COMFL Playing Rules

CENTRAL ONTARIO MINOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

PLAYING RULES (Updated May 2010)

SECTION 1 - Player Eligibility

A. Registration Form: A regulation COMFL registration form shall be completed for each eligible player at the time of registration.

B. Roster Sheet: The official roster sheet is to be filled out by both teams prior to the game listing all players in numerical order, all non-playing personnel, and all coaching and managerial staff. Names of players not participating are to be stroked off the list with a single line.

C. Minimum and Maximum Players: An Atom team must dress and play no less than fifteen (15) eligible players. Any Peewee or Bantam team must dress and play no less than fifteen (15) eligible players. There is no maximum number. (See by-laws Section 1.F.1)

D. Rosters: The date for submitting a complete and final roster will be set each year by the Board of Directors. Once established, the roster cannot be changed for the balance of the season.

E. Sweater Numbers: Once each player sweater number is recorded on the final roster, it cannot be changed during the regular season or the play-offs. The only exception is where a sweater becomes un-usable due to tears or other similar circumstances. If this occurs, the President of the Association must advise the Registrar of the circumstances and obtain his/her approval for the change. The Registrar will determine what notification process must be followed by the requesting association. Each team is allowed 1 player to change numbers where he/she has forgotten to bring their regular sweater. The coach of the team must advise the opposing coach of the situation. The player must revert to the original sweater number for the next game.

SECTION 2 - Home Team Obligations

A. The playing field shall be the responsibility of the home team.

B. Game officials from the home team's Board of Officials.

C. Supply a game ball, towel(s) for cleaning the ball, yardsticks, downs box and time clock.

D. Personnel for timing and downs box.

E. Crowd control.

F. E-mail game scores to the COMFL web master by 10:00 pm of the day when the game is played.

G. Provide and make available, on the sidelines, qualified personnel for dealing with athletic injury for both the home team and visiting team or the game will not be played. In the event the visiting team wants to use its own personnel as first response to a possible injury on the field in relation to one of its own players and has notified the home team, then the home team is primarily responsible for its own players. In the event there is not qualified person available to cover both teams, the game is to be re-scheduled at the visiting team’s park and at the expense of the original home team.

H. Non-compliance of item G shall result in forfeiture of the game with a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors.

I. The playing field must be marked at least every ten yards or meters. Sidelines and end zones must also be marked in accordance with the Football Canada rulebook.

J. Goal posts must be padded. Uprights should have two posts. If there is a case where 1 post is missing, all field goals and converts should be kicked at the other end zone by both teams.

K. There must be three (3) officials at Atom games, four (4) officials at Peewee games, four (4) officials at Bantam. An additional official will run the clock for all games.

L. There must be six (6) officials at Bantam play-off games.

M. Make game officials aware of COMFL Playing Rules prior to the start of each game.

N. Game sheets sheets must be faxed or emailed to and received by the Registrar within 24 hours of the completion of the home game. Rosters will be emailed to the registrar in the proper format either prior to the game, or within 24 hours of the completion of the game.

O. The following fines will be imposed regarding game sheet, roster sheet and bench control area violations: (at the discretion of the board has been deleted)

1. 1^st offence - $50.00

2. 2^nd offence - $100.00

3. 3^rd offence - Forfeiture of the game at the discretion of the Board.

P. A member of the home team must be identified as game convenor, whose responsibilities will include the enforcement of bench area control. The bench control area is limited to those persons on the roster sheet, with a minimum of a 10-yard radius behind the home and away benches, extending the length of the field.

Q. Home team must provide an electronic time clock that is visible to both benches.

R. One official is required to man the down marker for all playoff games.

SECTION 3 - Visiting Team Responsibilities

A. One person for downs box.

B. An assistant timekeeper.

C. People to assist in spotting, etc., if the game is being announced. One person to act as an authorized delegate. He is to identify himself to the home team.

D. Their own regulation ball if they choose not use the regulation brand ball supplied by the home team. If they use the same brand ball as the home team, only the home team's ball will be used.

E. Visiting teams are to appoint a game convenor at each level, whose responsibility will be to interact with the home team convenor to resolve any game day or crowd control issues.

SECTION 4 - Disqualification

A. At the discretion of the referee, a player sent to the bench to cool down may return to the game after a minimum of three (3) plays.

B. A player ejected from a game may not return to the playing field for the rest of that game and may not dress or play in the player's next league or play-off game, excluding forfeitures or re-scheduled games (including carry-over to the following year).

C. Conduct unbecoming a coach or team official is grounds for ejection. If ejection occurs, he/she is neither to remain on the playing field nor in the bench area and must actually leave the park.

D. A player receiving a third misconduct and/or un-sportsmanlike penalty in a game is to be benched for the balance of that game. Directors and coaches should, to the best of their abilities, monitor such penalties and order benching.

E. The officials must sign score sheets and disqualification must be duly noted.

F. Each team will notify the Registrar, within 24 hours of any player, coach or bench personnel ejections.

G. Any relevant incidents occurring outside of the game (e.g. skirmishes before or after the game) should be reported to the President within 24 hours of the end of the game so that any necessary investigation can be made and discipline meted out by the Executive Committee.

H. Any team playing ineligible player(s) will be automatically forfeiture any game that the said player(s) participated in. At the Executive discretion, coaches’ executives and players shall be subject to rules of misconduct as empowered by the Constitution to the Executive committee.

Teams eligibility in post-season play will be subject to Executive review. In case where it was found that the teams were aware of the ineligibility of the said player, the association will be subject to a minimum $500 fine.” (1/10/05)

I. If a player is subject to a game disqualification in their last game, the Association is subject to a $100.00 fine to be paid to the Registrar within 7 days.

J. Any association that has three (3) or more player or coach ejections, in separate incidents, at one division, in any playing season, will be subject to a $100.00 fine. Each subsequent incident will also be subject to a $100.00 fine. All fines to be paid to the Registrar within 7 days.

K. Any Team Official or Player who is found by the COMFL Board or a Special Committee of the Board, to have knowingly permitted his team to play against an ineligible player(s) and to have not reported such ineligibility to his COMFL Executive Member or the COMFL Board, shall be suspended for a period determined by the Board or a Special Committee of the Board.

COMFL Executive Members being advised of an ineligible player shall immediately notify the COMFL Board and the COMFL Registrar. A COMFL executive who fails to make this notification shall be suspended for a period determined by the Board or asked for their resignation by the Board.

Such reports must be made PRIOR to the affected game.

SECTION 5 - Rule Book Changes

A. Half time intermission - 15 minutes: but may be shortened due to weather conditions if agreed upon by both coaches.

B. Official Game Ball: Bantam - Baden 500Y and Wilson TDY

Peewee - J5J, Wilson TDJ and Baden X500 Jr.

Atom - J5J, Wilson TDJ and Baden X500 Jr.

C. Scoring After Touchdown: A kicked convert will be worth three points at Atom level, two points at Peewee and Bantam levels. A running or passing convert will be worth one point at the Bantam and Peewee levels. A running convert is worth 1 point and passing convert will be worth 2 points (pass must be over the line of scrimmage) at the Atom level.

D. Timing Per Quarter - Tyke -12 min.

- Atom -12 min.

- Peewee -12 min.

1. Stop time in last 3 minutes of 2nd and 4th quarters.

2. Timing shall be applied as per Rule 1, Section 5 of the Canadian Rule Book for Tackle Football.

A. Time-Outs: Each team will be allowed four time outs per game.

B. Time: Commences after time-outs on Referee's signal.

C. Shoes: Football shoes with NO metal cleats.

D. Numbering: Atom, Peewee and Bantam are not required to use the official jersey numbering system.

E. Only one coach is allowed on the field during team time-outs.

F. Determination of ball possession or field position shall be made by coin toss at the beginning of each game. The visiting team shall make the call on the toss.

SECTION 6 - Miscellaneous

A. Mercy Rule: If at any time during the game the point spread is greater than 28 points, the losing coach has the option to run the clock. Once this decision is made it cannot be reversed regardless of the score. The losing coach must advise the timekeeper and the referee of their request to run the clock. In this event the clock will stop only for injuries, scoring and time outs.

B. Filming: Video or camera equipment will be permitted, but courtesy dictates the teams being filmed should be informed. The use of direct communications with electronic devices from the Sideline, Stands or Spotter box to any player on the field is prohibited. Any Team found doing this will be fined $ 1000.00 and they will forfeit the game. (08/08/2005)

C. The COMFL strongly endorses the rules of Football Canada and we recommend enforcement of Rule 7, Section 4, in the Football Canada rulebook (objectionable conduct/cussing rule).

D. Referees are to strictly enforce the rules as stated in the football Canada rulebook and the COMFL playing rules and any game may be terminated at the referee's discretion. Any further disciplinary action may be taken at the COMFL Board's discretion.

E. Wearing or smoked or tinted visors is permitted if accompanied with an ophthalmologist’s note.

F. It is recommended that all members of COMFL have qualified certified/accredited medical coverage at all practices and games. Injuries at both practices and games should be written up and filed with association executive. Injury reports for major injuries (such as breaks, concussions, etc.) should also be filed with Tackle Football Ontario office.

G. If a game is halted due to inclement weather of any type, the teams will wait a maximum of 30 minutes to determine a course of action. If there is unanimous agreement among 3 parties, comprised of the head official and one COMFL Director or game convenor from each team, to wait any additional time, this time period can be extended. If a game is not restarted within the above noted time period, the following rule shall apply:

a) A game will be considered complete when 3 quarters have been completed and there is a 3 converted touchdown (maximum conversion in each division) differential.

b) If the differential is less than the above point spread, the game shall be completed at an agreed upon time and date under COMFL guidelines for re-scheduling games. If the game is to be completed at a later date, it will begin at the point where the previous game had been suspended.

c) If 3 quarters of play have not been completed, then the game shall be re-played, in its entirety, at an agreed upon date and time under COMFL guidelines for re-scheduling games.

Any team that is not in the lead, at the time the game is suspended, may opt not to replay or complete the game and award the game to the other team. In such case, a default shall not be attributed to the losing team. The final game score shall be recorded at the point where the game was halted.

SECTION 7 - Special Mite Playing Rules

A. Mites will play in full tackle equipment.

B. Regular season games will normally start at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and will be played with 10-minute quarters, with two, one-minute time outs per game. All other timing considerations will be the same as other divisions. An exception to Sunday games would be a long weekend when the games will be played on Monday.

C. Any one coach will be allowed on the field with both defensive and offensive teams for the first three games. The coach may not participate in any way after the ball is in play. Penalty is loss of privilege to be on the field.

D. Two officials and appropriate medical support are required for each game.

E. Teams will play platoon football: that is, each player can play only offense or defense, unless a team has less than 18 players. In this event every player must play offense or defense and enough players may play two ways to make up the difference only. When a team has more than 18 players, each player must play a minimum of half a game in an offensive or defensive position.

F. Games will be played on a standard size football field.

G. The COMFL will supply standard set of flags, which must wear by each team. Current flag colours: Scarborough - Yellow North York - Red

Oshawa - Blue Dolphins - Green Note: All teams must carry two sets of contrasting flags.

H. We will play 9 man flag football in accordance with the supplemental rules followed by Football Ontario.

I. On a fourth down kick, the ball must change possession.

SECTION 8 - Player/Coach/Director Game Conduct

A. At the end of each game players from both teams shall promptly line up at centre field, opposite each other.

B. A "handshake" shall be expected at the end of every COMFL game under normal conditions. It is both team's Head Coach's responsibility to ensure this is accomplished in a timely and sportsmanlike manner. Players must keep their helmets on. All coaches should normally participate in the handshake line. Players, coaches and directors must be instructed to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Offensive gestures, comments, pushing or shoving will not be tolerated. Any incidents occurring during a handshake line may lead to suspensions for any players involved and/or members of the coaching staff.

C. At the conclusion of all games and after the "handshake" is completed, teams must move well away from the bench area to conduct any team meetings. Immediately following the handshake or the team meeting, teams must proceed directly to their dressing area accompanied by their coaching staff. Having completed undressing, visiting teams should move directly to their transportation as a team. Coaches must maintain presence with the team until the entire team has departed. Where a visiting player is allowed to stay behind, their conduct shall remain the responsibility of their coaching staff or guardian appointed by the Coach.

D. Any member of a team participating in a fight before, during or after a game is subject to a one game suspension, subject to rules as an ejection.

E. If members of a team participate in a fight(s) before, during or after a game, the Association is subject to a $100.00 fine. Any subsequent altercations, on the same day are subject to a $250.00 fine. Fine(s) are to be paid to the Registrar and received prior to the next game or forfeit the next game.

SECTION 9 - Special Atom Playing Rules

A. All Atoms will play 12 man Tackle Football.

B. One coach will be allowed on the field for the first 3 games, providing he/she does not interfere in any way with the game once the play starts.

C. Coaches are to stay 20 yards behind the play and are not allowed to speak after the center is over the ball, and the offense is set. Failure to do so will result in a 5 yard penalty

D. Otherwise, all other COMFL rules and the normal Canadian Football rules will apply.

E. 4^th down rule. At the Atom level only, the team on offense may elect to advance the ball on 4^th down 25 yards, in lieu of punting or running a play. The ball will then be turned over on downs to the opposing team. The ball must be on the offenses own side of center field, or this rule cannot be applied.