AFA By-Laws

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

OF THE

ATLANTIC FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

EFFECTIVE October 1, 2019

VERSION VIII (2019)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Article I Name and Principle Office

Article II Purposes and Mission

Article III Membership

Article IV Territorial Rights

Article V Meetings of the League

Article VI Executive and other Committees

Article VII League Officers

Article VIII League Advisor

Article IX Playing Rules

Article X Player Eligibility

Article XI Field and Gameday Operations

Article XII League Fines and Penalty Structure

Article XII Play-Off and Tiebreakers

APPENDIX Amendments and Resolutions

Article I

Name and Principle Office

1.1 The Atlantic Football Association, hereafter referred to as either the AFA or the League, is comprised of a group of Adult-Amateur Football teams who are striving to bring the world of Adult-Amateur Football to a more professional level. They will do so by operating with integrity and respect for the game of Football and for the people involved with each team. This includes but is not limited to, the Ownership, Coaching Staff, Support Staff, Players and Game Officials

Article II

Purposes and Mission

2.1 The purpose and mission for which the League is organized are:

(A) To promote and foster the primary business of League members, each member being an owner of an adult- amateur franchise located in the United States.

(B) To do and perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and objectives of the League and to perform within the best interest of its invested franchises and League members.

2.2 The League is not organized for nor intended to be operated for profit and may operate as a 501C-3 Not for Profit entity once all owners vote appropriately to do so.

Article III

Membership Members

3.1 (A) Membership in the League is not limited to a specific number. It is however limited to the location and quality of the franchise, as voted upon by the Board of Directors and members in good standing.

(B) The admission of a new member club, either within or outside of the home territory of an existing member club, shall require the affirmative majority vote of the existing member clubs of the League.

(C) All AFA franchise teams will have a 25-mile radius that will extend from the CENTER of their home field. The AFA will not accept new franchise teams that are within the 25-mile radius of another team. The new franchise can petition the existing team, in writing, for an exception but the existing franchise must respond in writing and has the final right of refusal, without reprisal.

Eligibility of New Members

3.2 (A) Any person, association, partnership, corporation, or other entity of good standing and repute organized for the purpose of operating a minor-league football franchise shall be eligible for membership, except: In the event that a current team is voted out for reasons covered in these By-Laws, the recruitment process will re-open until January 1 of the next year.

(B) Teams admitted under this structure must agree to take on the schedule of the team they are replacing. Schedules are to be done on December 1 of each year and disseminated by the 11th to all teams in good standing. If a new team is voted in prior to this date, they must submit “NO-PLAY” dates immediately in order to receive consideration.

Admission for Members

3.3 (A) Each applicant for membership shall and must make a written application for the League and League Advisor, or designated official. Such application shall describe the type of organization and shall designate the city, town, or area in which the franchise of the applicant shall be located. Each new Team application for admission must be received by October 1 of each year preceding the last scheduled meeting of the calendar year. Such application shall further describe and contain

the following information:

(1) The names and addresses of all ownership, officers, and/or directors; and

(2) All applications shall contain a representation that upon acceptance, the applicant and the franchise named will subscribe to and agree to be bound by the Constitution and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the League and any amendments or modifications thereto.

(3) Each application for membership shall be accompanied by a $100.00 application fee that is required by all new teams applying to the League. The fee becomes part of your Organizations Deposit fee and will be returned to your team if you are not accepted into the league. The total league dues for all teams are do on February 23, 2021 for the season.

(4) Each application for membership must be accompanied by visual information on the facility for all AFA members to view. Included in this info are bathrooms, locker rooms (if available), field, and concessions (if available).

(5) Each application for membership must be accompanied by Mascot name, color scheme, and tentative roster to be verified as Free Agents by the League and League Advisor.

(B) Upon receipt of any application for membership in the League, the League Advisor and any appointed League officers shall conduct such investigation thereof as he/she deems appropriate. Following the completion of such investigation, the League Advisor shall submit the application to the members for approval or disapproval, together with his recommendation thereon, and such information thereon that the League Advisor deems pertinent. A majority vote of current members is all that is needed to accept or reject a franchise application.

(C) The closes current member team will per the BOD, visit the field location of the new team in order to inspect and approve the facility.

Franchise Certificate of Membership

3.4 Each member shall receive a Franchise Certificate of Membership signed by the League Advisor and Secretary of the League certifying that such member is a member of the League and holds a franchise from the League to operate a minor-league football club in a designated city. Certificate shall not be otherwise assigned or transferred without a majority vote from current League members.

(A) Newly admitted franchises into the League are under a One (1) year probationary period and subject to review at the conclusion of the season.

(B) Newly admitted franchise owners must know that that if for any reason an infraction occurs during the initial probationary period, an additional probationary period of another year MAY be handed down Once new teams are accepted into the AFA, new teams will be provided a game schedule. Game schedule will be released to teams on November 1. Member teams will have two weeks from that date to provide any “NO-PLAY” dates or conflicts that were not initially provided or known, before that schedule goes “PERMANENT”.

AFA Code of Conduct

3.5 Each owner agrees to abide implicitly by the League’s Code of Conduct Policy.

(A) All AFA Owners, Coaches and Players are required to sign and abide by the AFA Owners Code of Conduct appropriate to their role in the AFA.

(B) All AFA owners, coaches and players are to refrain from *“conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the” Atlantic Football Association. This includes but is not limited to, criticism or maligning an owner, coach or player in any way, verbally, in writing or on the internet. The appropriate action to take in a conflict is to go to that person directly or bring it before the owners of the AFA. We are an association of individual team owners, coaches and players and should recognize that the AFA is the sum of its parts. Therefore, any behavior that constitutes a violation of the above will result in immediate ejection from the league, with all rights to any fees paid forfeited.

(C) All AFA Owners, Coaches, Staff and Players will refrain from recruiting from any team within the AFA. At no time should any member of any AFA team approach a player of another AFA team with the intention of acquiring that player to be a part of their team. Players are free to change teams once the season has ended and all obligations to his former team are met. If players still owe the previous year’s team dues, equipment, etc. they may NOT sign a contract with said team until their obligations are meet.

(D) No AFA Owner, Coach, Staff Member or Player will be allowed to leave an AFA team and start another team within the AFA for a period of one year. No AFA Owner, Coach, Staff Member or Player will be permitted to leave an AFA team to coach for another AFA team for a period of one year, unless addressed in the Involuntary Separation articles per these By-Laws. *Taken from the NFL Personal Conduct Policy

Voluntary Withdrawal

3.6 Any member of the League may withdraw from membership either:

(A) By selling, assigning, or transferring its membership to an approved party subject to majority vote of League owners; or

(B) A club may voluntarily withdraw from the League by tendering its written resignation to the League Advisor and/or BOD simultaneously surrendering its Franchise Certificate of Membership, making full payment of all fines, fees, or debts accordingly.

Involuntary Termination

3.7 Membership in the League may be immediately terminated whenever:

(A) A member disbands its team during the regular season; or

(B) A member permanently disbands its business organization or ceases its business; or

(D) A member team forfeits two (2) games on its League schedule

Effect of Termination

3.8 Upon the expulsion of a member or any other involuntary termination of membership, the following shall occur:

(1) Expelled team is issued forfeits for any game remaining on the schedule

(2) Rostered players will be issued FULL FREE AGENT STATUS and placed onto a “Termination List” kept by the League and provided to each owner. If the League roster deadline has not passed these players are free to sign with ANY team within the League.

(3) Teams interested in signing a player from the “Termination List”, MUST pay a $50 Free Agent fee into the League. That fee will go into a separate league pot designated for either Scholarship, Charity, or league sponsored function as directed by the members and the BOD.

Membership Fees and Assessments

3.9 Prior years AFA Championship Organization is exempt from League Fees

(A) League Fees for Season 10 will be determined by the number of teams in the league for the spring 2021 season. League dues must be paid IN FULL on 2/23/2021 or at the first face-to-face meeting of the League calendar year.

(B) A team’s position in the League will not be guaranteed until the League Dues Deposit and Certificate of Insurance is received.

(C) A team in not considered in good standing until league dues are paid in full, field permits/usage agreements are on file as well as the teams liability insurance documentation.

(D) Inability to meet the requirements in this section, Dissolves any Organizations Application, Deposit, and/or League Fees reimbursements, without a majority approval of the Governing Body, and/or League vote.

(E) If any AFA team misses any financial deadline imposed by the league, their team would be ineligible for the playoffs.

Liability Insurance

3.11 All members in the League must carry a minimum Liability insurance policy.

A. All teams in the Atlantic Football Association are “Required” to carry Liability insurance either through the league provider or through an independent carrier.

B. All teams are required to list as additional insured’s all fields, practice facilities and areas where events are held under the team’s name before holding any events, try outs, practices or games.

C. If a team uses an independent carrier then a copy of the certificate listing the AFA, as well as all venues as additional insured’s, must be provided to the league for record and review.

D. The AFA will not be held responsible for any non-adherence to these rules.

E. Liability Insurance is by each individual team’s responsibility. You must name your venue and the AFA as additional insured’s. Certificates of Insurance must be forwarded to the League Administrator no later than December 31, 2021 (or one week after the policy expires). Teams failing to have a current insurance policy prior to the deadline will receive a fine in the amount of $100 from the League and WILL NOT be issued a game schedule until such time as this requirement is met.

Article IV

Territorial Rights Home Territory Defined

4.1 “Home Territory” with respect to any club means the city/town in which such club is located and for which it holds a franchise and plays its home games and includes the surrounding territory to the extent of 25 miles from the center of its home field.

Conference Alignment

4.3 The League shall be divided into two (2) conferences called the North Conference and the South Conference. The North Conference shall consist of five (5) teams, and the South Conference shall consist of five (5) teams as followed. Keep in mind that the conference alignment and breakdown is subject to change year-to-year per majority vote.

Such Conferences shall be operated under the following terms and conditions:

(A) Each conference shall be divided into two (2) divisions;

(B) The divisions of the clubs in the National Football Conference are as follows:

(C) The scheduling of games within each conference and between the two conferences shall be governed by the provisions of Article III hereof.

(D) Any realignment of the League must be approved by the affirmative majority vote of the existing member clubs of the League, except in the case of two-franchise areas, no realignment placing both franchises in the same conference can be approved without the consent of the two franchises directly in conflict.

Alignment and Breakdown

4.4

A. The AFA will consist of seven (7) teams in its 10th operating season.

B. The AFA will continue Organizational Operations through the 2020 season in accordance with the revised By-Laws amended on at the November 17, 2020.

C. The AFA teams will compete in the Spring Season with operating League dates of October 1, 2020 to June 30th, 2021 and Opening Day of play will be on March 20, 2021

D. There will be one [1] Conference, with a designation of North:

E. There will be eight [8] Regular Season games

F. There will be “TWO” Bye weekends in the Post Season schedule and they will be Easter Weekend, April 3,2021 and Memorial Day weekend, May 23, 2020. Should a make game be needed from missed the Regular Season Schedule. The

game would then be played on April 11,2020 or May 29, 2021.

G. Playoffs will begin June 5th, Round 1, 2021 - Round 2 on June 12, 2021, culminating in the Championship Game June 19, 2021. Bye weeks of Easter Weekend and Memorial Weekend – April 3, 2021 and May 29, 2021 respectively.

H. Playoff Format for the 2021 Season will be the “Top – 4” teams, consisting top Conference winner, and next 3 best records in the conference.

I. No Playoff game will kick off prior to 3pm. If the higher seed team with the home field advantage cannot secure a field for 3pm then the higher seed team will travel to the lower seeds field. If neither team can provide at field at 3pm the game will

be assigned by the league at a neutral site.

J. No Regular Season Game will kick off prior to 1pm unless it's a makeup game.

K. ABSOLUTELY No 2021 Games will be played on Sundays. All game will kick offs are to be on Saturday's ONLY.

L. Teams wishing to host the Championship game MUST notify the league NLT the final meeting of the year.

League and Team Communications

4.5

A. Each team must provide the following to the league:

1. Two working phone numbers (one land line and one cell phone number, or two cell numbers)

2. A working email address of the owner, coach or team representative.

3. AFA teams will provide the number for the local area hospital closest to their home field and it is suggested to provide numbers or addresses for local restaurants, lodging, etc.

Article V

Meetings of the League

Annual Meetings

5.1 The Annual Meeting of the League shall be held not earlier than October and not later than November in such year, such meeting shall be held on such date and at such places and times and the League Advisor and League members shall designate in the notices of the meeting.

Special Meetings

5.2 Special meetings of the League may be held at any place upon call by the League Advisor

Notice of Annual and Special Meetings

5.3 (A) Written notice of the time and place of holding any meeting shall be given to each member at least thirty (30) days in advance of the day fixed for the Annual Meeting of at least seven (&) days in advance of the day fixed for any special meetings.

(1) Notice of a special meeting shall state the time, place, and purpose of the meeting. The notice of the Annual Meeting must state the time and place of the meeting, but not the purpose. If any amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws are to be considered at the Annual Meeting, the submission of such proposals must be in accordance with Article XXV hereof, except that, any other provisions of this Constitution notwithstanding, the League Advisor may propose in his/her sole discretion amendments which he/she considers to be of an emergency nature, and such amendments at a special meeting will require affirmative majority vote of the existing member clubs in attendance.

(2) Notices of any meeting may be waived by the unanimous consent of all member clubs

Voting and Representation

5.5 League members are required to have representation present at every mandatory League meeting or be subject to fine. Proxy votes are NOT ALLOWED by the AFA.

Number of Votes

5.6 Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, the affirmative vote of a majority of member at any Annual Meeting of the League shall be required for action.

Order of Business at Annual Meeting

5.7 The AFA will utilize “Roberts Rules of Order” when conducting its meetings. The order of business for the Annual Meeting shall be as follows:

Roll Call

Reading of minutes from the previous meeting

Report of the League Advisor

Report of the Treasurer

Report of other League officers

Report of any designated committees

Unfinished or tabled business

Nomination and election of League officers

Installation of Officers

New business

Adjournment

Conduct of Meetings

5.9 Except in respect to matters covered specifically in the Constitution and Bylaws of the League, Roberts Rules of Order shall prevail in all meetings of the League; provided, however, that any action taken in any meeting of the League involving a matter not covered specifically in the Constitution and Bylaws of the League shall require affirmative majority vote .

Action Without a Meeting

5.10 Any action or resolution which may be take or adopted at a League meeting may be taken or adopted by an instrument writing signed by all member or a majority vote taken and recorded in the Owners Only forum on social media.

Article VI

Executive and Other Committees

Number

6.1 The League shall have an Executive Committee composed of one (1) representative from each member club. Each representative shall be appointed by the member club by written notice to the League Advisor. Each club may also name an alternate representative in the same manner. Said alternate shall have the same authority as the regular appointee in the absence of such appointee. Each appointee shall serve until his/her appointment is revoked in writing by the appointing member club.

Voting Qualifications

6.2 At all meetings of the Executive Committee, each member of the committee shall have one (1) vote.

6.3 All Executive Committee members must either be owners or proxied participants designated by the owner to act on his/her behalf during said meeting. This proxy must be formally received and approved by the League Advisor and League members prior to any League meeting.

6.4 In case any vacancy occurs in the Executive Committee, a successor shall be appointed by the member affected by the vacancy.

Other Committees

6.7 The League Advisor of the League may appoint such other committees as the League deems necessary and appropriate. All committees shall act under the direction and chairmanship of the League Advisor, who shall me a member “ex-officio” of each committee.

Meetings

6.8 At each meeting of the Executive Committee, the League Advisor of the League shall preside

Article VII

Officers

7.1 (A) The AFA team owners shall comprise the Governing Body of the AFA. While many teams are co-owning each team is allowed one vote regarding all decisions. All decisions regarding any aspect of the operation of the AFA, including but not limited to Administrative, Financial, Team Admittance or Expulsion and Execution of Competition will be submitted for discussion and then voted on by the AFA Organizations that are current and in ‘good standings’ of all of its responsibilities to the AFA League and it’s Officials. A vote must pass with a majority vote. A quorum of 7 must be present at League meetings and at least 7 must participate in decisions via email. A tie will be decided to be decided by the League Advisors. Each team has 48 hours to respond to email.

(B) The AFA will appoint five (5) persons, four (4) from within the Governing Body and one (1) from outside of the League to ensure the proper operation of the AFA. These must be approved by a majority vote of the

Governing Body. These positions will be voted on and held in office for a 2-year term, there will be no limitations on terms one can hold. The positions and their duties are as follows:

1. League Coordinator - The duties of the League Coordinator will be to ensure that the League operates as set forth in the By Laws. He/She will also coordinate regular meetings and procure venues for same. He/She will also ensure proper maintenance of the web site –

2. League Administrator - The duties of the League Administrator will be to record minutes of every meeting and keep record of all League communication, voting. He/She will also ensure that all teams are following League obligations, including but not limited to, liability insurance, Code of Conduct agreements, Coach and Player contracts. He/She will also manage the league email. The Administrator will be compensated $50.00 per team in exchange for His/Her services. –

3. League Treasurer – The duties of the Treasurer for the AFA to ensure a secure environment for all monies paid to and from the AFA. They will be responsible for all Financial records and will provide regular reports to the Governing Body regarding the Financial Condition of the AFA. The Treasurer will work along with the Sergeant of Arms, as well with the other owners to establish a budget to determine league fees required, necessary expenditures and any charitable endeavors the League wishes to participate in. The Treasurer and Sergeant of Arms will ensure that all teams have met their financial obligations to the league. They will also be responsible for the disbursement of funds for expenses approved by the Governing Body. The Treasurer will be compensated $50.00 per team in exchange for His/Her services. -

4. Sergeant at Arms – The duties of the Sergeant of Arms will be to assist the Treasurer, and League Coordinator in ensuring operations as set forth in the AFA By Laws. In the absence of the League Coordinator the Sergeant of Arms will preside over League Meetings. The Treasurer and Sergeant of Arms will work jointly between themselves and report to the Governing Body to be held accountable for individual duties.

5. League Advisor – The duties of the League Advisor will be to collect relevant information regarding any disputes regarding game play and to rule on said incident. He/She will also assist in decisions regarding the Rules and Guidelines for the game of Football. This person must be neutral and cannot be affiliated in any way with any team in the AFA. The League Advisor will also be the deciding vote in the event of a tie. The League Advisor will be compensated $50.00 per team in exchange for His/her services.

(C) Each elected officer shall be subject to a mid-year review by the voting members in order to maintain that they are doing the job for which they were elected and performing up to the standards set for by the League and its owners.

Article VIII

League Advisor

Employment

8.1 The League shall select and employ a person of unquestioned integrity to serve as League Advisor of the League and shall determine the period and fix the compensation of his/her employment. All voting requirements and procedures for the selection of or successor to the office of the League Advisor shall be determined by the affirmative majority vote of the current members of the League. The League Advisor shall sit as the Tie-Breaking Member of the League’s BOD.

8.2 The League Advisor shall have no financial interest, direct or indirect, in any minor-league football franchise.

Policy and Procedure

8.3 The League Advisor shall interpret and from time to time establish policy and procedure alongside the BOD with respect to the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws and enforcement thereof.

Game Officials

8.4

(A) The AFA Organizations have agreed that for Regular Season play, that the total game officials needed and required is 6.

(B) The AFA will be utilizing Game Officials approved by the AFA League Advisor and BOD.

(C) The payment of officials for scrimmage games will be the sole responsibility of the team making the arrangements for the scrimmage. Whatever arrangements exist between the two teams is strictly between them

Article IX

Playing Rules

Official Rules

9.1 The playing rules of the League shall be those set out in the Official Playing Rules of the National Football League with modifications and amendments per the AFA.

Amendment of Rules

9.2 Playing rules may be amended of changes at any Annual or Special Meeting by the affirmative majority vote of existing members.

Rules Committee

9.3 The following game-day rules apply across the board in the AFA.

Game Rules

(A) The AFA will use NFL rules with the following modifications:

CONCUSSION AWARENESS: If a Certified Medical Personnel on site examines and evaluates, and deems a player unsuitable for return to play, Organizations are encouraged to adhere to that recommendation.

1. Protection of the Long Snapper: During field goal and punting situations the defense cannot line up over top of the snapper. This is to protect the long snapper from being hit while his head is down.

2. Gunners are free to leave their set position after the ball has been snapped. No one else can leave their set position until the ball has been kicked.

3. A (2 yard) arc violation will be enforced to protect the receiver who is tracking that ball and must be given a chance to catch the ball or call for a fair catch.

4. Overtime: The AFA will follow the current NCAA Overtime rules: If a game is tied after four quarters, the teams will play extra periods until the game finds a victor. Each period consists of one possession for each team, the order of which is decided by a pre-overtime coin toss. After each period, the order of possession flips. Each drive starts at the defense's 25-yard line. If the teams remain tied at the end of a period, they play another. Starting in the third period, teams can no longer kick extra points and must go for two after touchdowns.

5. Coin toss: The winning team may choose to receive the ball or defer to receiving the ball in the second half of the game.

6. Absolutely NO CHOP BLOCKS will be permitted. All players MUST be equipped with knee pads.

7. Only the Offense can score from the 2-yard line on the extra point.

8. All extra points are attempted from the 2-yard line.

9. Touchbacks will be brought out to the 25-yard line per the NFL rules change.

10. AFA Extra points will STAY at the 3 Yard Line. Two-point conversions will follow standard NFL rules.

Article X

Player Eligibility

General Rules of Eligibility

10.1

(A). Teams of the AFA will have no more than a 60-man roster dressed.

(B). Players eligibility for 2021, with said Organization/Team is secured and recognized by the

AFA League by a:

1. Signed & Dated “PLAYER CONTRACT” between the player and the Organization.

2. Signed & Dated Contracts obligate that players eligibility for a period of [1] season OCTOBER 1,2020 to JUNE 30, 2021, to that Organization. Until said player has met all of his obligations to signed contract agreement of Organization, and until officially released with a document on file with the AFA, that player, and any Organization that potentially play that player under contract, would be susceptible to League Fines, and/or Game Forfeits that player participated in, regardless of the number of rep’s he was in the game.

(C) Rosters for Weeks 1 to 4 are to be submitted to each team’s website by 11:59 pm each Wednesday evening. The Webmaster will then lock the rosters for all teams until all games of the week have been played and reported.

(D) If teams elect to not provide an updated weekly roster or an updated roster is not received by the AFA by the Wednesday midnight deadline, then the previous weeks roster will be used and locked for the following Saturday's game.

(E) Rosters on teams’ website must include the following;

Players facing the camera. No side views

Player in his jersey with no obstruction of the jersey number

Players Position

Photo is taken from chest up, and background is clear of obstruction.

Photos on website are no less than 3" tall and 2" wide

(Height and Weight are optional)

(F) All players listed on team’s rosters must have a completely executed contract on file with the team prior to any regular season game play. Names and Jersey numbers must match.

(G) Rosters for the 2021 season will freeze just prior to the 5th game and must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Midnight on Wednesday, April 21, 2021

(H) Roster checks may be requested by either home or visiting team. Checks can also be requested by any owner or coach at any game without reprisal so long as proper notification per the By-Laws is made. Teams will line up by Jersey Number and check each other. (ID’s accepted are Driver’s License, Military or State ID). If a team is found to have non-rostered players participating in games, they will be subject to an immediate forfeit of that game and League sanction to include Fine and potential expulsion from the League by the BOD with no refund of fees paid.

(I) Any team caught paying players for play, or being compensated in any way, will forfeit the season and will be removed from the league without refund of fees paid.

(J) Team Owners are free to participate in the league as players but MUST appear on the roster and do not warrant ANY exemption of any kind.

Rules and Regulations

10.2

(A) An eligible player must meet each requirement as below:

1. Player has a SIGNED & DATED Player Contract with said Organization.

A player’s contract with a team is only valid for [1] season, OCTOBER 1,2020 to JUNE 30, 2021. These must be completely executed before a player plays one down for the team paid in full the teams Registration and/or Team Dues.

2. Player has submitted a signed contract, liability release and Code of Conduct with their team.

3. Any player wishing to be released from their contract to play for another AFA team must meet all former team’s obligations. No player can play for another AFA team without a written release from the former team owner. Owners are expected to handle these instances per the direction of the By-Laws and notify each other immediately upon player request.

4. Player is in good standing with his previous AFA team and is free of any outstanding fees, uniforms, or equipment that is the property of the team.

5. Player is in good standing with their current team.

6. All Players must be a minimum of 18 years old in order to play in the AFA.

7. Player is not compensated in any way to play. This will result in the player being suspended and the team forfeiting games that the player played in.

8. Should a team, PRIOR TO WEEK #5, cease operations, fold, or is removed from the AFA, players on the defunct team is free to pursue another AFA team without any penalty of payment of fees to the players previous AFA team.

9. No player can play for another team within the AFA during the same Spring season. There is no restriction on players playing legally in the AFA who have been signed by Outside or Off-Season franchises i.e., Arena, Arena2, Professional Indoor, or other Season Adult-Amateur teams.

(B) Any of the following will deem a player as ineligible:

1 A player is still under written contract with a current team that plays for another team during the time period of their current contract without a release.

2. A player that has participated or dressed in uniform on game day during the current season with or without a written contract.

3. A player who is not in good standing with their former team (Example: Still owes team dues, equipment or uniforms to former team)

4. A player who has not properly complied with league rules on any fines, suspensions or other punishments handed down by the league but participates with current team during a game.

5. All teams are required to announce to the league that a player has left their organization and if they are eligible to play for another team making the player a free agent. That team should issue, in writing, a release from their team indicating that said player has met all obligations to the team and has been released to play for another team. Any team that signs a player from another AFA team is required to check with the former team and the league before any player can suit up for their current team. If a player is found playing for a new team without being released and acknowledged by the league and the former team can risk forfeiting any and all games that the offending player played in with his current team.

6. Any team wishing to file a written grievance (email or fax) with the league about such matters as ineligible players or forfeits must present their arguments and or evidence on the matter no later than the Monday after the scheduled game against your previous opponent so that the League Advisor can make a ruling by Friday prior to the following weeks game.

7. All written grievances will be kept on record by the league and can be used as evidence if the League Advisor deems it pertains to a recurring issue with an offending team.

8. ALL PLAYERS MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 18 YEARS OF AGE

9. A LIST OF ALL fees or equipment owed to a team by a player on the previous seasons’ roster must be turned into the BOD and the League NLT the final meeting of the AFA in October. Any player not listed as owing a team will be considered “IN GOOD STANDING” and eligible to play for any other team in the AFA the following season should they desire to do so.

Owner Obligations and Contract

10.3

(A) All AFA owners, coaches and players are to refrain from “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the Atlantic Football Association. We are an association of individual team owners, coaches and players and should recognize that the AFA is the sum of its parts. Therefore, any behavior that constitutes a violation of the above will result in immediate ejection from the league, with all rights to any fees paid forfeited. This includes but is not limited to, criticism or maligning an owner, coach or player in any way, verbally, in writing or on the internet. The appropriate action to take in a conflict is to go to that person directly or bring it before the owners of the AFA. Each individual team owner/organization is responsible for the behavior of their coaches, staff and players and will be expected to deal with all violations of the above in a manner which causes said behavior to cease. Failure to do so will result in ejection from the AFA.

(B). Team owners will meet all financial obligations as set forth in the By Laws of the AFA.

(C). Team owners will uphold and abide by the By Laws of the AFA.

(D). Team owners will not recruit from other teams within the AFA. A successful association is defined by the success of the organizations within it.

(E). Team owners will attend all League meetings or send a representative who has the power to vote for your organization. Proxies will no longer be granted in lieu of attending a league meeting. All owners are expected at league meetings. Failure to send a replacement or to attend will result in a fine of $100.00.

Article XI

Field and Game Day Operations

11.1

(A) All visiting staff wishing to gain entrance to the opponents’ facility MUST appear on the roster the same as a player. Teams are allocated a MAXIMUM of 14 entrants. If they are not listed on the website BY PHOTO, they WILL NOT be allowed to enter an AFA even without adhering to the host teams’ admission policy.

(B) Visiting teams are “REQUIRED”, to communicate to the Host team by FRIDAY 7:00 pm the following information:

1. Gate Pass List

2. Ice & Water request

3. Notification of Player I.D. Check {if desired}

1. Jersey Color Host Team will be wearing

2. Any field or pre-game coordination/restrictions

(D) Individuals that own a team and wish to participate as a player on the active roster can do so, so long as they appear on the active roster, per these By-Laws.

(E) Both teams are responsible for their players on the sidelines and to clean up the sidelines when the game is done. Failure to clean up your sidelines will result in a fine of $100.00 to be paid to the Home Team. Teams wishing to claim this fine must provide before and after photos that are time stamped and they must be submitted to the League Administrator no later than Monday at 5pm following the game.

(F) A team that is 45 minutes late to game will lose their 1st half time outs and the option to choose the half. Unless, the traveling team contacts the home team to inform them of their situation. (Examples: bus mechanical malfunction, weather conditions affecting travel, road hazards such as accidents etc.)

(G) Host teams must provide at least 2 portable toilets on sight if allowed by the renting facilty, on game day if your facility does not have any bathroom facilities. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $50.00 to be paid to the league for each game where the portable toilets are not present.

(H) The visiting team must be allowed access to the field two hours prior to kickoff for warmups if possible, unless an act of Mother Nature prevents access. Regardless of time limits, both teams get the same amount of time and place to warm up.

(I) Fields must be the standard NFL regulation size 100 yards by 53.3 yards (360 feet by 160 feet) and the goal post must be the standard NFL or the traditional "H" design and made of the proper steel material. Goal posts made of PVC Piping are NOT acceptable. THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE BY-LAW, FOR THE SAFETY & LIABILITY OF THE PLAYERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INTEGRITY OF THE AFA.

(J) All Goal posts must have goal post pads on them. If they do not have them absolutely no play will ensue, and the game will be forfeited to the Visiting team. THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE BY-LAW, FOR THE SAFETY & LIABILITY OF THE PLAYERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INTEGRITY OF THE AFA.

(K) Fields must be lined 2 hours prior to kickoff and must be cleared of any debris. If not, there will be no game played and the game will be forfeited to the Visiting team.

(L) All fields must have the correct sideline markers and end zone pylons. *Orange cones are NOT acceptable and are considered a safety hazard to the players. Soft, collapsible road hazard cones are acceptable.

(M) Liability regulations require that all fields have a clearly marked 5-yard buffer zone around the field starting from the out of bounds extending outward to keep fans from being near or on the field unless a natural barrier is already in place. (Example: running track, fence, etc.)

(N) Host teams are expected to handle security and well-being of all fans attending. Host teams are expected to deal with unruly fans before, during and after a game.

(O) Host team fans will be placed in the area designated near where the home team uses as a bench. Visiting teams will not be placed behind the home field fans in the effort to distract the team.

(P) There will be a twelve-minute halftime with a three-minute warning from officials. If the host team requests an extended time for half-time shows, they must notify the visiting team and game officials before Wednesday of game week.

(Q) Absolutely NO games will be scheduled for play on any Sunday. If circumstances determine that this is the only option, the game must be started no later than 1:00pm and be agreed upon by both teams.

(R) Host teams MUST provide the chain crew. Individuals participating on the chain crew must be a minimum of 15 years old and stationed on the HOME SIDELINE.

(S) No member of the chain crew can carry any of the following while on field:

* Radios, * Cell Phones, * Video Cameras. Anyone found with the above devices on them, will be required to hand over items to the home team. They will be returned after the game.

(T) Each team is required by the League to provide ice & water for the game. Visiting teams are to make and special requests on their Friday communications to the Host Team prior to the game.

(U) All fields must have running water. In lieu of running water, the Host team can provide either 2 cases of bottled water (bottled water 24 per case) or 5-gallon jugs of water.

(V) Host Teams must provide a First Aid certified individual at every game.

(W) It is the Losing team’s responsibility to request a running clock. They must call timeout and request a conference with the winning team Head Coach. At that time a running clock can be requested and agreed upon. At that point the winning team in a sign of sportsmanship should run the ball to run the clock out.

(X) All teams are required to post players stats each week to their websites by Midnight of the following Wednesday.

(Y) Players arriving after the game has begun must wait until a natural break in the game action before entering OR a team MUST use a timeout and alert the opposing Head Coach, that a player has arrived. It is within this circumstance that the opposing coach may request and be granted a roster check for that player.

Venue or Date Changes

11.2

(A) If a host team or visiting team is seeking a venue or date change of a league scheduled game the following process must be followed:

1. Scheduling conflicts should be worked out prior to the beginning of regular season play between the two teams involved, league representatives and head of officials.

2. If a final decision cannot be reached then the Governing Body of the AFA will determine the date, time and venue of the game in question. Any non-compliance by either team after a decision is reached can result in a forfeit to the non-complying team.

Team & Uniform Apparel

11.3

All League members MUST have a home and away i.e. Dark and Light. Home teams have first right of refusal as far as what color to wear on their home field.

(A) Tinted face shields are up to the discretion of the head referee. He must be able to see your eyes and if he asks a player to remove his face shield the player must comply. Exceptions will be made only with written documentation from a certified doctor. The player must sign a waiver to release the team, league, league officials, and game officials from all liability. ABSOLUTELY NO MIRRORED FACE SHIELDS ARE PERMITTED.

(B). All under garments which are visible must match team colors as presented to the league. For example, Under Armor for a team with the colors red and black must be either red or black. Players will be given an opportunity to remove or remedy the violation but if they refuse, they will be removed from the game.

(C) Game Helmets, Pants, and Jerseys must all match on game day or the team will be fined $100. Date and time stamped photos of violations are to be submitted to the AFA.

(D) ABSOLUTELY NO DOO RAGS WITH KNOTS

(E) The visiting team must call the opposing team about team jersey conflicts. If a jersey is torn and not repairable during the game the opposing team must be notified of number change prior to player taking the field. This includes numbers coming off or tears or holes that would expose personal equipment to others. The AFA asks that teams contact each other on the Wednesday prior to the game, to verify uniform colors being worn.

(F) Players violating the league uniform policy code under the AFA rules will be asked to fix it prior to the start of the game by the officials. Failure to comply will result in a (1) one game suspension.

(G) It is required that players wear the proper equipment including helmets, shoulder pads, thigh and knee pads.

(H) Players knees are covered when the player is standing. Kneed pads must be used.

(I) Head Coaches will be issued a signature card prior to each game. The signature is to acknowledge that all players on their team are wearing the proper safety equipment outline above.

(J) The numbers “0” and “00” are eligible to be worn by the AFA.

Footballs

11.4

(A) All footballs must be the Official NFL game ball, the “Duke” leather ball OR the College GST 1003 Leather Ball. NO OTHER BALLS ARE ALLOWED FOR PLAY.

(B) Each team is required to have at least two game balls at each game and must have a backup ball ready for the officials should a ball be lost or damaged during the game.

(C) Game Officials can ban any ball from the game they feel is not fit to be used. Synthetic/rubber balls or collegiate/ HS balls with the white stripes are banned from game use.

Game Conduct

11.5

(A) Obscene Language during the game by players, coaches, team representatives or team guests on the sideline will not be tolerated:

1. The entire team and coaching staff will be warned during the Pre-Game meeting.

2. This will be handled by the Game Officials as per NFL Rules and could result in 15-yard penalties and ejection from the game.

(B) Taunting of the opposing team, staff or players WILL NOT be tolerated either from the person who instigates it or the person who retaliates. Both can be ejected from the game.

1. First Offense - 15 Yard Penalty

2. Second Offense - 15 Yard Penalty & Ejection from game and $25.00 fine for each incident thereafter.

1. Game Officials must be notified immediately. Game Officials must then notify the coaches of each team. Police are to be notified by either the coach or the Head Official.

2. If Threats continue, the threatening Player is ejected from the game and police are notified of the player name.

3. The Game Officials or Local Authorities, have the right to stop the game at any time threats are made against anyone at the game.

4. Any player or coach caught threatening a Game Official, other players or coaches will be expelled for the season without refund of fees paid.

(D) Fighting – Fighting amongst players, coaches, staff, and/or attendees WILL NOT be tolerated.

1. Any and all game ejections for fighting are subject to Official and League review.

2. Penalties for such will be determined after the review and could incur fines, suspensions and League expulsion.

3. If a player is ejected for any reason, he is to remove his jersey and equipment and vacate the sideline.

Forfeits

11.6

(A) Host team does not have a home field by the Thursday prior to game time. If the designated home team does not have a field to play on, then they forfeit their right to host the home game and must then travel to the opposing team’s home field. If the opposing team does not have access to their home field, the original host team will automatically take the loss. A forfeit award a 21-0 win to the opposing team.

FORFEITURE can be deemed for the following:

(B) Field is deemed unsafe to play on by the Head Referee and the opposing teams Head Coach.

(C) Field is not properly lined to league specifications or missing such equipment as down markers, chains, goal posts as verified by the Head Referee and the opposing teams Head Coach.

(D) Visiting Team does not show up or has not contacted the league or host team prior to game time as outlined in Section IX – Field and Game Day Operations, Letter D.

(E) A team using an ineligible player who has not been released from or not in good standing with a team formerly played for within the league.

(F) Teams not meeting financial obligations to the league by the league mandated dates.

(G) If a team forfeits a game for any reason, except that which is beyond the team’s control, the team “WILL NOT BE ALLOWED” to participate in the playoffs regardless of season record.

XII. League Fines and Penalty Structure

12.1

(A) Missing Meetings:

1. First Meeting: $100 Fine

2. Second Meeting: $200 Fine – Subject to Involuntary Separation from League

(B) Improper Uniform:

1. First Offense: $100

2. Second Offense: $200

(C) Illegal Players

1. Immediate Dismissal from the League

(D) Incomplete Website (Rosters and Photos) – Picture with uniform number

1. First Offense: $50, 10 business days to correct

2. Second Offense: $100, 5 business days to correct

3. Third Offense: Forfeiture of next game

4. Immediate Dismissal from the League

(E) Missed deadline for Insurance

1. First Offense: $100 Fine, 10 business days to correct

2. Second Offense: $200 Fine, 5 business days to correct

3. Uncorrected – Immediate Dismissal from the League

(F) Missed deadline for dues

1. First Offense: $100 Fine, 10 business days to correct

2. Second Offense: $200 Fine, 5 business days to correct

3. Third Offence: Immediate Dismissal from the League

(G) Code of Conduct Violations/Actions detrimental

1. First Offense: $200 Fine OR Dismissal from the League

2. Second Offense: Immediate Dismissal from the League

i. Disparaging comments and insults made towards other owners of social media

ii. Bad mouthing other owners and teams on social media

iii. Illegally recruiting other rostered AFA players in violation of the AFA Free Agent season

iv. Threats made towards owners, players, officials, or any other AFA associate v. 2 forfeits during any AFA season

(H) Forfeit

1. First Forfeit: $300 Fine. In addition to loss of teams $300 Forfeit Fee Fund. Immediate probationary status

2. Second Forfeit: Immediate Dismissal from the League

(J) Standard Game Ejections (Personal Fouls, Illegal Contact with Officials etc.)

1. First Ejection: $25 Fine. One (1) Game Suspension

2. Second Ejection: $50 Fine. Two (2) Game Suspension

3. Third Ejection: $100 Fine. Four (4) Game Suspension

4. Fourth Ejection: $200 Fine. Suspended for the remainder of the season and must appear before the BOD in order to be potentially reinstated for any future years.

(K) Fighting at games

1. First Offense: $100 Fine. Immediate ejection and 2 game suspension

2. Second Offense: $250 Fine. Suspended for the remainder of the season and must appear before BOD in order to be potentially reinstated for any future years.

(L) Illegal Recruiting

1. First Offense: $50 Fine. Player illegally recruited cannot sign with the team in violation

2. Second Offense: $100 Fine. Player illegally recruited cannot sign with the team in violation

3. Third Offense: $200 Fine, Forfeit of next game OR Immediate Dismissal from the League per the BOD

Any grievance or complaint not covered directly in these By Laws should be brought directly to the League for disposition, discussion, and determination. Those instances may result in an addendum to the By Laws which must be approved by a majority league admintration.

Article XII. Play-Off and Tiebreakers

13.1

(A) AFA Tiebreaking Procedures

The four postseason participants from each conference are seeded as follows:

1. The conference champion with the best record.

2. The division champion with the second-best record.

3. The Wild Card club with the best record.

4. The Wild Card club with the second-best record.

**NOTE: Tie games count as one-half win and one-half loss for both clubs.

(B) TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION

If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.

i. Two Clubs

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).

2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.

3. Strength of victory.

4. Strength of schedule.

5. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.

6. Best net points in all games.

7. Coin toss

ii. Three or More Clubs

(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated during any step, tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format).

1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).

2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.

3. Strength of victory.

4. Strength of schedule.

5. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.

6. Best net points in all games.

7. Coin toss

(C) TO BREAK A TIE FOR THE WILD-CARD TEAM

If it is necessary to break ties to determine the two Wild-Card clubs from each conference, the following steps will be taken.

1. If the tied clubs are from the same division, apply division tie breaker.

2. If the tied clubs are from different divisions, apply the following steps.

i. Two Clubs

1. Head-to-head, if applicable.

2. Strength of victory.

3. Strength of schedule.

4. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.

5. Best net points in all games.

6. Coin toss.

ii Three or More Clubs

(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated, tie breaker reverts to step 1 of applicable two-club format.)

1 Apply division tie breaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. The original seeding within a division upon application of the division tie breaker remains the same for all subsequent applications of the procedure that are necessary to identify the two Wild-Card participants.

2. Head-to-head sweep. (Applicable only if one club has defeated each of the others or if one club has lost to each of the others.)

3. Strength of victory.

4. Strength of schedule.

5. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.

6. Best net points in all games.

7. Coin toss

When the first Wild-Card team has been identified, the procedure is repeated to name the second Wild-Card, i.e., eliminate all but the highest-ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. In situations where three or more teams from the same division are involved in the procedure, the original seeding of the teams remains the same for subsequent applications of the tie breaker if the top-ranked team in that division qualifies for a Wild-Card berth.