of $200.

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C The following documentation must be presented to the League Director for examination and approval.1.) Official Certification Roster Forms produced by the National Software Roster

system (ACTIVE) in Birth Date Order with the order going from oldest to youngest players, if available, otherwise it will be in alphabetical order. ALL information provided (Minus the Weight, which shall be added after the child is weighed in at the official weigh-in by a PWFCEM Board member or their designate at the time of the Weigh-In) and submitted on the ORIGINAL CERTIFICATION ROSTER FORM. No Roster will be accepted unless completed in this manner. The scholastic fitness column should be completed with either REPORT or OTHER means of qualifying.

Penalty: Failure to comply will result in a fine of $25 per team ,

2.) Proof of Age Documentation must be submitted according to ARTICLE 6: Section S3, Page 21 of this Rulebook. This documentation must be arranged in order to follow the official roster. NOTE: The League Director will make note of all documentation not provided which must be submitted at the Official PWFCEM Weigh-In, or the candidate will not be Weighed-In. The above documentation will be submitted again at the Official PWFCEM Weigh-In.

3.) The documents must be present for each player / cheerleadera.) Page 1 front: The completed 2017 PWFCEM Cover/Picture pageb.) Page 2 back: Birth Certificatec.) Page 3 front: 2017 Physical Fitness & Medical History form completed by

the parent regardless if the physician completes the back sided.) Page 4 back: Medical form signed by physician dated after January 1 ST of

current year or copy of Medical stating child can play or cheer.e.) Page 5 front: 2017 Participant Contract and Parental Consent form f.) Page 6 back: Release Consent form, If 5 pages show signature pageg.) Page 7 front Proof of Scholastic Fitness (Copy of report card front and back,

any of the Scholastic Fitness forms required. If below 70 (2.0) average then Appropriate National Scholastic Form signed by the parent or legal guardian, Head Coach and participant

4.) All paper work must be submitted in the order above

D ALL Players of ALL Leagues must be present at the PWFCEM Certification Weigh-In, if they are on the Official Roster, or they will be dropped from the team. The only exception to this rule is the following; 1.) Religious Holiday of the Players' Faith.2.) Under a Doctors Care. (In-Patient or Out Patient)3.) Family Function or (Emergency, Wedding, Funeral)

a.) In the case of a Religious Holiday, the Association must notify the League Director a week in advance and the Player must be weighed at a time and

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place set-up by the League President. A letter must be submitted by the parent at this time, stating the circumstances. The Player will have his/her picture taken with their HOME GAME SHIRT on, for their ID Form, by a PWFCEM Board Member. If the Player comes to the Weigh-In without his/her Home Game Shirt, the Player will NOT be weighed or added to the Team’s roster unless the association provides a picture of the player prior to being weighed in (NO EXCEPTIONS). Player must meet Certification Weigh-In Criteria.

b.) In the case of Doctors Care, the Local Association must submit a doctor’s statement, on the Doctors Original Letterhead, stating the Player was unable to attend the Weigh-In, due to Illness, Injury, etc. He must also state when the Player will be fit to play football again. The League Director will arrange a Special Weigh-In, at the Directors convenience, but in no case shall it take place after the second (2ND) Thursday following the PWFCEM Certification Weigh-In. The Player must meet the Weight criteria as of the Initial Certification Weigh-In. The Player will have his/her picture taken with the HOME GAME SHIRT on, for their ID Form, by a PWFCEM Board Member. If the Player comes to the Weigh-In without his/her Home Game Shirt, the Player will NOT be weighed or added to the Teams Roster unless the association provides a picture of the player prior to being weighed in. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

c.) In the case of a Family Function, depending on the circumstances, he/she may be weighed-in on a date and time set up by the League. A letter must be submitted by the parent at this time, explaining the circumstances and signed by the parent. THE PARENTS LETTER WILL BE VERIFIED. The Player will meet the Initial Certification Weight Criteria and have his/her picture taken with their HOME GAME SHIRT on, for their ID Form, by a PWFCEM Board Member. The cost will be ($2.00) per picture, which will be borne by the Local Association at the time the picture is taken. If the Player comes to the Weigh-In without his/her Home Game Shirt, the Player will NOT be weighed or added to the Team Roster unless the association provides a picture of the player prior to being weighed in. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

4.) Players missing the first weigh-in will be allowed to weigh in after the first game of the season. This will be a strip down weight using the original minimum and maximum weights from the certification weigh-in. This can be done by the League President or his/her designee.

5.) Or attend the 2ND weigh-in, this weight used at the final weigh-in will be at the certification weight for both minimum and maximum. (No weekly weigh allowance or equipment allowance)

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E ONLY the Team Coaches and the Association President will be allowed into the GYM at the PWFCEM Certification Weigh-In. Please make sure your parents are aware of this prior to them bring the children.

F All Teams must be lined up in order outside the Certification Weigh-In Site (15) minutes before their scheduled time. All Certification Rosters, Birth Certificates, etc., must be in order or the team will NOT be Weighed-In. This will result in being dropped from the schedule. (NO PLAYER WILL BE ALLOWED TO RUN AROUND THE WEIGH-IN SITE AT ANY TIME, TO LOSE WEIGHT).

G Each Player will be allowed to step on the scale once. If the player does not make the min./max. weight for their division of play, the player will be allowed to step on a second scale. If the player still does not make the weight requirements as in the National schematic, the player will be marked as a No-show on the roster. The player will be allowed to attend the supplemental weigh-in or if there is room on one of the Local Associations lower/higher division rosters and the player elects to move down / up he/she may be dropped from the original roster and added to the lower / higher division team. (NOTE: THE PLAYER MOVING, UP OR DOWN, MUST MEET THE NATIONAL AGE REQUIREMENTS). (It is the Local Associations responsibility to Weigh ALL THEIR TEAMS the night before the Certification Weigh-In, to avoid embarrassment and confusion at the PWFCEM Weigh-In)

Note: A fine of $25.00 will be assessed to any association who has a player step on the scale who is equal to or greater than five pounds of the weight limit unless they are moving to another division. It is the association’s responsibility to inform the player of the weight requirements and whether the child should attend the weigh-in. Any Association presenting a player found to be over 10 pounds and more than 3 pounds will be fined $25.00 regardless if they can move up or down . This will not prevent the player from moving to the appropriate division.

H The CERTIFICATION WEIGH-IN will be conducted by PWFCEM Board Members or their designee(s). The respective League Director will be assisted by PWFCEM Board Members from their league. (All PASS/FAIL decisions will be made by the Respective League Director or PWFCEM President. Their decisions are FINAL).

I All Players will be Weighed-In with GYM SHORTS and HOME GAME SHIRT. NO Player will be allowed to take off their GYM SHORTS to pass the weight requirements however, they may remove their game shirt. (Female Players needing to remove their game shirt will be Weighed-In by Female PWFCEM Board Members or their Female designee in a private area).

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J Starting with the 1991 Season, all member Associations of the PWFCEM must have a minimum of a Varsity (A), Jr. Varsity (B), Pee Wee (C) and Jr. Pee Wee Team (D) with sixteen (16) players on each squad. If all four Squads are not presented to be weighed-in on Certification Day, that Association may be dropped from the schedule. All member Associations are cautioned to utilize the National Age & Weight Schematic to accomplish the above. NO Association will be allowed to STACK a lower or higher division team, while missing one of the above divisions of play which are required to be a PWFCEM Member. The BOD of the PWFCEM will determine on a case by case basis, whether an Association can participate in league play without fielding the required teams as indicated above. (Mitey-Mite and Tiny Mites Teams must be weighed-in on Certification Day also, but it is optional for the Local Association to have a Mitey-Mite or Tiny Mite Team).

K Starting with the 1998 season, each association will be required to bring on Association Letterhead, stating the following individuals have been either CORI reviewed to the satisfaction of the Association, or state that the CORI review is in process. If the Association is not performing its own CORI review it must state who is doing this. They are Board of Directors, Coaches and Adult Volunteers. In addition, each Association will be required to bring a signed copy of the 2017 Association Background Checks Certification required by National or their teams will not be allowed to play in any games until it has been submitted.

Penalty: Failure will result in the disqualifying those individuals from participating in any Pop Warner program until compliance is established. Further, there will be a fine of $25.00 per team who violates this requirement.

L Each League will be responsible for obtaining volunteers to record weights of all the players coming to their work station. A crew shall be one volunteer for each scale the League is using. No Board member should be recording weights, they are to be available to weigh in each player. The crews can be split so the volunteers do not have to be present all day, however, each League should have enough volunteers to keep the lines moving throughout the day.

M Each League must have a table where any missing requirements are being checked before the team is weighed in. Based on the number of missing items they should have a representative present at the weigh in sight with all the missing paper work. One of the board members for each League should be designed to verify the paper work is in order.

ARTICLE 11 A: RETENSION OF ELIGIBILTY

A Once certified, a participant must meet the following requirements to retain eligibility: Transfer policy in case of change of residence will be decided by the League.

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Retain parental consent. Maintain sound physical condition. Continue to maintain sound scholastic standards. In cases of doubt, a League

shall have the right to require a written statement by the school administration, which shall be deemed final.

A player serving a school suspension is not eligible to play PW until the day after their school suspension is completed.

ARTICLE 12: MISCELLANEOUS

A Starting with the 2016 season, D, E & F teams will have no kick-offs at the start of each half and after any score including after a Safety by the defense. The ball will be placed on the 35 yard line of the receiving team. .

B The Free Substitution Rule is always in effect.

C The eligibility of a Player must be challenged prior to the start of a game.

D Once a game has started, any Player that did not participated in the pre-game weigh-in has until the beginning of the 2nd half or if agreed upon by the opponent Weight Master that the child will becoming after the start of the 2nd half. NOTE: (The player must meet all mandatory plays as established at the start of the game), otherwise is ineligible to play in said game.

E Once removed by reason of injury, a Player must leave the game for at least one play. No longer can a time out be used to allow the player to return to the game without sitting out the minimum of 1 play. NOTE: The EMT or qualified Medical Personnel on duty, must release the player to participate in the game again.

F NO Player shall play on or for any other tackle football team during the Pop Warner Season simultaneously. (It is the responsibility of the Team Head Coach to inquire of his squad if any of them are playing for any other tackle team. The Coach should indicate to the team that they would forfeit their entire season should they violate this requirement). NOTE: Starting in the 2014 season Teams may accept players of other football programs that either had their season completed or quit regardless if they played in a game or not. The association will need a letter from the Head Coach of the previous team indicating that the player has quit the team and completed at least 20 hours of conditioning and contact.

G Any PLAYER / COACH thrown out of a game for any reason by a game Referee will be suspended. One week from practice, including the following game Any PLAYER / COACH thrown out of a second game will be suspended for the balance of the season

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including play-off games and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the PWFCEM Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of the Local Association President who's Player / Coach was ejected from the game to notify the League President the day of the offense. The League President will then notify the President of the offending team’s next opponent. The game Head Referee must report the ejection to the Head Assignor, who will notify the Conference President. If the player or coach is ejected in the last game of the year the suspension will be enforced using the first game of the season. Starting with the 2017 season, blitzing on a knee down will be ejected from the game and reported by the referees. The kneel down must be stated by the referee prior to the play. (See National Rulebook Section IV Enforcement policies Rule S2 on page 31.

H Adults, Players and Cheerleaders will refrain from using profanity at all times.

I NO team will run up the score on a weaker opponent. When the score reaches a 28 Point Spread, the winning team will kick off from their own 20-yard line and the losing team will kick off at the 50-yard line during the (28) Point Spread. The League President will routinely check into "RUN UP SCORES" which exceed the (32) Point margin. If there is a difference of opinion by opposing Head Coaches as to the Game Scores, then the League President will bring the matter to the PWFCEM Board for resolution. Penalty will be enforced whether the President calls in the score or not. NOTE: For all D team games, there are no kick-offs at the start of each half or after every score. The ball will be placed on the 35 yard line. For games that enter the slaughter rule the ball shall be placed on the 50 yard line.

Penalty: 1ST violation – winning team’s head coach must write a letter to PWFCEM President who explains why score was lopsided. PWFCEM Secretary will keep this letter on file2ND violation in same season – winning head coach must write a letter to PWFCEM President, which explains why the score was lopsided. Winning Association will be fined $50 and the head coach will be suspended for the following game3RD violation – same as above except Association will be fined $100 and head coach will be suspended for the remainder of the season4TH violation same as above except fine will be $200 and team will forfeit its season and NOT be eligible for post season play including the play-offs(The Pop Warner philosophy is to refrain from humiliating a weaker opponent). Please note that all running up the scores count in all play-off games.

Once a Point Differential of (28) or more Points is obtained in the game, the Official Clock will become a RUNNING CLOCK for the remainder of the game regardless of the score. The running clock CANNOT be stopped except

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when an injury occurs, time out by losing team, or at the discretion of the referee.

The winning team cannot pass the ball or run sweeps outside the tackles. There will be a loss of down and a 5 yard penalty for each occurs.

The losing teams cannot stack the box once the 28 point deferential rule is in effect. This means the losing team’s defense cannot have more thm 4 players on the line of scrimmage with the linebackers set at least 5 yards off the line of scrimmageband the defensive backs must be at least 10 yards off the line of scrimmage. Failure to comply will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct against the head coach and a 5 yard penalty.

There will be no blitzing for either team once the clock is running even if the score goes below 28 point differential.

The winning team will kick off from their own 20 yard line The losing team will kick off from their own 50 yard line No on-side kicks will be allowed by the winning team. The winning defense cannot advance a fumble or pass interception. The winning team will make every effort to replace starting players with

reserves. MPR’s must be completed by both teams

J Starting with the 2003 season scouting any game is Legal.

K All Pop Warner personnel will ABIDE by Team Doctors or Emergency Medical Technicians decisions in all matters of a Player or Cheerleaders health and injuries and physical ability to participate. Failure to comply will result in a forfeit of the game and/or the suspension of the head coach.

L There shall be NO All-Star Teams. Any team found to play a game or games with All-Star Players or Players selected from different Rosters shall have its CHARTER REVOKED by the Conference.

M During Official Time Outs, one (1) Coach shall be allowed to go onto the playing field to talk to his players. (These Time Outs will be charged to the Team). The team may also come to the sideline where they will be met by the entire coaching staff.

N All Local Associations MUST have a Balanced Beam Scale and a fifty (50) pound DEAD WEIGHT, calibrated for the current year with the Local Weights & Measures "SEAL" prominently displayed or an approved Digital Scale. The current Calibration Certificate must be presented to your League Director at the DRY-WEIGH-IN. The Home Team is responsible for having their scale and Dead Weight at the field on game day. If for any reason a Scale or Dead Weight is not available, the Home Team forfeits all the day’s contests i.e. (A, B, C, D & E) Games. You may request that the visitors bring their Scale and Dead Weight through your League Director, to avoid the forfeit. (Prior to

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all games, a Pre-Game Weigh-In will take place). Any Coach or Coaches, who circumvent this rule, will be SUSPENDED for one game on the first offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED for a REPEAT OFFENSE, upon proof after a HEARING.

O No Electronic Devices or Headsets of any kind will be allowed on the sidelines, for use by the Coaching Staff or personnel of any PWFCEM Team. (The only exception to this rule is the following) REMOTE Microphones on a one way basis will be allowed from the bench area to the recording devise being used for the game. Under NO circumstances should there be electronic communications to a player. Also, no one on the sideline shall receive electronic communications while in the bench area. This includes but not limited to cell phones, blackberry, walkie talkies, head sets etc. . However, such Devices must be identified to the opposing Team before the start of your game. Also, there will be no "Video Playback" or reviewing pictures of any kind during your game, not even as a training aid.

P MASCOTS & BALLBOYS - There will be NO Mascots, Ballboys or the like on any PWFCEM Cheerleading Squad or Football Team. The reason for this rule is that there is no fair criteria for choosing Mascots, Ballboys or the like. The PWFCEM Board has had too many complaints in the past about Mascots, Ballboys or the like, being related to Coaches, Presidents etc. The PWFCEM Board voted to make this a MANDATORY RULE in 1985.

PENALTY for failure to comply: Head Coach suspended for (1) Year and Association on Probation for (1) Year.

Q SIDELINE PERSONNEL will be limited to rostered (1) Head Football Coach, plus five (5) Assistant Coaches plus (1) Trainee Coach. In addition all rostered Cheerleading Coaches. In addition, the Association President, Equipment Manager and the Team Weight-Master may also accompany the Team on the sideline. The above personnel will stay within the appropriate marked area or suffer a Team Penalty by the Game Referee. The Team "EMT" and MPR personnel may follow his/her Team the entire length of the sideline in order to perform his/her duty and will not be counted as one of the sideline personnel. (This Regulation will be strictly enforced at all PWFCEM, REGIONAL and NATIONAL PLAYOFF GAMES).

R DECALS will be limited to team logo, number, America flag and team names. Award decals for individual performance displayed on helmets is prohibited. Special memory decals may be displayed after notifying and receiving approval from the Conference Board of Directors. NOTE: Any decal must be approved by the helmet manufactor to assure that the glue used does not void the warranty of the helmet.

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S FINES are payable in full to PWFCEM Secretary within fourteen days of verbal notice of the fine being assessed. Any Association which does not pay their fine (s) in full by the end of the regular season will be fined an additional $25. Further, that Association will not be allowed to register for the following season until the fines are paid in full.

T Any Association participating in a Jamboree must get approval of the PWFCEM Board of Directors. NOTE: This will count against the associations practice or game time for the week.

U The use of a shield on the face mask must be with a written doctor’s note. This note must be in the player book and presented at the certification for approval. The shield should be clear. The referee will have the right to disallow the shield if it is not of clear plastic. This is a medical issue in the event of the player being injured and the EMT will need to be able to see the eyes of the player clearly.

NOTE: If the medical note clearly states that the player needs to wear a tinted shield to protect the player’s eyes from the sun light, this should be shown to the head referee prior to the start of the game.

V Point After Touchdown (PAT) – The Defense can NOT score. If the defense recovers a fumble, intercepts a pass or blocks a kick attempt the ball becomes a dead ball to end the play.

W Any player removed from the game/practice because of a suspected concussion or head injury shall be removed from practice/game at that time may not return to the game/practice until they are cleared by a currently licensed medical professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. This person can not be a parent of the player in question. See the 2017 National Rule Book, Page 25, 26 and 27 Article 17, S1 for more details.

ARTICLE 13: IN-SEASON DETERMINATION OF WEIGHT

A The PWFCEM uses the following method of In-Season Weight Check prior to all games. A Calibrated Balanced Beam Scale (For the current year) will be used in conjunction with a Calibrated (50) pound Dead Weight (for the current year) or a Digital Scale. A flat hard surface will be used to place the scale on.

B The Team being weighed will present its Approved Roster & Individual Player’s Picture Book to the opposing Teams Weight-Master and MPR sheet, who will weigh-in the Team. The Picture & Roster Book will be arranged with the Older/Lightweight Players first, in numerical order, with the regular Players numerically arranged behind them. The Weigh-In Line will be arranged accordingly. The Team being weighed will be

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accompanied by its Weight-Master or Association President. Coaches will NOT be allowed at the scales. Agreements between teams/coaches to waive weigh requirements are NOT permitted and any offending player/team/association is subject to suspension.

C Each Player will be called to the scale by the opposing Teams Weight-Master and checked to the Min./Max. specifications for his/ her division of play, per the current year National Age & Weight Schematic. Any Player failing the Weigh-In will remove his/her Shoulder Pads and will not be allowed to play in the game.

D A Player will be weighed-in with all his Equipment on as per Rule No. 14; Page 40 of the 2017 Edition of the National Pop Warner Rule Book, less the Helmet. Any Player found not to be wearing the Equipment described in Rule No. 14 of the National Rulebook, current year Edition, when presented for Weigh-In, will not be allowed to play in the game. Any Player found to have swapped or changed equipment after the Pre-Game Weigh-In, as described in Rule No. 14, will be ejected from the game and not allowed to play in the following week’s game. This violation must be reported immediately to the League Director by the opposing Team. (The only exception to this rule will be a legitimate necessity for replacement of equipment, it must take place with the knowledge of the Game Referee, and the opposing Head Coach). It is the Head Coach's responsibility to see that his team is wearing the Proper Equipment.

E The PWFCEM will allow the following EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCES from the first game of the season through the PWFCEM PLAYOFFS. This includes the cold weather additional weight as allowed by New England Region.

1.) The "A & B" Teams will be allowed (10) lbs. less the Helmet. (This includes (1) lb. for cold weather climate clothing)

2.) The "C & D" Teams will be allowed (9) lbs. less the Helmet. (This includes (1) lb. for cold weather climate clothing)

3.) The Mitey-Mite and Tiny Mite Teams will be allowed (8) lbs. less the Helmet. (This includes (1) lb. for cold weather climate clothing)

EXAMPLE: With equipment an "A or B" Player could weigh the following:"A" = 190 lbs. (Regular Player) "B" = 165 lbs. (Regular Player)

NOTE: The above example is using the first game of the season with no weight increases for In-Season Growth.4.) In-Season Growth will be one (1) pound every other week beginning with the

second (2ND) week to a maximum of four (4) pounds.

F The New England Region Championship Games will be (STRIP WEIGH-INS) in Gym Shorts and Game Shirt. NO EXCEPTIONS. Both the minimum and maximum weights

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will be verified. Any player not meeting the minimum and maximum requirements will not be allowed to play in the game.

G The Under Armour football is the only ball allowed to be used in the New England and National Play-offs.

H When playing a Post Season Bowl Game, the HOST SITE, governs the Weigh-In method used by their CONFERENCE.

ARTICLE 14: GAME SCHEDULING

A The playing leagues of the PWFCEM will be set up by the PWFCEM Board each season and will be FINAL and BINDING. Starting with the 2015 season, the conference will schedule games against same Division opponents. This will mean Division 1 teams will only play Division 1 teams and same for Division 2 teams. Unless there is a bye week in each division of play and then there may be a cross over game between the divisions of play. If this is the case the game will be considered a non-league game and will NOT count in the regular season standings to qualify for the Conference Play-offs. The League Schedules will be issued by the PWFCEM Board. Failure to show up for a game, scheduled or sanctioned by the PWFCEM Board, shall result in forfeiture. The only exception to this, is in the event of a severe condition or such unique circumstance, as an epidemic, etc. If a scheduled contest is called off because of such circumstances, the HOME TEAM is to notify the League Director, VISITING TEAM and GAME REFEREE at least one (1) hour before the scheduled game of the day. (If the Visiting Team is the Team with the catastrophe, they will notify the President of the Home Team by at least one (1) hour before the scheduled game of the day or before, so that he/she may alert the League Director, Game Referee and his/her own Association).

B The minimum number of Associations in any PWFCEM League shall be eight (8) unless approved by the board of directors. The maximum number shall be set by the Schedule Committee EACH Season.

C No individual Team or Local Association may arrange a game. All games, regardless of type, MUST be arranged through or with the sanction of the PWFCEM Board or the League Director of the respective League which the Team or Association is a member. The Official League Schedules will be printed on PWFCEM STATIONERY and will be used by all PWFCEM Members. These are the schedules that are on file with National Headquarters along with your Team Rosters.

PENALTY for failure to comply: The Local Association President will be SUSPENDED for (1) Year and the Association will be on PROBATION for (1) Year on 1st Offense and

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the Local Association President and Association will be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense.

D POSTPONED GAMES: The League Director MUST be notified immediately if a game is postponed. In situations where games are canceled due to inclement weather or severely wet grounds, it will be the duty of the HOME TEAM to reschedule the game. In this case, the option MUST first be given to the Visiting Team, to move the game to the Visitors Field, provided their field is available and playable. (This move will have no effect on the following year’s schedule). The League Director and Head Referee MUST be notified by one (1) hour before the schedule start time of the game date, of any changes or rescheduling. In any case, the games must be made up by the following WEDNESDAY, even if they must be moved to a neutral site, to obtain the use of lights. An equitable arrangement regarding the use of the host site snack bar must be made. The original Home Team will still pay for the Game Referee. (All PWFCEM Teams should have a back-up field to protect against High School Rainout’s or restricted use of their fields on rain days). Failure to comply will result in FORFEITURE of the game for BOTH TEAMS.

E If the Head Referee is not notified and the Referee's show up at the field, the Home Team MUST pay their full fee's for the first game or any game they waited beyond one (1) hour before that game’s schedule start time. (i.e. First game at 8:00 a.m. and second game at 9:30, if decision to cancel 9:30 game is made after 8:30 then the referees present will be paid for two (2) game fees (8:00 am & 9:30 am games).

ARTICLE 14A: ADDITIONAL TEAM SCHEDULING & PLAY-OFF FORMAT

A. Adding additional teams can be done until August 15th. The schedule will be made and Distributed after August 15th to avoid confusion of changes in the schedule.

B. All associations must declare if their additional teams should be scheduled with the main group or opposite it by August 1st. If no declaration has been made as of this date the schedule will be made assuming all teams play together if possible.

C. Every effort will be made to schedule the additional teams as requested. However, there are times when the home and away split are not even and adjustments will need to be made.

D. We will attempt to have Division 1 teams play Division 1 teams and the same for Division 2. However, the first priority is teams do not play each other more than once.

E. Attempts will be made to have the same Leagues teams play each other. There are Leagues with only one or two teams within the same division which will need to play opponents from other leagues.

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F. We also will be filling New Hampshire’s schedule and will try to keep associations together.

G. To make Sunday’s more manageable it is okay to move games to Friday and Saturday nights. You will need to get the approval of your opponent and notify the League President to adjust the referee schedule. You will also need to update ScoreMaster for the change. This is used by coaches, parents of when and where they are playing. It is best to play two (2) games on the off day for scheduling referees.

H. If the additional teams played the first teams, with a minimum of 5 games, from the associations within their division of play the above will not be used the play in rule as they will be included in the seeding of all teams within that level of play. This means that multiple teams from the same division may qualify for the play-offs based on their record. If teams do not play the first teams and they have records of .500 or better, they will have to play one of the bottom seeds qualifying (7th or 8th seed). The winner will be assigned this seeding. If they do not finish within one game of the last seeded team they will not be eligible for the play-offs.

Otherwise, in order to make the playoffs, the highest seeded team within a league and division must have a record that is equal to or one game behind the second place team. If there are multiple teams with the same record the head to head record will be the first tie breaker

Example: Standings after seven 7 weeks are as followsa. Team A: 6 – 1 Team A lost to Cb. Team B: 6 – 1 Team B lost to Ac. Team C: 4 – 3 d. Additional team C: 7 – 0

Team B will play the Additional team C in week 8. The winner will represent the league as the 2nd seed. Team A will be the first seed. The overall records do not come into seeding of the teams

I. Every effort will be made to have the seedings done by complete games. However, based on the possibility of tie breakers to declare the 1st and 2nd teams within the first teams will cause a tie breaker to be played on Monday night after the conclusion of the season.

ARTICLE 15: PLAYOFF FORMAT & PAIRINGS

1. Beginning with the 2015 season teams will be group together based on their overall record regardless of which League they are from. Each of the two (2) divisions (D2 and D3) will

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have the top eight teams included in the Conference Play-offs. They will be ranked based on their overall record of games played within their own Division of play. Ties will be split first based on head to head records, if they played each other and then based on their strength of schedule. This is determined by taking the records of all teams within their division and ranking them based on their win/loss percentage. If there are more than eight (8) teams that qualify then we will take all teams that have a record of .500 or better. A play-in game(s) will be played to end with a maximum number of teams to be eight (8). This play-in game could be a 10 yard tie breaker depending on when our teams must be ready for the New England Play-offsAn example of this would be there are 10 teams with a record of .500 or better. The bottom four (4) teams will be paired together to eliminate two (2) teams and the winners will be included in the maximum field of eight (8). This will be done for the teams do not play each other.

In divisions of play that do not have eight (8) teams with records of .500 a decision will be made by the board of directors of how many teams should qualify for the play-offs.

A Teams (Varsity) and Patriot (Unlimited) divisions will be grouped together whether the Association is in Divisions 1, 2 or 3 if they have elected to play for the National Play-off group. The Unlimited teams desiring only to go as far as the New England Championships will play in the D3 Unlimited pairings there is no division distinction in these level of play. Starting in the 2017 season. Division 1 Assoications will play in a New England Region schedule. There will be no Conference championships for this group. Rather they will begin the New England North Play-offs beginning the week end after the season. The top 4 teams at each level will play (1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3) with the winners playing and the North Champion sill play the South Champ on the week end prior to Thanksgiving. This will provide the winners moving on to National to have an additional week to raise the necessary funds. This division will only include A/P, B, C and D. E & F will not be included in the scheduling unless you are playing against a Eastern Mass Association.

There are no play-offs in Division E and F.

We will attempt to play the additional teams in the same division if possible, otherwise they will play against Division 3 teams only and Division 1 & 2 can be scheduled to play each other.

The higher seeds will be the home teams in the first round, then the play-off teams left will be reseeded with the higher seed being the home team. In the event of a tie then the first rule to split them will be by head to head record, then by record of common opponents and then by strength of schedule. The reseedings will apply to all rounds. NOTE: HOME team does not mean they will play at their own field unless that is the field that was choosen for that group of teams.

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We will try and have teams from the same association grouped together at the same play-off site. This will be done first for teams with higher seeding, we will make every attempt to accommodate all associations if possible.

2. The Host Association at all game sites will provide the Scoreboard, Timekeeper, Public Address System, Announcer, Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Custodians if required, and Local Police if required by Local Ordinance. In addition the following must be available for use, Down Markers, Yard Markers, Goal Pylons, Goal Post Padding (6’ high around the uprights), EMT (equipped with a radio or other communications to an ambulance) positioned on the sideline, weigh in site, balance beam scale or digital scale and fifty pound weight.

3. The Host Site will also provide a refreshment stand manned by the Local Association with a menu of their choice.

4. PWFCEM will provide the Game Referee, run the Ticket Booth and conduct the weigh-ins.

5. PWFCEM will be responsible for supervising all Mandatory Play Reporting and will collect the signed MPR sheets.

6. The PWFCEM Treasurer will pay all Game Referees and EMT. The Treasurer will also be responsible for collecting all gate receipts that will be deposited in the PWFCEM Account to defray the cost of Game Referees and EMT.

7. The Host Association will be responsible for any other costs which are needed to run the play-off. The Host Association may keep all proceeds from its Snack Bar or from other revenue raised from selling raffles etc. These funds may be used to defray the Host Association’s costs.

8. The field must be completely fenced off from spectators and be marked with no lime or other caustics.

9. All PWFCEM play-off games will be officiated by game Referees assigned by the Head Referee.

10.If an Association is selected by PWFCEM to be the host location for any PWFCEM playoff game(s), the Host Association MUST provide five volunteers to be made available from one hour before the scheduled kick-off of the first game to the conclusion of the final game played that day. The PWFCEM Director(s) attending that game will give these Association volunteers their assignments.

11.Penalty: Failure to comply will result in a fine of $100 for not providing the necessary volunteer support

12.The sites where the play-off games will be determined by PWFCEM officials.13.The weigh-in will be conducted by PWFCEM representatives

Only one (1) coach will be allowed to observe the process. Coach is NOT allowed at the scale.

It is desired that association weight master be the representative for the team. Any player stepping on the scale and NOT meeting the minimum/maximum weight

with equipment on will be asked to step off and stand with the team representative.

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Under no circumstances will the player be allowed to leave the weigh-in area, if the player does leave they will not be allowed to play in that game.

The player will be giving the option of a strip weight (providing the facility can provide a private area for the weigh-in) or being reweighed after the scale has been checked with a fifty (50) pound weight.

The player first will be checked to make sure only required equipment is on the player. Any non required equipment can be removed prior to the re-weigh-in under the direction of the PWFCEM representative.

No equipment will be allowed to change once the player steps on the scale for the first time (i.e. changing of cleats, shoulder pads, hip pads).

Any player stepping on the scale without the required equipment as outlined in this rulebook will not be allowed to play in that game if the player’s weight is within five (5) pounds of the maximum weight.

Teams are allowed to bring their own scale to the weigh-in and it can be requested for any re-weigh-in after it has been checked using the fifty (50) pound weight by the PWFCEM representative.

Digital scales will be used, if available, on site. The minimum and maximum weight will be verified.

The decision of the PWFCEM representative is final and can not be appealed.

ARTICLE 16: DIVISION TIES & PLAYOFF TIEBREAKERS

A Division ties shall be decided in the following manner: 1.) Overall best record in each of the Divisions will be the Divisional Champion.2.) Two Teams same record, winner head to head is the Divisional Champion.3.) Three or more Teams tied for the last play-off position with the same record all

having lost to only (1) of the others. At earliest time play on neutral site, if possible. a.) If three teams are tied draw two names to play the first tiebreaker. The

remaining team draws a bye in the first game. The winner of the first game will play the bye team. The winner is the Play-off Representative.

b.) If four teams tied, then the first two names selected play the first game and the remaining two teams play the second game. The winners of both games will play for the Play-off RepresentativeNote: There will be a fifteen-minute break between games. The League Director will arrange a neutral site, if possible, EMT and Game Referee, Each team competing will split the cost of the Referee and EMT equally.

B Division ties should be decided in the following manner (7 TH & 8 TH PLACE IN PLAYOFFS ):1.) Overall best record is the Division Champion2.) Two teams with the same record, winner head to head will be seeded 7th and the other

team will be seeded 8th

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3.) Two teams with same record not playing each other, coin toss to see who places 7th or 8th

seed. (Could use 10 Yard Tiebreker) 4.) Three or more teams tied with the same record all having lost to only one of the other

teams for the final two play-off seed.a.) If three teams are tied. Draw two names out to play the first tiebreaker (Team A

and Team B). The remaining team (Team C) draws a bye and will play the loser of the first game. If the same team loses then the remaining teams go into the play-offs. They will play each other to determine 7TH & 8th place. If the other team loses then the other teams play each other. The team with the best record will be first and then the next record will be second. If the teams are still tied then they will start over.Example: ‘Team A’ plays ‘Team B’. ‘Team A’ wins the game

‘Team C’ will play “Team B’. If ‘Team C’ wins then ‘Team B’ is eliminated from the play-

offs. ‘Team A’ and ‘Team C’ will play for 7th and 8th place. If ‘Team B’ wins then ‘Team A’ will play ‘Team C’

If ‘Team A’ wins then ‘Team A’ is 7th and ‘Team B’ is 8th

If ‘Team B’ wins then the round robin will begin again.b.) If four teams are tied, then the first two names selected will play each other and the

other two teams will play each other. The winners will play for 7th and 8th place.5.) If teams are tied for 2ND place then they should use the Tiebreaker for only one team

going to the play-offs (see A above)6.) There will be a fifteen-minute break between games where the same team(s) is

competing. C Tie-breaker method for league and play-off ties:

1.) Referee flips a coin to see which team will get the ball. 2.) Referee picks the goal to be used throughout the Tiebreaker.3.) Each team will have one (1) time out per complete rotation (offense and defense).

There will be NO carry over of time outs from the 2ND half or rotation.4.) Team (A) gets the ball on the 10 yard line5.) Team (A) gets its initial possession to score. (TD plus PAT-KICK OR RUN, FIELD

GOAL,). A normal possession will be four downs from scrimmage not including PAT after TD unless the team loses possession of the ball from a turnover.

6.) If Team (A) doesn't score, Team (B) gets its initial possession of the ball at the (10) yd. line and gets to score in the same manner. If Team (B) doesn't score, then - Team (A) gets the ball again at the (10) yd. line on its subsequent possession with an opportunity to score in the same manner. The cycle continues until one team scores with equal possessions.

7.) If Team (A) scores within its possession and Team (B) fails to tie them on their possession, then (A) wins the game.

8.) If Team (B) scores during its possession and has more Points than Team (A), the game is over and Team (B) is the winner.

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9.) The object of the Tie-Breaker, is to score more Points than your opponent during any of the possession cycles.

10.)The DEFENSE CANNOT SCORE. When the Defense recovers a fumble, intercepts a pass or blocks either a field or PAT, that ends the Offense's possession immediately, and the Defense starts its Offensive cycle.

11.)All penalties will apply and may result in additional first down(s).

ARTICLE 17: PROTESTED GAMES

A Protests will not be taken or heard on a Referee's judgment call. Protests will be accepted on Game Rules Violation. If submitted in writing within (24) hours following the infraction (in writing includes letters and e-mails). The protest must list all the details of the protest (i.e. reason for protest, what quarter and time left in the quarter what down and where the markers are when the infraction occurred, location of the ball, possession of the ball). The Protest will go to the League Directors of the competing teams, who will request a PWFCEM Board Meeting to address the Protest. The ruling of the PWFCEM Board will be FINAL. All parties will be heard at the meeting who has DIRECT BEARING on the Protest. (Lack of Prompt NOTIFICATION or incomplete information regarding the protest will result in denial of the Protest).

B Protests involving the eligibility of a PLAYER will be heard upon receipt of the complaint in writing and signed by the person/persons making the charge.

C. If you do not have a MPR representative on each sideline, then the right to protest is revoked and will not be acted upon regardless of the reason of the protest.

ARTICLE 18: ENFORCEMENT

A Any violation of the Rules & Regulations set up by the PWFCEM, contained in this booklet, may result in Suspension for Individuals or Associations and Forfeiture of their Season.

B The PWFCEM will enforce all National Rules & Regulations in conjunction with National Headquarters in Langhorne, PA.

ARTICLE19: SPONSORS

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A PWFCEM Associations may obtain corporate sponsors to assist their program in their fund raising activities to provide for a safe program.

B The corporate sponsor should be in good taste. You should be careful about the type of corporation/business you use.

C You may use both football and cheerleading teams.D The Sponsors name may be printed on the back of the uniform above the numbers. The

cheerleaders could have megaphones with the sponsor’s name on them. Remember if you are going to put a patch on the cheerleading uniform it must conform to the Federation size restrictions.

E Sponsors may also be issued a sign bearing their name and placed at the practice & game fields.

F You may charge any responsible price for this, however, you should be consistent from one sponsor to another.

ARTICLE 20: FLAG FOOTBALL

All rule covered the National Rulebook will be enforced by our Conference. Any association participating in this program may offer rules and procedure changes prior to the start of the current season. These will be reviewed by the Conference board of directors for approval.

ARTICLE 21: Moving between DIVISION 1 and 2 (This section has been added to clarify the rules and procedures governing this movement)

Movement between Division 1 and Division 2 has been incorporated into PWFCEM using the following guidelines

A. Starting in the 2015 season we will take the wins and losses within Division of play and adjust the associations A/P through D with the lowest winning percentage that is less than .450 down to Division 2 and move the Division 2 team. The association with the highest winning percentage that is greater than .550 up to Division 1. This will first be down after the 2016 season using two (2) years worth of records, The next time this will be adjusted will be after the 2018 season and will use the full four (4) years records. After it will use the most recent four (4) year average to Adjust the teams. Teams within the new Division 3 can opted out of this Division of play after the completion of any season. They will be placed in Division 1 or 2 based on the record last used in these Divisions of play. The entire associations wins and losses will be used including any additional teams.

ARTICLE 22: Division 3

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A This Division is available for all associations, they must commit to this new Division as of June 1st of the current year.

B This division will use decrease the maximum weight for the Over Lighter players in each of the B, C & D level of play.

C The new minimum will be one pound less than the minimum of the level of play higher. (I.E. D team O/L (11 year old) can weigh a maximum of 74 pounds

D This involves the D, C and B teams. The A teams will all play each other regardless of which division the B, C & D teams are in.

E The Unlimited Division will continue to play their own schedule. We will try and match the Unlimited teams of associations that have this division of play, if possible

F Under no circumstances will Division 3 teams be allowed to play Division 1 or Division 2 because of the differences in weight requirements. We will schedule any team with a bye using other Conferences which also field Division 3 teams.

G The Division 3 teams will play in their own Conference Play-offs and will play in the New England Region play-offs if other Conferences adopt this new Division of play.

H There will be no National Play-offs until other Regions adopt this new division as well.

I E teams will play the same association as the other teams unless the other association does not have a team and then we will make every effort to group the same divisions ( D1 vs D1; D2 vs D2 and D3 vs D3) together. However, all E teams can play each other as the weight requires are the same in the three divisions

J F teams will continue to play as they are on Saturday’s unless both teams select their first option as Sunday after the last game of the day. If on Saturday, we will try and keep D3 teams vs other D3 teams although they can all play each other because the weights for this level are the same regardless of which division they are in.

K The minimum weight for this new division will 2015’s minimum weight and the maximum weight will use the newly approved weights for the regular ages in each of the level of play (D thru B). The Over Lighter will be the minimium weight for the level above plus 5 pounds;

L Scrimmages will be allowed only with Division 3 associations even if they are on the current schedule as long as both associations agree.

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PART II - PWFCEM RULES

RULE 1: FIELD & MARKINGS

A All fields will be equipped and marked in accordance with Massachusetts High School Standards.

B Lime and other caustics SHALL NOT be used to mark the field. (Check with the field maintenance personnel)

C The CHAIN CREW will operate on the visitors’ side of the field in all PWFCEM Play-off.

D Mitey-Mite Teams may use an 80-yd. field if a 100-yd. field is not available.

E Tiny-Mite teams must use an 80-yd field, if playing on a 100 yard field the end zones at each end will be moved to the 10 yard line.

F The bench area is reserved for Players, Coaches and authorized personnel only. The sideline areas are reserved for the game Physician and Chain Crew, with the balance of the sidelines kept clear except for the presence of Medical and Law Enforcement personnel, and authorized members of the press. Also, MPR MONITORS will be allowed on the sidelines while performing their duties.

G An EMT, Nurse, Paramedic, Certified First Aid Attendant, Multi-Media cardholder or available licensed Physician must be positioned on the sideline or no PWFCEM Game will be allowed to be played.

RULE 2: GAME BALL

A The FOOTBALLS listed in Rule 12 on Page 39 the 2017 National Rule Book will be the acceptable game balls for use by Pop Warner Teams. If there is a question about the ball you are using, please refer this to a Conference Director for review prior to using this ball in any game. The official Pow Warner football is Wilson (E & F – K2; C & D – TDJ & U/A & B – TDY).

B Any Manufacturers Leather/Rubber/Composite Ball may be used provided that it is of good material. See the chart of page 39 of the National rule book

C ALL Footballs must meet the types stated in paragraph (A) above. If a team is found using an illegal football then the ball will be removed and the game will continue. If it is found after the game as was used for a competitive advantage, if possible, the game will

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be replayed at the non offending site, if available, with the referees and EMT being paid by the offending team and the Head Coach will be suspended for the game. Every effort will be made to reschedule this game including using a neutral site, if it is impossible to reschedule the game then the offending team will forfeit the game.

D In the Mitey-Mite and Tiny Mite Divisions of play only, Under Armour – PeeWee ball will be used or it’s equivalent as pointed out in the National Rule Book. The Wilson K-2 ball is an acceptable ball for both levels of play.

RULE 3: REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

A The following items shall be worn by Players in all PWFCEM Divisions. This equipment will be worn with the beginning of physical contact in practice sessions.1.) HELMET: Only helmets bearing the NOCSAE SEAL OF CERTIFICATION may

be worn. ALL helmets must bear the CURRENT NOCSAE APPROVED "WARNING LABEL" in a visible position on the outside of the helmet. (The PWFCEM prefers the lower right backside of the outside of the helmet) It is the responsibility of the Local Board of Directors to see that these helmets are inspected after each season by their association and re-certified and reconditioned to meet NOCSAE Approval requirements (currently helmets must be recertified every other year whether the helmet was used or not). No helmet can exceed 10 years old regardless if it was used or not. Please refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for reconditioning. When issuing the Helmet, every Player must be read the warning on the label, by a designated Local Board Member or the Team Head Coach. Failure to do so may result in a LAWSUIT if a Player is injured.

2.) CHINSTRAPS: (4) Point Chinstraps MUST be used on all helmets in all divisions of play following NCAA rules for Mass and Texas teams.

3.) SHOULDER PADS: Shoulder Pads must be worn at all times and be checked for worn neck rolls, shoulder caps, straps etc.

4.) HIP, THIGH, KNEE & TAIL PADS: These protective pads are MANDATORY.5.) PANTS: One piece or shell.6.) JERSEYS: Mesh or Double Knit type etc. (No tear away shirts will be used). Each

jersey must have the Pop Warner patch located on the left front chest. Rule change for the 2017 can be found on page 40 of the 2017 National Rule book. This refers to Rule 14, Page 40 Section H,

7.) MOUTHPIECE: (Keeper Strap Required) At all practices and games. (Starting with the 1991 Season, Colored Mouthpieces are MANDATORY) Clear or Transparent Mouthpieces are PROHIBITED. Mouthpiece, which is prescribed by a DENTIST must also have keeper strap and cannot be white or clear in color.

8.) ATHLETIC SUPPORTER: MANDATORY for all male Players at all practices and games.

9.) SHOES: In all PWFCEM Divisions of play, only sneakers, rubber cleats, only rubber/plastic screw-in cleats are allowed. All shoes to be

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checked at weigh-in by both association representatives during in-season games.At all PWFCEM playoff games shoes to be checked at weigh-in by PWFCEM representative. Any player with a defective screw-in cleat shall be removed from the game until shoe has been repaired. To be monitored by on-field officials.NOTE: NCAA allows the length of the cleat to be a maximum of ½”.NOTE: Special Kicking shoes may not be used in Pop Warner.

10.) EYEGLASSES: When worn, shall be of athletically approved construction with non-shattering glass (Safety Glass) or contact lens.

11.) Any additional equipment worn by players shall be approved by the LEAGUE.12.) Jewelry of any type shall be prohibited, except religious medallions, which must be

covered by the player’s uniform.13.) The wearing of bandannas shall be prohibited. (No knots of any kind allowed)

B The Head Coach of each team shall be responsible for all his Players wearing the required youth grade equipment. He shall make the inquiry before every practice and game and see to it that no Player practices or plays without the proper equipment. The Head Coach shall be responsible for the wearing of illegal or altered equipment and shall be SUSPENDED immediately upon such discovery and finding for (1) Year. On the 2nd Offense the Coach will be SUSPENDED PERMANENTLY.

NOTE: If your association does NOT supply the equipment and is purchased by the parents the above requirements are still required and the responsibility of the Head Coach to make sure they are being followed.

RULE 4: PLAYER JERSEY DESIGNATIONS

A Players shall wear numbered jerseys of uniform color. The numbers shall be at least six inches high on the front side and eight to ten inches high on the backside.

B No duplicate numbers per team will be allowed.

C Each Player shall wear a number between (1) and (99) inclusive. Numbers "0" and "00" are illegal and shall not be worn.

D Starting with the 2001 Season, PWFCEM will NOT follow the NCAA numbering system.

E Starting with the 1991 Season, the (A/P, B, C, D) teams must have a dark & light colored. Game Jersey for all PWFCEM teams. This is being instituted to avoid conflict and enhance safety. If an association cannot afford to purchase both a light and color jersey, then the first jersey they must purchase is light. This will mean the association will

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always wear light (as home jersey and away since associations usually have a color jersey for their home color.

F If a Jersey color conflict arises at NO time will a game be played with both teams wearing the same color jersey unless the head referee for the game agrees.

G The TEAM wearing the wrong color will be responsible to accommodate the team when a jersey conflict exists. The offending team will wear Pull-Over "TARGET SHIRTS" or Scrimmage Vests to solve the problem. Also, in addition, the head coach will be suspended for the game and not allowed on the sideline or have any contact with the team (players/coaches) during the game.

H The Home Team League President should call the Visiting Teams President on the Wednesday before the game, to resolve Jersey Color conflicts

RULE 5: BLOCKING & TACKLING RESTRICTIONS

A Massachusetts and Texas are the only states that play NCAA Rules at the High School and Pop Warner levels. When your teams are playing in any other state, you will be playing by NATIONAL FEDERATION RULES.

B In addition to the blocking and tackling rules found in the NCAA RULE BOOK (Use of Heads Up Tackling and Blocking is the teaching we should be used.) , Pop Warner will not allow any of the following; Butt Blocking, Chop Blocking, Face Tackling or Spearing Techniques. If such techniques or any other, forbidden by the NCAA, are taught by Pop Warner Coaches, said coaches shall be dismissed from the Program, upon being found guilty following a Hearing. Starting with the 2016 season, there will be no clipping allowed. Clipping will no longer be allowed anywhere on the field including in the free blocking zone (between the tackles at the line of scrimmage).

C Football Rules are constantly changing, therefore the PWFCEM Board of Directors strongly recommend that all Local Associations buy each of their Team Head Coaches a current NCAA RULE BOOK every season during the month of August. This will keep all PWFCEM- Head Coaches apprised of the current rule book changes and reduce the chance of conflict with the Referee.

D The approximate cost for each NCAA RULEBOOK is free if you download them from www.NCAApublications.com/productdownloads/FR15.pdf)

NOTE: You may get a copy of the current NCAA Rulebook and current changes on-line at www.ncaa.@org listed under sports, then fall, then football.

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E Warm up drills that are NOT allowed: Leg lifts (Leg lifts with bent knees are allowed) Bull in the ring Neck Rolls

RULE 6: MANDATORY PLAY RULE

A The PWFCEM utilizes the National Pop Warner Mandatory Play Rule for all divisions of play at ALL games. This rule is one of the basic principles that Pop Warner Little Scholars is founded on.

B ALL Players are entitled to play in ALL Games, regardless of their ability level. This simply means all the Players of Pop Warner Teams will play in all games, if physically fit, without regard for WON-LOST Records, Coaches egos, etc. The following applies to all divisions of play in all four leagues of the PWFCEM. For A, B, C & D divisions the following will be used:

SQUAD SIZE EACH PLAYER MUST PLAY31 - 35 PLAYERS (6) Plays26 - 30 PLAYERS (8) Plays16 - 25 PLAYERS (12) Plays

Mitey-Mites will use:25 – 35 PLAYERS(10) Plays16 – 24 PLAYERS (16) Plays

Tiny-Mites all teams will use the 2017 approved TINY MITE play sheets will be used. This sheet indicates which players will be playing offense and defense in both the first and second half. If there are not enough players (22) they on a rotating basis players will be allowed to play both offensive and defensive for only one half. The player must be changed for the second half and if this occurs in future weeks those playing will NOT be eligible to play both positions until every other player has played an entire half on both offense and defense. If there are more than 22 players then the three way sheet will be needed and rotated during the game.

C The following format will be used when using the above play schedule. 1.) All plays must be from the line of scrimmage.2.) Kickoffs, Extra Points and Free Kicks shall not be used in fulfilling the

MANDATORY PLAY REQUIREMENT.3.) A play shall not count toward fulfillment of the MPR if the play results in a

penalty, which causes the down to be replayed.

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4.) All Players shall be provided their Mandatory Plays by participation in "ACTIVE PLAYS", without the intent to minimize the action or integrity of the plays. Plays such as, but not limited to, having the center snap the ball to the quarterback, and then the quarterback fall to the ground, while substitutes are playing the other positions, shall NOT be considered as active plays, spiking the ball even if the ball has moved behind the line of scrimage.

5.) The above schedule of plays means eligible players at the TIME OF THE GAME.

D The only exceptions to the Mandatory Play Rule will be injuries or for disciplinary reasons, such as, unexcused absence from practice or other local rules, which have been explained in writing to all Players and Cheerleaders and is applied to starters as well. Any disciplinary action that extends to two games or more, will be investigated by the PWFCEM Board. This section also applies to all Cheerleaders having the right to cheer at their games.

PENALTY for failure to comply: 1st Offense, Head Coach SUSPENDED for (1) Game, 2nd Offense, Head-Coach SUSPENDED for (1) Year.

E Starting with the 1989 Season, the PWFCEM will use the "MANDATORY PLAY RULE" MONITORING SYSTEM used at the Playoffs in all PWFCEM Leagues for all types of games. (Regular Season, Pre-Season, Bowl Games etc.)

F Every Team in PWFCEM will supply two monitors (WHO ARE NOT COACHES) to monitor the MPR Rule. The monitors will work in Teams of two. (One from each Team) The monitor who calls out the Players number will be from the Players own Team. The monitor checking the MPR Sheet and doing the writing will be from the opposing Team. Any team not supplying a Monitor will waive their right to challenge the game based on MPR regardless if they have any other proof.

G At the start of the fourth quarter all players that have not completed their minimum play requirements will enter the game. Said players will be put in the game regardless of the score, and will remain in the game until they have completed all of their minimum play requirements. This is for ALL PLAYS, regardless if they count in as a play in the MPR (i.e. Kick-offs, PAT’s). All consecutive substitutions will be made with only those players that have not completed their minimum play requirements.

Example: If at the beginning of the fourth quarter a team has thirteen players that have not completed their minimum play requirements, the first eleven of these players must enter the game. As a player completes his minimum play requirements, only those players that have not completed their minimum plays can enter the game. Once the thirteenth player is in the game, can said team go back to free substitution, however the thirteenth player cannot come out of the game until he has completed all of his minimum plays.

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H When all Players have satisfied the (MPR), a Representative of each Association will sign both MPR SHEETS and turn them over to their respective Association President. The Association President will mail them to the League President and must be received within two (2) days of the game. Once the MPR sheet is signed by a representative indicating all players have met their MPR’s then the Association forfeits their right to protest the game on the grounds that all players did not complete their required plays.

Penalty: MPR’s must be sent to the League President within two (2) days of the game. They will notify Association and require Association to provide MPR’s within 24 hours. If Association fails to provide the MPR’s within 24 hours, that Association will be ineligible and forfeit the next game(s). It is the local Association’s responsibility to keep a photocopy of the MPR’s.

I If at the end of the game, a team still has a player(s) that have not completed all of their minimum play requirements, said team will forfeit the game and those players will play twice the minimum plays of the next game they are eligible to play.

J A two (2) minute warning will be given in the second and fourth quarters.

RULE 7: GAME STARTING TIMES

A The following rules apply to starting times for all regularly scheduled PWFCEM Games.1.) If "E" Team Games are played on Sunday mornings, they must start by 8:00 AM

and be completed by 9:30 AM if all other squads of the Association are also home. Mitey-Mite games may also start after the end of the Varsity game.

2.) If "D" Team Games are played on Sunday mornings, they must start by 9:30 AM if all other squads of the Association are also home.

3.) All "C" Games should start on Sundays by 11:00 AM.4.) All "B" Games should start on Sundays by 12:30 PM.5.) All "A"/”P” Games should start on Sundays by 2:00 PM and finish before darkness

(Referee's discretion) unless lights are available. 6.) Earlier game starts are allowed if both Head Coaches and the Referee agree in

cases where the previous contest ends earlier than anticipated. 7.) If games are played other than these Sunday times, the following will apply. No

game will start after 9:00 PM in the evening. It is the Home Team President who has the responsibility to keep the League Director, Head Referee and the opposing teams President informed of all starting game times.

8.) Game starting rules are made so that every PWFCEM Association will adhere to the orderly schedules set forth, thereby minimizing any inconveniences to the Conference as a whole. In the case where rain delays a contest, then an agreement between the two opposing Presidents and the Referee as to what games will be

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rescheduled and what games will be played will be done at the playing site in question.

B PWFCEM requires all regularly scheduled season games to be played on the day they are scheduled. There are factors outside any Association’s control (i.e., weather, field conditions, bus break-down) that may lead to a game(s) not being played that day. For these situation(s) PWFCEM will take no action.Penalty: For game(s) not played on the day they are scheduled due to lack of interest, that Association will be fined $500 and the Head Coach suspended for 1 week of practice and the next game. The Association that was prepared and ready to play will be given the total fine to help offset costs incurred. Further, Association that does not show up without cause will be disqualified from tournament and post season play.

NOTE: Under no situations will both teams agree to cancel the game for any reason. If teams found guilty of this both teams will forfeit game as well as being disqualified for any tournament (play-offs) and post season play.

RULE 8: LENGTH OF PERIODS & TIME OUTS

A The following Period and Time Out schedule will be adhered to at all PWFCEM Games.1.) VARSITY - "A" TEAM or Patriot team/Unlimited

Four, (10) Minute Stop & Go Periods and (3) Time Outs per half.2.) JR. VARSITY - "B" TEAM

Four, (10) Minute Stop & Go Periods and (3) time-outs per half.3.) PEE WEE - "C" TEAM

Four, (10) minute Stop & Go Periods and (3) time-outs per half.4.) JR. PEE WEE - "D" TEAM

Four, (10) Minute Stop & Go Periods and (3) time-outs per half.5.) MITEY-MITE - "E" TEAM

Two (2) thirty-eight (38) minute halves (running time) with a ten (10) minute half time and three (3) time-outs per half. All games will be allowed a total one hour and twenty five minutes to complete.

6.) TINY-MITE – “F” TEAMTwo (2) thirty (30) minutes (running time) with a five (5) minute half with one (1) time out per game.

B In all divisions of play there will be a one-minute break between periods and a (10) Minute half time break. (In the case of inclement weather, the Referee, may at his discretion, shorten or lengthen the half time break). Also, there is a mandatory warm-up period following half-time of 3 minutes.

RULE 9: TIME CLOCK

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A The use of an Electric Scoreboard and Time Clock is encouraged at all PWFCEM Games. However, the referee shall have the final say as to moving the clock forward or setting the clock back as he is in control of the clock at all times. Tiny-Mite (F) games may use the clock but should NOT display the score of the game.

B If you have a volunteer running the clock at your field, be sure he/she understands the Referee's HAND SIGNALS as regards the clock.

RULE 10: SCORING VALUES

A GAME SCORING VALUES1.) Touchdown - (6) Points2.) Field Goal - (3) Points3.) Safety (Awarded to opponent) - (2) Points4.) Kick (Point After Touchdown) - (2) Points *5.) Rush or Pass (Points After Touchdown) - (1) Point6.) Forfeit (Offended Team wins by) (1) Point

* Pop Warner strives to develop the kicking game in all divisions and awards (2) POINTS for successful conversion of the kick.

RULE 11: GAME – REFEREE

A All Referees shall come through the PWFCEM System contracted by the PWFCEM Board. The following is a chart for the number of Referee per division of play.1.) Varsity "A" or Patriot ‘P” Game - (4) Referee2.) Jr. Varsity "B" Game - (4) Referee3.) Pee Wee "C" Game - (3) Referee4.) Jr. Pee Wee "D" Game - (3) Referee5.) Mitey-Mite Game - (2) Referee

B Leagues may use all trainees or Cadet Referee if they are unable to obtain Card Referees in Mitey-Mite Games only.

C In the (A, P, B, C, and D) Games, at least two Referees must have a Board License. However, when High Schools are rained out this may not be possible as the majority of Board Referees have contracts with the High School Leagues. Under No condition will a (A, P, B, C, D) game be played with less than (2) Referees.

D The PWFCEM Board of Directors will pay a fee in accordance with the current contact to the Head Assignor in each of the leagues to assign Referees to officiate at all PWFCEM Games.

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E The PWFCEM Board of Directors will meet with the league Head Assignor, and agree on game fees for a multi-year contract basis for all leagues. Once published, no deviations will be allowed by any Local Association. The current contracts will be distributed to each Local Association President.

F Only the Referees, who show up at the field, to do a game, will be paid their fee. There will be absolutely no splitting of an absent Referee fee with the other Game Referee(s).

G. No Coach, Association or Team Official may take his team off the field during a game, without the permission of the Head Referee doing the game. The GAME HEAD REFEREE is in charge of the game from start to finish. Any Team WITHDRAWING from the field during a game shall forfeit the game. In the case of Player Safety, the Head Referee doing the game will be charged with the responsibility of the Players.

PENALTY for failure to comply: The Offending Team will forfeit the game, and the Head Coach will be SUSPENDED for (1) Year if found guilty after a Hearing.

H The PWFCEM will use (4) Referees in all PWFCEM PLAYOFF GAMES. At the direction of the PWFCEM an Official Score Keeper may be used at playoff games.

I The New England Regional Playoffs will use (4) Referees in all divisions except the Varsity (A) Division, in which case there will be (5) Game Referees.

J Should a head coach have a complaint on the conduct of an official during the game, his written statement must be given to the Association President, who will then forward it to the League President by the Wednesday following the game. The League President will take appropriate action on the complaint.

RULE 12: LENGTH OF SEASON

A The following is the maximum number of games allowed for each PWFCEM Division of Play during a current playing season. Any abuse of the maximum number of contests allowed, will result in the Head Coach being SUSPENDED for (2) Years on 1st Offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense if found guilty after a Hearing. Also, the Association President will be SUSPENDED for (1) Year on 1st Offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense if found guilty at a Hearing. The Association will be placed on Probation for (2) Years on 1st Offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense.

1.) PRE-SEASON -- None allowed.2.) REGULAR SEASON -- (8) Games Maximum --- A, P, B, C, D and Mitey-Mites

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3.) PWFCEM PLAYOFFS -- (3) Games Maximum --- A, P, B, C, D Divisions4.) NEW ENGLAND PLAYOFFS -- (3) Games Maximum --- A, P, B, C, D Div.5.) POST SEASON BOWL GAMES -- (1) Game Maximum --- A, P, B, C, D Div.

B The NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES will not be counted against the above Game Schematic.

C If one or more of the PWFCEM Leagues has a tie for their League Championship, the Tiebreaker will be used to decide the League Champion to represent the League in the PWFCEM Playoffs will not be counted against the above game schematic.

D The Team (s) in divisions 2 and 3 at the A, P (unless you declared D3 status for your unlimited team) B, C and D Divisions who finish the season with the best record, will be their Divisional Champion(s) and will be the only teams to receive a Division Trophy from the PWFCEM. Division 1 will play in the New England North Championship and will receive North Regional Championship trophies.

E The PWFCEM will not bestow TROPHIES of any kind to Mitey-Mite Teams as this is an Instructional League with no records to be kept. Also, Local Associations will not bestow TROPHIES of any kind to any Mitey-Mite Player or Team unless they are awarding participation trophies to the entire association.

RULE 12 A: MITEY-MITE RULES

1.) No team/league standings will be kept2.) No Pre-season games of any kind are allowed, they are allowed to play two (2) post

season bowl game as long as it is approved by the Conference and Region. An Event form must be submitted prior to bowl games.

3.) Scrimmages are allowed. (DO NOT ABUSE THIS RULE).4.) Ages are (7, 8 and first year 9-year old’s).5.) Weight limits (45-100 lbs.). Second year 9-year old’s weight limit is 45-59 lbs.

NOTE: This was reviewed this year but kept the rule for safety of the younger players6.) Coaches: One coach will be allowed on the field at all times. (At least five (5) yards

behind the closest player).7.) Kicking Game – No kick-offs are allowed instead at the beginning of the each half

and after every score the ball will be placed on the 35 yard line. Also there will be no kick/punt or pass allowed after a safety. The ball will be placed on the 35 yard line.. No rushing Punts (Ball is snapped, then punted by the kicker and once the ball is touched by the back the ball is dead, no return of punts are allowed)., PAT’s or Field Goals (5 yard penalty)

8.) Defensive game – No blitzing between ends. This means linebackers standing up are not allowed to cross the line of scrimmage between ends. Defensive ends must be in

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3 or 4 point stances in order to cross the line of scrimmage. There is no Nose Tackle, defensive players should line up in the gaps in front of the Center.

No more than six (6) defensive players can be on the line of scrimmage or rush the ball. Defensive lining up on the line of scrimmage must be in a three (3) or four (4) point stance. Penalty – First violation will be a warning. Any additional violations will be 15 yards unsportsmanlike conduct.

9.) Squad size – Must have sixteen (16) players to certify or play each game. Maximum of thirty-five (35) players on a roster.

10.)Three time outs per half. (Clock continues to run.)11.)Game time – by mutual agreement (usually at 8:00 a.m.) Two (2) thirty-eight (38)

minute halves (running time) with a ten (10) minute half time and three (3) time-outs per half. All games will be allowed a total one hour and twenty five minutes to complete.

12.)Football size – Wilson (TDJ) or (K2) or their equivalents.13.)Tie games remained tied. NO OVERTIME!14.)Awards: No trophies, Team or individual. If the local Association awards

participation trophies to the entire league trophies may be awarded to the Mitey-mite team as well.

15.)Cheerleading is optional, but must follow same age requirements.16.) Each player must play in all games. The minimum number of plays is sixteen (16)

and ten (10). Sixteen (16) plays for squads with sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) players and ten (10) plays for teams with twenty-five (25) and over. The number of players are dressed and able to play on game day.

17.)MPR Sheets must be kept and submitted to the league each week.18.)All other Conference rules apply.19.)Pre-Game weigh-in Equipment Allowance less the helmet is eight pounds.20.)In the event all players do not play their minimum number of plays, they will start the

next game and play double the normal minimum.

RULE 12 B TINY MITE RULES

1.) Most important rule is for the players to have FUN2.) The age requirements and weights are

Age: 5 and 6 (7 year old not making the minimum weight for the Mitey-Mite team can play in this division

Weight:  35 pounds minimum, 80 pounds maximum, 7 year olds can weigh between 35 and 44 pounds otherwise they must play in the Mitey-Mite division) NOTE: This was reviewed and kept for the safety of the younger players

3.) Players:  Maximum 28, minimum 12 4.) The playing field shall be an 80 yard field. Note: If using 100 yard field then the goal

line will be on the 10 yard lines. 5.) Scholastic Fitness: Report card from the school or letter from parent (If you are using

the PWFCEM release form, it will cover this requirement).5/18/202352

6.) Coaches:  Two coaches from each team are permitted to be on the field with the team.  Once the team breaks from huddle, coaches must stay back 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.

7.) If associations have more than one team, age groups must be equally distributed across team roster. The schedule will have associations with multiple teams play at the same site. Associations cannot stack by age group.

8.) No kick offs, at the start of the game and second half as well as after each score, the ball will be placed on the 35 yard line.

9.) No punting. On 4th down, a team has the option of (a) running or passing the ball from scrimmage (b) moving the ball back 30 yards or back to the opponents 30 yard line if less and start offensive play from there.

10.) Penalties:  Major penalty 10 yards.  Minor penalty 5 yards.11.) Game Time and Time Outs:  Each half is 30 minutes (running time).  Game will

consist of two (2) halves.  Half time will be 5 minutes.  All games will have a running clock except for time outs.  Each team is allowed one (1) time out per GAME

12.) No score will be displayed on the scoreboard. 13.) Tie breakers will not be used. The game will end in a tie.14.) No try for point after touchdown. 15.) Ball will be blown dead if fumbled behind the line of scrimmage However, ball will

be live if fumbled beyond the line of scrimmage. 16.) Playing Time:  All players must play either offense or defense.  Each team must have

no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) captains per game.  Every player on the team must be given an opportunity to be a captain. 

17.) Offense: All offensive backs must be lined up behind the offensive line in some type of formation. You will be allowed, however, to split one offensive back no more than (5) yards outside the tight end.

18.) Defense: No defensive player can be placed directly over the center. Player must be three (3) yards off the center. Defensive line must be one (1) yard back from the offensive line. Defense must run 6,4,1 set. No more than (6) defensive players can rush the ball. No blitzing. Penalty – warning on the first violation and 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for each additional violation.

19.) Game ball will be comparable to the Wilson K2 ball. 20.) Pop Warner Official Rule Book, Tiny Mites Same as Mitey Mite Rules except Rule

1 S-3 Special note. 21.)Depending on the actual number of teams, we will schedule the games at no more

than 2 sites. 22.)Pre-Game weigh-in Equipment Allowance less the helmet is eight pounds.23.) President and Head Coach will be required to attend a mandatory coach’s clinic developed by the conference prior to the start of the season. The head coach must provide an updated e-mail address as well as a telephone number to contact the coach directly of any scheduling changes made during the season.24.) Conference representative will attend all games and monitor the behavior of the coaches and fans.

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25.) Zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior will be used26.) Any coach or fan ejected from the game by either the referee or the Conference representative will not be allowed to attend the next game as well.27.) If a second occurrence happens during the same season then they will be dismissed for the remainder of the season.28.) Use of Unique MPR form will be used for this division of play. The form must be turned in to the Conference representative at the game site prior to the start of the game. The Head Coach will need to notify this representative if there is any changes made during the game.29.) Any association wanting to host these games must submit the dates they have available to them no later than August 1st. The dates should be Friday night and Saturday (mid morning/early afternoon).30.) Teams are required to report to the game site no later than one hour before the scheduled game time. Failure to comply could result in forfeiting the right to play that week’s game. Unless the head coach notifies the host site and the opponent three (3) hours before the schedule game time to work out conflicts that might arise.31.) Six (6) game schedule will continue to be used for this division of play starting one week after the weigh-in.32.) There will be no schedule bye weeks, if there is an odd number of teams then the scheduling of three (3) teams will play one half against the two other opponents. Any split game will require one of the teams to sit and watch the second half and then play the other team immediately after the half is completed.33.) Minimum number of players to form a team will be twelve (12) and teams having less than 11 players will be allowed to play with adjustments made to even the teams.

RULE 12 C: PATRIOT (UNLIMITED) DIVISION RULES

1.) This division will be now accepted across the other seven (7) regions and will play for a National Championship. Unless you have requested to play in the D3 Unlimited play-offs. The Eastern Mass Champions will play in the New England D3 play-offs. Prior years we asked the runner up of the EMass championship but there were too many teams opting out for what ever reason.

2.) Available for Ages 11, 12, 13 and 14 year old. Unlike the Varsity (A Team) division there will be no 15 year olds allowed

3.) The weight limits for this division will be as follows:a. Ages 11, 12, 13 & 14 Jr High or Middle School – Minimum weight of 105

pounds and there is no maximum weightb. Age 14 (High School) – Minimum weight of 105 pounds and the maximum

weight of 165 pounds. NOTE: This restriction will not be honored at the New England Regional or National Championships

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c. Teams may scrimmage other Patriot division teams prior to their regular season game as long as both teams agree to this in advance.

d. Patriot division teams will NOT be able to scrimmage Varsity (A Teams) regardless of the weights that exist on their team

e. There will be a weigh in prior to the game to make sure the minimum weights are met and the age 14 year olds (High School) meet the currently weight including the equipment.

RULE 13: POST SEASON BOWL GAMES

A Any Association who wants to play a Post Season Bowl Game must submit a letter to their League Director and the Conference Bowl Coordinator no later than the end of September of the current Playing Season. This must also be done by Associations who are continuing with an on-going Bowl arrangement from a previous year. Failure to submit this request will result in the Bowl request being DENIED. Also, association must be a member in good standings with all fees, insurance and fines paid in full.

B Any Association found to be Hosting or Traveling to a Bowl Game without the Authorization of their CONFERENCE and Regional Director, will be dealt with severely by the National Football Commissioner, including possible expulsion from Pop Warner Football. This is being mandated to cover the Players and Cheerleaders for insurance benefits. If you play an unauthorized Bowl Game, you may void all your Pop Warner Insurance Coverage and be liable for a LAWSUIT if someone is injured.

C Any PWFCEM Association who is on Suspension by the conference will not be allowed to participate in any Post Season Bowl Game or take part in any PWFCEM or NATIONAL PLAYOFFS. (Any Game which takes place after the regular playing season, will be considered a Post Season Bowl Game if not part of the Playoffs)

D If the request is for approval of an on-going Bowl Game, from a previous year, simply state this and explain if you are Hosting or Traveling, and on what dates. If it is a new request, state if you want to Host or Travel, and how far away you wish to go. Also include the dates you want to play. It is easier to arrange a new Bowl Game for those Associations who include their A, B, C and D Teams.

E These requests must be made on your Official Association Stationery and be signed by your Association President. If for any reason your Association reneges on a commitment to Host or Travel, your Association will be held liable for any costs incurred by the opposing Association.

RULE 14: PLAYERS5/18/202355

A It is STRICTLY PROHIBITED for a Player or group of Players to participate in any practice session or game with players from another division of play (i.e. Jr. Varsity (B team) vs. Varsity (A team)).

PENALTY for failure to comply: All coaches involved will be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED if found guilty after a Hearing. The Association President will also be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on a finding of guilty. The Association will be put on Probation for two (2) Years and prevented from participating in the Conference play-offs on 1st Offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense.

B Injured player: Once removed by reason of injury, a player shall not re-enter the game without the approval of an official licensed athletic trainer or medical professional who is not a parent/guardian of the player. Note: The injured player must leave the game for a minimum of 1 play. No longer is it permitted to call a time out to avoid missing at least one play.

C Players suspected of sustaining a concussion or a head injury in practice, game or competition shall be removed from continuing until they are cleared by a medical professional that is not the player’s parent/guardian. It is recommended to error in the eyes of caution if it cannot be determined that they did not sustain a concussion.

D No coach or parent shall not move the player without prior approved has been giving by the assigned EMT.

E The Coach shall not try to imitate the EMT to allow the child back into the game. The offending coach will be suspended from the current game as well as the next.

RULE 15: INELIGIBLE PLAYERS

PWFCEM shall investigate all reported situations regarding ineligible players. Determination must be made as to whether the adult staff was trying to gain an advantage, and if it was aware of the rules violation(s). Appropriate action shall be taken.

A Teams found guilty of using an ineligible Player at any time during the season, forfeit all rights to become League Champions and shall be PROHIBITED from participating in any Playoff, Championship or Post Season Bowl Game.

B The Team will forfeit all games in which the ineligible Player was a member of the team. There shall be NO EXCEPTIONS.

C There is five (5) unequivocal definitions of an ineligible Player, from which there are NO APPEALS

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1.) Players Under or Over weight.2.) Players Over or Under age.3.) Residing outside legal Boundaries without mutual approved transfer agreement of

the appropriate LEAGUE and/or Association.4.) Falsification of data concerning any of the above as well as the name on the birth

certificate.5.) Dual participation in School Tackle Football and Pop Warner Football in the same

season.

D Any Coach or Team Official found guilty of falsifying any of the above data will be PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED. The Association will be put on Probation for two (2) Years on 1st Offense and PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED on 2nd Offense.

RULE 16: CORI REQUIREMENTS

Must use a National Service to perform Back Ground checks which will cover the entire country as outlined by the National Rulebook Article 21 on page 27. In addition, we are mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to perform the State CORI background check as they do not currently recognize any National Background Service.

STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION

Section I:A person WILL be disqualified and prohibited from serving as a volunteer of Pop Warner if:

A Said person has been convicted (including crimes the record of which has been expunged and pleas of ‘No Contest’) of any Crime of Violence against minors or any crime which indicates the person may pose a risk to the safety and well being of children under his/her direction and/or stewardship, including but not limited to the following:1. Indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of fourteen (14) years of age.2. Indecent assault and battery on a mentally retarded person.3. Indecent assault and battery on a person who has obtained the age of fourteen (14)

years of age.4. Rape.5. Rape of a child under sixteen (16) years of age with force.6. Rape and abuse of a child under the Provisions of MGLA Chapter 265 Section 23.7. Assault with the intent to commit rape.8. Assault of a child under sixteen years of age with the intent to commit rape.9. Kidnapping.10.** Open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior.11. Unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under sixteen (16) years of age.12. Distribution and trafficking in narcotics or other controlled substances.

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13. Possession of a narcotic or controlled substance with intent to sell.14.** Possession of a narcotic or controlled substance.15.** Driving under the influence within the past six (6) years.16. Intent to commit any of the above crimes; OR

** THESE OFFENSES MAY BE SUBJECT TO APPEAL UNDER MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

NOTE: ON NOVEMBER, 2010, A NEW LAW WAS PASSED WHICH CHANGED THE CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI). INFORMATION OF CONVICTIONS OF MISDEMEANOR AND SOME FELONY CONVICTIONS (OVER 5 YEARS AND OVER 10 YEARS RESPECTIFULLY) WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CORI REPORT

B It is determined that: he/she has been adjudged liable for Civil Penalties or Damages involving sexual abuse or physical abuse of Children; is subject to any Court Order involving Sexual Abuse or Physical Abuse of a Minor including but not limited to Domestic Order or Protection or has had his/her Parental rights terminated for reasons involving Sexual or Physical abuse of Children OR:

C If the PWFCEM comes into possession of verified information that he/she has: A history with another organization (volunteer, employment, etc.) of complaints of physical abuse of minors; resigned, been terminated or has asked to resign from a position, whether paid or unpaid due to complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse of minors.

For the purpose of these rules, personnel shall include, but not limited to, officers, members of Boards, coaches, team parents, referees, concession workers, instructors and staff whether or not they receive compensation for the performance of their duties.

Any individual required under these rules to be screened, who does not consent to be subject to the application of these rules, shall be prohibited from participating in any activity within the PWFCEM.

At the discretion of the PWFCEM, the screening process can either be a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI) or a Sex Offender’s Registry check in accordance with MGLA Chapter 6, Section 178C.

Administration

The Association President/Designee, who becomes CORI certified by the Criminal HistorySystems Board (CHSB) and abiding by their rules and regulations, will administer the screening process. The information will be obtained by the CORI certified representative and reviewed for

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standards violations. The CORI certified representative will then make a determination as to the status of each applicant. Any applicant denied approval will be so informed by the CORI certified representative and will be told of his/her opportunity to appeal that decision. In this review with the volunteer a copy of the CORI information, Standards for Participation and the form for appeal, if it meets the requirement for appeal.

NOTE: If the individual makes a claim the information is incorrect they should be instructed toContact CBSB under Section 6.08 Items 1- 8. Once the individual obtains a favorable ruling he/she will need to provide documented proof of the change. This should be reviewed with a CHSB member to verify the accuracy of the change.A committee (PWFCEM Kid-Safe), formed by the conference and consisting of three (3) League Presidents, (none from the league originating the appeal) and alternates from the Conference Board, to be named by the Conference President will act as an appeal Board.

Individuals who are prohibited from participation within PWFCEM pursuant to the provisions of this article may appeal this action in writing to the above-mentioned committee within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of such prohibition. The committee or designated sub-committee thereof will hear all appeals within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request, at a place and time in a manner determined by the committee. A decision shall be rendered in writing within ten (10) days of the completion of the hearing.

Complaint Process

Complaints concerning violations of the provisions of this article and/or of PWFCEM’s sexual and physical abuse policy statements, shall be in writing addressed to the Association’s President and shall signed by the individual making the complaint. The complaint shall state in full and complete details the basis of the complaint concerning the alleged violations.

Upon receipt of such a written complaint, the President shall refer the matter to the above mentioned committee for its review. All credible complaints of sexual or physical abuse shall be referred to the appropriate governmental authorities by the League President after the committee’s review.

The committee or a designated sub-committee may, in its discretion, recommend administrative action against the individual complained of and that individual shall have the right to appeal that action as outlined above.

MISCELLANEOUS

NOTHING HEREIN SHALL PROHIBIT ANY ASSOCIATION WITHIN THE PWFCEM FROM FORMING ITS OWN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND APPEALS COMMITTEE FOR THIS POLICY IN LIEU OF USING THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND APPEALS POLICY OUTLINED ABOVE.

A PLAN MUST BE SUBMITTED ON HOW EACH ASSOCIATION WILL COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CHSB. THIS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

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* NAME(S) OF THE INDIVIDUAL(S) CORI CERTIFIED* EXPIRATION OF THEIR TERM

* HOW THE CORI'S ARE REQUESTED (ON-LINE OR MAILING)* APPEAL PROCESS (ASSOCIATION VS CONFERENCE)

* ASSOCIATION’S RECORD KEEPING PLAN

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND PROCEDURES LISTED ABOVE COULD RESULT IN A FINE, SUSPENSION AND/OR FORFEITURE.

REVISED: JUNE 22, 2017

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