A. Protests on matters of judgment as rendered by a game official will not be considered. Protests of eligibility must be in writing and submitted to the commissioner no later than seventy-two (72) hours after termination of the game so protested. A protest fee of $100 must be paid at this time. The protests must be made known to one of the game officials handling the game during the game and that the game is being played under protest. The burden of proof is upon the team filing the protest to prove the allegations.
B. Within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of the written protest form and protest fee, the commissioner will determine if it is a legal protest then select a protest board. The protest board will consist of two (2) directors, one (1) recreation board member, one (1) official, and one (1) park staff member who has no stake in the outcome of the decision. The protest board shall render a decision on whether the protest shall be upheld within six (6) hours after the hearing is closed.
C. If it is found that a team has permitted any coach or player who is ineligible under any rule, or by-law of the association, to participate in any game, the team shall be required to forfeit each and all games for the remainder of the season. Further, such violations may subject the player, coach, and association to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from the association. Ineligible players and coaches shall not be permitted to be on the sidelines or to participate in any team functions during the suspension.
D. No forfeit will be allowed due to the conduct or decision of any official, but inappropriate conduct of an official may be brought before the board of directors by written request and addressed by the board at a determined time.
E. Any coach or player may appeal the protest committee’s decision to the FCYFA executive board. Replaying of a game due to the misinterpretation of a FCYFA rule only pertains to nonjudgmental referee rulings and the replaying of a game decision will be determined by the protest committee at the time of the protest based on the merits of the protest and the rule that was broken and the impact on the outcome of the game it may have had.
