Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Rules & Regulations, Zero Tolerance Policy

Coaches Handbook

2014

NFL Flag Football

SYFFL Board of Directors

Name / Assignment
Fred Boyle / Rules and Officiating
Peter Buckley / Junior Division
Bill Campanario / Senior Division
Joe Currier / Fields and Equipment
Wayne Franey / Instructional Division
Mike Mauriello / Administration
Jerry McLaughlin / PeeWee Division
Chris O’Halloran / Finance
Greg Goldberg / President Emeritus
Paul Concannon / President Emeritus

Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Zero Tolerance Policy against Abuse

The Stoughton Youth Flag Football League is committed to providing a safe environment for its members and participants, and to preventing abusive conduct in any form. Every member of the organization is responsible for protecting the participants and ensuring their safety and well being while involved in league sponsored activities. To this end, we have established the following guidelines of behavior and procedures for our staff, volunteers and participants. All members of this organization, as well as parents, spectators and other invitees are expected to observe and adhere to the following guidelines.

  1. Abuse of any kind is not permitted within our organization. This means we do not tolerate physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse or misconduct from our players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents or spectators.
  2. Physical and sexual abuse, including, but not limited to, striking, hitting, kicking, biting, indecent or wanton gesturing, lewd remarks, indecent exposure, unwanted physical contact, any form of sexual contact or inappropriate touching, are strictly prohibited within our organization.
  3. Emotional abuse or Verbal abuse towards league officials, coaches, parents, opposing players, or referee(s) in front of the kids by a coach, player or parent or official or any other action on or off the field is also prohibited. These include, but are not limited to such forms of abuse as: bullying, yelling, swearing, insulting, threatening, mocking, demeaning behavior, or making abusive statements in regard to a person’s race, gender, religion, nationality/ethnicity, sex or age.
  4. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our players, participants and staff. We do so by appointing all coaches, officials and volunteers – and anyone else affiliated with our organization – as protection advocates. Thus, all members are cleared through a CORI check. Every member of this organization is responsible for reporting any cases of questionable conduct or alleged mistreatment toward our members by any coach, official, volunteer, player, parent, sibling or spectator.
  5. Buddy System: We recommend that every activity sponsored by our program put a Buddy System in place. Each youth participant should be assigned a buddy during sponsored activities. No child should go anywhere – to the bathrooms or other location – without his or her buddy. When the participant’s parents are at the activity, the participant’s parents shall be the participant’s Buddy and shall be responsible for their safety while not engaged in the activity.

Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Zero Tolerance Policy against Abuse

  1. To further protect our youth participants, as well as our coaches, officials and volunteers, we strongly advise that no adult person allow him/herself to be alone with a child or with any group of children during sponsored activities. In particular, we recommend coaches or other adult members of this organization:
  • Not drive alone with a child participant in the car
  • Do not take a child alone to the bathrooms or any other private room
  • Only provide one-on-one training or individual coaching with the assistance of another adult or the child’s Buddy present.
  • Not have private conversations with a youth participants unless within view of other adults on the field, if possible
  • Supervision/Chaperone ratio: We recommend that for any sponsored activity, the ratio of adults to youth participants be 1:10 – one (or more) adult for every ten children, with a minimum of one adult for every activity. Parents are not to drop their child(ren) off at any league sponsored activity without ensuring that another adult, other than the coach(es), is/are responsible for the participant. If an adult who is not the participant’s parent is responsible for the participant, the participant’s parent shall inform the coaches of the arrangement prior to leaving the participant at the sponsored activity.
  1. We want to empower our children to trust their feelings and let them know that their concerns, fears and hopes are important by listening to them. Open communication between children and parents, or between children and other adults in the organization may help early warning signs of abuse to surface.
  2. We encourage parents to become as active as possible in sponsored activities, games, practices and other events. The more the parents are involved, the less likely it is for abusive situations to develop.
  3. We will respond quickly to any and all allegations and/or violations of abuse within this organization. This information may also be communicated to the authorities for investigation and will be reviewed by the organization’s board of directors. The alleged offender will be notified of such allegations promptly.

Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Zero Tolerance Policy against Abuse

  1. Any person accused of sexual or physical abuse will be asked to resign voluntarily or will be suspended by the board until the matter is resolved. Regardless of criminal or civil guilt in the alleged abuse, the continued presence of the person could be detrimental to the reputation of the organization and could be harmful to the participants. A person who is accused but later cleared of charges, may apply to be reinstated within the organization. Reinstatement is not a right, and there is no guarantee that he or she will be reinstated to his/her former position. Serving in any position within the organization is a privilege and not a right. The comfort and safety of the participants and the organization shall be controlling factors when anyone applies for a position within the organization.
  2. All persons accused of emotional or verbal abuse shall immediately be ejected from the SYFFL sponsored event and asked to leave the premises/facility immediately. If the accused does not leave the premises or facility when asked, the police may be notified and the accused then risks being escorted off by the police. The person will also be asked to resign voluntarily or will be suspended by the board until the matter is investigated and the complaint resolved. Such allegations and/or violations will promptly be investigated by the Board and the following shall apply:

First Offense: A meeting between the SYFFL BOD, the accused and those witnesses to the offense (if they wish to be disclosed) will be held promptly in the best interest of the league and its players. If found in violation, the person will be suspended at least one game or as many games as the Board shall determine, in its sole discretion. Prior to any potential reinstatement, person shall sign an affidavit acknowledging the violation of the league’s Zero Tolerance Policy and agreeing to abide by the Policy if reinstated. Reinstatement is not a right, and no guarantee is made that he or she will be reinstated to his/her former position. Reinstatement shall only occur after the Board and the participant’s parents agree that the accused be allowed reinstatement. If the participant’s parents are unavailable, the accused shall not be reinstated. The executed Affidavit shall be kept in the Board’s records for two (2) years from the date of the incident and shall be available for inspection by any participant’s parent who so requests. The Board shall not provide a copy of the Affidavit unless ordered to do by a competent court official holding jurisdiction over the Board or unless authorized by the person who executed the Affidavit.

Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Zero Tolerance Policy against Abuse

All Subsequent Offenses: A meeting between the SYFFL BOD, the accused and those witnesses to the offense (if they wish to be disclosed) will be held promptly in the best interest of the league and its players. If found in violation, the person shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.

Prior to any potential reinstatement in any subsequent season, person shall sign an affidavit acknowledging the violation of the league’s Zero Tolerance Policy and agreeing to abide by the Policy if reinstated. Reinstatement is not a right, and no guarantee is made that he or she will be reinstated to his/her former position. Reinstatement shall only occur after the Board and the participant’s parents agree that the accused be allowed reinstatement. If the participant’s parents are unavailable, the accused shall not be reinstated. The executed Affidavit shall be kept in the Board’s records for two (2) years from the date of the incident and shall be available for inspection by any participant’s parent who so requests. The Board shall not provide a copy of the Affidavit unless ordered to do by a competent court official holding jurisdiction over the Board or unless authorized by the person who executed the Affidavit.

If at any time, a player, coach, league official, spectator or referee feels in danger by said offender, the person will be asked to leave the complex immediately by any coach or representative of the Board at the facility or field. Failure to immediately leave the premises when asked may be followed by the coach or Board member contacting the police or proper authorities and requesting the removal of the accused.

  1. We promote good sportsmanship & teamwork throughout the organization and encourage equalities of mutual respect, courtesy and tolerance in all participants, coaches, officials and volunteers. We advocate building strong self-images among the youth participants. Children with a strong self-image may be less likely targets for abuse; similarly, they may be less likely to abuse or bully others around them. We expect parents, coaches and officials to work together with the league towards promoting the following goals:

Stoughton Youth Flag Football League

Zero Tolerance Policy against Abuse

  1. Work together towards making sure the children are enjoying themselves.
  2. Equal playing time
  3. Teach the fundamentals of the game of Flag Football
  4. Follow the rules set forth by the SYFFL
  5. Instructional Division
  6. Teach the Basics of the Rule Book, Skills are more important. Try to follow the SYFFL league rules, but rules may be steered from or ignored in lieu of the insurance of the teaching basic skills to our youngest players as mentioned above.
  7. Peewee Division
  8. Same as instructional, while slowly working in the SYFFL league rules throughout the season, with the goal of the players having a basic knowledge of the rules by season’s end.
  9. Junior & Senior Divisions
  10. Follow SYFFL league rules as written in rule book.
  11. Pursuit of Victory with Honor & Dignity

CORI Check
  • All Coaches/Assistant Coaches, SYFFL Board Members, Officials 18 years of age or older and any league volunteers must be cleared by a CORI check before being allowed to participate in SYFFL Events.
Eligibility
The SYFFL facilitates the following Flag Football Divisions:
  • Instructional League- 5-6 year old boys & girls.
  • Peewee- 7-8 year old boys & girls.
  • Junior- 9-11 year old boys & girls.
  • Senior Boys- 12-14 year old boys only.
  • Senior Girls- 11-14 year old boys & girls.
The syffl may allow juniors (age 11 only) to play up to the Senior Division in order to field teams for a season. Parents can choose whether or not their child will play up to Seniors or stay in the junior division. A player’s age must fall within the leagues/divisional specified age range as of September 1st of the current year.
  • All Players must be registered with the SYFFL & NFL Flag
  • All players must present a signed waiver by their legal guardian or parents. Those who register on line will do so electronically when they register.
  • All players must fill out and pass in the required medical release form before a child can play in a league sponsored event.
  • A copy of the form will be kept with the coach and one kept at the equipment shed, in case of injury at a practice or a game and the parent/guardian is not present
  • All players must adhere to the “Zero Tolerance Policy”, the SYFFL & NFL Flag Rules in order to remain eligible to play. Failure to do so may result in ineligibility to play due to suspension or termination from the league.
Equipment
The SYFFL in cooperation with the NFL & NFL Flag will provide all Teams with the following:
  1. An official NFL Flag football
  2. Flag Belts for each player
  3. Jersey for each player(Size selected at registration)
  4. One mouth guard per player/per season
  5. A safe playing field
Attire
Inspections must be made of the following before the start of each game. No player will be allowed to participate in a game until the following pieces of equipment are as follows:
  • Shoes must be worn. Non-metal cleats or sneakers are acceptable.
  • All players must wear a protective mouthpiece; there are no exceptions.
  • Official NFL FLAG jerseys must be worn and tucked into the pants during play.
  • Belts are to be in place on the hips over all attire with the belt tightened snug to fit with all excess belt tucked in pants or tied as not to be tugged or mistaken as a flag.
  • Flags are to be placed at each hip facing down and out. Flags are to be checked prior to each game to ensure they are “working properly” and have not been tampered with.
  • Players may tape their forearms, hands and fingers. Players may wear gloves, elbow pads and knee pads. Braces with any exposed metal are strictly prohibited.
  • Players must remove all watches, earrings, any exposed jewelry or any other jewelry that an official deems hazardous.
  • Pants or shorts with belt loops or pockets must be taped.
Spectators
  1. All Spectators must sit in the area designated in the back of either end zone.
Stay in the end zone area, not between fields.
  1. Fans are required to keep fields safe and kids friendly:
  2. Keep younger kids and equipment such as coolers, chairs and tents away from the sidelines.
  3. If a child is injured or becomes a disciplinary problem, parents or guardians may be asked by a coach to come get the child.
  4. Fans must also adhere to good sportsmanship:
  5. Yell to cheer on your players, not to harass officials or other teams.
  6. Keep comments clean and profanity free.
  7. Compliment ALL players, not just one child or team.
  8. All spectators must follow the SYFFL “Zero Tolerance Policy”
Coaches
  • Coaches are typically volunteer parents or family members helping the players learn and enjoy the game.
  • Parents are encouraged to support the coach at all time.
  • Coaches are to coach their teams in accordance with the SYFFL Rules, coach within the directives guidelines set within each division to assist in the development of the child(ren) in each age level and direct players according to their needs and skill levels.
  • Coaches are expected to adhere to the SYFFL and NFL FLAG philosophies, coaching guidelines and codes of conduct.
  • Only two coaches per team are allowed on the sidelines.
  • All coaches must adhere to the SYFFL “Zero Tolerance Policy
Divisional Guidelines
It is the goal of the SYFFL, starting with our very youngest players, to teach our players to be good people, to play fair and to play within the rules of the game. As the players move up through the divisions, higher expectations will be placed on the players to abide by these rules and standards. We as a league must not tolerate any deviation from this practice.
Coaches, to the best of their ability, must teach the players the basic skill sets needed to play flag football, starting with “the basics” with our youngest, and to “hone their skills” each additional year they play in the league, so that each individual can do their very best through hard work, practice and determination.
Instructional Division - 5-6 year old boys & girls.
Instructional coaches are both a coach and an official on the field. It is more important to teach skills than rules at this level, but try to play within the rules and mainly keep the game fun and stay positive, and the kids will be back for more in following seasons. Coaches at this level will “call the plays”. Coaches know their players skill sets and abilities. Work towards each player succeeding within their abilities. TRY TO Make sure each child scores at least once before the season ends! Make sure to keep THE GAME FUN! Remember, THESE ARE 5-6 YEAR OLD KIDS!
1. No Score Keeping or Standings (kids will keep score on their own)
2. Teach Basic rules & skills of game
  1. Offense- team with ball
  2. 3 players on line
  3. Center snaps ball to quarterback
  4. Hand off ball to RB or other player
  5. How to hand off ball
  6. Pass ball
  7. How to pass correctly
  8. Catch Ball
  9. How to catch ball correctly
  10. Run with ball to end zone/correct direction
  11. Once person with ball is over line of scrimmage, all other offensive players stop
  12. No blocking
  13. Once flag is pulled, offensive player stops once whistle is blown.
  14. Try to give each player a chance at all positions to learn all positions
  15. Give each player a chance to score/fair distribution of the ball
  16. Each team is allowed the ball 10 times per offensive possession no matter how many score before going on defense.
  17. Defense – Flag pullers
  18. Man to man only
  19. Player covering QB may be a floater
  20. Teach players to pull both flags at same time
  21. No rushing.
  22. Cannot pull offensive players flag until ball carrier is over line of scrimmage
  23. Do not stop until you hear a whistle
Peewee Division – 7-8 year old boys & girls.